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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 22, 2015 11:31:15 GMT
After listening to everything that Taffer, Lu and Volo had to say about going to Canada, I said, "Fine, if a team MUST go to find Chase, even though I am still certain he doesn't want found, then we have it. Taffer, Erika, Lu, if the final decision is that a 3 person recon team is to go help out in Canada, then you will need to pack your bags. Remember, I said recon, not rescue, as I doubt it will be a simple rescue mission. Nothing is EVER simple with any of us.
Yes whoever does end up going will be there primarily to locate Chase. However it is best that if you do find him that you recon before approaching, as he is most likely in a state where he feels he has nothing to live for and is therefore nothing, perhaps even to far gone to help. Trust me one in that state is extremely deadly and unpredictable, so be careful. Secondly as the Inquisition is the reason that we had Chase go there, to start with, and we have no proof that they abandoned their Canadian plans, I would like you to also do some recon to see if you can find out if they are still up to something in Canada, as Volodja suggested. The rest of you will get to hunt down Newlo and his Mistress. I will stay here in Command of the Fortress and to maintain contact with all teams, as long as possible. As well as being here so I can round up a cavalry if either team needs me to send backup."
After Belle mentioned Kabule and Caele, Volodja added his opinion on the matter. Just then I grabbed my head in both hands in noticeable pain, and screamed, "Shut the dak up in there Kafool! I hear you! No dakking reason to shout!"
As everyone turned to me, Erika put her hand on my shoulder in a concerned sisterly manner, and asked if I was alright.
I said, "I would be if HE would shut the hell up in there!"
Just then my eyes flashed white as I looked past Erika seeing a younger man with my face standing there, dressed as an Old Earth biker. Erika's eyes followed, as did everyone else's.
He said, "FINE ASSICUS! Is this better?! I will make use of these holo-emitters that your human mechanic installed, so I can talk to everybody else. Perhaps they will be nicer to me than you are!" He then looked around, focusing on all of the women in the room as he said, "Allow me to introduce myself, since he is too rude too and the goody goodies are already saying my name! I AM Kabule. The REAL Kabule! I would LOVE to hear everything about this Fakebule, as the human that Assicus calls Fool called him. After all Assicus will not let me know much about it. Oh all of you are still shocked at my appearance! Didn't Assicus tell you that Sazri Kakusi and I figured out how to use his EGO's Holo-emitters so we can come out to say hi, or that once we are out we can make full use of holo-emitters as an EGO person does? No I don't suppose he did. So fucking secretive, he is!"
I said, "Kabule did you come out for any reason other than to annoy me?!"
As Kabule pulled out his pack of Cigar cigarretes, he smiled sadistically as he said in a very patronizing manner, "Is there anything more important than annoying YOU for me to do, big brother?! Perhaps I just want to stretch my legs and enjoy the view. All I EVER do is sit in your OLD head and meditate. The worm doesn't talk to me much and the little one is just sooo boring! "Amber this, Amber that! Clothing this, Clothing that!" I don't give a shit what a woman wears and the only fucking time I care what she likes in bed is when it is me!"
He eyed over Erika then smiled slightly as he said, "Oh you must be the big sister that left us, or should I say HIM, for dead! I can't say as I blame you. He was such a pathetic little shit as a runty snot. NOBODY ever wanted HIM back then and if it weren't for me taking my twin brother and turning him into who he is now, he would STILL be completely unwanted and useless by and to EVERYONE! However He took all the training that I learned during the Pale Wars, and he became THE "Harbinger of Death"! As well as the Brazi..."
I snapped, "KABULE ENOUGH! Do NOT make me put your specific energy signature in the Fortress's system as a Virus so you NEVER get to use the holo-emitters again!"
Kabule chuckled somewhat sadistically and said, "Oh look! The mighty Assicus has spoken!!! Fine Atticus, keep your precious secrets from them and your wifey!" Kabule looked over Belle and smile wickedly as he enjoyed the view, then said, "I know that he told you his secrets. So tell me Blondie, how can such a goody-goody as yourself call him brother and live with him and let him have YOUR young protégé to himself, when you have a VERY good idea of the beast that HE really IS?!"
Seeing Belle flinch at that a little, Kabule smiled more and said, "No need to answer. Wouldn't want to upset him too much in such an enclosed space, would we?"
Kabule looked back at me as he started walking around the room, then said, "Relax Atticus. I will quit for now. So Blondie, mind if I smoke in here?"
