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Post by Shaman Odin Alfodr on Feb 26, 2013 16:49:10 GMT -8
*The history is currently unknown.*
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 6, 2013 0:10:23 GMT -8
Corsair Outback - Jodaka System *High above the ocean blue sea world of Jodaka, Katerana Scarlett, Arch Duchess of the blue jewel below and Captain of the vessel in which she now stood on, pistol whipped the scrawny excuse for a man before her, dropping him to his knees at her feet. Not caring to notice the chunk of cheek flesh hooked on the hammer of her revolver, she drew her hook hand beneath his tear and blood soaked chin and raised his head to look her in the eye. A large smile grew on his blood red lips as she let his head drop and kicked him square in the chest with her heeled boot, forcing him to the deck. Walking over beside him, she set her peg leg on his chest and rest her elbows on her knee as she said.*"So let me get this straight darling. As you were leaving Daruvvia, having dropped the last of your fishy payload, your cargo hold full of my champagne and your safe full of my Fisheries earnings, when...what was it dear? Six freighters was it? Attacked and boarded your ship, which not only did I give you, but was heavily armored, shielded and had a fine compliment of weaponry I specifically picked out for my transports, naturally stealing all my earnings and return cargo and letting you go to come crying to me. Did I miss anything, darling?"*The pathetic man merely whimpered in response, nodding his head violently in hopes that she would ease some pressure off his chest and his bruised ribs.*
*Inclining her head and throwing it back as she spun about to look to the fetching brunette man whom was her second in command.*"Send notice to the Duke of Daruvvia that he is to expect two of my Nova's tomorrow to take care of his raider problem, as well as a freighter to pick up a replacement stock of champagne. Also..."*Without even looking, Scarlett raised Unforgiven, her revolver, and fired two rounds into whimpering male at her heel.*"Find a new captain for the Lorie Reach II and begin making repairs. Get the commanders of the Steel Queen and the...What did Nemora call her ship?""The Golden Gyarados my Lady.""Really? Odd name. Anyways, tell her and Lizzy that they make for Daruvvia in an hour. Also, notify one of the off duty DeepWater crews that their leave is cut short and to report for the Steel Queen immediately, tell them I'll compensate them with an extended break and a case of champagne, that'll get 'em moving.""Of course milady. And if the Duke objects?""He won't if he wants to continue his attempts at producing heirs.""Yes, of course. And what shall I do with him?"*He asked pointing down at the crimson stain pooling at Scarlett's feet.*"Get the clean up crew ta space the body.""At once milady. Is there anything else I can do before setting about your orders?""No that will be...hold on. Shit, that spineless bastard got blood on my new boot.""I'll have an aide bring you a clean one immediately and have the stains out in no time."*Sigh,* "Have him meet me in the hanger, I'll be returning to the Avarice to cool off and relax.""As you deserve milady.""Thank you Gregr. What would I do without you.""Probably kill all the crew and go back to being a Pirate I would assume."*Scarlett burst out in appeased laughter. A moment later, she said as she regained her composure, wiping a tear from her eye with her hook hand.*"There's an exciting thought. But I have work ta do and money to make. You are excused Gregr."
"Thank you ma'am."*Gregr turned and left Scarlett's office. Looking down then at the dead guy beside her, she rose Unforgiven and fired another bullet into his forehead. Cowardly bastard...she thought to herself as she knelt over him and used his rugged jacket to wipe the blood and chunk of flesh from her hand and gun before standing and sliding the revolver home into the holster on her right thigh. Snapping the holster strap over Unforgiven, Scarlett didn't bother to wait for the cleaning crew and marched out of the office.*
*'Round fifteen or twenty minutes later, she reached the hanger bay and was just making her way up her Luxury-class shuttle's boarding ramp as a young man rushed up behind her, exotic red boot in hand. Aww...she thought...Gregr knows which are my favorites. Setting her hook arm on the boy's shoulder to hold her balance, she balanced on her peg leg as she pulled off her blood stained brown boot and handed it to the boy, who in turn handed her the boot in his charge. Pulling it on slowly, knowing that he would be watching, almost hoping he wasn't watching for too long; or else she'd have to kill him, she stood up straight and withdrew a low count credit chip to him and waved him away as she marched up the loading ramp.*
*Flopping down into a comfy chair by the window, Scarlett felt the shuttle slowly lift off from the bulk head and zoom out into space, the brilliant blue of Jodaka rushing towards her, a triumphant smile curling her beautiful features. My world.*
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 6, 2013 13:38:33 GMT -8
Jodaka Surface - Monument Palace *Scarlett's cold blooded smile never faded as the shuttle passed through Jodaka's atmosphere, but grew still further as the sight of Monument Palace came into view. Named so by her Uncle, Duke Johnathan Rearden, the floating Palace had clearly been designed by a male mind, lacking color and grace in favor of practicality and sharp edges. It suited to her tastes fine. Branching off from the central palace, she had had constructed six additional platforms that branched off of the Palace island; three spaceports and warehouse districts and three above sea processing facilities, converting her palace into her command and trade hub.*
*As the Luxury shuttle swooped in low to land in the Palace's hanger, Scarlett stood up from her comfy chair and made for the boarding ramp. Feeling the ship shift slightly as it touched down, she found the ramp already lowering as she reached it, smile shifting into a grin to one side of her face as she walked down into the steel gray hanger bay and pause to look over the Virtue of Avarice, her Eclipse sail barge, nodding in approval as the modifications she had ordered, three large defense turrets located at the bow, stern and center of the barge.*
