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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 21, 2015 3:49:38 GMT
While making out with Lady, I get Erika's hailer call. Reluctantly I answer it and after hearing Erika yelling about what happened and then ending the call before I can respond, I look back at Lady, as my eyes flash brightly blue with emotion. I kiss her lovingly and say, "Sorry Snow Angel, duty calls. Apparently Lietuenant Oenfer got himself into big trouble trying to be helpful. So Erika deactivated the poor giant and I must go. See what I can do about it all."
I get dressed in my blue jumpsuit, mask gloves and some boots. Then I holster my sidearm. I kiss Lady then head for the door. I stop and look at Lady with a mischievous smile and say, "I guess your spanking will have to wait, Beautiful." I chuckle as I see her reaction, once again one of mixed fear and excitement at the idea of spanking her wonderful alabaster derriere. Then I smile and, for the first time, blow her a kiss. Then I walk out of our bedroom.
After I enter the hall, I head to make sure Kaj will atleast be retained in quarters, instead of thrown in the trash incinerator like Erika is threatening. I talk to Chris over my hailer, who has had Kaj placed in his quarters on a chair, still deactivated. So I meet him at Lieutenant Oenfer's quarters. The door is sealed shut from the hall and Kaj's security codes disabled. A bit overkill when the giant is shutdown, but atleast he is locked in his room and not thrown in the incinerator. Chris and I walk into Kaj's room and Kaj is slumped in a chair, deactivated. I give Chris the order to reactivate him, and make sure the room's security cameras are on and recording. Chris makes sure the cameras are recording. Then he pushes the concealed master on/off switch centered just below Kaj's right shoulder blade.
Kaj's eyes blink open and he sits up. He says," Where... Oh never mind I remember."
I say, "lieutenant, Kaj, can you tell me what happened?"
He responds with, "It is all my fault sir. I should have never gone there. I should have reminded Miss Widowmaker when she asked for my help with her daughter, that I do not lie and that was a big lie. Kara was so confused and unsure of everything. She even wanted me to save her from Mr. Volodja, Doctor Von Eshcen and Miss Widowmaker, even if it may result in their deaths. I pledged my loyalty to Fortress K'shaa so I am honor-bound not to kill any residents of it without provocation. Besides I care about that young woman and thought it was better if she were told the truth, instead of yet more compounded lies. However since Miss Widowmaker deactivated me, obviously I made things worse. Kara trusted me and was the first to not only see me as human but also as a hero, a champion. I though the truth was a good thing. However I somehow betrayed her trust and hurt her more with it. My resignation and deactivation request are on the datapad on my bed. If I did indeed hurt her more like I am afraid, then aaccept my resignation and deactivation request. Also since dying men usually get a last request, I do have one. Let me see Kara one more time to say good bye. Then after you deactivate me, destroy my body and end my line. I was the last of my kind for a reason, and now we know that reason. This is the only place where I felt that I was more than just a mindless Automaton and I just took an action that ends my life here. So let me say goodbye to her. Then destroy me, since I can never truly have a life anywhere."
Kadenzza - Ghost in the Shell Lyrics
I say, "Kaj, I will do what I can to see that you are given a chance atleast until we are sure of the damage that your actions caused. However, if it does come down to that, I will do my best to honor your final requests."
I then look at Chris. "Go ahead and leave him active for now. We know he is secure in here and you deactivated his security codes so he isn't going anywhere."
As Chris and I walk out we hear Kaj say, "Please just deactivate me until you know for sure how much I harmed her and have made a decision about my requests. I can not stay active knowing I may of hurt an innocent, hurt Kara so bad!"
Chris and I look at Kaj from the doorway, sitting in his chair head in his arm looking so defeated. Chris says, "Sorry my friend, but you wanted so bad to be human. Living with your feelings and any regrets over a mistake or decision that you made is part of being human."
I say, "Kaj I am afraid he is right. Besides if we leave you off until we have made a decision, like you want, there is no guarantee that I can convince the others to allow me to reactivate you and honor your final request. If they insist on your resignation and deactivation, which I hope they don't, you have a better chance of them honoring your final request to say goodbye to Kara, if you are still active at the time." I then close and security lock his door, leaving him to his own thoughts.
I go to the Conference room. Sitting in there by myself with it locked so only members of the Command team can enter, I watch the logs of what happened in the Holo-therapy room, and then bring up the recording of my recent conversation with Kaj about what happened, and I have it set on loop. I just sit there watching it repeatedly.
I wonder out loud, "What the hell was Erika thinking having a Bio-man that is designed not to lie to his allies in there and what the hell was Kaj doing agreeing to go in there, knowing that even if he could manage to tell a small lie that he would never be able to go along with such a big one. Now, what the hell am I going to do or just what I can do. I can fight for the one man on base that I see so many similarities of myself in, and I will. However, no matter how much I like the Bio-man, he is just ONE person. Putting him over a medical patient and innocent is not what the good guys, I call family, would like, I am sure. More importantly the decision affects not only Kara, but also her kids and husband, wherever they are, and Erika. So to take a side means to choose one person, a friend or choose 5 people including Erika who I am starting to see as a sister. Perhaps I will see if I can refrain from taking a side and that if they need a deciding vote, Belle be allowed to do so in my place."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 21, 2015 4:08:45 GMT
Volodja stood by the refreshment table when he got the hailer call and that meant the sudden end of the dream. Once again the old story returned and narrative rules took over - they had to leave the ball before midnight. Last dance will be Trevor's after all, but maybe he can pay his debt to Belle later. Wolfram von Eschen and Chloe MacGyver hurried next to him and Wolfram said: "We must hurry back, Volodja. Unfortunately we came here with Dodge Challenger, so no places for anyone else than Chloe and me and we will leave right away. Donnerwetter!"
