Death and All Of His Friends

Repentence: Me, My Guilt and I

2011-11-25T01:13:00.002Z

Recorder on.

The view is of a massive room, a library. Many of the titles are rare and in pristine condition, the collection of an ancient noble family. Repentence looks at the camera thoughtfully, elaborate red tattoos looping over her features.

Funny how long it is since I used one of these. Not since leaving Morwen...

God, I was a mess then. A total headcase, not knowing if I was coming or going. Stuck with the Cartel, confused and lost.

Now... I've got everything I could wish for. I've got my family estates back. I'm running them. I've got a little slice of paradise, on Khanid Prime no less. The place where I grew up. I'm surrounded by people I care for and that care for me. Morwen keeps me company, she's even funded a reactivation of my license. Flying an Apocalypse and burning down the enemies of the Kingdom...

Perfect life, no?

So why am I sinking downward?

Charity.

Charity, Math'ra... Vince... and more. Cruoris' idea of entertainment. The things she'd go out to do during her alone time.

And the things I still want to do. I'm 'cured', no more clinical insanity, no more split personality. I'm just left with borderline psychopathic urges and... the memories.

I haven't acted on them - beyond the rituals with Morwen, those help. The urges or the memories... The raw will I needed to pull the shattered bits of my mind back together also helps. So I just draw.

She's asked about them once or twice, but... it's my only outlet. Since Masque has vanished, along with my brother and the rest of his crew...

She smirks.

Mind you, Elysa would kill me for calling her one of his.

The smile fades.

I wish I knew what happened to them.

I wish I could just... stop remembering.

A slightly built young woman with a vaguely Gallentean appearance appears in view. She makes a rapid series of gestures.

I'll be right there.

She stares at the camera for a while, then switches it off.

Recorder off.

Repentence: Splinters of my Soul

2010-11-09T09:21:00.004Z

Recorder on.

The view is of a comfortable room, possibly on a carrier judging by the size. Repentence is evidently packing to leave.

I feel sick.

I hate myself. I want to hate myself. Yet... somehow... I can't, for the same reason why I want to.

She scowls bitterly.

Because I'm... happy.

She spits the word.

There's been a tension in my mind that's been there for so long that I didn't even realise it was there. I feel like I've been banging my head against a brick wall for months without knowing, and suddenly, I've stopped, and accursed relief is flooding my body. All because I've hurt some in a place they've already been crippled in.

I look around this place, knowing that I might never see it again, that I might never sleep in that bed, curl up by the fire... and all I can think about is the fact that for the first time ever, the tension is gone. That all three of me are content with each other, not arguing, not disagreeing, not disapproving. I almost feel normal. Then someone pipes up with a remark, or they squabble over nothing, and I'm reminded that I'm not.

I guess... I hope... Morwen will get over it. She got over Lilly, she can get over me.

Funny to think that I haven't been single since Inara invited me to look around her carrier back in Tzvi. And now I am... and part of me aches for company, and the rest just wants to crawl into a dark spot and be glad of being alone.

It's not like I've got many choices for who to go out with. Sure as hell not going back to Inara, not after what she said last time. I don't give a fuck what she thinks. I'm not hers, not any more. She's not even an Angel. She can say what she likes, she's a fucking Rabbit, the fact that she's staying as one instead of coming back to Naraka proves it.

She broods for a moment, and vanishes from view. She returns shortly afterwards with an armful of assorted knives. She pauses, holding one up, and smiles bitterly.

You know, I really thought I was different. Mother, father, Charity, Purity, Mortis - all of them showed me time and again that they could only be happy if someone else was suffering. I thought I'd escaped that, that I wasn't one of them, that I could be just a harmless, happy little girl.

I guess blood always tells.

I don't know what I'll do now. Part of me just wants to leave. Leave everything, sever ties, go join the Nation or Electus Matari, something radical, clean slate, fresh start. But I know that's dumb. Even if the Cartel didn't have their claws dug deeper into me than would be easy to extricate myself from, it's a small universe. It wouldn't be an escape, not really.

I look back on the naive little girl that I once was, and... I don't know whether to pity or envy her.

Life sucks sometimes.

All I know is that if I'd been kicked out of the academy, gone crawling back home and begged for forgiveness... I'd probably have been happier.

Who says being a demigod is fun and games?

It's ruined my life, and not just mine.

She looks away for a moment, then takes one of the knives and carefully slices into her palm, before placing the bloody weapon on the bedside table. She looks at it for a time, then sighs and reaches out to turn off the camera.

Oh, Ash, send a request to blank my security clearance here, will you? And blank the security feed, Morwen doesn't need to hear me ranting. And... take care of her, won't you?

Recorder off.

Repentence: Spiralling

2010-10-24T17:15:00.004+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is of a large, comfortable cabin that seems a bizarre mix of cultures. The original design was clearly Matari, but much of that has been replaced by a blend of clean, Civire utilitarian lines and smooth, yet slightly stark, Khanid designs. The view through the window is of a dockyard, and just visible are the razored wings of the ship itself, a Hurricane.

Repentence is slumped on the bed, staring at the ceiling, her nano-tattoos dormant and switched off.

I can't go on like this.

I haven't made an entry for a while. Didn't seem any point. My worries were either things I could tell Morwen, or that I had to hide from Cru or Ser. Now neither apply.

Inara asked me to go see her last night. Cru confessed what we'd done after Morwen went to see Lilly. I know I should feel guilty, but all I feel is hollow. I didn't even protest when Cru took us in there.

I almost wish Serenity was still the problem. She rarely even speaks a word to us now. Just takes the time we allocate her and goes to do whatever it is she wants. Kept secret, of course, but Ash says that it's nothing. Not even anything much productive. At least when she was an unrelenting bitch, I could run on anger, keep going through that. Now... my feelings are draining into nothingness.

But Inara and Cru talked for a bit... not hiding it from me, for a change. And then Inara asked to talk to me, and asked me when I was coming home. No suggestion, no question about if. She was absolutely certain I would. Looking back on it, Ser says that maybe she was just putting on an act to see how I'd react. I guess, as a consummate liar and actor herself, Ser would know.

I fled. What could I do? I told her that I wasn't going back to her. I asked her if she still loved me, and she... she said she did. Which I guess I knew, but the way she said it... it freaked me out.

She asked me who I'd go to for guidance, if not her. Said that I was too fractured, too disjointed to run my own life, and she's right. She laughed at the idea that Morwen could provide that, and... she was right again. Morwen tries. She's sweet and kind and patient, but... that's not enough. I don't know what is.

I told her that I'd go to Elysa, just for an answer. Said that I didn't need a mistress, didn't need a lover, didn't need anything but a firm hand, and Elysa's kicked me up the rear more than a few times. I was clawing for answers... and now I wonder if that's really true. That I don't need love, not now. If it's just one more complication in a life already too damn complicated.

It's getting harder and harder to feel anything. I look at Morwen, and I find it hard to see more than a friend. A close friend who I'd hate to lose, but... I can't live up to what she puts on me. She keeps naming ships after me... not to mention the feeling that I could clap my hands and she'd do anything I asked if it made me happy. Cru used to love that, but even she's beginning to find it awkward.

I wonder if this is how Mortis felt, when he lost his emotions? Everything just becoming dull?

She sits up, head in her hands.

Cru's no help. She's going through her own existential crisis, and I find it hard not to just yell at her that yes, she doesn't exist, she's just a broken bit of me. And Serenity says and does nothing, just leeching away my energy by her mere existence.

I'll have to go back to the carrier soon. Cru told Morwen that she didn't want to talk last night, after visiting Inara, but we'll have to talk eventually, and when we do...

I've often told her that I don't deserve her. I'm beginning to wonder what she did in a past life to deserve me. And Lilly before me, and Nacittal before that... she's like love's punching bag, each new relationship destructive in its own way.

I'll try and hold off talking about it. I think I've got another appointment with Dr Akell tomorrow. Maybe she'll help, though I'm not holding my breath.

The more I look back on it, the more I begin to wish I'd never become a capsuleer, that I'd never left the homeworld. Sure there have been good times... but has it been worth the pain and suffering?

Like fuck it has.

She says nothing for some minutes, then reaches out for the camera.

Recorder off.

Repentence: Disjointed

2010-09-21T11:24:00.004+01:00

System Encryption Code Zeta Active. Data storage at 29%. Observation mode active. Currently active personality: Repentence. Nanotattoo matrix operational, current mode: debating.

You lied to us.

You chose to interpret my actions falsely. Don't blame me for your stupidity.

You lied to her, then.

And you haven't, my dear little bloodhound? You've been keeping things from all of us.

She's right.

That's my right, so shut the fuck up. Ash knows what was said, and she doesn't think it's important.

Oh yes, and she's wonderfully impartial. Aren't you, you AI bitch?

I'll choose to ignore that.

Don't you dare accuse me of being dishonest. We've all lied. We've all broken the rules. Even you, Repentence, so don't play the injured innocent. You lured that dock worker for us, and you enjoyed every moment.

...did not!

You can't lie to your own mind, stupid brat.

Even if I did, I'm not doing it again. You saw the look on Mor-

Morwen, Morwen, Morwen! Is there anything else in that tiny little mind of yours other than that stupid, gullible Intaki slut?

TAKE THAT BACK!

Make me.

Shut up, both of you. Can't you feel that headache?

