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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 15, 2015 19:12:33 GMT
Lena smiled as she flicked the switch blade knife open and closed several times, before secreting it under the garter belt of her stockings, saying, "You really know how to get the perfect gift, my love!" Lena hung on Marcel's arm like an ornament on a Christmas tree, and just as attractive. Only occasionally would she bump into a richly dressed party goer, deftly removing their wallet or jeweled adornment, which their owners wouldn't even miss until they got home. Still, Marcel with his sharp eye noticed, and Lena noticed that he noticed, wondering if he would say anything about it.  ***** Lady Christianna couldn't wait to leave Belle's quarters to show off her new dress-up clothes, so as soon as Belle finished helping her with the appropriate accompanying make-up, Lady ran back to her and Atticus' quarters, just stopping short of their door. Lady was so used to wearing ark hunter clothes and war paint, she hadn't any idea how she should dress as - quite frankly - a girl, but luckily Belle had studied such things in the New York City high society before the terraforming and could tutor her. Most important, Belle told Lady that the main thing was that she felt good about herself, and Lady felt marvelous in the party garb. In fact, for the first time in her life, Lady felt actually pretty. Lady took a deep breath, hoping Atticus would feel the same, as she opened the door to their room and said, "Ta-DAAAA!" ***** After Lady hurried out, Belle Starr smiled, then sat down at her dressing table, wondering if she had ever been that young. Belle was only twenty-two years old, but felt twice that age since so many things had happened to her since she arrived in the Bay Area on the ill-fated E-Rep stratocarrier over two years ago. Belle looked into the mirror, remembering the lanky blond teen-age girl that she had been then, much like Lady was now, except for the pregnant part. Belle missed the naive Pollyanna she was then, although most of her friends would maintain that she still was that girl only older in age. Belle sat at the dressing table, then suddenly opened it's single drawer, taking out a small silver box the size of a ring box which was cool to the touch, and placed it in front of her. She knew what it contained, and that some might consider it morbid that she didn't dispose of it, for it contained the perfectly preserved cyan eye of her dead lover, Vo K'shaa. At one time she thought she might return it to him, and then after he was presumed dead, perhaps clone it, but she had all but abandoned such hopes. A thought came to mind, so she quickly picked up her VBI encrypted hailer and made a cross country call. "Hi Matt! Belle here!" Belle began, "How goes our deep water salvage in the gulf? Still no sign of a recently wrecked submarine? No, I'm positive of the location... Yes, I know all about the Gulf Stream, but please, it's very important to me! Keep looking! Thanks Matt!" Belle put the hailer in her red purse, then stared sadly at the silver box for a few more minutes, before secreting it once more into the drawer. She stared at herself in the mirror, forcing a smile as she swiped the always errant blond bangs from in front of her blue diamond eyes. Finally, Belle grabbed the blue crystal compact Vo had given her, putting it into her bag with an assortment of cosmetics, and waited for Volodja. ***** Erika Widowmaker was distressed to seek the huge bioman with his arm around her mentally disturbed daughter, thinking, "Kaj must know that Kara is married, for as security chief he has all the files on any potential security threat, which Kara has proven to be in the past! Doesn't he also know that in her unstable condition she may misunderstand such a gesture?" To Kaj, Erika merely said, "Thank you Lieutenant, I'll take it from here." Erika led Kara back to the now functioning holo-thereapy room, thinking she may have to talk to Atticus about teminating Kaj's employment at Fortress K'shaa.  |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 15, 2015 19:22:48 GMT
Marcel kissed Lena's white ear, whispering: "Don't get carried away too much, My Love. Our main target is Trevor. But I do admire your skills, Lena-darling, because I know what I am talking about. I started as a successful pickpocket once and I still got it." Lena could suddenly feel Marcel's fingers under her skirt, touching her neither part through the hole of her panties.
"Sorry about that, My Love," whispered Marcel to Lena. "Could not resist temptation to demonstrate my skills and...keep my hands away from you. Should not done that, though," continued Marcel. "Guess it was not a nice thing to do. Especially when we are on a mission. How can I compensate that? And I will say once more, My Love. Be careful. I do not want anything bad happen to you. I know how silly I am sounding right now. Like a really decent man, but that do not change anything I feel about you."
He removed his lips from Lena's delicate ear and continued walking like a rooster, having Lena by his side, because they were about to enter the Consulate and had to act as normal and boring as possible. They will have enough time to look around, get familiar with the place and taste some delicacies. And even to dance if Lena wants that. And then they can have a serious talk with Trevor and see what this palace of wonders has to offer to satisfy their material needs.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 15, 2015 23:02:54 GMT
I had finished my lonely shower and walked into the bedroom, where I put on clean underwear. Then I removed the outfit from the bag and looked at it for a few seconds, before putting it on. I finish adjusting the suit, then look in the mirror. I am not sure about my blue mask and gloves with it though. However Kakusi says, "You can probably alter the color of our 'organic' fabrics to be any of the colors that your aura changes." I take off the blue mask and gloves, so I don't have to recreate them later. Then I concentrate and make a grey mask and gloves appear and set them on the bed, then do so with, white and then in green. So I now have grey, blue, green, and white masks and gloves but this not sure which would look best with the suit since I don't pay much attention to that sort of thing most of the time.
