|
Post by Taffer on Jan 26, 2016 19:21:44 GMT
It turned out Dr. Orion was too busy returning a physiological and psychological state of Bert and Ernie back to normal and didn't notice anything suspicious until those two were ready for another flight. After his job was done, the doctor went back to the lab to finish packing his equipment, so he didn't see the moment when the group took off . On the contrary, Tic Tac supplied Taffer with a good amount of details which the thief could include into his line of thoughts.
Marcel Ordered Tic Tac to arrange a full tank for his plane but he took off before the Sensoth could actually arrange it. That really didn't look like Marcel's usual behavior as he was known as the man who tends to give away what belongs to him and take what is offered to him. Taffer could definitely relate to that stance, knowing that there were three main reasons why he could do that. First was a spontaneous bout of generosity which Taffer had sometimes too. But this time leaving a barrel of fuel didn't look like a gift to someone specific and it didn't look like Marcel was saving anyone from suffering enormous expenses. Second reason could be some urgent news which could make Volodja and Marcel leave in a rush. Taffer considered that idea as possible but thought it was unlikely that Volodja wouldn't at least inform anyone from the team of his immediate actions given they suffered from several mysterious disappearances already. But still, Taffer left the possibility that Volodja could decide not to tell the team about something while thinking he was capable of handling it alone and considering lack of information a lesser evil somehow. The third reason Taffer thought of was that the fuel request was just an excuse for Tic Tac to send him away so that Volodja and Marcel could leave without any eyewitnesses watching their departure. This one seemed to be most plausible for Taffer but he didn't want to write off other ones just yet. Besides, if the third hypothesis was considered most plausible, Taffer was yet to determine the reason why they had to take off without having bystanders looking and who was the initiator of such a hasty take-off.
Tic Tac also told that Marcel promised to deliver Stephanie's favorite collection of porcelain frogs to Fortress Kshaa, so he made a call to the base.
"Chloe? Have Volodya and Marcel appeared at the base recently?"
"Hey, I thought Marcel reported to you already! He landed his clunker just outside the Fortress several hours ago. Delivered Stephanie's collection and ordered a full tank as a payment for his service. He took off towards the Ocean right after his plane was refueled. Well, you know I don't trust that fuck muppet, don't you? So I've thrown a nanite bug into the fuel tank. The signal didn't go through the fuel tank so I got only a single transmission while it traveled through the fuel line just before it burnt with the fuel. Unlike its initial direction, the plane actually was traveling south along the West coast."
"Have you seen Volodya with him?" Taffer asked with concern.
"Not a glimpse. Crikey, don't you tell me you lost such a spiffy bloke?"
"Please stay calm, we're aware of the problem and are working on it ma'am…"
Taffer frowned, listening to Chloe's report. Those two definitely disappeared together and only Marcel arrived to the Fortress. Next, Marcel was traveling south with his tank full. Both of those facts didn't make sense because according to the time of his arrival at the fortress, Marcel was traveling at maximum speed and didn't have time to land at some intermediate town to drop Volodja off, unless the guy decided to jump off with the parachute somewhere in the middle of the storm divide. Next part was that Marcel didn't have any contacts or deals in South America and after Lena voiced her opinion that she didn't like the idea of returning to Lima, Marcel didn't have any incentives to go south. Unless… Unless Volodja was still with him and it was Volodja's idea to go there.
"Holding a key, you may infer the existence of a lock. But do not make the mistake of assuming that yours is the only key," Em Dash whispered in his head.
"It's been long since you were talking riddles," Taffer answered mentally. "But this time you may be right. The message about Sandy was meant to be delivered to me personally, but that didn't mean I was the only one to receive it. And who knows what was in his version of the message that could have persuaded him that informing any of us could make things worse."
The thought that captured Sandy was being used as bait not only for him but for Volodja as well, seemed plausible for Taffer and also explained to some extent why he might decide to go alone or take someone like Marcel who didn't have as much involvement in the family affairs as anyone else of the team was. After coming to those conclusions he sat just outside the compound buildings and waited for Atticus to come down so that he could report what he managed to find out and tell what he thought on the matter of Volodja's disappearance.
|
|
|
Post by Chase Lonehart on Jan 27, 2016 5:27:35 GMT
Iri turned on the transmitter, setting in the frequencies that Vo relayed to her and setting the jammer. "Chase, Vo's asked me to set the jammer and to relay a frequency independent of the jamming. I'm sending the second frequency now." With a flip of the switch, the jammer began to work and sent the frequency to Chase. "Got it," McCoy responded. Chase noticed the location of Vo and Archer behind the vehicle. He slowed down a bit, giving them enough chance to have cover without them having to struggle to keep up. "Raiders ahead, Dark Matter close behind," he received from Vo. Chase could see Vo's signal move from behind the truck to the piece of cover. He looked over at Iri. "Honey, I know you'd say you'd see you're first gunfight, but what I'm going to have you do this: I'm going to step out, you're going to get behind the wheel. Don't press the gas pedal, but keep the truck in gear. I'm going walk behind you with the door open and at my back. This should provide some shielding for me from the Raiders and give me a clear view of the Dark Matter coming up behind us. My shield will also be up, so it should keep my legs from being blown off for a bit and keep you safe. If I need to, I'll open the back door and hind behind it, since it appears to be a suicide door." Chase pulled out a blue balanced FRC SAW with regular rounds, handing it to her. "If I need it, I want you to hand me this. Pull it over with you and then sit it to your right after you get into the driver seat. Just be calm, okay?" She nodded. At that moment, Chase could see the targets on the back side of his scanner, knowing that now the Dark Matter were in range. "Remember, don't push the gas pedal, just keep the truck in gear and tap the brake if you need to. I'll keep up. Now!" Chase opened the door, taking a step out and the truck moving out from under him. He brought the Thunder up as Iri got into the driver seat. He