"Are you sure that you want to take the first blow?" asked Volodja hesitantly.
"Absolutlich, Volodja!" declared Wolfram. "You have most unfortunate tendency to try to save the world alone and take the blame for failures. It is time to learn to delegate your tasks and share the responsibility. You can't be Prometheus all the time. So I am willing to share your burden and return to the fortress first. Only problem will be your transportation."
"That won't be a problem, I assume," said Volodja. "We are capable to arrange us a decent vehicle. Maybe Ara is so kind to lend us one. Better go and try to extinguish fire in our fortress. As I just found out we have to make a decision about life and death, so I need to think about that too now. Crown always comes with amount of responsibility. That's why it is so cold and heavy. You better getter go no. Chloe will be driving, I assume, because I haven't seen you behind the steering wheel for...actually I never saw you driving a car as long as I remember."
"True, Volodja," replied Wolfram. "I don't drive. After all I used to have a personal chauffeur back at our castle, when we had one. And I had a driver when I was in army, but I believe that tonight is not the right time to start taking driving lessons. Auf Wiedersehen!" Wolfram and Chloe left the stage as couple of brave firemen, ready to storm into the sea of flames.leaving Belle and Volodja to catch them up later.
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 21, 2015 4:32:18 GMT
Marcel looked at Lena and replied: "You are absolutely right, Lena-darling. We better leave this party before it turns into the public execution of us. Should I quote somebody before we leave? Merde! That Trevor loves to recite Shakespeare for sure and that makes him almost annoying as Volodja. At least Volodja varies his authors and includes French ones which makes him tolerable."
Marcel and Lena got up from their table and headed to the main entrance. Thye got almost everything what they desired tonight. Except getting familiar with Ara Shondu's safe, but maybe they will return one moment when Ara doesn't have too many house guests. Especially guests like Volodja Uljanov and Belle Starr who once again were in wrong place in wrong time. They sort of helped Lena and him get together - Marcel had to gave them credit for that, but that didn't meant that they have permanent right to block Lena's and his way to success.
"Do not worry, Volodja," Marcel said to himself. "You will have more worries soon, than stepping to my way. I really want to see how you handle that trick I planned for you with a help of monsieur Blowfield." That thought made devilish grin appear to his thin lips as he opened car door for Lena and sat to driver's seat after that.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 21, 2015 4:58:04 GMT
Volodja watched Belle and Trevor dancing, when he felt that someone pulls his sleeve in most delicate way. He turned his glance to that direction and....had to lower it, because Tommasino Di Angelo was significantly shorter than Volodja.
"Buona sera, Volodja," said Tommasino. "Hopefully you enjoy the party and wondering what I am doing here. I can enlighten you about that question. I am here with my boss, Stahma Tarr, who is interested about you. She really wants to get acquainted. It's my fault actually, because I might have spoken highly about you, so she opened books for you and I must warn - Stahma Tarr always gets what she wants - one way or another."
"So you want me to meet the cunning Devil, like one really important person to me described her and I don't have to have much choices, do I? I won't ask you to get me out of the hook for old times sake, Tommasino, but I need couple of favours, since you are dragging me to your capo di tutti capi. First I need you to establish connection with your colleagues in Lima and get me some information." Volodja explained to Tommasino what he needed before continuing: "And one more thing - I need a ride for my date and me, so we can get back to our home fort as fast as possible if she wants to leave. It's a kingdom for a horse situation for me. Hopefully you have something in mind already, because if I have to give my finger to the Devil, then I have right to bargain as much as I can. You can tell Stahma that I agreed to meet her...one day. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow. But we will meet and discuss about the prize of my soul. Or maybe not - sometimes Devil can make reasonable deals as well, so I will find out about that when that time comes."
"Voldoja. I have something in mind already. I think that Stahma won't mind if you borrow one of ATV-s, belonging to her escort. She has three guys on ATV-s just to show off a bit and nobody won't say a word when she leaves with two. Do we have a deal?"
Volodja considered Tommasino's offer. It was better than nothing and hopefully Belle forgives him bringing bad news - last dance in this ball belongs to Trevor and they will have to share an ATV on their way back and if she agrees to leave, they have to ride all the way her arms around Volodja. He waited patiently to the end of that dance to deliver the bad news, hoping that Princess won't kill unfortunate messenger right away. He shook hands with Tommasino, smiled and nodded to Stahma Tarr and then he was ready to deliver news to Belle Starr.
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Jun 21, 2015 7:56:00 GMT
Erika Widowmaker was at the command station in the War Room of Fortress K'shaa throwing herself into routine work which was her habit when she faced a tough decision. Routine work helped her clear her head of emotions when a rational decision was needed, and her mind was in emotional turmoil after she felt Kaj unilaterally decided to undo all the work Von Eshen and Volodja had made with Kara over what seemed like a century to Erika. The mental health experts of Fortress K'shaa had stumbled along, sometimes backsliding, with Kara's treatment to undo the Mistress of Judgment's brainwashing of her, but were finally starting to see the light of day, but then this disaster!
