.jpg)
Video recording systems deactivated, audio only. Recorder on.
Mortis' voice sounds weary. The gentle hum suggests that he is on board a ship.
The Masque walks.
I feel a little guilty. Ashley was always a loyal employee until she chose to leave my services. Harmless enough. Now, of course, she doesn't exist.
Masque has an incredibly blunt approach to what is and is not acceptable... I find myself agreeing with much that she says, but still, the ruthlessness and logic of it...
Hah. 'She'. I wonder if the monster intentionally chose a female body, to... I don't know. Try and ensare me further. If that is the case, it's comforting. Some little hint that it isn't perfect. That it can't predict me perfectly. Almost amusing, watching it... her... it try to push long-dead buttons. Ineptly, I might add. She might know a lot, but how to make a human body work isn't on that list.
The medical lab was somewhat twitchy about releasing the body. Perhaps they'll soon work out that the 'experimental treatment' their computers spat out wasn't in the database yesterday, and isn't in there now. Cruel trick, but it worked.
On the other hand... with Elysa's unexpected resignation, it's something of a relief to have a proper aide again. She probably knows my network better than I do...
Hah. Of course she does.
People will learn soon enough that I have an AI at my side. Hopefully that will distract them from the more important question.
She's offered to help me recover my memories of my time with Intel. No idea what she proposes, but I'm reluctant. Having her poke around in my head isn't my idea of a good time.
I'm just hoping that she doesn't go near Reppy. God knows she seems to be intent on lynching Inara for 'traitorous intent'. Told her to leave it, but I don't think that's in her nature.
So what now?
Recorder off.
Sunday 28 June 2009
Friday 26 June 2009
Interlude: The Body
Medical Report
Subject: Unknown Gallente female capsuleer
Status: Braindead
Treatment Record:
09:47 - Brought in for emergency surgery having suffered a stroke. Complications due to presence of interface.
10:23 - Patient considered stable. Inquiries made as to history.
10:30 - Patient suffers a second stroke. Experimental technique suggested.
11:58 - Patient brought out of surgery. Treatment considered successful. Implants successfully maintaining brain activity.
12:30 - Relapse. Theory of cascading brain failure due to poisoning. Rushed to surgery for further implantation. Attempts made to predict what areas are at risk.
14:30 - Complications during surgery, additional parts of the brain failing.
15:28 - Last implants installed. Patient's brain is now approximately 60% cybernetic. Put into secure section for observation. Exact two hour gap between strokes noted.
16:30 - Total braindeath. Patient rushed to surgery, but unable to save. Body remains functional.
Subject: Unknown Gallente female capsuleer
Status: Braindead
Treatment Record:
09:47 - Brought in for emergency surgery having suffered a stroke. Complications due to presence of interface.
10:23 - Patient considered stable. Inquiries made as to history.
10:30 - Patient suffers a second stroke. Experimental technique suggested.
11:58 - Patient brought out of surgery. Treatment considered successful. Implants successfully maintaining brain activity.
12:30 - Relapse. Theory of cascading brain failure due to poisoning. Rushed to surgery for further implantation. Attempts made to predict what areas are at risk.
14:30 - Complications during surgery, additional parts of the brain failing.
15:28 - Last implants installed. Patient's brain is now approximately 60% cybernetic. Put into secure section for observation. Exact two hour gap between strokes noted.
16:30 - Total braindeath. Patient rushed to surgery, but unable to save. Body remains functional.
Thursday 25 June 2009
Mortis: Secrets
Encryption Black Epsilon. Audio Security File 7837922A follows.
Warning. File corruption: missing sections detected.
Two voices are speaking. The first is unmistakeably Mortis. The second is a soft, almost silky androgynous one.
...cannot be serious. You represent a security risk, by your own admission. Kimochi was right... ...was foolish.
Of course. But nevertheless, you will not destroy me. You cannot.
I don't see why not. You're a mistake.
You wound me, Mortis. Deeply. But nevertheless. You were never trying to... ...ver just looking for a glor... ...tor. You wanted someone you could deal with as an equal. Someone who could be at your side without all those awkward emotional connections. Here I...
...at you are, you're hardly trustworthy.
But you'll take the r... ...ow you, Mortis. I know all about you, and ev... ...and everyone you know. You'll take the risk, just to see what happens.
If...cord... finds out...
They don't need to. We hardly have... dealings with them.
I will not rec... ...tems without some...
...trust...
Remainder of file too corrupted to process. Encryption process breaking - file encrypted.
Warning. File corruption: missing sections detected.