*A small personal speeder was waiting for her to take across the hanger to her barge. She set an affectionate hand on the drivers shoulder before grabbing the loose fabric of his uniform and throwing him out of his seat and to the hard deck at her feet.*"I don't require men to drive me around everywhere, dear! Honestly, why is it that people keep forgetting that."*As she hopped into the speeder, the young man was rushing to get up and meet her side saying.*"Milady, Representative Helina commanded me to be your chauffeur when you're planet side..."*That brought a sharp, bitter laugh from Scarlett as she powered up the speeder.*"You can tell Her Majesty The Queen Helina that she can fuck herself! I may be royalty, but I can do my own driving thanks. The Queen Mother's representative has been here three weeks and already thinks she owns the place! Well..."*Scoffing and looking over to the, admittedly handsome man, she added.*"If she refuses my demands, you are to fuck her for her. Bitch needs to learn what I say goes here."*Before the bewildered man could respond, Scarlett set off full speed towards her barge, her amused laughter ringing through out the hanger.*Lorelli Reach - Daruvvia System*Snapping out of Hyperspace, two Nova-class battle cruiser's, registered as the Golden Gyarados and Steel Queen of Arch Duchess Scarlett's personal navy. Nemora Havet and Lizzy Taggart stood on their respective bridges looking down at the planet below. They both looked over their opposite shoulder to the hologram of the other commander and they both chuckled. Lizzy then turned to face her bridge crew and said.*"Ready the holotransmitter and get Duke Taggart out of bed."*As a comms officer confirmed her order, Nemora looked at Lizzy with a puzzled expression.*"I didn't know your father was Duke of Daruvvia.""My father is dead. My brother is Duke of Daruvvia."*By the heat of her tone, Namora could tell that there was a reason without asking why Lizzy herself wasn't Duchess. A second later, the holoimage of Duke Thomas "Tom" Taggart appeared before the two of them, stuffing his formal shirt into his trousers.*"Did we catch you at a bad time brother?""No, of course not. I was simply resting and my shirt...""We aren't here to discuss your wardrobe malfunction Duke Taggart. I'm sure you have been brought up to speed on the situation.""Oh, uh, yes Commander. I was informed that one of your transports had been attacked, but I didn't think it was as serious as all that. I have the replacement stock ready at the usual docks for your to pick up but I wouldn't bother looking for those raiders. They are no doubt long gone by now.""I'm sure, which is why we are going to be staying here for the duration until our next transport arrives here. Surely you don't mind if we jam all communications until that time."*A look of horror came over the Duke's face but was quickly snuffed out by anger as he demanded.*"You can't do that! You can't Liz! You have no authority over my system!""We do when you hold no defenses to keep our vessels safe, brother. Or should we bring this before the Royal Assembly? Perhaps the Queen Mother herself?"*Tom flinched as if he had just been slapped in his face before shaking his head and waving his hands violently, saying.*"That isn't necessary. Perhaps, this would be a discussion best done in person.""Agreed. We'll be down within the hour to pick up our replacement cargo and wages.""I beg your par--"*Both bridges cut the transmission short. The two commander's turned to each other and Namora said.*"I'll hold things down up here. I think you can handle the Duke."*Lizzy's face remained emotionless as she nodded in agreement before her image, too, faded.*
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 6, 2013 21:29:10 GMT -8
Jodaka Surface - Eclipse Sail Barge Virtue of Avarice*Scarlett glided the speeder to a harsh halt along side her barge, where a service elevator was already waiting to lift her to the top deck. Stepping on, she entered the activation code and hit the "up" button. Turning away from the barge, she watched as a small dot that had to be the handsome chauffeur, was slowly growing as he rushed back to his commandeered speeder. Shrugging in indifference, Scarlett turned just as the lift stopped and stepped onto the deck of her barge, curious as to whether the crew had also installed the twelve broadside cannons below decks or not...*
*As she thought to herself, her designated first mate, a gorgeous, tan skinned young man by the name of Francisco Atlas, finished berating a crewman and headed over to her, saying.*"Welcome aboard, Captain."*Forced from her mental wanderings, Scarlett felt her cheeks blush. He was the only man who actually still called her Captain.*"Thank's Frisco. How are the ship handling the modifications?"*Her cheeks grew redder still at the smile that grew on his lips as she addressed him as her private nickname for him.*"Better then we could ever have thought ma'am. All cannons have been installed and operating perfectly at maximum power with little to no effect to all other systems. We did experience some minor static in the stereos, holoprojectors and vid screens, but it's not like we are going to be watching a romantic movie when we could be killing people, right Captain?"*Cheeks blazing red now, Scarlett lazily slapped his shoulder with the side of her hook.*"Oh, Frisco, you know exactly what revs my engine."*Giving a gay chuckle, her expression quickly changed as she forced herself to think seriously.*"Perhaps later, but not now. Now, we make for the Southern Sea Plant. Commander Nemora said in her report that there was an interesting new discovery there that she said I had to see for myself. Is the diver on board?""Unfortunately no...one of the crewman didn't connect a cable properly and as it was lifted into the belly, it dropped to the floor and broke the propulsion systems, had to send it off for repairs.""Oh blast! I wanted to go on an underwater joy ride!...ugh...and of the crewman.""Lets just say we...threw him over board."*Scarlett gained a curious look as she contemplated the two possible meanings behind Francisco's words, either they had thrown him off the barge, where in which he would have splattered somewhere on the hard deck of the hanger, or, they threw him out of the hanger and off Monument Palace, and out to sea. Satisfied with either, she nodded and shrugged saying.*"Comm on ahead then and tell Lieutenant Ryan to ready the docking tube.""At once Captain."*It took Francisco a moment before he finally rushed off to the comms station. As he did that, Scarlett made her way down to the helm station and, shoving the helmsman away and setting course herself, sending the barge hovering forward, high over the sea waters below.*Daruvvia Surface - Duke Thomas Taggart's Office *Stepping through the threshold from the hallway into Tom's office, Lizzy had left the crew of the DeepWater down in the hanger bay to begin loading the crates of champagne onto their ship while she dealt with her brother. She had attempted to contact Nemora when she landed only to discover that she had already initiated a complete black out of all comm traffic.*
*She was genuinely surprised to find that Tom was waiting for her in his office. Several years ago, when she still lived here, he had always forced her to wait in his office till he arrived. Now, he had clearly been pacing, waiting for her to arrive. He stopped as she entered and looked at her, frustration adding wrinkles to his already aging features, despite only being in his late forties. Stopping a few feet in front of the door, Arch said as the door hissed closed.*
