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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Jun 27, 2015 13:49:48 GMT
Erika's headache finally subsided some, so she quit rubbing her temples and joined the conversation at the table in the base canteen, "Well then, we really need to start this mission. If Taffer has any other questions, he can ask on the Vigilant. The sooner Taffer gets on board, the sooner he can get reacquainted with Lexy, so Lady, if you would escort him up there, we can get that started. I'll hail Chris and let him know he is coming with us. Sorry to end the breakfast prematurely, but I have a sense of urgency as to this mission, call it a sixth sense, that if we don't gather our EGO expert in Defiance soon, he may not be there for us to gather later. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to the cargo bay of the Vigilant and do a final check that we have all the supplies that we need. Again, I'm very glad you are back with us Taffer."
With that, Erika rose from the table and left the base mess hall; all her team mates noting the haggard look on her face and the fact that the way she walked was like a woman twice her age, and that only by sheer willpower.
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Post by Taffer on Jun 27, 2015 17:03:49 GMT
"Thanks for the invitation Atticus and thanks for the confidence in me Lady", Taffer answered smiling, "But you're a swift learner so I think you'll surpass me too soon."
"I also don't think it's a good idea to get Tarrs any close to Erika's children", he addressed to Volo, "You know Stahma Tarr is the second in my no-deal list right after Zaitsev. She always has a hidden agenda and is able to easily change her plans on the fly if she sees a more attractive opportunity. And unlike Varus, she often thinks of long-term goals which make her unpredictable. The best way to make her fulfill your request to the letter is to make her think that it's just a small step to some bigger long-term goal, so I hope you did exactly that, Volodya. Still no guarantee she won't report to that Skarr prick in case he offers better price for the information, but at least it's something."
When Erika took her short speech and went away, a distinctive "something is wrong" signal rang in Taffer's head. He followed Erika with his eyes and then gave a questioning look to the remaining team members, trying to guess if there's something they know which he doesn't yet.
"Guess someone needs their EGO AI back as soon as possible", he remarked, "So, as everyone heard our logistics officer's order, I'm going directly to the ship's bridge right now and hope Lady will accompany me. I also hope everyone is prepared for the flight and we won't have to wait for anyone."
He quickly drank up remaining coffee in his cup, nodded to the team members and went to the bridge. The weapons he took with himself were his usual set of Ranger, Heavy Carbine, TACC Autopistol and a Thorn Liro blade he had passed through the decontamination room with. All other firearms from his arsenal were left in his Duni which required decontamination as well but he didn't have time for that.
"Dash, can we help Erika with her health problems?", he asked his EGO unit mentally while on his way.
"If it's some serious disease, then negative I suppose", Em Dash replied, "You see, an EGO unit has a lot of parameters set to default when it's first initialized. When it grows into its host's body, its AI tunes the numerous parameters of the hardware to fit the individual. The more abilities it gains, the more level of individual specialization it has. Given you're Human and she's Irathian and we're both of high level of integration, I'm afraid I cannot safely control processes in her body, you two are just too different. I think I could adjust her EGO's sensitivity to pain so that it could locate and ease it more effective, but that's it, nothing more specific I can do. The only EGO unit that could rebuild itself from scratch was Shirra, Vo's unit. She did exactly that in order for them to survive during their activation, and she could probably do that again. The problem is, even if Vo managed to backup her AI somewhere before he died, we still need that exact hardware unit from his neck. All subsequent units, including me, don't have that functionality anymore."
"Which is out of question because Vo is dead and his body is nowhere to be found, got it", Taffer stumbled and audibly sighed, "Let's work to get the sentient AI back to her unit then."
He sped up his pace and soon was at the ship's deck, Lady close behind. The first people they saw there were Zork and a Castithan girl sitting on his big shoulders and dangling her feet. Taffer could not help but smile when the couple turned around to see him.
"And here's our Lexy in its full electromagnetic and gravitational beauty", surmised Taffer and the girl jumped off the Sensoth's shoulders and ran up to them.
"Commander Taffer!" she exclaimed jumping up and down and clapping her hands, "You're back! I and Big Zork are testing the emitters! He said it's a best way to check if I have the same weight everywhere around the deck! And it's fun too! Can you hold me now? But now Lady is in charge so I report to her!"
Lady smiled when her enigmatic smile when she saw Taffer kneeling and Lexy's projection climbing on his shoulders. When Taffer turned to face her she said, pointing her small alabaster finger at him, "Taffer first. Me second."
"Got it!" Lexy exclaimed, "Taffer in charge again! Gonna be fun!"
"Glad to see you too Lexy", Taffer said when they finally let him put a word in, "Do we have a flight plan?"
"Of course!" Lexy pointed at the pilot deck as they approached it, "I've did it and Lady approved! Safe and fast!"