began to target the Dark Matter, firing round after round at them, keeping up with the pace of the truck while he moved backwards. He activated Overcharge, managing to take a few with headshots. That's impressive use of 'no-scope', McCoy told him. I swear, McCoy, if you play that stupid 'He Got a No-Scope' song again, I won't have any problem digging you out of my neck for a second time, even if it leaves me without my memories once more!Chase continued on until the Overcharge timed out. He quickly snacked the back door open as a barrage of gunfire came at him, giving his shield a moment to recharge. Afterwards, he closed the door back and returned fire once more, all the while still backing up, taking out a few more of the Dark Matter. "Suck it, bitches!" he screamed at them as he continued on with firing. Iri continued keep the vehicle at a slow roll as Chase continued to unleash hell on the opposition. She didn't worry, knowing that Chase knew what he was doing, and was surprising well at it. She wondered if maybe she could be that good of a weapons handler, as she was only okay with the Wolfhound and the Hog Leg. He threw open the backseat door once more. "Swap!" he said. Iri handed the SAW over to him, taking the empty Thunder. She witnessed as Chase closed the rear door once more and proceeded to let the SAW roar with its rattling of bullet storm. Iri peeked over her shoulder to witness, one after one, a few more of the Dark Matter. "You wanna get in on this?" Chase asked Iri. Iri was surprised by the question. She was a bit confused, as she wasn't expecting for Chase to asked her if she wanted to shoot at and possibly kill Dark Matter. She shook her head, afraid that she couldn't keep up with the same action that Chase was working at the moment. He continued on, he dropped a couple of more Dark Matter until the gun was empty. He opened the back door once more, turning to her. "Move over," he told her. Just as he closed the back door one more time, he jumped back into the driver seat as she moved back over to the passenger seat and he pulled the front door closed once more. "Okay, Vo," Chase transmitted. "I gave the Dark Matter a little Hell and cut down their numbers a little. Now it should be a fair fight between us and the opposition." Chase looked over at Iri, who stared at him silently. She was in awe of his ability as a fighter, which she wondered if it was something he became before they had met or if it was the Bay that forged him into one. But what she wasn't expecting was how it invoked that familiar stirring in her. "What?" he asked. "I have to admit," she began to say. "I find you pretty attractive when you're being a bad-ass." "How about we save that feeling for later, honey? We got a job to complete." She nodded, realizing he was right. "Vo, Archer," Chase transmitted. "How y'all doing out there?"
|
|
|
Post by Atticus Batman on Jan 27, 2016 11:43:41 GMT
After Lady and I cuddled awhile longer, I woke from my nap with Lady still snuggled into my chest, a happy smile upon the face of my beautiful sleeping Snow Angel. I watched her sleep for a few seconds longer then I reluctantly started to get up, which woke her. So I said, "Sorry to wake you Tianna, but Dinara says that the Vigilant has finished landing and I think it would be a good idea for me to check with Taffer and see how his search for Volodja has gone. Then we must tell Kaj and his team of their new orders and that I will be taking Command of the Vigilant and taking it back to Fortress K'shaa for repairs in his stead."
I kissed Lady lovingly then I reached for my mask to put it back on. She grabbed it and tugged it gently so I let it go. She then gave me another kiss as she sat on my lap and pulled the mask down into place. Next she adjusted my fuchsia braid so it wouldn't get snagged, before finally putting my helmet in place upon my head. Then once my helm was on, she stood up and held her hand out. flashing her trademark Mona Lisa smile at me. I gently took her hand and stood up. I hugged her again, then I re-sheathed all of my weapons and gear. Once I had everything in order, Lady and I left the room holding hands, as she wouldn't leave my side nor would I want her to if it's not necessary.
After we went to the makeshift War Room and checked in with Geronimo to see how things were going there, we headed outside to find Taffer and wait for Kaj and his team to disembark from the Vigilant, so we could fill them in on their new assignments. As we walked out of the main building's front door, we spotted Taffer sitting just outside the compound buildings deep in thought, and no doubt waiting for me, as he watched the Vigilant finishing it's post-landing procedures before they allow anybody on or off board.
We then walked over to where Taffer was and I sat at attention near him, with Lady quickly climbing onto my lap and reclining against my chest. So I reclined slightly and wrapped my arms loosely around her, as I addressed Taffer in my gruff and commanding tone. "Alright Taffer, I recognize that look. I assume that means that your investigation into Volodja's and Marcel's mysterious departure turned up bad news as I suspected it would. So spill!"
After Taffer reported what he managed to find out and told me what he thought on the matter of Volodja's disappearance, I said, "You're right, the idea that Sandy was used as bait for both you and Volodja does make sense. However if that is true then are you sure that the Ivu gang is the only group involved? I mean it makes sense that they would use Sandy to lure you out as you led the team that killed their boss. However Volodja was not involved in that excursion, and there is no secret that you, Sandy and the others that were involved were taking orders from me, yet I was not targeted nor were Lady and the twins. So it might be safe to assume that they are holding you solely responsible for that as you were the one that Ivu had a "business" relationship with. So you being lured into a trap makes sense.
What does not make sense is them wanting Volodja as he wasn't involved. However we do not know much about Marcel other than what Volodja has told us or what we have found out from dealing with him ourselves. We also do not know anything about any enemies Volodja may have met before joining us. So if Sandy is what drew Volodja away with Marcel, then isn't it possible that some of his enemies learned of his relationship with her and of her being auctioned off and thought that getting ahold of her would be a great way of flushing Volodja out and getting him to turn himself over to them? There is also the fact that we still can't rule out Marcel having something to do with Volodja's disappearance. Especially since, from what we have learned of our friend, it is not like Volodja to just disappear without a trace. I am certain that he is the type to at least leave a note hidden for you or me to find, perhaps in the form of some annoying poem or riddle. Yet it doesn't sound like you found anything from him.
