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Post by Belle Starr on Apr 8, 2015 22:47:59 GMT
The next day after the team arrived back to their base in San Francisco from Freedom, Alabama, most of them slept in tired from the trip and the banquet the base chef made for them on their return. Erika Widowmaker did not sleep in however, as this was her first day as chief administrator of the base, so after her daily calisthenics and one-mile run, she showered and dressed for her new job, reporting in exactly as the watch in the War Room changed. She was shocked to find the VBI personnel there packing boxes and preparing to leave the base permanently. She found Chloe Mac Gyver leaning against the console, who had been second-in-command of the VBI Division of Security Analysis at the base, whose Director, Belle Starr was presumed killed in Alabama.
"What's going on here Chloe?" Asked a startled Erika.
"Well crikey, its few roos loose in the top paddock, it is!" Replied the attractive redhead in a thick Australian accent, her green eyes flashing with anger, "Seems I've been fired, as have all the VBI department heads here, including Dr. Orion and Zork, and all the rest of the VBI personnel have been ordered back to the VBI Installation under Overpass. Four-eyes over there, that fuck muppet, is in charge of moving VBI's people and equipment out of here!"
Chloe jerked a thumb in the direction of a skinny pale man with greasy black hair and black rimmed glasses, the top hacker in the VBI division. Broderick Smythe smiled awkwardly as he pushed up his glasses with one thin forefinger, saying as he thrust out an official looking piece of paper with his free hand, "It wasn't my idea Ms. Mac Gyver, although I'm glad VBI has finally recognized my leadership capabilities. The order is signed by Director Starr herself."
Erika grabbed the document from his hand and quickly scanned it, noting out loud, "This is Belle's signature, no doubt about it," Her EGO confirming the fact with a quick handwriting analysis, although Erika as her good friend had seen the signature enough not to need the authentication, but her Irathiant large eyes grew even larger when she saw the date on the order was a full two days after Belle Starr had been batted deep into the Gulf of Mexico by an angry shark gator and was presumed dead by the team. She had her EGO contact her team mates' EGOs to inform them about the turn of events, waiting especially for their team leader Taffer and the head of Base Security Atticus Batman to respond.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 9, 2015 3:40:46 GMT
I am laying beside Lady just watching my beautiful Snow Angel sleep, when I get Erika's call. I respond immediately to Erika. "Erika stall the little worm. I am on my way."
I gently kiss Lady on her lips as she sleeps, then quickly talk to Dinara. "Pest tell Sandy that if Lady wakes up looking for me, that I needed to handle an emergency in the War Room, but remind her how much I love her."
Dinara responds with, "DUH! Lady knows that last part! But I will give Sandy the whole message to give to Lady, when she wakes up. Not done helping Sandy remodel, anyway. Then maybe I can get her to help me with my boring gray room! I am thinking lots of purples and pinks........and STUFFED PETS! OOOOH AND A BIG FLUFFY BED TO JUMP ON AND A BIG PILLOW TO HIT BIG SIS WITH!!!!!!!"
I chuckle and say, "Knock yourself, or her, out. Whichever the case may be."
I then quickly get dressed in my Trion Supporter garb and my Collective infi helm. Making sure my EXL pistol is loaded and sheathed by my side, I contact Kaj to meet me in the War Room with a security team. I enter the based with Lieutenant Oenfer and a 15 man security contingent right behind me. Chloe is arguing with a pencil-necked geek. As Lieutenant Oenfer and his team enter, I give him orders in a loud and commanding tone so EVERYONE in the room hears.
