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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 17, 2015 8:17:30 GMT
"Damn it! We didn't tell you about our extra visitor, because we had to work on saving Lady's personality and keep all our minds on that task without being disturbed. Tinkerbelle and I avoided another assassination attempt on Lady's life not very long ago, but I would be lying if I tell that we could manage to do that totally on our own. Lady owes her life to a wonderful EGO girl, called Moira, who came to warn us about a killer on a loose. Since I know the assassin, it was easy to change his mind about his contract - Marcel Lestrange might be cold and calculative killer, but he would never kill an unborn, I must say to his defence, so enlightening him about that matter caused Marcel to quit the job. At moment he enjoys our hospitality in a prison cell, because we could not afford to let him linger on our base.
I would consider hiring him, but he is self serving man and ready to back stab any of his employers as soon as contract is over and sometimes even before that, if he finds it useful or feels double crossed. It's in his nature, so I would prefer to see him serving others and back stabbing them, instead of serving us and changing sides in middle of a task. But I do suspect that he holds a grudge against his former employer, the same who hired Lena, so his personal revenge would be useful to us, if we manage to convince him to share everything he finds out with us. For a decent fee, of course, because he is man who thinks that assecuratus non quaerit lucrum sed agit ne in damno sit. Sorry for that vanity. I will translate - "the assured does not seek profit but makes [it his profit] that he not be in loss. He is a businessman after all, at least he thinks so about himself, and we can reason with him," explained Volodja to Atticus and continued:
"I will accept duties of your so called Chief of Staff, General Giant. Making battle plans and keeping everyone in a side of relative sanity and able to cooperating with others should make my mind busy enough, as long as I can have some rest afterwards. Always liked challenges and multitasking, so I will use that opportunity to make something useful. I guess that I will have to continue as a Teach, with some help from Sandy and Sophie. Sandy promised to help me before our unfortunate vacation, and she will keep her promise. And Sophie is prettier and better version of me anyway, so she would not mind helping in that area by giving some lectures about topics, she knows and she knows a lot. I can guarantee that."
Volodja finished his talking session with another sip from his coffee cup, but this time he could afford having some brandy too, because Atticus's reactions to another assassination attempt might be unpredictable and violent and that training program, he was talking about, might become true right now and right here in the canteen. Volodja had to be ready to save women and children and most valuable things, like his glass of brandy and coffee cup from possible natural disaster.
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Post by Belle Starr on May 17, 2015 10:13:39 GMT
Belle turned to Dinara with a serious look in her diamond blue eyes, and stated with all sincerity, "I would never consciously hurt or kill any of our family, unless they were endangering innocents and there was no other possible way to stop them! I expect the same as to the them and me as well! And I include you EGO persons and Atticus' various personalities including Sazri as part of our family! Heck, If there are a group of Grid willing to go vegetarian and quit eating people, I'll be glad to leave them in peace, but as long as they insist on preying on innocent ranchers and miners, then I'm voting to eliminate them from the equation! Shoot Dinara, you've known me long enough to know I'd rather talk than fight to settle a dispute, but these here Grid don't seem to want to give humanity that option!"
Belle then turned her pretty freckled face to the rest of the group, saying with the winning smile that won her many a debate in the VBI Boardroom, "May I make a suggestion to y'all as to an organizational hierarchy for our little base operation, which we really should come up with a name for soon! I suggest a triumvirate for leadership on base, with Atticus remaining as mission leader because you need one person in command in combat, and he has the most battleground experience of all of us I bet! Furthermore, he can make the hard calls when push comes to shove! For policy decisions, including what missions we should take, the leadership triumvirate should take over!
It worked well for ancient Rome, so why not for us? Three directors, each over their own management areas, but who vote on crossover and general policy issues, and who can alternate as base commander so no one person gets all the burden and gets isolated as I felt Taffer often was! Erika should remain the Director of Logistics, as she has both experience and a knack for the job. Chloe should remain your second in command as she is very good at it, and has a good rapport with all of the base personnel! No offense Erika, but y'all come off kind of cold to most folks! Atticus should go back to Director of Security! Kaj is a good man, but he works better as a second in command, and I know people on base will feel more secure with the Harbinger of Death guarding their backs! I know I will! Volodja, I think you would make an excellent Director of Human Relations, keeping the rest of us with out feet firmly planted on the ground and reminding us of our own humanity! That would mean you are also responsible for organizational development, including morale and education as well as personnel counseling, with Wolfram as your second in command. When the team is on mission, their seconds can act as the base triumvirate.