A member of the base's night shift informed Erika that Atticus Batman was in the conference room, so with a sigh, she closed down her work station and walked there, punching in the security code, entering and closing the door behind her. Erika looked intensely at Atticus with wide jade eyes, wondering if what Dr. Orion had said could possibly be true but seeing for the first time a resemblance, before she sat down, unholstering her Magnum and putting it on the conference table in front of her. She thought briefly about telling Atticus what Dr. Orion had revealed to her, but this was neither the time nor place, and she did not want that information to possibly affect his decision as to Kaj's fate.
Erika sighed before beginning, staring at the gun before her rather than risking looking at Atticus' eyes and seeing what may lay within, as she said grimly, "During the Pale Wars, I killed many people, as I know you did as well. I killed many of the enemy, as well as the bio-men who fought with them, but you probably didn't know that on the Gulf Front I was responsible for tracking down and executing Votans who were traitors, deserters, or even just sympathizers with the enemy. My commanding officer respected my tracking skills and my ability to follow orders, and knew I would kill without questioning those orders; for it was War, and the very survival of the Votans on this planet was at stake, or so I believed at the time."
Erika traced with a calloused red clay colored forefinger the Irathiant tribal symbols etched into the metal of the pistol long ago as she continued, "It was easy not to think of those I killed as not being individuals with feelings and reasons of their own for, as I said, it was war and so much seemed at stake. Bio-men, however, were the easiest to kill, for we were told they were just unfeeling killing machines, and the way they efficiently and effectively fought on the battlefield confirmed such thoughts. Even after the war, as an ark hunter, I often came into conflict with bio-men, and had no qualms at all killing them. It was easiest to remain unemotional as to them, as they were merely machines."
Looking up from the Magnum she had carried throughout the Pale Wars, her vivid green eyes met his as she slid the gun to him, "Today I couldn't remain unemotional toward a bio-man. Instead, it was emotion that almost had me put a bullet between Kaj's eyes, a rage so pure it was almost palatable. With Kaj, I forgot that deep down he is just an machine, an automaton, and instead attributed human qualities to him that a machine cannot have and forgot the limitations that all machines have. That was my first mistake. My second is that I didn't kill him immediately after realizing my first one. The bio-man is unstable and must be destroyed, just like any dangerous machine. First with Lena, and now with Kara, he has shown that he has an appalling lack of judgment that endangers all the real people on this base. If we release him into the world, he just endangers more people in even less controlled circumstances. I used that gun during the Pale Wars to execute those who I believed endangered the Votan Collective, but I did so without emotion and with good reason. Today, I have neither, so I leave that decision to you and Volodja, for if you leave it to me, I will put that bullet between his eyes, but in a rage and without the right reasons!"
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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 21, 2015 9:13:51 GMT
Lady Christianna frowned as Atticus left their quarters, then immediately called Belle Starr on her hailer, saying,"Gone nuclear here. Kaj. Kara. Erika. BOOM." Belle had just finished her dance with Trevor, but was still in his arms when she answered the call, so she replied quickly, "Darnation! Just one night off! Asking too much I guess! I'm on my way!" As Belle finished her call, Trevor unexpectantly turned her, stealing from her a long kiss, but when they finished, she smiled wanly, for although it was a nice kiss, there was no magic in it, no passion, at least from her part. She took his arm, leading him towards Ara Shondu, speaking cheerfully as they strolled, "Now Trevor, you are a great friend and ally but let's not complicate things! We have great things planned for VBI and the world, and neither of us want to endanger those plans! I love you to death, but not that way, so lets just enjoy what we have!" "I know," Replied Treavor, "But I had to try or I never would forgive myself. As the Bard said in Hamlet, this above all: to thine own self be true." Belle giggled at the quote, saying, "I try, but I don't always succeed," Then glanced meaningfully at Volodja as he conversed with Tommasino, adding, "Sometimes I lie like a worn old rug to myself!" The glance was not lost to Trevor, even in his slightly drunken state, so he quoted a Shakespearean sonnet, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, and summer's lease hath all too short a date." Then he took her by the shoulders looking deep into her blue diamond eyes, "I wish to hell I was him, but as your friend, let me tell you one thing: You are too young and too beautiful to remain a life long wallflower! I didn't know Vo K'shaa, but I refuse to believe that anyone you loved would want you to remain hidden away forever." Belle smiled and said to Trevor with a twinkle in her big blue eyes, "You know my favorite Shakespearean quote? All the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players! They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts! That's my cue to exit!" Belle led Trevor to Ara, thanking her for a wonderful party and kissing her briefly on the cheek as close girl friends often do, then hugged Trevor hard telling him to take care of himself. As she went to find Volodja and a car to return to Fortress K'shaa. Belle felt cold calculating eyes watching her. She glanced over to a table where Stahma Tarr was sitting, and frowned as she remembered her last encounter with her and Stahma's unwanted sexual advances. Belle nodded at her, quickening her step as if she had just seen a viper, which in a way Belle felt she had.  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 21, 2015 9:25:50 GMT
