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Post by Belle Starr on Apr 15, 2015 11:08:13 GMT
Inside the crate is a cherry red Challenger convertible, complete with shields and solar panes; the same one the girls had taken on their ill fated road trip and very much like the Sandy's first car. The security scans prove that there were no surveillance devices or booby traps, or any thing untoward about it. Tapped to the steering wheel was an old Pre-Pale Wars birthday card.  In the card was a message in Belle's handwriting, that read, "H. Birthday! Everyone's Wishes Are Rewards Enough! - B." Then it appered to be followed by a quote in print, "All Lasting Friendships Remain Eternal - Damocles" The security guard at the front doot then reported by his encrypted hailer to Atticus and Kaj, "We got more visitors! There's a skinny geek with glasses and about a half dozen more nerds in VBI uniforms packed in a black van that just arrived. They look pretty rattled and frightened, and the geek says you know him. Says his name is Broderick Smythe. He keeps mentioning sanctuary and explosion and monster, but I can't make head or tails about it otherwise!" |
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Apr 15, 2015 11:45:18 GMT
Erika Widowmaker was at her work station in the War Room at the team base and was confused by Tsffer's encrypted message she found there when she got on duty moments ago. When she played the vid pod, the image of Taffer with the War Room in the background was seen, and he said with a serious look on his face, "I have to leave and I don't know when and if I'll be back! Some old debts that have to be paid have suddenly come due, and lives are at stake. It has nothing to do with the current team crisis, which the team will have to take care of without me. Unfortunately, you can't help me with this anymore than I can help you with that, for I have to take care of this personal matter by myself. Don't look for me, you won't find me. It's been an honor to work with you all. Taffer out."
Erika knew she was being selfish, but didn't care, as she thought, "What about your promise to me!?!?! You were going to help me with my children!?!? I knew you had plan, but I have no idea what it was!?!?! What do I do now!?!?!?!"
With her personal concerns put aside for now, Erika became professional again and contacted the rest of the team, playing Taffer's message for them.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 15, 2015 12:21:05 GMT
Volodja examined birthday card, Lady was showing to him, when she came to brag about her new car Belle sent to her as a birthday present. Somehow that card was more interesting in his eyes, than a brand new set of wheels. It came from Belle and he knew her enough, to assume that Belle will try to help them in any way she can.
"Let's see," he muttered looking at card carefully and suddenly smile lightened his face, when he understood the message. "Lady. Mind if I start a little bit further? You wanted to learn something from me, if I remember correctly. Today we talk about simple encoding methods and poetic figures. Do you know the word "acronym"? Probably not, because you are interested more about sciences. I'll have to explain it - an acronym is a word formed from the first letter or first few letters of each word in a phrase. Like word "laser", for example. It's an abbreviation of definition "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation". We put first letters together and get "laser." And you can even create poems, called acrostic's, like this one:
Seeing sight of you
And knowing
Never ending
Dream is growing
Yet to come true
Belle is interested in such things and she can't use more sophisticated methods to send us messages. Our enemies are hardly interested in birthdays (except one certain birthday in future) and poetics, so she could pull this off. A very risky method, actually and can be used only if she can send us mail.
As you can see, first letters in her birthday wish are big ones. That arises attention right away. It was really clever of her to add her handwritten text to printed one. Probably the latter inspired her and she composed whole message to us by adding few words by her own. And when we put those letters together, excluding few of them, we can read the words:"BEWARE ALFRED". In this case the medium - that birthday card - is the message, like late Marshall MacLuhan would say, forgive me my lose interpretation of his words. Congenial, Belle! Now we have to find out, who that Alfie is. Can't help you with that, because it probably leads back to times, before I came around. Better tell the Chief...Damn it!"
What else he could do than curse, hearing Erika's message that Taffer had left the team for some personal business? That meant they will be missing one sharp mind and a steady weapon arm and now they had to rearrange everything in the middle of the crisis.