Not waiting for an answer, Kabule pulled out one of his Cigar cigarettes, lit it and took a long drag, remarking, "Damn, you humans sure do make such great things. The Inquisition is foolish to think that you are mindless pets. Some of my favorite people were humans...well up until I killed them. Orders ARE orders, after all. I suppose that Mistress has never enjoyed one of your fine smokes, your great booze, or a great fuck from a human! She is definitely missing out."
He smacked the butt of one of the female Human comm officers in the War room as he continued walking and talking, "Some of the best Party Favors to exist! Atticus, how can you actually settle for just one fucking woman, when you are surrounded by ALL of these delicious hotties?!"
I simply said, "Kabule we are different. You strictly want a great time. I want a lot more and better than that. So perhaps you will never understand."
As Kabule maneuvered around the room, he rolled his eyes and said, "More sex is what I am talking about! Better than sex and MORE sex?! What is better than sex and violence, and booze and a good cigar or cigarette?! You are right Atticus. I will NEVER understand! However brother, I do suppose that I am glad that you are finally happy and you do have a smoking hot wife and such cute kids. Why wouldn't they be?! I mean look at how great we look or OUR big sister looks! Even if you do insist on wearing that damned mask, because you are ashamed of our fucking hot face!"
Kabule smiled more as he saw Sandy Bell sitting near Volo, "Oh I recognize you! Sandy Up-the-Hill Bell! You were quite the hot fucking devil charging that shitty damn hill! Too bad I had to mark up such a lovely young breast. However look at the bright side. I could have killed you while you and your whole squad were all sleeping then framed it on the Captain that you rejected, like I was ordered to. However thanks to what I saw on that hill, I did not touch any of them, except you and that captain! Now look at you. You look much happier than you did back then. Be glad that I saw something in you that none of my other targets ever showed."
He smiled again and then resumed his walk until something or someone caught his eye. Just then he stopped near Lu Ka'shaa and gave her the once-over a couple of times, then he smiled very lecherously as he said, "Oh and just who the HOT HELL do we have here?! Forget the fucking others! You may perhaps be the hottest and most fun Party Favor in the whole damn room! How about a great BIG kiss for a Champion of The Shkathe'Nado! Perhaps we can go back to your room for a few hours of GREAT FUN. You will never find a better or more fun lay than me, especially around all of these goody-goody squares!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Sept 22, 2015 12:57:34 GMT
"You know, Kabule," said Volodja. "I think I owe you a lot, because you spared Sandy's life. Thanks to you...and some other circumstances, I had a chance to meet her. Without that it wouldn't happened. People say "Better late than never" and I start to understand the meaning of that. Thanks to your merciful soul and that weird accident which happened to her, we are together...once again. So I do owe you, Kabule. That's why I am not complaining that you are blowing your cigarette smoke to my face.
One more thing, Kabule. You are the man of quantity, but have you ever paid attention to quality? "The more, the merrier" some guys say. But I do think that they are damn wrong about that, because if you meet someone special then she...or he is enough. You can believe me. That's why I do suggest to show at least some respect to our girls here. Most of people in this room are in relationships. Atticus is with Lady Christianna. Belle and Vo are together. And Sandy, you referred as a hottie, happens to be with with me, as I already informed you.
I believe that Luuzuk K'Shaa is single at moment but she is free about her decisions and she deserves as much respect that any other woman here. You don't know about that, but she helped me a lot back in Canada. She practically kept me alive there, so I am able to sit here and talk to you. Women are more than a prey for hunters, you know. Maybe, just maybe you should enter into 21st century as well, Kabule? It's never too late to change a point of view."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Sept 22, 2015 14:50:05 GMT
Sandy Bell stiffened as Kabule mentioned her name, her tanned hand instinctively going to her left breast where his bullet had hit her. His sniper shot was her first real brush with Death, although it wouldn't be her last, but still Kabule's presence in the war room rattled her. She tried not to show it, but Volodja had to know from her tightened grip on his hand when Kabule appeared and began speaking. Sandy never regretted the past, as she was more concerned with living her life in the present, but if she were to regret any event in her past, it would not be charging up that hill during the Pale Wars. Sandy was a bit of an adrenaline junkie, and never up to that point felt so alive as when she led that EMC charge into a Votan hard point, even though she was almost fatally shot by Kabule because of it. Sarge had certainly given her a stern lecture about keeping her head down when she awoke in the EMC infirmary, but she never regretted it; however seeing Kabule here and now made the blond hairs on the back of her neck stand straight up.
