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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.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Mortis: Reflection
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 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.
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Mortis: Lie to Me
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.
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.
Friday, 24 July 2009
Repentence: Blood
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.
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.
Monday, 20 July 2009
Interlude: ...Unknown Gallente Woman
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.
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.
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Mortis: The Conference
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.
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.
Monday, 6 July 2009
Mortis: Dreaming
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.
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.
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