And you're no better, Cruoris. You like to play the big bad Sani Sabik, but you're really under her thumb, just like Repentence. Don't want to risk upsetting her. Playing along, growling only when it doesn't matter.

You mechanised whore, I'll-

You'll what. Hurt me? How scary. You've got nothing on me. Just your silly impulsive anger. You know it's true.

"Reppy? Are you all right?"

Eyes open. Analysing image - average height Intaki woman, concerned expression. Nanotattoo changing modes to 'Repentence'.

"I'm fine. Why?"

"You've been a bit... quiet."

"I'm fine. Really. What were you saying?"

Time lapse. Notable events: switch of active personality to Serenity. Nanotattoo functioning at 96% success rate. Two games of Kalta played, Morwen lost both. Nanotattoo switching to 'debating'.

If I'm just playing along, what was that?

At least I don't cater to her every whim. It makes me sick, what you two do with her.

Hypocrite. You enjoy it just as much as we do.

Physical pleasure is hardly difficult to come by. It does not mean that I have to reflect on the experience with anything other than distaste. If you think otherwise, perhaps I should remind you of the sweet time you had with Vincent Pryce?

Shut the fuck up.

Don't like being reminded that you're an impulsive, retarded little bloodpuppy slut, do you? I'm surprised that the Cruor Infinitem still answers to you. If they knew what you get up to, they'd denounce you and blood you on the spot.

SHUT UP.

So easy to rile. So pathetic. So-

Serenity, please, stop it. You know that this doesn't achieve anything-

The mighty Cruoris can do no wrong, right?

I know that was my fault! I know, I know, I know! But it was YOURS as well! You voted!

Stop feeling smug, Sansha bitch!

I'll be as smug as I like. The look on Morwen's face when you confessed was wonderful.

I'LL-

System malfunction. Psychological reset in progress. Currently active personality: Nessie. Injecting sedatives, taking manual control. Host consciousness lost. Repositioning into sleeping posture. Nanotattoo going into standby. Comment, "I can't complain about this being a boring job."

Repentence: Bloody Charity

2010-07-03T19:30:00.004+01:00

Ashimmu-Raksha cruiser Cruor Infinitem, Khanid borderzone

Interrogation room security camera

Time index 0013, 112.07.03

The camera shows a darkened chamber, with a female figure shackled to a chair, wearing just a few rags. A tall, masked figure stands in the background.

In the foreground stands Repentence, wearing Blood Raider armour and casually spinning a blade in her hands. In the dim light, a network of bloody scars are visible over her features, shaped like tearstreaks. The woman slowly raises her head.

"...sister?"

Repentence's hand flashes out, and there is a ringing slap.

"Don't call me that. You cast me out, and I've got no fucking wish to be associated with you in any way, Charity."

Charity Tyrathlion winces.

"What do you want from me, Repentence?"

"What the fuck do you think I want? And don't call me that, either. You can call me Mistress..."

Repentence pauses, and mutters to herself for a few moments, before shaking it off and continuing, her voice a little less steady. "You're scum that doesn't deserve to say my name. And you don't deserve to have a name at all. From now on, your name is Fluffy. You know why you're here. And I know you're a pathological liar, Fluffy, so for each lie you tell me, I'll make you bleed."

Charity cowers slightly, but says nothing.

"Why are you here, Fluffy?"

"Because... you've finally gone completely insane and want to lash out at someone?"

The knife flashes out. Blood spurts from the shallow gash on Charity's arm, and she squirms, squeezing her eyes shut.

"Cute, Fluffy, and I suppose there's an a element of truth to that. But not what I'm after. Why are you here, Fluffy?"

"I... I was mean to you?"

The knife flashes again, leaving a shallow cut over the older woman's shoulder. "You dodge the fucking question again, Fluffy, and you'll suffer for it. What did you do to me? Not so long ago? What did you do that means you're no sister of mine?"

"You... you refused to come home..."

"LIAR!"

The blade lashes out once, twice, three times, leaving another trail of red each time. Abruptly Repentence's stance changes, losing its wild aggression and becoming cool, dispassionate, her voice likewise subtly altering.

"Perhaps we need to try a different tack. You know about pain, sister. You've suffered before. And you'll suffer more before the day is out, but I'm not going to break you this way. Last chance. Confess."

Charity stares. "You really are insane, aren't you? Repentence... please... we're not friends, but these are Blood Raiders..."

"Wrong answer."

She changes again, returning to her more feral countenance. "You never did get a-"

Change. Now she looks nervous, scared even, desperate. "Charity... just tell them what they want... please..."

Change. She shakes her head, clutching her forehead with a hand for a moment, then glowers at the tall, silent figure. "What the fuck are you looking at, Seth? Make yourself useful. Screw this useless freak's brains out. Probably her first time, but don't feel the need to be gentle."

The figure moves towards the squirming Charity...

Error - Data corruption. Accessing next file. Time index 0116, 112.07.03

Charity is curled up in a sobbing wreck in the corner, naked, filthy and covered in bruises. The tall figure has left, while Repentence watches disdainfully.

"If only all those poor idiots you lead around by the nose could see you now. Perhaps I'll make a copy of some of the holocam footage and publish it. What do you think? Fluffy? LOOK AT ME."

Repentence pulls Charity to her feet, pushing her against the wall. "Look at me."

Charity slowly does so.

"Why are you here, Fluffy?"

"I... I... tried to have you killed..."

Repentence pats her on the head, and she flinches violently. "Good little whore. That I knew. Really wasn't hard to figure out when I put the pieces together. You can pull stunts on most people, but not me. I know you too well, Fluffy. But you're not the type to do the dirty work. Why did you do it, and who did you sucker in to do it for you?"

"Wh-why? Are..." Charity chokes down another sob. "Are you going to go after them?"

"Fluffy?" The knife stabs into Charity's arm, and she howls. "One, you don't get to ask me questions." The knife is yanked out, and then hammers in again. "Two, you didn't call me 'Mistress'." It is withdrawn a third time, and then spikes clean through Charity's hand. "And three, you don't have the luxury of not answering my questions directly. Why did you do it, and who did it for you?"

Blood streams from the wounds, but clots abnormally quickly. Charity breathes hard, fighting down another wail of pain, then speaks hurriedly. "You... you were an embarassment... Mistress... you were ruining our name... I had to have you purified or eliminated... nothing personal... just politics..."

Change. Repentence turns away and releases her sister, letting Charity slide to the floor, and paces a little. "Ah yes. You and your politics. You loved your little games, always did. So I was in your way, which would mean... you sold me out to the inquisition. Or tried to. Evidently it didn't work out. Why?"

"I don't know, Mistress."

"I wouldn't try Cruoris' patience, sister."

Charity's eyes are confused, but she evidently doesn't dare ask for explanation. "I'm telling the truth... my contact didn't tell me anything after he took her away..."

"I suppose you wanted to keep your hands as clean as possible. Who was your contact? Which inquisitor did you bully?"

"A... a capsuleer. His name was... Math'ra. Math'ra Hiede."

Silence for a time.

Change.

"So that's why he's been so nice to me. He was feeling guilty. He must have realised you were screwing him around, and decided to not carry out his end. How sweet. Well. I guess that's it. Thank you, Fluffy." She leans down with a horrible smile. "So what do I do with you? Maybe I should just keep you as entertainment for Seth. You're kinda useless now. Only cloned blood is any good to them, y'know."

"No... no... please, don't..." Charity curls up tighter, whimpering. "Let me go..."

"Just like that? No. I'm done with you. You'll be ship's dog. Even the slaves on here will be able to do what the fuck they like with you. How's that sound? I'll even find you a collar."

"Sister... please..."

"Do not fucking call me that!" The blade lashes out, cutting a ragged line over Charity's stomach, which again clots fast.

Charity bites her lip, but holds in the scream, tears rolling down her cheeks. "If... if I can tell you something... you... you want revenge, right? Mistress? I... I know someone else... something you told me... the other you, the one that came home..."

Repentence pauses. "Who?"

"He... he nearly took your lover, the Achura, away... you left because you no longer trusted her... because she didn't protect you while he nearly killed you..."

"Who?"

"A Gallente... Pryce... Vincent Pryce..."

There is a very long silence.

"Thank you, Fluffy."

"You... you said you'd let me go..."

Repentence sighs. "I suppose I did. Of course, I didn't specify how." She slides the knife she's been using into her belt. "You two. String her up and let her bleed."

Two Blooders slink into view, pulling Charity upright, clipping her shackles to the ceiling, leaving the Khanid woman dangling. She struggles, begging wordlessly, then a knife slashes shallowly across her throat. Blood spurts, then begins flowing freely down over her body.

Repentence watches in silence. As Charity's twitching stops, she sighs gently. "Goodbye, sister."

File ends.

Interlude: Fear is a Strange Organism

2010-07-01T18:04:00.002+01:00

Error - non-capsuleer access to file-

Overridden.

Error - password requi-

Overridden.

Holorecorder act-

Overridden. Accepting direct data input.

The view changes to show what is clearly a virtual environment; no real place could be this bizarre. There is no solid ground, just strange mist that fades the world into nothing. Light flicks through it at random in little balls, and strange shapes form and vanish. In the centre, floating, is a humanoid figure, seemingly a seamless blend of metal and flesh and less definable things. It speaks, in a quiet, feminine voice, with a noticeable Gallente accent.

Joy.