Vlodja looked at escaping princess, hoping that she won't lost any of her crystal shoes on her way. When she reached to him and their ATV, Volodja bowed deeply, putting his hand to his heart and said: "My apologies, dear Tinkerbelle. Seems that our castle is collapsing again and we must to save what we can. But I promise that we have our dance when we finish to clean that mess in Fortress K'Shaa. And I wish that we have a better ride, but I had to sell my soul to Stahma Tarr to get this ATV. But I managed to put Tommasino to work on a search for Erika's children, so I didn't sold myself cheap. And maybe I will find a way to buy my soul back after I read some fables and find a suitable recipe, like bottomless pot she has to fill with gold or something like that. I will worry about that later. First things first. Oh and take this (he gave his hidden pistol to Belle) so you can keep bad guys away if we meet them, because my hands will be steering us through the wasteland and we are going to use every short cut we will find, so you better hold on tight at least with one hand." He climbed to the seat and waited until Belle prepared herself , because she had to roll up her her long skirt to feel comfortably on their ride, because nobody had designed a suitable sidesaddle for their horse, so she could sit comfortably on aside as ladies, wearing their long dresses or long skirts used to do instead of riding astride. When he felt Belle's hands surround him, he started the engine and rode slowly aout from Shondu's Consulate courtyard to avoid harming party guests, but as soon the were out he increased their speed significantly and said: "You probably haven't heard a legend about Hans von Hackelberg, a Wild Huntsman of Harz mountains, who loved hunting more than anything in the world and when he died, he told that he would like to hunt forever. His wish came true and now he rides at forests at night, accompanied by his dogs and Tut-Ursel, an owl like creature, who was once a nun in one of convents in Thuringia, known for her howling singing voice, which became major annoyance after her death, because she kept tooting during services and soon there was not anyone who dared to enter the church until one Cappuchine monk condemned her into Harz mountains where she teamed up with Hackelberg. Wish we had her with us for tonight, because she would serve us better than any kind of siren to keep our path clear. Not sure why I am telling this. Maybe because I am damn nervous about the situation and Kaj's fate is in our hands at moment. "Errare humanum est" ("To err is human"), they say and by making a mistake, Kaj has shown that he is a sentient being so deactivating him would be a death sentence. Considering my screw ups, I must be as tolerant as possible and make my decision about his life and death with clear mind. I should talk with Erika when we are back." They speeded up even more and rode through the wasteland like a greased lightning, making jumps and using short cuts whenever it was possible. Even good old Hackelberg could not perform better than Belle and Volodja on their ATV, although he had his horse, dogs and Tut-Ursel as an advantage.  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 21, 2015 9:30:38 GMT
When Erika came in, I closed the recording I was watching, of my talk in Kaj's quarters. I watched her set the gun on the table, then I listened to her. Then when she is done I say calmly, "Look we all did things such as that in the Pale Wars. I was Shkathe'Nado, Dark Matter. I strictly killed those that were a threat to what we though was right. Human and Votan alike. I still kill relentlessly. Dak, I did so just a couple of hours ago at the consulate. I could have taken the Sniper alive. I had the drop on her, but I purposely stalked and killed her in cold blood. You did so the whole time because you were following orders. I realized after I killed the scientists that gave me my Grid symbiote, that I killed and still kill because I enjoy it and can not stand not doing so when possible. You even know that after the Pale War, I became a ruthless bounty hunter. What is not known is that I also became a serial killer, known by many names in different areas and countries; The Manchurian Monster, The Brazilian Butcher, even a mythological creature known as a Pishtaco. Although that is just three out of at least a hundred or more names. The only other person I have told was Belle, just recently actually. It is what the information on my datapad was that I showed her when she instated this Triumvirate. I didn't think anybody else ever needed to know that I am more violent and dangerous than even the most secret V.C., E-rep, VBI, or Inquisition files have on me. Yet for some reason I feel that you more than anybody else, except Lady, has a right to know."
"Anyway, we have all killed Bio-men. We still do. However Kaj is different. He strives to be human. He is very sympathetic and hates killing. I saw the holo-therapy footage. We both know he could have done something to stop you. Bio-men are programmed for self-survival. However he basically let you deactivate him. He said as much when I reactivated him. He can't stand the idea of hurting an innocent and more importantly your daughter. He was programmed not to lie to allies, and knows it. I believe he has managed to learn to tell one or two minor half-truths. However he still can not tell a major lie, and the holo-therapy is technically just that if you have no idea that it is a hologram. He knew that by going in there, he was risking everything but did it anyway because he wanted to see Kara, and wanted to do what he could to help her. I am not sure what that is all about, but she means a lot to him. He also knew that he was screwed when she asked him what she asked him."
I notice the look of confusion in Erika's eyes as I say that. So I cautiously continue. "Well I guess you really didn't know. I enhanced his private conversation with Kara. You can hear it if you want. What he says she asked is true. So here it is....She asked him to save her from her captors; An old wizard, his handsome assistant, a ghostly banshee and even you, her mother. She wanted him to free her even if it meant your deaths. He is not like the blue bio-men you are used to...or like me for that matter. He tries to be a good guy, even if it means disobeying orders to do what is right. He even has honor. He feels that by accepting his position here that he is honor-bound to protect all of Fortress k'shaa's residents and never to kill one without provocation. So he was put on the spot with Kara's request.