Two voices are speaking. The first is unmistakeably Mortis. The second is a soft, almost silky androgynous one.
...cannot be serious. You represent a security risk, by your own admission. Kimochi was right... ...was foolish.
Of course. But nevertheless, you will not destroy me. You cannot.
I don't see why not. You're a mistake.
You wound me, Mortis. Deeply. But nevertheless. You were never trying to... ...ver just looking for a glor... ...tor. You wanted someone you could deal with as an equal. Someone who could be at your side without all those awkward emotional connections. Here I...
...at you are, you're hardly trustworthy.
But you'll take the r... ...ow you, Mortis. I know all about you, and ev... ...and everyone you know. You'll take the risk, just to see what happens.
If...cord... finds out...
They don't need to. We hardly have... dealings with them.
I will not rec... ...tems without some...
...trust...
Remainder of file too corrupted to process. Encryption process breaking - file encrypted.
Sunday 21 June 2009
Mortis: Betrayers, Betrayals and Betrayed
Recorder on.
Mortis is in yet another screen room. This one seems cramped, and is apparently the conversion of the bridge of a cruiser. The Khanid architecture doesn't seem to be a modification, the dark lines and embellishments very much a part of the design. Engraved on the side of the wall are the words Obsidian Fate.
Crazy days.
Reppy's disappearance and reappearance were... concerning. I suspect I made few friends by failing to appear during those days. Idiots. As though rushing around to Motsu with a battalion of troopers was going to solve anything. Not that I can blame Miss Subaka... and Mr Pryce... well.
He shrugs vaguely.
No matter. They neither hindered nor helped the investigations. Though annoyingly, much the same can be said of both me and Elysa... matters resolved themselves. I don't like it when they do that. It means that some plan has been fulfilled... and I had no idea what it was.
Now I do. My little excursion proved it.
When I confronted K about it, she was blase as always. I swear that she's even colder than Elysa... Elysa wears that ice as a mask, but K has it at her core.
He shakes his head.
It made sense. All made sense. But she'd still betrayed my trust. So now I have a curious dilemma... to betray our connection to show my displeasure? To let it go?
It is, as I said, a curious dilemma... one that I might discuss with Kimochi. I've already mentioned it offhand to her.
Then there is my promotion.
He looks thoughtful for a while.
And finally there is Elysa. Soon after she threw Vince and Inara off her ship, she contacted me in a bad mood. It wasn't even venting... she just somehow wanted to blame me for something, I think. Cut the transmission mid-rant, sent a very insincere apology shortly afterwards. She's been away from the capsule for a while. Not sure exactly where. The problem with letting someone access your intelligence network is that it gives them clues for how to avoid it. I suspect that she went to her homeworld... I can think of nowhere else she'd go planetside.
Still hasn't got in touch again. She's an odd girl. But loyal to the core... ironic, really. She's spiky, aggressive, refuses to let people get too near. K has all those polite graces, the perfect lady... and beneath she's a heartless bitch. Insides and outsides. Skin depth and all that.
And just as my attention is changing from the Ghosts to my own organisation... some old faces are showing up. Whittenoom has already joined us, Adrastus is poking his nose around... and dear Rathnon is bringing her own brand of chaos to the local territory.
What does it take to get a little peace and calm?
He snorts with dark humour.
Suicide, maybe.
He flips a switch.
Recorder off.
Mortis is in yet another screen room. This one seems cramped, and is apparently the conversion of the bridge of a cruiser. The Khanid architecture doesn't seem to be a modification, the dark lines and embellishments very much a part of the design. Engraved on the side of the wall are the words Obsidian Fate.
Crazy days.
Reppy's disappearance and reappearance were... concerning. I suspect I made few friends by failing to appear during those days. Idiots. As though rushing around to Motsu with a battalion of troopers was going to solve anything. Not that I can blame Miss Subaka... and Mr Pryce... well.
He shrugs vaguely.
No matter. They neither hindered nor helped the investigations. Though annoyingly, much the same can be said of both me and Elysa... matters resolved themselves. I don't like it when they do that. It means that some plan has been fulfilled... and I had no idea what it was.
Now I do. My little excursion proved it.
When I confronted K about it, she was blase as always. I swear that she's even colder than Elysa... Elysa wears that ice as a mask, but K has it at her core.
He shakes his head.
It made sense. All made sense. But she'd still betrayed my trust. So now I have a curious dilemma... to betray our connection to show my displeasure? To let it go?
