NationStates Jolt Archive

Jeff stayed in the room (see above edit) and kept an eye on Sir Meow and James until James left to talk with Christin. He looked down at the tiger and tried to smile, "Come on, Sir Meow. Let's go check on Katherine."

(see above edit)

(oops...missed that :oops:! Sorry, assume my vesion fits in with Lark's timeline.)

(OOC: True...Oh well, Ann's a** get's canned.)

IC: The cat sniffs and follows Jeff (edited)

Ann just sort of stops for a moment. "You know what, I don't give a flying hoot about this anymore. I had to spend my nights having nightmares of my crew being murdered by his subjects in cold blood He want's me out of his god forsaken country fine. I can't stand to be under the same roof as he is, if he really gave a damn about the people he ruled he'd spend less time hiding out here, and more time trying to deal with the criminals on his own shores."

"I think it would be best if I just leave now...I've got a resignation to write."

(No worries dude, it was a later change ;) )

(OOC: True...Oh well, Ann's a** get's canned.)

*double take :shock: :shock: Wha.. what?*

(OOC: True...Oh well, Ann's a** get's canned.)

IC: The cat sniffs and follows Jeff (edited)

Ann just sort of stops for a moment. "You know what, I don't give a flying hoot about this anymore. I had to spend my nights having nightmares of my crew being murdered by his subjects in cold blood He want's me out of his god forsaken country fine. I can't stand to be under the same roof as he is, if he really gave a damn about the people he ruled he'd spend less time hiding out here, and more time trying to deal with the criminals on his own shores."

"I think it would be best if I just leave now...I've got a resignation to write."

Niven looked at Ann for that moment, "Do you want to talk about what happened?" he said softly, "I'm good for a listen, if you just need to get something off of your chest.

"James' heart is in the right place," he continued before Ann mentioned leaving.

"At least stay for the evening, after everything that's happened."

(Unless something changes Ann is going to wind up sitting on her estate... :( )

"Might as well," She wraps her arms around herself..."Right after I was forced to resign my midshipmen's commission and withdraw from officer training I got a berth on a tramp steam ship. The SeaandBee she was an old paddlewheeler and made trips to out of the way places. Places where my name, and my shame wouldn't be known. I was the chief Engineer...One night we left a Noropian Port. We had just aquired a large group of Noropian passengers. There was food poisoning, people getting sick...then the bastards came out of the woodwork and started to seize the ship." She stops and looks back at the ocean...

"We didn't have time, they were already gunning down the crew. Captain Mcgregor was trying to keep them from getting the bridge as long as possible." She closes her eyes..."I got one of the boats lowered and got my boys in the engine room onboard. Then both of the lifeboats made a run for it..." He voice breaks..."The bastards opened fire with heavy machine guns. Took out my lifeboat, they killed my boys the passengers I was responsible for..." She fell down on the ground crying.

"I survived because Meow pulled me out of the frigid water and kept me warm with his own body...but I should have died...I was in charge...why not me. How is it that the people I'm supposed to keep safe die while I live?...the people I love..."

(God, Ann's quite pathetic isn't she?)

(Nah, she's just got a lot of karma to work through ;) )

Niven picked Ann up after she fell to the ground and started carrying her back to the estate, "It's all right," Niven said, "You've got a lot to deal with. You can't carry the burden of the world on your shoulders, you did everything you could to keep your men from dying."

Niven spoke with as soothing a voice as possible, years of the bloodshed Jeff had been dealt gave him experience with this.

"You were saved because you have something out there that cares about you, enough to put himself at risk. Call him your guardian angel," he continued carrying her into the house and into a side bedroom. "Maybe this is fate testing you, getting you ready for the future. Tempering you like steel."

(OOC: Dr. Niven is fairly strong guy...considering Ann's weight...)

Ann untangled her self from Dr. Niven's grip. "I'm sorry, I really shouldn't have burneded you or your family..."

(OOC: Yeah, damn I wish I knew everything about him that Cele knows, he's another one of these cyborgs, a lot like Jeff... If that's a problem, then we can just consider that he helped her back to the estate.)

"It's not a problem," Niven said. "It something that comes with raising as many kids as I have. Now relax for a little bit, I'll find your tiger friend, and get you something to drink. I'm sure you'll feel better in the morning."

Niven walked out a moment and turned down the hallway, dialing a quick number in his head.

Jeff, your friend seems to be a little depressed.

James? Yeah I know, and why are you just calling him my friend now?

No no, the other one, Ann.

What's wrong?

Niven gives Jeff the short story for what happened to Ann.

I can see why she and James don't get along. OK dad, I'll be there in a minute.