"You have no right! You intend to keep the entire planet in a comms blackout for...for uh...how long till your next transport arrives?""Two days Tom.""Two days! You have no authority! No standing! You gave it up when you left for the Navy!""I did. And when you dismissed all Naval support in the system, you have left yourself open to pirates and raiders. Raiders, which, have now stolen from the Arch Duchess, which gives me the authority to do what must be done to not only bring them to justice, but also keep the people in your care safe.""I have my ways of keeping my people safe!""I'm sure. Now calm down. Pour us a drink."*Lizzy's cold stare kept Tom from yelling further. As she moved to sit in one of the chairs in front of his desk, he poured two drinks sat in his chair behind the desk. He slid one of the glasses across the top to Lizzy, who looked at it a second, then looked to Jack with an expression daring him to have poisoned it. The look on his face confirmed that he hadn't, but showed that he regretted not trying it. Allowing herself a small grin, she accepted the glass and took a drink, letting the sweet bubbly settle on her tongue before swallowing it. She then set the glass back down on the desk and noticed that Arch was already up and refilling his as she said.*"Lorie Reach I is expected to arrive, on time, two days from now, at which time we expect your raiders to jump on it. We'll catch them and be on our merry way, so long as you don't cause a fuss. So, unless you want to test your word against the Arch Duchess's, I'd suggest meeting all our requests without question."*Tom's face was a twisted look of loathing, but he shook his head and downed the entirety of his glass before filling it again.*"Which brings me to the Duchess Scarlett's last demand of you, brother. She asks that you fully compensate her the full sum of wages stolen by these raiders, accounting for each of the other four systems as well as yours."*Tom, having been mid-gulp, spit out his mouth full of expensive champagne and spun to look at her, his face dumbfounded and furious.*"You can't be serious!""Oh indeed I am. When have I ever not been?""But, but she can't ask that of me!""She's not asking.""But she has no right!""Your incompetence has cost her hundreds thousands of credits. She has every right.""It's not my fault! I had no control over the situation!""Which is exactly why you're paying for it."*Tom dropped down into his chair, his posture slouched in defeat. He was quiet for a long while, sipping at his glass before finally answering.*"I'll have the money ready for the Arch Duchess in three days.""Make it two.""I'll do what I can...""You will do what you must."*Tom looked at her, the burning rage of hatred in his eyes, but his face was sagged in defeat. Lizzy, with her business concluded, downed the rest of the exquisite champagne and rose from her chair.*"I will be staying in my old quarters for the duration of our stay here, in case something comes up."*The warning in her glance told Tom everything he needed to know. In case you intend on trying something. He nodded sadly and said.*"Do what you wish sister."*With that, Lizzy inclined her head in a dutiful bow and left the office, leaving the Duke to wallow and ponder.*
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 21, 2013 17:40:27 GMT -8
Jodaka Surface - Southern Sea *Scarlett could tell a storm was brewing as they cruised above the ocean waves. The wind was catching against the sails of the Virtue of Avarice and blowing them about violently, drawing a sigh of disappointment from Scarlett, the sails were causing too much drag and were going to tear if they kept at this pace and those things were a small fortune a piece. She looked to Francisco, who stood behind her...as always, disappointment apparent in her voice as she said.*"Bring down the sails."*Francisco nodded solemnly, no one on the crew liked seeing Scarlett upset...it usually lead to somebody's heart stopping. Descending the stairs from the bow of the barge, Francisco set about having the two massive sails brought down and stored away, leaving Scarlett alone at the helm. Situated behind the large deck cannon before her, Scarlett activated the 3D holoradar prototype that she had received from her connections on Charubah and scanned the seas below for any big nasties she could play with.*
*A cruel smile grew on Scarlett's lips a few minutes later as the holoradar indicated a large mass on their starboard bow. Francisco reached deck then, the sails down and stowed away, and saw Scarlett's smile and a concerned looked came over his face before noticing the long, snake like shape registering on the holoradar, drawing a smile of his own. Looking to him as the first sounds of distant thunder roared behind her, Scarlett said quietly, pleasure oozing through her words.*"Ready the cannons Frisco."*Francisco's grin turned deadly as he nodded and began calling out.*"READY THE CANNONS!!!"*His voice carried over the wind as he descended the stairs once again and Scarlett changed course for the snake-like sea creature. The crewmen rushed about the deck finding their combat stations, readying their weapons and rolling out the below deck cannons and a number of crewmen set up their anti-personnel cannons along the railings around the ship. Three crewmen, Francisco included, returned to the bow deck and readied the dual laser cannon as the creature was coming into view. It's orange scales glistened in the dimming light as the storm clouds drew near, and Scarlett felt her excitement over taking her as she screamed.*"FIRE!!!"*The word echoed throughout the ship, but was almost immediately drowned out by the blasts from the cannons loosing their energy payloads into the sides of the creature. It was then that the sea monster rose it's head from below the waves and let out a roar of pain as it turned its head about to look upon its attacker. It then submerged once more as the another crack of thunder rumbled above their heads, rain now beginning to fall, drawing Scarlett's smile of joy into a terrifying grin. With the sails down she and the crew were almost immediately drenched as they continued their pursuit, firing round after round at the monster, most of the energy evaporating harmlessly against the water, but a roar answered every so often when a new burn appeared along it's scales.*
*Increasing power to the repulsors, Scarlett accelerated ahead of the sea monster by several hundred kilometers before flipping the Avarice hard to the right and came to a halt, looking straight at the creature, drawing a concerned look from Francisco and a smile from Scarlett before she accelerated straight for the monster. Cannons, monsters, waves and clouds roared in tandem as the two forces drove one towards each other before, finally, the duel cannon under Francisco's direction fired both rounds just as the monster's head came above the waves, sinking both rounds into the creature's forehead, drawing a faded roar of pain from the creature as it passed beneath the waves just as the Virtue of Avarice passed over it.*