However he says he could see how confused she was about everything, yet she recognized you as her mother and told Kaj she has children but they are safe elsewhere and she knew the baby in her arms wasn't hers. So he felt that it was best for everyone to tell her the truth, instead of remaining silent, even if it meant his job or more importantly his life. He was just doing what he could to fight for everyone that he cares about. He has offered to resign and allow us to permanently deactivate him and do what we want with his body. All he asks in return is that we honor his final request. All he wants is to be allowed to say goodbye to Kara forever, before we kill him. After our doctors are certain that he really did do more damage to her than good."
"I know we are all used to seeing Bio-men as mindless machines. However all his actions are the same actions I have seen countless of our teammates, including the two of us, do. Actions of a sentient 'living' being. Not actions of a programmed machine. So he is no more unstable than you or I. Actually he is still a lot more stable than I am, even you have to know that. Don't get me wrong, I do understand your rage. You are certain he hurt your daughter. However you have proved that you are changing for the better by NOT killing him in front of your daughter. Personally, I probably would have killed him in cold blood if I was certain he tried to kill one of my loved ones, like I did the Sniper at Shondu's consulate tonight. So Kaj is lucky that it was you and not me. I care about him, but if he harmed Lady, he would have died before he had a chance to realize he screwed up. Although I think that now that I care about others and he is a friend, I might actually regret an action like that, for once. But I have to ask you. If she did indeed see him as her champion, then what if she was still able to register everything that happened mentally, after she went into the catatonic state? Seeing her mother attack and disable her Champion could also do her harm. However I suppose that is for Wolfram and Volodja to figure out. But we do have another issue involving this.
As you said it is best that you not be allowed to help in the decision of what to do with him. However I refuse to choose between helping my friend, Kaj or siding with you and your family. I am starting to consider you....an older sister and I do not want to risk hurting you, however I can't bring myself to side against Kaj either. I am sooo not used to this.
Before meeting Belle, I had no problem killing people just for being in my sight or earshot. I had no want or need for friends or family and didn't care about the differences between good and evil actions. However it has all changed since I met Belle. Then for some reason sacrificing myself in an explosion at the Zhena array to stop a massive Volge incursion in the Bay Area. Then Lady. And I seem to be wanting friends and family and to do good acts more and more with each day. Even if I do still stop certain criminals with extreme force. So I guess the decision is all Volodja's to make. Unless he asks Wolfram and Belle for their advice on the matter. All I ask is that; IF we do decide on his resignation and death, we honor his request to see her one last time. Wait... did I just suggest doing something honorable?! Dak! See what I mean! Yet another good thing brought about by being with, caring about and loving all of you! However I still say we honor it, even though I don't think I have ever knowingly honored anything before falling in love with Lady Christianna.
However perhaps you should see my chat with Kaj. His only concern really does seem to be your daughter's well-being. That is NOT the action of a self-surviving war machine, but of a friend, family member, a champion, a hero or a lov... Nevermind the last part. It will just piss you off more. And you can't completely blame him for Lena. We all fell for her act." My eyes flicker bright blue then white as I hit the table, causing her gun to bounce and say in an emotional outburst, "EVEN YOU!" Then just as quickly they go back to their normal electric blue and I just as quickly return to my calm and calculated demeanor, as I continue, "Anyway he only cares about Kara's well-being and is willing to sacrifice himself if it helps her, or if his last actions hurt her. Something Bio-men are not programmed for."
I point at the big screen in the room and bring up the recording of my last conversation with Kaj in his quarters. When she turns to look, I hit play. Then I play Kaj and Kara's 'private' part of their conversation in the Holo-therapy room, as well.