"Fast indeed", Taffer summed up, analyzing the 3D image path drawn over a map, "But safe? Do you see this area we're flying right over the center of? It's called the Storm Divide for a reason. It has strong winds, fog and dust almost always in its air. But it's a fastest route indeed, so we'll take it. Lexy, you'll have a difficult task. You'll have to maintain shields, speed and stabilization constantly. Will you manage that?"
"Sounds fun!", Lexy exclaimed, "I was thrown around when those Volge were shooting at me and didn't like it! So I'll be sta-bi-li-zing as steady as I can!"
Taffer sifted through the flight parameters and showed a thumb up to Lady. Then he transferred an EGO message to the team, "We're ready to take off. Everyone please get in and we're starting as soon as everyone is on board."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 27, 2015 17:51:50 GMT
Volodja dragged himself to the "Vigilant" and settled into his cabin again. Before falling asleep he thought about Stahma Tarr and their deal and decided to be careful, although she was the one who wanted to establish a contact with him. Maybe it was a part of some long term plan but that increased chances that Stahma fulfils her part of their deal. Besides - Volodja didn't appointed any certain date when he agreed to meet her and that left him some manoeuvring space. He would thought even more but exhaustion won and he fell asleep in his bed, all his clothes on. Except his boots of course. "Die with your boots on," they used to say in 19th century, but Volodja was not going to die but have some rest, wake up after that and save the world or something like that.
______________________
While his competitor Volodja slept after having hard night, Marcel Lestrange was busy with digging information from local eye of the law. He played wealthy tourist and asked a lot of silly questions, hiding most important ones - those which could lead Lena and him closer to the Toad - cleverly among them and making careful selection from the information flood he received from Berlin. Nothing was not sure yet, but everything he heard pointed to a small compound not very far from the town with an old bomb shelter, built in 20th century, when world was afraid of nuclear war. Now they needed getting rid of Berlin but not by killing her and a set of wheels. Then they can pay a visit to Russian computer nerd convince him to cooperate with Lena and Marcel. Politely. Really politely.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 27, 2015 23:19:57 GMT
As Taffer and Lady left for the ship, I got up and Lady gave me a quick hug. Then I watched her follow Taffer to the Vigilant's bridge. I excused myself as well. Then I went to make sure all the security measures were taken. I saw Chris on my way to the War Room and he was busily preparing himself and Tim for so they could go with us as ordered. I get to the War Room and talk to Broderick and Chloe. Both of them agree that they can handle everything while we are away, and they can talk to Wolfram and perhaps Kaj if they need more help with something. Besides they will have Zork and Jose around to help as well as lots of other personnel. I agree and go through some things on my desk real quick.
As I do I send Taffer an EGO to EGO message. "Taffer Erika needs her EGO back more than anybody else on the team knows. I can not say why. It is not my place and I gave her my word. Not as Atticus Batman, 'the Harbinger of Death'. We all know that doesn't mean much for the only promises I am known to make and keep as the Harbinger are Death Notes. Atticus Batman Team member and Director of Security affairs has learned to give and keep promises. However for this, I gave her my first promise as her Little Brother and will keep it until it becomes a liability to her. So for now all I can say is that we need to get her EGO psyche back immediately, before anything else. However if you feel it best that I tell you of the private matter I must attend in Defiance, I will do so but given what it is and my violent nature, it is best for the rest of the team not to know just yet. So only Volodja and Erika know and they do not want exact details on how I handle the matter. Just that it is handled and that I find what I need."
I grab what I need as I finish sending the message. Then as I leave the War Room, heading for the Vigilant, I send Volo an EGO to EGO message so he has a heads up. "Fool, you need to know that Erika is to be the first to get her EGO back. I gave her my word that I would not say why. So please do NOT ask me. I know I am not historically a trustworthy beast, but I am asking that you trust me on this matter. I gave my word to Erika as her friend and most importantly Little brother that I would keep her secret. However I have great reason to have issued this as a Triumvirate order, even though only Erika and I know why. What matters is that it is two votes for it and IF I were able to tell you why, I know that you as a humanitarian would make it unanimous. So I am asking that as my friend, companion and compatriot of Fotress K'shaa that you trust that it is an extremely important matter to Erika and myself personally and the team psychologically. So it is best that you agree, without knowing the reason, and allow the expert to bring back her EGO first, because I will do everything to make it happen even without your approval! It is THAT important."
As I finish the message, I walk onto the Vigilant. I go to Lady's and my quarters and change to my Ekaru Predator suit and helm since I have come to consider it my flight outfit. Then I go to the Vigilant's bridge, just as I get Taffer's message that we are ready to depart. As I walk to my security and weapons post on the bridge, Lady glances at me and smiles as she blows me a kiss. I remove my helm and place it on my station, as I smile lovingly at Lady and return the kiss. Just then holo-Lexy comes up to me. She looks up at me, so I kneel down. "Yes Lexy?"