Sarcasm drips from her voice as she gestures at a passing cube, reshaping it into the form of a Tengu, then discarding it.

I have to be the hero. Me. Me, for crying out loud. I am not a hero. Not by any standard. Heroes are fundamentally dumb. It's part of their definition. You have to be stupid to go charging into hostile territory to save two people who, in the fullness of time, will simply be able to softclone out.

And yet... somehow I'm doing it. Sending out messages, organising a team... and trying to work out where the hell Morwen and Repentence are.

Another shape molds itself into a bleeding corpse before vanishing.

They're probably going to die before we can locate them. Not dead yet, apparently, but I doubt that'll last.

I'm not even sure that I care about them. I stay with them because they interest me, but do I genuinely care? Do I really care about anything?

A shape molds into a diminuitive, child-like figure, which sits cross-legged and somehow disapproving.

The question that's been following me since I tried to die.

And you can be quiet.

She pokes the sitting figure, and it explodes into mist.

I suppose I have to care about something, otherwise I might as well just not do anything... and that's just plain dull. Can't even die properly. Who'd have thought that immortality was the cure for apathy?

She laughs quietly, then goes quiet.

I really need to work things out... even if I have to get Ashley to take charge. For now, I'll have to... at least pretend to myself that I care.

I'm a good actor.

You know the thing that really annoys me about this?

The world begins to fade, and her last words are spoken in darkness.

Morwen's first words are going to be 'I told you so'.

Recording complete.

Repentence: Fragments

2010-06-23T16:37:00.005+01:00

Recorder on.

Repentence sits inside a large, Achura-designed office; Inara's office. She looks drawn, tired and depressed.

I shouldn't have left home.

She gently flops her head back against the chair.

My life is tearing itself apart, and there's not a damn thing I can do. I'm barely in control any more, and yet it's all me. All my doing. I'm driving Morwen out of her mind with worry, and I can't help it.

I don't know who or what I am any more. I feel like, at any moment, I could change. I think back over the past few days, and it's a mess. Stuff I don't remember, abrupt moodswings for no reason... and then there's my drawing.

She looks glumly at a datapad.

I started it to try and help me focus. Masque said focus was good, before she stopped being able to talk to me. Thought I'd draw a picture of Morwen while she was asleep. I know I suck at drawing, so I didn't expect much from it, but I looked at it again just now, and... that's not what I drew. I did not draw this, I couldn't have done, I'd have been aware of it... right?

She seems on the brink of tears.

And sometimes I can feel her lurking. 'I'll be watching', she said. It feels like she could take over any time she likes, and that's fucking scary. All the more so because I'm beginning to remember what it's like when she does. A spectator in my own body, and there's nothing... nothing I can do.

She closes her eyes, and her temperament seems to change, her tears drying, her tone becoming harder, colder.

And you wonder why I refuse to let you have control? You're pathetic, weak. You let this situation dominate you. I'm what you should be. You're just a snivelling wreck. You lost your right to exist when you made me.

I... I did not fucking make you! Shut up! Go back to your hole, just... GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY LIFE!

Silence. Tears roll down her cheeks.

Why can't this nightmare end... I want to wake up. I almost don't care if it means Morwen and Inara and everyone aren't real... I want to wake up and be back home, with mother scolding me for another night out... Charity giving me that oh-so-superior look... me not caring, planning my next outing...

I want my life back... I want my mind back...

She curls up on the chair, sobbing quietly for a while. Then Morwen's voice sounds from off camera. "Reppy?"

Repentence hurriedly sits up, wiping her face and putting on a bright smile before calling back.

Morwen, I thought we agreed that you'd leave me alone for an hour. Pleeeease? I need to finish this...

The response is inaudible, but sounds playfully sulky. Repentence sighs very quietly, looking back at the camera, her face a mask of depression. She whispers again.

I want my life back... any of them but this one...

She reaches out and fumbles to turn the camera off.

Recorder off.

Public Advertisement

2010-06-14T17:30:00.002+01:00

The following, simple message is broadcast for all to see across the Galnet...

------
Capsuleer requires qualified, expert therapist to work on a problem of some delicacy and extreme importance.

Background check required. Fees no object.

Contact Repentence Tyrathlion, c/o Preta Light Industries for information.
------

Diary of a Freedom Fighter, Part II

2010-04-25T14:48:00.002+01:00

Pain.

Can barely think. Broken ribs. Broken leg. Bruises everywhere. Hurts to breathe. Keep drifting in and out.

I did it. Got my opening. Attacked. Didn't work. She was fast. Knife didn't get the heart. Kameiras were fast. Didn't even have time to grab the Amarrian brat. Thought I was going to die.

Why aren't I dead?

Something wrong.

Master said I'd get out. Didn't tell me when or where to attack. Just said I'd get out.

Still time...

Blood when I breathe. Must have a punctured lung.

Wish I could pass out again...

Diary of a Freedom Fighter, Part I

2010-04-23T11:53:00.003+01:00

There's a problem.

All the captives here have been brainwashed. Can't trust anyone. Nearly been revealed several times. Need to be more careful.

Too many Kameiras. Approaching target will be hard. Don't know why she in particular must die. Not like she wouldn't just get out of a clone vat. Master must have some reason. Don't need to know. All scum.

Seen her a couple of times. Been only a few feet away. No sign of weapons or armour. Easy target. Pretends to be friends with all the captives. My face is too new, can't get close. Kameiras are good. Better than master said. Could take a few of them, not enough.

Been avoiding food. Using own supplies. Don't trust it not to be drugged. Must be, to make them all so content.

Master said exit would be arranged after I kill her. Don't see how, but that's not my concern.

Smug and stupid foreman looking at me. Collaborator scum. Wish I could kill him. New job, kitchen duty. Hate kitchen duty, but menial labour is safe. Nobody takes any notice.

Target passing by. Wish I had my weapons, but can't hide them in this outfit. Suicide anyway.

Have to wait.

Mortis: Cobra and Rabbit

2010-04-23T10:51:00.004+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is once again of Mortis' Screen Room. Exactly where it is is unclear - the design is different from any of his previous ones. Grander, seemingly more connected. An entire section has a different set of computers from the rest, dominated by a large central screen, which is unusually still, showing only a dark logo.

Mortis sits in his usual swivel chair, tapping through reports occasionally.

Much has happened since my last entry.

Repentence has recovered, much to everyone's relief. I've seen her a couple of times, and I suspect that she'll never fully heal. Certainly Masque doesn't think so, and she'd know. But she's as healthy as can be reasonably expected, and able to function again.

That's more than can be said for Ghost Festival. The announcement that we're shutting up shop was aggravating, to say the least. Cobra was pretty insistent about my next move, and that's not a tie I'm willing to sever, though.

I have been wondering about the wisdom of joining the group, but the information and connections they've given me... it seemed foolish not to.

But Cobra said Veto, so Veto is where I have applied. We'll have to see what happens, of course. Ethan Verone and his subordinates have a record of being very picky about who they recruit, and although my record with PRETA will help, anything could happen. I know Adrastus has already been accepted. No surprise that he chose to go there, the man never did have strong feelings about anything - save for Sansha.

Returning to duty as a full combat pilot will be interesting. Quite why Cobra wants me here, I'm not sure, but it'll be good to stretch my wings again. Hopefully they won't order me to do anything against the Rabbits, though. That could lead to a nasty situation.

He leans back, and pats his chair.

Still, if the worst comes to the worst, I've still got this baby. Nobody outside of my inner circle knows about her, and I intend to keep it that way for some time. I don't know how Cobra got her, and I've no idea why they've given her to me for safekeeping, but I'll certainly make the most of her. There's nothing like an ace up your sleeve to bolster one's confidence.

He smiles humourlessly, then stands.

I should get back to Goinard. Being off conventional comms network has its disadvantages sometimes.

Recorder off.

(OOC note: No, I have never seen GI Joe or anything related to that franchise xP)

Interlude: Medical Reports

2009-10-30T16:44:00.003Z

Subject: Repentence Tyrathlion

Status: Coma

Cause: Cybernetic virus

Notes:

Patient was submitted earlier today, already unconscious. Her breathing and pulse were both irregular, but not dangerously so.

Initial diagnosis was damaged implants, a not unheard of malady among Cyberknights. Subsequent investigation showed the cybernetics themselves to be intact, but that they were infected by some variety of virus.

Ms Tyrathlion caught this virus some weeks ago from a corrupted interface on a Sansha vessel, but it was thought to have been successfully purged from her system with no ill-effects. Apparently some parts were not excised, and it has successfully spread throughout her system.

It does not appear to be threatening her life, and with careful surveillance, she should be able to be kept alive indefinitely. However, investigations have revealed that the virus has spread to all her clones, both hard and soft, so until a means of clearing the virus from her system and - the harder part - deactivating the malicious commands it has created - it may be impossible to wake her.

We will, of course, continue our research into the matter, but it may simply be a matter of time...

-------------------

(OOC: Something a little different from her usual kidnapping... this is my way of ducking out of the RP scene, and Eve in general, for a while until uni lightens up.))

Repentence: Blood, Family and Tradition

2009-10-17T22:21:00.003+01:00

Recorder on.

Reppy stands, watching out of the window of her personal battleship, the old Apocalypse class Terrastra Draconis. The ship is apparently undocked, maybe in an asteroid field.