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Post by Lady Christianna on Jun 21, 2015 9:30:44 GMT
Sandy Bell, Lady's EGO psyche, sat at a candlelit table for two with a chilled bottle of desert white wine and two wine glasses wearing her low cut red party dress in Volodja's quarters. With a little tweaking, the holo-emmitters there made a replica of the Parisian room with a view he had created in the holo suite. Not yet aware of the current base crisis, Sandy waited there, hoping that by the end of the evening she had planned for him, Volodja would be dreaming of her and not Belle Starr.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 21, 2015 12:18:01 GMT
Belle Starr and Volodja Uljanov made back to the fortress relatively safe, because Belle's steady aim took down anyone who dared to approach them with evil intentions in their mind or tried to make a quick snack out of them. Volodja's driving skills were good enough to escape major troubles they met in their way. When they finally stopped in courtyard of Fortress K'Shaa, Belle could not hold back giggling, because Volodja acted like a wind shield during their travel, protecting her from most of mud and dust - a common result of taking short cuts. Volodja glanced into a side mirror of Chloe's vehicle and knew right away that Madame La Forge will be busy sewing a new tail coat for him soon, unless he manages to clean this one. And his otherwise handsome face was covered with mud and dirt as well, making him look like he came from a mud wrestling competition where he ended up facing defeat and muddy ground.  As a gentleman he sent Belle to her quarters, kissed her on a cheek leaving his lips to rest there for at least a century (and making her pale skin muddy because of his dirt covered face) and feeling pleasant tingling on his body it caused and said sincerely: "Thank you for the evening and letting me be your date. I loved every moment and being with you means a world to me." He almost blushed, when saying that, because some why he felt really shy. Seeing the trouble he caused, Volodja decided to get his face clean and get rid of his accessories - golden rule when you are dealing with unstable people happens to be - get rid of any lose trinkets you are wearing, because they are possible weapons and even strangling measures. That's why he rushed into his quarters next and...almost cursed, because he saw his girlfriend Sandy waiting for him with wine and candle and looking so lovely in her short dress, so Volodja felt really miserably because he had to cancel another important event tonight. In chronological order he had to give up a last dance with Belle and now he could not have peaceful dinner with Sandy because of the domestic crisis they were facing. He dropped his dirty tail coat to the chair, took off his brown and grey shirt, which used to be bright white only few hours ago and embraced Sandy only after that, warning her: "Be careful, love. I am really muddy from the ride, because we have another bloody backslide with Kara who got lose and broke mentally down again after that, so we must deal with that matter right away. Wolfram already arrived and I had to make a deal with a mob to get an ATV for myself. Wait a second." Volodja rubbed his face with remains of his shirt to get at least a bit cleaner before kissing Sandy and whispering: "I am really sorry. You had much trouble of arranging everything and I just let you down now. Damn, you look so adorable, my girl. It's really a shame that instead having nice evening with you I must work again." He squeezed Sandy against his bare upper body and kissed her hair gently before going into bathroom to clean himself up. He washed his face, put a clean shirt on and left his quarters looking as neat as he could (except his trousers which still were covered with local surface samples) and feeling pain in his heart because he let down two wonderful women now. At moment Kara and Kaj were an emergency, so once again he put everything personal aside and rushed to the rescue. On the door he looked back and smiled sadly to Sandy, whispering: "So sorry, my love" again and then marched to the War room for emergency meeting of the leading Triumvirate, letting Wolfram to deal with Kara. He will join him right after they decide what to do with Kaj Oenfer. |
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Jun 21, 2015 13:51:24 GMT
"After seeing the film," Erika shook her purple tressed head slowly, then turned her red clay colored face to Atticus, her wide jade eyes piercing in their intensity, saying, "Whether Kara was asking him to kill us or not is debatable, but either way, if Kaj knew of such a threat, he should have told the triumvirate or at the very least medical personnel, not literally pull the plug on her holo-treatment the experts had provided for her. He is a danger, and although perhaps not worthy of deactivation, should be relieved of duty at the very least and never be allowed near Kara again, under any circumstances." "Speaking of personal matters," Erica leaned her elbows on the conference table as she put her head in both hands, looking unblinking at her reflection in its highly polished surface, continuing reluctantly, "Dr. Orion came upon some startling information as he was compiling a medical data base on the Irathiant base personnel. Seems that if either of us need a tissue donor, we each have an almost perfect one in each other. I just found out recently myself from Dr. Orion, and I was going to broach the topic when there was a better time, but there may never be a better time, especially with this team, so there you have it. You are my long lost brother, and I am the older sister you never knew you had. Now you have to make a decision about a creature that just may have just stolen your niece's chance of ever regaining her sanity. Looks like we both have some soul searching to do!"  |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 21, 2015 16:15:11 GMT
Marcel Lestrange watched crazed ATV heading toward San Francisco and wondered what might cause that kind of hurry, but it was not his concern when to think about it, so he returned his mind to their successful reconnaissance mission in Ara's sweet home. They got the name and place. Now they needed pack their things and go. For faster travel they could use something more efficient than a car. Owning an airship would be nice, but getting one is way too complicated. Or maybe not, if Lena knows where they could get one. Marcel considered himself an experienced pilot, so that won't be a problem. Hijacking one was not a problem either. And if Lena leads them to available airship then they won't have any problems at all. All he needs to do is ask.
"Lena-darling. Do you know where we could find ourselves something to fly with? Travelling with you is pure pleasure, but I would like to get you an EGO implant with an intelligent EGO psyche as fast as possible before our new friend Trevor starts to remember what he was talking in our company. Belle's appearance was most unfortunate and makes me wish that I could spot her earlier so I had time to drop my fork under the table like you did. It was a brilliant move, Lena. I am impressed by your mind, My Love. But now I am afraid that Trevor might want to move the Toad if Belle tells him who we really are, so we must hurry."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 21, 2015 18:42:16 GMT
Volodja Uljanov entered the War Room and after greeting Atticus and Erika, found himself a place to sit and look at those two who kept staring at each other. That was weird and kind of spooky, but Volodja didn't had time to feel chills, because Wolfram might need his help any time and fate of Kaj Oenfer was still on wages. As long as Volodja understood then Atticus supported his friend and Erika was ready to pull his plug off, so his voice might be decisive here, unless Belle has something to say about that too, because she was most neutral one - Erika was mad about Kaj for personal reasons. Atticus was Kaj's friend so he had personal reasons to protect him. Even Volodja might have some reasons to condemn Kaj, because he seemed to be responsible for triggering chain of events which messed up Kara's therapy.