Jeff looked down at Katherine in the hospital bed, kissed her forehead and whispered, "I'll be back in a bit sweetheart. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

OOC: Ah well likely then she's not that heavy...likely 186 or so...seems a bit heavy but try picking up a sleepy diver sometime...

IC:Ann was likely more than a little depressed. "I think alchol would be a poor choice don't you Doctor. I need to get a video phone..."

"... Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

(Well, that certainly doesn't narrow the range of options :P)

"... Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

(Well, that certainly doesn't narrow the range of options :P)

(LOL, touche.. touche ;) )

"Not at all dear, I was thinking something like tea or hot chocolate," Niven smiled, "I'll be back in a few minutes with that. There's a phone there," he pointed to a small monitor.

Niven walked out, and met up with Jeff and Meow in the kitchen.

"So how's she doing?" Jeff asked.

"How are you doing?" Niven asked back, as he poured some homemade hot chocolate, courtesy of Mrs. Pridemore, into two large mug with some marshmallows.

"I'll be all right," Jeff said, picking up the two mugs. "Thanks ma'am," he said to the missus.

"Noth'in at all there love," she said, pinching Jeff's cheek. "You go cheer that young lassie up. And you!" she pointed at Niven, "Go talk ta your other boy. James is mad enough to spit nails!"

"Of course dear." Niven nodded as he walked into one wing and Jeff and Meow walked to the other.

Jeff knocked on the door to the bedroom.

-----

Niven knocked on the door to James and Christin's bedroom.

The door opened slowly, then faster as James saw who was on the other side.

"Hi, Dad," he said quietly and in a much more subdued manner than might have been expected, givern his earlier rage. "Come on in."

Christin wasn't around.

Niven walked into the room as James closed the door.

"So, how are you doing?" Niven asked. "I hear you... well, I wanted to see if you felt like talking about it, say over a glass of wine or hot chocolate on the back landing?"

James sat down on the edge of the bed.

"I don..." he started, the thought better of it. "Yeah. Yeah, that'd be good. Thanks, Dad."

Ann looked at Jeff and waved him in.

The screen showed a veiw of the Alconian Flag and then chaged to a somewhat gray haired man.

"Your Grace...I have some disturbing news..."

The gentlemen at the other side raised an eyebrow "What? Has someone killed Jeff Williams or did his wife pass on?"

"No he...there was an incident with my Aide provided by the sisterhood. The appear to have gained a sample of a eugenics produced human. She has not answered any questions..."

"Ah, most distubing...but the Order really hasn't felt any need to restart their super human projects. They have been far more worried with the recent growth in the undead..."

"Yes, Your Grace...I will be sending her to Hull"

"Yes, ISS and Military Intel will deal with this woman. Ah, why do you look like warmed over death..."

"I've...Your Grace I must tenure my resignation...I have become unwanted by his Majesty King James of Iansisle and I'm afraid I can not complete my mission."

"We will discuss this later...I expect your return at your earliest convienince for a debreifing...His Majesty can discuss what his problem with you is with Victoria. Resignation rejected..."

"Yes your Grace..."
"Good day"
The terminal turned back to a blue screen

"Hi Jeff, sorry for drugging you..." she said meekly...

Niven held open the door for James and the two of them walked towards the back of the house, to watch the sun set over the ocean. Niven put his hand on James's shoulder reassuringly, "Right this way."

Two mugs of hot chocolate were sitting on a table in the back.

Thanks lady Niven thought with a small smile.

He handed one mug to James as they sat down, "Now then, where shall we start?"

Ann looked at Jeff and waved him in.

The screen showed a veiw of the Alconian Flag and then chaged to a somewhat gray haired man.

"Your Grace...I have some disturbing news..."

The gentlemen at the other side raised an eyebrow "What? Has someone killed Jeff Williams or did his wife pass on?"

"No he...there was an incident with my Aide provided by the sisterhood. The appear to have gained a sample of a eugenics produced human. She has not answered any questions..."

"Ah, most distubing...but the Order really hasn't felt any need to restart their super human projects. They have been far more worried with the recent growth in the undead..."

"Yes, Your Grace...I will be sending her to Hull"

"Yes, ISS and Military Intel will deal with this woman. Ah, why do you look like warmed over death..."

"I've...Your Grace I must tenure my resignation...I have become unwanted by his Majesty King James of Iansisle and I'm afraid I can not complete my mission."

"We will discuss this later...I expect your return at your earliest convienince for a debreifing...His Majesty can discuss what his problem with you is with Victoria. Resignation rejected..."

"Yes your Grace..."
"Good day"
The terminal turned back to a blue screen

"Hi Jeff, sorry for drugging you..." she said meekly...

"A eugenics produced human? That'd be me wouldn't it," Jeff said with a small grin as he handed Ann one of the mug. "I'd like to tell you how great this stuff is, but I've never tried it before." he said with a smile as he sat down on the end of the bed.