"Lieutenant Oenfer, no VBI personel leave this base without Commander Taffer's aproval. Confiscate their security badges, and all gear and documents they are trying to take. They do not get them back until we have gone through them thoroughly. If Mr. Smythe, tries to leave or stop your team, then lock his ass in the brig. Any unemployed civilians are free to go, without hassle from Security, except a routine pat down. "
I finally look at Mr. Smythe. "You may have your orders from a missing director, but my men have orders from a boss that is alive, well, and not letting you push anybody in this base around. Not to mention an alive and ANGRY killer trumps a missing and pressumed dead director, any day of the week. Now all gear and documents that you wanted are going to secure storage until we have looked them over, and have decided what to release to you. With how short-handed we are, that should take about a year. One more thing, all current VBI personel are to undergo extremely thorough security checks and be escorted to guest quarters until Commander Taffer decides how to handle having you, and your now unauthorized personel, in our base. Tough break for you. Just be glad I don't bust your lip or shoot you."
I then address Chloe. "Miss Mac-guyver, all the people that he fired, and any that choose to quit because of him, are welcome to stay here as our trusted and honored guests for as long as they choose. Any that decide they like it here, can stay and keep their jobs. Unfortunately, I am not sure the base's accounts have enough to pay all your salaries. So if you stay, it will be by choice because you love being a part of our 'family'. However all that choose to stay will be required to continue working here as part of our 'community'. Remember that does mean regular meals, a safe place to live and a secure job. Which is a lot more than what VBI is offering. I will talk with Commander Taffer, about us paying all of you a stipend so that you have spending money. Even if I have to find the pay myself."
I notice Chloe's subtle wink, which I assume means she has found and knows about atleast one of my alias accounts, most likely the one I used to take control of the Zhena Array, and therefore knows I can easily "find" the money without a problem. Even if I don't admit that it is some of my money, but of course, not all of it.
Then I look at Erika. "Chief Administrator Widowmaker....Perhaps we need to discuss what title you want addressed as. Anyway, please have any administration we have, in our employ, help you go through and see what files they are digitally copying or sending to VBI and do what you can to stop it. You have my authorization to have Miss Mac-guyver and her former team help you. Miss Mac-guyver, if you and your team are willing to help Chief Administrator Widowmaker do so, then you will be in my employ for that task. After that is done and Commander Taffer arrives, we will discuss wether you and your team, as well as all the others that were fired or left VBI of their own accord, actually want to stay on base. Most likely, with the previously mentioned stipulations of course."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 9, 2015 4:33:59 GMT
Carpe Diem. Volodja was busy following that motto. Really busy with reading a book and making notes about topics he read. That was his vacation - taking a mental trip, thinking about abstract problems and writing something about them. About dozen books laid openly on his desk and bed, he left after healthy sleep. You know how those things are - you read something and find a reference to another book. You open that and it refers to three other books on the same topic. As a result you have several books to read and lot of notes to make. At moment he was busy with studying matters, concerning individuals position in society and influences of one's decisions.
He practically barricaded himself into his ivory cabin and fed mainly on information and wine. Even now there was half full wine glass near him, but he hadn't touched it for hours. And he still wore nothing else than his red robe. That was actually a true bliss. His body rested and his mind was occupied with something else than his personal issues. What else he could wish? He knew what, but...impossible. She won't leave her shell and Volodja had to respect her decision. So he finally rose wine glass to his lips and had a sip. After that he put his nose into the book again. But his heart still felt bitter-sweet about Sandy.
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Apr 9, 2015 4:45:19 GMT
Broderick Smythe backed away with his hands held palms up in front of him as if to ward off the big Irathient's wrath as he protested, "I didn't fire anybody Mr. Batman, sir! She did, I mean Director Starr, this morning before Chief Administrator Widowmaker - hey, that is a mouthful to say - oh, sorry, before she got here!" He looked pleadingly at Chloe Mac Guyver as he whined, "Ms. Mac Guyver, please, back me up here!"
Chloe frowned as she scolded, "The little bugger is right, but that doesn't make him any less a bugger! You could have at least pretended to protest, and not looked so happy when Belle gave you the job Broderick!" Chloe turned to Atticus, "It was the lady herself that fired me. See for yourself, I vid taped the conversation."