Volodja had to be objective here - Kaj acted like that because he just COULD NOT act otherwise, as long as Volodja understood. Nobody taught Kaj to lie, so his only option was to tell the truth. Always. That's why he considered the problem and said: "I can't blame Kaj for everything. He didn't had much choices here, because he can't act against his protocol and it's too late to wish that he was more flexible. His words...He was talking with Kara when hell broke lose, am I right? And he made a wrong choice which is human as it can be, so deactivating him means a death sentence to a sentient being. Machines can be switched off, but Kaj is more like a human, so we decide about life and death here, not turning off a piece of dangerous equipment. That leads us to the second problem - most of us have been acting irrationally. I am not an exception here, because I and my deeds caused you lot of headache lately, so I am not in position to condemn Kaj. It is said: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone..."
Besides, Kaj was not the reason why Kara was put under our surveillance. It was brainwashing and...something else, what might be the cause of her unstable emotional balance. I a not sure what made her so fragile in first place. I wonder how she behaved in her childhood. Was there any signs on instability? Must deal with that later, but we have to bring her out from catatonia first. Electroconvulsive therapy is one possibility here. So called shock therapy has given really effective results. Using medication is more dangerous. But what we can do later, because we can't use illusions any more. She doesn't believe them, so we need real stimulus for her to recover. Actually...when I was at party I agreed to meet with Stahma Tarr, the brain on the Tarr Family. In return I asked my friend to establish contact with his fellow mobsters and look for your grandchildren, Erika. Sorry. Got distracted. Kaj is the reason why we all are here and after consideration I will vote against deactivating him, because we all are dysfunctional in one way or another and by condemning Kaj, we condemn us as well. What are other opinions? Is there any rational reasons why we should kill Kaj?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 21, 2015 23:24:36 GMT
I just stare at Erika in controlled anger after she says she is my sister and Kara, therefore, my niece. After Volo comes in and sits down, he talks as Erika and I continue to glare at each other. After he finishes I finally talk, my calmness gone. My eyes flickering between grey and white as I lean back in my chair and stair at the ceiling, as I say in a very rundown voice, "There is absolutely no reason to kill Kaj. He made a mistake, yes. However it was a very human mistake. He did what he felt was needed to protect his friends and help somebody that he seems to care deeply for. Any one of us may have done the same. If I had the energy at the time, I would have shoved that dream machine up Volodja's dakking ass because it seemed like it was hurting Lady more than helping." I notice in my peripheral vision, that Volodja squirms a little at that suggestion and I finally lean forward and look at them both. As my eyes and aura finally turn and stay blue for now, I say, "Relax. I didn't have the strength emotionally or physically to do so at the time, and that is done and over, so it doesn't matter. However perhaps if I did do that or at least destroy the machine then everyone would still have their correct EGOs right now. Anyway back to Kaj and Kara. I do NOT see a reason to send him away either. Volodja, Kaj requests that if we do deactivate him or send him away, he be allowed to see Kara one last time to say farewell.
Erika is against it. However I see no harm. If she is as catatonic as Erika and Orion believe, then Kaj saying goodbye will not affect her. However if she can at least hear and see what happens around her, then him telling her he must leave because of his actions, might cause her to react verbally or physical. A reaction of any kind is better than none, like we currently have. I am sure Erika will hate me for suggesting that, especially since she just informed me that she is my long lost sister, from a family that I didn't know existed, and therefore Kara my is niece. I think I can understand that feeling, but still not sure what to think of the dakking knowledge that I now have a dakking family! I never had a family or even a name and now I have a sister, a niece and nephew, and even a great niece and nephew some dakking where?!"
My eyes flash white again, as I once again fight down the rage, and even manage to focus, turning them green for now. Then I say, "Look I love you Erika and therefore you children. I am sure I can even love them as family which they apparently are. However I also care about Kaj.
If he must go, then that is up to Volodja and Belle. Neither of us are in the position to decide that. As his friend I can't stand the idea of kicking him out of the only place where he has felt he belongs. You may not understand what it's like not to think you belong anywhere and hate your own existence, but I do! If you asked him to see Kara, then even you were starting to see him as one of us! A member of the family trying to figure out where he belongs. Yes he dakked up! But I do nothing but dak up. Hell since I came here, I am in the infirmary a lot more than in my own dakking bed! I was never this accident prone when I had no care about anything, except death! However now that I do know love and family, I wouldn't have it any other way.
Anyway my angry Big Sister! I am not the person to condemn a man for trying to do a good or loving thing! I only condemn other's evil actions, for that is what I know best!" My eyes flash white again as I say, "There is NOTHING EVIL ABOUT HIM! HOWEVER IF WE TREAT HIM TOO BADLY WE COULD CREATE EVIL IN HIM!!"
Once again I fight the anger, and my eyes return to an angry blue. "Look, he is fine locked in his quarters while a decision is made. Provided we can keep him from finding a way to kill himself, because he is so distraught at the idea that he may have hurt Kara so bad. So if you prefer, he can stay there. However as Director of Security I feel that for his own safety that he be moved to a private room in either the infirmary, therapy, or Haele's lab and placed under suicide watch for the time being.
