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Mar 7, 2010 22:36:57 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Mar 7, 2010 22:36:57 GMT -5
The calls of the forest’s animals hardly bothered the young woman tending the fire she’d built up. Wild, heavily wave ridden, locks hung about her face, casting it into shadow save for the very front of it. Lavender colored eyes seemed to stare blankly into the flickering flames, almost haunted looking as they danced about, mired in her own thoughts. Just what was she doing here, really? Why had she bothered to stick around this ship, where she could be easily be tracked down and returned to Green Meadows. These people were liabilities…Whiskey was still working for the people who had killed Victor and Alpha, the people who wanted her back to make her their mindless slave once again…and the boy…she didn’t know him. He might just as soon turn her in as Whiskey would if given the right incentive…but here she was, helping him and making sure he didn’t die of blood-loss. In fact, she'd just finished seeing to him so she'd returned to tending to the fire and mulling over her thoughts.
If she’d been thinking logically, rather than following these new…emotions…she would have just moved on with her day and left them both there once she’d caged Whiskey up in her ship again so the woman couldn’t track her. No, instead she had felt bad for the boy, had wanted to help him like she’d helped the other members of her ‘family’…to keep him alive. Why? It just didn’t make any sense! Nothing made sense any more. Her hands covered her face, fingers sliding up into her hair and elbows resting on her knees as she crouched there. What in the galaxy was she really trying to do? She had so much knowledge, but didn’t have a clue as to how to apply it in this new (and if she was honest, frightening) situation she was in. All she knew was killing and healing her own people, apparently…at least…that’s what her only memories made it seem like. Train, practice, train, study, train, kill, return to Green Meadows to see the doctors…then Victor and the others had started acting strange and then they’d had to run for their lives and she’d had so little explained to her.
Was that all she could do? Kill? No…she knew she could do more…she knew so much, but what good was any of it if she was forced to run constantly? What did people like her DO for a living? She didn’t WANT to hurt people, she didn’t WANT to run, she just wanted to figure out what all of these new feelings were and what they meant and how to control them better so they didn’t suddenly threaten to overwhelm her at the worst times. Speaking of feelings that threatened to overwhelm her, the shaky breath that escaped the young woman shook her frame slightly as she attempted to wrestle her trepidation and feeling of demoralization back into submission. The soft crackling and popping of the fire seemed to lend some sort of comfort to her, a reminder of easier days when all she had to worry about were the creatures of Dxun and finding another meal the next day. Reminders of when Victor was around and she had someone else to count on to help watch her back.
…Sure as hell could use that right about now, too…
She muttered into her hands.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Mar 7, 2010 23:38:42 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Mar 7, 2010 23:38:42 GMT -5
Vaguely he could tell that he was sleeping; the kind of muffled lucidity of a restless dreamer. There was no dream in truth, just a haze of damp soreness that permeated to his bones. He shivered, chilled by the air that licked his moist brow and swept over his body like an intrusive pair of hands. His wings were tucked tight to his back for warmth, the sharp barbs of a few exposed primaries digging into the skin. The pin pricks of the sharp barbs forced his eyes open and he groaned, quavering for a moment before letting himself drift back off again. For some reason Axle felt safe, more secure than he had ever. Perhaps he didn't understand it all himself but his mind was uncharacteristically calm. That alone allowed him to sleep soundly just a little longer... just a little longer.
This was something he enjoyed; a sleep without dreams and, for a while, it was.
Shadows crossed his vision. A light crept up to illuminate the void. The shadows took form before him, a slate gray room lined with desks. He recognized the space somehow but realization failed to hit. Seated against the far wall were two people both huddling around their own square of light, the only illumination. There was the sound of muffled voices; he floated closer. Drifting to the left of the pair he noticed one was a man, the other a woman both nondescript in appearance. Strangely, he thought, he recognized them as well. As he stared at them a tightness built in his chest. The woman smiled and looked at the other who smiled in return. Their hands met. They stood. They kissed. They left the room leaving Axle to drift in silence as the light behind the terminals vanished. Gradually he noticed the wet feeling on his cheeks, the tightness in his chest not abating.
With a gasp, Axle awoke. His first instinct, the one he had lived by his whole life, was to spring to his feet, get control of the situation. His breathing quickened, heartbeat following close behind. He was about to do just that but a throb of pain coursed through him. There was no springing, just a painful jerk upright, his legs refusing to leave their comfortable position. Ggck! A shock of pain ran from the base of Axle's spine and coursed through his wings before returning to the dull throbbing soreness.
As his breathing normalized Axle looked about the camp, his eyes falling here and there on the few items illuminated by the dancing flame. Eventually, his eyes fell on the young woman from earlier; at least, she looked fairly young on the outside. Her hair had a curl to it, running across her shoulders like water flowed over rock. In the dim light her skin looked darker than his, thin eyebrows tapering down into a fragile looking nose. The way she looked though, it was distinctly different than before. No longer in a stance that belied strength she was hunched over, head in her palms. Now if only he could remember her name... T... Tunki, Tanka, Tanko... Axle sighed. He didn't remember being so banged up. As the sobriety of waking returned so did his paranoid thoughts. The memories of the security clashed with the paranoia and the adrenaline started to well up. A twinge of pain his again and Axle decided against moving. Looking down at the bandages that crossed several places on his body it was a safe bet he wasn't going to be going anywhere fast anyway. Maybe... maybe he could get her attention.
I... ughh. You... T... Ta... Th... h-how long was I out?
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Mar 9, 2010 22:29:54 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Mar 9, 2010 22:29:54 GMT -5
She’d been able to ignore most of his fitful sleeping. It was common enough for people who’d lost a lot of blood to have a mild fever, and thus fever dreams. It wasn’t until he’d startled awake that Tango bothered to lift her head from her hands and gaze at him through lavender eyes.
I wouldn’t attempt to move if I were you. You’ll end up doing more damage to yourself.
The warning was mild and even toned as she watched him. His eyes moved about the small crash site and over her form and she adjusted her crouched position to a more open one, her arms coming down to rest, almost casually, along the tops of her knees. One foot planted itself firmly against the leaf and pine needle strewn ground as her weight shifted over to the platform of the other foot. He attempted to move again and she simply shook her head and turned her eyes back to the crackling fire, her worn serape covering her shoulders and back, but kept away from draping down before her and into the fire. Her leather coat and the fire were decent enough in keeping her warm in the front. As he finally spoke, she lifted her eyes to gaze at him once more, tucking a bit of that unruly hair behind her ear and giving him a clearer view of her face.
You have been asleep for nearly six galactic standard hours. You are recovering from minor head trauma, fractured and broken bones, a torn ligament and blood loss from the crash of Whiskey’s ship. I have tended to your injuries, but I suggest you do as I told you and remain still or risk injuring yourself further.
So much for bedside manner…that RELIC chip hadn’t helped her in learning about it, that much was obvious, and though she wasn’t currently under its influence…well…she still didn’t know any other way to handle the situation other than to state the facts for him and catch him up to speed. Only when she noticed the chill of her fingers did she bother to consider anything else. Pulling her pack over, she pulled some of the rations she’d gathered from the damaged ship out and a bottle of water. Standing easily, she made her way over to the young man and crouched down beside him, opening the bottle slightly and the package of crackers before holding them out to him.