"Resignation? Want to talk about it? Our company hasn't been that bad" he smiled. "I'm sure what the clash is between you and James can at least be talked out, can't it?"

James held the mug with both hands and stared into it pensively, but didn't take a drink. "Well," he started, "I suppose I lost my temper."

The terribly obvious out of the way, he took a quick sip from his chocolate and continued.

"I don't know what it is about that woman -" he couldn't bring himself to say Ann "- but she just brings out the absolute worst in me; and visa versa, I think.

"I'd like to say it's all her fault, and that's certainly what I thought when I yelled at her, but now I'm not so sure."

She takes the cup of chocolete and looks at it..."You know, I'm a girl from a sub-tropical nation. Drinking hot coca was something you did...well on vacation in the Hubirs mountains." She takes a sip...

"I don't know Jeff, I'm really not cut out for this line of work. I'm an engineer and a navy brat. Not exactly good combinations for a diplomat, I almost smashed His Majesty's nose into his face...Why...I don't know...calling me on what I should know but don't? Really, he doesn't like me and never has...why I don't know. Maybe my nation is too close to Calarca after all...I mean we are in bed together on a number of ship designs (which never got anyplace...)"

After catching up a bit on the reading, its nice to see that in a way, Lark is taking up the Imitoran way of diplomatic imunity. I.E. screw it. Oh well, back to reading... :twisted:

"I don't know what it is about that woman -" he couldn't bring himself to say Ann "- but she just brings out the absolute worst in me; and visa versa, I think.

"I'd like to say it's all her fault, and that's certainly what I thought when I yelled at her, but now I'm not so sure."

"Well, why did you get upset originally? Does she rub you the wrong way? Tell me more."

"I don't know," said James, but it was pretty clear that he did know.

"It's just that she's so...arrogant," he said at last. "She reminds me a lot of Hoot."

ooc: So wait...did I miss the Metallica concert???

She takes the cup of chocolete and looks at it..."You know, I'm a girl from a sub-tropical nation. Drinking hot coca was something you did...well on vacation in the Hubirs mountains." She takes a sip...

"Oh...I ... um.." He started before blushing nervously.

Way to go schmuck-boy... look like an idiot.

"I don't know Jeff, I'm really not cut out for this line of work. I'm an engineer and a navy brat. Not exactly good combinations for a diplomat, I almost smashed His Majesty's nose into his face...Why...I don't know...calling me on what I should know but don't? Really, he doesn't like me and never has...why I don't know. Maybe my nation is too close to Calarca after all...I mean we are in bed together on a number of ship designs (which never got anyplace...)"

"You're an engineer? Well there you go, you can be cut out to do this work. Look at it like an equation you can break down, something you can look at both sides of."

Jeff put his hand on her shoulder, "Once you get to know James, he can be a great guy. I've only seen him act like this to a couple of people before, and I don't know why he'd do it with you, cause you're a pretty cool diplomat. You don't take crap from people, there's gotta be something there."

"I don't know," said James, but it was pretty clear that he did know.

"It's just that she's so...arrogant," he said at last. "She reminds me a lot of Hoot."

"Hoot?" Niven asked, thinking a moment. "Oh yes, I remember, Jeff's told me about this Sgt. Gibbson. Why does she remind you of him? And is it arrogance or ... overly being self-assured?"

ooc: So wait...did I miss the Metallica concert???

:lol: We love you to Ag, where the hell've you been?

"It's just that she's so...arrogant," he said at last. "She reminds me a lot of Hoot."

OOC: Oh I cant wait...

After catching up a bit on the reading, its nice to see that in a way, Lark is taking up the Imitoran way of diplomatic imunity. I.E. screw it. Oh well, back to reading... :twisted:

(LOL, gotten straight from the State Department website, I assure you)

ooc: So wait...did I miss the Metallica concert???

:lol: We love you to Ag, where the hell've you been?

ooc: RL stuff...I have school work, and a girlfriend ;]. Just been a bit busy, but I think I will be able to start RPing again, the workload should drop off now, after Easter break.

(Cool man!)

After catching up a bit on the reading, its nice to see that in a way, Lark is taking up the Imitoran way of diplomatic imunity. I.E. screw it. Oh well, back to reading... :twisted:

(LOL, gotten straight from the State Department website, I assure you)

OOC: Imitoran Statebook Definition of Diplomatic Imunity-The max caliber that your bullet proof vest is capable of stopping.

(That's a big amen to the missing Ag thing! I can hardly wait!)

"Hoot?" Niven asked, thinking a moment. "Oh yes, I remember, Jeff's told me about this Sgt. Gibbson. Why does she remind you of him? And is it arrogance or ... overly being self-assured?"