It is, as I said, a curious dilemma... one that I might discuss with Kimochi. I've already mentioned it offhand to her.
Then there is my promotion.
He looks thoughtful for a while.
And finally there is Elysa. Soon after she threw Vince and Inara off her ship, she contacted me in a bad mood. It wasn't even venting... she just somehow wanted to blame me for something, I think. Cut the transmission mid-rant, sent a very insincere apology shortly afterwards. She's been away from the capsule for a while. Not sure exactly where. The problem with letting someone access your intelligence network is that it gives them clues for how to avoid it. I suspect that she went to her homeworld... I can think of nowhere else she'd go planetside.
Still hasn't got in touch again. She's an odd girl. But loyal to the core... ironic, really. She's spiky, aggressive, refuses to let people get too near. K has all those polite graces, the perfect lady... and beneath she's a heartless bitch. Insides and outsides. Skin depth and all that.
And just as my attention is changing from the Ghosts to my own organisation... some old faces are showing up. Whittenoom has already joined us, Adrastus is poking his nose around... and dear Rathnon is bringing her own brand of chaos to the local territory.
What does it take to get a little peace and calm?
He snorts with dark humour.
Suicide, maybe.
He flips a switch.
Recorder off.
Monday 15 June 2009
Repentence: Time
General transmission, all frequencies. Source: Caldari Navy base, Motsu
Error: frequency jammed, recording (audio only) for later transmission
A panicked voice is heard.
Hello? Hello?
Oh god. Someone. Help me.
Someone's chasing me. I don't know them, but they've... they've shut down the security systems. I'm in the area of the station shut down for maintenance.
There is the sound of a lock trying to cycle, and a whimper.
They're close. Don't know how long the door will hold. Please...
Just. Someone. I've got a little time.
There is the sound of scrambling, and rapid breathing, then the clank of another door closing.
Another lock. That'll be another few minutes. Oh god, why? They shot at me.
A pause, then a whimper.
Oh god... I'm bleeding... my side...
I can't... please, someone help me...
There is a loud thunk, and a scream.
No! Get away! WHAT DID I DO TO -
A gunshot, something very powerful by the sound. There is a scream, and another gunshot. The scream is abruptly cut off.
Recorder off. Unable to transmit, jamming frequency too strong.
Erase message?
Message erased.
System fai-
Error: frequency jammed, recording (audio only) for later transmission
A panicked voice is heard.
Hello? Hello?
Oh god. Someone. Help me.
Someone's chasing me. I don't know them, but they've... they've shut down the security systems. I'm in the area of the station shut down for maintenance.
There is the sound of a lock trying to cycle, and a whimper.
They're close. Don't know how long the door will hold. Please...
Just. Someone. I've got a little time.
There is the sound of scrambling, and rapid breathing, then the clank of another door closing.
Another lock. That'll be another few minutes. Oh god, why? They shot at me.
A pause, then a whimper.
Oh god... I'm bleeding... my side...
I can't... please, someone help me...
There is a loud thunk, and a scream.
No! Get away! WHAT DID I DO TO -
A gunshot, something very powerful by the sound. There is a scream, and another gunshot. The scream is abruptly cut off.
Recorder off. Unable to transmit, jamming frequency too strong.
Erase message?
Message erased.
System fai-
Sunday 14 June 2009
Repentence: Shattered
Recorder on.
The view is of Repentence's quarters on Echidna's Daughter. Reppy herself is packing her belongings away. She has clearly been crying a great deal. Her voice is uneven as she speaks.
I thought I was in heaven. Hah!
Mortis warned me not to get entangled. Warned me that this place could hurt me, and I... I didn't listen.
Now the two people I thought I could rely on out here... Vince is insane, and Inara...
She gulps air, trying to hold back more tears.
Inara can't and won't protect me from him.
She's already gone somewhere. Couldn't face me any more than I can face her...
She looks at a tear-stained note, rereading it slowly and stifling a sob. Then she throws it aside.
I can't... I won't look for her. I can't bear to speak with her.
I can't bear to hear her choose him over me. If she feels about him the way I feel about her... even if that monster stays loyal to Kelsy... she'd do it. She says I'm the second-most important person in her life after her daughter...
A rebellious tear forms and rolls down a cheek.
I can't make myself believe it.
How can she have feelings for him? She said that they were alike, but it isn't true! She didn't break the bonds of Family... not even when Elysa was threatening me...
She looks around the room slowly.
Probably will never see this place again.
Anger flares in her eyes.
Vincent Pryce. I'll make him pay for this. Somehow...