Look, it will take awhile for the Vigilant to finish all the checks they will want to do on their systems before the let anybody onboard or take off again, so I will keep the Vigilant here until your team has returned and repaired your ship and set out on your mission. That way the Vigilant's current crew can rest for a little while, and your team can raid the Vigilant's supply stores to stock up on any food or gear that you may need for the mission. I suggest you make sure to stock your vessel up on first aid supplies as we have no clue what condition Sandy will be in when you find her. Also, if Volodja did indeed go to get her and it does turn out to be a trap for him, he may also need first aid. I know I don't need to remind you of that or this next suggestion, but I would still feel better saying it, anyway. So here it is. You should also make sure that you take extra weapons and gear just in case you find and need to arm and cloth them, be careful out there, and make sure to bring everybody back alive."
|
|
|
Post by Wolfram von Eschen on Jan 27, 2016 17:22:47 GMT
"Seems that everything we could do is done, you old goat," said Chloe MacGyver to Wolfram von Eschen in the War Room of Fortress K'Shaa. "Our shift is over anyway, so let's go to the boozer and get ourselves a nice drink. My throat is dry as nun's nasty. And cheer up, Wolfie. I know that you are worried about Volodja, but no drama will help him, OK."
"As you wish, Chloe-liebchen," replied Wolfram. "I do enjoy your company...and I want that drink...and we can discuss about that talent show to regain some morale in this sad hole. Shall we?" And Wolfram offered his left arm gallantly to Chloe. It was something that most of men she knew (and she knew quite few of them) didn't usually do when she was involved. But Chloe was adaptable, so she leaned against Wolfam and the trio - Chloe, Wolfram and his walking stick moved themselves to the canteen where Ralpg greeted them enthusiastically. At least one gourmand remained to appreciate his more sophisticated cooking efforts than ordinary tasty, nutritious but simple meals.
Chloe and Wolfram sat behind the table and Ralph appeared to them with a bottle of wine, winking his eye and saying. "Happy Birthday!"
"I don't have a birthday," said Wolfram.
"Me either," announced Chloe.
"I know, but Mozart has," replied Ralph and poured wine into three glasses.
"Volodja would have loved this occasion. He is an admirer," muttered Wolfram and added loudly: "Zum Geburtstag! Here's to Mozart! And to our friends. Let them all find their way home!"
"Cheers!"
"Chin Chin!"
And glasses touched each other...
|
|
|
Post by Archer, Frankie J. on Jan 27, 2016 19:50:58 GMT
“Dark Matter are using raiders as a decoy. Let's flank them. Target armored soldiers.” Ordered Vo. “Roger that.” The bellicose Archer canted. Swinging her shotgun down on its sling she unlocked her sidearm holster, the one keeping her Series-4 Pulse neglected until now. This might’ve appeared awkward, being as a handgun couldn’t be as effective against armored and shielded enemies as a shotgun. Toggling a safety-like function under her thumb as she held its pistol grip she cupped her offhand pointing both thumbs. Gratefully she wore fingerless gloves because soon the weapon was getting hot and humming. Maneuvering away from the roller Iri was ‘driving’ as Chase engaged “Dar’ter” approaching from behind. Vo peeled left. Archer went right. She targeted the heavier protection individuals. Raising the sight Archer squeezed the trigger. A startling silvery blue and red beam emitted from the “pistol.” Its frightening velocity and potency indeed lanced entirely through their shields, armor, body, armor again, then shields out the back. After the first they appeared to stop shooting though their own marksmanship couldn’t stand against Archer, or their guns wouldn’t work. On top of blazing through their flesh this railweapon’s blasts also cast a small electromagnetic range, rendering alien weaponry useless and locking up conventional firearms. She hollered from her position at the raiders and Dark Matter soldiers, switching between L'irathi and Kastithanu, “Give up! You all do not have to die! Your leaders don’t give a damn ‘boutchu! Your skills need practice!” Even interjecting Chinese as an alien language they wouldn’t recognize or understand, “Drop your garbage weapons! Surrender! You’re all ordered to stand down! Your cause is irrelevant! I’d extinct every one of you chuppin’ suckas!”
|
|
|
Post by Lady Christianna on Jan 28, 2016 16:56:48 GMT
Atticus Batman said to Taffer, "Look, it will take awhile for the Vigilant to finish all the checks they will want to do on their systems before the let anybody onboard or take off again, so I will keep the Vigilant here until your team has returned and repaired your ship and set out on your mission. That way the Vigilant's current crew can rest for a little while, and your team can raid the Vigilant's supply stores to stock up on any food or gear that you may need for the mission. I suggest you make sure to stock your vessel up on first aid supplies as we have no clue what condition Sandy will be in when you find her. Also, if Volodja did indeed go to get her and it does turn out to be a trap for him, he may also need first aid. I know I don't need to remind you of that or this next suggestion, but I would still feel better saying it, anyway. So here it is. You should also make sure that you take extra weapons and gear just in case you find and need to arm and cloth them, be careful out there, and make sure to bring everybody back alive."
Lady Christianna scrunched up her small chalk white face with a sudden thought that was unnatural for her, for it was totally unselfish, so as she sat comfortably in Atticus' lap, she looked up into his masked face with her large pink eyes and spoke what was on her mind as if she were merely stating facts, "Should go. Teach is you friend - our friend. Sandy too. No better weapon than you. Finding people you did for a living. NEED to go!" Then Lady's trademark enigmatic smile appeared as she added, "I could go too."
As if on cue, Dr. Orion entered the room staring intently at a medical data pad, then, as was his habit, clearing his throat loudly to announce his pending interruption of their discussion, whereupon the diminutive Liberata apologized without sincerity, "Sorry to interrupt your... whatever it is your doing, but I have Lady Christianna's blood work results and they are quite... interesting. Pytor has quite a nice lab here considering it's in the boondocks of Defiance. Clearly VBI spared no expense in setting it up for him. It even has an electron microscope. Of course, my lab in Fortress Kshaa is better, but his was adequate for the job of analyzing Lady's present health situation. Although in fact, I could spend a lifetime studying THAT - and the scientific journals would be begging for my results! I can see - "
"Enough Doctor! Get the point!" Growled Atticus.
"Oh, yes... of course," Dr. Orion paused and stroked his long mustache as he gathered his thoughts before continuing, "The singularity bomb is in fact a... singularity. It was discovered by accident, no one really knows for sure how it works or why it has the effect it has. When Lady was, for lack of a better term, sucked into the reality of the singularity bomb, it changed her - on an atomic level! Her very cells were infused with an energy I have never seen before. Lady is no longer human - or Castithan if you prefer - but is now more of an energy being. In many ways, she is more akin to a Gulanee or a Grid, but not really like them either for with concentration she can maintain substantiality and humanoid form. She really is neither fish nor fowl - neither corporeal or incorporeal being - but can be either. In fact, what remains is something completely different than either - a totally new life form!"