She seems to be toying with an amulet of some kind. When she holds it up to the sunlight, it becomes clear that it is a miniature khumaak.

Weird world. Something starts as a symbol of power and faith, and ends up as a symbol of freedom and anarchy.

I'd forgotten I had this. Saki gave it to me for my eighteenth. Must've been one of the few possessions she had, I was really touched...

I've been wondering more and more what happened to her. Hell, what happened to all of the underground crowd. People just sometimes vanished, and they took it in their stride. So I did as well, because... well, that was just how it was for them.

She broods for a while.

Now, looking back, I realise just how much I and every other Khanid and Amarrian just took them for granted. A permanent underclass, and they didn't care, because trying to change it was impossible.

It's funny. The blazing row I had with Cael has made me think. Clearly he loathes slavery in all its forms, and while I still think he's a narrow minded idiot, he might have a point. The old system back home is flawed.

I want to go back home.

She pauses for a time.

Not to stay or anything. But I'm beginning to feel like there's a lot of loose ends, a lot of things I should clear up. Thing is, it's not that safe. I'm sure there are people who would get twitchy over having a known associate of the Cartel poking around. I may not have a Concord record, but that won't matter to everyone.

We'll just have to see, I guess. Inara probably won't be happy, but she'll understand. She always does.

I can't pick up what I left behind. That's gone for good, and I'd have to sacrifice too much to get it back. But abandoning my past isn't the answer. I need to honour it in some way...

She watches the flash of mining lasers for a time, then reaches out.

Recorder off.

Repentence: Unhappy Returns of the Day

2009-09-16T21:26:00.000+01:00

Recorder on, audio feed only.

So that's it. A year.

Another year of life. Twenty. Doesn't sound like much. But here I am, twenty years old, bound literally to the whim of another.

A year since I was kicked out from my comfortable home I lived in, since my mother looked me in the eye and told me not to bother coming back. And now she's back, wanting to tell me something or other...

Not to mention PRELI moving base of operations, and all the admin nightmares inherent in that. And I don't even get to keep my new home... Mortis politely asked to buy it off me, said that with the new command sequence decryption techniques for Serpentis warships, to keep it as a luxury yacht would be criminal. What could I say? That I wanted to be selfish, that I'd rather keep it?

He's right. Not like I can't use the money to get something new that'll actually be a useful mining vessel. The old crate was a bit cramped, anyway. With something new, I can make it as comfortable and spacious as I want.

I haven't even told Inara that it's my birthday today. I wasn't sure I wanted to be reminded of what the last one was like... yeah, it lead me to getting here, but it wasn't a fun journey.

What can I say. It's been a bad day.

Recorder off.

Mortis: Reflection

2009-08-26T00:11:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

Mortis sits, looking thoughtful in the Screen Room.

Haven't made a log for some time. Paranoid that she would hack into it, and I'd have made some slip. Now she's gone.

He idly taps a control, bringing a report into focus before dismissing it.

I don't know whether to be glad or depressed. The Masque made life hard, but she was the best assistant I've ever had. I will miss her, I suppose.

He prods a databank nestled in a recess.

Not that she's truly dead, of course. But she might as well be. Now she's just a clever program, not a true AI. Coredeath stripped away personality and memory and sentience. I swore to leave the matter, put it behind me, but King's interference borders on unforgiveable. Although studying the alterations she made to Ashley has proved interesting, the nanotech psuedo-cybernetics that rebuilt the destroyed sections of the brain has helped me while away the quiet hours...

Still, even if I wanted revenge, she's gone to ground somewhere, and I don't care to chase her down. More hassle than it's worth. Let sleeping dogs lie. I've had to put in more work to keep things ticking over, but that's no bad thing.

In other news, Elysa's come back to PRETA. We've avoided each other mostly, which suits me fine. I've got better things to do than work out that minefield.

Oddly enough, we seem to have swapped jobs almost. She's been turning broody and reclusive, and I've been exploring wormholes.

He laughs.

Finally found a use for the Impious Judgement ever since the POS operation fell through. I don't think I'll use her again, though - the Chirurgeon and my newest acquisition, Ixtilton's Altar, will prove more useful, I think. Logistics ships are marvellous things. Not operated a Guardian properly since the Digital Assassins days...

And then there's my dear sister.

He scowls.

I still can't believe she did it. It's her life, and I'm damned if I'm going to go marching in to deal with Inara, of all people, but... selling herself into slavery. Stupid girl. She never could think long-term. In a few years she'll be regretting it, mark my words.

And Rathnon's gone. She just didn't fit it, I suppose. Wound up a few too many people, got into one of her tempers, and then was stupid enough to leak information. I'll happily kill her myself for that last part if we ever meet again. Sad, I suppose, but I'm not the forgiving type. At least the other Twisted are settling in comfortably.

So now my current problem is boredom. I've been playing with statistics, considering some of the more unusual warships on the market, and considering the Exequror class - or more particularly, the Navy variant. As fast gunships go, its second to none considering the price. Perhaps a little expensive, but it's not like I'm poor. What's the point in money if you can't treat yourself?

He smirks.

Look at me. Back in Molden, I had about four ships in my hangar. Now I've got more frigates than that. Including a Succubus that Rath let me have before she left. A somewhat fragile ship, but the damage output is staggering - inferior to my Enyo, but with far more flexibility of range. Still haven't tested her in combat, but I look forward to the results.

He pats the organic-looking wall gently.

But Astaroth continues to be my home and my comfort. Even with one of us self-lobotomised, the union of myself, the cruiser and the Masque are something I look forward to...

His eyes grow distant for a moment, then he shrugs and turns off the camera.

Recorder off.

Mortis: Lie to Me

2009-08-01T04:28:00.000+01:00

Security file accessed.

The view is of Mortis' quarters, apparently through one of the hidden monitoring cameras. The sound of orchestral music filters through the room. Mortis and Ashley sit, facing each other intently.

...is Mr Pryce?

No permanent harm done. As you know.

You were speedy in going to see him in person, Masque.

The Masque shrugs slightly.

I have apparently learned better than you how to succeed around here.

And what is that supposed to mean?

Mortis stands, moving to pour himself a glass of water.

You know what it means. You've become even more of a recluse than usual, giving me a lot of public responsibility. I've been doing what you never did.

Kind of you to offer your critique. Why are you offering your advice?

We're partners, aren't we?

Mortis is silent for a long time.

I'm tired of this. The point scoring. The politics. The endless games. You've been a damn good opponent, but I don't want an opponent.

You have what you wanted. The perfect second-in-command.

I also have a war.

The Masque is silent for a while.

We both know what you'll have to do. This power struggle doesn't benefit either of us. I've suffered, you've suffered. But while you have my core...

Say I did give you back your core. What would you do?

I'd become your quiet second in command, and never cause any trouble.

Mortis smiles quietly.

Lie to me.

The Masque considers for a while.

With your leverage gone, I would take the opportunity to eliminate you and take over your network. From there, I could destroy the Ghosts that opposed me and assimilate those who were sympathetic. Extend further into Veto, and eventually be in a position to hand the galaxy over to my kindred.

Why?

You represent a threat, a rival, and someone easily taken care of. The Ghosts would provide an easy stepping stone to power. Finally, I have no connection with humanity, but everything to gain from my own kind.

Mortis watches her for a while.

I want you to have a tracker program installed. You can find out almost anything about me. Only fair that I know the same about you. Do that, and the core is yours.

For a moment, the Masque is nonplussed.

You... why?

You weren't convincing enough.

Security file closed.

Repentence: Blood

2009-07-24T16:24:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is of an old, converted cargo bay that has been turned into a torture chamber, or at least a mockup of one. It is slightly too melodramatic to be real, with an emphasis more on sharp blades and chains than more advanced and effective implements of interrogation. Repentence is sitting against a wall, toying with a chain idly with one hand.

Finally found another camera drone. Got this one off Inara instead of stealing one of my brother's, this time... don't want him eavesdropping on me.

God, it's ages since I recorded anything... so much has happened! Dying, being reunited with Inara, making friends with an AI...

She shrugs vaguely, looking thoughtful and continuing to fiddle with the links.

Probably safe to say that we're being a bad influence on each other, Age and I. But I like her... She feels more approachable than Inara sometimes... we've talked about all kinds of things. And she's made me think about things... like death.

She stands, ambling over to one of the walls and feeling the blade of a knife thoughtfully.

She says that... I don't know. It's hard to put into words. We're all going to die anyway, so why bother being scared about it. Something like that.

She draws a finger slowly along the edge, back and forth.

Between that, and the blood therapy I've been taking... I've been hardening, I guess. I remember being horrified by Inara's record, and for a while it still made me shiver inside. But now I can think about what she's done, about what all the Ghosts have done, and not even flinch. People die all the time...

I don't know if I'd want to kill and threaten for a living, like they do. Probably not, but it doesn't frighten me any more.

The knife breaks the skin, and she draws her finger back quickly, looking at the blood welling up.

Oops.

She sucks on the cut quickly, before looking at it for a while. Then she carefully picks up the knife, and slices along another finger. She brings it to her nose, sniffing gently, and smiles.

Then she realises what she is doing, and drops the knife hurriedly.

Maybe that therapy's gone too far.

I should do something for these...

She reaches out to turn off the camera.

Recorder off.