But... that'll just hurt Inara. I... I don't think I can do that. Even now.
She shakes her head.
No... can't touch Vince... not unless he hurts me again. But no... why would he have a chance? I'm leaving. Not coming back to Goinard if I can help it.
I'll tell Kimochi... something...
She takes hold of the camera, holding it with a dull look on her face, then hurls it violently at the ground. The image goes to static.
The view is of Repentence's quarters on Echidna's Daughter. Reppy herself is packing her belongings away. She has clearly been crying a great deal. Her voice is uneven as she speaks.
I thought I was in heaven. Hah!
Mortis warned me not to get entangled. Warned me that this place could hurt me, and I... I didn't listen.
Now the two people I thought I could rely on out here... Vince is insane, and Inara...
She gulps air, trying to hold back more tears.
Inara can't and won't protect me from him.
She's already gone somewhere. Couldn't face me any more than I can face her...
She looks at a tear-stained note, rereading it slowly and stifling a sob. Then she throws it aside.
I can't... I won't look for her. I can't bear to speak with her.
I can't bear to hear her choose him over me. If she feels about him the way I feel about her... even if that monster stays loyal to Kelsy... she'd do it. She says I'm the second-most important person in her life after her daughter...
A rebellious tear forms and rolls down a cheek.
I can't make myself believe it.
How can she have feelings for him? She said that they were alike, but it isn't true! She didn't break the bonds of Family... not even when Elysa was threatening me...
She looks around the room slowly.
Probably will never see this place again.
Anger flares in her eyes.
Vincent Pryce. I'll make him pay for this. Somehow...
But... that'll just hurt Inara. I... I don't think I can do that. Even now.
She shakes her head.
No... can't touch Vince... not unless he hurts me again. But no... why would he have a chance? I'm leaving. Not coming back to Goinard if I can help it.
I'll tell Kimochi... something...
She takes hold of the camera, holding it with a dull look on her face, then hurls it violently at the ground. The image goes to static.
Sunday 7 June 2009
Repentence: Wanting
Recorder on.
Reppy is virtually skipping as she moves around her personal quarters on Echidna's Daughter, hunting down a fresh uniform to put on. She looks like she just got up.
I don't think I've ever been happier in my life.
She grins impishly at the camera as she pulls on a shirt.
I've got a life of luxury here on the Daughter that I thought I'd forsaken forever. I've found love in the form of Inara... and I think she loves me, too.
She looks thoughtful for a moment.
I had a nightmare while I was taking an afternoon snooze... I think I must've screamed in my sleep, because she was in the room a few seconds later, surrounded by guards and wielding a sword. I nearly hid under the covers... but the look in her eyes, the little tremor in her voice... she was really scared for my safety.
She stays silent for a few seconds, then begins hunting for clothes again.
And then Kimochi came around...
She almost squeals, then laughs at herself.
Listen to me... pathetic, isn't it? But I guess Inara's been changing the way I think. I'd probably have been horrified a few months ago... but the prospect of promiscuity as a way of life is showing appeal. And Kimmy was a very nice place to start...
Now I'm sounding callous. I like Kimochi a lot, and I want to stay good friends with her. From what Mort has told me, it sounds like she needs a good friend who she can trust...
Why am I justifying myself to my personal diary? I had fun, she had fun, we're all happy. No reason to change that.
She looks annoyed for a moment.
Now I've got to go work... don't want to, but life can't be all fun and games, I guess...
Responsibility sucks. But it's worth it, I guess.
She finishes doing up her belt, and ambles out. A few moments later she hurries back in to turn the camera off.
Recorder off.
Reppy is virtually skipping as she moves around her personal quarters on Echidna's Daughter, hunting down a fresh uniform to put on. She looks like she just got up.
I don't think I've ever been happier in my life.
She grins impishly at the camera as she pulls on a shirt.
I've got a life of luxury here on the Daughter that I thought I'd forsaken forever. I've found love in the form of Inara... and I think she loves me, too.
She looks thoughtful for a moment.
I had a nightmare while I was taking an afternoon snooze... I think I must've screamed in my sleep, because she was in the room a few seconds later, surrounded by guards and wielding a sword. I nearly hid under the covers... but the look in her eyes, the little tremor in her voice... she was really scared for my safety.
She stays silent for a few seconds, then begins hunting for clothes again.
And then Kimochi came around...
She almost squeals, then laughs at herself.
Listen to me... pathetic, isn't it? But I guess Inara's been changing the way I think. I'd probably have been horrified a few months ago... but the prospect of promiscuity as a way of life is showing appeal. And Kimmy was a very nice place to start...
