Ophelia Ashern
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 9, 2016 1:07:29 GMT -8
*Such...extravagance. Ophelia was trained to mirror elegance, poise, and many other things that most debutantes and royalty were known to exude; what Standash seemed to show was another measure above all of that, altogether. There was a confidence to her movements, a sort of...precision. And then it came to her. The Lorrdian knew the stances and movements of Echani-bred training better than most. Standash had been trained in that discipline. To what degree, Ophelia hadn't a clue -- but for it to show in her walk, alone? That was enough to suggest to the Master Sergeant that it must be somewhat-extensive.*She shouldered her bag, moving with the Princess and attempting to keep her observations to herself. Instead, she began analyzing her new surroundings - how many entrances and exits, level of security, training evident in those men she could see as she passed. Within her mind, she had already begun developing a profile for this entire campus. This was how she worked; how she was trained.
*As the pair walked inside, she was shown to a room where she could change. Stepping inside, she was sure to close the door and lock it behind her before setting her bag down on the table just beyond it. Unzipping the duffle, she began removing her street wear -- Her chocolate-colored nerf-leather jacket with armorweave inlay, a pair of form-fitting jeans that would give her ease of movement, her shell-spidersilk t-shirt, a pair of socks and travel boots, her undergarments, and her belt. There was also her badge that she carried when she was off-duty -- she would put that on when she was finished getting dressed.*
*It only took a few minutes. The entire time she was changing, she checked every angle of the room to make sure she wasn't being observed by some unknown force. She had a strange, creeping sensation that she was either out of her element or that she was being watched; and she couldn't determine which it was. When she finished changing, she slid the badge in her inner-pocket on her jacket, grabbed her comlink, stowing it away in a pouch on her belt, and began putting away her armor and helment into the bag. As she finished, she felt another very-important item in her bag. She breathed a sigh of relief as she found her makeup bag, which carried within it another important item to her at the moment - a brush. Removing the pins from her upheld hair, she shook it loose, allowing the mess of it to fall down to the base of her neck. It wasn't too long after that she found herself brushing the kinks out of her wavy locks, and feeling a hundred times better than when she'd stepped through the door. She took a moment to observe herself in the mirror across the room, and took a few moments to add a little makeup to her features - although she never used much. The finishing touch was her favored lip balm, a sweet nectarine-flavored moisturizer. She preferred a more natural look, that much was certain.*
*Beyond that, she only took a few moments to freshen up - reapplying deoderant and the like - before putting her things away and looking herself over one more time. She did about as well as could be expected, given the severe lack of advanced notice that she would be the guest of the former Supreme Chancellor of the known galaxy.*Shouldering her bag once again, she walked outside the room to see the same aide as before standing in front of her. He asked for her bag, which she gladly gave to him, and then she asked him where she could find the Princess. After receiving some rudimentary direction, she made her way to where Standash was said to be waiting for her.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 9, 2016 21:24:52 GMT -8
The door to the room was open. Standash had changed as well. The stunning shimmering princess with her flowing hair had been replaced. Her hair was up in a tight bun, and she was in a simple dark green tunic, so dark it was almost black. The room had no lights on, the only illumination was from the doorway and a holo map of the galaxy. The planets that had been, up until a few hours ago, in the Republic highlighted in blue, the other sections in various colors. The princess stares at the map silently, with her hands behind her back. She makes no motion to the open door and the woman now casting a shadow into the room.
The silence hung in the air. A member of the royal guard motions Ophelia into the room.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 11, 2016 20:51:01 GMT -8
*Taking the guard's lead, the Lorrdian female stepped quietly into the silent room. Her eyes were fixated both on the woman before her - with both her attire and her demeanor entirely-changed - and the display of their known galaxy. Inwardly, she wondered what all of the varying colorations could possibly mean, although she did recognize several of the systems in blue as being former-Republic planets. She was within a few steps of the Princess now.*Stopping just behind her, she folded her hands in front of her, canting her left foot forward as she settled into a very composed posture. Shoulders back, chin up, the full monty.
"...It's a very pretty map, ma'am..." She chimed "...but what is this all about?"
