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Post by Kaj Oenfer on Oct 10, 2015 10:11:09 GMT
Lady focused her pink eyes intently on his, and placed a small alabaster hand on his huge purple one, remarking in a confidential whisper, "Hela! Naïve? Not Naïve, wise. How old are you? Doesn't matter, awfully wise, " Then Lady stared at the ground in front of her command chair in despair, then turned to him gesturing wildly to him with her two delicate hands in more emotion than anyone had seen her show in a month as she exclaimed in a quiet tone, "Seventeen years old, two great kids and a great husband, and keep making the same mistakes. Don't think these things out. Didn't as Mistress of Sorrow, not doing it now either. Just when the answer is clear, it isn't. Chase and Iri deserve justice, but don't deserve to be hurt more. Got to rethink this..."
Then Lady turned to Corporal Le Beau at this security station, and said, "Would you please send someone to Ralph the cook for a food platter for me and Kaj? Cheese and fruit would be nice. Maybe some crackers... And some of those great sugar colkies he makes... and a glass of POW milk - no, make it a pitcher please! Thanks."
Kaj smiled his friendly and somewhat infectious and morale boosting smile that he has had since he started spending time with Erika Widowmaker's daughter and Atticus Batman's niece, Kara, and said to Lady, "Since you asked I will tell you. I was one of the first from my batch 31 years ago and as far as I know I am now the last of my batch."
Just then Corporal Lebeau interrupted. " Cheri Lady, we will get dat order right away." Then he looked at Kaj and smiling said, "Cocain violet homme (Cajun for really big purple man), whacha wan me ta add fer ya?"
Kaj gave Lebeau a confused look then said, "Nothing extra. Just make sure you get Lady's order right and get an extra glass for me, Swamp Rat."
Lebeau chuckled at Kaj's response, as he enjoyed confusing and tormenting the big Bio-man for some reason, and nodded then he sent somebody to get Lady's food request.
Kaj turned back to Lady and whispered, "Now that guy is confusing. Nice enough guy but can not understand a thing he says and no matter what dictionaries I look in, I can never figure out what language he is speaking. And if I was not naive then I would still have his job. However he can keep it. All that worrying about everyone's safety all the time, gave me a headache. Of course I do need to find a new permanent job here soon. I am enjoying my new artistic hobbies even if I am still having trouble with them and making mistakes, but I doubt our Commander finds then to be useful contribution to our little community here. So I do need to figure out something before he decides to permanently assign me to pet cleanup for the whole Fortress or something."
Lady's enigmatic smile was back and there was a glint of happiness back in her pink eyes. She still felt that she hadn't been punished enough and that Chase and Iri should have more of a say in her punishment, but maybe, if everyone seemed to agree, that a death sentence would cause more harm than good, she didn't have to die. In all truth, Lady didn't WANT to die, she wasn't suicidal as much as despondent over the harm that she caused, so she really was very glad that Kaj had shown her the inherent flaws in her plans, although it also created a new concern for her.
"Final awesome question Kaj - for now anyway," Said Lady still looking intently into his eyes, "How do I keep from making the same jekking mistakes?"
Kaj played with the silver hoop in his left ear as he thought about how to answer her question, then he said, "Most say when you make a mistake it is best to just learn from it and never do it again. However I do not always find that so easy. My last mistake almost permanently destroyed Kara mentally right after I met her. It took an ass kicking from Erika for me to realize how bad I screwed up. However I still was not sure exactly what I did, until it was explained to me by the others. Then Atticus offered me one chance to fix it or he would let Erika decide my fate, which I knew meant death and I was willing to accept that.
However Kara seemed so nice and so willing to accept my friendship when we first met, that I could not stand the thought of dying before I tried once again to help her. Fortunately with help I was able to do so. Not only did I help her, but I got a friend and girlfriend out of it that actually likes me and is not mainly just using me. Little Marla even seems to like me, as does Frond. Or at least I think he does. It is hard to tell with such a tiny one. At least he never bites me, although he still gently bites Atticus' finger, every time Atticus gets close enough. Of course that mistake was related to the same thing that has caused most of my issues.
You see my flaw is that I always think with my heart and it always seems to cause trouble. However that is one issue I refuse to quit making. So instead I must learn how to listen to my heart without making things worse. However the only person here that I am certain knows how I feel and may be able to give some advice on that issue has had his own problems and has been way to busy during the last month to help. So instead I see Doctor Wolfram twice a week so he can help me with my problems, for now.
Anyway there are several things you can do as well. First, figure out what mistake you made and try not to do it again. Second, always take responsibility for your own actions. You have done that, or you would not be here with that ankle jewelry. Third, listen to Belle's and Volo's lectures and speeches when you screw up because, in there somewhere, they both always make sure to add lots of helpful advice. Atticus is not so open with his advice. Although I am certain he would give it to you freely, if asked.
So there is another suggestion. Do not be afraid to go to your friends and family for help when you need it. Personally, I also read about other people's mistakes so I know how to avoid making the same mistakes or at least have an idea of how to fix those mistakes, if I make them. Also I have been making plenty of mistakes with my new hobbies, however I do not give up. I take the time to figure out what mistake I made and how to avoid or fix it in the future, but I no longer give up. Belle, Doctor Wolfram and Volo all helped me realize that quitting is the easy route and the least rewarding. Something I took from one of my talks with Doctor Wolfram is that: it is best to try and try again. Atticus will never say so to most, but I have watched how he keeps fighting for his friends, family and beliefs, and from that I have realized that the best things in life are always the most worth fighting for. So never give up, fight for what you believe in and if you need help, Atticus, myself and all of your other friends and family are here for you. Even that swamp rat, Remy Lebeau."
