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Post by Attila Constantine on May 17, 2018 12:04:49 GMT
In a move as fast as lightening, Caprice's tiny hand reached out grabbing Aunt Agatha's hair and with a mighty yank, pulled what now appeared to be a realistic wig off the old lady's head. Never having seen a wig before even a realistic looking one, Jalina screamed and instinctively began stomping on it like it was some escaped wild animal which it vaguely resembled. The Synth Sister Whitney leaped up running up to Jalina to take baby Caprice off her hands as Jalina blushed while hesitantly picking up the disheveled hairpiece and handing it back to Aunt Agatha.
"I'm so sorry..." Began Jalina with a look of shock in her Magenta eyes.
"Hi, I'm Whitney," The pretty pale Synth Sister dressed all in white introduced herself with a demure smile at this totally inappropriate time.
"One thing at the time, please!" Aunt Agatha said decisively. "First - the apology is accepted. Second - Good day to you, Whitney. Third - Volodja is going to get me a drink and it will be a triple."
When Volodja finally went to fulfil Aunt Agatha's order (after being sure that she has no intention to strike anyone) the latter pointed Jalina and Whitney their seats and after they sat down and Whitney adjusted her battle dress, she became social, and returning to the first subject in her list, she said:
"Temporarily putting aside that question about Volodja's usefulness, which he still has to prove, I will head on to the second statement of yours, Jalina. I heard about your adoption from your...Volodja. He decided to give me a short description where he mentioned something about your biological father who...do not bother to correct me if I am wrong because there are certain things that young people won't do due to their impoliteness and public correcting their elder and those who are on the higher social level happens to be one of those things...is not exactly a father figure. But what makes you think that Volodja qualifies? At moment I am convinced that he is still the same Volodja Uljanov his family used to know him - he is careless about his social rank and reputation and prefers to act on his own way regardless of how it might affect the social status of his family."
Atika still playing with Cosmin and listening to everything said in her strong Mongolian accent, "Hello Miss Agatha. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Atika, that's Attila. By the way, Volodja is one of our main Commanders here. So everybody likes and respects him here, even if you don't. Although I do know how hard it can be for a family to get along when the youngsters do not see things the same way as the Elders who are already extremely set in their ways.
Also just a friendly warning as I do like making friends...our Prime Commander does NOT care much for most high-society people and their superiority complexes. So you may want to dial it back some especially when he or his family are around, which obviously his children are as Jalina and I are babysitting them, not to mention that he considers Volo family for that matter. So you may not want to insult or put Volo down in front of Prime Commander Batman either, as I highly doubt he will have any problem with kicking you out of his base or showing his contempt for you, should you earn that. Besides as this is a private Organization, the only time social status matters in Fortress K'shaa, is when Prime Commander Batman says it matters.
As for a drink, I assume Volo went to get you something specific. However as this place has so many different race and cultures working together here, I am sure you can find plenty of drinks that you have not yet tried. Heck we even have some people that make their own, while others have their favorites imported here."
At the table recently vacated by Whitney, her Synth Sister Yvette put her tan hand under the table gently massaging Attila Constantine's balls and with a toss of her long blonde mane and after sensually licking her lush lips suggested in a husky whisper, "Let's retire to my room. I have a new mirror I attached above the bed and some interesting toys that came in the mail yesterday. Atika won't mind as we're all friends with privileges and besides, she can join us sooner or later."
Attila smiled at Yvette and whispered back, "Really great idea. However I still better notify her via EGO, just to be sure."
With that Attila contacted Atika via EGO saying, "Sis, is it alright if I go back to Yvette's room for some morning fun since we have the day off? I promise we will save some fun for when you are done helping Jalina with the babysitting and you can finally join the two of us."
Atika responded back over EGO with, "You know it is, as long as you don't bring in anybody that we have not yet agreed to. However since you keep proving that you are indeed the best brother and most trusting and lovable man that I could be with, I don't have to worry about any of that, do I?"
Attila responded back with, "You know you don't, as I ALWAYS clear things with you first because I NEVER want to risk hurting or losing you because you are the most important person in the world to me Tik!"
Atika leaned down close to Cosmin and talked to him, to shield her face from view as she knew Attila's EGO communication had her blushing. Then she responded with, "Alright go have fun with Yvette. However if you tire yourself out before I get there. Then I will just take advantage of her ability to give me the best of both worlds so that I will not have to wait for you to recover. Then you will be stuck only being allowed to watch!....Oh who am I kidding? That's not punishment to you because you like it. ___ However it does always give you plenty of motivation to recover faster so you can join in sooner. So either way it still works great for me!" (followed by cute girly giggle)
So after the communication, Attila whispered to Yvette that it was fine as long as they stuck to the usual agreement and didn't include anybody else without discussing it with Atika first. Then he stood up and walked over to Atika and gave her a quick loving kiss on the lips, before he and Yvette left the Mess Hall. Once out of the Mess Hall he kept his eyes on Yvette's shapely derriere the whole way to her quarters.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 17, 2018 13:52:16 GMT
"Thank you for the advice even if I didn't ordered one," muttered Aunt Agatha looking after Atika Constantine. "Are you all here with such a...informal attitude and approach your house guests freely? If yes, then...Commander Volodja has really found a suitable place to be. I always thought that military or paramilitary organisation should have discipline and rank based subordination instead of place where everyone can walk to a Commander and talk with them casually as I happen to see happening right now! His father would be rather....disappointed in army if he could see this." "They see my father every day and know WHO he is," explained Jalina. "No point to point it out every time." "Hm," said Aunt Agatha. "Enlighten me more." Meanwhile Volodja who indeed had a casual talk with one of teh soldiers and reached to the counter. After some discussion Ralph nodded and begun to line his equipment to the counter. Then he took the cocktail shaker into his hand and shovelled it full of ice with another. First he poured some sherry into the shaker. Then some of Volodja's private stock brandy. Then grenadine syrup, a bit freshly squeezed lemon juice and cherry liqueur. And then he winked to Volodja before adding some Wolfram's Schnapps into Agatha's Sherry cocktail as well. After decent shaking Ralph filled Agatha's glass, decorated it and put the cocktail glass to the serving plate.  "I hope you find this Sherry cocktail for you liking," Volodja asked after Agatha had her first try. "Better than I expected," stated Aunt Agatha and had another sip. "It took a while but I guess it was worth of waiting. Now you have a chance to get me another one of these. I'd like to talk with your...daughter and this Whitney person without your kibbitzing." After sending Volodja away with the wipe of her hand Aunt Agatha said: "Where were we? Oh yes. You were about to tell me more about things here, among which, are Volodja's qualities as a...father and in the light of this new information, provided by this girl I could a bit unpolished, but since I am a polite house guest then I won't do it, we can discuss about Volodja's qualities as a Commander. And few words about people who mean something in this so called organisation, would also be useful...I mean, appreciated. I already heard about the existence of some Prime Commander, who must be quite a daring man to hire Volodja Uljanov. And then we can have few words about the woman who dared to marry Volodja." |
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Post by Sandy Bell on May 17, 2018 18:03:40 GMT
In the mess hall of Fortress Kshaa, Aunt Agatha said to Jalina Uljanov and the Synth Sister Whitney: "Where were we? Oh yes. You were about to tell me more about things here, among which, are Volodja's qualities as a...father and in the light of this new information, provided by this girl I could a bit unpolished, but since I am a polite house guest then I won't do it, we can discuss about Volodja's qualities as a Commander. And few words about people who mean something in this so called organisation, would also be useful... I mean, appreciated. I already heard about the existence of some Prime Commander, who must be quite a daring man to hire Volodja Uljanov. And then we can have few words about the woman who dared to marry Volodja." Jalina thought for a second before speaking as she collected her thoughts and memories, both her own and those borrowed from her Mother and her Father, then said, "As I understand it, social rank and reputation are quite relative to time and place. One person's freedom fighter is another's terrorist, and history shows us that a great leader from the past may be considered a despot in the present. However as a father my knowledge set is quite particular concerning Father. I have only known Father for a short while as my father, but he is always there when I need knowledge, guidance or a loving parental hug and, dare I say it, I love him as much as a child can ever love a parent. I believe the feeling is reciprocal. He is always there for me and in my limited experience and extensive research, what more can a child want from a parent? Keep in mind, I am biased when I say he is the best father ever but then Mother always says I'm a Daddy's girl." Jalina continued speaking her thoughts, "As to his skills as a Commander I can only give you hearsay evidence. During the month that I have been in Fortress Kshaa I have used every spare moment to research both him and Mother and both are highly regarded both here in the Protectors' organization and with the populace of Paradise. The local authorities - Law Keeper Jon Cooper and Consul Ara Shondu - both speak highly of them both. Father is often described as - how did Consul Shondu put it - the smartest man in the room. Recently Father was made second in command of the Protectors with Mother as the third - or is it vice versa! It's really hard to tell sometimes. None-the-less I think I can honestly say that Father's and Mother's reputations and social rank are quite high specifically in the Protectors' organization and generally the Bay Area community as a whole." Whitney interjected while Jalina caught her breath, "According to the records here, the founders of the Protectors began the group as a for-profit organization but quickly evolved into - what did Lena call it - a bunch of do-gooders - first just here in Paradise but now all over the world. I and my Synth-Sisters first met them in the South America where their intervention