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Post by Marcel Lestrange on May 23, 2015 16:43:55 GMT
"Lena-darling. Thank you for that idea. Think I will need some training indeed and will try that highwayman profession. It gives me a chance to observe local transport routes. Not extremely profitable, but I need that information anyway. Man needs to know his surroundings if he wants to accomplish something...and earn some extra scrip doing that. Besides - you won't charge me for certain really enjoyable aspects of our relationship as you told me, but it is matter of principle to pay you rent for an office space. Will be back soon. Just keep your eyes on my money, while I am gone. I don't feel like sponsoring raiders." Marcel didn't want to pay for his public relations from his pocket. He preferred that money, needed for that, comes from other sources. He was speaking the truth, when he told about reconnaissance mission to map main trade routes in area. And he needed some experience to deal with locals too - not only victims, but also buyers of his merchandise. Establishing business ties was a must if he wanted to keep his freshly established syndicate running. Those were quite reasonable reasons to practice some old fashioned highway robbery. He was first to admit that after handling Varus and putting him into his pocket it felt a bit low for a guy of his calibre, but it was still necessary and financially useful. And if Lena wants, she can come along and practice more team work, needed for their major operations in future.  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 23, 2015 17:35:06 GMT
While Erika and Wolfram discussed further details of their treatment plan, Volodja pulled Sophie aside and asked her: "Sophie dear. I understand providing Di with high morale standards, but why make her following sapphic tradition and I don't mean her poetry this time?" Sophie giggled: "It's so simple, Volodja. I don't want Brody to hang around here all the time. He is like a puppy, but he gets way too annoying if he is here too long. And I prefer to maintain professional atmosphere, so Di's high morale standards and her preferences should keep level of clumsy flirting attempts in our department reasonably low. It's for common good to keep this place nerd free. Especially when I saw his original design for Di's looks." "You are a good girl, Sophie," said Volodja. "And sometimes you manage to surprise me with your ideas. Guess we should begin with our daily work now. Yes Wolfram? You are right. It is a serious problem, I will deal with that right away, although I regret my decision in advance." And Volodja left the room, entering to...Wolfram's new distillery where Chris, Zork and Jose Hemenez were busy fixing distilling apparatus. "Good morning, gentlemen," said Volodja. "Hopefully you finish the job soon. Wolfram's supply is decreasing rapidly and I promised to my significant other that I won't leave the base, so it's up to you now making him happy." "Almost done, Mr. Uljanov, sir," said Zork. "Few minor adjustments and this baby is good as new. Then we can have a test run. Do you know a good recipe?" "We are not in the army, Zork. Just call me Volo like everyone else here do. Except Wolfram, because he is used with my full name. And thank you for taking burden from my heart. Actually I do have some recipes for moonshine. I won't tell you Wolfram's secret, but you can write down a recipe for Russian samogon. One of many recipes actually, I must say. We are talking about moonshine which has very long traditions and significant part in Russian drinking culture. It's supposedly older than vodka, because they started to distil samogon in Fourteenth century, while first vodka recipe was created around 1430 according to a Russian legend. I guess that you should test Wolfram's new apparatus with sugar mash samogon, because all we need is about 6 kg sugar, 30 l water, 200 g yeast, bunch currants or morello cherries or dill for flavour. I believe that Ralph can provide you with everything you need. At least with sugar, yeast and dill." And Volodja described distilling process, warned them to be very careful and promised to return to taste results later with Wolfram. After that Volodja walked back and whispered good news he had, into Wolfram's ear. Old man's grey eyes started to shine brightly and he almost run out from his office to dedicate himself to his favourite hobby right away, but Volodja and Sophie managed to tackle him on time. Volodja explained to Wolfram that they needed to concentrate to their work and told that test run of new moonshine still is about to begin anyway, so all they had to do is to taste results afterwards. He finally managed to convince his old friend while Erika watched them with her jade green eyes, not understanding the fuss at all. By the way - Volodja was right. He had lot of small problems to solve to keep the system running.  |
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Post by Belle Starr on May 23, 2015 19:39:02 GMT
Belle Starr didn't realize that time went faster in the dream machine than in reality. Although it may be only hours in real time, Belle was living weeks of time in her dreams. Her stomach began to growl with hunger, and since she didn't sleep in her dreams, she got no real rest which her body craved. Furthermore, whether she was engaged in marathon lovemaking with dream Vo or merely walking along the Pacific Ocean hand-in-hand with him, it was pleasurable to her, and she became a pleasure junkie. Belle had put the one hour alarm clock on the dream machine as a fail safe, but every time the alarm went off, she effectively hit the snooze button by immediately resetting it and diving back into her dreams; so much so, that in this last hour she disabled the alarm completely in desperation to enjoy more time with her Prince Charming, her soul mate, Vo Kshaa, although he was gone to her presumably forever - except in her dreams.