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Post by Belle Starr on Oct 10, 2015 14:08:13 GMT
"Don't worry, Belle. I will prevent those two from getting after each other throats. And by the way - if we face problems with communications, we still have that old TV studio we used to warn people of Defiance from that warlord coming. As long as I remember, they had separate communication system which was still functional and since we covered our tracks carefully, that place should be still intact," said Volodja through the EGO channel. Belle had forgotten about the old television station, but not what had happened there, and the kiss between them that might have led to more if - well, Belle wouldn't let her mind dwell on that. Belle had made her choice between Vo and Volodja soon after that, and Vo had been and would always be her soul mate. Still, she missed the close friendship she had with Volodja, but was glad that at least he was talking - or thinking in the case of EGO communication - in less of a cold and formal way then he had been in the last month with her. He had even used her first name, and he hadn't been saying her name at all, so that was a start to maybe regaining their old friendship. "Maybe the glass is half full - at least in that regard!" Thought Belle to herself with a smile, than refocused her mind to the problem at hand, turning to the team and said, "Volodja just had a great thought, that instead of the Arch radio station, we use that old television station we found on the outskirts of town for our transmission! That way we don't endanger any innocents working at the Arch if events go south! We can arrange with the mayor to do an interruption of their normal broadcast, and afterwards maybe the mayor might like to know they have a resource like that close by! Win-win situation!" The VBI VTOL plane touched down near Biswell Pass and just off Main Street in Defiance, as Amanda Rosewater had predicted. The team disembarked with their equipment, then watched the VTOL go straight up before flying it's way to Red Deer with Sandy and Wolfram. As if on cue, a Law Keeper's Durango followed by a second unmarked one drove up and stopped next to Belle and her six person team. Irisa was driving the first vehicle with Amanda Rosewater as the passenger, and Berlin Rainer driving the second. As the vehicles screeched to a halt in front of the team, Belle put on her frontier shades and straightened the lapels of her pink and white Casti business suit, which Vo had good naturedly chided her by calling it her bubblegum killer outfit. At the time, she retorted that she liked to think of it as her pink avenger outfit. Her rose petal lips parted into a white toothy smile as Belle put on what she liked to call her grin of confidence, usually reserved for VBI Board meetings and official cocktail parties, as the mayor and her law keepers exited their vehicles. Belle walked straight up to the pretty blond human, having already brought up her picture on her data pad so that she would recognize her, and outstretched her pale manicured hand as she said cheerfully, "Belle Starr, VBI Vice President of Public Relations, but y'all can just call me Belle! Mayor Rosewater, a pleasure to meet y'all finally, although I do wish it was under better circumstances! Don't fret none about Chase escaping, as we'll wrangle him in soon enough! Chase has survivor's instincts, and I bet that's what he's running on right now, but our chief concern is his safety, and y'all rescuing him from the wilderness and getting him medical treatment was a huge step in that direction! The fact that he was feisty enough to escape goes to show how successful you were!" Belle nodded in recognition to Irisa, remembering from the past how she didn't like to be touched by anyone but Nolan, and hugged Berlin warmly before going on with the introductions. Belle was trying her utmost to put a positive spin on the situation to start the team's relationship with Defiance's officials on a positive note and keep everyone's morale high as they began their search for Chase Lonehart in earnest. She then introduced her team to them, starting with Atticus Batman, stressing the fact that he would be leading the operations for their team, and ending with Iris Seuwell, briefly explaining her relationship to Chase and that he had wandered into the wilderness because he had thought her dead. She briefed the mayor and her law keepers that two more of their party would be arriving separately by plane and as to their plan to draw Chase out of hiding, and asking for any cooperation they might give in the execution of the plan, assuring the mayor that VBI would pick up the bill for any expenses that the town accrued due to either Chase's treatment or his recapture. "We found an old television station to warn y'all about The Beast last time we were here abouts, over in the Maryland Heights area I believe! If we could have the use of a vehicle and some diesel fuel for it's emergency generator, I believe we can get it up and running again!" Belle assured her, "Then we'll hopefully lure Chase out in the open when Iri broadcasts that she is alive and kicking! In the meantime, Atticus here is super skilled at tracking people, and he will try to locate Chase by more conventional means! I don't know if you know Chase Lonehart, but he was a legendary Ark Hunter in the Bay Area, and even without his EGO, he's a formidable foe! If y'all don't mind, if you have any regular folk out there looking for him, please pull them back, although I'll take all the help I can get from the authorities! I just don't want any innocents hurt because of the state of mind Chase is in, nor do I want him hurt inadvertently because someone panics and gets in a lucky shot! Chase was - is - a good friend of mine, and our team's prime purpose is to bring him back home, safe and sound! Now, unless you have any input or intel we can use, I sure as shooting would like to start our search! The sooner we find Chase, the sooner we can take him home and get out of your hair so Defiance can go back to running all nice and quiet!"  |
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Post by Vo Kshaa on Oct 10, 2015 22:13:00 GMT
Vo jumped off the VTOL aircraft following Belle and greeted the group of three women with a nod and a faint smile. As he expected to meet Irathients among people of other races in Defiance, he was wearing his sunglasses to hide his cyan colored eyes and avoid the immediate dislike which people of his kind tend to develop. The dark shades were making his face look more harsh than usual, which he thought could be beneficial as people would take him seriously, but then there could be the downside as well, as people often mistook him for a simple grunt or a bodyguard.  "The idea of using the TV station to broadcast is a good one", Mayor Rosewater answered to Belle thoughtfully, "But I'm afraid finding some diesel fuel would be not an easy task. You know, Defiance is known for its Gulanite mines, so everything that runs on fuel, runs on petrohol here. I think we can contact other cities administration to arrange an exchange, but it will definitely take some time."  "There's a diesel tanker truck on the territory of the former E-Rep Motor Pool", Berlin suddenly chimed in. "E-Rep keeps some generators running on diesel fuel for in case there are problems with petrohol supply or the petrohol supply is sabotaged or something along the lines. But there's a problem with it, which is exactly the reason why it was abandoned there with its tank still full of diesel fuel. That thing is completely out of order. When one tried to start its engine, it started to emanate sounds like… Have you ever tried to burn a hellbug alive? That kind of sound. Of course it was shut down immediately and was never powered up again given all the flammable fuel in its tank. The internal pump could not reliably run without the engine running and E-Rep didn't have time to either fix the thing or jury-rig an external pump to drain the fuel. So it still stands there, but knowing its condition I doubt it would be of any help to us." Upon hearing the familiar symptoms Berlin was describing, Vo could not hide the smile as he imagined people running in fear away from the screeching truck. "Is it the Titan type truck? If yes, the screeching sound most likely goes from its starter motor. Moreover, it's not the motor itself which is faulty, but a starting relay which connects it mechanically to the engine's flywheel. Its operating coil is a weak spot and it breaks sometimes from vibration or overheating. The starter motor is powerful enough to run the vehicle by itself on a low gear, so if it's not given a proper load like an engine's flywheel should do, it starts to rotate at several hundreds of RPMs, hence the sound it makes. If it still slightly touches the flywheel, you'll hear even more horrid sounds. But then, if it was turned off immediately, then not much damage was done to it and once the relay is replaced or the coil is repaired, it will be up and running again in no time." "So, does your tale mean you can repair it or are you just throwing buzz words of technology in the air?" Berlin asked skeptically. "Welding will work the best, but soldering should be fine too. That is if you don't have the replacement relay unit, it will definitely save us some time. You know, sometimes I use my head for something else than just eating", Vo answered, feeling amused by Berlin's skeptical tone as he threw a glance at her over his sunglasses.  But he immediately regretted it as he found out that Irisa caught his glance too and now she was staring at him with unblinking eyes and a mixed look of surprise and disgust on her face. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Oct 11, 2015 1:07:45 GMT
Belle Starr sidled up to Vo Kshaa surreptitiously grabbing his hand with hers intertwining their fingers and giving it a loving squeeze, telepathically through their EGOs congratulating him cheerfully, "Crisis averted! Thank you Mr. Kshaa! I knew I kept you around for other reasons than the fact that you are great in bed - although y'all are awfully cute too! Just lightening the mood, y'all know I love you Vo," Then said to Berlin, "If y'all can take us to that there depot ASAP, I'd sure appreciate it! We can reminisce about our shopping spree on Uncle Mercado's script card in the Defiance bazaar along the way!" Belle then turned with an easy smile to the Mayor of Defiance and asked, "Mayor, my Papa Boudreau used to tell me when I was just a tadpole that when Life gives you lemons, y'all should just go and make lemonade! I think its time for us to get this here lemonade stand up and running! I'll be taking Berlin with me along with Vo and Iri, first to the depot, then to the studio, and that way Belin will know where that there television studio is located, in case y'all want to use and abuse it later! Y'all been awesomely hospitable so far, but if you don't mind, please take Atticus and Volo where you lost Chase's trail, and if y'all could please show Dr. Orion and Eren where they can set up a medical station, just in case mind you, I sure as shooting would appreciate that too, Mayor Rosewater!" Despite the fact that a mission that was supposed to be a cakewalk had gone terribly wrong, Belle was feeling pretty good about herself and her team. The authorities of Defiance were being cooperative, and the fact that Chase was wearing a bed sheet during his escape made her believe that somewhere in Chase's bestial body was his civilized mind as well. If they could just get through to Chase's thinking self, that had a good chance of getting everybody through this alive and in good health - and Volodja Uljanov with his experience and psychological training was just the man to do that job! Belle just hoped that Volo was not too distracted by his worries over his beloved but brain dead Sandy to do the job of saving Chase from himself. Belle put her hands on her hips standing to her full six-foot height, a charismatic smile on her beautiful freckled face, her blue diamond eyes glinting with admiration as she surveyed her team and said confidently to them, "Okay guys, this is one of the most important missions in our team's history, because it's to save one of our own! Chase was one of the founders of our Bay Area team of Protectors, but more importantly, he's one of our Bay Area family of friends! Y'all have the smarts, y'all have the skills! If anybody can save Chase, it's y'all! Now, let's go round up Chase, and then let's get ourselves out of these nice folks' hair!" With that said, Belle got into the passenger side of Berlin's vehicle, with Iri, Vo and their equipment in the backseat. As Berlin drove them to the old E-Rep depot, Belle wondered if her "inspiration" speeches ever really did anyone on the team any good other than herself. She gave the speeches to keep team morale high, but in retrospect, she sometimes thought that maybe some members of the team just thought she was either being pretentious or just a silly young cheerleader. However, whenever she started thinking like that, she quickly dismissed the thought. The "inspiration" speeches were part of her being - her! She knew her family of friends loved her for who she was, warts and all! Besides, her speeches inspired HER, and that was important in and of itself.  |
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Oct 11, 2015 6:12:52 GMT
Marcel wiped the blood off from his cheek where Lena's Bowie knife scratched her. They just ended their little sparring match with knives and that was definitely more entertaining than counting money, because of the adrenaline boost and sense of danger it brought along. Lena was unharmed, except few knife marks on her clothes, but that made her even more appetizing, because seeing her white skin flashing from tears woke Marcel's libido, so he pulled Lena closer to him and used her own knife to cut her ripped clothes off from her.
"I will get you a new outfit," he whispered into her delicate white ear when he slid the blade of Lena's Bowie knife into her panties and cut the elastic with one move. "But unwrapping the gift with the knife is more exciting."
"You bet, My Love," replied Lena as her tongue licked the drop of blood off from Marcel's cheek. "Yummy!" she exclaimed after the degustation. "I could eat you right now. Maybe I will, but I'll do it on my own way," she continued, dropping to her knees and using her second Bowie knife on his trousers to release not so little Marcel. Gluttony had to leave the post and nobody else than Lust took over the place behind Lena's steering wheel.
"My Love," said Marcel. "I was thinking about the disposal process of non selected. They have nothing to loose, you see. And that makes them ideal sparring partners for our hand to hand combat training. At least surviving ones. They will put everything into the match in a hope to get out alive and feel of danger should motivate us as well. Kill or be killed situation forces both participants to fight for real. Exciting and useful at the same time because we have to keep our guard on. You are so inspirational, Lena darling and bring out the creative part of me! Not to mention other parts. Merde! It feels so good!"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 11, 2015 7:36:11 GMT
Right after we landed and departed the plane, it lifted back off. As it flew off, the welcoming party arrived. I had my helmet and armor securely in place as usual and was well-armed as is my norm. As Belle and the Mayor started talking I was surveying the area. When Belle introduced me I was, as usual standing coldly and looking imposing, still surveying as if I was oblivious to the people that had arrived. That is when Belle gently elbowed me in the kidney to get me to atleast acknowledge the introductions and their presence.
So I glanced at Belle and nodded slightly, then looked at the Mayor and said, "Eseneziri Mayor Rosewater. It has been a long time since I was here, of course that was shortly before it officially became Defiance. Good to see the place is still around. It definitely seems bigger and more hospitable than when I first came through."