*She was genuinely curious about the map; however, she had to play it off as though it was just a passing fancy before getting to the real meat of the concept, which Standash was sure to reveal soon. Or, so Ophelia hoped.*
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 11, 2016 22:45:32 GMT -8
Her gaze never wavered and never left the map. Deep in thought. It is easy to forget how many there really are... Millions of worlds, most of which with billions of people on each. Each one just effected by a choice I just made. An action I took will change the lives of every one of them. Even the other sectors, the empire, the mandolorian worlds, the Jedi, the Sith, even the crime worlds, will all be impacted in some way.
How many have you been too Captain?
Yes that was not Ophelia's current rank, but that was what Standash was offering. She waited for the response still looking at the map.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 16, 2016 0:31:32 GMT -8
*It took a moment, for all of the Princess' grand-standing, for Ophelia to process what was being asked of her. Not just the question she posed, as was her custom, but the fact that she had just received an officer's commission that was far different from her own military ranking. What was this woman's aim? The Lorrdian wished she knew. To that end, she figured it was best to be blunt with the woman.*Folding her arms in front of her, Ophelia altered her stance as though it would suggest disbelief and a mild degree of offense at the suggestion.
"Is that why you've brought me here, Princess? An attempt to confuse me and then foist on me a rank which I have not earned, for a purpose which I cannot possibly begin to guess, with the intention of duping me into it? I really do wish you'd bother to be straightforward with me, ma'am; if only to keep from wasting each other's time -- yours being far more valuable than mine, at the moment."
*Really and truly, the Lorrdian was just as much testing the Alderaanian as she was attempting to remove the smoke and mirrors from her speech. Regardless of how deeply-intuitive the Master Sergeant might be, she couldn't afford to keep guessing at what was or was not there. It needed to be drawn out into plain sight if there was any hope of a working relationship between the two of them.*
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 16, 2016 13:03:07 GMT -8
She didn't look up. She was afraid to show the weakness that had cracked her face. The second guessing, the time had begun to take its toll on the young woman. But her voice remained steady, the same confidence as before. No, I wanted to see how you reacted when things went against the norm, and you have done well. I have been studying members of the Republic's military sense I got here, sense I set plans to change the look of the galaxy. I knew I would need people around me, those whose strengths lay outside my own, people who can do what I can't. A name kept coming up, yours. Yes your formal education isn't what some would desire, but that doesn't matter to me. You have what I need in a captain of the guard. I need a right hand if you would. I am limited by my standing, by my age, by expectations. If you chose to accept this you would not have those limits.
For too long Miss Ashern have your actions resulted in others gain. How many commanders revived awards, commendations, and promotions because of things you have done. Because of ideas and actions you took? You have earned much more and I am offering it.
I have made enemies today, some will be public, and others will try to remain in the shadows. They are there. You have seen my people, could they really stand against those that now want to see me harm? You are smart, think about what I now face. Can the people charged with my protection really stand against it? Or do i need something else, do i need someone else?
Eyes locked on the images of the galaxy, flickering in hologram.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 17, 2016 23:22:29 GMT -8
*The weight of her words struck her like a ton of duracrete. Her military career was one of her own choosing, wasn't it? She had been bred from a young age to be a tactician, and to gain the most out of what little she was given. Had her superiors benefitted from her experience? Certainly. Several of them had received commendations for having a successful unit, thanks to her efforts. She had shared in their success, and certainly didn't accept the notion that she was hitting some sort of "glass ceiling", but...perhaps the Princess was right. Perhaps it was time for her to move forward, remaining unrestricted by the rank and file.*She looked back to Standash, who still stood, looking into the holodisplay.
"You're asking me if I believe you are well-protected? Your Defense Force has some of the best-trained men and women in the galaxy, all seeking to protect their home -- to protect you. I've worked with practically every one of them. They don't know the meaning of the word 'fail'. There are literally hundreds of Admirals, Generals, Master Chiefs -- as the leader of this entire planet, they are all under your command. What am I, compared to them?"