stopped a war between the Votan Collective and my own native Synth Empire. As far as I can see, the Protectors are selfless worldwide peacekeepers but fascinating to study for each Protector is different as an individual. Still somehow they are able to mesh a variety of sometime volatile personalities with different methods and skill sets into a well-oiled machine that quite frankly succeeds in their goals. Commander Uljanov is often give credit for their success in keeping peace and thwarting various world-conquering villains." Jalina raised one eye-brow as her pretty smile returned when she vigorously got into the role of gossip-monger, saying, "As to the Supreme Commander, Atticus Batman, he has quite the reputation, both famous and infamous. Once he was considered by some to be a justice seeking vigilante but by others a notorious assassin. Then one of the Protectors' founders, Belle Starr, who is famous in the Americas in her own right, brought him into the organization despite his bad reputation even getting him a pardon from Ara Shondu for past crimes. Some credit Ms. Starr for his turnaround, some her introduction to his now-wife Lady Christianna and the romance that ensued, and some say he was always a hero deep inside. Either way, even veteran Protectors soon turned to Mr. Batman for leadership and he and Father became best friends with Father becoming his closest advisor..." ***** Supreme Atticus Batman ordered, "...However just to clarify for everyone, not only will the armed guards stay right outside the door, but given all the events of the morning I will remain in here for both examinations, to ensure the safety of all those in this exam room." The Inquisitor in eleven year-old Micfi Newlo took control as a petulant pout replaced her genuine smile while she gently handed the squibbit back to Wolfram von Eschen whispering, "Goodbye Shakespeare for although I adore you, I cannot afford any weakness at the moment," Then turning to Atticus Batman, she looked up at him with narrowed golden eyes and commanded in a loud voice that broke with puberty, "Guards... guards! Come in here and shoot this man! Don't hurt anyone else as... well, just don't, but this man is standing in my way! I, Micfi Newlo, of the Castithan ruling caste, niece of the Inquisition's Master of Stealth and a member in good standing with the Inquisition, demand that you do so!" The two Castithan guards looked inside the room's only door, each looking to the other until one pointed to himself and the other shrugged his shoulders whereupon the first guard asked still standing his post in the hallway, "Am I missing something Miss? Last I heard, we work for the Protectors and you are their prisoner so... unless the Supreme Commander has been possessed by an evil entity - and I have got to know that for sure - or he starts shooting at me and it's self-defense and then I'm neck deep in Shatko because there is no way I can beat the Harbinger of Death - unless one of those two events occur, no way am I going to shoot at him. You though, I have no qualms at shooting if Supreme Commander Batman ordered me to!' The second guard from his post nodded in agreement as Micfi's eyes grew big and she yelled stamping her little foot, "What kind of Castithans are you? I'm a ruling caste Castithan and a member of the Inquisition and you two say 'no I don't think so' to my order!?!?! I'm surrounded by race-traitors! Not you Misor, I know you would shoot him my friend if you were armed, for you are loyal to the Inquisition cause and the Castithan way!" "About that Micfi...," Began the other Child Inquisitor Misor Chiph but Micfi kept talking for she felt she was on an ideological roll. "No need to be humble Inquisitor Chiph, for I know you are true blue in your heart-of-hearts to the cause," Micfi orated pointing one small chalk white forefinger at the ceiling. "But there is only need for one person to become a Martyr for our cause this day my friend, just let our fellow Castithans - true Castithans that is - know of this day of my sacrifice!" Micfi glared at the two guards still curiously staring at her from the doorway before running up to Atticus Batman and kicking him in his armored shins - hard and several times - while yelling, "Long live the Inquisition!" However, after the first few impulsive childish kicks, Micfi's Inquisitor training came back and she began a series of martial arts kicks and hits but which did no more injury to Atticus than her initial attack for his armor was as tough as the man himself. Micfi however was not nearly as lucky as her knuckles were now bleeding and her last flying kick sprained her ankle. As she lay on the floor at Batman's feet holding her injured ankle, she began to weep. "Why have the gods forsaken me?" Wailed Micfi as she threw her pale yellow eyes heavenward rocking on her haunches then looked at Batman plaintively asking, "Please just shoot me! Or strangle me! Or cut me in two with your sword! Or just beat me to death! I can't be a martyr to the cause if I'm not dead! What kind of Harbinger of Death are you?" Then Micfi's golden eyes grew wide with a sudden realization blurting out, "I know why! That's why Uncle Micor put me through so much pain! He was preparing me for martyrdom, for every great martyr has to suffer horribly before they die! The more horrible and the longer the pain before death, the greater the martyr is to the cause! Uncle Micor knew that! He didn't just hate me or want to punish me for my being bad, I know that now! The Master of Stealth in his wisdom was preparing me for a great martyrdom!" Micfi lay face down on the floor in front of Atticus with both small bloodied hands holding his right ankle so tightly she was dragged forward when he backed away a few steps in surprise before she said in a loud but muffled voice, "I am ready for my punishment Great Harbinger, kill me as you wish - but don't forget to make it really, really painful for a long, long time before you do!"  ***** "Now Mother's relationship with the Supreme Commander has been a bit more... turbulent than Father's," Uttered Jalina after some hesitation. "Mother has a strict military background as an officer in the former EMC - very confusing considering her relative young age but involves time travel and soul stasis and other things I don't quite understand. Therefore, Mother is a firm believer in doing things by the book which puts her in conflict with our Supreme Commander's free wheeling style at times. Still, she can be quite impulsive when Father's safety is involved not hesitating to throw herself into battle to rescue him - or at least that's how some of their mission reports read." Jalina threw her magenta eyes heavenward as she thought deeply thinking how else to describe her mother, finally looking over to Whitney for inspiration who interjected quickly with a sweet smile, "Captain Uljanov's very pretty and... very clean! Her fatigues are always nicely pressed and her army boots neatly polished. And... she has lovely blonde hair! ***** Jalina's mother and Volodja's wife, Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov, sought frantically in her closet for the "right" outfit for her first meeting with Volodja's Aunt Agatha, exclaiming to herself as she threw her clothes right and left upon the closet floor after considering them,"Too casual! Too formal! Too feminine! Too masculine! Too business-like! Too much the party dress! Too long! Too short!..." |
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Post by Wolfram von Eschen on May 18, 2018 4:43:50 GMT
"Ehem," said Wolfram von Eschen, playfully tickling Shakespeare who was back on his shoulder. "I do apologize for interrupting this really moving scene but since you are trying to make a point and send a message to all Castithans OUTSIDE the walls of Fortress K'Shaa then shouldn't they be able to hear about your self sacrifice? You happen to be INSIDE the Fortress and chances that anyone hears about your Martyrdom are few. Besides - I am afraid that most of Castithans outside won't appreciate your trouble anyway because their higher cause is living by. Those who don't like our way of life have already left and joined the Inquisition or other communities. Allow me to demonstrate?"
He walked to Castithan guards and asked politely: "Between ourselves...What Caste do you both belong into?"
"I am Rizyo," said the senior guard and nudged his friend and subordinate.
"I happen to be a Valáno," grinned another one. "Haven't worked my way up yet but I will catch you up."
"Valáno serving under the command of Rizyo," said Misor Chiph in disbelief.
"Indeed my young friend," confirmed Wolfram. "We all begun here as clean sheets and everyone can decide what kind of a story they are going to write. I believe that we should even have some members of Shanje Liro here who won't supervise but work on their posts as any other Protector does. And the world hasn't collapsed because of that "sacrilegious" system where everyone is a master of their own fortune and performs tasks not determined by their heritage but based on their personal interests and traits. We practice so called freedom of choice here. I believe that Frau Batman who is also a high Caste can tell a word or two about the ideas of her father, General Bocar, and my friend Volodja Uljanov can tell you definitely more than one or two words about the self sacrifice."
"Nobody forced me to join the security," explained the member of the Valáne Liro. "I like maintaining an order, the salary is decent and the circle of my friends is much wider than ever because I don't have to limit myself with the Caste rules."
"By the way, young lady," said Wolfram von Eschen. "Your friend Chiph is also a so called lower Caste and yet you are friends. The exception between us and the Inquisition stands in the fact that we don't have to hide our friends from condemning glance of superiors while you have to hide you friendship because it breaks Caste rules. After this brief excursion to the field of ethnology and Castithan cultural politic - a comparative view, we can turn our glances back to the present situation and return to the Martyrdom. I described the wider context of your act of heroism. Now we should speak about the so called main antagonist who is supposed to execute your Martyrdom - Supreme Commander Atticus Batman. The best person to talk about him should be Atticus Batman himself so the spotlight is his!"
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 18, 2018 12:50:33 GMT
"Nobody forced me to join the security," explained the member of the Valáne Liro. "I like maintaining an order, the salary is decent and the circle of my friends is much wider than ever because I don't have to limit myself with the Caste rules."
"By the way, young lady," said Wolfram von Eschen. "Your friend Chiph is also a so called lower Caste and yet you are friends. The exception between us and the Inquisition stands in the fact that we don't have to hide our friends from condemning glance of superiors while you have to hide you friendship because it breaks Caste rules. After this brief excursion to the field of ethnology and Castithan cultural politic - a comparative view, we can turn our glances back to the present situation and return to the Martyrdom. I described the wider context of your act of heroism. Now we should speak about the so called main antagonist who is supposed to execute your Martyrdom - Supreme Commander Atticus Batman. The best person to talk about him should be Atticus Batman himself so the spotlight is his!"
After I reached down and easily plucked Micfi off my foot, I set her on her butt on an examining table, and nodded at Doctor Orion, as I said to Micfi, "As I recall, one of our Maintenance specialists is a High-caste Castithan but asked to be transferred there as he feels maintenance work because he finds it enjoyable."