James laughed, though it might have been a choke.

"And there you have the reason I've been beating myself up. I'm not even sure I can tell the difference anymore.

"And wouldn't that make me just about the most arrogant man ever?"

"Not at all James. There is a very fine line between arrogance and being too self-assured. Some people hopscotch over it, back and forth. Like this Sgt. Gibbson might have done, and some of the people in Parliament. It takes time to figure that out. And I'm sure the tension between Ann and Jeff when they first interacted at the funeral didn't help."

"Yeah," said James. "Yeah, I remember that." He frowned.

"But Jeff was over that almost at once. Why has - why is it taking me so long to get over? Is it just that I'm more petty than he is?" James seemed to be searching wildly for something to be self-depreciating about.

"You?? Petty? I highly doubt it! You're one of the kindest souls I've ever met.

"I don't know if he was over it at once, remember Ann and he had to have another discussion to talk about their concerns. I think part of it is that she's *insert proper nationality name here*. She had a problem with a group of Noropians who had killed her crew when she was at sea. Have you ever been at war with them?"

James shook his head. "No. No, of course not. Besides the Beth Gellerns, we've never even blown our nose funny at any nation with the Alconians' level of technology.

"Of course," he continued after a thoughtful moment, "There was an upsurge in piracy along the Noropian coast during the War, because the Navy didn't have enough ships to patrol the Northern Seas well enough."

He seemed to be distracted from self-abuse by the thought, and tapped his chin. "Did she say anything else about the incident? John'd really know better than I, but I recall some of the higher-profile cases we've had from up there."

"She said they were taking on some people who had been sick with food poisoning, and before they knew it, they were taking over the ship. The captain had lowered people into the lifeboats, but the Noropians had taken control of the heavy machine guns, and they blew away the rest of her crew."

*Niven explains as much of the story as possible to James, since I can't recall it right now*

"And she blames herself for their deaths. Her attitude might be an overcompensation for that. She's very much like Jeff in that regard. Blaming themselves for what they can't change."

"That does sound vaguely familiar," said James, tapping his chin. "But..I can't remember anything specific. John'd know; it's more or less his Dominion, after all."

Upon hearing Ann and Jeff compared, James' face fell a mile and a half. He didn't even seem able of saying anything; he didn't let on whether this was due to a lack of anything insightful to say or some other cause.

(Actually, it's because I'm shoving off to bed. ;) I'll catch you later, man!)

"Are you all right James? You look like someone told you that you'd sold Dun Adien for a bag of magic beans. What's on your mind?"

(gotcha, good night man!)

"You're an engineer? Well there you go, you can be cut out to do this work. Look at it like an equation you can break down, something you can look at both sides of."

Jeff put his hand on her shoulder, "Once you get to know James, he can be a great guy. I've only seen him act like this to a couple of people before, and I don't know why he'd do it with you, cause you're a pretty cool diplomat. You don't take crap from people, there's gotta be something there."

"I don't know...he's been cool towards me since...well the misunderstanding we had at the Cathedral. I mean, well I didn't really have any care to just get lost in admiration for Jeff Williams, legend of Larkina, God of Iancorp circulation. Remember Mary? I mean she just looked at you as though staring at God..."

She shakes her head,
"I guess I was a bit cynical but, I thought most of it was puff...more designed to push circulation then get the truth. I came to respect the Jeff Williams in the security dosiars and intelligence breifs as a naval officer and knight errant. I just, well ignored whatever Iancorp wrote about you since is seemed to be geared more towards boosting circulation. I mean we both know your at least augmented. She stares at the cealing "Some how my little quirp about you got taken the wrong way. I've just assumed that James doesn't like me because I'm an Alconian or from the Klatch..."

"Are you all right James? You look like someone told you that you'd sold Dun Adien for a bag of magic beans. What's on your mind?"

"I guess I'd just never really thought of her being at all like Jeff. I mean, he's more than just my best friend; he's my brother as well."

He sat back and sighed. "I was just trying to go over the reasons she, who now that I think about it, really is quite so similar to Jeff, offends me quite so much.

"And all I've been able to come up with is that I must have some sort of prejudice against women, Alconians, or women from Alcona and Hubris; that she really was right when she accused me of decadence; or perhaps that I'm utterly incapable of tolerating disagreement.

((ooc: NB for those unfamiliar with James' character: he's continually plagued with self-doubt like this. I haven't quite decided if it's because he really has an ingrained mistrust of himself or if he simply knows that acting in this manner will get other people to compliment him. Either way, I doubt it's a conscious activity.))

OOC: Man, James shouldn't have any self doubt. If Christin looks anythign like the Christin Chaffin I'm basing her on, then he has got one FINE piece of ass...sorry if I ramble at all today...no sleep since midnight till midnight, and no food...damn devotion

(James double posts, too :?)