Eat and drink these…they’ll help your body regenerate blood cells.
Once he took them she unwrapped and pulled off her serape and draped the brown canvas thing over him without a word before moving to go crouch down by the fire again. Pulling her hair back, she loosely braided the thick stuff and tied it off at the end with some cord she’d scavenged before poking at the burning sticks a moment with another one and then putting more on and blowing on it a few times to help the glowing mass of coals and flaming twigs to breathe better and catch on the new kindling.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Apr 11, 2010 0:11:01 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Apr 11, 2010 0:11:01 GMT -5
Axle didn't know what to say. He was out of his element all over again. First Whiskey, the cold blooded bitch with a chip on her shoulder, now this woman who thought it necessary to patch him up. Cringing against the pain Axle closed his eyes and looked down trying to gather his thoughts, take stock of everything that had happened over the last few days. Captured, broke out, injured, and now on the mend. Hesitantly he tried to extend his wings which did with an unpleasant stiffness. The youth didn't care if this other person saw them now. They didn't hurt as much as before and the pressure on the lowest part of the limbs only meant they had been mended. The sound of footsteps on the soft grass made Axle's eyes shoot open again. The woman was digging in her backpack for something and he immediately tensed his hands curling into fists.
This is it... this is what she was waiting for. And I can't even...
Axle paused and for good reason. The young woman had pulled out of her pack not a gun or blade but a package of what looked to be rations and water. He was speechless as she walked over to him and kneeled, offering the package of crackers and bottle. She spoke in the same empty voice Whiskey used only... this wasn't in malice. He almost thought he heard a genuine aspect of caring beneath the dry wind. Reluctantly and after a few tense moments Axle took them. Somehow, some way he knew that they weren't poisoned. Gingerly he took a long draw of the water; cool and refreshing. Setting the bottle down he pulled out a cracker. For a moment Axle's mind was not on the woman and her next move made him jump as the thick cloth was laid down upon him. He didn't move more than a start and as the cloth fell upon his flesh he suddenly felt no need to. Looking up he watched as his host walked back to her seat around the fire. Looking down he took a loud bite of the flavorless cracker; it tasted heavenly.
I... uh, thank you, I think.
Axle was silent for a time, eating the crackers and sipping at the water. He was struck dumb, or as close as one could get. Such selfless acts... it just didn;t seem possible. Finishing with his fourth cracker the young man placed the pack beside him and looked over at the woman again, still unable to pick her name out of his surprise addled brain. His mouth opened, hesitated, and closed. In his mind there were dozens of conflicting emotions, some of which he couldn't interpret. His mouth opened again.
Why... why are you doing this? I've done nothing for you yet you have knocked out my pursuer, patched my wounds, given me the warmth of your jacket, and fed me. Why? Who are you? What do you want from me? Are you here to take me back?
All of the questions seemed to flow out of him at once. At this point he didn't know if he made sense, if he was coherent, even if he was awake in one corner of his mind. Sighing he leaned back, taking in every detail of the camp in detail, his old standby strategy. As his eyes hovered over the different minute details, however, the act slowly began to feel futile and unnecessary. Who was this woman?
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Apr 12, 2010 21:58:36 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Apr 12, 2010 21:58:36 GMT -5
“I…uh, thank you, I think.”
Silently she looked up at him again and nodded as the younger man chomped away at the crackers and water she’d given him. It hadn’t been much, but it would be enough to help things along…to give his body something to work with to replenish the blood he’d lost and fuel the healing process. Her leather jacket was zipped up most of the way to help keep out the cold as she let him get back to eating and sighed slightly. Her own stomach growled a bit and she moved to rummage in her pack again, pulling out one of the (less appealing) fruits she’d picked a few days back. It was getting old and soft…wouldn’t last much longer…so she might as well eat it while she could, unappealing though it was.
Those unnatural lavender eyes blinked up at him again as soon as she had sliced off and bitten into the first piece of her fruit, his sudden outpouring of questions calling her attention back to him. Tango’s gaze flickered back toward the ship, knowing that Whiskey was still safely held within. Safe…were any of them truly safe any more? Finishing off the cut of partially withered fruit, she sliced off another bit with the small switchblade she’d pulled from a pouch on her belt. Why had she helped him? Who was she? What did she want from him? Was she going to “take him back”? Wiping the blade on her pants, she turned and knelt down so she could look at him better from her place beside the fire.
That’s a lot of questions to answer all at once…
Why did I help you? I’ll break it down as you did…
Why did I knock out Whiskey? She was a threat to myself as well as you…you were injured and so you posed less of a threat to me than she did. Why did I tend to your injuries? I am a trained medic…as such it’s my duty to see to the injuries of others. Considering your attempted escape from…from Whiskey…I assumed that you were also less likely to be working WITH her, and even if you were, you are still injured and therefore easily subdued…though I would prefer not to do more damage to you. Why did I give you my serape? It’s chilly out, you’re running a mild fever, and…it felt like the right thing to do. Why did I feed you? I believe I already told you this, but it’s to help your body replenish your blood and provide a basic fuel to help your body heal.
Over all, why did I help you? It…felt…like the correct thing to do at the time.
She paused a moment and sighed a little, shifting about and attempting not to think about the situation she’d just put herself in. Now there was someone who had seen her…could help identify and track her…but she didn’t want to kill him either. For a moment fear flickered across her features before she tried to focus on his questions again and get herself calm. Everything would be okay…she wasn’t sure how, yet, but it would be.
What do I want from you? I…only want to request one thing of you: don’t speak of me to any other you might come across. That’s all I want. Am I here to take you back? Well…considering I don’t know where ‘back’ might be for you…no. Even if I was here to take you ‘back’ I doubt I would since it would likely mean my own capture and that isn’t something I want…isn’t something I can afford to have happen. People…my partner and my…well I suppose Alpha was the closest thing I had to an older brother…they may have very well given their lives to get myself and others away from where we were. I wouldn’t risk undoing what they’ve done.
She’d bypassed his question on who she was, but…now that she thought of it…she’d all but told him anyway with what she’d just said. Sighing the assassin looked down at the fruit and knife in her hands.
Who am I? I…I'm not sure how to answer that. I can give you a name…a…designation…and I can tell you what I am, what I was…but who I am? I'm not sure I know yet.
If it’s simply a name you’re asking for…I'm called Tango.
Deft fingers cunningly used that knife to peel away some of the rotten skin and fruit from the yellowing orb in her hand, the often practiced motion something simple to focus on. The familiarity of the blade, the simplicity of the action…it was one of the few comforts she had left. Cutting off another piece, she chewed on it silently and turned the knife over in her hands idly, watching the flames glint on it.
What’s your name?
The question was quiet, almost contemplative, as she asked it...her eyes flicking back up to look at him again. Those wings...why did he have wings? Was he human or not? Sighing, she decided not to ask yet. Tango wasn't sure if she wanted to know...