She says," Commander Taffers is backs! And Zork im..imp...gaved me that feelies programmy! He said you needed to better op-ti-mize it to me, since it was created for EGOs but I can already feels! I is happy!"
I nod and stand up, as I say, "Well let's see what I can do about making the program give you complete access to your senses, like it does the EGOs." After I stand up, with Lexy watching me, I start a quick optimization on the program as I look over my sensors and logs. I say, "All maintenance and supply teams have departed the Vigilant. Chris and Erika are in the Cargo hold. Haele and Doctor Orion are in Medical bay. The only one not registered on board of the required team is Belle. Everything else is in order, and we are ready as soon as Belle comes on board." Just then holo-Lexy giggles as AI-Lexy says, "Belle's is onboards! She's comings to the bridge nows!"
I say, "Alright Lady, and Taffer. It looks like all the crew is on board. Shields are at optimal, as are all weapons, both offensive and defensive. So ready when you are." Just then the "feelings" program optimization beeps at me, so I check it and do some minor tweaking to the program, as final preparations are made for takeoff. When I am done, in just a couple of minutes, I reach down and ruffle Lexy's hair. Then I kneel down. Alright you should feel it all know. I can do a quick test if you want."
Lexy says, "Yeppers please!"
I pull her into a quick hug and ask, "How did that feel?"
She smiles and says, "Warm and secure! Like while in the huge arms of Scary Atticus, nothin would hurts little Lexy, evers FOREVERS!"
I say, "Well so far so good. How about this? It might hurt a little, because this test is to check your pain receptors." I gently pinch her arm and she jumps and I see slight tears as she says, "Owwies! That hurted meanyhead!"
I say, "Sorry Lexy but we know your pain receptors are working, and I did warn you. Now how about this?" As I gently grab her arm, she glances at Lady then me, not sure if she should let me, after the pinch but since Lady seems ok with it, Lexy let's me lift her arm. I lean down and gently kiss the spot I pinched. "and that?" She says, "Better! It makes the hurts goes aways but was still means!"
I say, "Yes, sorry for that but I did warn you. Next test, and you may like this one." I pull a chocolate bar, like the one I had the first time when I met Belle and she gave me one aboard the Freedom, out of my armored pocket and open it. "How's this smell?" She says, "Goody. it makes my tummy rumbly and mouth waterses...lots! Can I tastes its?!" I smile and say, "Of course." She takes a small bite and chews then swallows. Then she looks at me smiling as she says, "Yummies! Can I please has more?!" I look at Lady who is smiling at us, and she nods her approval, so I say, "One more test first Lexy, alright?" She says, "okie dokies, but no more hurts!"
I stand up and set the chocolate next to my helmet. Then I pick up Lexy and gently spin her around, similar to the way Lady likes me to spin her, minus the liplock of course. Lexy says, "Wheeeee! This is funnest test, but still wants more choco!" I then set her down and give her a fatherly kiss on the cheek. She giggles and says, "Wet but felt nice. come back down here please." I kneel down again and she kisses my lower jaw, and says "Thank you, but no more pinchies that hurted!"
I smile and nod as I give her another small hug, then I stand up. I say," yes no more pinchies from me right now. As a matter of fact you have been a good girl. So if Lady is alright with it you can have the chocolate bar." Holo-Lexy looks at Lady pleadingly and Lady smiles and gives her approval. So I hand the bar to Lexy who hugs my legs and says, "Thank yous for the complete feelies programmy and the choco...choco.. CHOCOLATE BAR!!!" I also pull out some wet naps and hand them to her as I say, "You will need to use this to clean yourself and your mess when you are done. Understand Lexy?" She smiles and nods as she says, "Yes I is good Lexy and will cleans my mess when dones. Sides if I don'ts you may not evers gives me another ones and chocolates is yummies!"
Everyone giggles at that which makes me realize that everyone is watching my interaction with Lexy, and I wasn't just feeling paranoid, thinking I was being watched. Obviously they are enjoying what must be considered a novelty, with a lone killer who always had problems socially and especially with kids, interacting with the Ship AI's 5 year old holographic Avatar nicely. So I look right at them and, as if there is nothing unusal about the moment, I say in a calm voice, "What? You act like none of you have ever seen a giant of a man have a pleasant conversation with a munchkin of a little girl before."