As Doctor Orion quickly started treating her ankle, I said to Wolfram, "You know I have defeated the Thorne Liro arenas, so technically I am ruling caste as well."
Then I turned back to Micfi and said matter-of-factly, "A martyr is somebody killed for their beliefs, not for other's beliefs or for unquestioningly following orders. Besides the Inquisition's beliefs are your father's and Uncle's, and you are just doing what you think they would want you to do. However I do not merely kill those who wish to die, but I do kill those who are indeed destined to die by my hand, which you are not.... or those who have earned my wrath, which again is not you. However Micor and his Mistress of Judgment have indeed earned my wrath. So obviously Micor does hate you, if he is willing to send you and Chiph here without backup to steal my children, or even just to kill Marcel Lestrange or me. Think about it, little one. He has tried to kill us both, and what has it gotten him? No need to say anything because even these two guards can answer that, can't you?"
One responded with, "Yes Sir, Micor Newlo got beaten battered and humiliated by you when you considered him too worthless to pay much attention to. Then you humiliated him even more so when you deemed him not yet worthy of a death by your fearsome hand and instead left him relatively unscathed when you ordered that he be given to the Law Keepers to deal with. Hell as I recall you didn't even find him a worthy enough adversary for you to personally take him to the Law keepers and you instead had Volodja do so..."
The other continued with, "..and then he lost a hand after crossing Merciless Lestrange and Lethal Lena. So obviously this so-called 'Master of Stealth' should be calling himself 'Master-of-the-EPIC-fail'."
Turning back to Micfi, I said, "So if all that happened to him after he faced Marcel and me, why would he send two ill-trained children to clean up HIS messes and personal failures? The only answer I can come up with is that he must really have hated your parents and now hates you in their stead. So he sent you to die by either Marcel's or my hand. However let us test another theory of yours."
I took off my helmet and said to the two guards, "Go ahead and shoot me."
The first responded with, "I think I would rather fuck with a spider-wolf naked and un-armed than consider that! Besides I know better than to try to kill my benefactor!"
The second responded with, "Yeah right! I don't have a death wish! I was on a mission where we saw you get poisoned, get severely injured and then fall into an ocean weighed down by your old armor! ___ Yet you are still here! Any other man would have died before even falling into that ocean! So again, NO FUCKING WAY AM I GOING TO RISK MY LIFE TRYING TO SHOOT YOU FOR ANY REASON AND DEFINITELY NOT FOR THE DYING AND OUTLAWED INQUISITION! NO WAY, NO HOW!"
While all attention was on the two guards, I pulled some blanks out of a compartment in my armor. Then when all eyes were back on me, I un-holstered my pistol and opened it's chamber. Then I dumped the bullets into my hand. After showing them the bullets, I used a slight-of-hand trick to hide them. So when I started re-loading the pistol, they didn't know it but, the bullets going into the gun were the aforementioned blanks.
As I was secretly loading blanks into my pistol, I was keeping them further distracted by talking to them and saying, "You see? These two were given orders to shoot me. However they thought about it and realized there was nothing to be gained in doing so, but plenty to gain if they refused that order. You see self-preservation is an integral part of nature. Martyrdom is however a creation of higher-classes to further their own causes while getting rid of what they consider a weak-link."
Once the gun was fully-reloaded (with blanks even though I made sure it looked like the live bullets went back in it), I tossed my pistol to Chiph and said, "Chiph, you heard Micfi and I know how much she matters to you. So shoot me. However I think that you better figure out the real reason for why you would shoot me and then tell her what it is, before you pull that trigger. Once that is done, then you are free to shoot me if you still choose to, and nobody here will punish either of you for Chiph shooting me with my own gun that I loaded and handed to him! However if you can't do that, then just hand the gun back to me now and then the doctors can get on with treating any injuries that you both have."
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Post by Lady Christianna on May 18, 2018 13:54:20 GMT
Once the gun was fully-reloaded (with blanks even though Atticus Batman made sure it looked like the live bullets went back in it), Atticus tossed his pistol to Misor Chiph and said, "Chiph, you heard Micfi and I know how much she matters to you. So shoot me. However I think that you better figure out the real reason for why you would shoot me and then tell her what it is, before you pull that trigger. Once that is done, then you are free to shoot me if you still choose to, and nobody here will punish either of you for Chiph shooting me with my own gun that I loaded and handed to him! However if you can't do that, then just hand the gun back to me now and then the doctors can get on with treating any injuries that you both have."
Twelve year-old Chiph caught the gun like a pro then tested the heft of it as eleven year-old Micfi screamed shrilly, "Kill him Misor! Now's our chance! Kill him and we win!"
Chiph frowned turning to stare intently at Micfi with pale yellow eyes for some time before asking, "Win what Micfi? Commander Batman - all these Protectors - have been nothing but kind to us. They fed us, they clothed us, they gave us medical attention. Why would I want to shoot any of them?"
"FOR THE INQUISITION! FOR THE CASTITHAN WAY!" Yelled Micfi her chalk white hands balled tightly into fists.
"No Micfi," Responded Chiph quietly. "The Inquisition is wrong. The Castithan caste system is wrong."
Micfi's golden eyes went wide as she raised her fists to her chin like they could ward off his words, then said in a hushed whisper, "Then do it for me Misor. Just kill him for me."
Chiph lowered his head then shook it slowly replying, "I truly love you Micfi but... no, I will take no man's life for no just reason even for you. I never wanted to be anything but a cook. I never wanted this life as an Inquisitor and probably would have run away from the Inquisition long before this if I wouldn't have had to leave you behind."
Micfi's lower lip began to quiver uncontrollably so Chiph ran embracing her trying to comfort but in one swift move Micfi pushed him away with one hand while grabbing the pistol with the other and before anyone could react she raised the gun pointing it at Atticus' unarmored head glancing at Wolfram von Eshen while saying in a hoarse voice, "Good old dog, you say we are all clean sheets and everyone can decide what kind of a story they are going to write on them but my book is full already and evidently it's full of lies. If the Inguisition is a lie, if the Castithan way is a lie, if my parent's love is a lie, if... Misor's love for me is a lie - then if you take away the lies all I'm left with is the pain my uncle gave me. The pain was very real and it still hurts every time I think about it and without the cause - without a cause - I have nothing else to think about but the pain."
"I can't live with just the pain," Micfi said under her breath than moved the pistol barrel from pointing at Atticus' head to pointing under her own chalk white chin while she closed her eyes tightly.
For several hushed minutes Micfi held that pose but then with a small sigh she placed the gun next to her as she sat on the examination table and locking her gold eyes with Atticus' glowing ones said in resignation, "And now I can't even die decently."
*****
Lena Marr and Lady Christianna entered Fortress Kshaa's mess hall hand-in-hand but as soon as Lady saw Baby Caprice struggling in Whitney's grasp trying to grab the saltshaker from the table to create more mischief she hurried over to them rescuing Whitney by relieving her of her burden. After cooing at Caprice for several seconds making her laugh, Lady turned to Aunt Agatha and smiled like Mona Lisa.
Lady had heard the gist of the conversation and pointing at Volodja Uljanov at the counter with one slim chalk white forefinger opined in her minimalist way, "Good man," Before taking a seat next to Atika Constantine holding Lady's other baby, Cosmin, who was sleeping comfortably nestled to Atika's bosom.
Never a one to miss an opportunity to add her two cents, Lena remarked with a wicked grin, "Don't tell my Pooh Bear I said this because Volodja Uljanov is his arch-enemy but Volo really is a stand-up guy - for a do-gooder that is!"
Then Lena joined Volodja at the makeshift bar and said casually after ordering a whiskey sour, "It's got be happy hour somewhere in the world! BTW, your aunt is really a pistol. Bet she gives you lots of grief. I think I really like her!"
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Post by Wolfram von Eschen on May 19, 2018 4:32:02 GMT
"Ehem," said Wolfram von Eschen once again, rising his long thin pointing finger towards the ceiling. "As a scholar I feel obligated to say that there is a difference between terms "wrong" and "lie" although I'd prefer the term "false" instead of using lie when speaking in terms of studying. Putting aside my personal preferences I will say that one should always be careful with terms before we begin with the analysis of your speech, Micfi. Would you be so kind and remove the gun because I am not a die hard supporter of argumentation of that kind during civilized conversation?" "What a magnificent manifestation of thanatic urges!" said Sigmund inside Wolfram's head. "But that lecture about terms is absolutely unnecessary by my opinion."
"Coming from a man who's interchangable use of terms Das Unterbewusste (subconscious) and Das Unbewusste (unconscious)caused lot of arguing and confusion even decades later, so will you be so kind and let me talk with her?"