Now I'm sounding callous. I like Kimochi a lot, and I want to stay good friends with her. From what Mort has told me, it sounds like she needs a good friend who she can trust...
Why am I justifying myself to my personal diary? I had fun, she had fun, we're all happy. No reason to change that.
She looks annoyed for a moment.
Now I've got to go work... don't want to, but life can't be all fun and games, I guess...
Responsibility sucks. But it's worth it, I guess.
She finishes doing up her belt, and ambles out. A few moments later she hurries back in to turn the camera off.
Recorder off.
Mortis: Futility
Recorder on.
The view is of a docking bay. Slowly rotating in the antigrav field is a huge chunk of metal, vaguely recogniseable as the front of a Megathron's arm. A few other scraps float alongside it.
The camera pans to look at Mortis, who looks meditative.
That could have gone better.
Annoying. Significant expenditure on that ship, and now she's just scrap.
He sighs, then signals to a neatly uniformed figure.
Get the useful equipment stripped off and then dump it. It's wasting space.
He sighs again, turning away from the docking bay as hovercraft move out to reclaim it the remnants of Eternity's Shroud.
Now I recall why battleships are not to my taste. There is a curious inevitability to their death, a terrible speed with which they attract attention and then are turned from an 'is' to a 'was'.
My studies aren't going fast enough. Even cutting corners on my schedule, it's too long. Too long!
Fascinating... yet frustrating. So many intricacies...
He shakes his head.
Now I need to find a new place to set up the network. Not keen on doing so on the station.
But it's definitely time to give up living on a battleship. Not worth it.
He turns away, switching off the camera.
Recorder off.
The view is of a docking bay. Slowly rotating in the antigrav field is a huge chunk of metal, vaguely recogniseable as the front of a Megathron's arm. A few other scraps float alongside it.
The camera pans to look at Mortis, who looks meditative.
That could have gone better.
Annoying. Significant expenditure on that ship, and now she's just scrap.
He sighs, then signals to a neatly uniformed figure.
Get the useful equipment stripped off and then dump it. It's wasting space.
He sighs again, turning away from the docking bay as hovercraft move out to reclaim it the remnants of Eternity's Shroud.
Now I recall why battleships are not to my taste. There is a curious inevitability to their death, a terrible speed with which they attract attention and then are turned from an 'is' to a 'was'.
My studies aren't going fast enough. Even cutting corners on my schedule, it's too long. Too long!
Fascinating... yet frustrating. So many intricacies...
He shakes his head.
Now I need to find a new place to set up the network. Not keen on doing so on the station.
But it's definitely time to give up living on a battleship. Not worth it.
He turns away, switching off the camera.
Recorder off.
Thursday 4 June 2009
Repentence: Letters from the Starwyrm
------------
To: Commander Kimochi Rendar, CONCORD Bureau
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
Dear Kimochi
Thank you. When I went to your apartment last night, I was gripped by depression and self-imposed loneliness, all because of a stupid, baseless fear. When I left, I couldn't have been happier.
Mr LaCroix was sweet. When he first came in, I admit that I was faking it, trying to put a brave face on things, but that became genuine. Thank you for introducing us, and even more for paying the bill...
But most of all, you got Inara and I into a room where we could focus on something other than our recent troubles. You let us forget what had been said and felt, and for that, for rescuing me from my own stupidity, you have my eternal gratitude.
If I may, I'd love to come around again sometime to try out the latex... and of course, you must come over to visit us on the Daughter. Perhaps even stay over for some food? I know Inara would be more than happy to play hostess, and even if she's busy, I'm sure she won't mind me showing you around. After all, you are Family.
Speak to you soon!
Yours in gratitude
Reppy
------------
To: Mistress Inara Subaka, Echidna's Daughter
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
Dear Inara
Forgive me for slipping out without warning, but duty called. I'll be back soon, don't worry.
I'm so sorry. I know that I that I must have hurt you when I said that I was leaving. You won't admit it, of course, it's not your way, but I remember your expression when I said it. And I remember the way you scooped me up and held me when I said that I would come back, not letting me go until we got home... can you forgive me for ever doubting you?
Well, I'm sure you can think of some punishment or other if you can't. You're good at those.
I've invited Kimochi over to the Daughter, I hope you don't mind. It seemed like the least I could do after introducing us to her designer. Can't wait to see you in his idea of a whiplash-inducer... I look forward to going out and turning some heads when it all comes through. Maybe a trip to the Gate could be in order?