Finally, since VBI will once again be picking up the bill for our little operation here - Oh, I didn't tell you I negotiated that? Silly me, I negotiated that! - I will be liaison to VBI and basing The Division of VBI Security Analysis here, with Brody as my second! I can also act as a sort of head of public relations, being liaison to the authorities in the Bay Area, such as Ara Shondu and Law Keeper Cooper, and even Varus if I have to!"
Belle wrinkled up her pretty freckled nose at the mention of Varus' name, showing her distaste of the crime lord, before going on, "As to the base school, I suggest adding Brody and your protégé Atticus, to the mix of students, but that's all too much for one man to take on, even one as talented as Volodja! Here's my suggestion as to that: Volodja should remain as School Headmaster, and teach literature, language, and humanities! I've been trained in classical ballet, and in the appreciation of the arts, including music, so I can teach that! Sandy and our resident Sensoth wrestler could teach physical education! Now here is the part you are probably going to buck me on, but I think Alfred should teach science and mathematics! He's certainly learned enough to do it, and idle mind is the Devil's workshop! Y'all would be doing me a big favor if you help me keep him out of that workshop, believe me! So what y'all say to all that?"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 17, 2015 10:41:32 GMT
"Almost agree with you, Tinkerbelle, but almost. Roman most famous triumvirate consisted of Octavianus, Antonius and Lepidus and it ended up with civil war. We must avoid that happening here at any cost. I think we need a decisive voice here if things get way too hot and our different interests collide one moment, as I can predict already to happen. So we need ajn extra voice sometimes, so it should be yours, Tinkerbelle," said Volodja after taking some time to think about her propositions. "You have everything what is needed to be that voice - intelligence and strict moral principles and you have done excellent job in keeping the team together. I imagine you already rushing in with flaming sword in your hand to keep us away from each other's throats if we get carried away. Erika is great in dealing with things, but her public relations needs a bit honing indeed, so Chloe would be great buffer between her and rest of the folk. Giant is great security officer, because he has certain distrust to almost everyone around here. A necessary quality for Chief of Security to be fully functional. Besides - we all know his security risks and can handle them. Kaj would be perfect second man in that command line, because he follows the protocol. But I am not sure about that third part of the council. I can't praise myself, as I know my flaws, so I have every right to doubt about me applying that position. Hopefully Wolfram's experiences will balance my use of uncommon sense."
Volodja grinned and poured himself more coffee and brandy. He was not mind of sharing teaching task with everyone else, as long as they all knew their subject well, because raising a new generation is a great responsibility and if it's done by one guy then there will be a danger that everyone become copies or total opposites of him, depends how they react to his teaching. Students should be able to choose between their favourite topics and teachers and dedicate themselves to matters what interest them most and they have talent for. Maybe Broderick turns out to be great fighter under Sensoth's guidance, because he will not be going near to Sandy, that's for sure. If any guy has to wrestle with her, then it should be exclusively Volodja who's hand to hand skills were good enough, but in case he needed to keep himself in shape, then he should practice with her. Besides - he could teach her a thing or two from Russian school of hand to hand combat, so his instructor's efforts won't go to waste.
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 17, 2015 11:57:19 GMT
After belle said, "Shoot Dinara, you've known me long enough to know I'd rather talk than fight to settle a dispute, but these here Grid don't seem to want to give humanity that option!" Dinara giggled and said, "They will give humanity a choice! Ketchup, mustard, or soup!"