 "You see, Micfi," Wolfram begun after Sigmund was dealt with. "The Inquisition is not exactly a lie because it exists and even suits for some people who usually tend to be fanatics one way or another. They can be zealots or people who fanatically desire power may feel themselves comfortably in ranks of the Inquisition as a fish in a pond. Unfortunately they also lure people there to enlarge the field of their influence. Power is a strong narcotic and just like any other narcotic it's doses increase over time because consumer get's used with the daily ration and to get the real kick out of it they need more. At some point ambitions of power addicts collide with interests of neighbours because neighbours aren't usually interested about subjugate themselves to their actions against them. In this precise case interests of the Inquisition collided with ours and they tried to use same arguments like you tried not so long ago - establish their power over us without even asking do we want that or not. And that is a wrong thing to do and that is why we retaliated. You see, Micfi. I didn't draw an equitation sign between you and the Inquisition because you are not not like them. Yet. If you want to be then I can't stop you, although I can't imagine anyone who would like to be like Micor Newlo who, if he loses to someone stronger, takes advantage of somebody defenceless like you, to release his negative emotions and get away with it. Typical behaviour of a bully by my humble opinion. Any organisation bears the face of those who rule it, so Inquisition has the face of Micor who is much worse than an ordinary bully. If you don't want to be an Inquisitor yet, then maybe I am able to help you into beginning of a different path, because if you are thinking that everything is lost, then it is lie indeed. You allowed yourself some laughter not very long ago and not only because Shakespeare is so damn cute but because you wanted to. I believe that we are able to give you something that Inquisition doesn't allow to it's members. A taste of the childhood you obviously lack, Micfi. It might be an illusion but it definitely won't be a lie because the experience is real. Chiph is also invited. And the chance of the freedom of choice comes with the package. Unlike in Inquisition you have right to refuse this offer of mine, although it would be a shame. Throat is getting dry so if you excuse me, then..." And Wolfram von Eschen backed off to the dark corner to flush his throat. Not only because he really wanted that drink but also because he wanted those young Inquisitors be able to decide their next steps without his influence. Patient's will to be cured was the "must have" part of a therapy by Wolfram's opinion... |
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Post by Lady Christianna on May 19, 2018 8:21:26 GMT
"Ehem," said Wolfram von Eschen once again, rising his long thin pointing finger towards the ceiling. "As a scholar I feel obligated to say that there is a difference between terms "wrong" and "lie" although I'd prefer the term "false" instead of using lie when speaking in terms of studying. Putting aside my personal preferences I will say that one should always be careful with terms before we begin with the analysis of your speech, Micfi. Would you be so kind and remove the gun because I am not a die hard supporter of argumentation of that kind during civilized conversation?"
The Child Inquisitor Micfi Newlo pushed the gun next to her on the examination table further away from her like it was a hot potato as she watched the old man with narrowed golden eyes craning her white tousled head towards him as if that would make her understand what he was saying better wondering to herself, "What is he talking about? Analysis of my speech? I don't get it..." "You see, Micfi, the Inquisition is not exactly a lie because it exists and even suits for some people who usually tend to be fanatics one way or another. They can be zealots or people who fanatically desire power may feel themselves comfortably in ranks of the Inquisition as a fish in a pond. Unfortunately they also lure people there to enlarge the field of their influence. Power is a strong narcotic and just like any other narcotic it's doses increase over time because consumer get's used with the daily ration and to get the real kick out of it they need more. At some point ambitions of power addicts collide with interests of neighbours because neighbours aren't usually interested about subjugate themselves to their actions against them. In this precise case interests of the Inquisition collided with ours and they tried to use same arguments like you tried not so long ago - establish their power over us without even asking do we want that or not. And that is a wrong thing to do and that is why we retaliated." "Inquisition is not a lie because it exists...okay, I think get that," The small Castithan girl leaned even further forward pondering his words, "Narcotic? I don't do drugs. Wait, power is a narcotic... but then I'm powerless as I don't have any power... maybe he thinks I want power... I don't think I want power... wait, subjugate? What does that word even mean? He does know I'm only eleven, doesn't he? And that English is my second language, right?" "You see, Micfi. I didn't draw an equitation sign between you and the Inquisition because you are not not like them. Yet. If you want to be then I can't stop you, although I can't imagine anyone who would like to be like Micor Newlo who, if he loses to someone stronger, takes advantage of somebody defenceless like you, to release his negative emotions and get away with it. Typical behaviour of a bully by my humble opinion. Any organisation bears the face of those who rule it, so Inquisition has the face of Micor who is much worse than an ordinary bully." Micfi was leaning towards Wolfram so much that she almost fell face forward off the examination table her eyes widening and her small mouth falling open at his last words as she thought, "But isn't that why Uncle Micor punished me - because I wasn't being more like them? But do I want to be like them? I don't want to ever hurt anyone like Uncle Micor hurt me but... I deserved to be hurt like that by not being more like them, right?" "If you don't want to be an Inquisitor yet, then maybe I am able to help you into beginning of a different path, because if you are thinking that everything is lost, then it is lie indeed. You allowed yourself some laughter not very long ago and not only because Shakespeare is so damn cute but because you wanted to. I believe that we are able to give you something that Inquisition doesn't allow to it's members. A taste of the childhood you obviously lack, Micfi. It might be an illusion but it definitely won't be a lie because the experience is real. Chiph is also invited. And the chance of the freedom of choice comes with the package. Unlike in Inquisition you have right to refuse this offer of mine, although it would be a shame. Throat is getting dry so if you excuse me, then...""You're excused," Micfi muttered automatically as she thought hard on what the elderly human had said concluding that she truly would like to be like other children - to play, to romp, to run without purpose - although she wasn't sure she wanted Chiph to come along as she was still mad at him for some reason that was dimming with time so that only the feeling of anger was left. As Wolfram von Eschen backed off to the dark corner to flush his throat, a wide-eyed child sitting on the examination table whispered wistfully after him, "I'd like to laugh again... please?" The small Liberata with the handlebar mustache and dressed in a lab coat cleared his throat loudly, "AHEM! I think it is now time to put the physical condition ahead of the mental for these two young patients," Then speaking to Micfi Newlo specifically, "My dear, my name is Dr. Orion. I am the head physician in this particular facility but we also have in the examination room next door a fine female doctor named Dr. Quinn. Knowing some of your injuries, you may prefer her." "Her name sounds... human. Is she?" Asked Micfi not sure she was ready to let yet another human into her circle of acquaintances today. Twirling the ends of his huge handlebar mustache, Dr Orion said with a warm smile, "That she is indeed but she is both a fine person and a fine doctor I assure you." "You're the head physician - so that makes you the best, so I choose you," Concluded Micfi but then flashed a quick smile in Wolfram's direction, "Besides I already I have a human doctor." "Splendid!" Dr. Orion clapped his furred hands once then ordered the Medic Joy Jameson, "Joy, if you would take this young man to Dr. Quinn then for his physical examination please?" "Immediately Doctor," Answered Joy putting a firm hand on Misor Chiph's shoulder. "I don't want to leave. I want to stay with Micfi, " Protested the twelve year old Chiph. "I don't want you here Misor," Eleven year old Micfi announced coldly, her chalk white face impassive, then explained, "I'm mad at you!" Chiph's shoulders sagged as he argued with a sad look on his young Castithan face, "Aw Micfi, don't you think - " Micfi held up one bruised and bloodied hand palm forward and said with a pretty pout, "Speak to the hand, Mister Chiph!" "You know how I hate it when you use human slang," Complained Chiph sadly but not resisting as Medic Jameson led him out of this room and into the next. Dr. Orion waved his short arms like he was herding chickens into a chicken coop as he commanded, "Now the rest of you - out, out, OUT! Give me and Ms. Newlo some privacy for her examination!" Supreme Commander Atticus Batman's eyes glowed as he began to protest until Dr. Orion whispered, "You really don't want it said that the esteemed Supreme Commander Atticus Batman insisted on observing the gynecological examination of an eleven year old girl?" The very tall and large armored Irathiant glared down at the smiling diminutive Liberata doctor before throwing up his hands gesturing to the two security guards to wait with him just outside the examination room door. The last person to leave the room was the elderly psychologist Wolfram von Eschen who hesitated at the doorway gesturing to the Liberata to come closer to consult out of Micfi's hearing. "Don't worry Wolfram, I will not hurt your young patient, I promise," Said a confident Dr. Orion. "I am more concerned about you than her," Confided a worried Dr. Wolfram. "Micfi is crafty, but also very confused, especially as to who is her friend and who is her enemy. Just be careful mein freund." Micfi sat on the examination table keeping her pretty face impassive but nervously kicking her feet where they hung above the floor. She waved goodbye with a shy smile to Wolfram as he left, then waited expectantly as the door was closed behind him. Dr. Orion put on his best bedside manner as he talked incessantly reassuring Micfi that they would soon have her and her friend in tip-top shape as he checked her reflexes and took blood for further examination. Micfi frowned as she asserted, "He's not my friend. He's just a guy I thought I knew. He pretended to be my friend and I thought he was my friend but I was wrong." Dr. Orion had been cleaning her bloodied knuckles and then bandaging them but stopped as his soft brown eyes locked with her pale yellow ones and advised, "True friends sometimes do things against a friend's desires but in their best interests. For example, Wolfram is my best friend but let's say we are at a party and I've had one too many Pina Coladas, he will cut me off before I end up wearing the lampshade and making a fool of myself. I really desire that next Pina Colada but it is my best interest not to make a fool of myself." Micfi put both small chalk white hands to her small mouth poorly stifling a giggle as she mentally pictured the diminutive Liberata dancing around drunk wearing a lampshade as a party hat. Dr. Orion laughed with her before asking her to get into a patient's gown then helped her into adjustable stirrups that extended out of the examination