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Post by Lady Christianna on Apr 15, 2015 15:11:59 GMT
As Lady Christianna sat behind the steering wheel of her new car, feeling the POW leather of the seats and checking the glove box, she heard what Volodja said, and replied nonchalantly, "Alfred is Belle's mad scientist daddy," then seeing the confusion in her teacher's face, "Belle's first EGO Psyche."
Then Sandy added incredulously EGO to EGO, "Yeah, MOM showed me where they had him in a comfortable cell in her little white cottage when I visited there once. Volodja, you think the Mistress of Judgment let him out? From what I heard, he once almost killed the whole team back in the day with his machinations, and Taffer was going to execute him until Belle stopped him. If he is back in control of Belle's EGO... well Hell, that's NOT good news!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 15, 2015 15:33:54 GMT
Volodja rubbed his eyes. "You can't choose parents....and if it's true, then we have to deal with one fanatical Mistress and one Alfred the Nutcase. What a nice couple they are...Sorry about that Lady, won't mention Mistress any more at moment and concentrate on Alfie. Turning your own daughter into uncontrollable Volge is really weird way to express fatherly love. Of course I understand Belle's feelings when she stopped Chief from killing Alfie, but now...If Belle can't take care of him by herself, then it's either we go in, which I don't recommend, because some of us cant enter into one's mind, with few exceptions and I don't want to put you and rest of EGO girls into danger or we can lure Alfie out in controlled environment. You know, what I mean Sandy (Volodja's ears started to glow a bit and he felt really shy). Or - but that means putting Belle into danger - we could try to turn that lovely duo against each other. But that will be unethical. Especially to Belle...and Lady too, I assume. Anyway, I would like to know more about Alfie's machinations, if possible. Ways that someone uses, tell often about personality. And hearing about his machinations might give us enough knowledge about dangers we may encounter. I think, that we must get some proof that Alfie is in charge. Another lovely problem to add into our long problem list. But if it's true then I must admire Mistresses mind - she offered truce and promised not to harm us, but she can still cause us damage, thanks to Alfie and get away with it, because she doesn't attack us directly. In that case Lady and Giant should be safe, but rest of us not. But...but maybe even Mistress doesn't know about Alfie and his schemes? That is also possible and in that case nobody can be feel safe here and we may gain very untrustworthy ally, because mistress would do anything to save Lady and the child. Sorry girls - I came out with bunch of new questions instead of answers. Guess we have to wait next live chat opportunity with Belle, to get some answers, because according to that birthday card, our Belle has some of her own will left. I even might get some ideas how to check that..."
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Post by Lady Christianna on Apr 15, 2015 17:04:06 GMT
"Something else," Said Sandy, "The print in the inside is newer than that outside, as if added much more recently, like by a laser printer maybe..."
"Quotes false. NARP. Damocles isn't a real person.," Remarked Lady Christianna, who then added defensively as both Sandy, who now appeared as a hologram, and Volodja looked at her with their mouths agape, "Hey, I read... sometimes."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 15, 2015 17:22:16 GMT
"Thank you, Lady. I could ignore that remark about physical shape, but it's a good use of an acronym," replied Volodja. "According to the ancient story, the sword of Damocles is used to epitomize the imminent and ever-present peril faced by those in positions of power, as long as I remember it correctly. And it is used to denote the sense of foreboding engendered by a precarious situation, especially one in which the onset of tragedy is restrained only by a delicate trigger or chance...Must think about that...Seems to be a warning...Power comes with danger and responsibility...But Damocles was not a king actually, but a court sycophant, who wanted to try how power feels like...And someone said once, that Mistress is big softie if it's about family...Such a disrespect...Maybe someone really wants to be a fanatic of the year?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 15, 2015 22:00:17 GMT
I lift my helm and kiss Lady. "Sorry I had to open your present from Belle a day early and before you and Volo got here. Glad you like it though, and hope you understand why I did."
Lady smiles and says, "DUH! Ride later?"
I smile back and say, "Yes I will go for a ride with you later, and perhaps your turn to read to me, if not I will read to you again because I loved when we just cuddled a week or two ago. First, it appears I must go to the main gate and see your friend Smythe. Erika will notify me if she needs help in the war room."