I look at Dinara. "Cute little sis. Very cute. However it doesn't look like everyone else here, likes your joke very much. It does sound like Kakusi and Kabule did though, from all the laughter in my head. Now be quiet for once and listen." Dinara frowns at being told to be quiet but nods and stays quiet, so I won't send her to her "room". However she does hug Belle and whisper to her while doing so, hoping I will not be mad at her, since she is no longer being loud. Dinara whispers, "I love singin Belle. But think you can help me talk Amber into wearing Ballerina tights? She moves kind of like Atty and her mother! A jungle cat. But a lot more slinky than Atty! I think she would be a great ballerina and look great doin it!....That is, if Erika let's Amber have a life and join us. Erika seemed soo mad at her, last time I was with Amber!" Dinara then looks around to make sure only Belle heard her. Then Dinara returns to her seat and remains quiet for the time being.
I glare at Dinara. "You done so we can continue?" Dinara nods so we continue.
After I listen to Volo, I speak. "Alright Belle, I can't say I like the idea of VBI payrolling and therefor having influence here again. I think we were better off during the last week or so, being privately funded by an impartial and silent group of benefactors. However I suppose the generous benefactors that we had, with me in charge would appreciate it. Even though it barely put a noticable dent in their pockets. But what happens the next time VBI pulls their people away? We can not afford to keep having those disturbances. It is hard on everybody and especially those who are displaced and unemployeed because of it.
I am fine with your triumvirate. The fool may be a softy and unsure of himself but he would be perfect for what you mentioned. He is smart and well like, and probably the nicestt of us three. We all are probably well suited for the mentioned jobs for that matter. Erika does come off cold and by the book. As we all know, I am quite violent and can be quick to act. So the three different personalites are a good combination. However Volodja may have a point as well. We may occasionally need an impartial arbitrator. Who better than you for that?
As for security, I say let Kaj keep his title as Chief of Security and his current pay grade. He is doing pretty much the same things he did as my second. Afterall I am guessing either you or Erika interogated Marr, and Volodja probably handled his associate. And while I was in Command I kept occasional watch of security cams and still kept my helm's comm channels set to security. As my foolish softy of a friend pointed out, I can be very distrustful. Even of my people. Truthfully though I misread some signals and was starting to suspect Kaj was the mole. Guess he was just an unwitting leak. As for the prisoners, I never made any such deals with them as Commander or Director of Security, so I am fine with letting them rot longer. However did anybody show them a picture Of Micor Nelo to see if they recognized or knew him?
I also still say we need a black ops team or training program or better yet both, although I don't have many personell that would be able to handle black ops. Besides we need some new medical equipment and I heard from a contact, today at the Fork, that a certain crime-hobbit is smuggling a big shipment through San fransisco in a few days, heading towards some illegal research facility in the Storm Divide. Sounds like just the equipment we need. As for Alfred, I can help with that problem." My predatory grin appears on my face, as I tap my fingers together and cause a spark to leap from one hand to the other. "Hmm I can see you aren't open to that suggestion yet. Very well, I will leave him alone. However I am not sure about him teaching, considering most of the students aren't human and if I remember right he has a disdain for all nonhumans, kids included. If you are certain they are safe with him then fine, but I still don't like it or him."
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Post by Belle Starr on May 17, 2015 14:01:49 GMT
Belle smiled warmly at Dinara when she was finished, giving her a wink to reassure her that everything was copacetic between them. However, when Atticus mentioned the possibility of them sponsoring Black Ops, she crossed her thin muscular arms tightly across her ample breast, crossing her shapely legs as her rose petal lips formed a pretty pout, her blue diamond eyes narrowing and her pale forehead wrinkling in disdain at the idea.
Belle said emphatically, "I want no part of us sponsoring Black Ops, and none of you should either! No good has ever come out of Black Ops in the long run! VBI started down the slippery slope from being ethical to being totally unethical with Black Ops, and it's a hard climb back to the good reputation they once had before the Pale Wars! Atticus, both your and my dark sides were created because of Black Ops! Erika's recent family troubles were due to Black Ops! Bocar had to grab Lady and flee halfway across a continent due to Black Ops! I bet Volodja has his sad tales of Black Ops too, but would rather forget it! My Vo... he would be alive today if the Mistress of Judgment wasn't using black ops against me!"