So I place all the masks on a stand near Lady's full-length mirror and drink most of my rum to replenish the energy I had just expended on such a frivolous thing. I put on some nice cologne that I have, but normally only wear to help mask the smell of battle on me, when I have to go into a place full of people for some reason. This time, I can wear it just to smell nice, and not have to practically bathe in it to hide any bad smell. So I grab my nicest smelling cologne and put on just a little. I currently have the white mask and gloves on and hoping Lady can help me pick the best color, when she comes in I am sill looking at the suit on me and wondering which color of masks and gloves to go with, not sure if it should be white or one of the others, when Lady comes in.
When Lady enters she says, "Ta-DAAAA!" and I turn and look at her. My mouth drops open then I get a huge smile on my face. "You are the most beautiful woman in the world, and can't imagine my life without you!" After a few seconds my grin gets a little mischievous and I say softly, "I love the dress but I would have also loved to have seen you naked and then watched you putting it on, MY Snow Angel! You have such an amazingly gorgeous beauty and I can NEVER admire it or you enough!"
I then kiss Lady passionately and lovingly, before I reluctantly break the kiss. She can feel just how much I appreciate her beauty, and see it as a bulge in my suit pants as I pull away. I smile again, then look in the mirror again. "So My Tianna witch color of mask and gloves looks best with this suit? Grey, white, blue or green?" After she helps me color-code my mask and gloves with my outfit, I smile again as I kiss her gently. Then look at myself in the mirror again. After a few seconds, I frown and Lady looks at me and says, "What's wrong? Look amazing too!"
I kiss her again and say, "Thank you my love but an outfit is NEVER complete without weapons. Hope you don't get upset as I make some minor improvements." I then walk into my armory and look around, and I pat my German Shepard-sized lizard, Caraid, on the head as I do. Then I grab a nice belt with a garrote concealed in it, and a small blade in the buckle, as well as a small throwing blade that slides into the back of the belt. Next I place a small knife in the dress shoe. After that, I grab a couple of side-arms and a concealed double pistol shoulder holster, as well as a decent sized knife, in a sheathe with a pocket clip. I also grab the tie clip knife that I wear whenever I wear a tie. I go back in the bedroom and place the suit jacket on the bed. Then I put on the belt. Fortunately it looks great in the suit according to Lady. Next I put on the concealed double pistol shoulder holster and place the two pistols in it.
I put on the suit jacket. I adjust it, so it covers my belt correctly. Then I hook the knife sheathe into an interior breast pocket on the jacket. I close the suit jacket and put on the tie clip. Then I look at Lady and my smile returns.
 
I adjust the suit, mask and gloves, as I keep looking in the mirror. I can see Lady behind me and as she watches, she realizes that the smile is only partly because I feel much better, now that I am comfortably armed. However obviously from the bulge, that she knows is NOT a concealed weapon, she is the main reason, I am happy as I finish adjusting my outfit and concealed weapons in the mirror. I feel much better, and nobody can tell that I am armed. I embrace Lady and kiss her again. I break the kiss and say, "So how do I look my Snow Angel? I hope I am acceptable enough looking for this party, even though I wouldn't be surprised if I am still asked to leave. The Harbinger of Death isn't exactly on most people's party lists. Actually I am probably on most rejection lists. However since I will be in the arm of the most gorgeous woman there, I do not care how uncomfortable I make everyone else feel, not that I ever care anyway...but I do care how you feel and how I make you feel."
Erika entered the exam room and, she merely said to Kaj, "Thank you Lieutenant, I'll take it from here." Kaj watched Erika take Kara away and said, "You are very welcome Miss. Widowmaker. I am always willing to help when people need it." Kaj watches them go and hopes the young woman gets better and that Erika will let him see her again, If Kara wants to see him again, even though it will most likely be just as a friend. However he saw that look in Erika's eyes. The look that said, "Touch her like that again, and die!"
After they walk through the door back into the Psychiatric ward, Kaj finds Doctor Orion to doublecheck the nurse's work. Then the poor, once again confused, Bio-man goes back to his quarters. He thinks about Kara for a little while, knowing he was stupid for once again letting his feelings get the best of him. As he grabs one of his detective books to try to get lost in it and away from his STUPID feelings and actions, he can't help but wonder if Lena was right and he will never actually fit in anywhere. Who wants or needs a nice, gentle and poetry loving romantic of a Bio-man anyway? Perhaps there is a good reason he is the last of his line and he should just have somebody deactivate him and bury him in a storeroom somewhere, even though he is not sure anybody on the base would even consider helping him in that way. He starts reading but is having trouble getting those thoughts out of his head.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 16, 2015 4:37:48 GMT
Volodja checked himself last time in the mirror. Almost suitable companion for adorable Belle for tonight looked back at him. This Knight-errand was fully equipped for his task tonight, to keep a company to a pretty Princess to serve, protect and entertain her. And then Knight-errand's duty is fulfilled. But at least he can perform his task well and fight for the happiness of the Princess, knowing that he won't gain much for himself from that fight, but he still won't be left without his payment. He will be rewarded with a knowledge that he he did everything he had to do to keep the Princess safe and sound and maybe his deed will be remembered, so he wont fade into history of long forgotten chivalry tracelessly, although he doubted that world will ever remembers the full story of the Sir Volodja, the Foolish Knight, who never became a Prince and remained to be the humble Knight-errand. Guys like him will never become Princes. That's for sure. Now he felt ready for glorious and glamorous social event, awarding himself with a sad and self ironic smile which lasted only for a second, before it was replaced with a shining party smile. The face shield was put on and he was ready for the battle. The Foolish Knight went into the fight, because he was willing to do almost everything to help Belle. He walked to the door of Belle Starr quarters and buzzed, waiting patiently until the bridge is lowered, portcullis is lifted or at least Rapunzel releases her hair, so he can climb in from the window. The door opened and Volodja found himself facing the beauty inside. Words just faded on his lips, because the lovely vision in front of him was indescribable. That's why he just stared at Belle without saying a word, fully astounded by her inner and outer beauty. ____________________________ Wolfram von Eschen found himself in the same situation as his best friend Volodja, because he was dressed in black dress suit and stood silently, looking Chloe MacGyiver in her green ball gown which harmonized with her red hair, pale skin and green eyes. And Madame Le Forge did everything to show her shapely body and reveal strategic parts of Chloe's body, like her pale shoulders and long legs. Wolfram looked her and put first validolum pill under his tongue to avoid sudden heart attack caused by stunning sight of a beautiful young woman.  Chloe leaned closer and Wolfram could smell her sweet perfume when she whispered: "Crikey! You look like you are about to pass out, poor fuck muppet. Is this an old school way to get me doing you some mouth to mouth resuscitation, while you are holding pencil in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" |
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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 17, 2015 0:31:03 GMT
As Volodja stood speechless at the open door of Belle's quarters, she smiled shyly and did a perfect curtsy, saying, "Well, from the look on your face, I guess I clean up pretty well! And don't you look handsome! I haven't seen a tuxedo since... well, since seeing an opera with my Uncle Greenstreet at seventeen in New York City! You have to love a man in tails!"