*It was a valid question to ask. Ophelia was certainly an operative, but there were likely many who were better-suited to be her protector. If that was even what the young woman was asking.*
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 18, 2016 0:32:29 GMT -8
I was talking about my people. Not those that serve an office. I don't question their ability, or their loyalty. There ability is excellent, and their loyalty is to their careers.
I am a nineteen year old ruling this planet. Each one of those admirals, generals, and directors thinks they can rule better than me. They may have loyalty to an office, but it is not to me. Given the opportunity to take my place they would.
My people are here. That guard you met outside, men and women like that. Willing and loyal beyond compare, but ineffectual. I need a Captain of my personal guard. Someone to be my hand. Yes, there is probably a Major or Commander equipped to do the job. On paper there are many, I looked. But they don't have what I need. I want someone I can trust. That's what your record shows me. Someone that isn't willing to compromise herself for gains, someone capable. Most importantly someone that does a job because it needs to get done. That is what you are compared to them. Trustworthy.
The young woman still doesn't look up for the flickering images. She has built her persona of never getting tired and never growing faint. She could not let Ophelia see her in this sate of weariness and uncertainty. Not yet anyway. Her eyes were heavy with bags under them. The days events had left her drained.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 18, 2016 3:36:48 GMT -8
She watched the young woman as she answered the Lorrdian's question.*There was much about the Princess that Ophelia simply did not know. As much as her security detail had been tasked innumerable times to safeguard the princess, she only knew what she needed to know -- what route the lot of them were going to take, how many entrances and exits they would need to cover, suspected involvements from any particular groups, so on and so forth. She had studied the psychological profiles of most of the Chancellor's rivals and enemies more than she had the actual woman. So, to gauge her now, when she was attempting to gain insight on Ophelia, was as if she was playing a game of pazaak blind with a pure-positive side-deck. She was practically at the mercy of the cards.*
"So...you're willing to place your trust in a woman you've only studied, but never met?" She looked at the Alderaanian with equal parts disbelief and shock. "I've got to say...you're either brazen, or quite frankly, stupid. I'm hoping for the former to be true." Looking to the display, and then back to her, she continued. "Because what you have in front of you, ma'am, is a whole galaxy full of worried individuals who need an intelligent leader to give them an example to follow. With the Republic gone, we are going to need to be the beacon that leads these people forward; not wander in disarray. She pondered silently for a moment, hoping Clair would give her some sort of alternative direction to follow. She did not. "I'm...willing to do what's necessary to ensure that you can achieve that goal, ma'am."
*It was a half-measure to say such poignant things; actions would be required to ensure that such words weren't just simple air. Ophelia hoped she had what it took to do so.*
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 18, 2016 11:13:04 GMT -8
As I said, you see a job that needs to be done, and you do it.
Standash pulls a small pin and a data card out of her tunic pocket. The pin is a small emerald right fist. The card black.
Accepting will give you access to everything on the planet. You represent me and are an extension of me wherever you go. You speak with the same authority as I do. Off world, all accommodations made to me will be extended to you as well. Oh and you can be armed with whatever you want here and on Alderaan. All the resources of my house and office are available to you.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 19, 2016 1:46:49 GMT -8
Taking the pair of objects into her hands, she looks them over.*The emerald pin was an heirloom, of that, Ophelia was certain. It must have been handed down from one Protectorate of the Thul family to the next. It really was quite beautiful; ornamental, and ominously imposing. The black card must have been an access keycard with the highest level clearances. Ophelia would likely have need of this access if this was to work out how Standash had seemingly planned it all. Regardless, Ophelia already had another plan formulating in her mind. One that she was certain the princess would have no qualms with allowing.*Taking a small device out of her pocket, she flips it open to reveal a node with a blinking red light. Depressing a button, every electronic device within fifty meters of them went black, including the display behind Standash. And thus, in the total darkness of the room, Ophelia stood -- holding the only light source; a dim, red bulb that illuminated only her face and that of the princess'. In a hushed whisper, she spoke to Standash with conviction in her tone.