Belle wiped a tear out of her right eye with the back of her hand, then continued, "What you may or may not know is that our little secret operation is starting to get a reputation in the Bay Area as one of doing good! Ara and Copper both know about us, as does E-Rep, and they like us, they really like us, for the good we do! Go to The Crater and listen to the miners and ranchers, and you'll hear our names mentioned, not in fear, but in respect! Even you Atticus, ever since you got your pardon from Ara, are more and more respected in the eyes of the community! We don't need to slide downhill both ethically and in the public eye just to do Black Ops! I've found that there is nothing a Black Ops mission can accomplish that you can't do by a regular mission legally and ethically, although it takes more work and time! The few times this team engaged in Black Ops, it almost tore apart the team and good people died! So no Black Ops, I beg of you!"
Having made her point, Belle smiled looking again like the pleasant mix of a model and the girl-next door, an appearance that belied her concern about such worldly things, as she said thoughtfully, "As to Alfred, I don't like him either but I do love him as my father! I'll keep an eye on him! Every family needs its black sheep, and I guess he is ours!" Then Belle looked towards the kitchen with wide blue eyes, adding absentmindedly, "Gosh, I wonder where Ralph is with that food? I'm always starved after having sex!"
A deep red blush spread up Belle's swan-like neck and into her freckled cheeks as she chose not to elaborate on her blurted comment.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 17, 2015 14:17:55 GMT
Volodja decided to ignore that last remark, he heard, because it was none of his business, but he had something to say about Black Ops: "I could see them as a necessary evil, you can't avoid sometimes, but that doesn't mean that I support them. Tinkerbelle was right, when she assumed that I could tell couple of stories about those things. They always leave more mess behind than bringing use, that can I say for sure. And I won't burden my consciousness with organizing or participating them. If I have to kill and deceive, then I prefer to do it for a good cause and keep my body count as low as possible and killing someone intentionally, without a need to defend myself or others, is not my kind of thing. I am not going to even apologize for that. But if we are talking playing couple of nasty tricks to some really bad guys, then you can count on me, as long as we won't go too far into darkness. My hands might having bloodstains on them, but my conscious is clean, because that blood is not belonging to innocents. We are here to rise hope, not hopelessness as Belle already said. Black Ops are bad for our reputation.
One more thing. By my humble opinion we should be more self sufficient in financial matters. Couple of well paid rescue missions or large scale pastry and booze business, even dance courses if needed, but not Black Ops. We have couple of perfect candidates at our disposal, I will admit it - two timing, backstabbing and really untrustworthy Lena and Marcel. Charming couple and I would not be very amazed if they become one some moment, but I would let them out as soon as possible, because at least Marcel can't help us to identify his employer even if he wants to - Moira told me that guy was hooded all the time, so nobody could see his face. And we can't send Marcel back to them as our agent. Not only because of his deceitful nature, but that would mean faking Lady's death, but in our present security situation we can't make it look very believable. I am afraid that won't help even if we manage to do it successfully, because Marcel and/or Lena will end their business relationship with that hooded Castithan one way or another. But we can let Marcel loose on his former employers and buy information from him. He probably agrees with that, because he will get his revenge and earns some extra money. Business mixed with pleasure should be good bait in his case. Besides -Belle and I gave our word of honour to Lena and I promised to let Marcel out and we both prefer to keep our word."