Belle finished the introductions, then talked about needing to find Chase soon for everyone's benefit, as well as mentioning the TV Station that her and Volo had once used. After Mayor Rosewater and Law keeper Trainer said their opinion on it and mentioned a broken truck that Belle's group could use if they could fix it, Vo gave some very technical advice on the whole truck issue, then added that he was certain he could fix it. Belle then gave one of her inspiring speeches and her team left with Law Keeper Trainer.
As they pulled away I glanced around at my current group consisting of myself, Volo, Mayor Rosewater and Irisa. All the while Belle had been talking I had a very uneasy feeling, and it was still there. So I did another quick look around and sent Volo an EGO message, "Volo. my favorite Fool, I can't explain it or tell you who or where, but I am certain somebody besides the normal onlookers has been watching us, since we landed. So be careful." Then I notify Belle and Vo of what my instincts are telling me, as well.
Mayor Rosewater and Irisa agreed to take us to where Irisa had lost Chase and we get in her Durango. After we arrived at the staircase that led up to a balcony and Irisa said that is where she lost him, I said, "Volo, Irisa and I will check the balcony and rooftops. You and Mayor Rosewater follow from the ground just in case there is something down here that may help find him. After all, it isn't likely that he is still hiding on a roof, especially if he spots a better hiding spot down here from his rooftop location."
Volo agreed, so Irisa and I went up the stairs. Although I did notice that he agreed quickly and without arguing or adding his two scrip, so I wasn't sure if it was because he was confident with my abilities and the fact that I was in my element or because he was so preoccupied with his and Sandy's problems which also worried me as both their friend and Commander. Although I was also still worried about Lady as well.
After Irisa and I got up to the balcony, I looked around knowing that Chase must have either taken to the roof for a little while, or used it to throw us off by just climbing over it and jumping off on the other side. So as I looked, I was hoping that I could find something to help me pinpoint a direction. That is when I noticed a very horrible smell and glanced at the balcony's rail. I noticed some sort of muck or residue on it and ran an armored finger through it and sniffed it. "Wow that is horrible. Smells like a month of nasty or worse."
Irisa said that it definitely smelled like our missing friend did, when they found him. I nodded, glad that I now had something to follow. I pulled a small cloth out of one of my armored pockets and wiped my gauntleted finger clean, then rubbed it through the nasty smelling stuff to get a little more on the cloth.
Then I looked over the rail to see Volo and said to Volo by EGO, "Volodja, catch!"
When he was ready, I dropped the cloth, which he caught. Then I said to him still via EGO, "That horrible smelling crud was on Chase, according to Irisa. There is some of it on the balcony rail and I see a smudge of it on the rooftop as well. So I am going to follow it, up here, as long as I can but be on the look out for it's scent down there. as well as other clues, just in case."
I then quickly climbed from the balcony to the rooftop with Irisa right behind me. We were able to follow it's smell and small traces of it across several rooftops. Then we were on another balcony. As I looked over this balcony's rail I saw a bizarre object that appeared to be made of car parts and other stuff with a frame aimed towards the sky, a bunch of pulleys, and metal cage on the back.
I asked Irisia if that was a Castithan shaming or cleansing rack and she told me that it was indeed a Castithan shaming rack, then I notifed Volo by EGO again, "Volo, his scent stops here. So it looks like this is where he took to the ground again. We will be right down, to help you see if we can pick it up again."
I said over my shoulder to Irisa, "Looks like this is where he left the roofs. So back to the ground we go." Then her and I carefully headed down to the ground. After getting back down there, I said out loud, "Alright I got us this far, but I am having trouble picking his scent back up, down here, and I see too many footprints to be sure of which ones are his right now. Besides, as it is getting dark, that stench was the easiest way to find him. So let us hope we can find another clue or somebody who saw him soon, and before he hurts anybody else, as I refuse to give up just because of darkness. So, any suggestions Volodja?" |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Oct 11, 2015 8:15:09 GMT
"Let me think a moment, Atticus," said Volodja. "I do wonder if Chase walks around aimlessly, like I did back in Red Deer or he has some purpose, although...if he doesn't look down all the time like I did, then he follows some landmark. Even on subconscious level one's mind sets a marker on the map to follow. Aimless striving is not the dominant trait of the human nature after all. Mind needs a purpose, something to concentrate on, and even someone as experienced as Chase would not survive a month lasting aimless wandering trip around in wasteland, so at least some part of his mind has to direct him and lead his steps towards something he can see, hear or smell. Lack of distinguishable landmarks is one of the reasons why people tend to get lost in woods, deserts or unfamiliar towns, cities or hamlets. Why don't we approach to the surreal mess we can see from here? The one that looks like an attempt to rebuild Disneyland. That's the most distinguishable landmark in the whole neighbourhood and there is a chance that Chase moved towards it. Good citizens have their own paths and daily routines set and they don't have any reasons to wander around and look for aesthetically unappealing sights unless there is a fair or something similar. They are locals who have their everyday lives to live, without having any urge to visit strange places. Usually a human lives consist from a relatively simple route: home - working place - shopping mall - home. And visiting weird installations is not part of their habitus. World might have changed after the Apocalypse, but I haven't noticed major changes in how a human mind works. Maybe we have less distracting tracks if we continue our search to that direction? It's just a wild guess, but sounds logical."  |
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Post by Lena Marr on Oct 11, 2015 10:22:58 GMT
After a quick knock on the door, Bert entered the chamber, interrupting Lena Marr just as she had begun giving Marcel his just reward for their rigorous knife training exercise. Marcel would have killed Bert and his equally bumbling friend Ernie with the rest of those job applicants that did not meet the standards of their new criminal organization, but Lena had said, "Leave my human pets alone, " when he had suggested it. She had argued that since Bert and Ernie were already part of their criminal family, they were grandfathered in as to the standard of aptitude Marcel had just instituted for their organization. In fact, Lena had a soft spot for their first two employees, not out of nostalgia or sympathy for their simple minds, but purely for selfish reasons. Bert and Ernie made Lena laugh, and didn't every queen, even one of crime, deserve court jesters? Lena thought so.
"Whadayawant?" Asked Lena, her mouth still full of Marcel's manliness, but not missing a beat of the rhythm she had going.