Chloe pushed a button on the console, and Belle Starr appeared on a giant screen above the entrance to the War Room, dressed in her Castithan Green jacket and black suit, clearly behind her desk in her office at the VBI installation under the Overpass. Her freckled face looked tired and was not smiling, unusual for her. Furthermore, she had dark circles under her blue diamond eyes that made her look even paler than usual, as she spoke, "Ms. Mac Guyver, your services as well as those of Dr. Orion and the Sensoth Zork are no longer required by VBI. Furthermore, all VBI personnel, records, and equipment are to be relocated immediately back to the VBI installation, under the supervision of Mr. Smythe. Any personnel that do not immediately report back to these offices will be terminated without benefits or pension. You and the others that have already been terminated will of course get a proper severance pay. An order signed by me as the authorized representative of VBI to this effect is being sent to you as we speak."
"Why Belle are you doing this?" Said Chloe's disembodied voice on the tape.
"Since we at VBI are terminating affiliation with Mr. Taffer and his team affective immediately, it has come to my attention that your loyalties and those of the others I have terminated may have become compromised, so for the security of VBI, it is best that we end your relationship with the corporation. On a personal note, I would fire you anyway for your continual insubordination. I'm Director Starr to VBI employees, including you, which you have continually disregarded. Furthermore your continual reference to me as your sock puppet is highly disrespectful to me and my office. Mr. Smythe, you have your orders. If I do not see you and our people by noon, Law Keeper Cooper and the E-Rep authorities will come and get you."
Broderick's disembodied voice could be heard on the vid tape to say, "Um... sure Director Starr, And may I say what an honor it is to - "
"Director Starr out." The screen weren't abruptly dark as the people in the room looked at it for several seconds in amazement.
Erika said after a moment, "I'm positive that IS Belle Starr, alive but not at all well. Something is very, very, wrong here."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 9, 2015 4:58:25 GMT
"No more peace and quiet for me," sighed Volodja in War Room, after getting Erika's message. His blissful and productive solitude was over, so he had to put everything aside, get dressed and rush back into whirling life. There he stood, observative as ever and pondered about he just saw and heard. Then he said: "It might be Belle, but as long as I have known her, she would never break the team up. Before she was gone, she asked me to stay into our team, because she thought that you might need me and my skills to keep us together after she is gone. And now she acts totally opposite to her usual self. She is so....official. And one more thing - she appeared behind her desk way too fast from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But everything seems to be possible. Even sudden personality changes during couple of days, especially when we have some cases in our hands right now, but maybe I am paranoid here. She might just hit her head and et cetera. Simple and logical explanation. Belle won't just spit on her efforts so suddenly, so we need to know, what is behind that sudden change of her mind."
He stepped back, found himself a nice quiet corner and was soon busy reading again. Then he took out his notebook and started to scribble, whistling a simple tune.
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Post by Lady Christianna on Apr 9, 2015 5:22:53 GMT
Sandy wakened Lady not long after Atticus left, when the EGOs got the message that Belle may be alive. Lady wasn't sure she bought it, but threw on some clothes and dragged herself to the war room. Once there, she borrowed some headphones and a work station, playing Belle's message over and over again, frowning as she tried to figure what in the message bothered her.
Finally, she smiled her Mona Lisa smile and looked up with her bright pink eyes saying, "Fuck muppet not sock puppet. Belle knows that. But is Belle."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 9, 2015 5:32:04 GMT
"As long as I don't misinterprete that clever remark of Her Ladyship, I have to say, that Lady has a point. I have heard enough of Chloe's sweet talk and I know her word selection pretty well. A "Sock Puppet"? Nope, Chloe won't be that sweet at all. "Fuck Muppet" or "Sperm Junky" is more like her and Belle should know that best as a long time friend. And I would be careful about that puppet thing. Let's not rush into making conclusions without any proof here. I won't expect Mistress's empire to strike back too soon, so we probably deal with different kind of problem here. VBI internal affairs maybe?" said Volodja.