*The crew began cheering in victory as they powered down the weapons and set about storing things away. Francisco approached Scarlett then as she was marking down their coordinates on a piece of flimsiplast and handed it to him saying.*"Get the fishing crews out here to collect the corpse. We will be feasting well tonight.""Aye Captain."*Francisco turned to go, but not before pausing a moment to look Scarlett over, his wet uniform hugging the curves of her body more so now then usual. As she realized it as well, she felt her cheeks flush as she realized that should could see his perfectly sculpted chest through his drenched white shirt and quickly waved him off to his task as she set course once more for the Southern Sea.*Jodaka Southern Sea - Southern Sea Fisherman's Isle
*It was a few hours later when they reached the small artificial island that marked the topside entrance to the underwater processing planet. Setting the Virtue of Avarice down at the dock, Scarlett turned to Francisco, the rain now easing as the wind blew the storm north, and said.*"Stay and watch over the Avarice, Frisco. I shouldn't be down there long.""Aye Captain. You think you'll learn what that sea snake was?""I have a hunch."*She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek and gave him a wink before descending the deck, leaving him at the helm. Navigating down through the barge, Scarlett finally reached the bottom level and descended the ramp where Lieutenant Ryan Fontaine, brother of Doctor Alfred Fontaine who was head of this facility, awaited her with two guards.*"Lieutenant Fontaine, I wasn't expecting an escort.""It is only custom, Arch Duchess. Alfred insisted that we await your arrival after hearing that you were coming to over see the creature personally.""Walk with me."*Scarlett passed by them and began making for the center of the flat island, mostly used as a dock to for the fishing parties where they unloaded their catches for the DeepWater's to take below to the facility, where the personnel turbolift was located. There were a little over a dozen such islands leading down to similar plants all over Jodaka, their number having doubled after Scarlett took over as Arch Duchess.*"So it was a new creature that you boys have discovered.""Yes, Ma'am. Though, if my reports are correct, it sounds like you may have already caught one for yourself.""Indeed. How was yours captured.""Fishing crew pursed it for over an hour before bringing it down."*Scarlett nodded, these things did have fairly tough hides, especially after shooting one several times with turbolaser grade weaponry. Reaching the small shack where the turbolift was located, Ryan stepped forward and put in the access code, and gestured for Scarlett to enter first, the rest of them following. She then hit the down button and they descended below the waves, the clear walls of the turbolift giving them a full 360 degree view of the water around them, and the facility below.*Jodaka Southern Sea - Fontaine Processing Plant *As the turbolift came to a halt within the plant, Scarlett was surprised once more to find Doctor Alfred Fontaine waiting for her. Stepping out and looking to both him and Ryan, she said.*"Boys, I'm flattered that you have seen fit to greet me yourselves, really, I am. However, I would prefer it that you continued to go about your duties till I actually require you in the future. Get me?"*Ryan and Alfred, twin brothers who looked so much a like that if one weren't wearing a military uniform and the other a lab coat Scarlett never would have been able to tell the difference, looked to each other, sighed, and nodded.*"Perfect. Now, Doc, please show me your new discovery."*Alfred smiled and waved her on as he led the way to one of larger labs in the research end of the plant, where the carcass of the large sea creature lay stretched out, filling the entire lab space.*
*Approaching it and setting her hook hand on the creature, she began pacing around it, getting a closer look at it as Doctor Fontaine said.*"The fishing crews caught it off the end of Dagger Point.""I was to understand that that was a 'no fly zone' Doc.""It was established as such by your Duke Rearden, yes. Though I honestly couldn't tell you why...""Have there been any other sightings in the records of these things?""Actually, there was an old record from Duke Green's time, stating that a crew had gone missing several kilometers off of Dagger Point. It was assumed that the Land Sharks had gotten them, but their skiff had never been recovered.""Then, if these things haven't been seen anywhere outside of Dagger Point, why did I just catch one near the Equator?""Perhaps they are finally branching out. We can't tell for sure until we get some more diving vessels, and a lift of the restriction on Dagger Point.""Fine, Dagger Point is free to you, and I make for Hapes soon to discuss business with the Assembly. Until then, dissect this thing and figure out if it's edible or not.""Already underway ma'am."*Scarlett turned and prepared to leave the lab, but paused as she reached Doctor Fontaine and asked.*"What'd you name this thing anyways Doc?""The head fisherman who brought it in nicknamed it the Gyarados, after a creature from a cartoon holo his kids watch. It's kind of stuck."*Scarlett smiled and nodded, now knowing the origins as to Commander Nemora's name change of her Nova. Walking past him, Scarlett headed back to the turbolift and ascended to the surface.*
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 23, 2013 20:32:34 GMT -8
Corsair Outback - Jodaka System
Jodaka, Within Atmosphere, way above sea level
That...is a lot of water....wow I'm glad the refresher is nearby. I get the feeling this much hydration will keep me running back and forth. But it is a nice looking place, all things considered. On the other hand, if that large serpentine creature below is any indication of the local lifeforms, maybe I'm safer inside my ship. I get the feeling that creature doesn't share my vegetarian habits.
So what brings me here? Well, one of my Force-be-darned feelings again. I swear, it loves to bring me to exotic not to mention dangerous and scary places all the time, on purpose. On the other hand, there is no place I don't consider scary. Especially places that are prone to lightning and storms. I hate those with a passion. Well, maybe not hate, because I'm too frightened by them to hate it. Anyway, I followed my "feelings" and my hand rested right here, on the Corsair Outback....wow I hope there aren't any real pirates out here. I mean my ship, the Sunflower is heavily modified with Impervium armor, ultra-shielding and some of the most powerful engines and hyperdrive that could be fitted into it, at the cost of all weapons, so my only real defense is being able to take hits endlessly while I make like a rabbit and disappear. But sometimes, poodoo happens. And with me, it happens like a fiend.