Bert quickly threw his glance away from the couple, looking intently at a far corner of the room before replying, "High end client wanting to see you boss - I mean bosses. Castithan big wig in Paradise. Uh... should I show him in?"
"Waitaminnit" Answered Lena just as Marcel gasped in relief, almost choking on the thick warm liquid of his release, but professionally swallowing it all to the last drop, then answering as she let loose of Marcel's now limp manhood. "Let me get proper!"
Lena stood up off her chalk white knees, going over to the table they had refreshments set on and pulling out it's plaid tablecloth from under the food and drink like a stage magician, only upsetting a single wine bottle there. As Marcel pulled up and secured his trousers, Lena draped the tablecloth over her nakedness like some absurd Scottish sarong, then taking the offending bottle and breaking off the neck on the side of the table, drinking some the sweet beverage to clear her throat.
"Okay, Bert, show the high roller in!" Replied Lena with a pretty pout but also a most unsettling unblinking stare of her long lashed sky blue eyes, "But Bert, next time wait after you knock for someone to tell you to jekking come in, or I'll have a court eunuch as well as a court jester!"
Bert shook his head rigorously up and own so hard Lena thought it might just fly off before he left to bring in their newest potential client. Lena almost laughed when she saw that it was Ernie that showed the handsome Castithan man dressed in the immaculate human business suit in and not Bernie, but quickly waved Ernie out of the room when she recognized the customer's face. Stef Shondu was one of the leading businessmen in the Bay Area, the elected head of Paradise's Chamber of Commerce, and, probably most importantly, Ara Shondu's cousin. He had followed her to the area when she was assigned as the Votan Collective ambassador to Paradise, and started a now thriving export-import business there, remaining even after she lost that post. He went by the name Steven Shondu, legally changed so that he could better relate to his human customers, or so the tale went.
"Stevie-boy, how you doing? Long time no see" Began Lena with a wicked smile, "How's tricks?"
As he recognized her, a brief look of consternation crossed the Castithan's chalk white face, which held a strong family resemblance to Ara, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "I'm here to speak to the head of the household, not his woman. I represent a consortium of concerned citizens that wish to see a great injustice undone - for a considerable price of course."
"Oh Stevie, don't get all high and mighty with me! I remember when you just liked to get high back in the trailer behind The Crater - and high in more ways than one, if I remember correctly." She then turned her unblinking eyes to Marcel and introduced, "Marcel, this is Steven Shondu, business man and pillar of the community in Paradise who used to like to walk on the wild side occasionally, before he got all respectable and church going! Stevie-boy, say hello to Marcel, future island king!"
Steve Shondu turned to Marcel and patently ignored Lena as he said, "Let me get to the point. I have been told that you are a man who gets the impossible done, and I and my consortium need such a deed done, and are willing to not only pay for it handsomely, but also turn a blind eye, and more importantly, blind the eye of Law Keeper Cooper, as to your illegal enterprises. I represent a political action committee that goes by the acronym FOIL, or Friends of Indogenes League. We feel that these crimes against our Indogene brothers by one Lady Christianna in Fortress Kshaa have not been punished nearly severely enough, and wish to finish what the public cleansing a month ago began. Fortress Kshaa has harbored violent criminals for far too long, such as the notorious Atticus Batman, and although he is beyond our reach, at least at this time, Lady Christianna is not! My sources in Fortress Kshaa tell me she has been put in charge of the Fortress - another indignity considering she is supposed to be under house arrest - while the others are gallivanting in Defiance. The only live security she has is a small contingent of security officers with EGOs and the big bioman. Put simply, we want you to execute her! We don't care how, we don't care if you make it look like an accident, we merely want it done now and don't want it traced to us in any way! And as I said, we are willing to pay quite generously for the deed to be done."
"HOW generously?" Asked Lena with one white eyebrow raised.
Steven Shondu frowned at being addressed by her and not Marcel, but silently took out from his coat pocket a piece of paper with a number on it and handed it to her.
Lena looked at it and pursed her pretty lips and whistled long and hard, before replying as she handed it to Marcel, "THAT generous!"
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Post by Taffer on Oct 11, 2015 22:54:45 GMT
"Taffer, please wake up", the whispering voice of Em Dash was the first thing Taffer heard in his head after he fell asleep in the pilot seat of the spacecraft which brought them back to Red Deer after the month they spent in the desert around Edmonton and downstream of the underground remains of the North Saskatchewan River where Taffer and Luuzuk Kshaa held their fruitless search for any traces of Chase. Now as they were apprised of the good news that Chase was finally found, they decided to have a night's sleep before they took another long trip to Defiance to meet the rest of the team and continue their search. "What's the hassle, Dash?" Taffer thought to his EGO psyche lazily, "Are we under attack? Are those Indogenes going to be turned into mind-controlled zombies… again? Did Lu break a nail?""I'm happy to answer it's not that catastrophic", Em Dash replied, "But Esthete called with some request he wanted to ask you personally and he said it's about Sandy and her health.""Okay, now I'm interested. Connect us please", Taffer thought. He was informed previously of what had happened to Sandy on the team's last Expedition, and recently he learned that Vo had asked Esthete to scan her brain and see if something could be done to help her, so anything regarding Esthete and Sandy he obviously considered important enough. "Greetings, Mr. Taffer", he heard a soft voice of a young Indogene, whose general politeness and official tone made Taffer roll his eyes, "I know you're ell informed about Sandy's conditions and the procedure I'll be performing on her, but I also have to inform you that I've already tried it on your other friend, Chase Lonehart. I was trying to restore his damaged memory and, as you probably know already, I have failed. This result made me think that maybe the knowledge I have about the human brain is incomplete or at least some postulates need experimental confirmation. So I decided I could scan the healthy human brain and study it before I would start on a damaged one. I was planning to ask her closest friend Volodja Uljanov to be my… assistant in that, but I have recently learned he's not arriving with our patient. This made me redirect my humble request to you." "So you basically say you see me as a good candidate with the most healthy brain out here to be used as a reference for your treatment? I thought of myself as a resident pessimist here. Jokes aside, I agree to be your lab rat under one condition which we'll discuss privately. In your case, privately means not transmitted over the long range communication." "I'm really glad you agree to assist me in helping your friend. I assure you the procedure is completely safe and will not affect your brain functioning in any bad way. The transport is waiting for you right at the door of your spacecraft. It will bring it to the mainframe building where we will be able to discuss your condition and other details."Taffer took his time to have a shower which finally shook off his slumber and sent a message for Lu to Klimi, Lu's EGO psyche. The message was supposed to be delivered once