"I'd propose that all of us have to calm down and start to think rationally here. Nobody leaves the base, if I may suggest. It weakens us and it weakens the leaving ones. And If we stall a bit, then we might get another message from Belle. Besides - Giant has an excellent point. If they are fired from VBI, then they are unemployed and nobody told us that we can't hire them to our team. As long as we have sufficient funds to cover that expense."
Volodja sighed again. His hopes to deal with more abstract things were postponed and God knows, how long it's going to take before he is able to return to his work. But team's interests are above his own and he could use that couple of days, they win by stalling, for having more rest and fixing up something, he never should have been broke. Or at least make a present to someone so special.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 9, 2015 5:44:19 GMT
I glance at Lady. "Fine it's Belle, unless we prove otherwise. Sock puppet could mean several things though. Could be that a clone Belle, Mind controlled Belle or extremely exhausted Belle got it wrong. Or it could mean something else. I believe a sockpuppet is also hacker slang for an identity used for purposes of deception. But Chloe, Commander Taffer and Smythe would know better about that term than me. However if I am right then that brings another set of potential questions. Is a slightly controlled Belle, warning us that she is being controlled or is our Belle trying to warn us that Mac Guyver, Smythe or somebody else on the VBI payroll with connections to our base a spy. Doesn't matter. My orders stay until Commander Taffer comes in and clears up this mess. So all the VBI personel, here in the war room, may as well find a seat or let security escort you to quarters. Either way you are not leaving and the offer to let you stay is on the backburner until it is figured out."
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Apr 9, 2015 14:17:07 GMT
"I don't think we can hold these people hostage." Began Erika Widowmaker after reviewing the tape again at a work console, "We hope to keep this base with as few people knowing it's location as possible. Implicit in Belle's noon deadline was a threat that she would tell Law Keeper Cooper and the E-Rep authorities where we are if we don't let her people go. Furthermore, I believe that so far we are in good standing with these VBI employees, so much so that some of them will stay with us despite the many dangerous situations have occurred on base since they got here. If we hold them against their wishes, we create bad will, and less of a willingness to keep our secrets." Erika stood up, stretching her back backwards unconsciously thrusting her amble bosom forward making Broderick Smythes's eyes grow larger as he watched Erika while speaking to Atticus, "I promise to say nothing Mr. Batman sir about your location and activities here and I'm sure the others feel the same. Director Starr had us all sign nondisclosure agreements before we moved here, so you can take legal action against us if any of us do reveal your secrets. Most of us just want to go where its safe, and only stayed out of loyalty to Director Starr. The VBI installation is safer... and has a great health and dental plan." "We can always use their papers and equipment as bargaining chips, although if they are VBI's property and don't concern us, we should return that as well and make this a clean break," Concluded Erika, "However, it is Taffer's call, of course." "Should talk to Belle, private-like," Added Lady Christianna as her small stomach audibly rumbled since she hadn't had breakfast yet. Broderick Smythe eyes moved from Erika to Lady, a goofy smile crossing his pale face, "May I get you some breakfast Miss Christianna? An egg, cheese, and sausage croissant perhaps? With a cup of hot coffee maybe? The canteen is just down the hall."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 9, 2015 14:32:44 GMT
"Erika is actually right. Thank you for reminding us about freedom of choice," said Volodja after considering what Erika had said. "Can't keep people here against their will. Only them, who really want to stay. Our little world seems to be falling apart fast, so people need to leave. Least we can do, is guarantee them safe exit and provide them with transport, if Chief decides so. I ll wait for his call on that matter. And..." Volodjas glance fell to Atticus, who overheard Broderick's proposal. Atticus's eyes became truly...let's say that they reflected quite interesting variety of emotions, and blue glow around him became more intensive. And his fingers started to move suspiciously. "Poor Brody," Volodja thought. "If I don't do something, this will be his last meal before execution."