I kiss Lady tenderly again and whisper "Love you both completly!", and give her cute tummy a gentle pat, before adjusting my helm.
Then I say, "Volodja, we all know about acronyms. EGO is an acronym for Environmetal Guardian Online for that matter, and all our EGO's have proven to be GREAT guardians. I don't think we could find a better guardian for Lady, than Sandy. And you are still alive so obviously Sophie is a great guardian. Dinara is my fourth and only been active since winter solstice, but is doing a wonderful job so far, herself. Anyway, I will leave this current encryption to you. Lieutenant Oenfer and 4 guards will stay here with you, and help as needed."
Just then I hear over security channels that they found Private Yolinsky. "Volodja, security found Private Yolinsky. He locked himself in his quarters and won't come out. I know it isn't your job, but you are the closest thing we have to a crisis negotiator. So could you please go talk to him when done here? Remember he is Indogene and naturally very fidgitty. One more thing before I go. From what I understand, Alfred is very dangerous and cunning, so we must be careful if he is back online."
I walk away quickly, not waiting for answers. Duty calls. As I do, I contact Erika. "Erika, I am heading to the main gate to see what Mr. Smythe and his men need. Volodja, Lady, and Leiutenant Oenfer are handling other security issues. And I hope you don't object but Officer Lena Marr is who I stationed to watch Medical. You and Chloe have the War Room. Lieutenant Robet is doing system checks all over base to make sure all our systems are working efficiently. I don't know what Taffer had in mind and can't worry about his departure just this second, but I do know he has all 3 holo-rooms reserved for the next few days for you and your children. We can make them one room as needed. I believe he was hoping past memories recreated in the holo-room would help them. It is worth a shot. Alright, I am near the main gate so must handle Smythe. But we will talk later. If you need me just contact me."
I end the call as I get to the gate. I have Security open the gate and let Smythe and his team drive in. I have them park just inside our compound for now. If I decide to let them stay, then I will let them drive into a garage.
"Alright Smythe, you were allowed in because Lady considers you a friend and I am curious why you are back already. Obviously judging from your panick attack and the fear in your eyes, something big happened." I think for a second then order my guards to take the vehicles into the security garage.
"Alright Smythe. I can be reasonable. So lets do this. You and your men come in and join me in the Mess. I will have Miss Widowmaker get them guest quarters so they can freshen up if needed. Then you and I will sit in the Mess, and you can tell me what's wrong."
I contact the War Room and tell them Smythe's men need guest quarters for now. Then I walk with Smythe and his men to the Mess. I ask Ralph, the Cook, to get them whatever they need. Then I guide Broderick Smythe to a table in the corner, so it's just the two of us at the table. And I can sit with my back to the wall and be able to watch the whole room and the entrance.
I pour myself some Rum as a member of the Kitchen staff brings Smythe what he wants to drink. I offer him some Rum as I say, "Alright young man. Please tell me what is wrong, that you came back here for sanctuary, and why I should trust you and your men." |
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Post by Belle Starr on Apr 16, 2015 0:53:54 GMT
Broderick Smythe emptied a shot glass of Irathiant rum before coughing and choking on it, then pushed his black rimmed glasses up his beak like nose with a pale forefinger before saying, "Good stuff! Real drink for real men!" Brody coughed again as Atticus just stared at him, waiting for him to answer his questions. Brody cleared his throat, then began to tell his story. "I was doing routine diagnostics in my cubicle at the VBI Division of Security Analysis, and it is not far from Director Starr's office. I heard Director Starr yell, 'You killed him!' then heard her scream, and it was bloodcurdling, but it didn't sound like in pain but in rage. Suddenly, I see the new Assistant Director, the Castithan, Micor Newlo I think his name is, running by me like the devil was after him. He kept saying, 'We didn't do it' as he ran by, then a... creature burst out of Director Starr's office. It was like a giant ape, only covered with blue crystals and spikes - like I've heard Volge War Masters being described, only smaller. Anyway, it roars, running after Newlo, then an explosion comes out of Starr's office. I tried to go in but fire was coming out of there, and it was incredibly hot, so I hit the fire alarm to evacuate the building, but then a series of explosions start to cascade through the installation. I gathered as many of the hacker team as I could and we grabbed a company Durango, seeing a giant fireball consume the VBI installation in our rear view mirror as we left. None of us knew where to go, so we came here, since some of us had criminal pasts before Director Starr recruited us, so we have more than a little distrust of Law Keepers." Brody poured another glass of the rum, this time sipping it, as he looked at Atticus nervously, saying regretfully, "I know Director Starr was a friend of yours. I'm sorry I wasn't able to save her. She was always very... nice to me." He drained the glass again, this time neither coughing or choking.  |
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Apr 16, 2015 1:26:20 GMT
At around the same time, Erika Widowmaker got a vid pod call in the War Room from Micor Newlo, which she relayed to all her team mates' EGOs. He looked disheveled and distraught, his once impeccable red Casti suit dirty and torn, saying in gasps, "Someone is playing us against each other, the Inquisitors did not kill Kshaa, or release your children to run rampage. Ask yourself, how could either benefit the Mistress? There's a third party at work here!"