Belle blinked her big blue diamond eyes as she took his arm for him to escort her to the garage, again feeling the surge of electricity when she touched him, as she said, "I told Lady that we would all go to Ara's shindig together, since parking is going to be a premium, so we will meet them down at the base garage if y'all don't mind! I hope Atticus will drive, so we can discuss George Orwell's 1984! I just reread it, and as future's go, I think that one is much worse than ours!"
They chatted as they strolled down to the garage, torn in a hurry to enjoy the most elegant social event in Paradise but also not in a hurry to end their leisurely walk to the garage as they enjoyed their conversation. As they did, in the quarters nearby shared by Atticus Batman and Lady Christianna, Lady smile enigmatically as she straightened his tie, admiring how good he looked, then kissing him warmly.
"Thanks for taking me! Love you! Wanna dance! Let's go meet Belle and Teach!"
Lady grabbed Atticus' arm, quickly leading him to the door in case he might protest, entering the hall just shortly after the other couple had passed by, Lady already dancing to the music in her head.
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Jun 17, 2015 5:31:01 GMT
"You are quite sure Doctor?" Asked Erika Widowmaker as she sat across from Dr. Orion in his office in Fortress K'shaa. "Quite certain," Answered the diminutive Liberata doctor, "There are so few Irathients on base, comparatively speaking, that I thought it best to make a compilation of who might be the best tissue donors in case he had a catastrophic injury. He seems to have so many injuries of late, and even with his unique physiology, he is not invulnerable." "One hundred percent compatible?" Asked Erika, her red clay colored brow furrowed in concern. "One hundred percent compatible," Answered Dr. Orion as he twiddled his thumbs nervously. "I even had the Indogene scientist Eren Niden over at Top-Notch check my analysis, without any identifications of course, and she confirmed it." "Thank you Doctor. Please let me inform the concerned parties," Asked Erika as she massaged her temples with both fists, the beginning of a migraine headache starting there. "As you wish, but let me know if there is anything I can do to help," Replied the doctor. "I most certainly will - and thank you in again for your discretion in this matter," Said Erika in a tired tone as she got up, leaving his office and crossing over to the holo-therapy room.  Erika entered the holo-therapy room where her mentally unstable daughter held court. It was like moving from night to day, as Erika moved from the austere antiseptic hallway of the base infirmary to the brightly sunlit and gaily colored courtyard of an ancient palace. Kara sat on her throne in the holographic simulation as she passed judgement over her holographic subjects while nurturing a holographic baby, and Erika saw it as a good sign that Kara no longer gave the death sentence to each an every immaginary affront in her judgements. As Erika walked in, Kara was deciding a contract case over the sale of a goat in a quite logical and legalistic manner, but when she saw her mother, Kara asked regally, "Mother, where is my Knight Champion, Kaj? You cannot miss seeing him, as he is quite large and very purple. The Mistress of Judgment demands that her Knight Champion attends her!" Erika raised a purple eyebrow as her wide jade eyes narrowed with concern upon hearing this from Kara. Erika was happy that Karra reconized her as her mother, but thought this new involvement of the bio-man Chief of Security was ill considered at best. Kara was not only Erika's daughter, under the delusion of being the Inquisition's Mistress of Judgment, but also married to a Collective wealthy merchant and the mother of two children, all of which were missing at the moment. Erika thought that the huge bio-man and his obvious affection for Kara would complicate and already complicated situation, so she answered, "Do you think that wise Kara, as both your child and your subjects need all of your attention." "Maybe so mother, but the heart wants what the hearts wants," Said Kara, her jade eyes so like her mother's, burning with intensity, "And is this a judgment that you should make, or should the Mistress of Judgment? Tell me mother, if I am the Mistress of Judgment, are you the Mother of Judgment?" Erika thought about the irony of the question, considering she was considering firing Kaj because she found him alone with his arm around Kara as she answered, "I will see to your request Kara." Erika knew both Wolfram and Volodja were going to Ara Shondu's soiree, but hoped she could catch at least one of them before they left for their advice in the matter.  |
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Post by Lady Christianna on Jun 17, 2015 6:01:08 GMT
As Lady Christianna prepared for the party first in Belle's room and then in her own, Captain Sandra "Sandy" Belle worked feverishly with Lexy, the stratocarrier's AI, to get the ship ready for the trip to Defiance so as to retireve the VBI EGO expert. In Sandy's mind, the quicker they retrieved the expert, the faster they could rescue the other EGO psyches that were trapped in the dream machine and most importantly to her, although she hated herself for being so selfish, return her from Lady's EGO to her own corporeal body. Sandy didn't have any delusions that once she was a real live woman everything would be perfect and she and her lover Volodja would live happily ever after. Sandy prided herself as being a realist, and knew real life didn't work that way, but she felt if she could just regain her corporeal body, she and Volodja would at least have a fighting chance at happiness, and that was all she wanted: A chance at happiness with the man she loved! This was why Sandy spent every spare moment trying to prepare for the mission, so that it could be implemented soon and go off without a hitch. It was also why she was disappointed when Lady called her off the project to safeguard the pregnant Lady as she went to Ara's party, although she knew that was what EGO psyches were designed for. Sandy truly believed that the sooner the mission was successful, the sooner she and her beloved Volodja could begin their life together, never once considering that fate might have other things in mind.  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 17, 2015 9:36:25 GMT