Lu woke up and informed her that they were leaving to Defiance once Taffer returned from his visit to Esthete's mainframe building. Once that was done, Taffer boarded the transport vehicle which brought him to Esthete's residence. He was met by the drone with the young Indogene's face on its screen. Taffer was led to the room in the center of which a single bed was located, surrounded with medical and recording equipment. Several drones equipped with various instruments were present there as well. The room made Taffer feel uncomfortable and he caught himself glancing back to the exit and looking around for alternate exits like the ventilation shafts in cast the main one gets locked or blocked in some way. Nevertheless, he waved his hand at the door, showing he wants it closed and then he sat on the bed and looked straight at the Esthete's face displayed on the drone's screen, thinking it would be the closest setup to a private conversation with Esthete he could get. "Okay, now to my condition", Taffer said straightly, "You probably know I was an information dealer for the good portion of my life. It means there's not only my secrets in my head, but of many others as well. They should remain unknown to anyone except those to whom they were intended for. In other words, I demand a complete confidentiality." "That's absolutely understandable and I can guarantee it completely", Esthete answered, "I might ask you to recall some moments of your life, but anything you remember won't ever leave this room. I need to form a map of signals going through your brain. If any of them would be decoded to a mental image during the process, the end result will contain only a signal carrying it. All mental images, if those were present would be completely erased from the system once the procedure is over." "Sounds like you thought about all that, way before I did. Actually, my personal memories are fine and you can use them if you need. But if they contain information on someone else, those are no-no. Can this be arranged? Let's do it then. Hope it will really help Sandy", Taffer said thoughtfully. He lay down on the bed and let the drones set the scanning electrodes on his head. "Please stay calm but don't fall asleep", Esthete said, "You won't feel any pain. In fact, you shouldn't feel any discomfort at all." "May I hum a tune?" "Yes, that's absolutely fine." As Esthete started processing the signals going through Taffer's brain, Taffer started to hum one of his favorite pre-war songs, the one he heard when he was a teenager and the one he knew every bit of by heart. "Is it over yet?" Taffer asked after the song ended in his head. "Well, the first stage of the scan was over two minutes ago already", Esthete replied, "I just didn't want to interrupt the song which you played in your head. In fact, I enjoyed listening to it. And it was also interesting to know when you had heard it first and how." "Yeah, found it in a broken cassette tape and had to assemble a tape player to digitize it to my laptop", Taffer answered with a slight smile on his face, "Good old days. Somehow I expected you to slip and dig into my head to see this. As it's only about me, you can keep the song and what I know about it." "Thank you Taffer. Well, speaking of old memories, I'll have to ask you to recall another one for the stage two of my research. It probably will be only about you as well. Please recall the earliest event from your childhood that you remember." "The very first one? I'm afraid those are very vague and I can barely recognize any details in them." "Yes, the very first one please. It doesn't matter how vague it is, I need to see what part of your brain activates when you recall it." "Okay. I remember a book. I remember the smell of fresh print. I could not read at that time of course, so someone read it for me. I remember the voice explaining it for me, talking either in Russian or with a strong Russian accent. I don't remember the exact words, but I remember it was about Votan people who had to escape their home planets which were about to be destroyed by their sun. I remember the sadness I felt when I realized how many people had their world ruined forever and they would never get it back and the life would never be the same again for them. It probably looks strange for a toddler to have such thoughts, but that's the first thing I remember from my childhood. If that was helpful anyway." "It was indeed helpful Taffer. Just a finishing pass of the scan and we're done. Thank you. All the data I managed to collect with it will definitely help not only your friend but many other humans who suffer brain damages. Anything I can do for you in exchange for you cooperation?" "Nothing I can think of at the moment. I'll tell you later when I think of something. We really need to go soon but first I'd want to visit Haele and see how her work is going."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 11, 2015 23:17:17 GMT
Without bothering to look at the horrible structure, I continued to try to pick up another trace of Chase, as Volo mentioned it. Finally I said, "Volodja I am tired of Castithan punishment devices and yes Irisa has already confirmed that, that structure is indeed a Castithan shaming rack. However you do have a point. So we will follow your advice and head near it. At the same time, you and Mayor Rosewater can feel free to ask those we pass by if any of them saw our one-armed man and I will try to pick his track back up."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Oct 12, 2015 6:24:47 GMT
"No wonder that I thought about that rack in categories of entertainment," muttered Volodja. "Nobody goes near the gallows unless there is a hanging. Then the whole town rushes in to enjoy the sight of the last moments of some poor bastard." "You had any public humiliations recently, Mayor?" asked Volodja out loud. "I am not asking it out of curiosity, but for the sake of possible clues about Chase's whereabouts we might discover in the area. If Chase went that way then we should be able to track him down. And I do hope that we can do it without concern that hundreds of sensation hungry citizens have stumbled on his footprints." "Are you always so sceptical, Mr. Uljanov?" asked Mayor Rosewater. "I prefer to be sceptical and alive," replied Volodja. "You can never be too cautious. Learned that in wartime. And you didn't answered my question yet." "Last time we used the rack was quite long ago, so if Chase Loneheart went that way, you should be able to find him. And we can always ask the rack guard and our local souvenir salesman, has he spotted anything unusual." "What can I get you, Ladies and Gentlemen? Key holders? T shirts with famous last words? Bumper stickers? Autographed coffee mugs?" asked the rack guard - a hairy Liberata, with waxed moustache who's name Res Publica or just Res by the way - in cheerful manner when he saw Mayor and Co. Mayor wasn't a customer for sure, but rest of the gang might be buying something. Healthy greed is part of businessman's nature and true businessman evaluates new faces as possible customers. "How about some information?" asked Volodja, sticking a folded scrip note into guard's chest pocket. "As a return I might convince the big guy here to sign your coffee mug instead of carving his name into your's. Just kidding, but you can be sure that autographed coffee mug becomes really valuable. You have a celeb visiting your shop, so use the opportunity. It saves me some scrip as well. And time, I could be spending with my beloved girl."  ![]() ![]() |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 12, 2015 11:49:02 GMT
"How about some information?" asked Volodja, sticking a folded scrip note into guard's chest pocket. "As a return I might convince the big guy here to sign your coffee mug instead of carving his name into yours. Just kidding, but you can be sure that autographed coffee mug becomes really valuable. You have a celeb visiting your shop, so use the opportunity. It saves me some scrip as well. And time, I could be spending with my beloved girl."