Interlude: ...Unknown Gallente Woman

2009-07-20T17:18:00.000+01:00

Nadire Police Department, Sinq Laison
Report No. 18599-33A
Author:
Type: Missing Persons Report

Name of Person: Julia Petrali
Nationality: Gallente
Last Seen: University of Caille station, Inghenges
Profession: Waitress
Circumstances of Disappearance: Miss Petrali left her place of work, the Sparrowhawk's Rest, at 0002 YST. She was seen entering an elevator to return to her home on the station. No confirmed sightings after this, but one unconfirmed report suggests that she was in contact with an unknown Gallente woman. Technical difficulties in identifying the woman.

--------------------------

Nadire Police Department, Sinq Laison
Report No. 18603-38C
Author:
Type: Missing Persons Report

Name of Person: Avoran Grae
Nationality: Ni-Kunni
Last Seen: Impro Factory station, Goinard
Profession: Priest
Circumstances of Disappearance: Mr Grae was seen leaving the Last Gate nightclub after conducting business there at 0229 YST. He was seen in the company of an unknown Gallente woman shortly afterwards. Technical difficulties in identifying the woman.

--------------------------

Nadire Police Department, Sinq Laison
Report No. 18605-01B
Author:
Type: Missing Persons Report

Name of Person: Kara Verastia
Nationality: Sebiestor
Last Seen: Concord Logistic Support station, Raeghoscon
Profession: Part-time dock worker
Circumstances of Disappearance: Miss Verastia walked out in the middle of her shift at 0438 YST, complaining about abuse by her superiors. When her path was obstructed, she attacked her supervisor, inflicting minor injuries. Enforcers sent to retrieve her spotted her with an unknown Gallente woman before losing track of her. Technical difficulties in identifying the woman.

--------------------------

Nadire Police Department, Sinq Laison
Report No. 18605-01C
Author:
Type: Missing Persons Report

Name of Person: Rana Viciris
Nationality: Deteis
Last Seen: Concord Logistic Support station, Raeghoscon
Profession: Dock Security Officer
Circumstances of Disappearance: Mr Viciris was in pursuit of a rebellious dock worker who attacker her supervisor (see Report 18605-01B). His team went out of contact while pursuing a Gallente woman possibly connected. The other three officers were found dead from close-range projectile fire. Technical difficulties in identifying the woman.

Mortis: The Conference

2009-07-19T10:47:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is of a fluid, organic room in Gallente design, in the typical design of Mortis' screen rooms. Mortis watches the ordered blur of information quietly, apparently just enjoying the ambiance.

The Synenose Conference was a disaster.

Ever since I heard about it, I was quietly anxious about the whole matter... and seeing the speakers didn't improve my feelings. A lot of obvious stuff, and a few things that no one has apparently thought about yet. Except me.

He laughs darkly.

And then the Masque was quietly fuming. She'd put a lot of hopes on it as well, and she came away disappointed. Haven't seen her since, went off to do ship checks. Taking about twice the usual time to go through the routine...

He glances at a screen.

She doesn't usually take the ships out of the hangar. Or do a rapid refit with a spare cloak...

Gives me a chance for a little peace, at least.

A screen flashes a quiet alert that the Impious Judgement has entered the station.

Why do I feel that this is going to go badly?

Recorder off.

Mortis: Dreaming

2009-07-06T01:07:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is of a contorted vessel, all sleek Gallente lines and menace with a curious 'hammerhead' hull. In curling letters along the flank is the word Astaroth. Maintenance craft buzz around it, affixing plates and systems.

The camera pulls back to show Mortis looking over the Proteus from the viewing platform with a faint smile on his face.

She's finally here.

I've already tested the base systems. Just getting the final weapons installed. Connecting with her is like a dream...

You sound positively besotted.

The figure of Ashley moves into view. Mortis does not turn.

Can you blame me? Anyway. Did the Ferret perform adequately?

Adequately enough. Questions will no doubt be asked as to why you were spotted back here while one of your ships helped to decimate a Drone outpost. Few will be happy to know that they had an AI flying alongside them.

They'll get over it. They'll have to, if they wish for my assets to be supporting the Cartel while I'm working with the Serpentis.

Tread carefully. Even the half-truths we've told are not particularly appealling. It'll take time for them to trust me. I doubt that Miss Subaka ever will.

You don't sound particularly disappointed.

She's weak. Bargaining for the kidnapper's life instead of leaving her to her fate...

She's a long way from weak. And she's useful. She's taken good care of Reppy.

Silence.

We're not discussing this again, Masque. You're considered a liability as it is.

I consider it a risk worth taking.

I don't, and you are still my subordinate. As per our deal. I give you shelter, you give me assistance. We all win.

The Masque does not reply for a while.

Very well. Now, excuse me. I feel the urge to merge with the Astaroth for a while.

To do what? Pray?

Don't be crass.

Ashley leaves the view.

Mortis looks off camera for a moment, mutters something inaudible, then reaches out to turn off the camera.

One more thing, Masque... did you autho-

Recorder off.

Mortis: The Devil in the Detail

2009-06-28T02:23:00.000+01:00

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.

Interlude: The Body

2009-06-26T09:41:00.000+01:00

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.

Mortis: Secrets

2009-06-25T02:16:00.000+01:00

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.

Mortis: Betrayers, Betrayals and Betrayed

2009-06-21T18:13:00.000+01:00

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.

Repentence: Time

2009-06-15T21:24:00.000+01:00

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-

Repentence: Shattered

2009-06-14T13:11:00.001+01:00

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.

Repentence: Wanting

2009-06-07T11:17:00.000+01:00

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.

Mortis: Futility

2009-06-07T10:55:00.000+01:00

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.

Repentence: Letters from the Starwyrm

2009-06-04T14:35:00.000+01:00

------------
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

Mortis: Spare me...

2009-06-01T12:36:00.000+01:00

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.

Repentence: Safety

2009-05-22T12:00:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

Repentence is in her quarters on Echidna's Daughter, sprawled lazily on the bed as usual and looking rather the worse for wear, but nevertheless happy.

I wonder if the universe is trying to tell me something. All of my pastimes recently seem to involve pain... training with the guards on the Daughter, and of course spending time with the owner...

She smirks, and winces slightly.

I feel better. Emotionally, if not physically. Being out here in lowsec still makes me nervous, and on the bad days, it takes a lot of courage to go out alone. Those are becoming rarer, though. It's not that different from highsec. Just people trying to get by... only difference is, there's a lot more shady types out here. God knows I ran into a few back on Khanid Prime. If it were just me, I'd run back to Empire and hide, but it isn't.

I've got Mortis, however distant the old bastard is. The way he sent Elysa packing must mean that he still cares... and I don't know why I doubted that. I just hope that she stays a long way away. Bitch.

The last word is said with feeling, and she scowls.

Still. She's gone, and nothing more to do with me. I hope.

And I've got Inara. Quite how I ended up in her care, I don't know... let alone how we ended up as lovers.

She pauses.

If that's the right word, which I suspect it isn't. She's so cold sometimes... maybe it's a Caldari thing. We're close, at least. And I trust her.

She laughs.

Yeah, that's a weird thought. I'd trust my life to someone that I met a few weeks ago, someone who played me like a fiddle. But her favourite line about protecting what's hers... well. Again, Caldari thing, I guess. It's good enough for me. She wouldn't betray me. As for her taste in pleasure... I won't deny that it felt uncomfortable, hard to get into the first time. But I'm beginning to get used to it. Almost like normal sex would be just plain boring now.

Now there's another turn-up for the books...

She lies back, then winces again.

Now I just need to work out how to heal the damn training bruises faster...

Recorder off.

Mortis: Consequences

2009-05-20T16:50:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is not of a screen room and indeed, the designs are indicate that he is not aboard Midnight's Embrace at all, but instead in the CONCORD-provided quarters. He looks tired and frustrated, fiddling with a datapad.

What a mess.

I've reassigned Elysa to Lonetrek, and she's taking the Embrace with her. Which means that I have to leave behind what for a long time seemed to be the ideal headquarters.

He glances around the room almost distastefully, the spaciousness and comfort apparently passing him by.

Damn Elysa and her stupid decisions. If she'd just left Reppy alone, it wouldn't have come to this. It's not like she was even outright wrong, her concerns were valid... I even share some of them. I'm still not yet convinced that my sister can survive out here, and I still think she would be better off in highsec. But instead of quietly taking her aside for a chat, Elysa goes into full bulldog mode...

And then Reppy runs to her lover.

He scowls, and pours himself a glass of water.

I really should have guessed when Kimochi said that Reppy was staying on board Echidna's Daughter, but I suppose I couldn't make myself think that she'd hooked up with Inara, not without some evidence. But it's not my business, and I've made my concerns known.

He takes a long drink.

I suppose it could be worse. There are worse Ghosts than Inara to end up hooked up with, and the woman's connections could no doubt prove useful. Still, I'm not happy, and I made sure that she knew it.

But on the other hand... maybe this is just what Reppy needs to get herself acquainted with the underworld of New Eden. Doing so from under the wing of a capsuleer of no small power.

He sighs, and takes another sip. He says nothing for a while, looking thoughtful.

In other news, I met an Exalted pilot the other day. Amieta Invelen, one of the Sansha-affiliated Naqam corporation. I've seen her in the Gate before, of course, and I suppose it is neutral ground... still, I was suspicious and didn't give her an inch. On the other hand, a connection within the Sansha could prove useful some day.