Very much back in the real world, Lena put her foot down when Marcel told her that she could stay home and guard his money, as she stared daggers at him with narrowed sky blue eyes demanding, "No way I'm going to let you play Clyde without my Bonnie, especially if scrip is involved! I'm going wherever you're going!"
Lena strapped on her Quick Blaster and picked up her Flash Rifle, then knelt on the wooden floor, pulling up a loose floorboard, saying, "If you are really worried about your money, you can hide it here! Raiders are REALLY stupid, and would never think to look here!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 23, 2015 20:07:47 GMT
"Erika. May I interrupt your conversation with Wolfram once more?" asked Volodja politely. "Can you share your concerns about Belle one more time? After all - programming therapy rooms takes time and I am already warmed up workaholic, so I better check on her, because I haven't seen her since yesterday. She even missed her breakfast this morning which is most unusual." When Erika told him that she didn't even responded to her doorbell, he became concerned as well and headed to Belle's cabin right away. Unlike Erika, he decided to put politeness aside and enter without permission. One trespassing more or less didn't matter to him, because in his life he was used to move around every kind of sealed, closed, forbidden, closed-down, taboo, off limits and so on places. Air in Belle's cabin hit his olfactory receptors like a hammer. It was warm and kind of smelly. Volodja could sense mixture of sweat, exhaled air and something else. He moved towards Belle's bed and saw it's owner sleeping restlessly. Suddenly he noticed Belle's pale hand hit the lost memory creation device they used to recreate Lady's memories, attached to her neck. "A reflex action", his brain informed Volodja. Usually so clean and neat Belle looked like a human wreck. Her pretty and pale face was exhausted, her blonde hair was messed up and thick from sweat and her bed looked like someone had a hours long wrestling match there. What the heck happened with her? It was unlike for Belle as long as Volodja remembered. He also remembered how Belle wrinkled her nose back in Freedom, when he returned from VBI facility in his underwear (because he gave his armour away to protect Lady) reeking after after Atticus and he had to swam in spoiled sea water and fight shark-gators. She suggested him to take a shower then and now she needed one herself but didn't seemed to care about anything, except the memory device she was attached to. As a first thing Volodja took a risk removing that device from her neck with extreme caution to avoid getting hit by her, if she responds with any sudden and strong moves to his action, but extreme situation demanded taking extreme measures. As a next thing he woke her up, looking into her dazed diamond blue eyes and convincing her patiently to follow his suggestions. After several minutes glance in Belle's eyes became more focused and she started to react to his voice and words. Volodja helped her to stand up and walked with her into bathroom, supporting her gently. Then he helped Belle to take off that oversized T shirt she was wearing. Shirt was soaked with her sweat and Volodja tossed it into laundry basket where it landed heavily like a rock. He had to help Belle with washing at first, but water did good to her, so soon she was able to continue by her own, while he returned into Belle's bedroom and cleaned up her messy bed. Laundry basket received another bunch of heavy cloth. Belle was more fresh, adequate looking and definitely cleaner when she stood there, water dripping from her wet hair and looking like a lost mermaid, wrapped into a towel after her showering session. Volodja turned delicately his back to Belle, enabling her to get properly dressed and after that he took her into canteen, where she was served late breakfast personally by Ralph, who looked at Belle with concerned eyes. After feeding her, Volodja led Belle into psychiatric wing and put her into brand new psychiatric couch, so she could finally have some healthy sleep under Di's surveillance.  Finally he found time to wipe sweat off his forehead, hoping that Belle feels better after having some sleep. As a next thing he took Belle's memory device and locked it into a safe and then he sat down, pulled out his boot flask and had a really long sip of his brandy. What a busy morning he had - he already give professional advice, taught maintenance team how to distil moonshine, held Wolfram from leaving his working station and nursed Belle. Soon he must question Belle about her condition and that device to decide what they can do about that issue and help Wolfram with therapy session. That's why he took another big gulp, thinking that it's not even noon yet and he is already running out of brandy. |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on May 23, 2015 21:29:04 GMT
Marcel Lestrange stood on a highway, holding couple of Ark hunters at gunpoint and saying with his calm and cold voice: "Your money or your...money, gentlemen. I could say "Your money or your lives" but if you choose the latter, then you won't need money afterwards anyway. So use your brains, swallow your pride and make a rational decision." Although Marcel smiled under his face bandana, his eyes were cold and steely.