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Apr 17, 2010 19:53:15 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Apr 17, 2010 19:53:15 GMT -5
Her answer was something he didn't expect. He almost expected to be punched rather than receive a straight answer. It was a bit of Rock Creek still in him, stinging when it hurt the most, lingering when it hurt the least. There was still much that he hated about that place, hated about himself. The soreness had crept back out into Axle's joints and muscles causing his back to tense up; involuntarily he felt ready to fight or flight despite his injuries.
As she spoke he looked down to his lap, letting everything sink in at its own pace. There were things that she told him, things he wondered if she really meant to. She was a trained medic; suggesting that someone had indeed taken the time to train her. Who? That on its own was harmless but what did it mean if he had been working WITH Whiskey? This woman knew who his pursuer was, what she did; was she running from something, too? When she paused he looked over to where she sat, her sharp but definitely feminine form outlined in red by the fire. Giving a sigh of his own he took another cracker, biting into it with an echoing crunch. The questions that echoed into his mind he repressed. Living on his own he had learned early not to ask things that might get him killed.
As she started to talk again he paused in his chewing, listening intently. Several things rang a bell in his mind; "don't speak of me," "my own capture," "away from where we were." Slowly his eyes wandered over to this woman, there was a reason why they were something other than mere words; he had used them himself on hundreds of occasions... it was self preservation. He was dumbstruck as he looked back down at what he was eating. Could... was it possible that someone else has escaped from Rock Creek?
I can give you a name…a…designation…and I can tell you what I am, what I was…but who I am? I'm not sure I know yet.
If it’s simply a name you’re asking for…I'm called Tango.
Tango... that's what Whiskey had called her. He remembered now, the feeling from before he had passed out, the strange look in her eyes that matched Whiskeys. And a designation? He had little doubt about it any longer, he sat the package of crackers down.
What’s your name?
She looked over at him, and he breathed in sharply. Her eyes wandered across him to his back where his wings remained half open. That was also a look he had seen before; ignorance. She knew nothing about his wings. A feeling of confidence washed over him and his posture straightened. This woman was someone he might be able to trust... maybe.
You seem... like someone I knew once, someone that I met on Selenia a long time ago. You answered with a designation. It seems only right that I do as well. I was once called H-4X1E, Experiment Code 44. Up until a year or so ago, I was no one but that jumble of numbers.
He paused a moment, allowing for the meaning to sink in.
My name is Axle Finne
He looked into her face from his seat, trying to impress the seriousness of such a mundane sentence on her. He would know her intent by what she did next but... who knew, maybe it would be nothing. Slowly and with a great deal of stiffness he eased his wings open. Even beneath the layer of patches, bandages, and molting feathers they were still something, he realized, as he glanced over his shoulder at them; they were his gift.
I saw you eying these. These I've had forever. From what I found when I escaped they meddled with my DNA when I was born so I grew them. The pain has gone out of them for the most part, thank you. You certainly are skilled.
Sighing he slowly retracted them, pursing his hands and looking off into the darkness of the forest to where Whiskey's ship lay; at least it wasn't burning any more. Turning back to her he looked into her eyes and glowered at her.
Whiskey was taking me back to where I escaped from. It was my hell for 18 years. It was called... You aren't from Rock Creek, are you?
It was said more matter of factly than as a question but he thought he got his point across. If she didn't know anything the question was groundless. He subtly eyed her knife, the glint casting glares from the fire here and there on the floor of the forest.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Jun 14, 2010 3:40:48 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 14, 2010 3:40:48 GMT -5
Quietly she kept slicing at that partially withered and unsavory fruit, letting what juices it had left ease her hunger. She’d have to find something better than this tomorrow morning to eat, but for now it satiated her cravings. Her strange patient’s words caused a ripple of tension to flow along her muscles as she looked up at him again. Selonia…had she ever been to Selonia? Why would he know her from there? Those lavender eyes narrowed at him for a moment as she attempted to remember something…anything…then cursed the Green Meadows again for taking everything from her. Everything! Even her memories! It was horrible, being told she reminded this man of someone he’d met before and not knowing if it was truly her he had met or not, and not wishing to ask. What if it WAS her he’d met and then it turned out that the meeting was a…less than pleasant one?
As he looked up at her again, watching her intently from his position, it was obvious to her that whoever he’d met on Selonia hadn’t made a bad impression on him or he wouldn’t have been telling her all of this. That did make her wonder, however, just why any one would want to try growing a human with wings and if there were others like him? At least with her comrades the Green Meadows scientists and doctors had the intelligence to make subtle changes rather than attempt to give them wings or appendages that would stand out and make them easier targets. Once he gave her his name, she nodded to him and kept silent, tossing the mutilated core of the fruit into the fire where she watched it wither and burn.
I don’t need thanks for that. It is a part of my duty as a medic and, I believe, part of my nature.
Looking over at him, she met his glower with cool neutrality. It wasn’t that her RELIC chip was functioning at the moment as anything more than a stabilizer for her emotions, but it wasn’t what one would typically return a look like that with. It was the look of someone who didn’t particularly feel threatened by any look he might give, or anything he might do.
No, I can’t say I’ve heard of such a place…I came from a facility called Green Meadows. Though, considering the names I wouldn’t be surprised if they were connected in some way.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jun 23, 2010 22:23:34 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jun 23, 2010 22:23:34 GMT -5
A medic? Well isn't that such an odd turn of events. He was instantly on edge again, eyes wide and alert, mind sharp and focused. Axle had very few experiences with coincidences but this one seemed a little too convenient. He would have to watch her, closely. As her eyes slipped back and forth over his own the feeling of security and comfort began to waver. Trust is the enemy. You have told her too much already... but why help... Shaking his head he slowly averted his gaze and looked into the fire. Things just seemed too... strange. He would have to make a decision soon about what this woman really was and stick to it.
Woman or not he couldn't afford to be weak.
No, I can’t say I’ve heard of such a place…I came from a facility called Green Meadows. Though, considering the names I wouldn’t be surprised if they were connected in some way.
Had he not been thinking about avoiding trust he may have reacted differently. He had heard of Green Meadows, read about it actually, when digging through the files in Rock Creek looking for clues about himself. There were no large clues that he could think of, not off the top of his head anyway, about what the place did. Given the state of his captor and savior, both in the last few hours, it must have been something to do with physical experimentation. However...
They were connected somehow. The name sounds familiar. So... maybe we are both in the same situation. I was an experiment, you were an experiment...
For all the times for his insecurities with conversation to show itself this was certainly not one of the better instances. He looked at the woman, Tango, sizing her up for all of her lack of emotions. There were so many things there he could liken to Whiskey. Gladly there was one shining difference; wisdom. Taking a deep breath Axle relaxed his shoulders.
Look. You helped me and I'm thankful but I'm still badly off. Here I am, a fugitive on a planet with no ship, no creds, and a pair of women; one who wants my head and you.