"He's not real, he's not real," Sandy kept saying to herself mentally, hoping that she was indeed correct in that assumption.
Belle Starr felt the heat of the blush going up her swan like neck into her pretty freckled cheeks as she stood up angrily, shaking a pale fist at Kabule as her blue diamond eyes flashed in rage, saying, "Y'all leave her and the other ladies alone, you low-down no-good varmint! You aren't fit to lick the boots of any of these fine folk, especially not those of Atticus Batman!"
Erika Widowmaker scowled at Kabule, finding it hard to believe that her brother could ever have been that scum, so she asked Kabule in an authoritative manner as she moved with purpose to a work station, her hand hovering over the button to turn off the holo-emitters, "Kabule, are you here to add anything constructive to this conversation, or to just be a bore. If it is the latter, I'd just as soon turn off the holo-emitters. Now, tell me something of use or disappear back into your dark cave."
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Post by Luuzuk Kshaa on Sept 22, 2015 19:11:28 GMT
Lu was slightly impressed that this Kabule guy left a rather good comment on her physical form right away, albeit in a lecherous manner. Most Irathient men she met were looking at her with contempt or disgust because of the color of her eyes. Those who didn't show it right away were usually feigning their goodwill so that they could have a night with her either just for fun or to irritate their ex-girlfriend or other selfish reasons. That's why she was better at finding common ground with humans or even Indogenes than Irathients. But this one was treating every woman here like scum, not only her, and it irked her immediately.  She wrinkled her nose at Kabule and said, "So you have just treated every woman here like your sex toy and then you're trying to convince me you're the best lay out here? Sorry to disappoint you, but I have more important things to do than explaining to you how you are wrong and why." With that said, she deliberately turned to Taffer, her EGO still scanning her rear just in case, and asked, "So Captain, as we're seem to be going back to Canada, there's still one thing to settle down. Are we going to power up his EGO device and question it or scan it in its passive state to see if she could get us more clues on Chase's whereabouts, or are we leaving it here where it would be safer or shall I keep it with me?"  |
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Post by Taffer on Sept 22, 2015 19:55:17 GMT
"Keep it for now", Taffer answered to Lu, "As we're stopping in Red Deer to take our spaceship anyway, I think we'll be able to convince Esthete to have a look at this device or, more likely, to have a talk with it. He has the best equipment to check its condition and get some information from it without damaging it any further."
Taffer stood up, seemingly ignoring Kabule's ramblings and addressed the team again.
"Well, given we have some new information incoming I'm afraid I have to rethink the recon group line-up. Volodya is right about possible connection between Cael and the fake Kabule and we have to check it. It means I can't take Erika to Canada because he's her son and she's the best person to detect if there's something wrong with him. Now, as I have to choose a replacement for her in the recon team and all I have to choose from is Chris and Kaj, I think I'll take the third option and take Haele. She's Indogene and she's an energy being at the same time. This way she might be a good liaison between us and the Indogene residents of Red Deer and maybe even Gulanee at the same time. She's also not susceptible to the Indogene drug which we still can't write off because we still don't know what the Inquisitors were planning to do with it. Moreover, she senses energy and other natural events humans can't sense at all even with the EGO device. It could be useful in our search too. In case our main team would need her scientific consultation, I think it would be enough to establish a link with Red Deer or Edmonton for her to contact you. Of course we'll be in touch with the main team constantly."
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Sept 22, 2015 20:30:46 GMT
Erika Widowmaker breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Taffer change the mission line-up so that she didn't have to go to Canada, for she was really worried about her son. It was very unusual for him to be in an area with her there too and him not contact her. Erika was gone for much of his young life, so they both treasured the time they had together, although with both their busy careers, there was little enough of that. Erika was also surprised that Senator Cael was away from the Votan Collective at this time, since her sources there told her that he was a prime advocate of maintaining the peace with E-Rep in particular and humans in general. After the murder of the Votan' Collective's Chancellor in Defiance, emotions were high in the Votan Collective Parliament and the Republic as a whole. She thought it strange that he would be in the Bay Area when things were so volatile in the Collective, but she supposed he might be on some sort of diplomatic mission that involved Ara Shondu, and that would explain it. Whatever the reason for Cael being in Paradise, she wanted to hear it from his own mouth, which she couldn't do if she were in Canada.