As Kara's apparent uncle, I really want her to get better. So I say that if she and Kaj do have as close a connection as they seem to in the video footage, we let Kaj see her, before we make a final decision on his case, and see if she reacts. Any physical or mental reaction from Kara would be a good thing. Even negative response is better than no response. I know you don't like or trust Kaj and never did. However if he was human, you would at least listen to his side. You watched the video but we both know you ignored his words and emotion. Also as her uncle I say we take her feelings into consideration. She shows something for Kaj, so we can not condemn him until we know how that would affect her.
As Kaj's friend and Director of Security, I say he stays and goes under complete suicide watch. He wants to die because he thinks he deserves it. Since he hurt Kara, who he seems to care about so completely. Then we wait to see how Kara is before we decide if we banish him from the Fortress or keep him from seeing Kara. OR decide whether he should stay in security or be moved to a position elsewhere. Although I think he is a damn good Security Chief and would hate to lose him, and Kaj should not be condemned for his actions of the heart right away. We didn't condemn him for falling for Lena's trickery, and I see no reason to now. That is the past and over. We should not condemn him for, believing in his heart, that telling Kara the truth was best for her. We can of course suspend him or fire him for disobeying Doctor's Orders concerning that, and that is what we are here to discuss. You want him gone. I say he stays. Volodja will make the final decision, hopefully after seeing to Kara and Kaj's mental states first. Either way, I say the best thing for Kaj, is suspension and confinement to quarters. However I still say those quarters be in medical where he can be under 24/7 suicide watch.
Either way I suggest we consider letting Kaj see her again. It was him that got her to respond as more than just the Mistress of Judgment. Put them together and have Volodja or Wolfram watch through one of the two-way mirrors. We station a security officer with a Taser specifically designed to stun Bio-men to watch Kaj 24/7 as his suicide watch. That way if they need to intervene they can and yes those Tasers do exist. I have a couple of them locked in the Engineering armory. We also make sure all the Command team knows where Kaj's master control switch is. You managed to get lucky and find it under his right shoulder-blade, so you know where it is, as do Chris and I. Now Volodja knows. So that leaves Belle, Wolfram, Orion and Haele, and Lady to tell, which Volodja can handle. Besides if Kara cares about Kaj even half as much as he does her, then she just might respond if we let him talk to her, about whatever he wants, instead of feeding him lines. Anything, even if that leads to him confessing his love to her or something. I am still not sure how he feels about her or when they met before you took him into Holo-therapy. However that is Volodja's and Wolfram's concern, not mine. My concern at the moment is my niece's and sister's mental well-being and my friend's safety.
Look you and I are too personally involved with this, so let the others handle it. As your friend, I say get some rest and find something or somebody to help distract you and help you relax for now, and leave her in the hands of professionals. As your little brother and her uncle, and a man who hates psycho-babble for personal reasons, I say we do my suggestion without their permission. As Kara's uncle and Kaj's friend, I say we see if Kaj can get a reaction from her, and perhaps it will help them both, after we discuss it with the psycho-babble professionals, and then perhaps do it anyway.
As your long lost brother, I want to ask you why the hell I was left alone in the Omec Colony at the age of 6. Why didn't anybody ever look for me, What the dak is my real name and perhaps one or two other things. However that must wait. I could even suggest we just sit here in private and talk, but you don't want to talk about your family...our family right now, and especially not with the guy who is fighting to help the person that you THINK hurt Kara, even if the guy is your long lost little brother...the insane killer. However Kaj is NOT the one who brainwashed Kara and not the one who forced her to live yet a different illusion, instead of telling her what is wrong with her! That is one of the reasons I hate psycho-babble! It is all about playing games and lying to the patient instead of telling them the truth and actually doing everything in your power to help them!
Anyway, Volodja...Kara and Kaj are in your hands, to do with as you see fit. Please try to help them both. Despite Erika's...my sister's protests." I then slump back in my chair and stair up at the ceiling again, and rub the huge scar over and below my left eye, through my mask, as I contemplate everything and wait for their responses and perhaps more hatred from Erika. At least if it is directed at me, then it is directed at somebody who deserves such hate...an insane serial killer, instead of somebody who gives his all to be a champion of good. |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 22, 2015 5:26:58 GMT
Volodja looked at family reunion and then said with his calm voice: "Kara and Kaj are in their own hands, not mine. Wolfram and I can lead the way and guide them, but our ad hoc methods doesn't seem to get general approval and bring more harm than use, so if Kara sees Kaj it can't make things any worse. Wolfram and I will observe the situation without interfering, unless it's absolutely necessary. You have my approval for that meeting if procedure rules demand it. And now, if you excuse me, I will go and see how our good old Wolfram is doing and tell him not to try to bring Kara out from her catatonia yet. Just let me know when you decided anything. It's a family matter after all, not family doctor's. Especially when doctor's methods are considered to be questionable"
Saying that, Volodja left the War Room and went to see his old friend Wolfram von Eschen and informed him about situation in the War Room. Wolfram considered it and agreed to postpone his actions to bring Kara back, because emotions seemed to affect any decision that was made, so everybody needed some time to cool down and Volodja seemed that he could use a drink and some company at moment, according the way he looks right now.
"You are absolutely right Wolfram," replied Volodja. "I paid too much for my little excursion into high society, so all I am going to do at moment is sit and wait. You can pour me your Schnapps now, because I feel too damn sober to accept reality. But only one, Wolfram, because I just take a break, not switching myself totally off."
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