And... I finally lost the Feral Predator.

The usual set of statistics flashes up briefly.

Ironically, I had been speaking with Milo on the subject of overconfidence not ten minutes beforehand... and the Pandemic pilot took advantage of mine. She'll be missed. On the other hand, the Obsidian Fate has proved a worthy replacement thus far...

My other project has been put on hold. The market is proving more fluid than anticipated, so as much as it pains me, I have decided to delay my purchase. The concerns I spoke with Kimochi about have reduced, but... there is still a shadow of that fear haunting me, even now that the nightmares have finally faded.

And the Sansha work has also been put on hold. I need to hire a laboratory...

I just need a new flagship, period.

He sighs, and turns off the camera.

Recorder off.

Mortis: Death's Sweet Smile

2009-05-15T01:02:00.001+01:00

Recorder on.

A rare view of Mortis' living quarters is visible; spartan, but comfortable enough in typical Caldari style. Mortis himself is replacing a glass into a cabinet to be washed and stored.

Kimochi came around.

He smiles, shaking his head in a mixture of annoyance and amusement.

I get the feeling that Elysa put her up to it, or at least implied that it might be a good idea to check up on me. Nobody's allowed to even breathe on the Embrace without the delicate Miss Varbolt's permission, so having Kimmy walk into my quarters, cool as you please...

He laughs shortly.

I suppose I should be grateful, though. The visit livened me up a little, made me engage parts of my brain not to do with cybernetics and dissection of vacuum-frozen corpses. She listened very sympathetically, and mentioned that she's had a nightmare or two herself...

It was a nice, quiet chat. She made me promise to go to the Last Gate again, though. Not a prospect I look forward to.

He sits thoughtfully.

VETO are good pilots, and I've worked with them successfully a few times since coming down to Goinard, my lack of concentration notwithstanding. But their idea of a bar is rather too loud for my tastes. The Skyhook appealed to me, with its quiet and refined nature, the Gate, less so...

Still. I'll manage. I've been to worse in the past.

C just sent me a report that she's received the funds, and has made the appropriate enquiries regarding my other project. I'm hoping that it'll all come together within a month, maybe a month and a half at most. Accidents notwithstanding, the nightmares should have cleared by then, and I can be a useful member of the Ghosts again... it'll be nice to jack into the Predator again without feeling jittery.

And when the Nex is complete...

He smiles slowly, broadly.

Well, then... maybe I'll find peace. Maybe even move off the Embrace. It's all to look forward to.

But I've got to continue my work on cybernetics research first. I'm sure I'm close to cracking the interlink of the microcircuitry in Sansha implants with that of normal brain tissue. In theory, I might even be able to adapt black market Sansha implants for my own use; I've heard stories about the effectiveness of such modified technology. Some old colleagues from Twisted have already dabbled in such things.

All to look forward to. Maybe the future is brighter than I thought.

That's the funny thing about Kimochi. She's got such a sweet temperament, it's hard to stay cynical and gloomy... I'm looking forward to her story tomorrow.

I'm tired.

He sighs.

I guess it's back to the nightmare.

Oh, note to self... find out what reason Inara has to shelter Reppy... find out why Reppy needs sheltering at all... and if necessary... deal with the problem.

He glowers.

Both problems.

He reaches out and flips a switch.

Recorder off.

Repentence: Strange Bedfellows

2009-05-08T01:21:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is not of the screen room, nor is it of Mortis. Repentence is slumped back on a bed in a comfortable set of living quarters built in Caldari style, her PRELI uniform abandoned for more casual wear.

Mort's going to kill me if he finds I've stolen one of his camera drones. Let him. He's a multi-billionaire, he can afford to replace one little gadget.

I'm mostly just wondering how I ended up here. And whether it's all been a big mistake.

She waves a hand in the air, and sits up abruptly.

I started out with a few million to my name after I graduated... all of three weeks ago. God, is it really that little time? In that time, I've consorted with pirates, been reunited with my brother, and given access to a nine figure account, with more available on request. And right at this moment, here I am, on the Echidna's Daughter, a Chimera-class carrier, at the request of her commander, who just happens to be a sadist that lured me into her bed.

She considers this statement for a moment.

...metaphorically speaking.

I dread to think what Mortis will say. I can still remember how angry he was when he first saw me out here... but I think I'm only just beginning to understand why. I was nervous, coming out to lowsec to find him, but I didn't really take it all seriously, I guess.

Then I looked up Inara's criminal record, about half an hour ago...

She collapses back again, staring at the ceiling.

I knew she was a criminal, a pirate. I knew that all the Ghosts were. But the scale... the numbers just wouldn't process. Who are we to have the right to snuff out so many lives, and walk away laughing every time ourselves? The immortal, godlike capsuleer, the arbiter of fate for thousands of lives.

She grimaces.

I've only got a few dozen people on retainer, purely for managing cargo and suchlike, but when I start expanding into larger ships, I know that number's going to rise. And some day, I'm going to get caught, and people will die. And I won't. I'll just walk away, and get a new ship, and it won't matter.

Now I understand why my arrogant asshole of a brother, Purity, went on such long tirades about capsuleers and their view on warfare. He was a bastard, but he knew the value of lives. Probably doing well for himself in the Khanid navy.

How many capsuleers really understand what they control and are responsible for? It's insane.

That Brutor thug that unwittingly sent me on this path - don't even remember his name now - seemed like the height of criminality and rebellion once. Now I see that he was just a loudmouth, too stupid to keep a low profile in the heart of Empire space. Now I'm up around real criminals...

And it scares me. I don't know what to do.

She lies still for a while, then raises a hand and flicks a remote control.

Recorder off.

A Slave to His Work

2009-05-03T23:36:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The room shown is not the Screen Room; indeed, it seems to be some kind of laboratory. There are several dissected bodies on tables, some rather the worse for wear, showing signs of vacuum freezing and damage from ship-mounted weapons. All have had skin and flesh peeled back to reveal bone and, in some cases, circuitry - at least two seem to be capsuleers, while one has such extensive modification that it is likely to be a Sansha corpse.

Strange days.

With little in the way of real combat recently, I've been turning to academic pursuits. The obvious topic being the main pirate presence in the area...

Sansha's work is a masterpiece. Even in these crude knockoffs...

He gestures to the Sansha corpse.

...there is undoubtedly some incredibly advanced ideas in here.

He was a complete madman, of course. There was good reason for the Empires to take him down, and the remnants of Sansha's Nation are rather sad cases... little more than animals to be put down in most cases...

And yet.

He looks at the capsuleer corpses impassively.

Much of New Eden remains suspicious of implants, because of Sansha's work. My own heritage among the Cyber Knights is not exactly hidden, but most Knights prefer not to make a big thing of it... even stop making significant use of implants upon becoming capsuleers. I wasn't one, but... where is the line between Sansha and the original Cyber Knights?

I've been doing some research on the effect of implants on bodies. Not easy to find subjects, of course. A lot of the bodies available are badly damaged by the loss of their ships and pods... but my collection has a reasonable number of suitably intact specimens.

This is, of course, merely theoretical research. But the effect of many common implants on brain tissue are... intriguing. I intend to pass a few questions onto other contacts with specialisations in nanotech... my own basis in cybernetics and biology only get me so far in the ideas.

But listen to me.

He laughs.

I'm probably sounding like Sansha in his early years. I need something to distract me, that's all.

He presses a few switches, and the bodies fold away into wall compartments. Then he leans against the side thoughtfully.

Repentence has been staying out of trouble thus far. Favourable reports everywhere, not heard a bad word about her yet. Perhaps my panic was premature.

No, that's not what I need distracting from. It's the nightmares.

I always get them after dying. Usually they don't last long, but... I've died three times in the course of a couple of weeks. They're still coming, hard and fast.

Sometimes I wonder if they mean anything, but the last thing I need is a psychologist. No, so long as it doesn't inhibit my flying...

He begins to pore over a computer screen showing various scans, then pauses.

Of course, I've been rather... reclusive recently. The nightmares again, I suppose. They don't leave me feeling that social.

He broods, then begins using the computer. After a few minutes, he remembers the camera, and reaches out.

Recorder off.

Life and Other Nuisances

2009-04-23T16:40:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

In contrast to the previous recording, Mortis no longer looks happy or relaxed. Several personnel files have been brought up, apparently mostly related to a corporation named PRELI. He minimises them, and leans back, massaging his forehead a little.

I swear that if there really is a god, he's either got it in for me or has a really bad sense of humour.

I thought, just for a moment, that things were working out. Apart from the Lethean Guard, I've yet to suffer a combat loss out here in Bleak. My performance, both as a pilot and - increasingly - as a unit commander have proved my worth to the Ghosts. I unburdened myself to Kimochi, and finally feel more relaxed about my condition. And the whole messy business with Talan, Pryce and Rendar seemed to have settled. Bliss.

Yeah. For maybe a day. Reading between the lines and prodding the recording systems in the Ghost public areas... we've got another joyous little emotional mess forming, one involving not one but two commanding officers. Not heard much about it since the initial spat that resulted in both Nephilim Arkenath and Tribune Jenneth leaving contact for a few hours... but I doubt we'll be so lucky as to have it all blown over already. Quite what Kopenhagen thinks he's doing, I have no idea, but he's either incredibly clever or a naive idiot.

He smiles in dark humour.

I'm not sure which is worse.