"Thank you Taffer, I will head to Ara's as soon as this meeting is over, and I would like Belle to accompany me, considering her relationship with her. I would also like to take Wolfram with us as well, since he was the attending psychiatrist for Cael here. Perhaps we can ascertain more information about Lady's case as well," Remarked Erika, her face remaining passive as she spoke, although concerns and doubts were rampant behind her cool exterior.
In many ways, Erika would have rather taken Volodja with her, because he also attended Cael as a mental patient, has at least met Ara, and finally, was younger and more fit for the long and sometimes dangerous trip from Fortress Kshaa to the Shondu Consulate. At the very least, Erika knew they would have to run the Dark Matter roadblock at the toll booths on the Golden Gate Bridge, and that raiders were still quite active on the other side of the bridge on the way to Shondu's. Erika did not miss the irony of her ageism, as she herself was just bemoaning the fact that she was getting older and might have to retire from this young person's game of, as Belle would put it, saving the innocents.
Still, Erika was worried, because if her worst fears were realized, then Cael had again become Kabule the Assassin due to the Mistress of Judgment's mental manipulations, and even a "Fakebule" could be very dangerous. Perhaps more dangerous than an old man - or even an old woman - could survive, and certainly more than a mother's heart could take!
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 22, 2015 23:25:13 GMT
After Volo talked to Kabule, Kabule said, "Oh relax. I won't hurt em! Volodja right? Alright Volo, I get it! In this age, No means NO and violence is not wanted or allowed in bed, not to mention the women shoot and fight back. Fine. Have it your way, no violence. However why would anybody settle for one person with so many great choices around?! They are all so lovely and could be fun if they want to be. So why limit yourself to just one hot lover?! Besides it's not like I am making anybody do anything anymore. I just offered the lovely Irathiant Lady a kiss and a good time."
Belle Starr felt the heat of the blush going up her swan like neck into her pretty freckled cheeks as she stood up angrily, shaking a pale fist at Kabule as her blue diamond eyes flashed in rage, saying, "Y'all leave her and the other ladies alone, you low-down no-good varmint! You aren't fit to lick the boots of any of these fine folk, especially not those of Atticus Batman!"
Just as Belle said that, Lu wrinkled her nose at Kabule and said, "So you have just treated every woman here like your sex toy and then you're trying to convince me you're the best lay out here? Sorry to disappoint you, but I have more important things to do than explaining to you how you are wrong and why."
Kabule smiled and said, "Ooooo these two have venom! I love it!" He looked at Belle and said, "Blondie number two I love the fist. Want to learn how to really use that? Oh simmer down. I don't mean in bed, since it's obvious that these days I must have permission first and given that look, you wouldn't give it. I meant learn how to use it to stop a guy for good, if one of us doesn't consider no an option. So It's Belle right? Don't get your pretty little panties in a bind." Kabule's eyes start to wander down again, then he looked back into her eyes, and continued, "Thong I assume? Lucky little thing it is. On second thought don't tell me. It leaves more for my imagination. Now relax, I am not going to hurt anybody here. I was just having some fun. However, Atticus fine folk? Wow Assicus you always cried in our head that WE had a family that would love and accept us somewhere. It looks like you were only half right though. There was a family for you somewhere. Although I don't think they feel the same for your little "twin" brother, who protected you during your childhood and during the Pale Wars!"
Then he turned back to Lu and smirked, "Sooo hot and to the point, but fine sex is off the table. I will save that for holographic women, if that is required for me. Although I still think you are missing out and obviously so am I, given the fire in those lovely Cyan eyes! I still do not know why our people are so afraid of the danger they supposedly house! In my humble opinion, it is good to have dangerous on your side!"
Erika Widowmaker scowled at Kabule, finding it hard to believe that her brother could ever have been that scum, so she asked Kabule in an authoritative manner as she moved with purpose to a work station, her hand hovering over the button to turn off the holo-emitters, "Kabule, are you here to add anything constructive to this conversation, or to just be a bore. If it is the latter, I'd just as soon turn off the holo-emitters. Now, tell me something of use or disappear back into your dark cave."
Kabule scowled back and said, "Aw man! You people are no fun. Relax big sister even scum like me needs to get out and stretch our legs on occassion. Perhaps have a good cigar or cigarette and a great drink. Are those at least allowed, as sex is not? Or is this place dry in EVERY way?"
