|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 4, 2015 14:40:37 GMT
"At moment Erika, we have more in common than you think. We both drinking ourselves out of misery, but I refuse to admit that she is gone. Maybe it's part of being human too. She is really adorable person and unlike you, I saw her as a normal girl. Even with a Volge inside she was normal. Or above that. But I failed her, Erika. Her Jiminy Cricket failed her. You see - if you always try to save innocents, you have to pay for it with your conscious. She felt terrible about killed civilians, she was unable to save and I felt terrible, because I could not help her stop feeling guilty about them. And some...other reasons, I prefer not to talk about it, because Belle is very special to me. And she was first one ever to accept me as a part of the team, when I sneaked into our base and our little ship and got caught by the Giant. We...have much in common, you know. We both like to deal with not so...important matters like poetry and philosophy and we are interested about everything. And last common thing for us was the fact that we both lost our share of innocents yesterday. That's why I am drinking right now. To ease the pain from loss and failure. I am starting to get my emotions back again, when mind work has successfully ended and we beat the villain this time, although I still feel kind of dead inside. But I will find her one day and make her pay. That's a promise."
He kept looking into Erika's jade eyes and smiled back to her, but his smile was really vague. At least they talked with each other in civilized manner at moment. That added some hope that Volodja will leave the saloon in one piece.
|
|
|
|
Post by Erika Widowmaker on Apr 4, 2015 15:27:15 GMT
Erika shook her head slowly at Volodja, her jade eyes never leaving his face, "Poetry and philosophy, as well as the other indicators of a civilized world, are the only long term goals worth fighting for. We Votans crossed hundreds of light years to preserve ours, fully knowing most of us would not live to see our destination. A culture, if preserved and protected, will far outlive the people and governments that produced it. Furthermore, I know you humans believe that is true also, despite your words that they are not so important - you are not the first human I have heard say this - for I saw how hard the humans fought to protect their universities and their libraries when we invaded Miami, much more than their military bases and government buildings. When we were ordered to burn the university library down, I grieved, much more than for the soldiers who died protecting it, for they died nobly doing their duty, and the burning of the library was just... ignoble at best."
She took another sip of her drink, afraid of offending but the drink giving her confidence to continue, "You humans are often so duplicitous, saying one thing but meaning another, or so it appears to an outsider, an alien, such as myself. You say you drink to ease the pain from loss and failure, yet you also say you believe Belle is not dead, and that may be so, for she has cheated death before. Either way, there is no loss or failure here. Assuming Belle is indeed dead, and I believe she is so because she would never let her friends suffer in believing she is dead if she wasn't; then she died a hero's death, protecting her friends after helping to liberate a whole town while defeating a great evil. That is what she would want her death to be: Heroic and with meaning. She would always tell me that she is - was - a glass-is-half-full type of gal! It took me a while to figure out what she meant, but I finally understand that she always tried to look at the positive side of things, and I think she would wish you to do the same. Rather drinking yourself into oblivion to honor her name, do something positive, either to help yourself or others. It is what Belle would have wanted."
She took another sip, finishing her drink, staring at the smiling picture of Belle above the bar, "I drink this glass to honor my friend in the time honored ritual of soldiers everywhere, both Votan and human, to salute the death of a comrade-in-arms, and now I have done so."
So saying she rose up to her full seven foot height from her seat at he bar, turning once more to him and saying with a wink of one jade eye before leaving, "However, the first glass was because I was thirsty."