Everyone either chuckles at my remark, hearing the humor in it, or pretends not to pay attention. Then Holo-Lexy runs up to Lady and hugs her and offers her a bite, saying, "That was nots too bads! And I is glad that scary Atticus can be nice, not just to you but also to mes! Still think he might sometimeses bes the killer of funs though! Scary Atticus even gaveded me CHOCOLATE!!! Thankies big sister Lady for saying I could has! It is yummies! Has a bite! Then can I goes over and sits in my assistant chair and eats it, please? I will straps in like a gooder assistant so I can eats it all. Promises, but never useded a seatbelt thingy befores and it lookses hard, so might needs your cuddles and helps!" After Lady takes a small bite to make Lexy happy, Lexy runs to her seat and sits down, where Lady walks over and gives her a small cuddling hug, then straps her in. Afterwards Lady walks over to me and gives me a loving kiss, then places my helm on my head, since she knows I will do so soon anyway. Then we both glance at Lexy who is happily making a mess of eating the Chocolate bar. Good thing I had a couple of wet naps in my armored pocket with the chocolate bar.
babymetal.net/babymetal-translation/babymetal-give-chocolate-english-translation |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 28, 2015 6:38:06 GMT
Couple of hours sleep can do miracles. Unfortunately Voldoja's case wasn't one of these cases, but he still felt better after some rest and although he was still sleepy, his exhaustion was repelled, but that didn't meant getting out from his bed immediately. Instead of doing that he stood there and pondered about Atticus's message about getting Erika first in line, formed in front the "Lost and found" counter, to get Amber back ASAP. Knowing Atticus and his protective nature when his family is included, Volodja concluded that matter must be more serious that is seemed to be. Especially when Erika mentioned urgency of their mission. Usually so very calm and rational Erika was really out from her usual state of mind this time. Why they wanted to hurry like it was a matter of life and death? Maybe because it was...In that case they must hurry indeed with no questions asked. If they want to tell then they will. If not then arranging an interrogation wont't be very helpful either. Sometimes is better not to know. But at moment he could not do anything about that matter. It was up to pilots to get them to Defiance as fast as they could. His steps to the stage when Pyotr needs to be convinced to help them. Just like Taffer, Volodja had couple of advantages to talk with him - his knowledge of Russian language and culture and the fact that they knew each other and Pyotr provided him with Sophie when they first met. He checked his data pad - all psychological profiles were stored there in a most safe way (it was quite complicated encryption methiod he used) in case Pyotr needs them to create new EGO psyches for their girls. That part was covered. Belle's dream machine was with him, safely stored into a box and medical department told him that they were ready to provide Sandy's corporeal body with an EGO implant, because he reminded them that Sandy needed one for two reasons - first they needed a door for her to enter into her own body like she was doing during her body snatching adventures and her new EGO psyche needs place to stay. That was the second reason. Theoretically he was ready to do his part on their mission.  |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 28, 2015 8:52:14 GMT
"You need to rent a car. Must disappoint you guys. No car rental in this neighbourhood. Best I can recommend is visiting Honest Al. He is our local used car salesman and of course he is an old crook who will skin you alive if you let him. Never trust anyone who adds a title hones to his name," said Berlin when Marcel asked her about any chance to rent themselves a vehicle because sheriff had obviously other things to do than guard couple of tourists all the time.  After getting rid of Berlin, Lena and Marcel could enjoy their freedom and look for Honest Al. Guy was anything they could expect - ageing, balding, noisy and smoked a cheap and really smelly cigar when he tried to get them to buy any of his wrecks by bothering them to death with his constant blabbering. And of course he was totally oblivious about how annoying he was. Marcel pretended to listen while his experienced eyes picked the best deal he could find in the yard - rusty and wretched Dodge Durango which had decent motor and although rusty, seemed to be only car capable of moving few miles without falling apart. Seeing interest in Marcel's eyes, Honest Al grabbed him by his sleeve and dragged into his office where he kept telling how excellent choice they just made and how they rip him off, because he practically gives it away for peanuts and then he named the prize which was as high as Mount Everest. Marcel didn't blinked an eye when he heard the price and said calmly: "Just write a receipt that you have got the money and then we are going to take that car." Al could not believe his luck. Those suckers didn't event bothered to haggle with him. And that Castithan girl with her sky blue eyes and long lashes and that seductive smile...He started to write right away and put his signature to the contract as a first thing, still peeking the girl with barely hidden lust in his eyes. Marcel read the contract and said with a devilish grin: "Thank you Al. I think we better go now. Have a nice day." Honest Al looked at those two with sudden surprise because they just grabbed car keys and were about to leave forgetting to pay him for the car. "Heyy. Wait a minute. You are going to leave without giving me any money for my mechandise." "Did we ever mentioned paying him, Lena-darling?" asked Marcel. "All I was telling that Al can write papers about receiving the money and then we will take the car. I didn't say that we are going to pay him. After all - he just tried to overcharge us for that rust pile. Of course you can call the sheriff but we can show her that signed contract and tell that you are trying to charge us twice. But we didn't left you with nothing - you got a lot wiser today. I think it's fair enough. Your car for a new experience of being cheated. Let's go Lena, My Love." Couple left Honest Al's yard with their new used Dodge Durango, leaving one really disappointed crook behind. First time ever Al was outsmarted and he could not do anything about that. It sure was not his day, although if he knew what Lena could done with him for his rip off attempt, he would gave away every piece of used crap from his storage and enlisted to navy to get really far from her. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 28, 2015 15:05:51 GMT
Belle Starr cleaned the tear stains off her face and reapplied her makeup in the base canteen's restroom, staring a long time in the mirror above it's sink after she was finished, muttering to her reflection, "Just because you're going out again doesn't mean you're over Vo! You really are kidding yourself! Furthermore, the only man who can stir any emotion out of you is another's! Talk about setting yourself up for failure! And then y'all almost Volge-out in the cafeteria again! Y'all really take the cake, Belle!"