Not that it matters anyway, I won't shoot anything no matter how justified. But let's review what I know about the Hapans. Unlike most other cultures, the women are in power here, and that means they'll be just as scary to me as men usually are. Women of authority are often more intimidating than men, I don't know why. I open a viewport at the ventral section of the ship so that I can get down on all fours and look at the oceans below. The Hapans are naturally beautiful people, which instantly make me feel inferior. I bet even the ugliest woman here would make me look like I'm drab. Wait...I am, nevermind. So Jodaka is like totally one of the planets under Hapan rule. Why am I here? Well, we established my gut feelings but that doesn't explain it.
I've been following these feelings in the vain hope that maybe, somewhere out there, I can find someone who knows me, who can tell me just who or what I am. I say what because of my non-human abilities. Now Hapans are either Near-Human or Humans too, just very beautiful, even their men are good looking....like really good looking. But as far as I know from what I've read about them, they don't normally have superstrength, superspeed or superdurability. But hopefully, someone here knows me, maybe is a relative of mine. With zero on memories after my waking up in a hospital, this is all I can do. But if this is the place, does that mean I'm actually Hapan? Whoa, I'm not sure whether to be happy, or sick. I mean, there seems to be a fair amount of violence in Hapan culture, and I won't hurt a fly, not even the annoying pesky kinds that you can find in some desert worlds. So would I have a place in a culture where assassinations and intrigue are part of life?
I guess time will tell...oh hey look, another one of those serpentlike things. It's kind of magnificent, but I'll just look at it from way up here. It looks like it can swallow me whole easily.
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 23, 2013 22:57:43 GMT -8
Jodaka System - High Orbit
*High about the planet, Danton Ragnar, commander of the Righteous Plunder, sat behind his desk in the captain's cabin lost in thought. He had only been surface side a few days ago, but now, alone in his cabin, he long for the soft embrace of his wife. They had been married by Arch Duchess Scarlett herself a few weeks ago and, naturally, he wanted to spend every moment at her side. Unfortunately, the Arch Duchess had commanded that all non-naval personnel remain planet side as to avoid any potential problems or lapses in judgement. So, he sat here, bored and lonely, lost in his own world....till his personal communicator began buzzing. Snapping back to the present, Danton picked up the small device and, recognizing the ID, he said.*
"Go ahead Gregr."
:: Danny, we're picking up an unidentified object in low orbit about the Southern Sea. Our equipment has been a little...unpredictable lately and wanted a follow up. ::
"Understood. One moment."
*Getting up from his desk, Danton exited the cabin and onto the bridge. Approaching the officer at the scanner terminal, he said.*
"Scan the South Sea for vessel traffic."
*Getting a nod and typical "yes sir," the officer set about his work and was answered back with a beep of confirmation as the silhouette of a circular object appeared on the scans. Holding the communicator up to his mouth, Danton said.*
"We confirm. There is a saucer like vessel flying over the South Sea. You close enough to intercept?"
:: Yes. I already have Lieutenant Vorn and the rest of Greed Squadron in the briefing room. ::
"Excellent. I'll redirect the Plunder to lend ya a hand."
:: That bored, Brother? ::
"Aye. Nothing much exciting happens anymore with the Sith out."
:: Indeed. See you soon, Embrace out. ::
*Not far away, Commander Gregr Ragnar, Scarlett's second-in-command, stood on the bridge of the Greed's Embrace and handed the comlink back to the comm's officer. Turning away from the frontal viewports, he exited the bridge via turbolift and stepped out a few moments later in the briefing room, where the members of Greed Squadron were already gathered and waiting. Stopping in front of a large holoprojector, he said.*
"Scanner's show an unidentified flying object flying over the South Sea. You are to escort it back here for questioning and inspection, or destroy it. Questions?"
*No one spoke. Smiling, Gregr nodded and said.*
"Dismissed."
*About ten minutes later, twelve Miy'til starfighters flew out of the hanger bay and descended into Jodaka's atmosphere.*
Jodaka Surface - High About the South Sea
*Leading the Greed Squadron's pyramid formation, Lieutenant Natasi Vorn leaned back in his pilots seat. She wasn't expecting anything too exciting. Probably just a stray freighter or, at best, a lone pirate too stupid to know what's best for him. It had been too long since she had had a real challenge. Sighing as long range scanners picked up the vessel, she activated the communicator and stated.*
"Unidentified craft, this is Lieutenant Natasi Vorn. You are flying over space belonging to the Arch Duchess Katerana Scarlett without clearance. You are to reduce speed and await escort. Comply or be shot down. Acknowledge?"
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 0:16:20 GMT -8
Yikes! That was a little sooner than I was expecting! Well, duh! I kinda flew into atmosphere without clearance, what was I to expect? They probably think I’m here to abduct specimens and probe them. I mean, how often do you see a stalkless giant sunflower spinning around the oceans and just uh...minding its own business? Yeah, never. I scramble for the bridge, slamming into bulkheads in my haste, graceful I am not. This Natasi Vorn does not sound like she’s in a good mood. Wait, when do they ever sound like they’re in a good mood? I get the feeling when she sees my face she’s going to like me even less. You don’t find many fifteen-year olds who look like eleven-year olds in command of a three-hundred diameter ship. The only thing I found funny about her was that she asked me to reduce speed. I mean if I reduced anymore speed, I’m going to be going in reverse. I’m kinda just floating over the oceans, way over. Didn’t want a giant sea monster eating my ship while I was admiring the view below.
Okay, I’m in the bridge, and my R2-unit, Limey is there, scolding me about taking my time and how rude it is to keep people waiting, especially the kind of people who have armed fighter ships. I guess it’s on my case more than usual because we’re dealing with Hapans now, and it lectured me about not stepping on a Hapan’s toes. Good point.