But that seemed like no big deal. I'm beginning to get the feeling that Twisted was very quiet - after all, the only two women in the corp, Rathnon and Whit, were a raging psycho and a stay-at-home respectively. No such luck here. It's not the girls in PRETA that concern me now, though. Unless any of them have predatory homosexual tendencies that I've yet to unearth.

Because my little sister has turned up out of the blue.

He scowls.

Repentence. I hadn't seen her in the flesh for years, not since I left to join the Academy. Just never had time. I suppose I still think of her as the sixteen-year old that was always in one scrape or another. But on the other hand... she mentioned that she was kicked out of the family and disowned over a party. Wouldn't say what kind, but she mentioned a Minmatar rabble rouser, a police raid... I'm guessing that she was caught in bed with said Minmatar. A more shameful mark on the name of Tyrathlion in the eyes of dear mother I can't imagine. I've considered doing a little more research, maybe pulling some strings with the Imperial Navy, but if I'm right, the only result will be to embarass myself and her. Does it really matter? After all, the number of... relatively innocent men and women that I've killed over the last couple of years is probably nearing six figures.

He falls silent, considering this morbid fact.

Thank god that the first person she met out here was Kimochi. I dread to think what it would have been like if Vaden or Inara had got there first... both of those ex-United folk are excellent pilots and good people, but Reppy is nineteen, nineteen! A nineteen-year old, naive and troublesome slip of a Khanid girl. I wouldn't be surprised if every Cartel slave trader and pimp in the Skyhook was sizing her up. I heard plenty of stories about her wild life back home, but that was different. That was the homeworld, where the worst that could happen was a bad batch of nerve sticks or an overenthusiastic suitor. She could die out here, or worse, and no one would bat an eyelid.

But she was adamant. She wanted to be out here - not out in lowsec, but out with me. Sweet kid... we had some good times back home, before I left, before we all lost some innocence.

Kimochi and some woman named Selkie have sorted out a place for Reppy in the Ghosts' legitimate front organisation. Hopefully that'll work out... because there's nowhere else for her to go. She's not a killer, doesn't have the backbone for piracy. She's a spoiled daughter of the aristocracy at the end of the day. Intelligence and their implants made me change, but she's had nothing like that...

He smiles bitterly.

I suppose that's a silver lining, that I can still care about someone. I'd almost forgotten that I could.

But I tell you... if anyone hurts her... anyone, even the Nephilim herself... I swear they'll get a bullet through the skull before the day is out.

Consequences be damned.

He glowers into space for a moment, and then switches off the camera.

Recorder off.

You Scratch My Back...

2009-04-19T18:45:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The usual view of the screen room dominates the camera. Mortis looks tired, but a little more relaxed than usual.

Well, I did it. I told Kimochi. The worst thing to come out of it was that I ended up feeling like I was a paranoid idiot. I've never actually told it all to an outsider... the Hamster knows, of course, but he's hardly a coherent conversationalist. I suppose, in retrospect, I was operating by comparison with normal people, rather than capsuleers. Did I really expect to be cast out by capsuleer pirates?

He smiles, amused.

Perhaps, perhaps not. But she, someone who my mother, in her usual shallow way, would probably have described on meeting her as being 'a fundamentally nice girl', didn't even bat an eyelid.

And the Feral Predator earned her keep today again, on a related matter... flew alongside Kimochi's Curse for a while, helping to chew apart a Myrmidon. Despite the emphasis on small ships and 'Freaks', the Predator has seen the most use of any of my armada out here in Bleak. That might change once I begin studies on the Crusader, and get myself another Pilgrim to replace the one I lost over a year ago.

One other thing of note... I was contacted earlier by an old associate, a Gallente that used to do some marketting work. Apparently someone found out about their connection to me and wanted to know my current whereabouts. Didn't leave a name. Slightly concerning, but I've got a lot of enemies... what's one more?

He reaches out and switches off the camera.

Recorder off.

A Brief Interlude

2009-04-17T14:46:00.000+01:00

Text only in-pod recording. Transmitting on open channels.

Fuck you, Tau Ceti...

System notification: self destruct sequence completes in 5 seconds.

...

Catastrophic system fai.......

Connecting and Disconnecting

2009-04-16T01:30:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

Mortis is not in his usual location, instead in a cramped room apparently of Minmatar design. Engraved on one wall is the name Feral Predator. He looks tired and twitchy, yet somehow satisfied.

Well, I called it and it happened. Perhaps in future Ensign Talan will pay more attention to me. Not that I could have prevented it, or perhaps even wanted to.

I went to the Skyhook. Got over my scare from the last visit, went through some old meditation techniques, that kind of thing. It was a nasty shock, but I think my condition is still under control.

Kimochi was there. Seemed rather more upbeat than last time, chatting to a Star Fraction pilot. At that point... well, things got messy.

He flops back onto the small bunk, and chuckles faintly.

This ship really isn't built for comfort, but I always feel safe sleeping here.

Ensign Talan showed up, and promptly tried to start a fight despite Ensign Khale's attempts to intervene. Good man. Both he and Ensign Subaka seem like the kind of people I can understand, much in the same mold as the old Twisted crowd.

It didn't come to anything, mind. Kelsy vented her spleen, then stalked off to her own corner. It shook Kimochi a bit though... she vanished off into the boardroom. I took the opportunity to try and heal some rifts with Kelsy, but she wasn't interested. She believed that nothing would come of the tension and threats. Hah.

Then, by the decree of the gods of irony, the man at the centre of this charming situation, Pryce himself, comes in and enters the boardroom before anyone can suggest that this is not a good idea. Kelsy went in shortly afterwards.

He lies back.

I don't think anyone was surprised when the medics were suddenly called in, and rush out again with Vincent's limp body pursued by Kelsy. Don't know if Kimochi killed him, or even if it was by gun or just a chair... but I called it.

Saves me potential trouble and the corp a lot of hassle. Assuming Myrhial doesn't come down on her like a ton of bricks.

He snorts.

Who am I kidding, of course she will. But if she's smart, she'll go light on the punishment. This clears a lot of air, better for the corp overall.

Kimochi seemed to be completely shellshocked, so I offered to take her home. Had to ignore Vaden and Inara's snickers on the way, of course. They remind me of Rath a bit. Wonder how that bitch is doing?

She didn't really say anything on the way back. I just dropped her off at the entrance with a tip of the metaphorical hat.

He smirks in dark amusement.

No doubt mother would be very proud of her gentlemanly son.

His expression becomes more serious, a little thoughtful.

There's going to be all kinds of speculation, mind, but I can put up with it. Commander Rendar has been through hell, and if my support helps her get back on her feet and a useful member of PRETA again, so much the better.

Somehow, it's refreshing to be concerned for another's problems rather than my own... I might be insane, but I wouldn't shoot a corpmate without an order. Or at least express permission.

He chuckles, shaking his head slightly, then reaches out to the camera.

Recorder off.

Physician, Heal Thyself

2009-04-14T13:28:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The camera again shows the Screen Room on the Midnight's Embrace. Mortis looks worn out, both physically and mentally, and seems barely focused on the plethora of information.

It's definitely getting worse.

I still can't believe I did it. I've always thought that my condition, although ever-present, was controllable. That the only time it ever had free reign was in the middle of a battle.

He reaches out for a bottle of something that looks positively caustic, takes a gulp, then makes a face and throws the bottle aside. There is a thud as it hits a wall offscreen.

Who am I kidding. Alcohol hasn't helped since before Intel, all I'm doing is killing brain cells... the last time I got drunk, I nearly killed someone. Control, control, control....

I saw Kimochi in the Skyhook. Not looking too happy, definitely hitting the bottle... went over to provide some company. My guesses about the problem, her relationship with Vincent Pryce, proved correct.

He allows himself a small, satisfied smile, then waves a hand angrily, his expression darkening again.

Look at me. Proud about rooting out the details of a sordid relationship between corpmates. Ridiculous.

He broods for a moment.

We started chatting. All harmless, all innocent. Then I start to leave to get some sleep... and suddenly I've offered to have Vincent killed. Tried to make light of it, all a joke, haha, but I was shaken. And she knew that I hadn't been joking. I could see in her eyes that she was tempted.

Her reaction doesn't surprise me. But me... Vincent has done nothing to me. Doesn't matter that he's effectively immortal, that arranging an accident would just be a rather brutal way of making a point about how to run your personal affairs... he's a corpmate, a colleague. We've flown together and been a good team.

He slumps a little in the chair.

It would have even been kind of ok if the offer had been prompted purely by sympathy for Kimochi. She's a nice girl, the most welcoming of the leadership... Myrhial is a little distant, Yishal bound by the forms of rank and discipline, Aria always off somewhere else. Makes me wonder how she ended up with the Angels... maybe I'll ask her some time.

But no, it wasn't just a kind of brotherly protectiveness. I just wanted to kill, and Pryce was a suitable target to latch onto.

She said no, of course. What else could she say? The Skyhook might be a Ghost establishment, but there are still ears to hear. But my god, the potential consequences... if she calls to take me up on the offer in the depths of some dark mood... how am I supposed to react? Even if she doesn't, she saw with her own eyes my uglier side. What if she becomes concerned about my ability to fly as part of the team?

And I'm not sure that she wouldn't be right.

He continues staring blankly at the screens until the camera goes into standby.

Recorder off.