Lena stood further away, so she could control whole scenery. If those Ark hunters do something heroic, she was ready to put some bullet holes into them. At moment she watched them with curiosity in her wide sky blue eyes. Only part of her face anyone could see, because she wore face bandana too.
After both of them gave away their wallets, Marcel asked politely: "Darling. What we should do with those two unfortunate gentleman? Do you have any suggestions about their fate and future?"
Why not ask her opinion? After all - she was playing a hitch hiker by the road, so those two fools stopped their car to offer a lift to a beautiful girl. Maybe they had honourable intentions. Maybe they wanted to take advantage of her. Marcel didn't know that, but it was up to Lena to help him decide what to do with them. They were partners in crime, so he can listen her suggestions. It won't hurt anybody. Yet.
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 23, 2015 23:44:08 GMT
After I woke up, I considered waking Lady but she needed the sleep so I let her sleep. I took a quick shower, wishing Lady was in it with me then walked back in the bedroom and kissed the sleeping Lady. I put on my junpsuit, mask, gloves and cowboy boots, and current sidearm. I do a mental check and Dinara assures me that they are all back in my head and Amber is home with Erika, no worse for wear except for a few "love bites" on both, her's and Amber's, necks. Which they can of course remove any time they want, as they are holographic.
Sandy had returned to Lady by the time my shower was done, according to Dinara, so I asked Sandy how Lady was. She said exhausted but fine. So I told her I should atleast check on the base, since Erika had contacted me with issues about Belle. So Lady is in Sandy's caring and capable hands. I grab my dusty western wear, including my cowboy hat with the fresh, and permanent, bullet hole in it. As I leave Holo-trainer 3 I make sure it is still completely locked down, with my security codes, so nobody can disturb Lady's sleep.
I go to Lady's and my quarters, where I deposit my dusty clothes in the laundry hamper. I take off the cowboy beats and put on my Trion supporter outfit and combat boots. Then I go into my armory and switch the revolver back out for my EXL Pistol. I grab a bottle of rum and drink most of it, then stop by the Mess. I have one of my usual breakfast sandwitches then go to the war Room.
While I am talking to Chloe and going over Kaj's and Erika's reports about everything that happened security-wise during my "absence", I get a notification from Volo, in the form of Sophie, telling me that he has gotten Belle cleaned up and out of her quarters. They were in the Canteen so Belle could eat something, then heading to see Wolfram.
I contact Chris and Kaj to have security measures placed in all the secret tunnels we now know about, and to put a team together to thoroughly sweep the base to find all of it's secrets.
After I am done with all of that, I decide I need to check in with Volodja about Erika's children and Belle. As well as see how Wolfram is aclimating to our nuthouse. My sensor check says that Wolfram, Volodja and Belle are all in the new Psychiatric and psychology wing.
So off I go to Wolfram's. However given our 2 psycho-babblers' needs and tastes, I stop off in the Mess again before going to see them. I talk to Ralph and tell him what I need. I get a bottle of fine Brandy and a bottle of STRONG whiskey, as well as a fresh bottle of Rum. Ralph insists on putting them in a crate so as not to risk damaging the 'important' merchandise more than neccesary and even places a few glasses approppriate for the specific alcohol types in the crate, four of each type of glass to be sure, since he knows Volo would insist it be right, especially since I told him the contents were partially for Volodja. Ralph also buts together a package of various cheese and crackers to snack on and places it in the crate.
So I pick up the now hefty crate and go to medical. After talking to Doctor Orion for a few seconds, I walk into Wolfram's domain. By the time I arrive, Wolfram and Volo are in Wolfram's office talking about who-knows-what. I set the crate on Wolfram's desk and ask Volo to fill me in on Belle before I reveal the contents of the crate. He tells me about the machine and a few basics, leaving out what he feels doe not involve security or a concerned friend. Afterwards I insist on seeing the dream machine. He gets it out and hands it to me reluctantly.
As I am looking at it, I tell him to open the crate as there are gifts in there from Ralph, for all three of us to enjoy. Then I notice Zork still there gathering up his tools. WHile he is doing, so I ask for help. As I inspect it a little more, I see that Chris has not only added the timer but altered it so it can be passcode-locked. Just then, Chris comes back to have Zork do something, so I hand Zork his tool back and tell Chris what I wanted to do. So Chris and I add secured Passcodes to the timer device, as well as some other minor additions. Then I hand it back to Volo and tell him what Chris and I did.