"You're being too hard on yourself," MOM, Belle's EGO psyche, said to her through the telepathic link they shared. "It really hasn't been that long since you finally accepted that Vo is dead, and the fact is, you didn't turn into the Were-Volge. You controlled it."
"Maybe so MOM, maybe so," Thought Belle to MOM as she left the canteen's bathroom and headed to her quarters on the Vigilant, where she would lay on her bed there in her flexible armor hugging her pillow as she used to hug Vo, tearfully missing her lost lover until she was called to duty again.
*****
Her logistics work done, Erika Widowmaker too went to her quarters and laid on her bed, resting for the duration of the Vigilant's flight, only stopping to take a handful of pain killer pills that Dr. Orion had prescribed.
*****
As Lady Christianna played co-pilot and navigator to Taffer's pilot, Sandy as her EGO psyche continued the routine surveillance of Lady's well-being. As she did so, suddenly a Irathian small child with electric blue eyes and a mop of green hair in a green satin frilly dress appeared floating behind her in Lady's EGO device, asking loudly, "WHATCHADOIN?"
Sandy jumped, thinking, "Oh crap!" then turned and exclaimed, "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
"I'm booooooooooored!" Whined Caprice. "Besides, I smell CHOCOLATE!"
"Double crap!" Thought Sandy, alerting both Caprice's parents.
*****
Lena laughed, chatting cheerfully, "Honest Al! More like Weird Al! But you showed him My Love. What an idiot! He deserved to be taken. Anyway, what's the plan now? And Moira, what kind of EGO pal you want? You want a him or a her? If it's a him, do you want him to be well-endowed, or just a good conversationalist - or both! If it's a her, do you want her to be a lesbian or maybe bi-sexual? I'm okay with any of those choices. I guess we can custom order this baby, can't we? Hey Marcel, if I have sex with MY EGO psyche, is that considered cheating on you? Or let's say Moira and I get drunk together, and we end up in bed - just for the sex, nothing else - is that cheating? I mean, this being in a love relationship is new to me, and I don't want to make any more mistakes here!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 28, 2015 15:57:17 GMT
Volodja Uljanov finally got himself up from the bed and left his cabin. Coffee! Strong black coffee! A lot of it. Then his engine will start to run again as it should be. He had still nothing special to do than looking good and he can do it in ship's canteen as well. He walked slowly toward it, exchanging greetings with crew members he met on his way, until he reached to the counter, got himself everything he needed to feel good and wake up eventually. Volodja held his loaded platter skilfully in one hand like he was a professional waiter, sat into a quiet table, poured himself some black gold and started to read. If anyone needs him, then he can interrupt his reading session. Everybody seemed to be busy with their tasks during flight so he will be forgotten for awhile until they decide to take him out from his corner and put him into a good use again. Until that he can enjoy good literature and his coffee. And those tasty cupcakes he was provided with.  _______________________ Marcel Lestrange looked at Lena and said after consideration: "I think that we could use another girl, because I might get jealous about another guys. it is a male thing. Before I met you I did not even knew about existence of that feeling. I guess that you do not have that problem and that makes you to be a really lucky one. I assume, I am not enough for you Lena-darling if you want to try EGO girls. My bad, of course. At least I manage to avoid being a cuckold if I can play along with you and them if you want t try out their skills in bed, although I would prefer to keep you to myself. So feel free to invite me to accompany you and rest of girls in bed when you feel like experimenting. But it's irrelevant at moment. We need to locate the Toad and convince him to help us out with our little problem. No blood and gore though. We need his full co operation. What do you think, Moira?" "Since you won't be planning to create another Volodja anyway because of your rivalry, then let it be a girl and a sensible one like I am. I have seen too much violence lately, which I can't totally approve, although you have my blessing on ripping off that car salesman. What a jerk he was. And that cigar smoke was unbearable. At least you have better smelling cigarettes to smoke. But don't rush too much ahead. First we must find my father and don't you dare to hurt or intimidate him!" Marcel Lestrange lit another cigarette and blew blueish smoke out from the side window. Moira always tended to give him lectures about morals and rubbed Volodja under his nose every time she had a chance. "Don't you worry Moira," he said. "After Mr. Blowfield has finished with your favourite guy, he finally becomes somebody and will be hating every second of it as long as I know him." ________________________ Mr. Ernst Saurus Blowfield sat behind his desk, stroked absent mindedly his white cat and looked at two gentlemen standing in front of him. "We are ready, Mr. Blowfiled, as long..." said first one, clean-shaved guy. "...as you point our target, Mr. Blowfield, if you are so kind," continued other one who's distinctive features were balding head, moustache and a pair of glasses. Blowfield put his pointing finger to a photograph and pushed it closer to men so they could take a better look. "He should be in Paradise territory at moment. At least our dear friend told us so. Your task is simple - you will handle Mr. Uljanov and I don't care how ruthless you have to be." "We are gentle as a summer breeze," said first guy. "Until we turn into a storm," added other one. "Good. I expect your usual efficiency, gentleman," said Blowfield. "I already arranged your flight. Don't let me keep you." Both men nodded to him and left his office after that. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 28, 2015 19:16:53 GMT