I'll see you soon, my love.
Eternally yours
Reppy
------------
To: Elysa Varbolt, Sleepless Sentinel c/o Caldari Navy
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
Hey Elysa
Well, you were both right and wrong. Yes, I was a coward. Yes, I didn't want to ask questions in case I didn't like the answers. But you were wrong, I did like the answers.
I think I understand you a little more now. I also know you well enough to envision the scowl that you're wearing when you read this, so I'll leave it at that. Apart from saying that sometimes, you do meet someone that you can rely on.
Inara and I met with Kimochi's (you remember Commander Rendar, right?) designer last night. You should consider a change of wardrobe yourself, do you ever wear anything other than that uniform? I'm sure Mr LaCroix could do marvels for you, assuming you don't shoot him on sight for being Gallente. Honestly, Elysa, I have issues with the race as well, but you need to loosen up! ...and there's the scowl again.
I hope you're going to keep to our deal. You showed me your idea of fun - no, don't deny it! You said you were trying to make me get over my fear of battle, but I remember your expression when you unplugged. You loved it. So next time we meet, I get to show you my idea of a good time. Inara would want you to try something new, wouldn't she? There's more to life than death, Elysa.
Oh, and I heard that you got assigned to work with Kane. Please try to be nice? He's terrified of you after you bit his head off that first evening, and he's Intaki, not pure-blood Gallente...
Yours sincerely
Reppy
------------
To: "A friend"
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
I don't know who you are, what you want with me or how you know me, and that's three good reasons to refuse to go. Either come clean or don't contact me again. I have friends that you do not want to piss off.
Repentence
To: Commander Kimochi Rendar, CONCORD Bureau
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
Dear Kimochi
Thank you. When I went to your apartment last night, I was gripped by depression and self-imposed loneliness, all because of a stupid, baseless fear. When I left, I couldn't have been happier.
Mr LaCroix was sweet. When he first came in, I admit that I was faking it, trying to put a brave face on things, but that became genuine. Thank you for introducing us, and even more for paying the bill...
But most of all, you got Inara and I into a room where we could focus on something other than our recent troubles. You let us forget what had been said and felt, and for that, for rescuing me from my own stupidity, you have my eternal gratitude.
If I may, I'd love to come around again sometime to try out the latex... and of course, you must come over to visit us on the Daughter. Perhaps even stay over for some food? I know Inara would be more than happy to play hostess, and even if she's busy, I'm sure she won't mind me showing you around. After all, you are Family.
Speak to you soon!
Yours in gratitude
Reppy
------------
To: Mistress Inara Subaka, Echidna's Daughter
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
Dear Inara
Forgive me for slipping out without warning, but duty called. I'll be back soon, don't worry.
I'm so sorry. I know that I that I must have hurt you when I said that I was leaving. You won't admit it, of course, it's not your way, but I remember your expression when I said it. And I remember the way you scooped me up and held me when I said that I would come back, not letting me go until we got home... can you forgive me for ever doubting you?
Well, I'm sure you can think of some punishment or other if you can't. You're good at those.
I've invited Kimochi over to the Daughter, I hope you don't mind. It seemed like the least I could do after introducing us to her designer. Can't wait to see you in his idea of a whiplash-inducer... I look forward to going out and turning some heads when it all comes through. Maybe a trip to the Gate could be in order?
I'll see you soon, my love.
Eternally yours
Reppy
------------
To: Elysa Varbolt, Sleepless Sentinel c/o Caldari Navy
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
Hey Elysa
Well, you were both right and wrong. Yes, I was a coward. Yes, I didn't want to ask questions in case I didn't like the answers. But you were wrong, I did like the answers.
I think I understand you a little more now. I also know you well enough to envision the scowl that you're wearing when you read this, so I'll leave it at that. Apart from saying that sometimes, you do meet someone that you can rely on.
Inara and I met with Kimochi's (you remember Commander Rendar, right?) designer last night. You should consider a change of wardrobe yourself, do you ever wear anything other than that uniform? I'm sure Mr LaCroix could do marvels for you, assuming you don't shoot him on sight for being Gallente. Honestly, Elysa, I have issues with the race as well, but you need to loosen up! ...and there's the scowl again.
I hope you're going to keep to our deal. You showed me your idea of fun - no, don't deny it! You said you were trying to make me get over my fear of battle, but I remember your expression when you unplugged. You loved it. So next time we meet, I get to show you my idea of a good time. Inara would want you to try something new, wouldn't she? There's more to life than death, Elysa.