"Volodja, the timer is still set to one hour, however we added a security protocol to it. The timer can not be altered unless it is done with one of the correct security codes. Those codes are Your's, Wolfram's and mine. Also after the timer shuts it off, the device can't be re-enabled for 20 minutes. However you or Wolfram can access the device with your passcodes and alter those times to whatever you feel is best. Chris and I also set it up so you and Wolfram can monitor the device's usage and Belle's brainwave patterns as needed from Wolfram's computer here or your work datapads, using your secured passcodes of course.
Look I am not sure about the device, that Belle seems to have turned into her "Love Machine", either way since I have no idea how it works exactly, so that is your call as Head of this wing. However if she does continue to use it, Chris and I did just make it easier to regulate her usage of it. I may not be a electronics whiz but do trust Chris who, as you just saw personally, did do mostt of the work and talked me through what I wanted added. So if it passes Chris's final approval then all should be good."
I hand Chris his tools back, then he doublechecks our work and gives it his final approval, before he leaves to go do more work. Then I grab a glass of Rum that Volo had poured for me, and even nibble on some cheese and crackers as Volo looks at me, Wolfram and the device, presumably pondering his next wellthought out move, while he drinks some brandy from the appropriate glass.
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Post by Belle Starr on May 24, 2015 0:24:57 GMT
After both of them gave away their wallets, Marcel asked politely: "Darling. What we should do with those two unfortunate gentleman? Do you have any suggestions about their fate and future?" "Well, we could kill them and cut the EGOs out of their necks, and see if one won't fit me," Lena said wistfully, staring longingly with unblinking sky blue eyes at the two ark hunters, but the she sighed replying, "That probably wont' work anyway! So we take their car and their shoes, and they can use their EGO powers to get to wherever they were going!" Meanwhile, Belle wanted a device of a different kind, as she frowned, a wild look in her diamond blue eyes, her normally wide eyes wider still as they showed the whites all around the eyes as she threatened, "Don't make me mad! You won't like me when I'm mad! Just give me back my dream machine, and we can all be happy!" Then she pleaded, "I can only be happy with Vo, and I can only be with Vo in the machine, so please let me be happy!" Tears began to stream down her freckled face as she sobbed, "D-d-d-on't I deserve to be happy?"  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 24, 2015 7:11:27 GMT
"Thank you, Giant, for your help," said Volodja heartfully. "I will take care that your trouble will be properly rewarded, even if I have to squeeze our Wolfram dry from the last drop of his booze. But that trouble is temporary as you already know Wolfram, mein Freund. Since I don't see Jose here, then I am sure that he tests your new still with my old recipe. But now, meine Herren, I have really nasty task on my shoulders. Believe me - it is going to hurt me as much as Belle, but it is absolutely necessary by my opinion."
Volodja got closer to Belle and said to her: "Dear Tinkerbelle. You deserve to be happy, but you are worth more than artificial happiness. Now I am going to hurt you some more, but if it's going to comfort you, then I will be getting hurt as much as you do. Maybe even more, because I will have to relive it again. And I HATED to see you like that."
Second holo therapy room was reprogrammed by Sophie for their needs. Sophie showed them her crossed virtual fingers when Belle and Volodja entered into Belle's cabin, where she could see herself in her bed, stuck in her virtual memories which did more harm to her instead of bringing use. Volodja's hand was around Belle's shoulders, when they watched (and smelled) that sad sight in silence and Volodja was not even sure who needed support more at moment. Then he took out his boot fask and shared his remaining brandy with Belle before messaging to Sophie that she can change scenery now.
They were in canteen, were Erika just confessed to be a former Inquisitor and could observe their reactions to that news and everything to follow that, until Belle burst to cry after Atticus and Volodja told her about their concerns working for VBI again. Then they could see how Volodja gave her his handkerchief so she could dry her tears. Memory sequence ended with Belle saying:
"You both saved me when I was young, and that means we are destined to do great things as a team, and we don't want to waste it! I'm sure our fates are intertwined to turn this old mud ball around and make it a better place! I'm certain of it." Volodja used only best part of that memory this time, because Belle got upset afterwards again. But this time his subjectivity was necessary, because it showed Belle feeling alive, needed and happy again.
Then the holo therapy room was empty and white. Only remaining persons there were Belle and Volodja, who said very seriously: "Tinkerbelle. I could give back your device since it's re modified by Chris and Giant to make it cause less harm to you. You don't have to be afraid to end up in that mess again, but are you sure that it's all you want from life? If you keep using that device, you will be lost in your past and that means that you will stop living. Are you ready to give up your life voluntarily to live in your past most of the time?