Quickly he glanced around at the small camp, taking into account everything that he hadn't seen on Whiskey's ship. Tango's belongings, and there weren't many of them, were scattered here and there in the make-shift camp.
You seem to be a wanderer just as I. No one else would pack so light. I propose a... a partnership. I know a thing or three about ships and can get us into ports unnoticed. You, on the other hand don't have these.
He quickly gestured to his wings. Still loosely held to his back the barbs were starting to itch again as the soreness went out of them.
Neither of us want to go back to Green Meadows or Rock Creek or wherever. We can help each other if... if you are willing to work with me.
Looking up at her his eyes softened. Axle smiled inwardly... he might just be able to pull this off. If he could convince her of this, maybe he could get away again.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Jun 24, 2010 13:15:26 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Jun 24, 2010 13:15:26 GMT -5
((Mind if I get Whiskey back in here? If you do, I'll delete no problem))
Do I have a mother?
The nurse's eyes widened slightly at the question. She looked over her shoulder at the door to the recovery room. The doctor was gone, door closed behind him. His tests were complete and she'd been left to finish up. The woman's name was Lo. But the children knew her only as Nurse 7. She'd only been working at the Green Meadows facility for a few months. She'd been told the children were extremely intelligent and direct. She'd also been told not to speak to them outside of what was necessary for her to do her job. This question was definitely not within the parameters of her job.
Your eyes got wide. Your arms are stiff. The girl reached out at grabbed Lo's wrist. The grip was frighteningly strong for such a small hand. Your pulse is fast. Is this frightened?
That's enough Whiskey. Lo said, pulling her wrist from the girl's grasp.
Whiskey, according to her charts was roughly the age of 9. She'd suffered slight injuries during a training exercise. She would be fine in the morning. Lo did her best to avoid the child's honey colored eyes. They were unnerving. All of the children were that way. It was as if they didn't know how to look at someone properly. They just stared... Like they could see deeper inside than a normal person. This wasn't true of course. Lo was aware of the enhancements the children had received. She'd been allowed limited knowledge, but she knew all the same.
Is she dead?
The question contained no emotion. It was so bizarre that Lo had to turn her whole body away from the girl. She tidied up the tray where the doctor's tools sat and moved it to a cart that she had brought in with her. She took a syringe from the tray, releases some on the liquid inside to ensure there were no air bubbles, then turned and took Whiskey's arm in her hand. Without hesitation, she plunged the needle into the skin and injected the contents of the syringe.
This is an anti-biotic injection mixed with a mild sedative. It will prevent infection and help you relax.
Whiskey awoke with a start, sitting up and immediately slamming her head into the bars of the cage in which she was now confined. The sound of the impact was accompanied by a quick shout of pain and her hand immediately rose to rub the spot on her forehead.
It took a moment for her blurry vision to straighten, and when it did, Whiskey discovered that she was in the very cage she'd kept Axle in before he'd escaped. She also discovered that she'd been bandaged up, with wrappings around her torso and ankle. What had once been cold packs around her ankle were now little more than room temperature sacks of liquid. Whiskey removed them.
Bolted to the ship as it was, the cage had suffered no damage during the crash, unlike most other things around her. She could see none of these things, however, due to the darkness within the hull. She could barely see the bars of the cage, let alone what was beyond them. However, as her eyes adjusted, Whiskey was able to make out the faint presence of light along the wall of her crashed ship. After a moment of studying the way it seemed to flicker, and noticing that the source of light was beyond the ship, only visible due to the opening that she hand Axle had climbed out of after the ship had crashed, Whiskey determined the light came from a fire outside, but not too far from the ship.
Now a more pressing question. Why was she inside the cage? Her location made no sense to the assassin. Had Axle somehow managed to subdue or kill Tango? Highly unlikely considering his state. And even if he had, why would he still be here, with a fire near the ship? He would flee, would he not? Like he had before. No, that was not a possibility.
But the alternative was equally confusing. Had Tango placed her here? If she had, why? They were allies, partners. Tango might not have been assigned her partner for this mission, but the assassins had been trained to aid a comrade if needed. This was not aid. Though the medical attention was. Whiskey couldn't make sense of it, and it was giving her a headache. There was only one way to truly figure out just what was going on.
TANGO!
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Jul 11, 2010 19:19:24 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jul 11, 2010 19:19:24 GMT -5
((I honestly totally forgot about this thread since it wasn’t in my bookmarks! @___@))
For some reason that was beyond her current comprehension, the fact that he called her an ‘experiment’ brought that RELIC chip’s stability down to zero as her anger flared up suddenly. It shown in the sudden heat of her gaze and the set of her jaw as she worked hard not to suddenly strike out at him and undo everything she’d just worked to do while tending to his injuries. She was not an experiment! Well…technically she was. That thought suddenly had her deflating once more, a hurt and almost frightened glint in her eyes now. ”What did they do to us? Why? Why us? Is that all I ever was? An experiment? Am I only good for testing and killing?” Slowly, and with much effort, she pulled herself back to what he was saying and away from that line of thinking.
His offer of partnership only had her lowering her eyes again and struggling further with these new and overwhelming emotions that the RELIC was currently unable to shield her from. No, she didn’t want to go back, yes, she was a wanderer (of sorts) she supposed, maybe they could help each other but…Without thinking, she suddenly found herself speaking, her voice quiet and soft and sad...not at all what she was used to hearing come from her own mouth unless a mission depended on emulating such things. Despite this, it didn’t stop her.
”I…had a partner once. I…I couldn’t help him. I am not sure I can help you any further than I already have without endangering you further,” she replied, sighing out the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. ”Besides, we have no reason to trust each other. Whiskey, and the others, they were all my ‘partners’ at some point or another as well…why would you risk…” her words were cut off by a resounding “TANGO!” from inside the crashed ship, sending the assassin straight up to her feet, twin daggers appearing in her hands from seemingly nowhere. Of course, the sudden fright of Whiskey’s shout eased down slightly when the tone of voice and location of the vocalization filtered into her mind. With a sigh of mild relief, the young woman slipped her daggers back into their sheaths near the back of her belt.
Glancing between Axle and the hatch to the ship, Tango debated on if she was actually going to answer the bellowed cry for attention. Shaking her head, she decided the best course of action was to just answer Whiskey’s call. ”What is it Whiskey?” she questioned as she pulled a small flashlight from her pack and headed over to the open hatch, leaning against it with one hand and shining the light in at her feet so they could see each other at least a bit. She wasn’t, however, stupid enough to leave her back to Axle, making sure that she could still see the other party easily as she waited for Whiskey’s answer.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Jul 19, 2010 21:55:18 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Jul 19, 2010 21:55:18 GMT -5
It seemed like Axle's words took a few moments to sink in. It took him the same span to realize that he had made an unfortunate tactical error. It was her eyes and the newly sharpened lines on her face that set his feathers to itching; he had crossed the wrong line. His muscles tensed as his hands worked below his body, ready to move if he needed. Sure he was injured but over the past few minutes speaking he had been feeling out the pains and hitches in his limbs; the winged youth could flee. Very gradually Axle slowed his breathing and readied himself to move until Tango's eyes changed. Only an instant ago they glared with rage but now... he blinked and looked again. The irises were clenched as he gaze wandered away looking almost frightened.