table. The child put her small feet into the stirrups without complaint but surprisingly like she had done the act many times before. However, Dr. Orion was the one with a shocked look on his face as he saw firsthand the extensive injuries in her nether regions although Micfi did wince when he gently put a healing salve on them. After making notes to her patient chart, Dr. Orion helped her out of the stirrups and to sit up so that he could then work more on her sprained ankle. Taking surgical scissors and medical tape from a nearby drawer, Dr. Orion firmly re-bandaged her sprained ankle more tightly then said, "I believe I have a crutch in that medical closet. As soon as I retrieve it for you Ms. Newlo, you will be fit to go. As to your dehydration, just drink plenty of liquids, take two salt tablets a day, then call me in the morning!" Micfi tilted her white tousled head in puzzlement which made Dr. Orion laugh again explaining, "Just a little medical humor my dear. Now let me get that crutch for you." Dr. Orion opened the door to the examination room's medical supply closet and Micfi naturally followed his movements from her perch sitting on the examination table. What she saw on the floor there made her golden eyes widen with surprise. She wasn't sure at first but as soon as Dr. Orion turned on the closet light to aid in his search for the crutch, she was sure she could discern the outline of a secret hatch in the closet's floor. Micfi remembered her Inquisition mission briefing on Fortress Kshaa that it had been an old Dark Matter base before the Protectors took it over. She also remembered that Dark Matter was well known to have concealed doors and secret tunnels all over their bases. Micfi grinned ear-to-ear thinking, "I got an 'A' in my Inquisition course on finding secret doors and concealed chambers - Tunnel Rat 101! Who knew it would come in so handy?!?!" As Dr. Orion handed her the crutch he had found in the closet, Micfi hopped down using it for balance while grabbing the surgical scissors he had carelessly left on the examination table and holding the sharp end to the doctor's throat said in a low tone, "I don't want to hurt you Doctor. I've always liked Liberatas - you guys are funny and furry - and you yourself have been particularly nice to me. Now take off your lab coat please." Micfi quickly gagged and tied up the doctor then locking him up in a large locker in the examination room but not before first carefully cutting off his big handlebar mustache with the surgical scissors then affixing it with medical tape to her upper lip. Taking off her patient's gown and dressing in her jumpsuit, shoes and Dr. Orion's lab coat complete with name badge and stethoscope, Micfi then lay on the medical closet's floor as she levered open the secret door there with the surgical scissors. Leaving the now-broken scissors on the closet floor above, she quickly closed the secret door behind her using Dr. Orion's small examination light to illuminate her way through a rough hewn underground tunnel that led many yards to another secret hatch above her head. That hatch opened up into the floor of a small utility closet whose single door then opened onto a long hall. When Micfi opened the closet's door, she heard loud conversation and laughter coming from one end of the hall with silence from the other. An adults' common sense would tell them if they wanted to evade capture, it would be best to go away from the noise of humanity but Micfi was still a child with a child's curiosity which overrode any semblance of common sense in her. Hobbling forward with the aid of her crutch, Micfi entered Fortress Kshaa's busy mess hall. Her small mouth fell open and her golden eyes grew wide as saw both humans and Votans eating, talking and laughing together in a friendly easy going manner all throughout the large room. Micfi smiled mumbling under her breath, "It's true. It's all true! Votans, Humans, all gathered as equals. Even Castithans not worried about caste or race, just having... fun!" Suddenly Micfi spotted her Castithan Aunt, Lady Christianna, at a table complete with Irathiants, Humans and Synths having a good time eating, conversing and playing with twin babies that could only be Micfi's cousins. Micfee's smile quickly turned upside down as she realized that Lady Christianna's husband, Atticus Batman, would not be happy about her escape so Micfi darted through the crowded lunch hall to sit at the counter next to a distinguished looking handsome human who in turn was sitting next to a strikingly beautiful but scantily clad Castithan female. Micfi didn't see the Castithan woman with the wicked smile elbow the handsome human and gesture with her chin towards Micfi as she sat down for Micfi's attention was drawn to the other side of the counter where a large very ugly human with a face like a bloodhound asked, "What'll it be..." Then squinting to read her name tag added without expression, "Dr. Orion." Making her voice sound as deep as she could and twirling the ends of her fake mustache, Micfi answered, "Harumph, indeed, I'll have my usual, a Pina Colada please - and put it on my tab my dear!" Still without any expression on his hound dog face, Ralph the Cook rubbed the underside of his big nose with a fat forefinger saying without inflection before walking back to the kitchen to fill her order, "Uh huh. Whatever you say Doctor Orion." Trying to look neither left nor right and hoping Lady could not see her through the man sitting next to her, eleven year old Micfi thought to herself, "Okay, I've escaped... somewhat... but why? What am I escaping from? What am I escaping to? This all seemed like a great idea at the time when the opportunity to escape presented itself but now I'm not so sure... but... it's really, really exciting!" Just then Ralph the cook brought over a large glass filled with an icy white beverage with a straw in it, a thick patty melt, and a bag of potato chips placing them before Micfi whereupon she immediately took a long sip of the drink exclaiming in childish delight but forgetting to fake the deep voice, "Mmmmm, this is really good! Is this what a Pina Coloda tastes like? I think I love them!" Still looking impassive, Ralph the Cook answered, "About that Doc, we're all out of of little umbrellas so I had to nix the Pina Colada order but I thought you might like what we humans call a vanilla milkshake. You also looked hungry so I brought you some fast food too." As she took a big bite from her sandwich and sipped deeply again from her milk shake, Micfi gleefully observed, "Oh-my-Gods, this is just soooo gooood! Why didn't anybody tell me about this 'fast food' before? Do I have to eat it fast? It's just soooo gooood I want to savor it for as long as I can! May I?" Ralph the Cook allowed himself a half-smile before remarking in a monotone, "Knock yourself out kid." Meanwhile having spotted Micfi in her absurd disguise as soon as she entered the cafeteria, Lady Christianna was using her private EGO channel communicate to her husband, Atticus Batman, and ask, "Lost Micfi? Found her. Mess hall. Now." 
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 20, 2018 4:38:08 GMT
"Don't blame yourself for her escape," comforted Wolfram von Eschen while he was untying Dr. Orion after discovering him from the closet where he banged his head softly against the wall to create sounds and get some attention to his condition. "Micfi is very inventive and I told you that she is confused so she relies on her instincts at moment. After awhile she will cool off and realizes that nobody wants any harm to her. Meanwhile I know something which will help you, mein freund, to cool off as well. A drink and a decent meal at Ralph's. In the good company of course, because I just realised that I almost missed a meal myself. So let us go and see what Ralph has prepared for us. By the way - has anyone told you that you look much younger without your moustache? Maybe Micfi made you a favour when playing barber. And if you don't like the idea then all you have to do is wait some time until that amputated body part regrows...We begin the cure with the strong drink. So strong that it puts hair not only to your chest but also stimulates growth of the facial hair." After that first aid part Wolfram put his hand to Orion's shoulder and led his friend towards his suggested area where the rehabilitation was going to take place. In the Mess Hall Volodja registered appearance of the "good old Doctor Orion" but seeing that Lena didn't prepared herself for a fight but remained calm and nudged him with her elbow and when Ralph, instead of raising alarm, played his little act by casually saying: "What'll it be..." And then squinting to read the name tag on the coat of the newcomer added without expression, "Dr. Orion." he decided that there wasn't immediate danger, so he could observe the situation with the certain degree of acting if necessary. His face became calm but his eyes smiled when he nodded to the "Doctor" and then told Lena as in common manner: "Aunt Agatha has several good traits hidden somewhere but she hid them so well that has a trouble of finding them herself. It takes a really unique person to like her, I admit that. And you are unique indeed, so..." Suddenly Volodja widened his eyes, looked at the door and announced: "Oh my! Wolfram von Eschen is here! He is with someone who distantly looks like Dr. Orion, walks like Dr. Orion, and even speaks like Dr. Orion but can't be Dr. Orion, because he is here already and Wolfram's friend is missing some details like Orion's lab coat and his trademark moustache. So it seems that the Duck Test doesn't help us this time...But at least we have to consider that possibility that we have a small Liberata Doctor in the Mess right now. They approach the counter so we can ask who Wolfram's new acquittance is. By the way - I think that our Doctor just dropped his stethoscope and it slid under that empty table and he has to climb there to search for it while we are going to meet Wolfram and Co and find out what is going on." And he nudged Lena with his elbow...  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 20, 2018 12:37:47 GMT
After trying to use my gun but not being able to kill herself, Wolfram had started talking to Micfi about it. While that was happening, I had retrieved my pistol and for now just re-holstered it so nobody would yet know of my little deception.
However soon Dr. Orion waved his short arms like he was herding chickens into a chicken coop as he commanded, "Now the rest of you - out, out, OUT! Give me and Ms. Newlo some privacy for her examination!"
My eyes glowed as I began to protest until Dr. Orion whispered, "You really don't want it said that the esteemed Supreme Commander Atticus Batman insisted on observing the gynecological examination of an eleven year old girl?"
The very tall and large armored Irathient glared down at the smiling diminutive Liberata doctor before throwing up my hands gesturing to the two security guards to wait with me just outside the examination room door. The last person to leave the room was the elderly psychologist Wolfram von Eschen who hesitated at the doorway gesturing to the Liberata to come closer to consult out of Micfi's hearing. While that was happening I told one of the guards to accompany Chiph to make sure he let Doctor Quinn examine him without any issue, while the other guard waited with me and Wolfram outside Micfi's exam room. While waiting outside the exam rooms I had put my helm back on and reloaded my pistol with live rounds.
Eventually I picked up the sound of light banging coming from Micfi's examination room and after listening to it for a few seconds, I recognized a familiar pattern. So I said to Doctor Von Eschen, "Wolfram you are a former soldier from one of Old Earth's militaries, aren't you?"
When Wolfram responded that he was indeed, I said, "Good then you probably know Morse Code better than I. Have you been teaching it to Orion by chance?"
Wolfram responded with, "Yes and that noise we both hear definitely sounds like it, Herr Batman."