Or do you want to try that second option we just saw and achieve your big dream, which may never come true, but at least gives you a chance to feel really alive and useful and also allows you remember good times in your past, but not as main thing and purpose of your existence, but as a part of your life in general? The life you can lead into directions you choose. The life which may offer you new opportunities and good memories as well as bad ones. It's totally up to you to choose between them. I can only show two possible paths to you. One of them being nice and false, and the other one being narrow and difficult, but truthful. At least according to the history of human thought." And Volodja recited ancient verses from unknown author which were created long time before conception about two paths appeared as an axiom in Christian culture, so Belle could decide which way she is going to use:
"The Pythagoric Letter two ways spread,
Shows the two paths in which Man’s life is led.
The right hand track to sacred Virtue tends,
Though steep and rough at first, in rest it ends;
The other broad and smooth, but from its Crown
On rocks the Traveller is tumbled down.
He who to Virtue by harsh toil aspires,
Subduing pains, worth and renown acquires;
But who seeks slothful luxury, and flies,
The labor of great acts, dishonor’d dies."
Of course, Volodja was a sinner as well, because of his own escapades into virtual reality, but for his defence one can say that he did it for reloading his batteries and keeping up his faith that world can be more civilized place once again. And of course it gave an opportunity to Sandy to feel and experience everything she was missing otherwise, because that adorable ghost, Volodja was deeply in love with, could feel more alive in virtual reality. Even more alive than flesh and blood Belle was at moment.
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on May 24, 2015 9:17:38 GMT
"You heard what beautiful lady had to say," announced Marcel. "Get your shoes off and start enjoy the sightseeing. And if you get killed on your way then remember - survival of the fittest. This girl has survived long enough without an EGO implant. That means she is fit for a life, but if you get killed, then you aren't and can't blame anyone but yourselves. Now get lost!"
Marcel looked at Lena and said: "Lena-darling. I am not sure if you are happier with an EGO implant or not. EGO psyches can be really troublesome." He didn't had to look for an example very far, because his own EGO-psyche Moira was attached to the good guys and worked against him and didn't stopped teasing him most of the times. "But if you want that burden, then we must find you a brand new one and we need an egg head to install it and provide it with software. I do remember one of those egg heads, who provided me with one and maybe one day you can hear the story about that. But now we must deal with mundane things, like..."
He tossed wallets to Lena. "Consider it as a rent for our office space. And now we have chance to see one of local car dealers unless you want to keep those wheels to yourself. I am not mind of that. Girl needs a car."
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Post by Belle Starr on May 24, 2015 9:41:01 GMT
Belle Starr bit her lower rose petal lip to keep it from quivering, using the back of one pale white hand to wipe the tears out of her big blue diamond eyes. She stared sadly at Volodja for some five minutes, thinking about what he had said and what she should do. Belle walked over to the holo-therapy room's console, where she swiped an errant bang of blond hair from in front of her eyes, then typed in a security code that downloaded a personal holo-program from the mainframe. Suddenly they were on a wind swept bluff above the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge not far off to the left. Belle turned and walked to a lone twisted tree on the bluff, carved deep into the bottom of its trunk was a small cross, and a small stack of stones, only about a foot in diameter, lay at its base. Volodja could feel the cool sea breeze, and smell the faint fishy smell that came with it, off the bay as Belle gently dropped to her knees, picking up a rock that had fallen off the pile and putting into back in place before speaking. "Volo, I'm going to tell y'all something that nobody here knows about me, not even Atticus. I think Taffer may have known, him being Vo's best friend and all, but nobody else living, probably in the whole world. When the team got back from our first mission to the quarantine zone in Florida - none of the present team members are even still here from that mission except me - two of the team members were missing and presumed dead, which just left Taffer, Vo, and me. I broke away from the team, throwing myself into my VBI reformation plan, trying and actually being pretty successful at twisting the collective arm of the Board of Directors into making some well needed changes. Vo and I had been soul mates even before then, but I ended our relationship telling him that I needed to focus my energies on changing VBI, but I lied, and we stayed apart for months afterwards. The real reason - the reason I was ashamed of and felt that Vo deserved better than me because of - was that I had a miscarriage shortly after coming back. I wasn't very far along, not even as far along as Lady is now, and jeepers, didn't even know I was pregnant. MOM, who was my EGO psyche at the time, told me the miscarriage was because of my rape in the ark fall almost a year previously, but she could have fixed that in time. I think it was a VBI failsafe so that their war machine wouldn't reproduce uncontrollably, and MOM just didn't want me blaming Daddy since he was their head scientist at the time of my