(without doubt, Imitora! *cat-call* ;)

Naw, James is a loosely drawn caricature of myself, or rather, what I think I’d be like if someone suddenly shoved me into being the monarch of a 1.8 billion person state (or ~160 million, in reckoning where other countries have cut down their population too). He has a lot of the same fears and desires as I do (except that fear of flying..I think there’s nothing better than strapping myself into a twenty-year-old rust bucket that’s been regulated to the Tucson-San Diego route and launching myself at five hundred miles an hour...really ;)). Um, right! Back to your regularly scheduled rp!)

"I don't know...he's been cool towards me since...well the misunderstanding we had at the Cathedral. I mean, well I didn't really have any care to just get lost in admiration for Jeff Williams, legend of Larkina, God of Iancorp circulation. Remember Mary? I mean she just looked at you as though staring at God..."

Jeff chuckles sheepishly at that, "Yeah , she did almost pass out when I talked to her.

"I dunno, I never asked for any of this... this admiration," he said quietly. "God of IanCorp circulation... you missed the best part. They made a movie out of my life. Won some award or something. That really helped stoke the fires. I always just wanted to be known as some guy that tries to do the right thing."

She shakes her head,
"I guess I was a bit cynical but, I thought most of it was puff...more designed to push circulation then get the truth. I came to respect the Jeff Williams in the security dosiars and intelligence breifs as a naval officer and knight errant. I just, well ignored whatever Iancorp wrote about you since is seemed to be geared more towards boosting circulation. I mean we both know your at least augmented. She stares at the cealing "Some how my little quirp about you got taken the wrong way. I've just assumed that James doesn't like me because I'm an Alconian or from the Klatch..."

"I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding," Jeff nodded. "During our misunderstanding, he probably just took it the wrong way. He does get pretty protective of me. After I got my lower leg blown off, he swore to never let me leave Iansisle again. But I think I prefer your respect more than anything IanCorp tries to throw onto me."

Jeff looked down a moment, "Yeah, we both know I've be rebuilt. I don't know what to say."

"I guess I'd just never really thought of her being at all like Jeff. I mean, he's more than just my best friend; he's my brother as well."

He sat back and sighed. "I was just trying to go over the reasons she, who now that I think about it, really is quite so similar to Jeff, offends me quite so much.

"And all I've been able to come up with is that I must have some sort of prejudice against women, Alconians, or women from Alcona and Hubris; that she really was right when she accused me of decadence; or perhaps that I'm utterly incapable of tolerating disagreement.

Niven smiled at James, "Of course he's more than that. You two seem to have a closer bond than most blood-related brothers I've ever seen."

Niven chuckled and joked, "Well it just goes to show you that you really don't like Jeff and his hot-headedness after all. But seriously, I think the two of you got off on the wrong foot, you're not prejudiced against anyone, not that I've ever seen. Plus I think you know better than to be that close-minded."

She just shakes her head..."Yeah, but between me and His Majesty we could start a war. Neither one of us should be letting our personal problems with each other interfere in doing buisness."

She gets a bit concerned at Jeff's apparent response to his cyborg nature. "Ah don't worry about it...we've been working on making replacement parts for years now...I'd have a mechanical hand if I hadn't been evaced to L.O.W." She shivers..."Regen tech is nice, but their bedside manner is as cold as an Artic winter..."

She just shakes her head..."Yeah, but between me and His Majesty we could start a war. Neither one of us should be letting our personal problems with each other interfere in doing buisness."

"Yeah you two could, but I'll bet that you two are professional enough to take a step back and realize that your personal views are clouding that judgement, and that you two really don't want to go to war. Besides, I'd for you both to sit down at a table and figure all of this out," he ended with a wink.

She gets a bit concerned at Jeff's apparent response to his cyborg nature. "Ah don't worry about it...we've been working on making replacement parts for years now...I'd have a mechanical hand if I hadn't been evaced to L.O.W." She shivers..."Regen tech is nice, but their bedside manner is as cold as an Artic winter..."

"Yeah, it's nice to have replacement parts. The only problem is worrying about them rusting after I take a swim," Jeff chuckled. "Dad's bedside manner is pretty nice though, when he's not threatening to smack me around for doing something stupid."

Somehow the wink got misread for a moment...
Ann seemed to have a flash of something in her eyes, but they cooled a moment later.

"Jeff Williams, warrior, Duke, Peacemaker, tell me do you cook?" She said in a humorus tone.


"My dad, I have no clue how my dad would handle my present positon. He just cursed the whole noblity after my mom died. Now here I sit, no parents...a host of cousins who want me dead. At least I made on the list of elibable bachlorettes this year. The Squaker even suggested I was romanticly involved with the Overlord of L.O.W. what fun...I'm now sleeping with a man I've never met!"