Breathing in he let his muscled loosen. It was impossible... what was he dealing with here? She seemed fragile, unsure of something as her eyes wandered toward the ground. He recognized that look, the look of pain and sadness and loneliness was one that he himself had exhibited dozens of times while solitary. He saw her lips moving before her words reached his ears.
Something disturbed him as he listened, this young woman disturbed him. This was the first time Axle had ever encountered someone like him. Multiple times he had run away, shot someone down to keep from hurting them. Tango was so similar yet so foreign. Is this how people look at me? So closed? Sylbia...
”I…had a partner once. I…I couldn’t help him. I am not sure I can help you any further than I already have without endangering you further,” she replied, sighing out the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. ”Besides, we have no reason to trust each other. Whiskey, and the others, they were all my ‘partners’ at some point or another as well…why would you risk…”
“TANGO!”
As he had attempted when he awoke Axle shot upward, managing to find his feet and staying up. The coverings and package of crackers were thrown a few feet from him and his wings swept open. Every fiber of his being told him to run, every nerve ending screamed "fly, fly!" but he couldn't. Cringing he glanced at Tango who was also on her feet, two wicked daggers drawn and at the ready. This put him even more on edge; drawn weapons always meant trouble. For a few moments he said or did nothing but stood, his breaths coming rapid and sharp. When he spied the twin glints of metal return to their sheaths, only then did he loosen.
She lived? How? Why she not coming out? Whats going on?
”What is it Whiskey?”
As Tango drew her flash light and stepped toward the ship Axle took a hesitant step back. A thought dawned on him as she moved toward the wreckage of the small ship; locked up? Ironic... A smile whispered across his face as he turned his attention back to Tango who was being very... careful about how she moved. Maybe he could convince her now that they should work together. Nothing but... try again.
Please listen to me. It doesn't have to be permanent, Tango. I need to get off this planet, I need to be free. You want the same thing I want, I respect that. It sounds to me like life never happened for you... you deserve more.
He paused as she shined her light into the hatch. If Whiskey heard this... well, they would just have to deal with her sooner rather than later. Taking a deep breath Axle threw caution from his mind. To him there was two options; they worked together or they both got caught.
You don't have to trust me and I'm not asking you to but we can only benefit form working together. Stars help me I refuse to sit here and LET "them" close a trap that would get us both. What say you?
His legs were starting to lose their strength again and he propped himself against one of the trees that dotted the edge of the clearing. Putting his best mask of pleading on he gazed at her, trying to make her understand. In the long run he didn't rightly care what happened to Tango, just as long as they both survived to go their separate ways.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
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Half awake in our fake empire
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Jul 26, 2010 11:17:39 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Jul 26, 2010 11:17:39 GMT -5
For the longest moment Whiskey could ever remember living through, she sat in the dark with her ears straining to head a reply that wouldn't come. In that moment, she was gripped by a sensation that sent chills down her spine and caused beads of sweat to form on her brow. Her skin prickled with the sensation. Fear. She was alone, left abandoned like the fire outside the ship. Tango was gone and Axle, who knew. She would die inside this cage, alone and forgotten. A pain, or something like pain, gripped her chest and Whiskey gasped in another big breath to call out again. Tango couldn't be gone. They were allies. They were the same, like... like... oh what was the word!?
”What is it Whiskey?”
That breath that she'd taken in was released in a thankful sigh as Whiskey's head fell back against the bars, relieved. Tango was there. She wasn't alone. Moments later her comrade appeared in the ship's doorway, shining a light into the hold, illuminating the mess all around her. Whiskey held up her hand in front of her face for a moment until her eyes could adjust to the change in light. Her breathing came in quick, deep successions, a nervous laughter escaping her lips. The relief felt as good as the fear had felt bad.
She was about to respond to Tango's question with her own, obvious one, along with a request for an update on the medical attention she'd been given while unconscious. Would she need a new cold pack for her ankle? The wrappings around her torso seemed good. They relieved the pain of the broken rib. She was hungry too, she'd request some rations if Tango had anything to spare.
All of this might have been spoken, were it not for the muffled sound of another voice somewhere beyond Whiskey's line of sight. She paused, ears straining to hear the words, but she couldn't understand them. They were too quiet and too far away. Unimpeded by the all but dead RELIC chip, Whiskey's whole being was flooded by a new sensation. It was akin to fear, for it carried with it the same symptoms of that emotion, but there was something else to it. There was an undertone of anger, directed at Tango. A couple of moments analyzing the feeling and Whiskey named it betrayal. She felt betrayed by Tango. But why? The reason came a moment later when the recognition of the other voice occurred to her. It was Axle's voice.
Whiskey's jaw clenched tight, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Tango. By what blasted reason was that man out THERE while she was in HERE!? The anger side of the betrayal grew stronger inside of Whiskey. She breathed hot and sharp breaths through her nose. She leaned toward Tango, hands gripping the bars. Even as the anger welled up inside of her, that strange kinship she felt toward Tango pushed through, calming her and bringing back her original question.
Why...? The word came out dry. She needed water. Whiskey cleared her throat and tried again. Why am I in here? And what have you done with Axle? Is he secured? Let me out so I can stand up. I think my ankle can take the weight.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Aug 6, 2010 16:10:56 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Aug 6, 2010 16:10:56 GMT -5
Between the jittery ‘experiment’ Axle and her former ally Whiskey, Tango was stuck at an impasse.
After both had spoken, lavender eyes turned silently to Axle without so much as moving her head, regarding him silently. He spoke of freedom, only the will to live and do what he would without being taken back in by those who had made him…this she could relate to. She didn’t ever want to go back. He told her she didn’t have to trust him; that he wasn’t asking her to…this was good, because she didn’t trust him. She couldn’t trust him…she couldn’t trust anyone any more. He stated that he wasn’t going to wait around long enough for their hunters to close the noose around their necks and get them both…she could understand. Every day she stayed still for too long she felt that noose tightening. He was a liability now…he knew her face, her name, and where she came from…she should just kill him and have it over with…but she couldn’t. She’d spent time and resources in keeping him alive, to kill him now would be a waste of those hours and resources…like it or not, she was stuck with him, if only to make sure he didn’t turn her in.
Keep your friends close, keep your enemies (or potential enemies) closer…or dead.
Dead wasn’t an option at this point.
Sighing, she turned her eyes back to Whiskey…her sister in all but blood. Whiskey’s anger was obvious on her face through her clenched jaw and narrowed eyes, the grip she held on the bars…why had it come to this? It was so very, very, wrong. Those questions…what should she say in return? What would Whiskey believe…honestly believe? What should be done? She wanted, so very much, to let the woman out and treat her like the person she’d grown up with, but…she couldn’t. Not until she was certain that she wouldn’t try to run off and contact Green Meadows. Maybe she should just stick them both in the cage and let them duke it out in there until one (or both) of them was unconscious and slip away in the meantime? Shaking her head, Tango knew that wasn’t an option either. Frustration boiled up, mixed with the sting of…well, she could only think it must be regret, molding into anger at the whole situation and causing her own eyes to narrow as she glared at the ramp of the ship, her grip on that flashlight tightening and making her knuckles white as the other hand clenched into a similar fist. Someone would pay for this…all of this. She wasn’t sure who yet, but she would find out and they would pay…and pay dearly.