creation. Anyway, it was undeniably Vo's and it was conclusive that I could never bear him or anyone else babies. I wanted Vo to have a normal happy family life, so I broke off with him and secretly took what was left of the baby and buried it up here south of Bug N Chug, all by my lonesome. Months later, not long before I met Atticus and we began a new team, I told Vo the truth and brought him up here. You know what he said?" Belle began to choke on the words, as tears began to flow again, but she forced herself to continue, "Vo told me he loved me unconditionally! He didn't care if he ever had a family of little Vos or not, he just wanted to live out his life with me! That I was special, always trying to make things better, that he loved me for who I am and didn't want to change me in any way! He said he felt so lucky that I picked him above all other men! Imagine that! I was the lucky one, to have him in my life for even one day! He would want me to go on, I know that! To look forward and not backward!" Belle put her pale hands over her eyes and began to weep, saying the words between the sobs, "But how do I do that? Vo was the best part of my life and he's gone! And I'm the reason he's dead! The Collective's Inquisitors would never have grabbed him if the Mistress of Judgment didn't need leverage over me! Vo wouldn't have been on the Inquisition's submarine when it got sunk if not for me! If Vo had never met me, he would still be happily working on his cars in back of the Bug N Chug, exploring the occasional ark fall and tossing a few with friends at The Crater. If I just hadn't walked over to his table at the bar that night and tried to recruit him to be a part of my team and if he just hadn't flirted with me, he would be alive today!" Volodja knelt down by her, putting a comforting arm around her as she wept, but suddenly she stopped, lifting her pretty freckled face from out of her hands and stating firmly, "But living what ifs are as bad as living in the past! Vo wouldn't want me to do either! Vo would want me to live to fulfill my destiny, whatever the heck it turns out to be!" Belle stood up, wiping the tears from her eyes quickly with both her fists before saying strongly, "Do whatever you want with my dream machine! Use it, destroy it, lock it away, I don't care! I got places to go, varmints to kill! But first, I've got to do something personal!" With that said, Belle strolled unwavering to the door, turning briefly to warmly smile at Volodja and said, "Thank y'all kindly Volo! And thank Atticus and all the guys for your help in this here intervention!" Then she added in a small voice, a sad look in her blue diamond eyes, "I will miss Vo terribly, miss seeing him in my dreams. I'm so very afraid I'll forget his face." Belle blurred out of the holo-therapy room in a hurry to her quarters, fearing she would begin to cry uncontrollably again and not wishing to further demean herself in front of her team than she felt she had. She donned on her Liberty Trooper armor and geared herself up with her usual weapons, then went to the motor pool, driving her white Challenger out of the base straight to a bluff above the the San Francisco Bay, where she carved a second cross with her charge blade on a large twisted tree growing there. She then took out her Mother's worn rosary and said a prayer over two graves, although only one was occupied.  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 24, 2015 11:01:14 GMT
Volodja stood silently, looking how Belle carved the second cross into a trunk of twisted tree. Naturally he followed Belle right away, because he didn't intend to lose his patient in middle of therapy session. His metallic Dodge stood further away, engine still hot from fast but not so reckless ride. He gave her moment of privacy to Belle, but then he broke silence by saying:
"We all have our crosses to carry. As a Roman Catholic you should remember how Jesus went into the Calvary to be crucified and Romans compelled one particular Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross of Jesus when he was too weak and tired to do it himself. I don't see any Roman's here, but one Simon who was willing to share the burden of yours ever since you dared to ask him. And yet you heard his advice, but refused to listen. You watched us trying to help you no matter what, but you didn't saw it. Everything is up to you. Even decision to let others help you with your cross. You don't need anyone else to keep up the fight for the better world, but yourself and your own will to do it. Keep that in mind. But if someone offers help then don't be too proud to accept it."
And Volodja used his sapper shovel he carried along since it saved his life to adjust minor mistake on Belle's second cross, although he was not exactly a big fan of cutting or carving living trees. But he thought that Belle needs an example about cooperation and helping each other and that unfortunate tree had to pay the price. After that he said: "I have to return now, Tinkernbelle. Back to my duties, because I have Erika and Wolfram who are counting at me this moment, so I better go and justify their trust in me. But we can always race back to our base."
Soon anyone who cared, could see how two Dodges raced through wasteland. Bright white was leading from the start, but soon metallic one passed it, but not for long enough, because white one took a lead again. Near the former Dark Matter base both cars suddenly slowed down until they crossed gate line side by side. No winner in this race, but that also meant that there weren't any losers either. Both cars stopped in garage and drivers went out. Slim and pretty blonde blue eyed girl and tall handsome guy smiled to each other and left garage together, talking about different things than burdens now.