I open the comlink console and the holocam immediately opens a live video feed to the hailing ship. I try my best to draw myself up, stick my chest out, straight back and keep a confident look. If they see a frightened child, they’ll probably ask for my parents, who I don’t remember. I don’t know if I even have parents, so it’ll be best if they think I know what I’m doing. “L-Lieutenant Natasi Vorn.” Argh! I stuttered! Goodbye self-confidence. “This is Krystal Tancredi of the Corona-class unarmed frigate, Sunflower. Acknowledging your orders and complying.” I know, I know, I’m pointing out to them I have zero armaments. I mean, I could ram my ship into the fighters with minimal damage, but I would never do that. And those are Miy’til starfighters out there. I read about those ships, they’re like piranhas to my ship, and even with heavy armor and shielding, I’m not a fighter, I’ll be blown to bits, Impervium armor or no Impervium armor.
I turn off my shields and reduce the ship’s overall power output, minimizing any notion of aggression from me. Guess now I’ll probably be boarded and smacked about for intruding Hapan airspace, but that’s my fault. Should have made a call first before just barging in. Stupid Meony, stupid stupid stupid. I sigh, and just wait. What’ll they do now?
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 24, 2013 1:45:47 GMT -8
*As the video feed transmitted from the flying saucer, Natasi's expression went from combat serious to, dumbfounded? Awestruck? A mixture of both? She couldn't tell as she was to concerned by the fact that their intruder flying a massive freighter, is a just a girl. Eventually her expression furrowed into a frown as the aptly named "Sunflower" appeared over the horizon. Girl wasn't kidding. As the ship inched along, Natasi ran a scan over the ship and found that it was, indeed, unarmed and only a single life form appear. Girl is really serious, she thought as all possibilities for such an outlandish occurrence ran through her mind, the most prominent being: Spoiled princess took daddy's private project and went joy riding yo spite him. Sighing and shaking her head, the squadron was slowing its pace to the that of the Sunflower's, as ridiculous as that sounds, and formed a perfect circle formation around it, with Natasi's fighter at the rear. Including the rest of the squadron in on the frequency, she stated.*:: Sunflower, hold course speed and open your cargo doors for boarding. Your hold can fit one of my fighters, yes? ::
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 2:17:12 GMT -8
Maybe it’s just me, or it’s just the way they say it, but what speed??? I’m. Not. Moving. I’m too petrified to move. Now that those starfighters are nearer, I realize just how scary their weapons are. And the way they move their ships, gosh, they’re like so smooth. Anyway, I guess she meant maintain course speed to stay the way I am. I obligingly open my ship’s cargo doors, and I open the comlink again to reply to the lady who seems to be in charge, “It-it...can fit all of you actually...uhm...if you’d like to.”
Totally can, my Flarestar-class ships are bigger than them and although I have six of those, with their size, my ship’s hangar bay easily accommodate the Miy’til starfighters with ease. But do they all want to come aboard? Am I that much a threat to them? Or do they just like to have a show of force? Hey, I’m this close to crying and begging for mercy, I don’t care if I’m fifteen going on sixteen. I can so totally cry like a baby. I have no idea what the woman must be thinking but I’m betting she’s got a jail cell with my name on it already.
I sigh and wonder not for the first or last time why do my gut feelings get me into so much trouble. Limey warbles concern and heads to the cargo/hangar bay to make sure the ship is spick and span enough for our “guests”. Good ol’ Limey.
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 24, 2013 2:50:12 GMT -8
:: Good, then meet me in the bay then. I'll be landing, alone, shortly. ::
*Natasi then cut the link as she adjusted her trajectory and made for the cargo bay, only now grasping the size of the flying saucer as she entered the cargo bay and set down. Powering down her systems, Natasi popped the canopy and ejected her astromech, R8-Z2 but she referred to it as Ziggy, from his holding and gestured for him to come along as she dropped to the deck. Tossing her flight helmet into the canopy, she turned her attention now to the girl, who looked as though she were, what, eleven? Setting her hands on her hips and standing still with her legs spread, she looked at the girl and asked.*
:: What in the name of the Queen Mother brought you all the way out here, little one? ::
*Natasi didn't hold back the small bit of scorn in her voice as she spoke, assuming that this girl was, actually, a Hapan royal brat of one sort of another. She had better things to do then scold girls for flying around where they shouldn't be.*
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 3:27:28 GMT -8
Well my only relief is I won’t be facing a whole squad of angry pilots. Just one very annoyed and possibly harried wing commander. Yeah, I think I’d rather dive into a rancor’s mouth right now. Limey’s already there, I shouldn’t keep the woman waiting, so I dash through the corridors and down into hangar bay, except, in my hurry, I trip over a refueling pump and make a spectacular rolling crash that brings me into a sitting position right in front of the woman, already standing in front of her fighter, with her own nanny droid, I mean astromech droid. Speaking of nanny droids, here comes Limey, armed with mop, broom and bucket of water. The mop is resting over its dome, giving it a new white dreadlocks look. I would laugh, except I want to cry when I see the woman again. Her stance, she looks the ultimate figure of authority and annoyance. That stare of hers makes me feel like I committed a crime and she knows all about it. So I quickly shoot to my feet and try my best to stand at attention when she speaks.
Ouch. She called me little one, and the way she said it told me she definitely has some measure of contempt for me already. I don’t know if it’s just me or if she’s like that to everyone or if she knows something I don’t, but I get the feeling she’s had encounters like this before. But why so bothered? I do look like a kid. I mean it’s not like I don’t have uhm...you know, stuff that uh...fifteen-year old girls have, but then again, there’s just enough I can still pass off as a small kid. Oh whatever, nevermind. She asked a question, and I guess she could have been nastier, so I give her the full story. Always good to be honest. Besides, I have no real reason to lie to her, and I don’t feel like being snarky with her, as I get the feeling that such behavior may earn me a slap to the face. While I’m not likely to feel that, I still don’t want to go through such an experience.