Somehow the wink got misread for a moment...
Ann seemed to have a flash of something in her eyes, but they cooled a moment later.

Jeff looked down a second and bit his lip.

Way to go, at this rate she'll be putting a bullet in you in a few minutes...

"Jeff Williams, warrior, Duke, Peacemaker, tell me do you cook?" She said in a humorus tone.

"My dad, I have no clue how my dad would handle my present positon. He just cursed the whole noblity after my mom died. Now here I sit, no parents...a host of cousins who want me dead. At least I made on the list of elibable bachlorettes this year. The Squaker even suggested I was romanticly involved with the Overlord of L.O.W. what fun...I'm now sleeping with a man I've never met!"

"Actually I do cook, quite well," Jeff nodded. "I don't know how my biological parents would have reacted to all of these titles getting thrust upon me. They might have been proud.

"So you made the list of top singles, huh? That's pretty impressive," He smiled, "At least you're not being reported as romantically involved with someone you know, that's gotta be a lot harder to dispute."

She goes mock serious..."Married men shouldn't tell single, eligiable women such things Jeff. Especially sitting on their beds and informing them that they can cook."

She sombers remembering Kathrine..."Oh god Jeff, I feel so bad dumping all of this on you when...you know Kathrine..."

She goes mock serious..."Married men shouldn't tell single, eligiable women such things Jeff. Especially sitting on their beds and informing them that they can cook."

Jeff cracked a larger smile at that, "Well, I trust me, and I trust you, so it's all good. Oh yeah, we are sitting here!"

She sombers remembering Kathrine..."Oh god Jeff, I feel so bad dumping all of this on you when...you know Kathrine..."

Jeff nodded, "Yeah, I know. It's all right though, sometimes you just need to talk with someone, and I'm glad I can be here for you. It's helped keep me from going crazy knowing there's nothing I can do to help her right now."

(OOC: In internaional news...today it was learned that Calarca has joined the Federated Klatchian Coast... :shock: )

IC: "Well, at least she's stable at the moment..."

(OOC: Oh man, is that a bad thing?)

"Yeah, she is," Jeff said looking down into his mug. "Are you going to be all right?"

(Well actually it just surprised the hell out of me...I assume Vrak invited him but...I'm trying to get over the shock...The rules for the FKC are unique really...)
"Well I'm fine with the things I can control..." She looks up..."but there is a good number of things I can't control..."

***
The woman in the detention cell had been sitting cross legged without speaking and just sitting there. If the guards had looked away she would slash out her hand against the nearby wall. The faint sound of grease on concrete could be heard.

She finally stood, turned to the wall. She grunted in pain and then leaned down, writting something on the wall with her wrist. Blood drops hit the floor. She dropped down again and bent before the wall. Her head lulled and her body collapsed on the floor.

"Yeah, all you can do is work on what you have control over, the rest of the world will have to deal with what you don't," Jeff said. He reached down and scratched Meow behind the ears, "Thank you both for coming here," he said quietly.

-----

The guard, watching from the plexiglass window (think Hannibal lecter's cell in Silence of the Lambs), saw the woman leaning against the wall, and saw the blood droplets hit the ground.

"Cover me," he said to the two other guards as he opened the door, stepped in and closed it again.

He looked at what was written on the wall.

Niven smiled at James, "Of course he's more than that. You two seem to have a closer bond than most blood-related brothers I've ever seen."

Niven chuckled and joked, "Well it just goes to show you that you really don't like Jeff and his hot-headedness after all. But seriously, I think the two of you got off on the wrong foot, you're not prejudiced against anyone, not that I've ever seen. Plus I think you know better than to be that close-minded."

(*runs in panting* I'm here, I'm here! I swear! ;))

"I like to think that, at least," sighed James. "I really do." He tapped his knee. "But I can't go back on my word."

(*runs in panting* I'm here, I'm here! I swear! ;))

"I like to think that, at least," sighed James. "I really do." He tapped his knee. "But I can't go back on my word."

(LOL, no worries man, catch your breath, grab a drink and relax ;) )

"What word is that?" Niven asked.

"I declared her persona non grata," said James. "Even if I wanted to - which I do - I can't go back on that. It would destroy my credibility."

(sorry about the long response time...I just realized there was a DS9 marathon on ;))

Ann looked up..."Well, I don't know...sort of the worry wort really...I was sure you were going to be heading off to do some damage without thinking...and I guess I'd prefer not to save your hide just to have you lose it so soon afterwords..."

***
http://www.eng.auburn.edu/users/donatgw/wall.jpg

"I declared her persona non grata," said James. "Even if I wanted to - which I do - I can't go back on that. It would destroy my credibility."