Seeing Erika's very stern look intensify slightly, he frowned and said, "Wow! you are as cold as our brother! Fine all business in here. I get it. No need to push that button. I will tell you something of use, like you want. If your Fakebule, is anything like me, then he will NOT leave until HE feels that his job is done. I always gave my superiors what they wanted, however I did so in my way and NEVER walked away until I was certain that I had succeeded with what I wanted and needed to do. So if he wants Belle dead, then he will keep coming and Atticus' security will not stop him, but instead invigorate him for Atticus and his paranoia and intense security measures just makes the hunt for the target all the more fun. You want to remove his fun, then go to him. However you will still be a target until he decides otherwise. Like I did with Blondie number one. Sandy was it?
Aw yes. The fire and commitment of duty in her eyes, as she charged that hill. The passion in her voice, as she let out a war call. So much fire. So much backbone under fire! Even when I shot her, she was determined to finish the charge. That is until she passed out and her sergeant got her to safety. She is much more deserving of the title of "Warrior", than any of the others that I was ever sent after. Hiding behind their men and power, and never thinking of anybody but themselves. Such pathetic fools, anyway.
However it did make the hunt more fun, as I usually had to find a way past their security measures. Sandy Bell on the other hand didn't think of herself or glory but leading her squad to victory. Not the act of a cowardly worm, as our superiors would have had us believe that they all were. No coward at all in her. Perhaps it is because she didn't know she was a target. However I am excellent at learning about my mark and I am 100% certain, she still would have charged that hill and put her squad first. So, such a spitfire as her deserved to live and be an example to her squad of what a true Warrior is. But does why I changed my mission against orders, or what it cost me, actually matter to any of you? I highly doubt it, and don't bother asking Assicus about it afterwards. He probably wouldn't say for sure, if he does. As he does love his secrets!
Now back to my constructive talk before "Big Sister" pushes that button and sends me back to my confinement and meditations. Anyway Erika, this copycat me will not stop unless he is given a reason to stop or alter his target. However if he is on some sort of personal vendetta, then he will never stop until she is dead. If he is anything like me, then he won't be hard to find. Just follow the drugs, booze and women. He will show up at some point. However if he wanted her dead, she would already be dead. Now if your Kabule is a part of somebody else's mind as I once was, that could be real fun.
If your son really does love and want to be with family as much as you and Atticus believe, then it is obvious that Fakebule is indeed Dominant, as I was until I decided I was tired and ready to retire. Then I turned Atticus' body back over to him. I am just glad that he learned enough from me to stay alive. despite himself. The worm Sazri Kakusi does deserve some credit for that, I suppose, as he refused to let us die, no matter how much Assicus tried.
Either way, the dominant personality will be the one picking what they do in their off time. If Caele is the dominant, then that is good for him and you. However if Fakebule is the dominant and HE chose a consulate as his current base of operations then that is bad for you.
He gets all the sex, booze and women that he wants and only needs to leave when he is ready to do his "work". He is close enough to people of power, that he can secretly snoop through their classified files, without being suspected. He gets to use the Powerful political figures as an alibi AND he has plenty of opportunity to manipulate or blackmail them into doing something that he wants. And one more thing, even if this Consul likes you, you will not have much luck.
Your son, Caele, is a Senator and a Votan at a Votanis Collective Consulate. So if he doesn't want to see you or leave with you, then you can't make him, but he can make you leave or have you arrested. While he is a Senator and the Consul claims he is here on official business, he has diplomatic immunity. So you can't touch him! Very clever! Very clever indeed!
Alright, I am being good like you wanted, and I added some constructive things to this meeting. So "Sister" Erika, can I have a drink now and stay for a little while longer? Or are you going to banish me anyway? Or worse, banish me permanently like Atticus threatened?!"
I glared at Kabule, "Don't tempt me. I may have created you as a child and am thankful that you protected me. However if you do anything to threaten, endanger or greatly upset, anybody here, then I will DEFINITELY permanently ban you from leaving my head or being heard again!"
Kabule said, "I get it. You found the family that wants you. I will try to be civil. No need to send me back to the darkness forever! I gave helpful information and all I asked in turn was a nice hard drink and some time out here. Is that a crime now too?! I'm not hurting or threatening anybody here! PROMISE!"
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Post by Erika Widowmaker on Sept 23, 2015 1:54:11 GMT
Erika Widowmaker smiled slightly and went over to Atticus' desk, opening the bottom drawer where a bottle of Irathian rum and a glass were secreted, taking them out and putting them both in front of Kabule as she poured him a glass, said calmly, "See, you can be useful when you try."