Finally she looked up to Whiskey again, some of that anger draining away back into regret and frustration…but the beast called ‘anger’ was still lurking below…somewhere…
”Axle is here, he’s too weak to get too far. You and your ship gave him a good beating. Why are you in there?....” she sighed out a long breath at that and shook her head, her eyes turning downward again before she moved to lean against one of the ramp extenders so she could get a better look at Whiskey’s face through the darkness. ”Because…because you’re dangerous to me now, Whiskey. A lot happened while you were gone…and…because of that I…Whiskey, they killed Victor, and maybe Alpha too. The Meadows staff…they…they were controlling us. There’s some chip thing in us that does something to our emotions, stops them. Victor tried to explain but, there wasn’t any time and…and…”
A few silent tears and a tightening in her throat rendered Tango incapable of further explanation as she struggled to keep from crying outright for what felt like the millionth time. Shutting her eyes tightly, her every muscle was tense as that angry beast drew power from the loss of Victor, her partner, and the uncertain fate of Alpha, a man she’d looked up to and considered an older brother. Delta, Echo, Oscar, Uniform…what had happened to them? Delta and Echo she’d seen fly off, but she hadn’t seen the other two leave, her attention had been on Victor and trying to help him and Alpha get away as well…to get the ship ready for take off, and then pick off some of the guards after them. Had the gotten away safely? She thought so, but she couldn’t be entirely certain. Coming out of her thoughts, she noticed she was shaking slightly, the light she held toward the ground wavering with the subtle tremors.
”I'm…I'm sorry Whiskey. I truly am…but if I let you out…I can’t risk you trying to take me back to them too. I won’t go back…I won’t go back until I can make them all pay for what they’ve done to us.”
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
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Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
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Aug 6, 2010 21:03:27 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Aug 6, 2010 21:03:27 GMT -5
Too much. Even with such a simple yet stupid action the young man had over stressed himself. He felt weak, tired again, out of breath. His hand pressed against the rough bark of the tree as his normally calm breathing became shallow, more ragged, strained. The only thing that made sense was the loss of blood, a weakness that seemed to settle into his bones as his thoughts clouded. Slowly his eyes slid shut and he placed more weight against the sturdy tree trying to balance himself. He quickly swept both wings open, the ragged edges of the feathers doing little more than glinting in the flickering firelight. They itched from the newly regained feeling. Or was it healing? Easing his eyes open he saw that the bandages on both his back and wings were only partially stained red. Glaring straight ahead Axle panted with effort just to stay upright. If Tango had responded to him the young man didn't seem to register. Sighing with resignation he lowered himself to a seat atop the woman's jacket. Instantly he felt better if only marginally.
”Axle is here, he’s too weak to get too far. You and your ship gave him a good beating. Why are you in there?....”
The outlaw had always considered himself something called a 'die hard,' a phrase he had heard spacers use. It took a lot to drag him down but injuries were something altogether different. This entire situation was completely beyond him. He willed his head up to stare at the assassin who stood at the hatch of the downed shuttle. Whiskey's shuttle... she scared the wits out of him.
Oddly enough he was willing to admit it for once.
His mind, with the lack of blood, was wandering into some very strange and dark places. What if Tango lied to him, actually planned to take him back? Horrors from his past life wandered across his vision in the form of metal food trays and scientists poking and prodding him. Looking down at his limp arms and wingtips splayed out before him he momentarily thought of the few good times; of piloting Journey, of flying. Flying... he wondered if he would ever do so again.
Because…because you’re dangerous to me now, Whiskey.
Sighing Axle forced himself to focus on what Tango was saying, the very sweet voice talking to Whiskey made him think of shadows... of dreams. He then remembered his last vision; the woman, the man, the lab so familiar. Why did it feel so familiar? It felt like the answer lingered just beyond his consciousness. Even as he tried to remember, tried to force his mind to focus on the visions. But they were always just out of reach, just beyond him no matter how he tried. Tango's voice penetrated his contemplations as her monologue came to an end.
"I won’t go back until I can make them all pay for what they’ve done to us.”
A spry smile crossed his face as he placed his chin to his chest. No she hadn't come right out and said "deal" but her inflection, her seriousness of that statement left little room to doubt her sincerity. There was hate there, a hatred just as deep as he held. Green Meadows had taken something from her just as Rock Creek had from him. Bringing his head up he found her face, taking in everything his ultra-sharp vision could give him. But there was nothing, just the intense gaze that her eyes held as she addressed her comrade.
What have I gotten myself into?
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Aug 14, 2010 13:41:45 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Aug 14, 2010 13:41:45 GMT -5
Of all the things in the universe that Tango might have said, Whiskey had not expected any of what came out of her comrade's mouth. What was she talking about? How was she dangerous to Tango? They worked together, lived together along with the rest of them. They were like... like... oh why couldn't she think of the words!?
Whiskey lost her care for Axle at the time. What Tango was saying had caused too much confusion in her mind and she couldn't process it and worry about the winged man. That confusion only worsened when she heard Tango say the Green Meadows people killed Victor. Whiskey's eyes, which had been out of focus as she tried to comprehend everything shot up to meet Tango's. Whiskey was frozen in disbelief. And maybe Alpha too? That made her jaw drop open. It couldn't be. Why would they do that??
Tango continued to explain, but whether or not Whiskey got it all was unclear. she felt as if something had come along and rolled the ship over. Her orientation had gone out the window and she felt like she might succumb to the vertigo. None of what Tango said made sense. But then again....
Could this be what had happened to cause her to crash that speeder on Tatooine? Was this why she'd been so distracted, so confused? If it was true then... what if she hadn't been out chasing Axle around the galaxy? What if she'd been at Green Meadows? Would she be dead... like Victor?
Whiskey shook her head. This couldn't be true. It must have been some sort of mistake. Tango was wrong, she had to be. Whiskey felt her heart rate increasing at the thought of it all. It couldn't be true, it just couldn't. But then why did she feel so... so sad at the thought of her comrades being gone? Whiskey had never really known Victor any more than she'd known the rest of them. She knew Alpha a bit more, perhaps. She had done a mission with him, and he'd always been something of a leader to them all. In reality, she didn't really know any of them. And now, with all this that Tango had said, true or not, she questioned if she knew herself.
”I'm…I'm sorry Whiskey. I truly am…but if I let you out…I can’t risk you trying to take me back to them too. I won’t go back…I won’t go back until I can make them all pay for what they’ve done to us.”
The tears in Tango's eyes... Whiskey felt a tightening in her chest at the sight, a constricting of her breath. She didn't like seeing Tango like that. She was like a sister. Yes, that was the word. They were all like a family. Or at least... what she assumed a family to be like. They'd never known such a thing.