(There's a DS9 marathon on??? And I have to be at work.. ;) )

Niven nodded, "Well you did it here, right? If you told Ann that you had said it in the heat of the moment and didn't want it to stand, I'm sure there's a way we can get it rescinded.

"Plus no one knows about it but us."

Ann looked up..."Well, I don't know...sort of the worry wort really...I was sure you were going to be heading off to do some damage without thinking...and I guess I'd prefer not to save your hide just to have you lose it so soon afterwords..."


Jeff smiled at her, "You were right, you still might be right. I don't know yet. But, I appreciate your concern. And I'd hate to get killed so soon after this 'guardian angel' saved me at my own funeral."

-----

The guard looked at the wall, "Get Baroness Winton, if you can. She might know what this is."

-----

A few moments later, a knock was heard at Ann's door.

(OOC: For a Doctor's Guards they don't seem intrested in checking the woman on the floor out do they?)

Ann get a serious tone..."Jeff, whatever you do...don't go out there alone. This Anthony person seems to be trying to play you. If your a Bear don't walk into a bear trap. And this smell like a Jeff Trap...."
She is interupted...
"Yes, what is it?"

(I know! We just got (re?) introduced to the Dominion. ;))

"I suppose if she agreed never to speak of it again." James put his cup down and started pacing left and right.

"But, then, if she didn't keep that word, my credibility would be shot. Or, if she even releases it to IanCorp, they'd tear me apart."

(OOC: The first guard is going to, while the second guard goes and gets Ann and the third guard will cover the first one. That's my bad I had a phone call from an... upset sports coach and had to cut it short. :oops: )

Jeff was about to say something as the guard knocked.

"Ma'am," the guard says walking in, "There's a problem with the prisoner, she seems to have, carved something in the wall and done something to it."

(Ah, well not watching any T.V. at the moment...just killed only new show I liked Wonderfalls... :? But Jaye shall live on :twisted: Although who is having the DS9 marathon...)

Ann blinked, "Well I'll pay for the damages but what did she write in the wall that's so important?"

(I know! We just got (re?) introduced to the Dominion. ;))

"I suppose if she agreed never to speak of it again." James put his cup down and started pacing left and right.

"But, then, if she didn't keep that word, my credibility would be shot. Or, if she even releases it to IanCorp, they'd tear me apart."

(Heh heh, I loved those guys almost as much as Q)

"I don't think she'd want it let out that, as an ambassador, she was thrown out of a nation. Plus if it did leak, then all you could say is she earned her way back into your good graces."

Ann blinked, "Well I'll pay for the damages but what did she write in the wall that's so important?"

"The damages are not a problem ma'am, she seems to have cut herself or something in a suicide attempt, one of the guards is looking at her now, but it looks like some kind of magic symbol."

Jeff looked at Ann, "We'd better take a look at this."

Although she was bleeding, the Sister's heart rate was dropping for other reasons...her frontal lobes were already dead...

***
Ann just looked puzzled by the whole thing and stood. The Order was known for fighting to the death...which is why she had asked for the gun. But suicide?

Upon entering the detention cell she looked at the wall with somewhat of dismay. "Ah is that human blood on the wall and...grease pencil? Now there is a nice combination. Ah, what's the status on the prisoner?"

"Get the medics!" the man said.

The guard picked up the Sister, "Her vitals are dropping. Let's get her into one of the secured ER rooms," he said as he put her on a gurney that had arrived and moved the woman into a room where an EMT was trying to work on stablizing her.

-----

Jeff looked at the markings and stains, "What kind of markings are these?"

Ann looked as the pulled the woman from the room..."I have no clue Jeff, they just pulled my only source of the occult out the door. I might know who to ask, is there a digital camera somewhere about?"

The poison continued on it's journey, more braincells suddenly stopped functioning. The cell death didn't slow but approached the motor cortex...

(Um, Spike or something. A friend told me about it. Channel 48, but I doubt that means anything to either of you ;). It's kind of sad - Star Trek DS9 and before reruns are just about all worth watching on TV anymore.)

"I - I don't know, Dad," said James, making his hand into a fist and flipping his thumb against his index finger while pacing. "Dirwisham has been trying to make me look foolish ever since Jeff tricked Tarriff. I can't afford to hand him ANY ammunition whatsoever."

Ann looked as the pulled the woman from the room..."I have no clue Jeff, they just pulled my only source of the occult out the door. I might know who to ask, is there a digital camera somewhere about?"

The poison continued on it's journey, more braincells suddenly stopped functioning. The cell death didn't slow but approached the motor cortex...

"Yes ma'am," one of the guards said as he walked over to a locker and pulled out a digital camera and handed it to Ann.