Lady frowned, and whined as she remembered Haile, the resident energy being at Fortress Kshaa, "Don't want to live in a containment suit!"
Dr. Orion quickly held up his hands palms up and hurried to quell Ladies worries, "And you won't have to Lady, as long as you concentrate on staying material and have periodic feedings of energy, such as with your husband's Grid energy. In many ways, you are like a diabetic now. All humanoids, human and Votan alike, eat to provide energy for out bodies to do their daily activities, both physical and mental. Because of your transformation, food no longer gives you what you need in the amounts you need, and so like a diabetic needs to have a periodic influx of insulin to regulate their carbohydrate input, you need a periodic import of pure energy to keep you alive as you are. Too little energy input and your atoms start to drift apart, making you more like a Gulanee, but ultimately resulting in your atoms having no cohesion at all so that you drift into oblivion. Too much energy and you will gain mass, becoming super dense and heavy, but ultimately your mind and body will shut down and you will die."
Lady's lower lip began to quiver upon hearing what she understood as a death sentence, and upon seeing this, Dr. Orion quickly interjected, "Not to worry Lady! With awareness and periodic injections of energy, you can live out a perfectly normal life, I promise. At first it may take concentration to maintain your present form, but eventually your motor skills will take over and it will be like walking - you won't have to think about it, you will just unconsciously do it. You can be as humanoid as you want to be - or not be if you want - with appropriate concentration, as long as you do that in moderation. As I said, neither fish nor fowl, but what remains is truly unique."
Lady smiled again, thinking about the possibilities, but it quickly turned to a frown again when another worry came to mind, "What about MOM?"
This time it was Dr. Orion's brow that furrowed until he realized what Lady was asking, "Mom? I don't know what - oh, your EGO psyche! Your EGO implant is still intact and unharmed, so I can only think that its dormancy is a result of the unknown energy fluxing in your body. My best guess is that MOM shut down the EGO until she or it can figure out a way to adapt to your body's dramatic changes, but I'll know more for sure when I've had time to study the problem in more depth in my own lab at Fortress Kshaa."
Lady snuggled closer to Atticus, leaning her small white haired head against his broad chest, as she pondered what she had been told by Dr. Orion and the possibilities that lie ahead. The more Lady thought about it, the more she liked the idea that she perhaps she could become a ghost or an immovable rock person at will. Lady often wondered if she wasn't more of a liability than an asset to the Protectors' team, but with such powers, maybe, she thought, she could finally pull her weight with them.
Lady could not wait to try out her new powers in action, so she looked up at Atticus with her Mona Lisa smile in place and affirmed with conviction, "Definitely should go with Taffer - together."
|
|
|
Post by Vo Kshaa on Jan 28, 2016 20:13:15 GMT
Raiders dropped their weapons and raised their arms in the air immediately as if they were just waiting for someone to command them to. The one remaining Dark Matter soldier dropped the now useless weapon but tried to sneak away behind their backs. As he crouched into the foliage, he Vo's SMG aimed at him. "Now turn around and go back to the roller. Slowly. With hands where I can see them," Vo said calmly and added, "Don't waste your last chance at living." The soldier raised his hands, turned around and began to walk without saying a word but after he made a couple of steps he staggered and fell to the ground. "Shirra, is this some kind of a trick or what?" Vo asked his EGO psyche. "No Vo. He's dead. Poisoned himself.""Are you really sure? I can't risk my teammates' lives.""Have you ever heard how dying EGO screams?" Shirra replied in his head with a sigh. Vo searched the soldier for weapons or any other dangerous things and found nothing but a simple knife which he threw away before leaving the body and joining the team. "Let's tie them up and stuff them into the back of the roller," he said, pointing at raiders, "The Lawkeeper will definitely have a talk with them". After that was done, they continued their travel to the cave the group of raiders and soldiers came out from. When they entered the cave, they found no one inside as all raiders had run off upon seeing what happened on the road. Instead, there was an empty Dark Matter rover vehicle with its hull open and a truck with parts stolen from Mag-Lev storage. A lone Bulwark was standing with its weapons disassembled and forklifts assembled on it instead. "I see there was some hard work in progress when we interrupted it," Vo said with a brief smile which appeared the first time on his face since the he heard the news of Belle's disappearance. "So let's resume it." Reprogramming the Bulwark on what parts were needed to be loaded into the rover from the truck was not a hard task for Vo's EGO as it already had such experience in San Francisco, so soon the hull of the rover was full with details of turbine and plasma engine that could be useful to repair the spacecraft. While the bulwark was busy working, Vo took the time to call the Lawkeeper and the Mag-Lev storage manager of what gifts they were going to leave for them. Once that was done, Vo gathered the team and said, "I think We've done here. We got what we needed and others are going to get what they deserve. I know it would be better to stay and wait for the lawkeeper to come here before we leave, but I'm afraid we've spend much time already chasing these parts so we'd better start moving so we could put them to good use ASAP. The rover has all its seats but the driver's one dismounted to convert it to a cargo vehicle. So this time I'm going to drive it alone, following our roller. Unless someone has a really good reason to ride together with me, then I think I can fit one more seat into it but I have to warn that it probably will be really uncomfortable for a long ride."
|
|
|
Post by Atticus Batman on Jan 29, 2016 9:53:33 GMT
Lady smiled again, thinking about the possibilities, but it quickly turned to a frown again when another worry came to mind, "What about MOM?"
This time it was Dr. Orion's brow that furrowed until he realized what Lady was asking, "Mom? I don't know what - oh, your EGO psyche! Your EGO implant is still intact and unharmed, so I can only think that its dormancy is a result of the unknown energy fluxing in your body. My best guess is that MOM shut down the EGO until she or it can figure out a way to adapt to your body's dramatic changes, but I'll know more for sure when I've had time to study the problem in more depth in my own lab at Fortress Kshaa."