"I accept this position. But, I have a few conditions. No one must know of it; at least not at first." A grin crossed her features. "You see, I have a little plan already set aside. You're worried that you remain a target. I'm also worried that if I openly accept this position, I'll have individuals seeking to eliminate me as both a source of information and as a potential threat. Give me a month, possibly two, to flush the 'ambitious ones' out of the shadows. They likely already know I'm here talking to you. Whoever brings me in for that debriefing will be the first suspects we start rooting out. I'll tell them that I turned you down flat. With any luck, they'll be willing to open up to me, and let me know what's on their mind -- or possibly, who's pulling their strings."
She took a step to the young woman's side, and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I realize this has a potential amount of risk. Both to me, and to you. But we didn't get this far in our respective lives by playing everything safe, now did we? I will give your people instructions on what to do in order to secure your Embassy. It can be our dual cover-story. Publicly, you sought my expertise as to closing the gaps in your security. Privately, you sought to recruit me as your Protectorate. The ones who are well-informed on the latter will tip their hands almost as certain as the sun; and the ones believing the former, well, they'll be none-the-wiser."
*She would give the young woman a moment to consider her proposition. Now that they could speak openly, honestly, freely -- what would she dare to say?*
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 19, 2016 23:46:31 GMT -8
The accepting was all Standash needed to break down. Tears began to form on her face. Lucky all her makeup was already off. The regal princess was gone, the sure and icy former Chancellor was gone as well. They were replaced by a 19 year old women.
Did I do the right thing?
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 21, 2016 20:54:00 GMT -8
Upon noticing the young woman breaking down into tears, the soldier looked away from her for a moment. Jaw clenched, and trying to maintain her own composure, she soon turned her head to look back upon the woman who would have been her own sister's age by this time. Giving her shoulder a light squeeze, she spoke her words with conviction in her tone.
"I believe the measures you've taken today could have far-reaching consequences -- both positive and negative. On the one side, you've moved to strike down the corruption that had long since taken the very heart of the Republic and twisted it into some sort of monstrosity which sought only to provide ill-gotten gains to those who had warped the system in their favor. On the other, the fledgling political worlds of our Republic are now confused and frightened; not knowing how they are meant to provide for the worlds that their representatives have been chosen to speak for. If we are to salvage this, there are a multitude of factors that will need to be considered. Partnerships that will need to be formed between worlds once again. Armies and Navys that will need to be properly-distributed to maintain the peace in these systems. Worlds like Coruscant and the Five Sisters will likely manage without fail. There are strong ties in the Core that will keep us from falling away. But worlds like Ithor, Bimmisaari, Caamas, and the Outer Rim territories will need express guidance in the months to come. They have a high likelihood of being swallowed up by civil war and strife."
She closed the apparatus that was in her hands. Within seconds, the lights in the area, including the holodisplay, seemed to flicker and reawaken. Ophelia took two steps past Standash to look into the display once more.
"When I was young, learning of the galaxy's delicate balance in my military's Academy, I was taught that no one planet truly had importance over any other. Sure, we've chosen one place or another as our galaxy's capitol or claimed solidarity of one planet over another for whatever reason; but that hardly gave any of us any reason to build up pride one over the other. Everything in this span of stars has its place of importance. Even the undeveloped worlds out in Wild Space, or planets such as Dathomir or Varonat. It was a much-different program than what I've seen of other worlds; where their people are taught that their planet holds a higher place than others, and their people should be considered before the needs of anyone else. I never understood what could possibly drive someone to think like that, completely disregarding the fact that their own peoples could benefit greatly from the wealth of knowledge and resources out there in the galaxy. At least, not until a few years ago, when my own naivete was stripped away from me; I saw much like I can guess you're seeing now -- this galaxy needs a reality check. Perhaps this was the first step to realizing that. Perhaps - in that - you actually did the right thing."
*It was as good of reasoning as the Lorrdian soldier could come up with. Regardless of the tears she saw the woman pouring away, she knew that Standash had the wherewithall to understand what Ophelia was talking about. Hopefully, her words would reach her, and bring her around to where she needed to be.*
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Apr 24, 2016 21:35:20 GMT -8
I keep going over and over in my head. There was no other option. I have known that for a long time. I came here to end it. But i can't help but think I missed something. Thank you for listening.