Lady thanked me for agreeing to take her to the dance, then pulled me out of our quarters and towards the garage so I wouldn't have a chance to change my mind or get more weapons or something, I never know with women. However as we walk towards the garage, I say, "Snow Angel, how could I deny the Love of my worthless life something so simple? You want to dance, we will dance. I am a master of several fighting styles and have a photographic memory, so I can handle dancing just fine. Besides we did dance before, on your birthday. So dancing is not a problem. You want to go meet and interact with new people? We will do so, despite my discomfort of crowds and unknown people, or their discomfort of me. Besides no matter how much I want to keep your beauty to myself, you did dress up. So it would be a shame not to let others see just how gorgeous you are."
As we get to the door into the base garages, I stop and kiss Lady lovingly and squeeze her wonderful butt in a loving but slightly naughty way. Then we walk into the garage where everyone else is waiting. Belle tosses me the keys to one of the Durangos that seats around 7 or 8, and says I am driving. After she says everyone who is going with us has arrived, Lady and I get in the front seat and this time, after everyone else put on their seatbelts, I actually put on mine. I then start up the Durango.
I drive the group to Shondu's Consulate with my usual fast and tactical driving. After we arrive, I park the Durango. Then I get out and open Lady's door for her. After I help her out I give her a gentle and loving kiss as the others get out. Then I smile slightly as I say, "Shall we go and see if they will let me past the door tonight, MY Snow Angel?" We go towards the party. However as we approach the door, the Eschelon Guards stop us and ask to see our invitations, as they watch me very closely.
They ask me what I am doing there and I nod to Lady and say, "I am her date." They then look at Lady and one says, "Young Lady, if he is forcing you, you can tell us. We will make sure he does you no harm." I fight the urge to hit the jerk as I say, "I did not force her! Besides if you actually bothered looking at the invitation you would see that my name is included on it." He looks at it, then at Lady for any sign that I did force her, then hands the invitation to one of his colleagues so they can decide if the invitation was forged or altered. However after just a quick look, the second guy says all is in order and allows me in with the others. Although the first guy does say, "Be good. We WILL be watching you Harbinger!" I look at Lady and see the concern in her eyes. Then I smile at her before turning back to guard one. I then say, "If you really want to watch me dance all night with the most gorgeous woman in Paradise then be my guest." I then offer Lady my arm again, and we walk into the party arm in arm. I whisper into Lady's ear. "There is always one, that has to try something with me in every group. Sorry about that Tianna darling." |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 17, 2015 11:46:03 GMT
"...As you can see, Orwell actually pictured hyper reality of his present time in Soviet Union, where misery was called a blossoming and even most known people became enemies of people and vanished from official history really fast. They ceased to exist even from photographs. One day you were honoured member of society, next day you became an enemy and usually were arrested with your family members and close relatives. And that's how amount of so called "criminals" of "enemies" kept increasing. That gave an opportunity to accuse people who were responsible running of any kind of media - newspapers, publishing houses or film industry in USSR - performing sabotage acts or undermining against the order or normal functions of the state. Term was called "вредительство" ("Vreditel'stvo", meaning "wrecking" or "hurting") and that kind of "crime" was severely punished. For example - you printed picture of the comrade, who was declared an enemy a day later and that gave officials a reason to arrest you for praising an enemy. Orwell saw it through and described it quite precisely. That's why his books were prohibited in USSR and you were put into jail for years for simply having Orwell's "Animal farm," although it was written featuring British pigs and other farm animals and the October revolution in Russia was not mentioned directly. Every arrest brought along several others. Sorry about that long and boring lecture you had to listen, ladies. What I am trying to say is, that every utopia, anti utopia or dystopia is related with presence of the author. And in Orwell's case, reality was even worse than "imaginary" state in his "1984"," Volodja explained. "But I guess we can put our party faces on and enjoy the event sans problèmes..."  Suddenly Volodja went silent, because during his lecture Belle and him already reached the door and they witnessed little quarrel between guards and Atticus. Fortunately they didn't had that kind of issue, because at least Belle was greeted with enthusiasm and they could enter without any problems. |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 17, 2015 15:26:58 GMT
While he was waiting for Lena's response to his words (and actions), Marcel Lestrange enjoyed glass of sparkling wine and stopped passing waiter for a second to snatch a snack from his platter. He was not mind that Lena could treat herself something too, so he let her choose not only words to use, but also a snack to taste. Even if they were working, it didn't meant that they could not enjoy the idle class life.