Lady snuggled closer to me, leaning her small white haired head against my broad chest, as she pondered what she had been told by Dr. Orion and the possibilities that lie ahead. The more Lady thought about it, the more she liked the idea that she perhaps could become a ghost or an immovable rock person at will. Lady often wondered if she wasn't more of a liability than an asset to the Protectors' team, but with such powers, maybe, she thought, she could finally pull her weight with them.
Lady could not wait to try out her new powers in action, so she looked up at me with her Mona Lisa smile in place and affirmed with conviction, "Definitely should go with Taffer - together."
I heard everything including what Lady said to me about going, however something else came to me as I absent-mindedly ran a hand over her chest and gently felt her swollen and leaky breasts. So I just had to ask Doctor Orion while he was still present.
"Doctor, as you know Lady has been breastfeeding the twins every chance that she could. Will her newly 'evolved' state prevent her from being able to do so, and if she can still do so, will it still be healthy for the twins...or myself to drink?"
Doctor Orion looked back at his datapad and said in his usual clinical tone, "Actually I already thought about that when she came back here and you brought her to see me before I sent the two of you to get some rest. That is why I had her give me some of her milk, when I took a sample of her blood, before the two of you went to take your doctor-ordered naps.
Based on my previous research to help come up with a formula or juice to help the twins, and even their stubborn father if he ever wants to drink something other than his rum, get the nutrients that the three of you need as Grid/Irathiant hybrids, and the new research that I have done for the last few hours on Lady's blood work and breast milk, I have come to a conclusion on that. Not only is her breast milk still safe for the twins and you to drink, if you must; but with the energies that are now 'naturally' present in her system, her breast milk now contains ALL the nutrients that the twins need, as it now contains all the nutrients that you feed on.
So although the breast milk and synthetic breast milk that you have for them back at the Fortress, and their current babysitter is most likely feeding them in your absence, is safe and healthy for them; the milk that Lady is now producing is much more beneficial to a half Grid than regular formula, synthetic breast milk, or usual breast milk is. So Lady, even though your newly evolved state will take some getting used to for you, this will be beneficial to the twins. Especially Cosmin, as getting those electrical/energy nutrients into his system will help with fully healing the issues he suffered at birth."
When Lady flinched at that last part, the doctor said, "Relax dear. It wasn't anything that could be helped. That kind of thing sometimes happens. He has proven surprisingly resilient thanks to his Grid energies and is recovering quite well from it. This 'new and improved' breast milk that you now produce will just help him improve quicker as he, and his sister, will finally be getting all the nutrients that their unique physiology requires. I am also certain that if you give me a bottle of it, that I can create a new synthetic breast milk from it to give to the twins by the time that I return to the Fortress so they can get more of the nutrients they need immediately, in case you don't go back on the Vigilant. However as I said before, nursing from their mother is still best for them, but the new synthetic breast milk I will be able to make after you give me that bottle or two of your fresh breast milk, will be the next best thing for when you can't be there to feed them for some reason."
I rested my head gently on top of Lady's as she snuggled into my chest and I said, "Alright Doctor we will make sure to get you that sample right away, but LEARN TO GET TO THE DAKING POINT A LOT MORE QUICKLY NEXT DAKKING TIME!!!" Right after almost shouting that last part, I quickly calmed down again, thanks to Lady moving slightly in my lap as her mere presence always managed to calm me even during one of my extreme mood swings. Then I continued talking, however I now directed my talking to the lovely Lady on my lap.
"Now Tianna, I agree that Volodja and Sandy are our friends, and I would love to go where the action may be. So if you are absolutely sure that it is best for us to go with Taffer and the others to Lima then we will.
However our family, friends and crew back at the Fortress need us as well. They need somebody to return and retake command, and OUR children need their PARENTS, instead of their Grandfather and the Cajun. So I still believe that it is best for the two of us to return home with the Vigilant so we can have it repaired, I can work on getting our home back under control and we can rest and relax while spending time with the twins. Besides you do need some time to adapt to the changes and Doctor Orion and Pyotr need to better examine MOM when we are back at the Fortress.
I also have an idea about that, if everyone agrees. My EGO was created specifically to handle my Grid Symbiote, and when I evolved to what I am now she managed to evolve her programming and software to adapt. So perhaps when we get back to the Fortress we can have Orion and Pyotr attach Dinara and MOM so Dinarra can copy some of that software to MOM. Then she can help Pyotr bring MOM back online and adapt to your body's changes. You will also be able to test out your new abilities in our holo-suite where we can get you medical help right away if it is needed. I also think that it is time that I finally start giving you that combat training that you have been asking me for. That way we will be ready for when we are next needed for combat. Besides not much gets past Volo, so I am sure he saw how weak I was the last time he saw me, even if I managed to fool the others. So he will not hold it against us for going home to get our home back to help all our friends and crew there and then get some much needed rest."
|
|
|
Post by Vo Kshaa on Jan 29, 2016 19:42:50 GMT
"Ah, I almost forgot," Vo said, slapping his own forehead, "Thank you all. Thank you for helping me with this mission and thank you for making me feel I'm still useful for our team and family. Archer, your move on disarming all those raiders was exceptional. You saved lives which was probably the best we could do in this fight. Not to mention your marksmanship and the hard work for saving my ass. Chase, thank you for your marksmanship and quick reaction on the ever-changing battle situation. Iri, thank you for your bravery and efficient work for the team. It was essential for destroying their communication and thanks to your work on it we have saved these lives. And I can pet myself on the back for having you all still alive and well, which I think I have to thank you for too." Having said that, he smiled and glanced over the team from over his sunglasses. One of the captured raiders laughed insanely at Vo's speech, but Vo merely shrugged and turned to the rover, making a final look on its transmission to make sure it would handle the long way back to Defiance.
|
|
|
Post by Chase Lonehart on Jan 30, 2016 2:43:21 GMT
Chase use constrictor knots to when tying up the Raiders, making sure they didn't have any chance of slipping their hands free. He would have preferred using heavy gauge wiring, but since he was making sure that they were tied securely behind their backs, it was going to be difficult for them to break it, let alone chew through it. After finishing with them, he decided to check on some of the parts, making sure that they were walking away with what they needed than some empty crates filled with rocks. They were there, pristine and ready for use. Chase listened to Vo's thank you to the group.