"Giant, hold yourself back from killing that...man. It will make us to look bad in eyes of public," was his EGO message to Atticus. Loudly he said: "Broderick Smythe! It's a real pleasure to meet you, although you don't know me ("And if I can't act efficiently enough, I never have a chance to introduce myself," was Volodja's thought) yet, but I believe that information, I am about to give you, might be really useful. Our respected Atticus Batman tends to be a bit overprotective about Her Ladyship, so I would suggest to discuss that important matter with him as well. By the way - I am Volodja Uljanov, Lady's tutor."
He warned Brody and tried to avoid his possible death or mutilation, or whatever Giant will decide to do with him, but if the guy ignores his friendly warning, then..."Requiescat in Pace," thought Volodja.
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Post by Taffer on Apr 9, 2015 18:48:37 GMT
The door opened and Taffer walked in, shining with a smile on his face.
"There's nothing like having a whole bunch of good news in the morning!" He exclaimed raising his hands as if he was catching raindrops with his palms. "We have our Belle alive! Well, guess she's not in her best mood, but hey who would be in better condition after being almost eaten alive by a shark-gator, eh? You all know our Belle. She'll have her R&R and she'll be fine in a couple of days. Next, I think I was a little hasty congratulating Chloe with her promotion, as it's Broderick who actually got it. Good job mate!"
Taffer walked up behind Broderick and patted him on the back, then tousled his hair a bit. The poor guy stiffened his neck expecting something bad to happen to him, but Taffer just stopped again in front of him all-smiles. "High-five?" They raised their hands and hit them together, Taffer still smiling contently and Broderick still suspiciously wondering what all that could mean.
"Well", Taffer continued, "Belle did a good job firing Chloe, Zork and Orion as we can hire them ourselves now. I guess I need to thank her for this gift personally someday. I've already talked with Zork and Orion, and I think they agreed to continue their work with us. They are talking to their subordinates now transferring my and Atticus's offer to them. So the more people decide to stay with us, the better. I really hope Chloe would agree to stay too."
He dropped on the seat and continued with his face suddenly became serious, "Now about those who don't. Atticus, I think Erika and Volodya are right in that regard. We can't hold them here against their will especially if they are at risk of being fired. So if anyone would like to move to the Overpass before the deadline, they are free to go. Of course after a quick check of our security team so that they didn't accidentally pick up something that is not theirs. You know, no one wants their career on the new place ruined from the get go by accusations of theft."
He sighed loudly, "The documents and equipment part if the most difficult part sadly. You know, I and Belle were absent just several days, but it was enough to get almost everything to end up in complete disarray. Of course, we'll do our best to have everything sorted out as soon as possible, but as Atticus pointed out it will likely take much more time than it might look at the first glance. Nevertheless, I assure you we'll send everything VBI-related to your new location as soon as it's counted, checked and ready for transporting."
Her smiled again broadly, "But now, as Broderick kindly suggested, we may have some breakfast and then we won't be holding back our friend Broderick and allow him to show his leadership capabilities in leading VBI employees who wouldn't want to stay here and bringing them to their new working places way ahead of time!"
He waved his hand, beckoning the team to the canteen. Meanwhile, all his team members who were at the base were informed of an incoming EGO transmission from Taffer and their EGO's displayed the for a couple seconds an image of Taffer walking away as if it was seen from Broderick's point of view. Then their EGOs informed them they still don't detect any surveillance devices on him.
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Apr 9, 2015 21:46:20 GMT
"Just call me Erika, Atticus, as titles are meaningless as long as the work gets done," Remarked Erika Widowmaker, then raised an eyebrow as Taffer went through his gleeful act, high five and all, then sent a message to his EGO through her EGO's psyche, Amber, saying, "When nobody but the team is present, I really do think we should contact Belle through an encrypted hailer and get to the bottom of what is really going on by simply asking her. Belle may very well have said what she said as a performance for the VBI personnel, much as you just did. Certainly the sock puppet reference hints at deception"
Broderick Smythe smiled goofily after the high five from Taffer still clueless that he might have angered Atticus or that Taffer might not be genuine in his congratulations, although his instincts made him somewhat suspicious of Taffer, but Broderick was used to ignoring his human instincts because he couldn't quantify them. Broderick Smythe was always more comfortable with numbers than people and like Lady, he was a socially awkward teenager, although two years her senior. That is probably why he saw Lady as a kindred soul, for he was just as socially invisible as her. Broderick Smythe was most comfortable alone with his computers, with most people ignoring him because of it, until Director Starr recognized his worth when she first formed her hacker squad.