Marcel wondered which one of these party guests was Trevor, because Tommasino was not able to provide him with fully detailed report when Marcel asked him about VBI higher officials in the area. Mobsters didn't usually deal with VBI guys, so no wonder that Tommasino never bothered to make sure how that Trevor looks like. But since Trevor was a house guest of Ara Shondu, he must circle around her most of the time and greet the guests.
Besides - standing and doing nothing was natural part of this time of the evening. Gusts had to get used with each other first. After couple of drinks they will warm up and then Marcel and Lena can continue their "search and make to talk" mission. Until that they had nice amount of spare time to taste some food and drinks and to decide how they are going to lure Trevor away from rest of the heard.
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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 18, 2015 5:22:19 GMT
"That really is fascinating, Volo" Said Belle sincerely, "I wonder if E-Rep will fall into a similar state now that New York City is gone! I mean it could happen, social and economic instability was rampant then as is now!"
"Dear, you need to see this," Began MOM through the telepathic connection she shared with Belle as her EGO psyche, "You told me to be on the look out for those possibly up to no good, and look what I found!"
"Hold that thought Volo," Asked Belle as she scanned the crowd in the direction MOM directed, and saw with her enhanced eyesight Lena and Marcel standing near a refreshments table.
Belle made a beeline straight towards them, pushing her way the through the crowd until she was in front of them, Volodja fast behind her. Lena looked like she was about to say something to Marcel, a wicked grin on her face that quickly faded as she saw Belle. Lena's long lashed sky blue eyes got big as she saw the furious gleam in Belle's diamond blue ones.
"I don't know what you are doing here, but it better not be criminal!" Began Belle angrily, "No, I don't want to hear some made-up story of why you are here because I'm not here as a Deputy Law Keeper or even a Good Samaritan! I'm here as a woman who wants to ballroom dance, and looks forward all year to the one social occasion that allows her an opportunity to do so! I swear by all is holy that if you two screw this event up for me with your shenanigans I will hunt you down to the ends of the Earth and show you the true fury of a woman scorned so to speak!"
Marcel started to say something, but Belle merely frowned at him, holding up her delicate pale hand and said flatly, "Talk to the hand!"
Belle was about to walk away when Trevor Tyler walked up dressed in a custom tuxedo with Ara Shondu dressed in a white gown, elegant as always. Ara Shondu was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman in Paradise, Although Belle Starr was a close second with her looks a cross between a runway model and the girl next door. The two women hugged and exchanged pleasantries. Trevor too gave Belle a hug and a peck on the cheek, then saw Volodja and shook his hand.
"Thanks for bring me my date, old chum!" Said Trevor good-naturedly, however Belle gave him a withering look as the smile vanished from her freckled face.
"Trevor Tiberius Tyler!" Belle admonished as she grabbed Volodja's arm, "Volo is my date tonight! Y'all can not expect me to be your date if you never asked me, and you are just being a presumptuous polecat thinking I would just come at your beckoning! If y'all are nice and polite, I might just save you a dance on my dance card, but right now, I believe they are playing Volo's and my song!"
As the band in the gazebo, began playing, Belle led Volodja by the arm to the dancing area cleared in front of the band. With Trevor left with his mouth agape, all eyes in the crowd watched the couple dance a perfect foxtrot, Belle smiling and looking deep into Volodja's eyes as they danced. As they danced, a female dressed as an Eschelon guard on the roof of Ara Shondu's consulated took careful aim with a custom headshot rifle at Belle Starr's touseled blond head, heedless of the undressed body at her feet, his throat cut ear to ear with a shaving razor.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 18, 2015 12:21:07 GMT
The dance floor was theirs to command and conquer and Belle and Volodja used an opportunity to enjoy the music and movement. Their foxtrot performance was flawless, but next challenge was put in front of them right away, because orchestra started to play tango. Both of them were up to that challenge and soon they were moving on the dance floor, subjugating themselves to the passionate rhythm of the passionate dance, when Volodja felt something weird and wrong with his spine. Years on the field had sharpened his senses and made him trust his gut feelings, so he let his EGO unit to scan vicinity and noticed a hostile sniper on the rooftop. It had to be a hostile one, because Volodja spotted with certain suspicion that barrel of their sniper rifle followed their movement on the floor. That made him think and act - he is insignificant figure in this territory, so target must be Belle. And that meant only thing - they just got themselves even bigger challenge to beat - Belle had to survive, they must get the sniper and avoid panic among the guests because panicked people will get hit more likely by stray bullets. That's why Volodja whispered:
"Tinkerbelle. You are on sniper's sights at moment. That's the plan for a start - you have better vision and reflexes than me, so you just take the lead and we will manage to avoid bullets. If we do it flawlessly then nobody even notices that something is wrong and Ara even might invite us to her next party. And if you have any ideas, what to do next then I will follow your lead."