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on May 17, 2015 14:46:47 GMT
Erika Widowmaker excused herself from the table, as it was time for her to take her shift in the War Room. As she left the canteen and made her way to her post, she conversed with her EGO psyche through the telepathic link they shared. "Is what Dinara said true Amber?" Asked Erika. "Yes Mother," Answered Amber. "And you are happy with this relationship?" Asked Erika. "Yes Mother," Answered Amber. "But you WILL keep in communication with me and come when I call?" Asked Erika. "Yes Mother," Answered Amber. "Then go visit your... girlfriend," Said Erika. Amber appeared where her "mother" had been sitting next Dinara in the canteen, hugging her tightly and whispering, "I love you" into her ear. At the same time, Erika entered the War Room, greeting Chloe Mac Guyver and relieving her at the command console. As always whenever Erika took Chloe's place at the command post, the voluptuous redheaded woman grinned at her, winked one long lashed green eye and joked suggestively, "Ooooh, thanks mate for the relief! It's been so long! Speaking of relief, if you ever want to get your rat out for a good carpet munching, I'm your girl! Right now, I could eat the arse end out of a low flying duck. Hoo roo!" Erika watched the good looking woman walk seductively out of the War Room, not know exactly what the Australian had said but sure as to the intent. Erika had promised that she would never cheat on her dead husband with another man, but with another woman? She sometimes wondered if that would break her sworn oath of honor, or was she just rationalizing a reason to satisfy her growing sexual longings. As always, she quickly dismissed the thought, throwing herself into routine and duty.  |
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Post by Lady Christianna on May 17, 2015 15:07:14 GMT
Lady Christianna had been frowning since she heard school was going to be more formal, which meant more routine, more organized, more grades, and more boring!
"Been there, done that, hated it!" thought Lady, then she had a sudden thought that brought the enigmatic smile back to her face, "I'm pregnant! I don't have to go to regular classes!"
Sandy, still tired from willing herself solid outside the base but getting stronger by the minute thanks to Sophie relaying her energy, "I don't think that's how it's going to work."
Lady ignored Sandy's statement, preferring to believe what she wanted to, and happy with her belief.
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Post by Belle Starr on May 17, 2015 15:17:39 GMT
Belle's tone got defensive as to what she felt was an attack by Atticus and Volodja on her trade agreement with VBI, "VBI is only getting the services I provided them when I was the Director of VBI's Division of Security Analysis, with a secure place to house that operation. That agreement was perfectly stable until the Mistress of Judgment got her claws into me, and that leverage... no longer exists! VBI will have no claim to the team or base services, unless we want to do an additional contract with them, and that's a Triumvirate decision not mine! I would have thought y'all would be happy that we don't have to worry about finances again!"
Belle's wide blue eyes started to tear up again, partially out of frustration of not feeling appreciated for what she had done for the team, and partially in remembrance that the leverage that the Mistress of Judgment had on her was the life of her lover, Vo Kshaa, who was dead because of it.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 17, 2015 15:23:05 GMT
"Dear, Tinkerbelle," said Volodja soothingly, seeing tears in her diamond blue eyes. "We could offer our services to them as business partners and get paid for that. Nothing is wrong with that, but I would prefer us to maintain our independence about our decisions. VBI is weak at moment and I am not sure, who may pull their strings, so we better keep a bit distance from them. Not mind working for them as a sub contractors as long as we have reasonable terms and reasonable assignments. We all appreciate what you have done for us, don't you forget that." This time Volodja was the one who offered her his handkerchief (last time they shared one was back at Freedom, when she wiped his tears with hers). Volodja's handkerchief was clean and even had couple of perfume drops on it, so he was not ashamed offering it to Belle.
As a next thing he moved his brandy glass in front of her and whispered: "Drink it. It will good for your nerves. A drop in a day can keep tears away. Just don't get too much into that stuff. But reasonable amount will help you to calm your nerves. And count the numbers too, dear girl. And don't forget to use aromas and good relaxing music tonight. Guess my counselling job is a work around the clock job indeed. Don't worry. I won't charge you for that consultation." He smiled encouragingly to Belle and hoped that she understands that they didn't meant anything bad with their remarks about VBI.