"Chase, thank you for your marksmanship and quick reaction on the ever-changing battle situation."
"You're welcome, Vo," Chase replied. "Good to know I'm back together fully. This was basically a trial run for me to see if all of me was back."
"Are you?"
"Back enough to be able to help out with trying to find our missing comrades, yeah."
"Iri, thank you for your bravery and efficient work for the team. It was essential for destroying their communication and thanks to your work on it we have saved these lives."
"I appreciate your kind words, Vo," Iri replied. "I am hoping that this is the first few steps of me becoming an Arkhunter."
Chase looked over at her.
"You were calm in the face of danger," Chase told her. "I think you're made of the right stuff. Hopefully, this has been a useful experience."
Chase looked over at Vo.
"If Archer doesn't want to drive the truck back, I'll do it. But let's get this stuff loaded first and get this where it needs to go."
|
|
|
Post by Archer, Frankie J. on Jan 30, 2016 23:14:40 GMT
“HHSSHHIIEE-H-OTT!!”
Switching the safety on to power down the Pulse Archer threw that railweapon into the holster with a single motion. With her fingers accustomed to such a quickly overheating weapon they had nearly first degree burns were it not for the gloves she wore which protected her palms. Glancing over the rock she was in cover behind the raiders had done as she said. ‘Hm, that worked.’ She stood up approaching the remaining raiders while Vo dealt with the last Dark Matter then gave instructions, "Let's tie them up and stuff them into the back of the roller."
Ushering them toward the side of the vehicle she canted with calm authority, “Face the vehicle. Keep your hands behind your back. Thank you for your cooperation, gentlemen.” “Ahtchuh?” An Irathient said to her, “Ahtchuh! Nice for see you.” He had an Arabic accent and a wide teethy smile obviously happy to see Archer as he faced the truck turning his chin over his shoulder. “Salaam Alaikum, Santeep. You too.” Maintaining her an emotionless professional countenance. “Tank you to not kill me.” “Apologies about your guys.” She replied. “Such is our Cause, eh Ahtchuh?” He wasn’t speaking of raiders’ cause or even the Dark Matter, but the only one that Frankie was familiar with. “Ameen, brother,” She and Chase bound their wrists, “Thought you were going to Tijuana.” “I could not get a work.” She after searching Santeep and the others for hidden weapons took his arm leading him to the back of the roller, saying to all of them, “No personal offense, gentlemen. We just came for some supplies. Please move quickly. The sooner we’re done here, the sooner we can get to Oklahoma City, the sooner you can escape ‘n get back to whatever you were doing.”
At the cave where their equipment was Vo, or his EGO, reprogrammed the automaton there to do all the heavy lifting. Archer stayed next to the rear of the roller where she could see the captives and making time pass with small talk. She had an ability to be funny without laughing herself, “You, nigga,” She said at one of the pirates with appreciation for their verve during the gunfight, “You almost shot me, sir.” He chuckled. “Short-term memory” was shared and paramount among homogenous wilderness combatants with which Archer evidently had intuitive rapport.
As the vehicle was being loaded Vo gathered Iri, Chase, and Archer. He said as she listened, “I think We've done here. We got what we needed and others are going to get what they deserve. I know it would be better to stay and wait for the lawkeeper to come here before we leave, but I'm afraid we've spend much time already chasing these parts so we'd better start moving so we could put them to good use ASAP. The rover has all its seats but the driver's one dismounted to convert it to a cargo vehicle. So this time I'm going to drive it alone, following our roller. Unless someone has a really good reason to ride together with me, then I think I can fit one more seat into it but I have to warn that it probably will be really uncomfortable for a long ride,” Vo slapped his forehead, “Ah, I almost forgot, thank you all. Thank you for helping me with this mission and thank you for making me feel I'm still useful for our team and family. Archer, your move on disarming all those raiders was exceptional. You saved lives which was probably the best we could do in this fight. Not to mention your marksmanship and the hard work for saving my ass. Chase, thank you for your marksmanship and quick reaction on the ever-changing battle situation. Iri, thank you for your bravery and efficient work for the team. It was essential for destroying their communication and thanks to your work on it we have saved these lives. And I can pet myself on the back for having you all still alive and well, which I think I have to thank you for too.” The powergirl offered her support still, “Negative, Mister Kshaa. No ‘thanks’ yet ‘til we get our package to Defiance.” After some inspired exchanges between those three Chase volunteered, “If Archer doesn't want to drive the truck back, I'll do it. But let's get this stuff loaded first and get this where it needs to go.” Archer answered, “I’ll drive if I have to,” She asked Chase, “Do you want to drive?”
As soon as that was cleared up, the supplies accounted for, the prisoners secure, and the team mounted up both vehicles were on the move back down the hill.
|
|
|
Post by Kaj Oenfer on Jan 31, 2016 12:28:44 GMT
As Atticus Batman, Taffer, Lady Christianna and Doctor Orion were finishing up their conversation, Kaj Oenfer, Lu K'shaa and the Constantine twins had disembarked the Vigilant and where approaching their position. As they arrived in front of their friends, Kaj said, "Greetings Commanders and Doctor. Lieutenant Oenfer, Commander of the Vigilant, checking in."
Atticus nodded slightly and said calmly, "Glad to see all of you back in one piece Kaj. It's also good to see you again Lu. And I assume these two are Attila and Atika Constantine? Are you going to introduce them or not?!"
Kaj said, "It is also good to see all of you are well and very good to see you back, Lady. We were worried that we would never see you again, back in Russia."