With the second breath he sent EGO to EGO message to Atticus: "Sniper on the rooftop. Aims at Belle. Must act discreet and cause no panic." After that they continued dancing, keeping their eyes on the sniper and right when she pulled the trigger, Belle lowered herself as it was natural part of the tango, pulling Volodja with her and first bullet missed them, hitting the confetti bucket instead, so suddenly they were surrounded by sparkling silvery dust. They kept moving in tango rhythm, counting and calculating sniper's actions, so Belle could react and pull them out of the way of next bullet and make everything to look as natural as possible. To keep other party guests safe, they manoeuvred themselves to the rear of he dance floor so bullets could not hit anybody - except them, of course - while Volodja whispered to musicians: "Keep playing! Remember Titanic's orchestra and be worthy of them. Just keep playing the tango as our lives are depending on it!"
Belle Starr and Volodja Uljanov moved in perfect synchronization, following the tango rhythm, when already awed people saw something, which amazed them even more. Volodja whispered something into Belle's ear and suddenly he was gone from the dance floor and instead of him there was another Belle Starr. They looked exactly alike and even dubbed each other moves. Superb Decoy use from Belle. Volodja was amazed about her timing, because Belle's image appeared in exact moment when he disappeared from the sight. While all eyes, including sniper's, were concentrated on two beautiful Belle Starrs, Volodja Uljanov moved further away using his Cloak EGO power, pulled out a pistol with his invisible hand, aimed quickly and pressed the trigger. Weak sound of pistol shot succumbed into a music so nobody noticed anything unusual, except they saw to happen in the dance floor. Sniper felt hot scratch on her right cheek, dropped her sniper rifle because everything was so sudden and touched the aching place. Sniper's hand became bloody and she realized that next bullet might be even more precise than the first one. Her cover was blown, so she decided to retreat as fast as she could and disappeared into shadows.
On the dance floor, Belle's doppelgänger also disappeared and Volodja was suddenly back in his place, regaining his hold on Belle Starr when they brought their tango to finale and earned loud ovation from the party guests who thought that everything in Belle and Volodja dance was planned to happen exactly as they saw it. Unfortunately for Belle and Volodja, all that attention and admiration they received from their performance, prevented them from rushing after the sniper, so they remained to the dance floor and smiled to the audience and each other.
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 18, 2015 19:13:26 GMT
"Another unpredictable event," stated Marcel Lestrange. "Belle Starr is here and so is my good old acquittance Volodja. Do good doers always show up in pairs? As long as I understand, Lena, My Love, Belle is local celebrity, but how Volodja got an invitation? Since when he became somebody around here?"
"I don't care how," announced Moira. "But he looks devilishly handsome in that suit. I always thought that Volodja has class and he keeps proving that. Just look how they dance. It's beautiful."
"Don't start again," snapped Marcel. "Volodja is nobody. Unless I will make him somebody and I already have an idea how to do that. I am going to like it and he will be hating it." That thought made Marcel to grin like Lucifer.
Out loud he said: "Lena-darling. Looks like we must avoid any kind of violent approach here. We don't want to upset Belle...and Volodja either. Let them dance peacefully. But at least we know what our Trevor Tiberius looks like now. Mon Dieu! What a name. I wonder is he as perverted as Emperor Tiberius? Actually it won't matter. Just watch how he looks at Volodja and Belle at the dance floor. He seems to be confident and....vane. Maybe we can get him talk if we push the right buttons. What do you think, Lena? Can we have a nice conversation with our friend Trevor Tiberius during which he may accidentally talk too much? No need to charm or seduce him, but I think he just needs couple of new friends and sincere admirers in hard moment, when his obviously overgrown ego got hurt, and he could use few drinks....too much. Should we give it a try, My Love?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 19, 2015 0:13:56 GMT
Watching Belle and Volodja show off on the dancefloor, Lady and I are away from the crowd, slightly in the shadow at her request. Obviously it was her way of making sure I was comfortable, although she did keep slowly moving us closer to the crowd and continuously had me getting her refreshments. Obviously her way of getting me more accustomed to the crowd, so I wouldn't be so on edge while dancing, if we ever do. However I suddenly get Volodja's EGO message. So I kiss Lady gently and so as not to alarm her or the guards that are watching me, I say calmly, "Sorry my Snow Angel, nature calls."
I then go to the restroom, still watched by the guards. Fortunately I had been here several times before, a couple of them were even at Ara Shondu's request, even though she never knew about the other times. So I quickly but calmly go to the restroom. After I enter, I lock the door, and notice the knob being wiggled, most likely by the guard that was tailing me, to make sure that is indeed where I went. Then I open the window.
I climb out the window and quickly climb to the roof from there. As I do, I hear the high-pitched squeal of a silenced sniper shot. As I get on the roof, I step into my beloved shadows and slowly, quietly approach that direction. I see the the sniper and the dead guard at her feet, and can smell the natural female aroma of the sniper. So obviously our sniper is female. I know my EGO is depressed, distracted, and barely responding to me lately but I contact her anyway, certain that she will respond when her sensors tell her it is important. "Dinara, I need a quick scan of the Sniper. Who is she, are there any bounties on her head and if there are how much and what condition must she be in for me to claim them?"