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 4, 2015 15:42:13 GMT
"Erika - I feel pain, because I could not help her get rid of guilt and because she is not with us today. I'd prefer that she will have happy life with us, especially in my...caring company, instead of having heroic death. I was there to witness her disappearance and I am not the one who searched her heroic body, because I still have hope left that one day Belle and I will read poetry together. And thank you for sharing your views about preserving cultural heritage. I would been grieving too, if I was there. We have more in common than I ever thought. Or you never thought, I assume. I am glad that I got to know that side of you. Hopefully we will talk again soon. Here's to you, Erika. Cheers!" And he raised his glass. After that Volodja raised his glass to honour of Belle once more, thanked Sarah again and was ready to leave the building, waving at Erika, but suddenly he winked his right eye to her and said: "I am going to have some fresh air now. But you still look really thirsty and could use more refreshing drinks without me counting them. Toodles!" Volodja smiled to Erika and stepped out. Fresh air. And a lot. That's what he needs, so he walked down the street looking at dark houses and night sky, full of cold and distant stares of distant stars. One of them fell and Volodja made his secret wish...It's a secret, so don't ask. He kept walking until his eyes caught a figure of elderly gentlemen, who was having some air in front of his store. He was Classical British antiquarian from tweed jacket and reading glasses to funny smell of old books around him. "Must be the Henry...Pine-Coffin. Yes. That was his name. Heard about him and his quarrels with local librarian Robert D. Jurasik, when we arrived. Scared people talk a lot about common life to calm themselves," thought Volodja and instead of saying "Hello" he opened his mouth and asked: "Mr. Pine-Coffin, I presume?" to which Henry responded "Yes", and then "I feel thankful that I am here to welcome you....I see that you are familiar with quotes, which might or not might be true. But you are correct about me of being Henry Pine-Coffin. And you are? At your service, Volodja. Thank you. My friends call me Henry. Where are you from, young master? By your slight accent, polite manners and signs of erudition, I assume that you are from more civilized part of the world, like Europe. Are you a Jerry? Or a Dutch? A Frenchie perhaps? Pardon, my chauvinist manners, but it's a shame that you are not from the merry old Island. It would have been real pleasure to see a fellow Brit. At least it's nice to meet a fellow representative of the cultural world. I know, the time is late, but judging by your looks, you had a real bender, so come in and have a cup of hot tea with me. Most unusual time, but we are living in a brave new world after all, where everything is changed, so we can change our tea time too. Why is a raven like a writing desk?" "I haven't the slightest idea," answered Volodja. "And did I just heard you hinting at Aldous Huxley's dystopia? Do you have a copy of 1932 signed edition, published in London by Chatto and Windus, for example?" "Nice one, young master! I am really gobsmacked. You know literature and books cracking well, although you are plastered. I do have a first American Edition somewhere in back. Can't let people to touch it. Come in, come in. I'll show you my treasures. It's a rare opportunity to meet a real expert."  |
|
|
|
Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 4, 2015 21:58:06 GMT
As I follow Lady with my hand in hers, I smile. I stop and place my help back on. I also wipe some sand of Lady's lovely rump and can't help but give it a loving squeeze, as she giggles over it. Then I take Belle's sword. I secure it to my armor's belt. Then re-capture Lady's lovely little hand. "I will hold it for now. No reason for you to try to hold it and flowers and my hand. Besides it takes away from your lovelyness in that dress. I feel a little under-armed anyway as I left most of my weapons in the room, only carrying my blade and pistol for now.
Don't worry, it is yours now. I am sure Belle would prefer you have it. If you want, I can give you some blade lessons later. For now the flowers look better in your hands than a weapon does. Now lead the way. I will be by your side wherever you go. They said the room is ours for as long as we need, though you look like you are enjoying the sights and the fresh sea air is nice for a change. As long as I am with you, I am with the PERFECT company. Therefor I am happy. So lead the way to wherever you want." |
|
|
|
Post by Lady Christianna on Apr 4, 2015 22:43:24 GMT
As Lady Christianna and Atticus Batman walked hand-in-hand down the streets of Freedom. Suddenly, Sandy informed Lady that Volodja was in a nearby used book store, the only one with a light on this late at night on the whole street. Letting go of Atticus' hand, Lady hurried to the store window, pushing her small chalk white nose against the front window, searching with large pink eyes in vain for Volodja. Suddenly she thrust the flowers into Atticus' hand, grabbing Belle's charge sword, activating it, and charging into the store.
"Got to save Teach!, Said Lady loudly to Atticus as both Sandy and he yelled "Wait - " but to no avail as she was already through the unlocked front door. The door bell chiming as her wild eyes spotted the door to the back room and she thought as she charge through it thinking, "Not another one..."