Lady snuggled into Atticus' arms more and said happily, "Glad to be back!" Kaj then introduced everybody to the twins, after which Atticus nodded slightly and said calmly, "Good to meet you two. However I am afraid that while we were busy with all of the issues caused by what happened here in Defiance our friends Belle, Erika, Sandy, and Lena were all kidnapped, and Volodja is missing. So I have a new assignment for the four of you. I will be taking Command of the Vigilant and Lady and I, with it's crew, will take it back to Fortress K'shaa for repairs. You, Lu K'shaa and the Constantine twins are to stay here, under Taffer's Command, and the four of you are to accompany him and the rest of his team on a rescue mission to Lima, as we have gotten a lead on one of our missing teammates there."
Kaj nodded and said in his usual calm and unwavering tone, "Of Course Atticus."
Lady thought she noticed a look of confused sadness on the huge purple Bio-man's face for a split-second though and said, "Why sad, Kaj?"
Kaj looked at Atticus, then Lady, and then back at Atticus before he answered the question. "Sorry. You know that I am always happy to help my friends and family. However I would like to know if I did something wrong that has caused me to be removed from another post."
With her trademark smile in place Lady said, "Nothing wrong. Did Good."
Kaj said calmly but still slightly confused, "Then why? Should I not be the one to take my ship and crew home if we are done here?"
Atticus said sternly, "She is right, Kaj. You did nothing wrong. Actually you proved that Lady's choice to put you in Command of the Vigilant and the rescue operation to come get us from Defiance was definitely the best choice. However as part of our team and family we all must help wherever needed, and right now I feel that your talents will be of a lot more use to Taffer's team on the rescue mission to find Sandy Bell, than they would in the repairs of the Vigilant. So, as Lady and I need to return to the Fortress, to handle command issues there among other things, we will return on the Vigilant and have the repairs started for you."
Kaj said, "Of course Atticus. That makes perfect sense when you put it that way. So Taffer it will be my pleasure to help all of you go find our friend, however I must warn you that some of my implants seem to be slightly out of whack thanks to our crash-landing in Russia and the affects from the "Silencer", so I may need to find somebody to repair or re-align them...Wait did you say start the repairs for me?!"
Atticus then said still in his usual gruffly stern tone, "I am glad that you FINALLY get it Kaj and yes I did. As I said, Lady's command decision to have you put together a huge rescue operation and grant you temporary command of the Vigilant so you could bring that rescue op. to Defiance to get us, was a great call. So if you really want to officially be Commander of the Vigilant after it 's repaired, then I am fine with that if Taffer and Lady agree."
Upon hearing Atticus say that Kaj would be made permanent Commander of the Vigilant, if she and Taffer agreed with it, Lady gave her approval by giving Kaj Oenfer a thumbs up, to which Kaj gave her a smile and nod in acknowledgment.
Then Kaj said, "Yes Atticus, I think I would like that very much, after we rescue Sandy. It just felt so good Commanding the Vigilant and getting all the individuals onboard to come together as a cohesive team and succeed, despite their differences. despite how very bad things looked for a while back in Russia. It is good to have friends to help one get through a tough situation."
|
|
|
Post by Vo Kshaa on Jan 31, 2016 22:29:48 GMT
The powergirl offered her support still, “Negative, Mister Kshaa. No ‘thanks’ yet ‘til we get our package to Defiance.” "As you wish," Vo replied, "But still, you did great during the fight and it had to be noted." He nodded towards one of the raiders and added, "One of them is your friend? I'm afraid there's not much we can do for them besides sparing their lives. Although the local lawkeeper seems to be a rather… corrupted person, so I think if they are going to cooperate and tell him where his former subordinate who stole his truck could be hiding now, then with enough scrip he could be bribed to turn his back and let them escape." The last part of his speech was said loud enough for the raiders to hear. As a final part of their preparations, Vo found an E-Rep insignia among the parts, so he planted in as a flag on top of the rover. "Not that I'm a fan of their policy", he commented, "But at least we won't look like we're associated with the vile homicidal faction on our way back." As they started their way down the hill, they met the Lawkeeper's vehicle accompanied with the Echelons' one. Vo pointed at the cave where the stolen goods and prisoners were kept And the team continued their voyage to Defiance. The most difficult part for Vo was fighting the temptation to swerve away from the road and floor the rover to make it fly over the dunes and rocks, so easy and responsive it felt even while being fully loaded with heavy engine parts. But each time he caught himself accelerating too rapidly, he reminded himself that he's there for a mission and the mission was about finding their lost friends. And Belle. Especially Belle as Vo knew he'd always worry about her until he could meet her again and see her diamond blue eyes and the winning smile on her freckled face.
|
|
|
Post by Chase Lonehart on Feb 2, 2016 7:15:06 GMT
“I’ll drive if I have to,” Archer said, turning to Chase to ask a question. “Do you want to drive?”
"Up to you," Chase said. "Lady's choice."
This brought out a small chuckled out of Iri, which caught his attention. She could see he was confused about what it was that he said that seemed amusing to you her.
"What?" he asked.
Iri turned to look at Archer, pointing her thumb at him.
"He says the exact same thing sometimes when we're about to have sex," Iri told Archer.
This brought up a bit of embarrassment, which Iri could see Chase going red with blush. She had forgotten that he was embarrassed about anything in regards to the topic of sex, despite the fact that Belle Starr had seen him naked once.
"Iri!" Chase interjected.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Chase," she told him. "I'm happy to share that I love you, and some of the quirks about you that I happen to enjoy."
She could see in his eyes that the embarrassment grew. Iri couldn't recall any such time where Chase had told anyone about something that would have been an embarrassment to her. He took in a deep breath and turned to Archer.
"You drive," he told her.
He made his way over to the truck, opening the back door and slammed it shut. Iri was confused, looking over at Archer, who appeared just as confused.
"Just when I think I have an understanding of humans, things like this happen," she told Archer. "Why some humans are so prudish about sex and sexuality, I'll never know."
Iri helped Archer load up the last couple of items, giving some time to pass before she headed over and climbed into the front passenger seat of the truck. Chase was laying down across the seat in the back, his left hand covering his eyes and still blushing from the embarrassing moment.
"Are you okay?" Iri asked.
"Yes," Chase told her, her hearing the aggravation in his voice.
"You don't have to be so embarrassed, my love. I just thought it was an amusing thing to share."