I scratch the back of my head and begin explaining myself, “I’m really sorry...I didn’t mean to uhm...barge around.” I swallow nervously, “I’m not from around here...the Hapes Consortium, I mean...well, actually, I don’t know if I am or not, truthfully. Because….because I don’t even remember. I have amnesia, from acute brain damage. Here...”
I fish out a formal datapad from my shirt pocket and hand it to her. It’s the medical records of me from the Red Dawn Medical Center on Honoghr, where I was treated after being found near death on board the Sunflower, “I had a fractured skull, from an attack, but I don’t remember anything. And...well, the doctors tried everything, but my memories are forever lost to me. So I’ve been uhm...trying to find my roots. Using this ship, I’ve been backtracing all the routes I’ve been to before, and sometimes, I get these...I don’t know...feelings? When I look at some star systems, and I just travel around, doing odd jobs to get by while searching for my...home. And my family...if I have any that is. S-so, one of my ‘feelings’ brought me here, to Jodaka, and I’m hoping that...uh...y’know, someone might actually recognize me? I just want to know who or what I am.”
I lower my head after talking and clasp my hands behind me. The datapad can fill the lieutenant in on anything else I might not have mentioned, but I think I told her all she needed to know. The medical records will also tell her how old I really am. I guess my body’s just taking its own sweet time about growing up. I can feel a phantom ache in my head as I recall the experience of waking up not knowing anything except that I have a crack in my skull. Limey whistles cheerily while it goes about cleaning the hangar bay around us. Silly droid, this place is already clean, but Limey feels the need to show it.
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 24, 2013 4:10:05 GMT -8
*As the girl landed flat on her rump at her feet, Natasi felt her scowl furrow deeper, hoping that her expectations wouldn't be met....they were. Sighing as she accepted the datapad and looked it over, Ziggy rolled away to socialize with the R2 unit cleaning the bay. Hmm....she thought to herself, poor girl. While her thoughts showed some mercy, her expression didn't. Sliding the pad into her belt line she set her right hand on the handle of the pistol on her thigh, and said.*
"Look...Miss Tancredi, I don't need your life's story. While I am...sympathetic, to your situation, I have to detain you and bring you, and your ship, to the Embrace. Take me to the bridge so we can get this over with."
*Nodding off towards the way from once she came, Natasi waited for the girl to lead the way.*
Jodaka Southern Sea
*Meanwhile, Scarlett was back at the helm of the Virtue of Avarice, cruising in low over the waves without a care in the world...till her damn communicator began beeping at her. Sighing in annoyance, she picked up the device and snapped.*
"What is it? This had better be worth my time! You're interrupting my daydreams."
"Sorry, Arch Duchess, we have reports of a vessel flying over the...." *static*
*Katerana, in her daydreaming, had neglected to notice that the storm that had blown over her earlier, was back. The clouds a dark gray with bright blue flashes of lightning overhead were no doubt the cause for the sudden loss of signal. Cursing, Scarlett put all power to the engines and blasted through the rain on toward the Monument Palace.*
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Figuring things out...
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 4:20:53 GMT -8
“Yes ma’am...” well, under the circumstances, I thought it would have been worse. Still, I walk like a girl on death row. Couldn’t help it. It’s just me, and Limey, and the rest of the galaxy. I wonder what she has in mind for me? Torture? Ooo, yes I’m sure there’ll be plenty of that. And then followed shortly with death by chocolate. Well, I hope they’ll use chocolate to kill me, shouldn’t be so bad, right?
We get to the bridge faster than I’d like, and I gesture to the command chair to the Lieutenant. “This ship is specially modified to be flown by one person.”
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 24, 2013 4:45:46 GMT -8
*Stepping onto the bridge, Natasi couldn't help but let out a slow whistle at the sight of the advanced tech that lay out before her eyes. The amount of slave circuiting needed to put the entirety of a 300 meter freighter alone...shaking his head to direct her thoughts, Natasi sat down at the command chair and first pulled up the comlink to the other pilots surrounding the vessel.*
:: This is Greed Lead, set course for the Embrace. ::
*The only thing that answered her back was a series of clicks over the comm channel, pilot speak for acknowledgement. Then, pulling up the command consul, she first ensured that the hanger bay doors were closed before plotting course to orbit.*
Jodaka Orbit
*As the formation broke atmo and entered the emptiness of space, Natasi glanced over at Krystal. While she didn't mind silence much, she could tell by the girl's behavior that she was distraught. Sighing, she forced herself to ask, without looking over at her.*
:: So where did you get this thing anyways? ::
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Figuring things out...
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 5:16:09 GMT -8
I barely stop myself from jumping when she suddenly speaks. I’ve been that lost in thought. Just pondering every form of torture imaginable. I decided that I could take just about every form except anything that involves electricity, pain, fear, horror, pins, bugs, rodents, birds, monsters, droids...okay okay so I can’t stand any form. I’m a wimp, sue me. Oh what did she ask me again? Where’d I get this giant oversized flying sunflower? Yeah...must have asked that. I noted she kind of admired the design of the ship. Oh well, she can have it once I’m dead, which should be in an hour or so. So I tell her.
“I wish I knew. N-no, really. I uh...when I woke up, like after surgery and stuff, the doctors told me I was found in this ship, and it was registered under the name Krystal “Meony” Tancredi. M-Meony’s my nickname, but I don’t know how I got that either. And my face and all was there so...uhm...yeah, apparently it’s my ship, but that’s all I know. Limey...my droid was wiped or something, so it couldn’t tell me anything.”
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 24, 2013 5:45:28 GMT -8
*With the Greed's Embrace and Righteous Plunder growing in the viewport, Natasi wondered if she should save her questions for the interrogation. Then asked, deciding that if need be the questions could be asked again for record's sake.*"You ever try having a professional hacker check...Limey's?, memory? I hear that typical mind wipes don't always erase everything."*It wasn't long before the Embrace filled the viewport. The fighter's broke off towards the hanger as Natasi brought the large freighter alongside the neck of the Nova and began docking procedures.*
*Exiting the bridge of the Embrace, Gregr and Danny Ragnar walked down the central corridor to the docking tube where six guards armed with Guns of Command, waited.*
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Figuring things out...