Suddenly, off screen, an unearthly roar is heard as Newlo's sky blue eyes grow wide in fear and he drops the vid phone. When it falls to the ground, its camera focuses on a sign which reads "Fisherman's Wharf."
As soon as Lady Christianna sees the transmission, she turns to the nearest guard, holding out her small alabaster hand and asks as she enigmatically smiles, "Gun, please."
"Um, do you think this wise?" Asks Sandy, her EGO's psyche, through the telepathic link they share.
"Shh, got to save Belle," Answers Lady mentally with a pout.
The guard hands it to her, and she vaults into the driver's seat of her new red convertible, signaling the guard to open the garage door as she starts the car, pointing it away from the base and towards Fisherman's Wharf, as Sandy yells to Volodja, "Lady has us on another road trip! HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 16, 2015 2:49:34 GMT
I look at Broderick. "You know if you need weaker stuff, I am sure we have somehuman wine here somewhere. Anyway, you probably made a good choice. The whole Bay area knows my feelings on Cooper, as well as lawkeepers as a whole. It is always black and white and they freeze up if something between the two happens. Cooper may not be that way anymore, but I have my own reasons for hating the guy. You and your team are welcome here as our guests as long as you behave as such. No weapons and stay out of restricted areas unless otherwise requested by a senior officer.
As for Director Starr and that VBI facility, we will do our best to look into it. However Director Starr is a survivor so I doubt we have seen the last of her. Micor Newlo on the otherhand, I would like to kill personally, if given the chance."
Just then I see the message from Newlo, and get up. "Well Mr. Smythe, it appears that Newlo and Director Starr are still alive, but I can not say for how long. You are free to enjoy what comforts we have to offer. For me however, Duty calls as usual. Sometimes I miss the bounty hunter life, atelast back then I got a break on occasion and sometimes it even lasted more than a couple hours. This more social and communal life is a daking pain! How do people live with it?!....No need to answer, I know you are also uncomfortable with community and social life. Just not to the extreme that I am. Now be good and you will have no problem with security for the time being."
I then head to the War Room, to see what we can do about this new mess.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 16, 2015 6:54:17 GMT
"Most unnatural choice, Giant," said Volodja after hearing about Yolinsky situation. "You know how awkward Indogeen feel about humans. Even those who are used to Homo Sapiens Sapiens, aren't exactly our best buddies....with few exceptions, of course, I have noticed during my wandering times. But I kind of like the beauty of absurd, so I will give it a try."
He really wanted to kiss his holographic love, Sandy, but that was impossible. That's why he said: "Duty calls, so I have to go, but I love you so much, Sandy." And he gave loving and longing glance to his virtual girl.
Then he made his way to the Yolinsky's cabin, finding Kaj and four guards waiting already. He evaluated situation and said: "Nobody breeches in, unless I say so. Indogene are really nervous creatures and this one feels cornered at moment, so he is desperate and capable of doing everything. Only thing you will do, is holding my gun at moment. Catch!" Volodja threw his side arm to Kaj, who caught it immediately. "I convince him to let me in. Unarmed. And then I try to talk him over to come out with me. I expect no interference from your side, Gentlemen. If I succeed, you will escort him to interrogation. You won't gain hold of him, unless it's necessary."