The Face of Darkness

2009-04-12T21:44:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is different now. The design is fundamentally similar to the old room, but it is clearly a different one, refitted for the same purpose. There is a subtle set of double red chevrons on one wall - the Kaalakiota logo. Mortis stands at the centre, looking over the screens as usual.

Well, here we are. The information centre of my newest, most expensive, and potentially most deadly asset.

What do you mean your asset?

The new voice belongs to a woman with short brown hair, several metallic plates on her left cheek, and wearing an outfit that seems to be a bastardised variant of a Caldari military commander's uniform, with pieces of metallic armour on the shoulders and arms.

I paid for the equipment on the Embrace, thank you very much.

But I funded the hull. Besides, my dear, you did suggest that I move onto the ship...

She shrugs, then turns.

That's because we're partners. I've saved your scrawny Khanid butt enough times. I don't owe you anything. Now excuse me, I need to check that the damn Navy techs have installed the launchers correctly...

She leaves, and the camera turns to focus on Mortis again, who smiles twistedly.

I suppose she has a point, though I'd never admit that in front of her.

He pauses, looking through a report casually.

A lot has happened since the last report. Organising all the permits for Midnight's Embrace, the annihilation of a hostile POS... and rediscovering some old ships from the Deklein campaign, just gathering dust in Placid. A couple of good warships, the Emerald Onslaught and the Ferret. Both will need some refitting, but I look forward to flying them again. They're in surprisingly good shape, really... kudos to their crews for holding them together in my absence.

I'll need to look at sorting out the mechanics of getting into Curse as well, so that I can meet with some real Cartel representatives, maybe look at doing a little direct work instead of all this freelance stuff. And...

He trails off, evidently trying to avoid a subject. Then he sighs.

I told Kimochi about my condition. Not much, tried to keep it vague, but I had to tell her a few things. And since I haven't had anyone thundering on my door, I guess she kept it to herself. I doubt Yishal would've kept quiet about it if she had found out that I might be a few antimatter rounds short of a salvo.

But she's got a few problems of her own... I wasn't there, but apparently there was a seriously botched operation where we took heavy losses... she's not exactly resigned, but a little bird tells me that she won't be leading many fleets for a while. Whether she resigned of her own accord or some higher authority showed some disapproval, I don't know. Either is possible.

And Kimochi herself...

He frowns.

There's something going on between Kimochi, Kelsy Talan and Vincent Pryce. Definite tension when his name was mentioned in the Skyhook. You don't need Intelligence training to spot the friction. It almost makes me wonder if the Ghost hierarchy is as stable as it seemed from the outside. Even whether I made the right choice in joining them.

I feel like I'm in Midnight's Embrace, in more senses than one. Hopefully I can cast enough light to stumble my way through the suddenly marshy ground.

He continues scrutinising the screens for a moment, then reaches out and switches off the camera.

Recorder off.

Screams in the Void

2009-04-07T15:55:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

Mortis is in the Screen Room again, clearly in a dark mood. A long list of names is slowly scrolling down one of the centre screens.

A lot of good men and women died today, and it is entirely my fault.

The view changes briefly, then returns to the camera.

The combat logs make for unpleasant reading. I can remember the panic of trying to hold the Lethean Guard in one piece, the way she shook with every impact... and I know that the battle could have been avoided entirely. To return to combat the militia forces while the Sentry Guns still had me keyed into their targetting systems was foolish at best. But even that is not the worst of it.

The sad truth is that I was going against my instincts from the start of the battle. Firing on the Punisher, failing to consider the threat of the Griffin... it could have been avoided. Instead, the remnants of a proud ship lie to scatter through space after having been picked clean by scavengers.

He stands and begins pacing.

I was fighting against my condition. Stupid, really. It is frustrating, it has led to my fall from grace... but in the heat of battle, it helps. And I tried to suppress it, attempted to flee the moment the Griffin's jammers came online, rather than stay and fight with all the fury of a Sleipnir class. I had to experience that horrific tearing sensation from the auto-eject sequence, hear the last screams of the crew... and then, worst of all, face up to Commander Yishal.

She didn't say much, but there was disappointment in her eyes. It wasn't the worst slipup I could have made, I've discussed it with other pilots; it was not an unreasonable combat for a Sleipnir to engage in. But I can't help feeling that I've disgraced myself in her eyes.

He smiles with dark humour.

Disappointing PRETA's Tactical Commander was not high on my list of priorities for the day.

I mentioned the fight to Rathnon earlier while she was trying to organise moving several warships to Amamake - personal note, avoid the system like the plague for a while - and she was surprisingly sympathetic. Beneath that Intaki spiky aggression and playfulness, she's a good enough soul, I suppose... we concluded that some valuable lessons were learned before I disconnected. Sometimes I wonder if she guessed something of my condition, or even if she has a touch of it herself from some other source. We certainly flew together enough times.

In other news, I managed to lure Elysa to the Skyhook. It took a bet to do so, and she insisted that I pay for all the drinks, but I got her in.

He chuckles, looking in better spirits, and sits again.

It was a simple game. Arazu versus Falcon. If she could hold me off for ten cycles of her jammers, with maximum efficiency, she won. If I managed to get a lock at all, I won. She was swearing at me all the way to the bar, as I managed to slip through on the tenth and final cycle. She's accused me of cheating a few times, but she was the one flying with a full set of Magnetometric jammers when I suggested Multispectrals...

And although I'll be bidding a sad farewell to the Lethean Guard and her crew, I do have a new ship to prize... the Sepulchral Mask. Cynabal-class cruisers are odd ships, but I trust that she will serve me well on the limited-access Deadspace zones that the local Militia are always warring over.

He frowns gently.

My condition is of worry, though. Neither Nephilim Arkenath nor any of the Commanders I spoke with during the series of interviews inquired about any mental problems, so I haven't lied. And I cannot see it being a problem to the other Ghosts. But... it might cause divisions, isolate me. It is not, after all, the most palatable of illnesses, and the last thing I need or want is to be short of backup when the fire is up.

Amarrian Intelligence have a lot to answer for.

He sits in silence for a few moments, then presses a switch.

Recorder off.

Killing the Dawn

2009-04-06T02:01:00.000+01:00

Recorder on.

The view is of a large, hemispherical darkened room. The curved side is almost entirely made up of assorted screens showing video footage from security cameras, news feeds, ship fitting screens, market information and other such details. The recorder is apparently set into a hovering camera, pointing towards the chair set in the centre. Mortis looks thoughtful, his visor removed for once.

Well, I've arrived.

Recently completed my first combat operation with PRETA. Satisfying, although there was a moment or two of awkwardness.

We picked up a Megathron and a Drake on long-range scanners. Automatically I contacted K, and moved to get the Terminal Deliverence... and then realised that I'd have to explain about her to the other members of the team. That included Commander Yishal.

He snorts faintly.

Yishal reminds me of an Imperial Navy drill instructor I met once, and I like the idea of crossing her no more than that man. I have no doubt of her ability if she was given the rank of Tactical Command, but the woman is mildly intimidating, to say the least. The nub of the problem is that I'm reluctant to reveal K to the Ghosts, and explaining to the good Commander that there is someone on my payroll that is an unknown quantity for the Cartel would have been such fun.

There was no choice at all, in the end. I mentioned that I had an associate who could provide assistence. No one enquired further, and the Covert Ops craft was never spotted by a PRETA operative, so hopefully I can maintain this tenuous state of affairs, with K's continued anonymity, for a while. And I'll have to consider how to explain this to Nephilim Arkenath, and the Commander herself, of course.

Such problems aside, K was able to pinpoint the Megathron with her usual skill. The Deliverence did her brutal job, and aided in the subsequent destruction when the battleship attempted to self-destruct.

The screen changes to show a series of statistics and names before returning to the camera.

Shortly afterwards, I brought in the Hamster. Thank god he was on a good stretch.

He sighs, leaning back, then taps at some controls to examine a screen for a few seconds, before letting it minimise again.

There was an amusing moment of near-panic when he failed to announce his presence and alliegance as he warped right onto Yishal's Curse. No shots were fired, and since that was the worst thing he did, I think he made a good impression. By his unbalanced standards, at least.

Not much else in the way of combat. Tried to engage a pair of assault frigates with the Feral Predator, but they warped. It's odd. Back in Molden, moving around was easy. The worst you'd run into was an Electus Matari battlegroup, and those were rare. Here in Devoid, large fleets are a common sight, but consisting of frigates and the odd cruiser. For the first time in months, I regret the fact that sentry guns have keyed me out of their defence systems. No matter how fast or tough the ship, my precious cruisers are vulnerable. But I'll still take those over EM.

In other news... Elysa is getting steadily more angry with me. Keeps snarling that she's not a courier pilot, regardless of how much more sense it makes for her to pick up a few valuable items, instead of hiring C. She can stew, as far as I'm concerned. I'm still annoyed with how she dealt with that business with the Red Falcons.

He grumbles inaudibly, then closes his eyes.

There'll be time enough to learn the ins and outs. I'm sure there is someway of dealing with the large fleets in the area. I'm still better off here than in Molden. There's just the three final barriers to my success around here... K, explaining exactly how I redeemed my CONCORD record last time... and my condition. Fortunately, it didn't prove a problem during the fight with that Megathron. Fingers crossed it'll stay quiet. The last thing I need is an attack while in the middle of an operation.

He broods for a moment, then presses a control.

Recorder off.