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 7:30:08 GMT -8
“I did actually. Either the mind wipe is thorough, or it’s a new mind altogether...”
I sigh softly as we dock. It was time, and I take a deep breath to try and clear my thoughts. That’s when I feel a sense of warning. Like danger is imminent. Ridiculous. I’ve been in danger since getting contacted by Lieutenant Natasi. There’s nothing to think about any further. Just look forward to death by chocolate. Death by chocolate, death by chocolate, death by chocolate. I hop up alongside the lieutenant. Oh yeah, now I look perky...not. But I just follow her, not moving or doing anything she doesn’t want me to do. Of course I’m not exactly expecting problems in the sense that they’d have to do anything drastic with me. But still, maybe I should ask them what’s going to happen.
“What’s going to happen to me?”
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Post by Katerana Scarlett on Jul 24, 2013 8:15:09 GMT -8
*As she got up from the command chair, Natasi "Hmm"ed in response, somewhat surprised that the girl actually had thought of that. She felt a little sad that the results had been disappointing but that was life. As she led the girl down the docking tube, she said.*
"If you cooperate and not try anything, nothing should happen to you. Though, in the end, that is probably up to the Arch Duchess to decide."
*As they reach the airlock, Natasi sets a hand on the girl's shoulder and squeezed it in reassurance, squeezing a little harder then intended since she's not used to the whole compassion thing.*
"Cheer up kid. The Duchess is actually pretty nice...most of the time."
*It didn't really register with Natasi that that may have actually unnerved the girl more. Instead, her focus was drawn to the two stunning examples of Hapan Males as the airlock opened to reveal Commanders Gregr and Danton Ragnar, along with the six soldiers with Guns of Command at the ready. Danton, even Natasi would admit, was by far the most beautiful man she had ever seen. His ocean blue eyes blazed brightly in tandem with his bleach blonde hair made him especially stunning. Too bad he's married, Natasi usually thought to herself on the rare occasion they crossed paths. Gregr, Danton's younger brother, was gorgeous in his own right as well, though his looks contrasting to Danton's enough for those who didn't know to think that the two weren't related, for Gregr had dark brown hair with eyes a dark hazel. His skin, too, was also a bit tanner then his brother's, the two were also the same height, yet Danton was built a little...hunkier then Gregr, but not by much.*
*Natasi quickly snapped to attention to return to reality, refusing to believe that she had actually used the word "Hunky" in her thoughts. She said.*
"Commanders, this is Krystal Tancredi. She means no harm."
*The Commanders and the guards all look a bit, bewildered by the girl's presence, but the Ragnars quickly accepted it and Danton quickly said.*
"Welcome, then, Miss Tancredi. I am Commander Danton Ragnar, this is my brother, Gregr, who is commander of this vessel. We are curious as to why you are here, but first, let us get more, comfortable."
"Yes. Due to the...change in circumstances, we will question you in the Captain's cabin. Shall we?"
*Gregr led the way down though the central corridor, with Danton and Natasi standing to either side of Krystal while the guards followed behind them. Reaching the bridge, the night side Jodaka currently filled the viewports as they stopped before the Captain's cabin. Entering the access code, Gregr motioned for the others to enter, but stopped the guards at the door before entering himself. Closing it behind him, he noted that the cleaning crews had already gotten rid of the shipping captain's corpse, but had failed to remove the blood stain from the bulkhead. Frowning, he gestured for Krystal to sit before saying.*
"I apologize for the mess, the Arch Duchess doesn't tolerate incompetence and this was supposed to be cleaned up already."
*The cabin was much larger then that of the normal captain's cabin, and far more furnished as well, for apart from the desk in the back of the cabin, there was also a horse shoe set up of two couches facing each other and a seat at one end with a coffee table in the middle. Danton and Natasi took seats on opposite couches while Gregr stood beside the seat and waited for Krystal to sit.*
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Krystal "Meony" Tancredi
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Figuring things out...
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Post by Krystal "Meony" Tancredi on Jul 24, 2013 10:22:49 GMT -8
I assured Natasi that I will do as she asks. I mean, I'm doing my best not to annoy her. I do not speak when not asked to speak, and I don't do anything other than what I believe she wants me to do. When she squeezes my shoulder, I think she squeezes a little harder than usual, but I didn't really feel it, because of my super durability. But I'm able to gauge because the doctors who treated me were very gentle, and I know a gentle touch. Well, we're at the airlock and as I see the people on the other side.....oh. My. Gosh. Those are some of the most beautiful men I have ever seen. What the heck. No man should be that good looking! I think my jaw hit the floor, lemme pick it up one moment please.
Oh, Natasi introduced me to them. What do I do?!? What do I do?!?
"*hic!*"
Real smooth, Meony. They'll remember you for sure. Girl who gets the hiccups in front of overly good looking men.
I couldn't take my eyes off them and I don't care if it's rude to stare. If they're who I get to look at before I die, that's just fine with me. I'll at least have looked at something good......and the good just flew out the window when I see the Captain's cabin. Know why? I see blood....nevermind that, I smell blood! My senses are that good, and it's blood. I'm sure of it, not some weird stain on the wall. Someone died here, messily. My eyes probably turned into bowling balls, because I'm shaking in my boots.....and socks.....and pants.....and tunic.....oh, I'm just plain shaking. I step in on unsteady feet, surrounded by these suddenly very scary - but beautiful - individuals. I do not want them to make a mess of me like whoever they shot up here. So I sit down when it becomes clear that's what they want me to do. I think I've stopped blinking, and I've got these deer-in-the-headlights look going for me. Oh and I can't help but keep looking at the stain on the wall every few seconds.
Yeah, it's annoying I'm sure, to the others, but I can't help it. I try my best to stop and to look at the handsome, awesome men. Darn....they're too handsome to be handsome. Whoops, looked at the stains again.
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