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Post by Belle Starr on May 17, 2015 15:43:25 GMT
Belle took Volodj's handkerchief gladly, gently dabbing her eyes, then looked at it, noticing the initials embroidered on it and the sweet smell of it, so like one she had received when she was a child living and dancing on the streets of N'Awlins from a kind soldier who had just played good Samaritan when she was in need. The synapses in her brain began to connect various clues, focusing on a similar handkerchief she kept in a book in her little blue trailer behind The Crater. Belle turned her big blue eyes to Volodja, no longer filled with tears but instead with wonderment, as she asked holding up his handkerchief in one delicate pale hand, "Volo, were you ever in N'awlins before our team visit? Were you ever a soldier there? Did you ever help a small blond girl who loved to dance on the streets there for scrip, and did you give her a similar handkerchief? If so, then it is Destiny that you and Atticus are part of my life, for it's way beyond coincidence! You both saved me when I was young, and that means we are destined to do great things as a team, and we don't want to waste it! I'm sure our fates are intertwined to turn this old mud ball around and make it a better place! I'm certain of it" With that said, tears again emerged from Belle's blue diamond eyes, but they were tears of happiness as she hugged tightly both Volodja and her dream to make the post-apocalyptic world a better one!  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 17, 2015 15:55:54 GMT
Instead of answering, Volodja kissed Belle on her forehead like he was kissing that little blond girl, who loved to dance in streets of N'Awlins about fourteen years ago, and remained in her embrace as long as she wanted, because it did good for both of them. Hugs help people to survive hard moments, like Belle just had, so Volodja was happy with success of his little rescue mission at dinner table, saving Belle from herself this time. This hug was his consultation fee and best one he could get for his effort.  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 17, 2015 22:27:33 GMT
I look around the table. Erika left for the War Room. Amber has appeared and is hugging Dinara. They whipser, "I love you." Then I see Dinara kiss Amber passionately. So I turn my gaze to Volo and Belle who are both quiet, and pressumably awaiting my responses. Volodja is hugging Belle and comforting her. I then look at Lady and smile, then pull her into a loving hug.
Then I respond. "Look we aren't attacking VBI. Just saying that by having them fund everything and having control of all the hackers here, they have control of our Base. It is best for us to retain control. I am fine with VBI paying us a "Rental fee" to house their employees and give them "office space". However they do need to know that we call the shots here no matter what, NOT THEM. We are an Independent private organization and can not rely completely on them. If we do, then we open ourselves up to more hatred from the "Official" VC as well as E-rep. However if we are just offering VBI a service, as I just mentioned and Volodja suggested, then we have to consider any inquiries from those other Organizations, if they also require our services. If we do so, then it's only a matter of time before the Tarr Family and Varus want to "hire" us for something. I am fine with the old saying, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."
That aside, Black ops. Fine if nobody wants a team that can and handle the hard things, that everyone else can't, we will just stick to the current way of handling it, which would be for me to do so myself. Without telling anybody and leave all of you in the dark so you aren't involved or concerned. I am still going to "obtain" that medical equipment either way. I just thought it would be easier if I had atleast one or two people I trust helping me. However I am no longer in Command, so I no longer call the shots. So I will drop it for now.
As for us. Yes it appears Volodja and I both had a hand in saving you at some point. I assume our softy's motives were strictly just him being a good guy in the right place at the right time to help. I don't know, I wasn't there. My location would depend on the time of year and just what year it was, however I do not know how long ago you are talking. As for me saving you, I can not claim it was completely selfless.
Yes, I helped several in the Freedom Crash. However you were the only one who showed me kindness. A young human woman offering friendship and kindness to a miserable old and secretive Alien, just because he looked like he could use a friend. So when you needed help, rather than just throw you to a random person and hope they would help, I did something that could have screwed me over. The only person I helped out of kindness, something I wtill wasn't sure I had. I personally handed you over to the one man on board that could identify me instantly and by the name of a Dark matter assassin, Josh Nolan. So for me, saving that little Blue Eyed and nosey girl was personal. I was saving the one person who wanted to be my friend just because, no strings attatched and nothing in common. I even did it knowing it could cost me EVERYTHING, if Nolan recognized me and acted on it in some way. Fortunately, even though I saw the recognition in his face and it was later confirmed in his own way, he not only saved you but also chose not to call me out or report my true identity to anybody. As far as I can tell, he still hasn't.
I suppose we are done with business for now? Well we all know Belle is starving and needs more food. Atleast I know where that memory machine may have ended up. Enjoy. Now, yes let's get more food. Speaking of which, Volo I hope you got Ralph some recipes to put the "special" ingredients that are now on the regular food order to good use. I may even try a little of that French food just for the experience. Of course I have to wait on trying Escargot, since I played, "Snail catch" with a certain Volge in my last visit to the Mess. It is nice to see that Ralph had the hole turned into an exit door from the kitchen. Guess two doors is more efficient, and also means Belle's Volge even helped out in it's own way. It ultimatley saved maintanance some work and looks like it helped Ralph convince maintenance that the Kitchen needed a remodel to his standards.