Tango... I don't know what you're talking about. She said slowly, trying to control the shakiness in her own voice. Why was it so hard to look Tango in the eyes without feeling like tears would fall from her own? Please, I would never hurt you. If you don't want to go back, then I won't try to make you just... let me out. I'll... I'll even let Axle go. With all the confusion in her own mind, Whiskey couldn't be sure if that was true or not... but not even a day ago she wouldn't have had the thought at all. If you're right, then I can't go back either. Please! I can't be in here... not after what you said. The cage was feeling smaller and smaller by the second as fear and panic rose to wash out any other emotions. Please!
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Aug 23, 2010 21:11:10 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Aug 23, 2010 21:11:10 GMT -5
Only vaguely did she notice Axle’s panting, strained from standing and moving around…the only thought coming to her mind at the information being a swift “sit down before you really hurt yourself” though she never spoke on it. He’d sat down on his own, saving himself the trouble of passing out and falling. Better for everyone if that didn’t happen. Despite noticing, her true attention never wavered from Whiskey as they both struggled with the situation. The expressions that passed over her face allowed Tango to all but read the thoughts that must have been running through her head. The confusion was written plainly enough, followed by disbelief. But Whiskey had to believe it! She had no reason to lie about this, especially not to a woman who was about as close to a sister as she might ever have.
Finally done explaining, Tango didn’t quite know what to do with herself. The silence that fell had her shifting anxiously, wanting to pace, the anger and frustration at the situation making her want to do nothing more than take it out on the ship (which was the nearest, non-living, thing around). When Whiskey spoke some of that anxious energy started to ebb away, only to be replaced by more the longer she spoke. The pleading to be out ate away at her and Tango again shifted in her place. Fear was creeping up again; fear of what might happen if Whiskey’s RELIC gained control again. Right now Tango knew the other woman was like her, struggling with emotions, but what happened when that stopped? Looking back and forth between Axle and Whiskey several times, Tango was faced with a tough decision: take the risk and let her out, or play it safe and keep her caged. ”I…I don’t…gorramit…”
Through the emotions, the brunette attempted to sort out her options and the pros and cons of both. Whiskey was hurt while Tango herself was not, leaving Tango in the better position to stop whatever Whiskey might try if she tried anything. Letting her out felt right and it would help Whiskey (and maybe help Tango’s own case), where as leaving her in would cause the woman to panic further and possibly hurt herself or lose faith in Tango. She couldn’t have that…of everything she couldn’t have that. She had nothing to hide, knew she was telling the truth, but Whiskey didn’t know that…what if she kept her in the cage and then started to think that she was being kept in there because everything told to her was a lie? Groaning in frustration and indecision, Tango looked over to Axle half seriously half apologetically. ”Don’t try going anywhere, you’re only going to hurt yourself, but….I must let her out.”
Looking back to Whiskey, she sighed heavily and shook her head, pulling the key from inside her glove…the one place it would be difficult for someone else to get without her knowledge and consent. ”Please don’t make me regret this, Whiskey…I really don’t want any more trouble. It’s risky enough just staying here for as long as I have. Force knows they must have some sort of tracking device in us somewhere and the last thing any of us need is trouble among ourselves as well as the Meadows,” she stated, taking a set of binders from a pouch on her belt and readying them, just in case, before unlocking the cage door and standing just outside the cage to block any potential escape attempts. ”Step up and face me, please, hands in front of you and no swift movements. I’m going to put these binders on you just to be cautious, alright?”
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
0 likes
Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
Guardian
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Sept 11, 2010 0:16:20 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Sept 11, 2010 0:16:20 GMT -5
Breathe. Breathe slowly, breathe calmly. Eyes up, eyes focused.
Watch her!
Axle's bright blues did just that. Beneath them neurons were misfiring, his concentration eroding with with the still sharp reduction in blood pressure. The color had returned to the edges of his vision and clarity was flowing into his mind again but everything still felt hazy, uncoordinated. A look of grim determination had soured his features as he maintained his penetrating gaze on the crashed ship. Whiskey's voice floated up from its depths but too low for Axle to hear, so he could only strain to listen.
Every now and again he heard a word or two clearly, and at least one usage of his name. Was she still after him? Was her obsession that deep that she would pursue him even in her battered condition? His thoughts were interrupted by Tango, looking several times back and forth between the hold and himself. He remained in his seat against the tree but slowly, inexplicably, the roots of each of his hundreds of feathers began to itch; never a good sign.
”I…I don’t…gorramit…”
Tango's mind was working, hard. Concentration left a distinctive mark on the face and in this case it was quite obvious. But what? What was she thinking? Had Whiskey made her a better offer? Maybe trade him in for a pat on the back back at Meadow Green or whatever. He would have none of that. Putting an arm against the rough bark of the tree he tried to brace himself up, at least face his captors standing. Tango must have seen it for she spoke to him.
”Don’t try going anywhere, you’re only going to hurt yourself, but….I must let her out.”
His breath quickened and the itching ceased, a sure sign that the problem had presented itself. Blood rushed his brain and sharpened his eyesight. However, this time the edges slowly began to leak color, green first as the grass turned pale. Watching after her as she moved to release his former captor he couldn't keep his heartbeat from spiking; he was slowly becoming lightheaded. Slowly he opened his wings not caring as they rubbed against the bark. Axle was barely conscious of the reaction, but slowly a sense of confidence built from inside him. After a few moments Whiskey was free. However, Tango stood between him and her, and he saw something glimmer in the former's hands. They looked like...
Manacles... maybe it isn't so bad...
His eyes unfocused on the manacles and, as Whiskey stepped from the ship Axle was forced to swallow a mote of fear. His breathing was forced and even as he glared at his captor with malice and hate.
So... are you willing to be civil about this? Are you finally willing to be civil after we both nearly died?
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Sept 21, 2010 17:07:26 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Sept 21, 2010 17:07:26 GMT -5
Whiskey watched Tango with wide eyes. She struggled against the fear that had so suddenly welled up inside of her. She had to consciously steady her breathing, trusting that her heart rate would soon follow suit. If anything Tango had said was true, it was thAt this chip had been there. Whiskey now knew why she was feeling these emotions she had previously only knew by name. It was tedious, having to deal with them. They came up so quickly, flooding her mind and clouding it. This made identifying the emotion difficult, and suppressing it doubly so. Whiskey found herself wondering if she wouldn't rather have the chip functioning again, if only for the convenience.
Tang finally Made up her mind, warned Axle against the futility of trying to escape, and made her way to the cage. But before she opened the door, she produced a set of binders. Whiskey stared at them as Tango opened the cage, giving her justification. Emotion flared again inside her, causing a pause as the door opened. Anger? It was somewhat like that. Frustration maybe. Whiskey saw the logic behind it. Tango still didn't trust her. Now that was frustrating. But Whiskey had little choice in the matter. She could refuse and likely be left in the cage. She could try to fight, likely lose both the fight and what little trust Tango had in her, and still end up in the cage. Or she could accept and get to stretch her legs and sit by the fire. It was an obvious choice.