Broderick said, "Thank you Mr. Taffer, sir. Let me assure you we did not pack anything that was not VBI, but I understand that Mr. Batman as security head here can't be careful. Let me also thank you for letting us go now, as I'd hate to be late on my first day in a management role at VBI." Smythe visibly puffed up his thin chest before saying, still with a goofy smile on his face, but looking at Lady as he said, "It has been a pleasure working with you all! Hope we can do so again, especially with you Miss Christianna."
"Hella Brody," replied Lady Christianna, her enigmatic smile firmly in place.
He and about three fourths of the VBI personnel, which was about the same ratio throughout the base of those who left to those who stayed, left the room to their transport in the garage. VBI was indeed perceived as a safer place for non-EGO endowed people to work, and in post-apocalyptic world, a work place that was safe was precious indeed.
"Strewth!" Chloe Mac Guyver exclaimed despite the exodus of most of her comrades, "I'm stoked to join you! VBI was always a bit iffy for my tastes! Atticus, you're cunning as a dunny rat for catching that sock puppet comment from Belle, and right as rain as to what it means among hackers, meaning third person deception or false online identity! I'm dumb as a box of rocks not to have caught it! I'll have a dingo's breakfast which no breakfast at all, and man the fort while you all go to the canteen."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 10, 2015 3:28:35 GMT
I listen to everyone, trying to control my anger. Before Broderick lives I address him with a little anger in my voice. "Let's get a few things straight. First, you address me as Captain Batman or Harbinger. Second, Lady Christianna is taken and Mr. Uljonov might be right. I may be very protective of Lady. So quit the juvenile flirting or you will get that busted lip."
Then with less anger but still a steern voice I say, "However, you are right that she needs food. So thank you for that suggestion and for being her friend. Keep it that way. Congratulations on your promotion. Lietenant Oenfer and a security team will be meet you at the security station near the main garage to do a final security check on all your personel and vehicles, when you are ready to leave. Then you will be free to go."
I then take Lady's hand to prove my point. After the nerd leaves, I nod to Erika. "Alright. Erika it is. I hope you are feeling better, given the circumstances. However, since it appears Ms. Mac Guyver will be staying, if you need to be elsewhere AFTER BREAKFAST, then she can fill in for you in the War Room as needed."
I look at Chloe. "Strewth? I'd say dak, but from what I understand that does not mean the same thing in Aussie as it does in Irathi. My EGO says that you Aussies call trousers, Daks. So perhaps, I would have said, Fair Dinkum. Anyway, Chloe it is nice to have you and all the others here. Welcome to our permanent staff in Back o’Bourke. However, that Smythe is a real Dag and I am glad to see he isn't staying." I see her raise an eye at me for using some Aussie terms. I just hope I used them correctly. "Yes I was cunning to catch that, but Lady deserves the real credit. If she didn't point out the inconsistency with the message, I wouldn't have caught it when I did and if I did catch it, it may have been too late to do anything about it. Now please get yourself settled in. By accepting our offer to stay on here, you have become an 'official' staff member. So if you or any of the others that chose to stay, need more permanent quarters, then please let Erika know. That is more an administrative issue, than it is security."
Then I look at Lady again and talk to her somewhat quietly. "Shall we go have some breakfast, my Snow Angel? Mr. Smythe is right. You need to eat. Then we contact Dr. Orion. If he stays, then we will set you up an appointment to see him. If he doesn't, then we hope he recommends a decent replacement, and that he is willing to see you, before he leaves. Although I do hope he stays."