He took a deep breath and knocked on the door, saying through intercom: "You can't stay inside forever. One moment tension grows too big, so you either try to escape or guards will break in and then something bad will happen for sure. I am here to avoid that. I am unarmed and I promise that all I will do, is talking. So how it's going to be?"
"How do I know, I can trust you?" sounded nervous voice of Yolinsky.
"You don't know it. And I don't know that I can trust you either, but I am willing to enter and give myself at your mercy. So you will be in control of the situation, not me."
Cabin door opened and Volodja stepped in, feeling certain uneasiness, like he was jumping out from air plane with a parachute which may open or not, but facing the nervous and armed security guard gave him more control of the situation, than he would have when flying through air with unopened parachute, so he suppressed that feeling right away.
"Since I am your guest, you could start our conversation by offering me a seat, as a polite host," he said with confidence. After they sat down, he looked at gun in Yolinsky's hand and saw that the barrel trembled slightly. "You know, Yolinsky, you can put that firearm into your holster, before you will do anything irrational with it. At moment you only abandoned your post and you had your own reasons to do so. We are not here to accuse you in anything, but to give you a chance to explain your reasons. You have been here longer than I and should know that you will be treated fairly. But if you put a bullet hole into me, then consequences would be much more serious."
Yolinsky hesitated. He was sure that there was no way out for him, but now there was a guy sitting on other side of the table, holding both hands with empty palms turned upwards so he could see them all the time, and offered him a chance to settle things down. So he holstered his weapon and decided to listen, what Volodja had to say.
Volodja suggested that Yolinsky will have to give himself under their protection as long as everything will be cleared. He reminded Yolinsky about Lena Marr, who was reinstated and even promoted, after she was held in their custody, so Yolinsky had the same chances than her, if he will listen the voice of reason. After several more or less successful attempts Yolinsky finally agreed to left his cabin and trust himself into their hands. They both left his cabin and guards escorted them to interrogation room, after Yolinsky surrended his weapon.
In interrogation room Volodja got his side arm back from Kaj, grinned, wiped tear of sweat off from his forehead and said: "My nerves aren't exactly made from steel or rubber, so I need a drink now. A huge one." And he set his course to canteen, grabbed bottle of brandy and sat down. His kiss with his drinking glass was interrupted by Sandy: "Lady has us on another road trip! HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!"
He got up right away and stormed to Atticus and Erika in war room and said: "Lady just left to a road trip on her own. We better catch our runaway brides right away, before something nasty will happen. And if something happened while I was busy with handling Yolinsky situation, you can fill me in while we are on our way."
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Post by Belle Starr on Apr 16, 2015 8:01:13 GMT
Belle Starr looked at her reflection in the waters off Fisherman's Wharf and sighed as she washed the blood off her long pale arms. As usual when she gave in completely to her inner Volge, her memories were sparse as to what had happened, so she hadn't a clue as to how she got to where she was or whose blood she was washing off, other than it wasn't hers. She was naked again, with no sign of the green Casti suit she had been wearing in her office at her VBI headquarters, and was starting to think that was the norm for her.
Her last coherent memory was sitting in the wing backed chair in the secret room behind her office, watching the holographic image of her beloved Vo Kshaa in the glass coffin there. Suddenly, she was watching in horror as the coffin appeared to be filling with water, and the image of Vo appeared to float up until he hit the coffins lid, his remaining cyan eye opening in terror as he gasped for air and pounded on the coffin's lid as he sought an exit. Belle leaped up to help him, knowing it was a holographic image projected from an unknown point far away and therefore also knowing she could do nothing to aid him. So she watched in helplessness as Vo drowned, finally giving up his last gasp of air and sinking to the bottom. It was then that the unfortunate Micor Newlo entered, the emissary of the Mistress of Judgment that had put her and Vo into this dilemma in the first place looking surprised and dismayed as Belle screamed her accusations, giving way to her inner Volge.