Chase uncovered one of his eyes, looking at her.
"You taught me how to have sex with you, with Indogenes in general," he told her. "But you never told me anything about your society and their concepts of sexuality and what should be shared."
"That is true," she told him. "Typically, sexuality is something Indogenes are open about. Even by societal standards, typically, most Indogenes have multiple partners."
"During a lifetime?"
"At one time," she answered.
Chase covered his eye back up, him shaking his head in disbelief.
"Monogamy is a concept that we were unfamiliar with until we got here to Earth," she explained. "As well as keeping quiet about information involving sexual habits. That is something you humans used to do, some that still do for some reason. You should be happy with how things are between us. Most humans males tend to brag about their sexual conquests."
"But I'm not one of those kinds of guys," he interjected.
"You were raised on what is considered an outdated concept of how to act when it comes to sex and relationships. Back before we arrived on this planet, polygamy was considered a illegal in all fifty states of the United States, despite that many practiced it in Utah. Now, polygamy and polyandry are practiced now without any shaming. And even then, some men often had more than one female as sexual partners without telling any of them about it."
"But I'm NOT one of those kinds of guys," he repeated.
"That's not my point," she tried to explain. "This is a new world, Chase. I understand that you're following how you were raised, but there is a bigger world outside of your point of view about sex. Yes, I talk about my sexuality and am open about it. And yes, I'm glad to share that I have not just a loving relationship with a human being, but I have a very happy sexual relationship with him too. I swear, you humans are sometimes as prudish as Castithans sometimes in that regard. I love you, Chase, but you have no reason to be embarrassed with the things I say about what happens with us in the bedroom."
Iri turned around and faced forward, wondering if maybe she had pushed too hard in regard to the topic.
"Who else have you told about us?" Chase asked. "About what we do in private?"
Iri turned back around, finding Chase propped up on his elbows looking at her.
"Eren Niden, obviously," she replied. "We have discussed our relationships with you and Rosa in detail, both physical actions as well as emotional, during the two months that I was at Top-Notch trying to find a way to repair your memory loss. Eren is more older than I am, and has had more partners prior to leaving the Votanis system than I could. We're both used to the idea of having an individual partner for whom we are emotionally connected with, despite the limitation of sexual partners it comes with."
"And does Rosa know that Eren talks about their sex lives with you?"
"As far as I know, yes, Rosa is aware that she and I talk about it. She's even informed me that she has discussed with Rosa the possibility of having a family with her, and has considered several males to serve as a donor. That also includes you as a possibility."
"Wait... Is that why you asked me if I wanted to have children? To see if I would be okay with having Rosa and Eren having my child?"
"Of course not!" she snapped at him. She closed her eyes a moment, taking in a deep breath and slowly blowing out before she continued. "I was curious because I want to have a child with you. But I agree that having one right now would be difficult, if not insane, because of how the world is. And I don't want to be a burden by pressuring you to do something you don't want to do. That's why I've also recently avoided the topic of having a three-way relationship, be it just for sex or for emotional support, because I know how difficult it would be for you despite that I think it could be good for us."
The silence was growing between them in that moment. Again, Iri chose not to tell him about the injury that would deny her the option to having a child, still not wanting to make him worry. Considering all that they had been through, it was clear that they were driving each other crazy as much as they cared about each other. She had considered that she was the reason for why he had gone insane, primarily because of the near death experience she suffered. But she never considered that they were both driving each other mad when there was nothing but normalcy between them. She wanted to turn around and apologize for her actions, but it was at that moment the driver side door opened and Archer climbed in.
"To be continued, later," Chase muttered as he laid back down in the back seat.
Archer cranked up the vehicle and began to pilot it to its destination. Iri knew that Chase wasn't going to talk to her while Archer was in the vehicle, which left Iri with not much to do.
If I had known this was going to happen, I would have brought a book to read, she thought to herself.
|
|
|
Post by Taffer on Feb 2, 2016 20:50:13 GMT
"Climbing the ranks are we?" Taffer said chuckling as he showed a thumbs up in sync with Lady, "The biggest Captain of the biggest spaceship. Nothing ever sounded better fit. And don't worry about your implants — we have a nice implant laboratory right here, so once Vo returns from their mission to Oklahoma, I'll ask Iri to diagnose and fix them for you. If there's something impossible to do in this lab, then I know a good one in Lima. We can pay them a visit to have your implants checked as well." "So, did I get this right and you all should be known as those who silenced the infamous Silencer?" He asked, addressing to no one in particular in the team, but stopping his eyes on Lu as she shook her hand at once. "Not quite," she replied, "In fact, we didn't silence him; we just gave him some better things to do than just generating loads of antimatter and spitting positrons all over the place." "It's HIM then?" Taffer could not help but chuckle again, "I guess the poor Silencer didn't have any option but to be charmed by our brilliant explosive expert!" "Oh come on!" Lu waved off, "That poor AI was much more interested in chatting with some bald professor who just happened to be studying antimatter. So I was pretty much left off right away." She shook her head in a feign sadness, but then she raised her eyes again and smiled to Lady, "Glad to see you alive and well! I see Kaj was right all along. He had a hard time convincing me to have my hope after you disappeared. He said you have regained your corporeal form and reunited with Atticus, but I couldn't fully believe it until I saw you with my own eyes." Meanwhile, Taffer switched his attention to Constantines. "Glad to see newcomers in our bunch," he said still smiling with corners of his mouth. "Kaj has made a formal introduction, but as we're going to work as a team in a rather hostile environment, I'll need to know some more. Please tell me what your favorite EGO power is, what types of weapons you're best with and what our enemies could blackmail you with." The tone of his voice and a relaxed pose was implying he wasn't serious with the last question. Or was he? "To make it look less like an interrogation, I'll start with myself. My favorite power is Cloak, second best is Overcharge, and my best weapons are burst-firing heavy-hitters. I like them for their precision and ammo-saving capabilities. As we're going to a rather criminalized part of South America, it's unlikely it won't surface up that in my past I was known as a black market weapon and information dealer and a thief who was specializing on raiding old EMC bunkers and other military facilities. Are we still here?"
|
|