I said simply, "That is what I thought. So tell me, Isn't that Earth's Morse code, saying something to the extent of, 'Help. Trapped in closet. Girl escaped.'?"
As Wolfram said that it was indeed, I reached over and forcefully opened the exam room door. As I instinctively drew my pistol and peered in, Wolfram pushed past me and immediately stepped into the room. I stepped in right behind him as he walked to the closet and source of the sound.
Upon opening it we saw a moustache-free Doctor Orion tied up and gagged. "Don't blame yourself for her escape," comforted Wolfram von Eschen while he was untying Dr. Orion after discovering him from the closet where he banged his head softly against the wall to create sounds and get some attention to his condition.
Once Orion's gag was removed I snapped at Orion, "Where and how?"
Orion gestured to the improvised weapon and then the Dark Matter hatch that he insisted we left unsealed as part of an emergency escape plan. I shook my head and responded with, "Perhaps now you will let me lock it but I doubt that."
Wolfram, Doctor Orion and I all knew the answer would of course be another refusal. So rather than wait for an answer, Wolfram once again started talking to Doctor Orion. In the meantime I turned to the guard that was just outside the room and said, "I better check on Chiph to make sure he didn't escape too. Come with me."
He waited outside the examination room Chiph was in as I knocked. The other guard who was in the room watching Chiph opened the door and I peaked in saying, "Doctor Quinn, is everything alright in here?"
She responded with, "It appears that everything is as Medic Jameson's electronic notes said they were. So he is free to leave. However I do not like the idea of you locking kids in the Brig."
I glared at her as I gestured for the other guard to come outside. Then I said to Chiph, "I will be right outside for you to join me once you are redressed."
Then the other guard followed me out. Once the door was closed I said to the both of them, "We need to find the girl before she hurts herself or anybody else. Just keep your search low-key so we don't panic anyone. I will personally notify Security Chief Lebeau Now. SO go quietly begin your search starting with all the locations that tunnel comes out at."
Just as they started to leave, I got Lady's private EGO channel communication to me asking, "Lost Micfi? Found her. Mess hall. Now."
After hearing it, I said to the guards, "Belay that order. One of you stay here with Chiph. One come with me."
Then I responded to Lady over our private EGO channel with, "Alright Snow Angel. We're on our way."
However as the guard and I started toward the Infirmary's door we came up right behind Wolfram as he was saying to Doctor Orion, "By the way - has anyone told you that you look much younger without your moustache? Maybe Micfi made you a favour when playing barber. And if you don't like the idea then all you have to do is wait some time until that amputated body part regrows...We begin the cure with the strong drink. So strong that it puts hair not only to your chest but also stimulates growth of the facial hair." After that first aid part Wolfram put his hand to Orion's shoulder and led his friend towards his suggested area where the rehabilitation was going to take place."
Hearing that, I placed my hand on Wolfram's shoulder and when he turned back to look at me, I said, "Lady just contacted me. Your escaped patient is in the Mess Hall and apparently still roleplaying as our now-naked-faced Doctor Orion. So you two better go check on here.."
I then gestured to the guard still waiting outside Chiph's exam room. So the guard came over to me and the other guard. Then I continued my talk to Doctor Von Eschen and Orion "...and take these two with you. Even if you do not need them, it is almost time for their lunch-break. So even if we dismissed them, they would be heading there anyway."
Just then Shakespeare who had apparently tried escaping again, ran right into my foot. So I reached down and scooped him up. Then holding the squeaking squibbit, I said to Wolfram, "Now that we know where she is and that she is not causing any trouble at the moment, Chiph, Shakespeare and I will join you in the Mess Hall after Chiph and I stop byy requisition to pick up a sturdy carry cage for our furry escape artist. After all if we don't show up with him caged, then Ralph may try to put our fuzzy friend on the menu...Oh and just so you both know my pistol had blanks in it when I handed it to Chiph. I just wanted to test the situation and the children's feelings without being obvious. Now we at least know Chiph has no love for the Inquisition but plenty for Micfi. We also know Micfi is doubting both the Inquisition and Micor Newlo. Not to mention that she was too strong to pull the trigger when she pointed it at either my head or hers, despite all that she has faced in her young life. So all of that definitely should give you a decent base to work with Wolfram."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked back to the exam room just as Chiph walked out of it. So once Chiph was looking at me questioningly, I said calmly but commandingly, "It is just the two of us for now. You and I are to stop and get Shakespeare a carrier cage. Then the three of us will go to the Mess Hall to meet up with Micfi, Doctor Von Eschen and Doctor Orion."
With that Chiph nodded and responded with, "Yes Sir."
Then Chiph and I went to the Armory where I got a carry cage from Requisitions. Once we securely placed Shakespeare inside, Chiph asked if he could carry the cage. So I handed it to him, and the three of us continued towards the Mess Hall to meet the others...hopefully without much incident.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 20, 2018 13:40:20 GMT
There wasn't a much accident. Only a minor one when Misor Chiph accidentally dropped the cage, containing Shakespeare, to the floor. The door opened and Shakespeare run under tables, over tables and arouse lot of attention on his way to the counter where Wolfram von Eschen was talking with Volodja and had just asked from him:
"Remember when you took me to the virtual trip to Monaco to make me remember good times? I have something similar on my mind for our guest or two but not in Monaco this time. I am more interested about...Vienna. Especially about Leopoldstadt district."
"I should have some street view based programs at my disposal...and Vienna is a part of my collection indeed, because I still haven't lost hope to visit the concert of Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra when I have time for that. Why the Leopoldstadt, though? I remember that Prater was there and...then there was...."Wurstel", of course! I see!"
"Exactly, Volodja!" said Wolfram and before he could say anything else, he felt that someone grabbed his trouser leg between small paws and begun to climb upwards. The feeling continued on his side and then on his shoulder. Feeling the already familiar touch of the wet snout on his ear made Wolfram loudly chuckle again and Aunt Agatha turned her eyes towards him and asked in disbelief:
"What is this one doing here?"
"This is a pet squirbit and his name is Shakespeare," replied Jalina. "Must have gotten loose somehow and found himself a nice high place where nobody can't stomp on him."
"I know what a squirbit is, dear child," said Aunt Agatha. "And I am sure that this elderly gentlemen has his reasons to walk around with a pet squirbit on his shoulder. Nothing unusual there. By saying "this" I actually meant THIS!" And she pointed towards Dr. Orion and asked:
"Why the member of the servant class dines with the rest of the people? Smedley would never allow himself such a...familiarity like sitting in the presence of his betters but this one doesn't simply sit but...but he eats!"
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Post by Lena Marr on May 20, 2018 14:13:04 GMT
Suddenly Volodja Uljanov widened his eyes, looked at the door and announced: "Oh my! Wolfram von Eschen is here! He is with someone who distantly looks like Dr. Orion, walks like Dr. Orion, and even speaks like Dr. Orion but can't be Dr. Orion, because he is here already and Wolfram's friend is missing some details like Orion's lab coat and his trademark moustache. So it seems that the Duck Test doesn't help us this time...But at least we have to consider that possibility that we have a small Liberata Doctor in the Mess right now. They approach the counter so we can ask who Wolfram's new acquittance is. By the way - I think that our Doctor just dropped his stethoscope and it slid under that empty table and he has to climb there to search for it while we are going to meet Wolfram and Co and find out what is going on." And he nudged Lena with his elbow... Micfi Newlo in her makeshift Dr. Orion disguise quickly ducked under the bar. For a second she remained hidden there out of sight of both Volodja and Lena Marr, then a small chalk white hand reached up from under the counter snagging the yet unopened bag of potato chips. Micfi crawled quickly on her hands and knees with the snack bag between her teeth to the indicated sanctuary under the empty table but in her haste she forgot her crutch. Lena laughed watching Micfi's swift departure on all fours then remarked to Volodja sitting next to her, "Looks like we got a skittering loose in the mess Volo-Bolo." Lena grabbed the plate holding the half-eaten patty-melt and the half-full glass of milkshake taking it over to Micfi's refuge under the empty table. Lena squatted putting the plate and glass in front of the frightened girl who was sitting cross-legged there munching on potato chips. Eleven-year old Micfi's golden eyes grew wide not sure whether to flee or be ready to fight when Lena suddenly scooted under the empty table and sat cross-legged next to her. Suddenly Lena thrust out one chalk white hand to shake, asking cheerfully "I'm Lena Marr. Who're you?" "Ummm, Dr. Orion?" Answered Micfi pointed to Dr. Orion's purloined mustache attached to her upper lip while shaking Lena's outstretched hand. "I don't think so Kiddo," Said Lena with a wicked grin while maintaining a cheerful tone then counted reasons on one alabaster hand with the forefinger of the other, "First, you are way too tall. Second, not fat enough. Third, you are not near furry enough either - although we do have one Liberata somewhere around here who shaves off his fur, Dr. Orion ain't him. Third, you're much, much too pretty. Fourth, your lovely gold eyes, unblemished chalk white skin, and wonderfully soft white hair - love the long braid BTW - marks you as a Castithan female probably of the ruling caste not a Liberata despite the fake mustache! Don't bother explaining the mustache - you should never have to excuse a good fake mustache! And fifth, I just saw the real Dr. Orion enter the mess hall sooooo - again, you ain't him! Let's try again: Who... are... you?" Micfi sighed taking a nervous sip from her milkshake before admitting in a flurry of words, "You're-right-I'm-not-Dr.