Belle's father had spliced her genes with those of the monstrous Volge species, Viscera, Bomber, Trooper, and even War Master, when she was still in her mother's womb as part of a VBI experiment to make a super soldier for the next Pale Wars. Instead, the mad VBI scientist had created a Were-Volge, but one that Belle had thought, with Vo's calming help, she finally had under control, giving her access to the Volge's great powers but without endangering innocents, as she had in the past.
"Guess I was wrong about that!" Thought Belle to herself as she searched the nearby ruined buildings for old clothes, finding an abandoned shirt and shorts in one and donning them, "The critter seems to have the upper hand again!"
Belle thought about her deceased lover, her prince Charming, her soul mate, and was tempted to curl up into a ball and begin weeping, but Belle was a survivor. One does not become a legendary ark hunter by giving in to sorrow, and Belle knew there would be plenty of time for regret and tears later. Right now, she was in unknown territory, and presumably surrounded by enemies. She could tell from the grey terrain that she was in the San Francisco wasteland, and from the large expanse of salt water nearby, by its seashore. She also knew that mutants, scrapbots, hell bugs, and even Dark Matter could be about, so she needed to find a weapon. However, having an EGO implant made her a living weapon of sorts so she did a systems check.
"Alfred, how is everything on your end," Thought Belle to her EGO's psyche, based on the brain patterns of her long dead father. "Can you engage the cloak load out, with its associated perks?"
"No problem my dear," Answered Alfred in his usual confident and slightly arrogant tone, "And may I say it's good to have you back. Your Volge self is a bit of a bore."
"Thanks Alfred, but lets concentrate on the problem at hand. Engage inner radar please," Belle replied, not surprised to see the many red dots on her radar screen, showing that there were numerous enemies in the area, but who or what kind she didn't know yet.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 16, 2015 8:23:33 GMT
Volodja stormed to Erika and me in war room and said: "Lady just left to a road trip on her own. We better catch our runaway brides right away, before something nasty will happen. And if something happened while I was busy with handling Yolinsky situation, you can fill me in while we are on our way."
I quickly look towards the door at him, "Dak! Chloe you have command, contact Leiutenant Oenfer with a sit rep! Erika, looks like Volo and I are heading to the Garage where my Raptor is! It would be great to have you along, but I am not going to order it! If you feel you are better off staying behind then say! I am stopping at my armory just long enough to get my LMG and Sniper, then Belle's room for one of her Liberty Trooper outfits just in case. Then I am getting in my Raptor and going, so if you are going you better beat me to the Raptor!"
I then quickly head out the door.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 16, 2015 8:41:40 GMT
"Just give me ten minutes, Giant," replied Volodja. "Not going to face any dangers, wearing only my silk shirt. Did you knew how much they cost these days? Bullet holes and blood stains devalue them too much, so I better visit my cabin to get my armour and some more fire power, because I forgot to return my junk to armoury, when we returned. Too much business to take care of right away, so one can forget few insignificant things. Meet me at your Raptor and don't even think about driving away without me. Chloe -don't forget to send me results of Yolinsky's interrogation. Putting them together with security records, will help us to clear some details about releasing Erika's children too prematurely. Oh and where we are heading? Fisherman's Wharf...Excellent. Gives me a chance to meet an old friend of mine if we have time for that. Knew him back in Europe and met him again in States some time ago. Hope that you will going to like him. He is a bit...odd and definitely has a closed character and maybe grumpy, but he has his reasons."
He rushed out to equip himself and meet Atticus at the garage. His good old worn Predator armour was ready for him. No helmets please - he looks much better without them, except in battle situations, so he hung his helm to his hip. And his weapons were there and in working condition. One thing he never forgot to do was making sure that everything worked, if necessary, although he preferred to avoid killing. This time he grabbed his Chimera Fang with him again. Sometimes you just need a good sword.
Armour - checked!
Shield - checked!
Weapons - checked!
Boot flask -checked!
Silver one - still in Freedom, on the beach, if someone haven't stolen it already.
Security records -with him!
Everything was done, so he run to the garage, hoping that Atticus haven't left without him.
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