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 24, 2015 11:36:50 GMT
As I lean against Wolfram's desk, we look out the door into the hall in time to see Belle blur out. Volo quickly running after her. I look back at Wolfram and shrug. I then say, in my best german accent, "Ich denke, wenn du musst, du musst wirklich gehen.(I guess when you have to go, you really have to go.) Sorry if my german is horrible. It has been a very long time. Anyway it looks like they were in a hurry to go somewhere. Not my concern unless they contact me for help. So I trust you are settling in just fine here?"
Just then Jose comes in with the ingredients for Volo's booze recipe. As Wolfram starts helping him I say, "Anyway Wolfram it looks like you are busy. So if you don't need security for anything, then I will go. Enjoy the gift basket I brought. By the way, hope you like your time in our nuthouse." I take another swig of Rum then turn to leave.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 24, 2015 12:10:36 GMT
"Meine Erfahrungen war bisher absolut fantastisch," replied Wolfram. "I mean my career so far has been absolutely fantastic. New office, new still and new holographic rooms and that new assistant, who looks so lovely. Plus new friends I have found here. Can not ask for more. You could always give me a hand and hilfe mich. Volodja has a new recipe to try and Erika is still inserting memories to therapy chamber data base. It takes some time so we can try the still and this new Russische schnapps. Man must use time wisely and productively. But I am not twisting your arms, because you are bigger than I." Wolfram laughed and winked an eye to Di, who decided to ignore that approach attempt, because Erika at work was much interesting sight to her.
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"Never too early having a lunch," said Volodja to Belle. "It's afternoon already so we better check what Ralph has to offer if you care to join me. But I can accept "no" as an answer," he continued gallantly and waited for Belle's reaction to his proposal. If they decide to begin with treatment of Erika's children today then it takes hours and spending those hours with an empty stomach was not a very good idea. But dining in a good company is an excellent one. Especially when they share same interests about a little loving, a little giving to build a dream for the world we live in.
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Post by Belle Starr on May 24, 2015 13:38:05 GMT
Marcel Lestrange tossed the stolen wallets to Lena Marr. "Consider it as a rent for our office space. And now we have chance to see one of local car dealers unless you want to keep those wheels to yourself. I am not mind of that. Girl needs a car." Lena gathered up the two pair of shoes, throwing them in the back of the stolen car before getting in and starting it, saying out the window, "Thanks, but I've got several hidden all over the Bay Area, not including that one the Do-gooders gave me, which I sold and is probably on its way to Defiance. They probably didn't bug it, but why take a chance? Meet me at Murray Dock!" Lena gunned the engine, driving the stolen car at a reckless speed back to the shack that was their home base. Lena was an admitted adrenaline junkie, and loved anything that would make her feel more alive, and nothing made her feel more alive than risking her life. A psychiatrist might argue that such an attitude bordered on insanity, but she wouldn't bother to argue with him. She might shoot him, but she wouldn't argue with him. Marcel followed her and by the time he arrived, she was headed out back of the shack carrying the two pairs of shoes. He hurriedly parked his car, fairly leaping out of it so as to catch up with her, curious as to what she was up to. By the time he got there, Lena had already pried the lid off an oil drum with a pocket knife, tossing the shoes into the barrel. When Marcel peered in, he saw that the barrel was about two thirds full with shoes of all types. As Lena pounded the lid back in place with the closed knife, she answered Marcel's unspoken question saying with a wicked grin, "Souvenirs." Lena led him back into the shack, fixing them both a meal in the small kitchen there. It was quite tasty, considered the limited fare in the cupboards there. They ate in silence, then she poured them both a hot cup of Bengal Spice tea. As Lena sipped her cup of tea, she explained her plan to get rid of the stolen car, "There is a local representative of the Tarr crime family who hangs out at the Fork near their Vendor in the San Francisco wasteland. His name is Tommasino Di Angelo, and he manages a Tarr family chop shop at the Bug N Chug, which is why I left the do-gooders' car there. I was introduced to him soon after I got to the Bay Area, and we have since developed a working arrangement as to any extra cars I might happen to appropriate. He fences other stuff for me too, so he's a good connection for you to make. He's a bit of an odd guy, with some eccentricities - well, I'll let you find out for yourself - but he's a good businessman and I know you can appreciate that!" They finished their tea, then got in the two cars heading to Bug N Chug. Lena spoke to a mechanic there, handing him the stolen car's keys, then nodded to Marcel as she got into his car. "Okay, we need to got to the Fork and talk to Tommie," Lena replied, "But first we need to get across the Golden Gate Bridge, then I'll direct you to the fork." As Marcel drove across the bridge, Lena suddenly ducked down in the passenger seat next to him as two Challengers, one bright white and the other