Erika turned to her team mates saying, I think that we need to get to Cael as soon as possible, and I am more sure than ever in the choice of who goes with me, but if either you Atticus or Taffer have objections, please voice them now. While we do that, perhaps Volodja, Sandy, Kaj, and Vo would like to follow the lead at Alcatraz Island, then you Atticus could stay and guard your family while remaining in home base command? Just a suggestion, as I have no command powers anymore."
Once again Erika felt like the old warhorse who should be let out to pasture, but who may still have one last battle left in her.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Sept 23, 2015 5:10:49 GMT
"Kabule obviously misses something when he tries to replace quality with quantity (Volodja looked at Sandy with loving and longing eyes, because he preferred quality and Sandy was the best). That's the sign of overcompensation. But since I am grateful for sparing Sandy and for advice on Cael's case, I won't start with my analysis about the personality under that macho bullshit," said Volodja. "Your secrets are safe with me, Captain Jack."
"And now something completely different," Volodja continued. "We need to make a scouting trip to Cael anyway, because we need to observe his behaviour. Can't decide anything without seeing the patient. All the conclusions we will make about him right now are based on insufficient evidence. For us he is Cael and even if Fakeabule has took over the watch, we must treat him like nothing happened. Fakeabule will play along, because distinguished senator is a perfect mask for him. Why ruin the excellent disguise? I think that I know who accompanies Erika on that mission. Uncle Wolfram seems to be the best choice. He has an observant man and he is self sufficient, because he is still alive and well after all these years. Must admit that I envy him because of his vitality. And coincidently Wolfram happens to be a brilliant psychiatrist."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 23, 2015 6:04:55 GMT
Kabule said, "I get it. You found the family that wants you. I will try to be civil. No need to send me back to the darkness forever! I gave helpful information and all I asked in turn was a nice hard drink and some time out here. Is that a crime now too?! I'm not hurting or threatening anybody here! PROMISE!"
I looked over Kabule closely to make sure he was not up to something, then I looked around the room again to see how they were handling my other personality now that they knew for sure that he had taken on a life of his own, as it was very obvious to see now that they have experienced his very grating lecherous and sometimes demeaning attitude in person. Vo of course just took it in stride. Taffer completely ignored his attitude only showing slight interest, when Kabule was finally offering something useful. Sandy had quit squeezing the life out of Volo's arm and had relax a little but still watched Kabule closely, for good reason given her one past encounter with him. Belle continued to shoot daggers from her eyes at him. Then I looked over at my sister near the holo-emitter button to gauge her reaction.
Erika Widowmaker smiled slightly and went over to my desk, opening the bottom drawer where a bottle of Irathian rum and a glass were secreted, taking them out and putting them both in front of Kabule as she poured him a glass, said calmly, "See, you can be useful when you try."
I watched my big sister hand Kabule the glass, then I heard something, that was almost unheard of from him, from Kabule's mouth. Kabule said, "Thank you, sister Erika." I had heard him say thank you once or twice before when he was in control of our body, but only when he felt acting "decent" was important to HIS mission. However this time he not only said it, without it being required as everyone in the room had already discovered that he is very unfiltered and indecent, but what shocked me is that the jerk actually meant it. Not sure if anybody else realized that he genuinely meant it, but as he has been a part of me for over 34 years, I most definitely did.
However I hid my shock and reaction completely by talking to the room. "Somebody please get him an ashtray or alter the emitters to disable the smoke and make that ash disappear BEFORE anymore of it lands on the floor or my desk."
Corporal Lebeau replied, "Got it Mon Commandant. Just one secon an......dere." Just then a holographic ashtray appeared on my desk near where Kabule was still standing with his rum and smoke, and he actually started to use it. Then the smoke coming from his cigarette and, the cigarette soot now on everything, flickered and disappeared so we were no longer being plagued by the smoke.
I said, "Thank you Corporal. Much better, without that shtako all over the place." Then I looked at my sister and listened to what she had to say next.
Erika turned to her team mates saying, "I think that we need to get to Cael as soon as possible, and I am more sure than ever in the choice of who goes with me, but if either you Atticus or Taffer have objections, please voice them now. While we do that, perhaps Volodja, Sandy, Kaj, and Vo would like to follow the lead at Alcatraz Island, then you Atticus could stay and guard your family while remaining in home base command? Just a suggestion, as I have no command powers anymore."
Volo chimed in. "Kabule obviously misses something when he tries to replace quality with quantity (Volodja looked at Sandy with loving and longing eyes, because he preferred quality and Sandy was the best). That's the sign of overcompensation. But since I am grateful for sparing Sandy and for advice on Cael's case, I won't start with my analysis about the personality under that macho bullshit," said Volodja. "Your secrets are safe with me, Captain Jack."