Dinara responds with, "Atty! Good guys shouldn't kill just for a bounty! What would your friends say?! What would Belle and Lady say?!....but alright here it is. Her signature matches the one you added to my notifications this afternoon. A human by the name of Loorea Moree. Bounty was issued this evening. Oh! Lawkeeper Cooper has two prices on her with stipulations! She is wanted for 6 mill alive for questioning. Or for 15 million, dead. If you have proof that she has indeed been killing with a razor."
"Alright can you scan the guard and say how he died?"
She responds with, "As you would call it, a vertical smile. Sliced him from ear to ear. So horrible!"
As I start to get closer to her location on the roof, I see her get hit by a bullet from below. then after she does a quick surveillance and is certain she will not succeed yet, she turns and starts to quietly head to the back of the consulate roof. I notice a grappling hook and rope hanging near where she is heading. So I slowly stalk her from my dark shadows, and step up behind her. I start to pull out my knife from my breast pocket, and I tap her on the shoulder. As she spins with her razor in hand, I step aside, knowing it was coming, and block her hand. This time without getting cut, and make sure the bloody razor falls by her feet.
She sees that it is the 'Harbinger of Death' confronting her as I say, one of the lines that I hadn't said much in over a year. In my "Harbinger's" well-known, cold, calm and calculated manner, I say, "Death sends his regards." I then add, "Nobody hurts my family. Just be glad I am in a festive mood and don't want to interrupt the party. For that means your death will be quick and relatively painless!"
My aura flashes white as I step a little to the side and behind her still holding her arm. I move my grasp from her arm and to her waist, as I do so, I bring up my knife and do a quick knife strike to her chest from behind and lift the blade upwards with enough force that it lifts her body slightly off her feet. She crumbles in my arms and I drop her near my feet, dead. Then I remove my blade. My aura once again dissipates, as my anger is completely gone as quickly as it appeared, and I do a quick check to make sure that both she and the guard are indeed dead. I then Contact Cooper.
Still in the cold, calm and calculated manner that Cooper knows I say, "Jackass Jon. This is your favorite 'Harbinger of Death'. .... Yes I know I am the only dakking 'Harbinger of Death' but you know I am your favorite since you gave me the name. ...... Yes I know I am a fucking asshole. Don't you ever tire of always telling me that? ...... Anyway there is a dead guard on the roof of Ara Shondu's Consulate. His killer, one Loorea Moree, is dead near him. ...... No I didn't kill him. She did and her razor is covered in his blood and near her body. ........ Yes I killed her. No, it was quietly, however I did use a knife so she is in a pool of her blood. So by all means wear your best shoes and clothes when you claim the bodies. ...... Yes I know, I'm a fucking asshole, you already said that. Anyway, the party is still going on, so I did so quietly. So be discrete when you collect the bodies, and I better get the full 15 million scrip bounty. ...... Yes I know you are looking forward to the day, I step out of line again and you can finally lock me up or find somebody that can and will kill me. Goodnight Jackass Pooper. I have a party to get to. ....... Actually, if you must know, I was invited as somebody's date. GOODNIGHT."
I hang up my hailer. Then I wipe my knife off real good on Moree's body and re-sheathe it. I retrace my steps and slide back into the restroom window easily. I clean myself, as much as needed, and make sure the knife and sheathe are clean. Then I readjust and re-button my suit, to once again get it right for my fiancé. Next I leave the restroom and rejoin her, now near the refreshments table, since I wasn't there to get her any.
I pull her gently into my arms and give her a quick but loving kiss. Then I just stand behind her and gently hold her to my chest. As we watch Volo and Belle, finish their current dance, I send them an EGO message. "Threat neutralized. Jackass Jon Pooper notified. Let's just enjoy the dance for the rest of the dakking night."
In my head, My EGO, Dinara is still lost in the misery of not knowing if her girlfriend is alright or if shewill be able to be brought back to Dinara and Erika. Kakusi, my Grid symbiote, is still trying, unsuccessfully, to comfort her. While Kabule, my mental counterpart is meditating as always.
Meanwhile back at Fortress K'shaa, our Chief of Security Kaj Oenfer, who is usually seen as a mighty and indestructible man-made creation, is still lost in his miserable and perhaps suicidal thoughts. He tried repeatedly to distract himself anyway that he could, including: reading, doing work from his quarters or doing as much exercise as he could with his dislocated wrist. Yet none of it was successful. So now he is sitting on his bed, in is almost empty and sterile quarters, lost in his thoughts about Kara, as well as still wondering if his ex-girlfriend Lena was right when she said that he will never belong anywhere. As he does so, he is fingering the edge of his "hidden" off switch and seriously debating resigning from his job and then seeing if he can find somebody to deactivate him, since his switch is located just out of his reach and even if it wasn't, Bio-men are designed and created with the 'inability' to deactivate themselves, or at least his line was.
He realizes that if he does go that route but can't find anybody willing to deactivate himself, then his only real choice is to play highwayman and try to rob a well-armed Ark hunter that will kill him like they do most other Bio-men they see. Afterall, death by ark hunter is still better than living in a world where he feels forever alone, unloved and ultimately unwanted, since it seems people are even more willing to befriend Atticus "The Harbinger of Death", than they are Kaj the Bio-man, even though he is much nicer and doesn't have the reputation of killing everybody that crosses him, like Atticus does. Yet, he can't really be upset about that, since Atticus seems to be the only one willing to repeatedly give him a chance and even treat him as well as a 'real' friend would.