She wasn't satisfied, but it was unlikely that she ever really would be. She would always wonder what could have been. She stares blankly and the holo of the known galaxy again. Face red, she no longer had need to hide it.
Any tricks you can think of to make me forget?
Even in this emotional state her poster was still perfect, thanks to her years of Echani martial arts training.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Apr 25, 2016 21:48:31 GMT -8
Ophelia shook her head.
"Never forget...because in the forgetting, you lose the experience you've gained."
*Ophelia wasn't attempting to be cryptic. If you let your experiences fall by the wayside, you put yourself in peril of committing the same mistake again and again. You lose your edge, and therefore, whatever ground you sought to gain. The best option was to actually continue on from that point, building upon the momentum that came from the initial act. So long as you remained ahead of your adversary, you could dictate the course of the engagement.*Noticing that she still sought to maintain her posture, Ophelia took that as a good sign.
"But if you feel the need to divert your thoughts, simply focus on the path forward. Don't wander about, pick a course and stick to it. You'll find that it's easier to continue when the way before you becomes your refuge."
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on May 2, 2016 21:38:13 GMT -8
Thank you, your words help.
What she really wanted to do was to punch something. Deep down she was disappointed of this desire. It wasn't very Alderaanian of her, but painting and other art had never really been her style of doing things.
Do you have any other questions for me about your new job then?
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on May 6, 2016 20:12:26 GMT -8
Ophelia shakes her head.
"All that I would ask is your approval of my conditions -- if we are to continue forward here, I believe that ferreting out those who would seek to harm you in your administration will be crucial."
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on May 10, 2016 13:00:12 GMT -8
Agreed. Your conditions are acceptable. I will insist that you take a comlink that only i can communicate with. I many need you.
Otherwise it appears that you are dismissed... Captain.
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Red Tape
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Post by Red Tape on Jun 19, 2018 11:27:34 GMT -8
Red sat at his desk in his tiny office space, carved out of the the grandiose room by portable partition walls bored stiff, eyes less on his work than the clock on the wall. His eyes shifted left to right, as right hand slid gun from the blazer on chair. Looking the piece over licked upper lip then placed the pistol in the left pocket. Back to work. A spasm crossed his face. Red had finally snapped. Years of waking at the same time, slugging back a pot of coffee and eating breakfast if he had time, then walking the same path to work so often that he could do it blindfolded, saying hi to the same dead faces, buying the Galactic News every single day on the way and ending up in this same seat to waste for eight agonizing hours, not including his hour lunch and two, yes, count them two, 30 minute breaks, which he was supposed to feel grateful for, then home to eat, sleep and do it all again. After this Red had lost it. E-9 blaster pistol in his briefcase, with a disassembled E-11 blaster rifle, he had every intent to take the place apart. Sitting in a cubicle at the north-east corner Red scanned the office. Opening his Comm. he punched in codes. Buzzing. What is this s(^/t!?! He thought. An answer! Red's heart beat faster
-Red-
<<Di my man!>>
Eyes still shifted watching all around him voice falling to a whisper
<<I want out of this BS....>> He was feeling his blood pressure rise, if one can even do that -Red-
<<Di, Di. You’re one of the most stable people I know…. Out of us bunch.>>
-Red-
<<I am losing it!>>
Realizing his voice rose, eyes widen and ducks, peeking up over the charming portable partition walls that make his crummy office.
-Red-
<<Right… right. Listen here pusher – I am burning up in here!>
He stopped eyes closing. The raised voice at the other end could be heard. The Comm. went dead. The clock read 3:06. Just 2 hours and he was free. This was going to be a long one
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Di Fastski
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Post by Di Fastski on Jun 19, 2018 17:08:04 GMT -8
A man cut through all the embassy. He was well groomed and dressed impeccably but did not look like he belonged there. A few shot glances in his direction but none said anything Walking into the office Di was unmoved. Well far from it, the place was intimidating but he tried to look unmoved. Seeing Red sitting at behind a desk in a lonely cubicle, walking over he took a seat and said in a cheery voice
-Di-
“How's it hanging?”
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