-Orion-but-an-Inquisitor-initiate-named-Micfi-Newlo-niece-to-the-Master-of-Stealth-Micor-Newlo-but-I've-been-having-second-thoughts-about-the-Inquisition-of-late-still-I'm-a-fugitive-of-justice-and-this-isn't-my-first-escape-attempt-although-I'm-not-sure-what-I'm-escaping-to-or-from-but-the-Harbinger-of-Death-has-lost-all-patience-with-me-he-told-me-so-himself-so-he's-sure-to-kill-me when-he-catches-me!" As Micfi caught her breath, Lena frowned looking at the little lost girl with unblinking sky blue eyes but instead of drawing her Bowie knife and cutting the child's throat which was her first instinct she merely put a comforting hand on Micfi's slim shoulder and remarked still maintaining her pleasant tone, "Listen Kiddo, Castithan gal to Castithan gal, I honestly hold no love for either the Inquisition in general nor Micor specifically as the latter put his hands on me where he shouldn't have and the former are stupid poopy-heads but that's just my opinion although it's the correct one. However... I never believed in guilt by association and my boyfriend cut off Micor's hand so that ship of revenge has sailed as far as I'm concerned sooooo... I'm not going to be the one who harms you. I know the great and powerful Harbinger too and I don't think he will harm you either as he really is just a big teddy bear deep inside - at least when it comes to kids." Lena looked deeply into Micfi's eyes and recognized the look there as one that had been in her own eyes years ago. She recognized the haunted stare of an abused child and it didn't take much of a leap in logic to guess the identity of the abuser: Micor Newlo. Lena reached over grabbing and taking a bite of the half eaten patty melt munching down on the savory meat sandwich as she contemplated her next move. Suddenly that decision was put on hold as Micfi saw Atticus Batman flanked by a young Castithan boy carrying a small animal cage enter the mess hall joined by two Security Guards at the door. Micfi's pale yellow eyes grew even bigger before fluttering closed as she fainted dead away slumping to the floor. Lena stared at the unconscious girl exclaiming under her breath, "Huh, wasn't expecting that!" before looking at Atticus and his entourage thinking, "They're going to need a bigger cage than THAT for this kid!" Just then the Castithan boy dropped the cage making a clamor adding to the absurd situation Lena found herself in. She laughed good-naturedly before she poured what was left of the milkshake on Micfi's face while taking another bite of patty melt as she waited for Micfi to awaken. After the squibbit Shakespeare had returned to Wolfram's shoulder and he and Dr. Orion ordered something to eat, Aunt Agatha at her table asked, "Why the member of the servant class dines with the rest of the people? Smedley would never allow himself such a...familiarity like sitting in the presence of his betters but this one doesn't simply sit but...but he eats!" Not understanding the question, Jalina Voljonov with a puzzled look played with a long curl of her brown hair with one forefinger before guessing, "Maybe he's hungry?!?!" Being slightly more astute, the Synth Sister Whitney smiled sweetly with glittering ice blue eyes before responding excitedly, "I know, I know! Lady Tupperware thinks that since Dr. Orion is of a race that is traditionally servants - the Liberata - he should be eating in a separate place reserved for those who are of the serving class. In fact, Dr. Orion is the Protectors' Head Physician so he is highly placed on their command flow chart however even if he was a janitor instead he would be welcome in this eating establishment. From what I have seen in my observations of the Protectors they do not segregate their personnel by class, race, or gender in public places even though they have a distinct command structure. One might call it equality within a totalitarian organization; very much like a functional family!" Whitney's rose petal lips formed a perfect "o" as she whipped her long white pony tail forward as she had a sudden thought exclaiming, "Ooooh, I need to record my last statement for my memoirs - done!"  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 21, 2018 11:49:40 GMT
Lena looked deeply into Micfi's eyes and recognized the look there as one that had been in her own eyes years ago. She recognized the haunted stare of an abused child and it didn't take much of a leap in logic to guess the identity of the abuser: Micor Newlo. Lena reached over grabbing and taking a bite of the half eaten patty melt munching down on the savory meat sandwich as she contemplated her next move. Suddenly that decision was put on hold as Micfi saw Atticus Batman flanked by a young Castithan boy carrying a small animal cage enter the mess hall joined by two Security Guards at the door. Micfi's pale yellow eyes grew even bigger before fluttering closed as she fainted dead away slumping to the floor.
Lena stared at the unconscious girl exclaiming under her breath, "Huh, wasn't expecting that!" before looking at Atticus and his entourage thinking, "They're going to need a bigger cage than THAT for this kid!"
I dismissed the two Castithan guards so they could eat lunch as I stood by Chiph and looked around for Micfi. Just then the Castithan boy dropped the cage making a clamor adding to the absurd situation Lena found herself in. She laughed good-naturedly before she poured what was left of the milkshake on Micfi's face while taking another bite of patty melt as she waited for Micfi to awaken.
After Chiph dropped the cage then went chasing after Shakespeare, I reached down and picked up the discarded cage as I heard Lena laugh. So I glanced her way but only saw an empty cage. However with Lena around that wasn't unusual although not seeing her after I heard her always got my paranoia going.
After the squibbit Shakespeare had returned to Wolfram's shoulder and he and Dr. Orion ordered something to eat, Aunt Agatha at her table asked, "Why the member of the servant class dines with the rest of the people? Smedley would never allow himself such a...familiarity like sitting in the presence of his betters but this one doesn't simply sit but...but he eats!"
As that happened I took a glance back towards where Chiph ran and saw that he was already at the Bar by Wolfram's side with Shakespeare perched on the older gentleman's shoulder. So I walked over to the bar and placed the cage on the floor near Wolfram, merely stating, "You may need this, and the kid and squibbit may both need lunch. I am sure Ralph can help with both issues. Oh and Volodja, you may need to dust off your schoolbooks. We have two young 'guests' that may need to learn something other than the crap that the Inquisition taught them!"
I then looked back towards the empty table and headed that direction. As I passed the table where Lady, Aunt Agatha, Jalina, Whitney, Atika, and my twin babies were, I heard the conversation between Agatha, Jalina and Whitney.
Not understanding the question, Jalina Uljanov with a puzzled look played with a long curl of her brown hair with one forefinger before guessing, "Maybe he's hungry?!?!"
Being slightly more astute, the Synth Sister Whitney smiled sweetly with glittering ice blue eyes before responding excitedly, "I know, I know! Lady Tupperware thinks that since Dr. Orion is of a race that is traditionally servants - the Liberata - he should be eating in a separate place reserved for those who are of the serving class. In fact, Dr. Orion is the Protectors' Head Physician so he is highly placed on their command flow chart however even if he was a janitor instead he would be welcome in this eating establishment. From what I have seen in my observations of the Protectors they do not segregate their personnel by class, race, or gender in public places even though they have a distinct command structure. One might call it equality within a totalitarian organization; very much like a functional family!"
Whitney's rose petal lips formed a perfect "o" as she whipped her long white pony tail forward as she had a sudden thought exclaiming, "Ooooh, I need to record my last statement for my memoirs - done!"
As I walked past the table, focused on the empty table I had heard Lena's laugh come from, as well as finding the escaped Micfi, I said in passing to Whitney, "Function and family are both important. Equality just as much so, even in MY totalitarian organization. If people feel the authority considers them equal, then they are more willing to follow that authority without much question, even if they don't always agree with it. Besides control by equality is a lot less messy than control by torture, though not always nearly as much fun as the latter."
Just then Caprice managed to scurry out of Lady's grasp. So I reached out and caught her before she could do much. Then as Caprice looked to see who caught her, she had a deer-in-the-headlights look for a second, afraid she was in trouble, but then giggled and hugged my huge frame as well as her tiny arms could as she saw me holding her. Then she looked up at me with her cute little puppy dog eyes, in hopes of getting out of trouble. I merely gave her a slight 'no' headshake and then I handed her back to Lady who merely observed, "Another Daddy's girl."
I nodded (yes) slightly at that and patted Caprice's head and gave Lady's shoulder a slight 'love you' squeeze. Then I continued on to my goal of examining the giggling table more closely.
Kneeling by the supposedly empty table, I looked under it and saw Lena sitting with a milkshake-covered Micfi who was coming to. However once Micfi saw me kneeling there and watching her, she shrieked as I said angrily, "You are about out of second chances! Time to quit hiding and come out, before I really get mad and give you another spanking before sending you back to the brig!"
Then seeing her tear up, I bit my tongue and took a deep breath before continuing more calmly with, "...Fine! Here's one more chance at a reprieve. ___ You have people to apologize to like Doctor Orion, Chiph and especially your Aunt Lady! Then it looks like I will need to get you yet another change of clothes and this time you will need a daking shower and perhaps a ball-and-chain so you quit trying to escape. ___That is unless you are finally ready to prove that you can behave enough to not need the ball-and-chain. However if you do need that, then you are in good company as some people would say that Lena and I both need them as well sometimes... although Lena may have some unique uses for such things. ____ Now young woman! Come out of there before I decide to throw a strawberry milkshake on you to go with the chocolate one that you are already wearing and then get you fitted for that ball-and-chain!"
Then as I stood back up, I said more calmly and a little more quietly, "...and next time you want to play dress-up, I suggest asking to use a holo-room where you can dress up as something other than an old leprechaun doctor."