metallic, raced past them as Lena exclaimed, "Schtako, I don't know who is in the other one, but that white car is Belle Starr's and I'm positive I saw her in it wearing that garish armor of hers! Any local around here would recognize both her car and her! She used to patrol the highways for dangers to the ranchers and miners, and if she is doing it again, we might want to rethink our highwaymen careers!" The rest of the drive was silent as they considered the new threat to their criminal activities, except for Lena's verbal directions to the Fork. They got there without incident, except running over the occasional skittering. When they disembarked from the car, Lena led them to a nondescript human leaning against the Tarr Vendor, casually flipping a coin. Lena went over, a genuine happy smile on her face, the first that Marcel had seen on her chalk white face, and hugged the man, saying cheerfully, "Tommie! I just dropped off some more merchandise!" As Lena broke the embrace, she asked, "You have me a present?" The man grinned and gave her an envelope that she quickly put in her inside pocket jacket without counting the scrip inside, then he looked questioningly at Marcel. Lena began introductions, "Tommasino Di Angelo, this is Marcel Lestrange. Marcel and I are... working quite closely at the moment! Tommie is my favorite fence!" Lena smiled, crossing her slender arms across her well formed breasts as she gazed at both men with sky blue eyes, sure that the two businessmen would get along.  |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on May 24, 2015 13:52:56 GMT
"Belle, Belle, Belle," said Marcel to Lena. "And Moira just told me that Volodja Uljanov was in that metallic one. Patrolling is not his style, because he usually prefers infiltrating into hornet's nests, he knows about, and sabotage them, but one might expect anything from him. He is really irrational sometimes." Then he went silent again, driving them to The Fork. He did it relatively carelessly, but avoided masterfully any collisions with other vehicles an hitting any road bumps.
Insignificant looking man, Lena showed him, promised to be very useful acquaintance in future. Especially when he was a made man as it seemed to be. Mov contacts are dangerous but financially useful, as long as partners respected each others interests. That's why Marcel was old fashionably polite when he spoke with Tommasino.
"Pleasant day to you, signore Di Angelo," he started their business negotiations. "As long as I understand we can be mutually useful to each other in financial matters. You are looking for certain merchandise, we can provide you with."
Tommasino gave him long glance, before saying anything. "Good day to you Marcel. Just call me Tommasino. You are approaching directly to the matter and don't bother hide your intentions. I kinda like it. That honesty and direct approach of yours. So you seek to be a friend of mine. That's good. Va bene. Deciding from your accent, you are coming from...France. I always considered Europeans to be reasonable business partners, after some pleasant experience with couple of them."
Marcel tried to read Tommasino's blank face to figure out what this guy expects from him, but Tommasino's personality was closed like steel door, leading to the bank cellars. So Marcel had to keep conversation up and try to figure out what kind of man he was. And that coin flipping was REALLY annoying!
"Tommasino. You assumed correctly that I come from France and you have pleasant experience with Europeans before. That should make our relations smoother, because I am intend to maintain your good impression about men from L'Europe. So if you need anything to be done, then..."
"Actually there is one thing, I need to be done. Our friends are trying to run honest transport business to get some bread to their tables. But gang of raiders has established a road block and demand custom duty. That upsets our friends, so I need a capable man to find a solution to that problem. One must prove his honest intentions, before making friends. If someone could handle that problem effectively I would gladly make business with him, because I would be sure that I could trust my shopping list into the hands of that man," said Tommasino slowly and indifferently, looking somewhere over Marcel's shoulder.
"Maybe you just found that capable homme, who can handle that small problem as a sign of his good intentions, but he might expect something in return, because that's how honest business is made."
"Of course. All business must be made in spirit of mutual respect. Va bene, la ringrazio della sua risposta e saremo attenti a quello che seguirà ("Thank you, therefore, for your answer and we look forward to seeing what happens next"). I might find something to compensate the trouble of that man could have. Speaking of respect, Marcel. I would be grateful if our beautiful Lena would stop calling me Tommie. I am not mind about using familiarities, but only when it happens in famiglia."
Tommasino's glance was suddenly full of steel and ice, making Marcel to realize that Tommasino's insignificant looks are just a cover for a really dangerous man. And who were other Europeans with whom he had contacts? Anyway - he was put to the test and if he passes then they found next business partner to themselves. They can sell their loot to Tarr Family and maybe complete couple of their orders as well in exchange for scrip and information. So he listened Tommasiono carefully when he gave them coordinates of the raider road block and politely asked some evidence about their success.
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