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 5, 2015 4:11:58 GMT
Volodja was glad to meet real book lover, like Henry was. This kind of fanaticism he could understand - it was about preserving something, not destroying it. Henry had an impressive collection of rare books and now he had an opportunity to share his passion with someone, who understands it, so he showed his treasures to Volodja, explaining how he got them and what is special about those books, while water boiled in kettle. Vlodja was really impressed about Henry's expertise, so he made him a little present, by giving him his copy of Martial verses, explaining that it was a standard edition, but it had a sentimental value. Plus, it was one of books ever been on the Moon. They sat down on Henry's couch, drinking tea and discussing about different printing types, when doorbell rang, quick footsteps started to pound on the floor and Lady appeared into doorway, charged sword in her small white hand, pink eyes glowing with determination.
Henry's hand with the tea cup stopped in half way to his lips. "Who's the young maiden with the flaming sword? Incarnation of Queen Boudicea?" he asked from Volodja, hoping that he could enlighten the situation. Volodja jumped to his feet and stepped between Lady and frightened Henry Pine-Coffin to avoid unnecessary conflict and clear misunderstanding.
"This is Lady Christianna, my student and close friend who is obviously worried about me getting into trouble. Inside of her is hiding herself captain Sandra Bell, someone really special to me. And this is Mr. Henry Pine-Coffin, local antiquarian and book lover. As long as I know, if Lady is here, then Giant must not be very far either. Come in Giant!"
"As long as they don't try to filch anything, they are welcome, Volo, but it seems that I must make more tea for my new guests. And then we can have little chit-chat and get to know each other better. By the way, do you know, what is the longest word in the English language? 'Smiles'. Because there is a mile between its first and last letters." And Henry smiled politely to Lady, when he started to refill his kettle.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lady Christianna on Apr 5, 2015 7:38:21 GMT
Lady retracted the charge blade as she said as she smiled her enigmatic smile, to henry Pine-Coffin "Pleased to meet you," then added with a frown, "Sad last name."
As Henry made the tea, Lady looked at the books piled round the back room, looking at the titles, finding a book about Louvre in Paris and the art within, and sat down, looking with in it, until she found a picture of the Venus De Milo, which reminded her of Belle. She sat staring at the picture for sometime, until Henry game her a cup of tea, whereupon she commented pointing to the picture, "Thanks. Arms hard to sculpt I guess."
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 5, 2015 7:45:12 GMT
"Oh no, my dear. She had arms originally, but was found without them. Several times people have tried to figure out, how they might looked like, dear. More tea for anyone?" said Henry. "There are some theories about her arms, Your Ladyship," explained Volodja. "When Venus was discovered in 1820, she was broken in two pieces. They found fragments of her left hand too, holding an apple, but her right arm and original plinth are assumed to be lost soon after its discovery. Inscription that was on that plinth said that she was made by Alexandros of Antioch, but it was mistakenly attributed to the master sculptor Praxiteles. When French restored the statue, they didn't believed that fragments of left hand and arm belonged to her, because they were more rough looking then rest of the statue. But it was common practice of sculptors of that era to make their job easier. Statue was placed high above the ground and nobody could see actually that workmanship was not that fancy." Volodja looked at them, grinned suddenly, took the book from Lady's small hands and opened it from page, where reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was printed and still smiling, he said: "Does she remind you of someone, Your Ladyship? That smile really looks familiar to me. You know it's the most famous piece of art in Louvre and people argued about who was the model. Most common opinion is that Leonardo painted the portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of the merchant Francesco del Giocondo. Painting was stolen from Louvre in 1911, but it was soon returned by the way. Oh and she influenced modern art as well. I believe that most famous example is surrealist artist's Salvador Dali's vision of her with moustache." Volodja tapped his holopad and show result to Lady, saying: "Don't get offended, please."  Henry took a glance at Lady's smile and declared: "Smashing resemblance indeed! And we are not winding you up, my dear." And he poured some more tea for Volodja and himself. "What we should waffle about now, youngsters? Any topics you like to discuss, like weather? Americans still think, that Brits waffle on and on about the weather, but they should look at themselves and their weather channels. Pardon me, I forgot that both of you are not Americans. The lass is from totally different world and lad is from most cultural continent ever. Do you miss our old continent Volo? By the way - has anyone seen my pussy? I've got a slight mice problem and having them in my shop, damaging my books, is not my cup of tea at all." |
|
Raizar
Junior Batman Sidekick
Posts: 60 
|
Post by Raizar on Apr 5, 2015 8:37:41 GMT
"Yo-ho-ho!... and how's then... bah, don't remember..." Raizar went out of brothel smiling widely and humming a tune. He was slightly drunk - or maybe not so slightly - but anyway, he decided some fresh air wouldn't hurt. He went down the street aimlessly looking at the night sky and breathing deeply moist air. At moments like this he started to feel how the whole planet is breathing and moving among the endless spaces and it seemed to him if he would listen a little bit more he could hear her voice. He stopped trying to really hear it but there was only wind whispering something on it's own. Raizar waved his hand and continued his aimless stroll.