Kabule said, "Or you are the one missing something. So, let yourself be tied the hell down, and I will continue to have some bitchin fun without having to get extra fucking permission. What works for you may not fucking work for me and some such shit." Kabule then refilled his glass and raised it again, sincerely saying, "To MY fucking fun and Volo the Tenderheart's quality love with a True Warrior! Now please fucking continue your meeting and let me enjoy my damn drink, as Atticus may never let me the fuck out again to have another one!"
"And now something completely different," Volodja continued. "We need to make a scouting trip to Cael anyway, because we need to observe his behaviour. Can't decide anything without seeing the patient. All the conclusions we will make about him right now are based on insufficient evidence. For us he is Cael and even if Fakeabule has took over the watch, we must treat him like nothing happened. Fakeabule will play along, because distinguished senator is a perfect mask for him. Why ruin the excellent disguise? I think that I know who accompanies Erika on that mission. Uncle Wolfram seems to be the best choice. He has an observant man and he is self sufficient, because he is still alive and well after all these years. Must admit that I envy him because of his vitality. And coincidently Wolfram happens to be a brilliant psychiatrist."
I smiled slightly and said, "That all sounds reasonable to me. So it is settled then. Taffer, Lu and Haele go to Canada for recon and rescue, with Taffer leading of course. Volodja, Sandy, Kaj, and Vo go investigate Alcatraz. Volo you and Vo can decide among yourselves who leads or if it even matters. As Kaj still hasn't said anything, I am not sure if he has bothered watching the feed or if he is still with my niece, so somebody may have to fill him in and remember as far as I know neither of them know yet that I am Erika's brother so please keep that to yourselves as it is Erika who should be the one to tell Kara. Not us. Erika will go to Shondu's Consulate, I assume with Belle and as Volodja recommends, Wolfram, if Erika feels that it is safe for him to accompany her, and Wolfram feels it is necessary. I will stay here in Command, with Chris helping as needed. Kabule will finish his drink and smoke then he WILL go back in my head for now. Correct, brother?"
Kabule raised the glass to Erika and took a swig, then frowned slightly as he responded to me with, "If that is what I must fucking do to be granted another respite from your damnable head full of horrible thoughts, even to me, then so fucking be it."
I nodded slightly, then looked back at Erika as I said, "Darling Sister, as long as I am around as Commander, you will ALWAYS have Command powers here."
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Sept 23, 2015 10:17:59 GMT
"Bon jour, minions," greeted Marcel politely when their van arrived to the hangar, Lena and him inherited from Loorea Moree - a drug dealer and an assassin who had her Danse Macabre at Ara Shondu's ball. "Did you miss us? Of course you did. You had your vacation but it is officially over! I want to see those eager little fingers of yours, put into work. You have a plane to fix, Bert and Ernie."
"Whoa! Is that her nose cone or a pancake?" asked Bert.
"Reminds me of your mug," replied Ernie. "Are you sure that you are not looking into the mirror?"
"Quit joking, Ernie, and give me the wrench!"
"Drench? French? Stench?"
"Wrench, Ernie! Boss! Are you sure that you want to keep him over the winter?"
Marcel just grinned at their dialogue while he was sitting comfortably down, smoking one of his cigarettes. After their visit into Inquisition lair, he actually needed something as comforting as those two stooges who were busy with struggling with the crashed air plane.
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Post by Vo Kshaa on Sept 23, 2015 13:16:59 GMT
Vo stood up next to Belle as Kabule spat out his comment on Belle's underwear. There were a couple of episodes when Atticus had seen Belle naked due to her Volge-out but he always handled them with dignity and actually made Belle feel she's among friends no matter how embarrassing the situation could be for her. Vo just realized that Kabule could have seen Belle in that state too if Atticus was sharing memories with his other personalities, but that didn't give Kabule the right to insult Belle in any way. On the other hand, he did understand that starting a quarrel would only derail the meeting and in the end would do nothing good other than wasting the time he and his friends could put into much better use. He also suppressed his instinctive desire to hit Kabule in the face because he clearly saw him as a hologram and trying to hit a hologram would be nothing but a silly move and hitting Atticus instead seemed unfair to him a s Atticus was definitely not approving Kabule's antics. All in all, he decided to give this guy a chance and if he continues to insult the girls in the room, he could always ask Erika to finally push that button to turn the emitters off.