I glanced at Volo, then glared at the guy and said sternly, "You heard him and we all know you recognized me. I saw the way you cringed when my friend made his little joke. We are looking for a one-armed man in a bed sheet, that was probably very confused and definitely smelled real bad. The type of smell that one will NEVER forget. So talk now and I will not make his joke, YOUR REALITY! Make it quick for I am NOT a patient man when it comes to social interaction."
The guy jumped back a little more from me, when he recognized my verbal threat, as well as my unspoken one. Then he glanced at Volo, Irisa and Mayor Rosewater. The only one who seemed to show that my threat bugged her, being the mayor. So the guy quickly talked. "I did see a guy like that and you are right about that stench. He bumped into a Sensoth over there. Can't say what happened next, as I had to turn my attention to other business about then. So do I get that autograph or more scrip?"
I growled, "Your other business doesn't matter, for now, just your information about the one-armed man does. So you better hope I keep it that way. However, if I can not find anything useful where you indicated, I WILL be back and much less amiable by then. So you better NOT be lying and your information better turn something useful up."
Then I turned and walked to where he pointed, leaving Volo and the women with the witness. I knelt down about where he had indicated and looked closely around the ground. I did see what looked to be the footprints of a barefoot human stopping abruptly next to huge footprints that must have been a Sensoth's. I then noticed the human's tracks staggered backwards a little ways. As I stood to follow them, I noticed the others were still near the guard as they watched me closely, most likely afraid that I would come back and follow through with my threat.
So I walked back over to them and said, "Well are you three coming or not?!"
When the Mayor glared at me and Volo nodded toward the guy, I growled, "Fine give me a dakking pen. His information was useful enough for me to leave him with something memorable that won't be painful to him....this time."
One of them handed me the pen and I signed his coffee mug. Then I handed the pen back and said, "There. Are all of you happy now?! Let's go before the trail gets any dakking colder!"
I then went back to where the guy had pointed me, not waiting for the others. When they caught up a few seconds later, I was already tracking the footprints in my mind. After they were with me, I pointed out the human footprints stopping next to a Sensoth's, as well as the human prints appearing to stagger back fast. Most likely from the Sensoth hitting or shoving him hard. Then I moved to follow the staggered prints.
As I got near a tent, I noticed some more human footprints leaving the tent with another set next to them. However it was of course best to finish following the first set before switching to the next, to be sure that they were definitely the same person. So I entered the tent and followed them a little ways until I pointed out the spot where he had obviously fallen based on the smear pattern and more of that horrible smelling residue mixing with the dirt here. I knelt down, a little ways away, making sure none of the group stepped on anything that I might find useful. Then I surveyed the area and said, "Look. He obviously fell here. It looks like somebody else came and knelt by him. Judging from the prints I would say male, roughly 6 foot tall. The imprint looks to be made by a pair of Castithan boots, most likely higher end, judging from the tread pattern.
Judging by how the prints are deeper in this spot, it suggests the man helped Chase to his feet. That set of prints near the unknown man's, appear to be female. Most likely also Castithan. It looks like Chase left with the woman. See the Bare footprints next to those of the more feminine heel impressions heading out the tent? It also looks like the unknown guy followed a little later as his prints leading out are fresher looking."
I then proceeded to follow what I assumed were Chase's and a woman's footprints out of the tent. After a few feet they stopped and I saw the unknown Castithan's fresher prints next to them. After looking more closely at the prints to figure out why they all stopped, and I couldn't pick any of the three up again, I stood back up.
Then I said, "Whoever Chase's companions are, it looks like he went willingly and, the guy who followed them later, appears to have used a broom or something to cover their prints from here. Either he was afraid somebody is following Chase and felt it best to cover Chase's tracks, or he felt it is better to cover his and the woman's tracks so we couldn't follow them.
Either way it brings up some questions. Questions such as: Who are they and what do they want with Chase? So Mayor Rosewater, Irisa, I will ask the two of you a question of my own and need an honest answer as it could mean Chase's life. Who's tent was that back there and what purpose does it serve?"
Irisa said, "It is Datak's fight tent."
I looked at Volo then back at her and said, "Datak Tarr?"
Mayor Rosewater nodded and I said, "Well that could be interesting. Volo it looks like you may get to meet the Tarrs this visit, provided they are willing to take visitors this evening."
Then I sent Volo an EGO message, "Volo, if Chase is with the Tarrs, it is best you and the Mayor lead. If I am the first to meet them and tell them I am looking for Chase, they will assume I want him dead. If they are protecting him, then that could of course mean a fight because of a misunderstanding. The same goes for if they are holding him for some other reason and are afraid that my presence means a threat to their plans. So I guess you get to meet Stahma sooner than either of you expected. Like I said, you and the Mayor get the lead as you are both more personable and less likely to cause trouble, at least before it is warranted. However Irisa and I will be close behind. Just consider her the Mayor's bodyguard, and me yours. Let us hope they are willing to see our group and that they are indeed the ones that Chase is with. Let us also hope they are willing to admit that so we can help him. I am also still curious about who may have been watching us when we landed, and what they are after."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Oct 12, 2015 12:41:46 GMT
"Fantastic," said Volodja. "Can't say that I dreamed about this meeting with Tarrs, but if our path to Chase leads through that social event then I am trying to get it off from my neck. I promised to meet Stahma Tarr one day so time to cash that cheque."
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"Such a generous offer," said Marcel Lestrange after seeing the sum, "And almost nobody is home, you say. Maybe we can help you with that problem of yours. After all - we all hunger for justice. And I see that you want results. That is why you came here. May I ask whom I should thank for recommending us if it is not a secret? We entered to the market only recently and have not invested into advertising ourselves yet?"