He was not familiar with this city layout and did not look at the map so he could not tell where he is going but after some time he noticed a well-lit shop, to his surprise it was open so late at night. What could it be? Raizar went closer and pull a door knob.
"Hi there! Hey mates, is it some sort of club or what? Nice night, isn't it? My respects, mister venerable owner. How's the trade? Night book shop, hey, such a business decision! Hey, titshunter, how's your hunting? Mine is good, umm." He noticed Lady and Attucus and bowed to Lady. "Hi lovely missy, nice to meet you in good health finally. Name's Raizar! And your Romeo is with you, what a lovely sight! Sorry I'm afraid I'm not sober enough for some really good manners... bah, I'm not the one with good manners at all... Hi Harbinger of Life. Quite amount of life we brought to this city by cleaning some ill-mannered fellows, didn't we? Umph, those books smell olden time. It's quite late for the crowd of buyers, hmm, but quite a certain crowd you have here, huh."
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 5, 2015 8:46:59 GMT
"Chap. You are really rat arsed!" exclaimed Henry. "Sit down, relax, have a cup of tea and please don't insult anybody here. We are trying to have polite conversation about art and culture. Young Lady seems to be interested of it, so please, don't be a such a bad sport and try to ruin her first steps on a cultural field." He offered cup of tea to Raizar and noticed that Raizar's remark about Volodja insulted his feelings. Volodja was not after tits that night. He felt sad, lonely and dead inside. That's why decided to get drunk, so he would not feel anything any more. And that bar brawl was not completely his fault. He only defended himself and if he was called a brawler that would have been OK, because he did had a bar fight. But he NEVER intended to go after cheap fun with girls. He didn't hit on anyone and now he was called a titshunter.
"Take it easy, Volo. He is just pissing around. Unlike some Nancy boys, you can behave yourself, even if you are sloshed. You are an example of a perfect Gentleman," Henry continued in a soothing tone. "I ll have to show you something. I think you are the one, who can appreciate it." And Henry took Volodja by his sleeve and led him away from rest of people to show him more of his hidden treasures.
"Just look at this. It's a copy of Joyce's "Ulysses" from 1922." he said with real pride in his voice. "One of my favourite books, although Joyce was an Irishman." After all - Henry himself was from England, so it took some effort from him to admit, that Irish can create something so brilliant.
|
|
Raizar
Junior Batman Sidekick
Posts: 60
|
Post by Raizar on Apr 5, 2015 9:00:07 GMT
Raizar took a cup and gave it a puzzled look. "Tea? You want to say you all are just drinking a tea and talking about culture here? Nice night time." He scratched his head. "Um, well, thanks. Think I could use a cup of tea I had enough booze in my head for today already... And I did not insult anyone yet. But if I'll decide to start I'll warn you, mister owner. Maybe I'll even restrain from it listening all your cultural talkings."