Oh, and I heard that you got assigned to work with Kane. Please try to be nice? He's terrified of you after you bit his head off that first evening, and he's Intaki, not pure-blood Gallente...
Yours sincerely
Reppy
------------
To: "A friend"
From: Apprentice Repentence Tyrathlion, Preta Light Industries cargo hauler Starwyrm
------------
I don't know who you are, what you want with me or how you know me, and that's three good reasons to refuse to go. Either come clean or don't contact me again. I have friends that you do not want to piss off.
Repentence
Monday 1 June 2009
Mortis: Spare me...
Recorder on.
The view is different again. Not the quarters on the CONCORD station, nor the clean, stark lines of Midnight's Embrace. This new Screen Room is fluid, organic in design. Above the multitude of screens is a plaque with the legend VCS Oenone, and below that another, more recent one: Eternity's Shroud.
Mortis sits in the usual chair at the heart of the semi-circle, his expression a combination of annoyance and amusement.
I swear someone has been pumping pheromones into the air recyclers around here. I can think of no other explanation for the outbreak of downright soppiness among the Ghosts.
Repentence doesn't particularly surprise me, of course. She plays the spunky rebel, but she's a sweet, naive innocent out here. Still soft. When I spoke with her the other day, it was clear that she's absolutely devoted to Inara. Oh, she complained, pouted, went through all the motions, but she wouldn't dream of going against the woman.
He looks thoughtful.
I can't imagine that Inara hasn't noticed that she's almost become a surrogate mother for Reppy. Though I doubt that Reppy herself would realise it. Still, I can't see the harm. She's learning more useful things under that Achura's guidance than our biological mother could have offered. My initial concerns about their relationship were, I think, ill-founded. Not that my surveillance, such as it is possible, will lighten. I'm still determined to break the security on that carrier, if just for the satisfaction of having done it.
But Elysa is a different matter.
He snorts.
When she reported in last night before going to sleep, she was clearly high on Blue. While I won't deny that it was refreshing to have the woman smiling and pleasant, I'm concerned. Whatever Inara is doing with her is clearly having a major effect, and I'm not sure whether it's going to be a positive one long-term. It may be cold, but part of Elysa's value, the reason that I advanced her to being my right hand, was that she's absolutely ruthless and logical to a fault. Her blunt attitude had a purpose. If that changes... well, I'll have to rethink her place in the TerrorNet.
He snorts again.
Damn Reppy. She's got that nickname on my brain now.
Where was I?
Oh yes. I'll be keeping a very close eye on both Inara and Elysa. If I don't like where things are going, I may have to intervene. Part of me wants to do so now, but I suspect that there will be no good moment to break up this little therapy deal, if it becomes necessary.
I'd be more confident in Inara's abilities if she herself were immune, but no, even she's been bitten. My respect for her has grown steadily since we met, partly because she consistently repels my attempts to breach her security, partly because I simply recognise a lot of myself in her. But that respect may start waning if she continues making a fool of herself over Vincent Pryce.
He snorts, and takes a sip of water from a glass on the desk.
Perhaps that is harsh, but she's hardly maintaining her image. And Vince should know better than to encourage her. Did that walking emotional disaster zone learn nothing from his breakup with Kimochi?
He takes another sip, and makes a face.
I've seen entire systems tear themselves apart, I've watched an Erebus-class Titan die and I've witnessed a full battlefleet of Fleet Issue Tempests blaze through lowsec, but picking up the pieces of that crisis was the messiest thing I've ever witnessed. Best thing Vince can do is back off. Healing any potential rift is one thing, inviting her back to his quarters? As I recall, that was what he did with Miss Talan.
And then there's Koronakesh and his thousand tangled relationships. And people say I have problems connecting with people. I've seen nothing to convince me that our new ex-Praetorian is anything other than another disaster zone. The fact that he's drawing Kimochi into it does not inspire confidence in any way.
Oh, I'm sure that they mean well. All harmless, no intent to start anything. Kimochi can't be on the lookout for another relationship, not after the way the last one ended. But you know what they say about good intentions. Just a slip, an incautious moment, one rush of hormones, and guess what...
He grimaces.
I realise that my view is skewed. It's been thirteen years since I felt anything more than affection for someone. Thirteen years since Amarrian Intelligence hardwired my emotions into a chip. Thirteen years of hormone-free living. I don't even remember what love felt like. I didn't even try to regain contact with the woman I was engaged to when I returned from Intel. Didn't see any value. Think she went off and got married to someone else in the end.