"Lu's right", he whispered to Belle in a calm voice, "We have more important things to do than trying to reason with a spoiled kid who can't understand the basic relationship and can't treat people as equals and feel with them. On a slightly brighter note, if we're going to be parted again and go on different missions, may I steal at least a couple of minutes to spend with you in private before we leave?"
He listened to Kabule giving information on his possible doppelganger feeling relieved that this guy finally did something constructive for the team rather than trying to lower their mood or provoke a conflict. Then, as Atticus confirmed their assignment, he addressed Volodja and Sandy, the only other members of his group who were present at the meeting.
"The only thing I know about Alcatraz", he said, "Is that it's a hub for long and most dangerous expeditions into old EMC bunkers, hellbug lairs and other forsaken places. The island itself is rather crowded with all the teams hanging up there, so it's highly unlikely that Inquisitors would set their base in plain sight there. If they indeed use it, they probably use it as a hub as well, so it would be only the starting point of our search. Chances are we'll be going into the depths once we find any clues of Inquisition presence there. So we need to stock up on heavy close-range weapons, probably with armor-damaging and armor-piercing effect, but we also need at least one sniper. Oh, am I talking like a leader of the group already? Well, I never meant to seize the power like that. If any of you thinks you're better informed or have better organizational skills, I'll gladly go under your command."
In fact, he actually wished to be the leader this time, as he thought that additional responsibility for his group will keep him focused on a mission rather than worrying about Belle's well-being and safety in her part of this investigation.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Sept 23, 2015 13:50:32 GMT
"Go ahead," said Volodja. "You obviously want to lead, if you took initiative already. And best way to neutralize your wish even in subconscious level, is letting you fulfil it. Just give me some freedom of action when we are there and we have a deal. Alcatraz supposed to be a neutral ground, but we are exposed to any kind of dangers when we leave the hub. Inquisition has a quite good chance to attack us if we get too close to them if they are there, so we must be prepared for anything. But I see that I am getting way too pessimistic." Volodja put his hands protectively around Sandy and changed the subject by whispering: "No need to worry about the Kabule, my love, my life. He is just another ghost of the past who has no power any more and we have a future to look forward to, if you are interested. I am with you if you want me."  |
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Post by Tim the Hellbug on Sept 23, 2015 18:59:54 GMT
I always get left in my friend's room when something important is going on. It gets boring and my friend gets angry when I chew on things to have fun. So now I only get to have fun when I get to run around outside with friend. He sometimes has me help stop bad guys with him but mostly I just follow him. Today there have been alot of squeaks going past. Friend says that's just how his kind speaks. He's the only one that can speak to me. Lately I've been going around pen when friend leaves. That shiny smooth thing next to the bed has little shiny things in it that come loose or they can tighten when I twist them so I can take it out and put it on when I want to leave. Today I want to leave.
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Post by Taffer on Sept 23, 2015 20:12:52 GMT
Taffer smiled with corners of his mouth upon hearing Vo taking the leadership of the group. Taffer was sure his friend was capable of leading the expedition given all the experience of ark hunting they had together before even meeting Belle and her team. With such a good team Vo had now they could defeat anything their enemies could throw at them, but then they were fighting not only armed enemies but an evil mastermind, and that could be the problem.
"Vo is a definitely good fighter and can be a good leader", he said to Volodja and Sandy as he approached them when Vo walked away to have a quick word with Lu, "But there's one thing you should probably know of. He values people's life very high. It's usually a good thing, but knowing Mistress or Newlo they could use this quality of his to manipulate him. So please keep your eyes open and help him keep his head cool."
Taffer glanced at Vo and saw him pointing his thumb at him, as the Irathient was talking with his sister. This made Taffer smile giggle quietly as he immediately imagined Vo saying something like Taffer said just now about his friend, but about Taffer himself. He aimed his steps to the door, but before he went out of the room, he said to everyone:
"Okay people, I think I have my task at hand and I'm going to start at it as soon as possible. Belle had VBI work around the clock with this rescue mission so I hope our ride is ready too or at least is already on its way here. Lu, I'd like you to visit our armory to see if you can get any new weapons which suits you or maybe yours could have a quick upgrade. In particular, I advise you to take a good charge blade. Might be useful even if you never used it before. If there's anything else I need to know, I'll be in touch all the time. I still have to convince Haele to go with us but something tells me it won't be a hard task as she never had been to Red Deer or Edmonton, at least in their post-terraforming state. So good luck everyone, stay alive out there and may your part in this madness be successful."
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