Actually I do have some other things that should bediscussed. Although a couple are mainly just a decision for Lady and myself. As a group, Bell is right. We should name our Organization or atleast our base. Snow Angel, you and I need to come up with names for the twins. I have already had to go and have a private chat with our son. So I would prefer that I be able to call both kids by name, so I do not have to always call them 'little Ones', and I am guessing that they would both love to have names given to them by their parents. I kow I sometimes wish I knew my real name........" I brush of that final statement and gesture to Ralph, who brings me a bottle of Rum and talks to us about his remodel and why our food isn't ready yet.
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Post by Belle Starr on May 17, 2015 23:51:46 GMT
Belle's big blue eyes got bigger and her pale jaw dropped when Atticus admitted to doing black ops on his lonesome and just not telling the team about it. One thing she thought the team had was honesty, but suddenly there were all these secrets coming to light like cockroaches. Belle was so certain Atticus had changed his criminal ways when she negotiated with Ara to get him a pardon for helping to stop the Volge's recent incursion into the Bay Area, but it appeared she was wrong. She was sure he had settled down to a life of peace and helping innocents when he had Lady and now the twins to consider, but that seemed to be untrue as well. He had even mentioned the possibility of the team working for Varus or the Tarr Family, both know criminal elements, and that was abhorrent to her.
Belle stood up, a worried look on her pretty freckled face, as she said, "Um... Atticus... I hope you don't lose your pardon over stealing medical equipment we can get for free with the VBI resources I got for us! Uh... please excuse me... I got... stuff... to do in my room!"
Belle blurred out of the Canteen, hoping no one noticed the tears that began to flow out of her blue diamond eyes like a waterfall, as she thought to herself, "Stupid, stupid, stupid! Belle, you are so stupidly naïve, or is it naively stupid! You read his file before Ara sent you to arrest him! Atticus himself told you his history as an assassin, and he hosts a Grid varmint to boot! You should have known he never left the dark side and never will! A hell bug doesn't change it's color! He calls Volo the fool, but you're the real fool around here!"
As she got to the door of her quarters, she entered and locked the door, then flopped into her four posted bed as she cried, thinking, "But I love Atticus like a brother! If he's evil, and I'm sworn to destroy evil, what the heck do I do!?!?!"
"You should kill him! You should kill all the Votans before they destroy humanity! It is in their nature! Their destruction is your true destiny!" Replied Alfred, her EGO psyche.
"Oh, shut your pie hole Alfred! If I'm sure of anything, it's that is not the answer! Everything was so much easier to understand when Vo was alive and Taffer was here!" Belle realized with a start, "I'm the only one left of the original team! Two of them are dead, and two of them wandered off, leaving me alone with... who? Do I really know these people? I thinks they are my friends, but are they? Maybe they are the team for the future, and I have no manifest destiny! I'm just a dinosaur and a barrier to the team this world really needs - one that operates in the gray zone, where there is no distinction between good and evil!?!?"
Belle rolled over on her bed, staring at the ceiling while drying her tears with the handkerchief Volo had handed her and which she had forgotten to give back. She stared at it, turning it every which way, examining it with all her enhanced senses. She felt its soft texture, saw the fine weave of the material, smelled the flowery perfume on it, and even heard the faint crackle when she balled it up in her pale fist. She lost herself in her senses, thinking things were so much simpler, so much happier, when she had her soul mate with her. As she had that thought, she spotted the dream machine on her nightstand, and quickly donned it, losing herself and her troubled thoughts in past memories of good times.
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Post by Lady Christianna on May 17, 2015 23:56:52 GMT
As Belle blurred out of the canteen, Lady Christianna suddenly said, "Dick and Jane!" "What!?!?" asked Amber, a confused look on her pretty face. "Twins' names," replied Lady, remembering the names of the main characters in the first book she ever read. As everyone remaining at the table stared at her, she added, "Just a suggestion..."  |
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