In less than two months, I've seen three heartbreaks among the Ghosts, and I doubt that they'll slow down. The worst I've suffered in those thirteen years was the loss of a particularly expensive ship.
Some might call my life a hollow, empty hell.
He smirks coldly.
Given the alternative, I call it heaven.
Recorder off.
The view is different again. Not the quarters on the CONCORD station, nor the clean, stark lines of Midnight's Embrace. This new Screen Room is fluid, organic in design. Above the multitude of screens is a plaque with the legend VCS Oenone, and below that another, more recent one: Eternity's Shroud.
Mortis sits in the usual chair at the heart of the semi-circle, his expression a combination of annoyance and amusement.
I swear someone has been pumping pheromones into the air recyclers around here. I can think of no other explanation for the outbreak of downright soppiness among the Ghosts.
Repentence doesn't particularly surprise me, of course. She plays the spunky rebel, but she's a sweet, naive innocent out here. Still soft. When I spoke with her the other day, it was clear that she's absolutely devoted to Inara. Oh, she complained, pouted, went through all the motions, but she wouldn't dream of going against the woman.
He looks thoughtful.
I can't imagine that Inara hasn't noticed that she's almost become a surrogate mother for Reppy. Though I doubt that Reppy herself would realise it. Still, I can't see the harm. She's learning more useful things under that Achura's guidance than our biological mother could have offered. My initial concerns about their relationship were, I think, ill-founded. Not that my surveillance, such as it is possible, will lighten. I'm still determined to break the security on that carrier, if just for the satisfaction of having done it.
But Elysa is a different matter.
He snorts.
When she reported in last night before going to sleep, she was clearly high on Blue. While I won't deny that it was refreshing to have the woman smiling and pleasant, I'm concerned. Whatever Inara is doing with her is clearly having a major effect, and I'm not sure whether it's going to be a positive one long-term. It may be cold, but part of Elysa's value, the reason that I advanced her to being my right hand, was that she's absolutely ruthless and logical to a fault. Her blunt attitude had a purpose. If that changes... well, I'll have to rethink her place in the TerrorNet.
He snorts again.
Damn Reppy. She's got that nickname on my brain now.
Where was I?
Oh yes. I'll be keeping a very close eye on both Inara and Elysa. If I don't like where things are going, I may have to intervene. Part of me wants to do so now, but I suspect that there will be no good moment to break up this little therapy deal, if it becomes necessary.
I'd be more confident in Inara's abilities if she herself were immune, but no, even she's been bitten. My respect for her has grown steadily since we met, partly because she consistently repels my attempts to breach her security, partly because I simply recognise a lot of myself in her. But that respect may start waning if she continues making a fool of herself over Vincent Pryce.
He snorts, and takes a sip of water from a glass on the desk.
Perhaps that is harsh, but she's hardly maintaining her image. And Vince should know better than to encourage her. Did that walking emotional disaster zone learn nothing from his breakup with Kimochi?
He takes another sip, and makes a face.
I've seen entire systems tear themselves apart, I've watched an Erebus-class Titan die and I've witnessed a full battlefleet of Fleet Issue Tempests blaze through lowsec, but picking up the pieces of that crisis was the messiest thing I've ever witnessed. Best thing Vince can do is back off. Healing any potential rift is one thing, inviting her back to his quarters? As I recall, that was what he did with Miss Talan.
And then there's Koronakesh and his thousand tangled relationships. And people say I have problems connecting with people. I've seen nothing to convince me that our new ex-Praetorian is anything other than another disaster zone. The fact that he's drawing Kimochi into it does not inspire confidence in any way.
Oh, I'm sure that they mean well. All harmless, no intent to start anything. Kimochi can't be on the lookout for another relationship, not after the way the last one ended. But you know what they say about good intentions. Just a slip, an incautious moment, one rush of hormones, and guess what...
He grimaces.
I realise that my view is skewed. It's been thirteen years since I felt anything more than affection for someone. Thirteen years since Amarrian Intelligence hardwired my emotions into a chip. Thirteen years of hormone-free living. I don't even remember what love felt like. I didn't even try to regain contact with the woman I was engaged to when I returned from Intel. Didn't see any value. Think she went off and got married to someone else in the end.
In less than two months, I've seen three heartbreaks among the Ghosts, and I doubt that they'll slow down. The worst I've suffered in those thirteen years was the loss of a particularly expensive ship.
Some might call my life a hollow, empty hell.
He smirks coldly.
Given the alternative, I call it heaven.
Recorder off.
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