 During the stolen car ride to the EGO expert's compound, Lena stared at the passing scenery with unblinking sky blue eyes as she considered what Marcel said, replying "As I understand it a cuckold is a man who is betrayed by his wife by having sex with another man, but I never want to betray you, which is what I did last time without knowing. I've lived my life pretty much without boundaries about much of anything, but don't mind them if they make you happy, but you have to tell me what they are because I won't just sense them." Lena added in a low tone, "And are we married? Hmmm... that's news too." After a little time and a few miles passed, Lena was still staring out the window when she reflected out loud, "When I was a kid in the orphanage slash brothel in Lima, they would periodically have a state psychiatrist review our cases to make sure we were suitably pliable and not apt to hurt the merchandise, namely ourselves, or hurt any of the Johns, unless they wanted it." Lena giggled remembering that it didn't work so well with her, as she had stabbed and robbed her first John by age twelve, but then related, "Anyway, by eight I had figured out just the right answers to the questions so they would leave me alone, but I was still subject to the same psyche evaluation as the other girls - must have been a blanket contract - so I would dutiful give them the answers the psychiatrists expected and go on my way. I fooled them all, except one Castithan woman when I was ten. After I answered all her questions, thinking I had pulled the wool over her eyes like all the others, she narrowed her pink eyes and raised an eyebrow, saying to me, 'You're an amoral little whore, aren't you Lena?' Well, I had to agree with her, as I was both amoral and a whore. I was a whore for room and board to keep alive at that point, and amoral because right and wrong was never a consideration I had to make, and was even a liability to keep breathing I found. To make a long story short, as the woman psychiatrist was leaving the orphanage, some masonry above the roof five stories up became loose and fell, hitting her head and basing in her skull. Nobody thought twice about it, as the orphanage building was really old, and lots of people died violently on the street every day in Lima. Still do! All her records on one Lena Marr also disappeared that day too, and again nobody thought twice about that either, because the bureaucracy in Lima also loses records every day as well." Lena stared out the window, her long lashed eyes attracted to the sight of a deer grazing by the road, when it was suddenly attacked and torn bloodily apart by a pack of wolf spiders. She watched in fascination until they drove out of sight of the grisly scene, then Lena fixed her icy stare on Marcel as he drove, a look of concern on her pretty chalk white face, saying with conviction, "And THAT is why you have to keep me informed of the rules of this love thingee! I haven't a clue what they are, but I do know I NEVER want to displease and disappoint you again like I did with the Weasel!" |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jun 28, 2015 19:29:48 GMT
Marcel digested what Lena just told him and said after long thoughtful pause, turning his head so he could look at her:
"That's OK, Lena-darling. Looking after others... is not exactly my forte. Have to learn it yet, because until I met you I used to be a self sufficient man, working usually alone or teamed with other self sufficient guys who could look after themselves. I know that you are self sufficient as well, but I hope that we teamed up for a longer period and that means we have to look after each other, so communication is essential thing if we want to maintain our lovely relationship."
Marcel turned his glance back to road to spot possible dangers on time. Every minute took them closer to Pyotr Yershov. Hopefully guy doesn't have any bodyguards lurking around. Having large crown means more difficulties and slowdowns. But Marcel felt that with Lena they were kind of invincible because both of them knew how to survive and succeed and together they can move the world. At moment Marcel moved his hand to touch Lena's, letting her know that he is with her as her team mate, business partner and lover. Somehow it felt so unnaturally natural to him. After all he was not used with that kind of signs of affection, but somehow it felt so right thing to do.
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Post by Taffer on Jun 28, 2015 19:52:04 GMT
"Erika needs her EGO first and as soon as possible, got it, no problem with that", Taffer replied to Atticus, "Keep your private to yourself for now, my main task is to bring you safe to Defiance anyway".