It was quite innocently asked question, but Marcel wanted to be sure that someone did not set them up. First you need to get to know your business partners. Especially when they were somehow fanatical Castithans. His previous deal with one certain Aveis Havph was analogical to Steven Shondu's - to eliminate Lady Christianna, but Aveis Havph took a liberty to hide some important information about Lady's pregnancy from Marcel and that kind of treacherous behaviour made Marcel to cut off the deal.
Micor Newlo, another fanatical Castithan male, tried to play tricks to them and put his hand on Lena Marr, his love interest and EQUAL partner. His actions made Marcel to cut off not only their deal but also his right hand and that won't be the only part of Micor he is going to lose.
And now there was another Castithan male, powerful and a bit fanatic, and he wanted to hire them. Marcel should get better acquitted to Steven Shondu before accepting his offer. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," he thought by himself. "Nobody fools me and gets away with it, except Volodja! Merde! Maybe I should accept that offer after all to hurt him by hurting his pupil? But first I want to know what kind of Castithan you exactly are, Steve. That you are a stiff prick, I already see. And stiff prick who threatened to turn me in to the Law Keeper Cooper. I wanted a manhunt but I am not sure yet whom I am going to hunt with so many targets."
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Post by Belle Starr on Oct 12, 2015 15:06:28 GMT
Belle Starr's rose petal lips turned down in a frown as the car rolled to a stop in front the old E-Rep depot, her beautiful blue diamond eyes recognizing the danger within at a glance, remarking as she saw the ground beyond the depot's fence littered with bee hive shaped pods, "Darn! A hell bug infestation! Why can't anything be easy?"
Belle exited the passenger side of the vehicle to better survey the area, wishing that she had changed into her Liberty Trooper armor but glad she at least had her EL Darkest Night Shield, arguably the best made which she had improved even more with ark forge, saying, "Berlin, you and Iri stay in the car please! Y'all be safer there! Vo and I have EGO units, which have a built in radar to spot the varmints before they get into visual sight, and as ark hunters we've had a lot of experience fighting the little pests at ark falls."
Belle got her Reckoning MK I SMG out of her duffel bag in the back of the car, and checked her Radiant Solstice Wolfhound pistol in her shoulder holster, both presents from her lover, Vo Kshaa. As always, she also had her Thorn Liro charge blade that she had earned in their arenas hanging off her belt. The Reckoning had syphon nanos and the Wolfound had radiation nanos, so she felt confident that they could handle even the largest of the hellbugs if he appeared, a Monarch. Now if a queen appeared, they might have difficulties, more because of the number of her minions, but Belle was pretty sure that wouldn't happen for the terrain was not wide and clear as in the case when she had seen queens in the past.
"Okay Vo, let's try to sneak by in cloak for as far as we can, get the goods and high tail it out of here!" Belle embraced Vo and kissed him passionately, flinging one foot in back of her as was her wont, then smiled warmly once the kiss ended, saying, "For luck Vo! Y'all ready to rock and roll?"
Vo smiled lopsided and gave a quick nod of assent, then intertwined his hands to give Belle a leg up over the fence, scampering over it himself quickly afterwards. Once over the fence, they cloaked and headed toward the objective where Berlin had told them it would be found, keeping track of each other by the telltale shimmer of their EGO's cloaking powers, unnoticed by the unintelligent hell bugs they sneaked by.
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Post by Lena Marr on Oct 12, 2015 16:16:34 GMT
"I am but a concerned businessman representing other concerned businessmen in the community, many of them human like yourself," Answered Steven Shondu sincerely. "I am not breaching any confidentiality by telling you who recommended you, as he is one of those concerned business men himself, and serves on the Paradise Chamber of Commerce with me: Varus Soleptor. To answer you unspoken question, yes I know of his criminal enterprises just as I know of his legitimate ones, but I view those like I view yours, as businesses. Both he and you provide services to the community that those who wish them would seek outside Paradise if you didn't. You and he therefore keep the cash flow within Paradise, with a minimum of violence, usually kept within your number, and that is a good thing. Violence is bad for business, both yours and mine, and Fortress Ksahaa is a magnet for violence."  The handsome Castithan glanced at Lena Mar and frowned, before turning his azure eyes back to Marcel Lestrange, saying, "Yes, I can see why you might think me a - how you say it, stiff prick. I know that I am a product of my culture and my racial arrogance, but let me assure you that I want what is best for Paradise and it's citizens, no mater their race or gender. Those at Fortress Kshaa are akin to the human pre-wars North American motorcycle gangs or the South American Drug Cartels that hide behind a façade of legitimacy while engaging in wanton violence. They do symbolic acts of supposedly helping the common man, but then swagger and do whatever they want, while attracting violent rival gangs to the area, like the Inquisition, and the civil authorities, whether because of corruption or ignorance, turn a blind eye to their activities. Case in point: VBI and Belle Starr put on a pretty front for the Fortress Kshaa gang, but the true leader behind the walled compound is the known criminal Atticus Batman, a mass murderer by most accounts, who is allowed to roam free. In fact, it is rumored that most if not all of that gang of fortune seeking ark hunters have shady if not criminal pasts, and ones strewn with act of violence. And what do our authorities do! My own cousin gave the infamous killer Atticus Batman amnesty for his crimes merely for stopping a Volge invasion that E-Rep would have in short order, and which I suspect he and Belle Starr started to suit their own purposes! Now this latest atrocity: Atticus own wife kidnaps many of our Indogene population brazenly off the streets, does untold property damage let alone the pain and suffering those poor citizens will have the rest of their lives, and she is let off essentially scot free, allowed to stay in the lap of luxury if her home to serve out her supposed sentence. No, that is not justice, by any definition!" Steven Shondu took a moment to let his fervor cool, then said calmly, "I don't want to die, and I know that if Atticus Batman finds out we are behind this conspiracy to kill his wife, we are all doomed men, but I cannot sit back and do nothing. The human philosopher Edmund Burke said, 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' Lady Chrisitianna's death and Atticus' inevitable murderous rampage will hopefully shake the Paradise authorities out of their complacency, including my cousin Ara, so that they will finally drive the outlaw gang and their violent ways out of the Bay Area. Now will you accept our offer and our money? I do not mind giving you time to consider it, but note that the window of opportunity is slight, for my source in Fortresss Kshaa say the gang only went to retrieve one of their injured members, and will be back soon." |
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