I then look around again. "Taffer, we will be in the Mess. Lieutenant Oenfer is very thorough with his job. So he can handle the security checks." I then start to walk towards the door still holding hands with Lady. So we can go to the Mess for breakfast.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 10, 2015 4:20:02 GMT
Giant handled the situation smoothly. Damnatio ad Bestias (condemnation to beasts) was avoided successfully and nerd didn't end up as a meal for a lion after all. Volodja considered that breakfast idea. Reasonable and acceptable one, but...such a shame to cancel his contemplation. Wine was good, but you can't live in wine and ideas only. Body needs some nutrition too and then he has to wrap the present, he wanted to give to his special girl and then he has a chance to work some more in his new accommodations, he chose to be his next base, if his gift idea succeeds. "Some fast food and after that I will make a fast retreat," he thought. "Maybe I can work on my personal happiness issues a bit more, before reality smashes the front door, rushes in, stepping on peoples toes, and starts to bite everyone again."
He greeted Chloe in most friendly manner. "Hello, Chloe. I am glad that you decided to stay on board. We need your brains and skills and I would been missing your polite talking manner. Without it our base would be boring as a monastery. You add some life to this place. That makes you essential part of our lives and close friend to me."
On his way to the canteen he passed Broderick and said to him: "You got lucky there, because our Giant has made a great progress with human relations. As long as you know your limits and off limits, you will get along peacefully." He patted Brody's shoulder, gave him a friendly smile and hurried forward and entered the canteen. His pad gave him a signal of incoming mail, so he found suitable place away from the people and checked it in case it was something important. And actually it was, because reading the message made him widely grin. Everything turned out to be fair and square. But his favourite part was attached post card picturing tough looking crowd, wearing pink striped aprons, busy with domestic tasks. Volodja always had a soft spot for good oxymorons, so he grinned once more and was ready to order something to eat.
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Post by Lady Christianna on Apr 10, 2015 6:03:51 GMT
As Lady Christianna sat down next to Atticus in the canteen, waiting for her breakfast order to be fixed, she leaned into him as she watched the others file in and sit around Taffer at a large round table. Erika was the last to come in and sit down having giving last minute instructions to Chloe, and as the tall Irathiant Amazonian took her seat, Lady was struck by the comparative image of another round table. Taffer looked to her very much how she imagined King Arthur to look like sitting expectantly waiting for the rest of the Knights of the Round Table to settle down before telling them his plans. Atticus was, of course, Sir Lancelot, the bravest and strongest of the knights, and Lady guessed that made her Guinevere. She pictured Volodja as Sir Percival, the knight in the continual quest of the holy grail, and she hoped that like Percival, Volodja would find whatever he was looking for some day. Raizar might be Sir Lamorak, know for his strength and fiery temper. Lady thought that Erika was like Sir Bors, loyal and faithful and Belle would, if she were here, be like Sir Galahad, the greatest swordsman in the land. Vo was like Sir Tristan, being the best friend to Taffer as Tristan was to Arthur, and who was willing to give up everything for love as Vo was for the love of Belle. Lady was worried that if Belle was back, where was Vo, for he had gone in search of her after she had disappeared in the Gulf of Mexico One of the early assignments Volodja had given Lady as her tutor was to write a book report on Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur. At the time, she thought it stupid, and for a single enigmatic smile, had gotten Broderick Smythe to write it for her, which she had done with many of the English writing assignments Volodja had given her, as she hated English much preferring the elegance of mathematics. Surprising to her in this case, once she read Brody's report on the Knights of the Round Table, she was intrigued enough to read the book itself, and then even more surprising to her, enjoyed it. Lady sighed realizing that she wouldn't have Brody around to ghost write her assignments anymore, but was glad that Atticus had not killed or maimed him, as she liked him as any young girl might like a puppy dog. She squeezed Atticus arm once, looking up with her large pink eyes and whispering into his ear, "Thanks for not hurting Brody. Love you and only you."
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