"Of course you have no problems, Taffer", Taffer thought to himself ironically, "Because it's not your EGO was downgraded to the standard AI".
He set the ship on the course and let it gain altitude steadily. Once it was done, he glanced over the dials to ensure everything is alright, then engaged the autopilot and closed his eyes for a moment. The thought that he had lost his best friend had finally got to him. Vo was the guy he could trust with anything. The friend who would come and save the day regardless of how dire the situation looked like. But moreover, it was fun to just chat with him even if they didn't agree on many things. Now it all had gone. No more chasing arkfalls. No more races neither as a crew in one roller, nor versus each other to show "who is boss" in a friendly manner. Besides Taffer felt it was thanks to Vo he had grown from a petty lone criminal and thief to a reliable member of the team of the best ark hunters on the Earth, or at least on that part of it he had visited in his life. Taffer shook his head and felt he hated himself for being so selfish. How could he even compare his own sorrows about not having fun with his friend to those his friend had to endure before he finally gave his life so that their family could reunite and its members were not forced to fight against each other? Now he knew he could easily ditch all the benefits he gained from their friendship just so that the sanguine Irathient could still walk on Taffer's homeland planet. But it was too late now and no amount of scrip could get his friend back.
Taffer sighed again and opened his eyes, seeing Lexy in her seat watching him with a concerning look on her face. He smiled at the holographic image of the girl and gave her a wink. Then he looked through the front window and saw a wall of fog stretching from north to south across the entire visible horizon.
"Okay pilots, we're just passing Salt Lake City and there's where our game of hide and seek begins. We'll hide in that fog and the Earth will try to catch us with its wind, dust and rain and crash us into mountains. Our goal is to escape it and seek for the beacon of Boulder. Once we pass it, the mountains will be gone, but the wind might become even stronger and fog might be thicker, expect magnetic anomalies and other weirdness as well. Our next checkpoint will be Lincoln, we should be careful not to go off course. and then we go straight for Defiance, that part would be much easier, but expect snow and icing-up. Lexy, you stabilize the ship and maintain shields. Lady, keep us on the course. I watch engines and energy system."
Taffer sent a turbulence warning to all the crew through the ship's communication system, and then prepared to rough it through the fog and thunderstorm.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jun 29, 2015 4:42:55 GMT
I get Sandy's message about Caprice, then I hear Taffer's warning messages verbally, since I am still at my Security station on the Bridge.
I Send an EGO message to Lady and say, "Snow Angel, apparently Caprice is awake and jealous that she doesn't have chocolate. What do we do? I do have one more chocolate bar on me and there are some in the ship's kitchen, of course. However we already have one child on the bridge, and don't need another one here, unless they can both be useful assistants, but Caprice being out can be taxing on your body's energy and I am not sure that is a good idea at the moment, but it is your call since it is your lovely body. Chris did tell me, in passing, that all the private quarters of the Vigilant, registered to EGO-equipped crew, as well as the Vigiliant's mess and some of it's exercise and recreation rooms do now have standard emmiters such as the ones in here and our quarters. Obviously Lexy will have it registered in her databases on which ones. So I suppose we can arrange for Caprice to visit us later, when we aren't busy, although it isn't fair to Cosmin. Perhaps you could setup a play date with Lexy and Caprice when you, or we, are off duty? However it is probably best if you can convince our daughter to be good and maybe even go back to sleep while we are working unless you can come up with a better idea, that is safe for you and the twins."
I then glance at my monitor and say, "Lexy, there is a fluctuation in the outside sensors. Could you please look into it?" AI-Lexy says, "Checking now...Alright it is a minor sensor discrepancy, caused by icy build up. I fixed some of it from my end just now. I have a manual fix that you can do from your end to fix the issue, however it involves opening the sensor panel near your station and reaching into the panel to do minor cal-i-bra-tions to it, and it is not made to acco...accommo...accommodate such big hands as yourses. I knows a girl that cans fits her hands in theres and she knows what to does, as wells as mes!"
I glance at Taffer and Lady from my station behind them, then look at holo-Lexy. "So do I. So little Lexy, what do you say? Want to help me fix the sensors?"
Holo-Lexy smiles and says, "Yeppers! I is sposed ta be Pilot's assistant but I can handles lots on the bridge, so I spose I is the Bridge assistant. Lady is the boss of bosses and the bestest evers forevers, but I wills helps ya if it is alrights with hers!"
Lady says, "You can help Atticus, Lexy." So I unbuckle Lexy, then we go back to my station. She shows me which panel to open, and I do with a little trouble since it seems like it hasn't been opened in years and it's possible that it hasn't. Holo-lexy lays down and reaches in and slowly does the needed alterations, taking her time to be efficient and thorough with her current task. When she is done. She stands up and adjusts her outfit and says, "Alrighty Scary Atticus. Please check now. I thinks it is all dones, and maybe betters!" I check the sensors and say, "Alright sensors back to working at peak efficiency. Thank you Lexy. Let's get you strapped back in before we hit turbulence, unless you prefer to disable your avatar."