 
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Post by Lady Christianna on May 21, 2018 13:39:37 GMT
As chaos ensued around her in the mess hall, Lady Christianna sighed realizing any semblance of a quiet leisure time with friends was over then muttered "Perf"* as she took baby Caprice from her husband Atticus Batman who was looking for her escaped niece, Micfi Newlo. As he headed to an apparently empty table but which Lady's EGO radar said not only gave shelter to eleven year old Micfi but also Lena Marr, Lady packed up both Caprice and Cosmin in their carriage made-for-two. Nodding her goodbyes to her friends, Lady stopped briefly by Aunt Agatha to say, "Stay extra. Bae needs me. Bye." Kneeling by the supposedly empty table, Atticus looked under it and saw Lena sitting with a milkshake-covered Micfi who was coming to. However once Micfi saw him kneeling there and watching her, she shrieked as he said angrily, "You are about out of second chances! Time to quit hiding and come out, before I really get mad and give you another spanking before sending you back to the brig!" Then seeing her tear up, Atticus bit his tongue and took a deep breath before continuing more calmly with, "...Fine! Here's one more chance at a reprieve. ___ You have people to apologize to like Doctor Orion, Chiph and especially your Aunt Lady! Then it looks like I will need to get you yet another change of clothes and this time you will need a daking shower and perhaps a ball-and-chain so you quit trying to escape. ___That is unless you are finally ready to prove that you can behave enough to not need the ball-and-chain. However if you do need that, then you are in good company as some people would say that Lena and I both need them as well sometimes... although Lena may have some unique uses for such things. ____ Now young woman! Come out of there before I decide to throw a strawberry milkshake on you to go with the chocolate one that you are already wearing and then get you fitted for that ball-and-chain!" Lena took a chalk white forefinger and swiped it across Micfi's forehead before sticking the milkshake covered finger between lush lips then exclaiming, "Mmmm! Tastes like vanilla to me Big Man, but it is kinda dark under here!" Lady rolled the baby carriage behind Atticus and reassured the frightened Micfi with an enigmatic smile saying, "No ball. No chain. Bae's salty and just trolling." Then as Atticus stood back up, he said more calmly and a little more quietly, "...and next time you want to play dress-up, I suggest asking to use a holo-room where you can dress up as something other than an old leprechaun doctor." Lena popped the last bit of patty melt into her mouth and as she chewed helped a resigned Micfi out from under the table. Micfi said a simple but heartfelt "Sorry" to Lady Christianna who replied in answer "S'okay." Swallowing the savory mouthful, Lena then took Micfi by the arm and led her to where Dr. Orion sat at the lunch counter with Lady wheeling the baby carriage close behind. A sad-looking Micfi mumbled "Sorry" to the frowning Liberata who merely held out his furred hand expectantly. Micfi raised both snow white eyebrows not at first understanding but then exclaimed "Oh" as she finally did, taking off his lab coat and handing it to him. Miraculously unsullied, Dr. Orion donned his lab coat before again extending his hand palm upward to the young Castithan girl. Her eyebrows shooting even higher before understanding his nonverbal request, she then ripped the false mustache from her upper lip with a startled "OW" then handing it to Dr. Orion who immediately placed it in the upper pocket of his lab coat. "You're forgiven young lady," Replied a grinning Dr. Orion adding with a laugh, "I'd say don't do it again but I don't think I'll regrow it so you won't have an opportunity to - besides, Wolfram thinks I look younger without it." Lady said with an enigmatic smile "Too true. Got to bounce. Shower time." Lady turned to Lena asking, "Come?" "Every time!" Lena answered with a wicked grin then she rolled her sky blue eyes and placed a chalk white forefinger in the corner of her lush lips before replying with a laugh, "Oh, with you and Kiddo here! Sure, I'm not sure where Pooh Bear has wandered off to and I got nothing better to do. Besides, I haven't seen the old Batman Bunker in like ages." Lady nodded her understanding then ordered in her minimalist way to Lena and Micfi, "Follow." Lena kept a firm hand on Micfi's skinny arm as they followed Lady as she wheeled the baby carriage though the lunchtime crowd but stopped in front of Micfi's former fellow Child Inquisitor Misor Chiph as Lady commanded, "Apologize." Micfi shook off Lena's grip crossing her thin arms tightly across her small breast as a pretty pout crossed her Castithan face as she strongly asserted, "Never! I'm mad at him." Lena shrugged as twelve year old Chiph answered in a resigned tone, "It's okay Micfi. I don't need an apology. I hope we can be at least friends again soon," Then sadly walked away dragging his cage behind him. Micfi small mouth dropped open as she blurted in true surprise, "I thought for sure he'd try harder..." Lena reasserted her control by gently grabbing Mifi's hand to lead her away but first saying with a wicked grin, "Men! Can't live with them! Can't live without them - or without certain appendages of theirs anyway!" "Later," Said Lady as she wheeled the baby carriage back towards the mess hall exit although Micfi wasn't sure if Lady meant the apology could wait until later or if Lady was just saying goodbye to Chiph. As the three Castithan females and the baby carriage were about to leave the cafeteria, Sandy Bell Uljanov was entering wearing a simple summer dress reminiscent to the modest one that Marilyn Monroe wore in the old movie "Seven Year itch" that Sandy had made for the honeymoon she and Volodja had never had time to take. Sandy's makeup was fresh but also subdued and her blonde hair was newly clean and combed. All the ladies stopped in the doorway for a brief conversation. Micfi had only seen Sandy in military fatigues and merely exclaimed in a low tone of appreciation, "Wow!" Lena's grin went ear-to-ear as she remarked giving the okay sign with one hand, "Looking good Blondie!" Lady flashed her patented Mona Lisa smile before saying, "Suh? On fleek girlfriend! Sandy answered with a grin as she swiped a blonde lock from in front of her big blue eyes, "Thanks guys! I hope it isn't too much for Aunt Agatha. Anyway, time to go bite the old bullet so to speak. Wish me luck!" Then headed to the table where the old woman who fit Aunt Agatha's description was sitting." "Luck," Said all three Castithans in unison as they watched Sandy heading off to her own personal "Mission Impossible" whereupon Lady said, "Adulting now" as she and her party went in search of a shower for Micfi. Sandy on the other hand stood over Aunt Agatha thrusting out a tan hand to shake as she said pleasantly, "Aunt Agatha I presume! Hello, I'm Volodja's better half, Sandy. It's a pleasure to finally meet you!" "It's Lady Agatha Tupperware," Cheerfully interjected the Synth Sister Whitney trying to be helpful as she moved her chair to make room for Sandy. "What?!?!" Exclaimed a confused Sandy grabbing a chair and sitting down next to Aunt Agatha. "She has a title Mother," Explained Jalina Uljanov, "Like yours is Captain Sandra Bell-Uljanov, only her's is fancier and not military." "Oh," Sandy narrowed her blue eyes wishing she had obtained more intelligence before entering this particular war zone then said with a pained grin, "Excuse me Lady Tupperware but it really is a pleasure to meet you. Unfortunately, Volodja has told me nothing about you - or to tell the truth, about any of his family! Maybe you could enlighten me... ? * A tip of the hat to "21 Words Millennials Use That You Can Add to Everyday Conversations" by John Brando www.inc.com/john-brandon/ss/21-words-millennials-use-that-you-can-add-to-everyday-conversations.html  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 22, 2018 5:09:26 GMT
"It's Lady Tupper-Ware, dear. There is a hyphen between to avoid confusion. It's a huge difference between single family name and the double barrelled ones. We even have triple, quadruple or even quintuple barrelled surnames for better families. Since you, Americans, are not used with British name traditions it's understandable that you don't pay much attention to those nuances. Actually it's not important right now anyway, although I wanted to point that out to avoid that topic from rising in future..."*
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*Since further example about multiple barrelled names might be necessary, we decided to bring you this educational video about the most talented German baroque composer Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern Schplenden Schlitter Crasscrenbon Fried Digger Dangle Dungle Burstein von Knacker Thrasher Apple Banger Horowitz Ticolensic Grander Knotty Spelltinkle Grandlich Grumblemeyer Spelterwasser Kürstlich Himbleeisen Bahnwagen Gutenabend Bitte Eine Nürnburger Bratwustle Gerspurten mit Zweimache Luber Hundsfut Gumberaber Shönendanker Kalbsfleisch Mittler Raucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.
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Aunt Agatha pointed Sandy Bell Uljanov a spare chair on her table and after she was properly seated, Agatha continued:
"It might not be that difficult to be a better half of this ungrateful Volodja Uljanov. I would hesitate talking about his ungratefulness so openly but since you are his family, you have every right to know what that ungrateful man did. That would actually explain why he hasn't talked about us - his guilty consciousness prohibits him doing that after everything we did for him! You see - at one point we took the future of that undisciplined and overly smart child into our hands and prepared him a glorious future and shining military career by putting him into one of the finest military schools. We expected that after his graduation he will climb up the ladder with the help of friendly nudging from our friends and relatives and ends up serving in Army Headquarters.
Instead of fulfilling our expectations, this ungrateful advebnturist decided to transfer to the front service and became a scout and then he went missing in action. I am sure that as a disciplined soldier you understand how irresponsible his behaviour was. And I see that he hasn't changed a bit, because it's the second time when he doesn't get me that drink, I ordered, and prefers to talk with this elderly gentleman, this...this...Liberata, this Cook behind the counter and this miserably looking Castithan boy, instead of providing me with necessities."
"But didn't you sent Father to get that drink, so we could talk in peace?" asked Jalina in confusion.
"That's not important right now, dear child," replied Aunt Agatha. "He should deliver that drink to me and then return to get another one. Where was I? Oh, yes. You used to be a soldier yourself, Sandy. Which branch did you serve? I bet that you designed your military career better than Volodja and actually went into Military Staff Service!"
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