She presented her hands for Tango to bind before she stepped from the cage. Thank you. She said as she moved toward the opening. Once outside, Whiskey's eyes immediately caught sight of Axle. They locked on and she could feel the instant urge to pounce on him. Hers were the cold eyes of the predator, and she could see the prey in his. She smiled absent mindedly at the thought as he spoke. His words changed that smile into a thoughtful frown.
None of this would have happened if you'd just stayed in your cage. She moved casually to the fire and sat down, still considering. I do see now why you didn't like it in there. I will be civil. She turned her eyes toward the fire as if that had settled everything between them.
Tango, do you have any food? She asked, not even turning her head.
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last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
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Oct 7, 2010 13:14:56 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Oct 7, 2010 13:14:56 GMT -5
(( finally got a reply out...not the best but it's something...)) Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong! This was all wrong…bad. Even as a mixture of relief and thankfulness washed through her as Whiskey presented her wrists, it all just seemed….wrong…bad. Part of her couldn’t help but wonder…again…for the millionth time…how people lived with these emotions going all the time, especially when there were so many all at once! Helping Whiskey out of the cage, Tango would bring her toward the fire, watching the two intently, a slight furrow to her brow as she did. It was uncomfortable, at best, for the woman to have them looking and talking to each other like they were. It’s going to be a loooong night, she thought as she helped Whiskey sit down. Only then would she move, going to sit between them as she pulled out the sharpener for her blades and started on the dagger in her boot. Pausing, she’d look over at Whiskey and nod slightly. ”I have some, yes, but not much. Some rations…crackers, a bit of jerky, a few cans of the mush they liked to hand out back ho…” She’d almost gone and done it…almost called the Meadows ‘home.’ For a moment the unpleasant feeling of loss gnawed at her insides, bringing a frown to her face before she did her best to push the feeling away again. ”Back at the Meadows and some almost dead fruit I picked a few days back. I suppose I’ll have to get more soon. Your ship was surprisingly low on supplies. Have you been out for a while?” Moving around to her pack, she’d grab it and return to her place between the two, rummaging around in it for a few moments before producing a small can (about the size of a tuna can) of what was almost affectionately dubbed ‘mush’ by many of the assassins. It was meant to be emergency rations, a cooked, ground, packed meat-like product that the Meadows made sure was pumped chalk full of the vitamins and minerals needed to continue life. It didn’t taste the best, but there were far worst tasting foods out there and…after a while of eating the stuff…it began to taste like something akin to that meat product it was supposed to be. At any rate, it would help both get some strength back sooner than later. Opening the can, she’d set it near the fire to at least warm up a bit. It seemed more palatable that way, to her at least. In the mean time she’d take the crackers from where Axle had dropped them and start dividing the rest of them in half, turning the can every once in a while to heat the stuff evenly. Right about now she wished she hadn’t forgotten her mess kit...it would have made things considerably easier. Pulling the can away from the fire carefully, she’d let it cool a moment before dividing the stuff with one of the crackers, putting half of it (and half the crackers) on the opened cracker wrapper and giving it to Axle while the other half went to Whiskey. "I can’t tell in the dark but I doubt highly the ship is worth fixing at this point...not to mention it’s a liability...if we intend to avoid being captured by pursuers we are going to need a plan..." Maybe it wasn't the best time to be thinking strategy, but then again...Tango wasn't thinking of much else. She didn't relish the thought of being captured because Whiskey's ship had a homing beacon on it, and she didn't want to stay on this planet much longer either. In her experience, plans could be made while recuperating to avoid any longer delays. Delays were always bad. Always.
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Latus
May the Quartz be with you.
850 posts
0 likes
Ain't got time for this. (?°?°??? ???
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last online Jun 27, 2014 19:37:36 GMT -5
Guardian
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Oct 11, 2010 22:48:00 GMT -5
Post by Latus on Oct 11, 2010 22:48:00 GMT -5
"I do see now why you didn't like it in there. I will be civil."
At that the young man sneered and kept his eyes locked on Whiskey. Tango didn't matter anymore, he could trust her to a point and she wasn't trying to capture him. More than he could say for the other one. Axle was on a hair trigger and practically holding himself up with his fingertips and heels to be ready to spring into action when, not if, Whiskey had a relapse in sanity. Mentally he scoffed at the pair. Whatever had kept them under control, particularly whatever they had done with Whiskey, had deteriorated... failed experiments? He hadn't heard the dialogue between them so there were still holes to be filled in his understanding but, if he was going to be stuck with them for a time, he might as well make the best of it.
That didn't mean he had to like it, though.
At least Tango had some sense, moving between them so one (or both) didn't jump at the other and begin tearing hair and/or feathers out. Other than that he payed little attention to her movements as his sharp baby blues scanned the face and body of the woman opposite him, trying to read something, anything that might give away her true intentions. Again her eyes were passive, intense, and colder than night but he could see something on her movements; hesitation. She had smiled after he had spoke, again with the same cold smile which set his barbs to itching... it was official. He hated that woman. At least with her seated he would have some kind of warning.
He nearly missed Tango's movements as she did something by the fire as his eyes were only willing to scan the woman opposite him. But when a bit of bubbling substance on a bit of plastic wrapper was placed in front of him he couldn't help but blink. The smell... it was horrible! It smelled of rancid fat and meat but, oh galaxy, he recognized it. This slop was the same mush he had been served at Rock Creek before he escaped! His stomach grumbled as his hands slowly reached toward it. Nearly in a daze he lifted the substance off the ground, gave it another sniff, and tore into it ravenously. The mass was gone in a matter of moments, the youth licking his fingers and scraping the sides of his mouth. Yeah it tasted terrible but it was very high energy! He smirked, in a much higher mood.
"...doubt highly the ship is worth fixing at this point...not to mention it’s a liability...if we intend to avoid being captured by pursuers we are going to need a plan..."
He paused mid lick to listen and looked over at Tango, then to the ship. From what he had seen... oh he could fix it but he would need time and parts, and they had very little of either. He barely let her finish her sentence before piping up. He had given this self same mess a fair bit of thought.
If I had not left my credit chits and other set of feathers in my ship before we left tattooine... He gives Whiskey another deathly glare. we could have purchased a new shuttle off the books. That isn't going to happen. I could fix the ship. *licks fingers* But just getting off this rock isn't the only reason I want to do so. If there IS a transponder hardwired into that system then why not use it to our advantage?
He paused a long moment, letting his words settle into the pair. His idea was clever and it could buy them some time. However, the best laid plans of womprats and men...
Get her in the sky with or without alternative transportation and I can send her on a one way trip to the Unknown Regions. Let them think we crashed out there instead. Who knows, maybe they think we only landed here for supplies. As you pointed out Tango, my... captor was very low.
He paused again. This time he rubbed his hands together and snuggled down into his makeshift bunk, trying to protect himself from the mounting cold of the night. Looking at Tango he breathed heavily, trying to break the grip of chills.
What do you think?
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