He looked at Volodja's back who went away with the shopkeeper, sighed and said to Atticus and Lady: "So, one mate have run away. To read some books I suppose. Look mates if I'm needless here you just say this and I'm - puff! - will be away like a morning cloud. I'm really not so good with all this cultural talking. Though I've read some books in my life, yes, even humans books."
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 5, 2015 9:08:30 GMT
"Thats all right, chap," replied Henry to Raizar in most polite manner. "Just don't make anybody gutted here and we all can be friends. I really wish to avoid our cultural meeting getting pear shaped. Actually it's a rare occasion, when I see that much not so blinkered people in my little shop, and some of them seem to be really fancy my books, so I am chuffed. But I must warn you. Some of them are not for sale and some of them might be quite dear to you. But as a reasonable man, I am not here to diddle you. You can get a really good value, if I like you enough. You can always haggle about the price."
Henry hoped that they won't buy anything really valuable from him. He had quite nice stock in shop, but he was not willing to sell his real treasures from the back room. They were his children after all. Without them he would be lonely with nobody to keep him company, except his cat. He liked these young people, showing cultural interests. And he finally had a chance to interact with so many different folk from different background, nations and...species. But he still wanted that best of his books remain to be with him, after these youngsters leave his shop.
|
|
Raizar
Junior Batman Sidekick
Posts: 60
|
Post by Raizar on Apr 5, 2015 9:39:16 GMT
"I won't buy books anyway, mister owner. I have no home to stack them up. But tea is good. How's your name by the way?" Raizar sat down in the chair holding a cup of tea and looking around. "Mine is Raizar but you've heard it already."
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 5, 2015 9:51:25 GMT
"Terrible sorry, Raizar. I seemed to lost my manners because of all sudden shambles. So many people are visiting me so suddenly, so I got cocked up . Henry Pine-Coffin at your service. Nice to meet you," answered Henry, glad that their evening will be nice and easy going after all. Contact with so many new people at the same time was exiting, but it also made him to feel a bit uneasy. All those books that might suffer because of that and he had enough trouble to keep mice population under control and avoid conflicts with local librarian, who believed in lending books, instead of selling them for permanent use. Henry was supporter of latter strategy, because people can take those books with them everywhere they go. Especially paper backs. So he was a die hard supporter of book merchandise. Except when it was about of the most precious ones he owned. Seeing Volodja being still a bit shaky, he took one of his treasures, opened it and read loudly:
“My nerves are bad to-night. Yes, bad. Stay with me.
Speak to me. Why do you never speak? Speak.
What are you thinking of? What thinking? What?
I never know what you are thinking. Think.”
Volodja listened verses, pondered about them and suddenly he grinned and said: "Thomas Stearns Eliot. The Wasteland. A Game of Chess. Am I correct?"
"Absolutely, Volo. He was a bloody Yank actually, but had enough wits to move to the right continent and even right part of it to become a British subject."
|
|
|
|
Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 5, 2015 11:03:15 GMT
I walk in when Volodja calls to me. "Sorry Volodja. I couldn't stop her, then decided it was best for her to see for herself that you are here by choice. You know my lovely Snow Angel's aversion to words."
I sit by Lady after a few minutes and look at the book with her. When Raizar comes in I look up. "Greetings Raizar. Have a cup of tea. Find a book to read. Decide on a topic to discuss. Or go find something more interesting. It is your choice. Volodja is discussing books, and Lady and I are looking at and discussing art."
After Henry Pine-Coffin read his verse outloud and he and Volodja discussed it, I look up from the book on Lady's lap.
"You know Volodja the more I am around you the more a poem by an American author named Kent M. Keith comes to mind. I believe the are the epitome of his final message Though I would most obviously be the person he is trying to correct. However, tonight it seems our roles are reversed. The poem is, 'The Paradoxical Commandments'."
I think for a second trying to recall it but can't, then I notice the book on a shelf. I take off my Infiltrator helm, wondering briefly what this book dealer will think of the fact that I wear a mask underneath. Then I get up, walk over and open the book to the right page. Then I recite it in my deep raspy voice.
"The Paradoxical Commandments
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway."
After I am done, I put it back then I return to my seat next to Lady and sip some tea.
|
|