Holo-Lexy says, "You are welcomes but just doin my jobs as bestest ship AI and bestest bridge assistant evers! But no ready to take a nappy, unless it is requireded by our pilots and captains to helps with ship energies!"
I nod and say, "I can understand that. Alright then let's get you safely strapped back in for now. Since making sure the whole crew, including Ai Lexy and holographic Lexy, is safe and sound." Holo-Lexy says, "Aw do I gotta?!..Alrighty, at least you knows where I is if you needs more helps." She sticks her tongue out at me then smiles again as she runs back to her seat and tries to strap in. I explain how to use the buckle system to her, and after a couple of tries she manages to strap herself in. She says, "Yays I dids it!" I ruffle her hair and nod approvingly. THen go back to my station. I put the cover back on the panel and return to monitoring the ship's safety, now that my sensors are working right, both inside and outside the Vigilant.
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Post by Lady Christianna on Jun 29, 2015 12:22:54 GMT
Sweat formed on Lady Christianna's chalk white brow as she and Sandy, her EGO psyche, struggled to navigate a safe path around, over, or through the mass storm headed their way. She knew that it was urgent that they get to Defiance ASAP, as Erika Widowmaker's health was at stake, and ever minute counted if she was to survive her inoperable brain tumor. So, Lady was a bit testy when Atticus said she should take control of her bored unborn daughter and talk her into going back asleep. "Busy Atticus," Grumbled Lady, then added to soften her tone, "Love you both." The subject of her parents' discussion, Caprice, was wandering the minds of their teammates. Erika was finally asleep, but the darkness within scared Caprice so she quickly left. Belle was awake, but was so sad over Vo's death that Caprice couldn't stay there very long either because she was out for fun, not to be depressed. So that left Taffer, Chris, and Volodja. Taffer and Chris were busy keeping the stratocarrier aloft, and Caprice, even at a young age, had enough sense not to bother them. That left just Volodja's brain for her playground.  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jun 29, 2015 12:36:30 GMT
"Booooring," announced child voice in Volodja's head, prolonging o-s, so word "boring"started to remind a train. "Can't you read something more fun than this...Mach-i-a-vell-i guy? It looks something my brother Cosmin would like to read. Such a shame that you have headful of wonderful things, Uncle Volodja and you pick the most boring one to spend your time with."  Having voices in his head was nothing unusual for Volodja Uljanov because ever since he got himself his sentient EGO friend Sophie he was used to talk with himself. Only one thing worried Volodja - Caprice was the child of Chaos and could cause real mess when she gets lose, so he better have some quality time with her, especially when she asked: "Uncle Volodja. Can you play with me, phleease? Mom and Dad are busy and so is aunt Sandy. Aunt Erika is sleeping and....I can't tell you. Not my secret. Aunt Belle is sad and uncles Taffer and Chris are busy too. That leaves only you to play with. Do you know any good games? And I wanna chocolate. Wanna, wanna, wanna!" Volodja thought a bit - since he has nothing else to do anyway then he can play babysitter for awhile and keep his eye on Caprice but how? Actually he had an idea coming into his mind already, how to spend time, keep Caprice busy and give her something sweet although she had to earn it first. That's why he made couple of orders and after some times everything was set - a checkers board was laying on his table and chocolate and vanilla cookies were set on it instead of original pieces (he decided to save chess for Cosmin and they did had only cookies at canteen anyway). Volodja explained rules of the game to Caprice and let her choose which side she will be playing. She chose vanilla cookies to play with, because Volodja said that every piece one of them takes, can be eaten by taker and Caprice wanted chocolate really bad. First move was her's, so she choose the cookie to start with and pushed it decisively forward.  |
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Post by Belle Starr on Jun 29, 2015 12:42:49 GMT
Marcel Lestrange and Lena Marr were parked outside the EGO expert's compound near Defiance. The compound had metal walls ten feet tall lined with razor rain debris at the top and a large two door metal gate with a speakerphone and security pad built within. In the middle of the compound could be seen the second story of a typical two story suburban home, but every once in awhile the tops of something could be seen moving behind the walls. Although all the foliage within thirty yards around the compound had been cleared, Lena was both curious and anxious for her EGO implant enough to shimmy up a tree outside the compound to get a look. She saw a half dozen Omnivolts patrolling the perimeter inside the walls, but no living beings. Lena climbed back down the tree where Marcel stood waiting smoking a cigarette, but he said nothing seeing the disappointed look on her face but merely raised an eyebrow as he waited for her report as she muttered, "Drekking robot guards! No humans I could see, but I hate robots! No charming them!"  |
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