However he knows none of the do-gooders in the fortress would willingly help him do what they would consider killing him, and he is not sure Atticus would do so either, because Atticus feels that Kaj is just a purple human, and he, as the Harbinger of Death, is the only true monster on the base. However Atticus is at least an actual person. Kaj is just a man-made automaton. A broken one at that, since he was created to be a super-soldier and war records keeper that always follows orders perfectly. Yet he prefers love and romance over fighting unless it is to protect somebody, and as such he disobeys orders if he feels it is to dangerous for innocents.
So there he sits alone trying to figure things out as he thinks, "Do I resign and leave to see if there is someplace I can fit in or disappear? Do I resign and try to convince somebody to deactivate me? Do I resign and go taunt an ark hunter into killing me? Or do I just stay here and focus strictly on work and completely cut myself off from everyone when I am not working? This is the first place I have ever felt I fit in and am accepted but who here would actually miss me either way? Who would or could ever love a meaningless automaton like me?!"
He already has his belongings and clothes boxed up just incase, although it all only takes two boxes so it's not like there was much to worry about. All that wasn't boxed up is the base regulation datapad, since it is not his and if he decides to resign he will need the pad just long enough to do so. So he just keeps fingering his on/off switch as he stares at the datapad in his other hand, which he has already typed up his resignation on, but he still can't quite bring himself to make a decision on whether he should hit submit or delete on it. A song he started on the datapad and put on repeat when he couldn't get into any of his few books, still playing as he considers just how much he is like the poor creature in the song. The main difference being that automaton has a broken gear that is causing a fatal wound yet he keeps fighting to protect those around him, and refusing to give up even though it keeps getting worse with each passing year. Whereas Kaj's "broken gear" seems to be his heart in his opinion, for he feels a lot more than he was ever designed to, so although he continues to do everything to protect those around him, he IS on the verge of giving up completely. It is just yet another thing that he would never have thought possible for him to even consider, until now.
While in Fortress K'shaa's ship hanger, the Vigilant's ship AI, Lexy and her holographic avatar, with the same five year old girl's personality, are having a discussion over the Dr. Seuss books, that Lady's EGO psyche, Sandy, suggested Lexy read.
Holo-Lexy says, "I likeses 'There's a Wocket in my Pocket!' Lotses of cool creatureses! It's is the coolestest evers!"
AI-Lexy says, "But I likeses 'Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?'!! I cans makes lots of noises toos! Moo moo! Buzz buzz! It's is the coolestest evers, FOREVERS!!"
Holo-lexy stops and scratches her little head as she quizzically looks at the computer screen, that she is arguing with, and says, "Waitses! How cans we has difference favoriteses?! We's is the sames Lexy peeples!"
After a few seconds of thinking, AI-Lexy responds to her with, "OH! We is the sames peeples! The sames Lexy!"
Holo-Lexy says, "DUH! That's what I sayed! You silly head!!! I is just holo vertion and you is AI vertion! So we mustest has TWO favoritist books! So I's will reads 'Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?', nows and you's reads 'There's a Wocket in my Pocket!', and we wills sees for sures if we likeses boths bestest or just one!
After they read the other Lexy's favorite, they agree as they say at the same time, "I's likes both bestest! They is both the coolestest evers, FOREVERS!!" Then still in unison, they yell and giggle, "Yay! We has two favoriteses and we is the TWO BESTEST LEXY EVER FOREVERS!"
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Jun 19, 2015 11:51:04 GMT
Erika Widowmaker stood outside the door to Kaj's quarters swallowing her pride. Kara, Erika's daughter who was recovering slowly from her brainwashing at the hand's of the Collective's inquisition into believing that she was their matriarch, the Mistress of Judgement, had demanded that her "purple knight champion" attend her. Erika had not been able to reach Volodja and Wolfram to get their expert psychiatric advice as to acting on Kara's request before they left for the dance at Ar Shondu's consulate, but Di, the holo-nurse who was caring for Erika's deranged daughter in the holo-therapy room thought that it would do no harm, but might escalate into a worse situation if ignored. So Erika found herself outside the big purple bio-man's door, hat in hand, preparing to beg for his help if necessary. The problem was that Erika disapproved of what she saw was a developing relationship between Kaj and Kara. Kara was young and married, albeit to an abusive husband, but an Irathiant of substantial means, and most importantly to Erika, the mother of two small children from that marriage. Furthermore, Kaj was an android, built by the humans during the Pale Wars as a killing machine to battle the Votans, whose army she was a sergeant in at the time. She had fought for her life against bio-men both then and even later as an ark hunter in the Bay Area, so it was difficult to think of Kaj as any thing else but as a merciless automaton. Erika sighed, strengthening her resolve, then rang his door buzzer. When the huge Bio-man answered the door, she asked, "Excuse me for invading your privacy during your down time, but Kara wants to see you - well, frankly, has demanded to see you. I am sure that as the Chief of Security at Fortress K'shaa, you are aware of her case, and how she came to us in a homicidal rage. She has come far under Dr. Von Echen's and Mr. Uljanov's care, but she has far to go. She has fallen into the delusion that she is a benevolent regal figure in ancient times, which our experts have facilitated in the holo-room, and that you are her champion. As I said, she wants to see you, and although we could make a holographic duplicate, it might not react the same and that might mean she backslide into a more hostile Mistress of Judgment. I know I could as part of the base command triumvirate order you to cooperate, but what I'm asking is way beyond any possible job description, so I'm asking you, not as your superior, but as a mother, to please help my daughter!"  |
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