The medic was checking the woman's eyes, "I'd have to guess this was a stroke," he said as he pulled out a vial of grey ooze and a needle. "I'm going to try and inject some nanites straight into the bloodstream to rush it to the brain."

(Um, Spike or something. A friend told me about it. Channel 48, but I doubt that means anything to either of you ;). It's kind of sad - Star Trek DS9 and before reruns are just about all worth watching on TV anymore.)

"I - I don't know, Dad," said James, making his hand into a fist and flipping his thumb against his index finger while pacing. "Dirwisham has been trying to make me look foolish ever since Jeff tricked Tarriff. I can't afford to hand him ANY ammunition whatsoever."

(That and Babylon 5 man. ;) Now all five seasons are on DVD! :D )

(I knew somehow this could all be traced back to Jeff. ;) By the way, how are those tests going on Tarriff? :twisted: )

"Dirwisham... I should have taken care of him when I had the chance," Niven scowled. "It looks like Jeff's caused more trouble than he cured."

(I never really got in to B5, though it always seemed like something I'd like. I should find someone with the DVDs and watch them.

As for the tests...I dunno. "Negative, I guess. But there's still this little corner to check..unclench your cheeks." ;))

"No, no," James insisted. "That's not what I meant - Dirwisham has been looking to take the monarchy down a notch ever since he came to power. With the war, he didn't really have an oppertunity; we needed something to rally around. Now..."

James shrugged.

(Edit: Liked the first few seasons of Babalyon 5 and liked the spin off...didn't get to watch either much. Although I think I'm one of the few people who ever got into arguments with his mother if DS9 was better or worse than Voyager)

Ann takes a series of pictures and then mumbles "come on..."

The poison approaches the motor cortex, brain cells die as it turn's their dna into mush...

Ann returns to her bedroom and makes another video phone call.

A woman appears on the screen. "Yes???"

"This is Royal Envoy Baroness Winton, I need to talk to the Countess Please..."

"The Countess does not interfere in the buisness of state...I'm quite shocked..."

"I need an occult symbol recognized..."

"Call the Order...really, just because..."

"I've got a suiciding Sister of the Red Order on my hands who made it...after being arrested for assult..."

The woman became quiet. "I'm afraid it will be a while. I will have her call you back at this number as soon as possible...."

(I never really got in to B5, though it always seemed like something I'd like. I should find someone with the DVDs and watch them.

As for the tests...I dunno. "Negative, I guess. But there's still this little corner to check..unclench your cheeks." ;))

"No, no," James insisted. "That's not what I meant - Dirwisham has been looking to take the monarchy down a notch ever since he came to power. With the war, he didn't really have an oppertunity; we needed something to rally around. Now..."

James shrugged.

(So now would be a good time to tell Tarriff that the bug implanted in him floats from one part to another to avoid detection... :twisted: )

"I see," Niven said, making a note to talk to Jeff after this was all over. "And what can you do to counter Dirwisham? I've found that a good offense is the best defense."

(Edit: Liked the first few seasons of Babalyon 5 and liked the spin off...didn't get to watch either much. Although I think I'm one of the few people who ever got into arguments with his mother if DS9 was better or worse than Voyager)

Ann takes a series of pictures and then mumbles "come on..."

The poison approaches the motor cortex, brain cells die as it turn's their dna into mush...

Ann returns to her bedroom and makes another video phone call.

A woman appears on the screen. "Yes???"

"This is Royal Envoy Baroness Winton, I need to talk to the Countess Please..."

"The Countess does not interfere in the buisness of state...I'm quite shocked..."

"I need an occult symbol recognized..."

"Call the Order...really, just because..."

"I've got a suiciding Sister of the Red Order on my hands who made it...after being arrested for assult..."

The woman became quiet. "I'm afraid it will be a while. I will have her call you back at this number as soon as possible...."

(LOL, must be nice, my parents were like 'why in the hell do you waste your time with that stuff??' but my brother and I had each other's backs)

Jeff followed Ann back to her room and listened quietly to the call. "Just another day in paradise, huh?" he said after the call ended. What exactly is the Red Order?"

The Red Order is a divsion of the Order of Athena. Which is basiclly a religion based around the Goddess Athena. The Red Order is more known for dealing with day to day routine, buisness, etc. The Green Order is well, people who make some of your acquantiences from Transilvania worry...at times they have even conducted espionage in the world."

Of course Jeff you may have slept with one if you ever went to a brothel poped into her head. She just grinned at Jeff and Meow. "Hows my favorite boy in the world..." She said to the cat.

edit: (The implications to Alconian Honor are fairly horrific...It's a good thing I got rid of the Ensign expendable already...)

The Red Order is a divsion of the Order of Athena. Which is basiclly a religion based around the Goddess Athena. The Red Order is more known for dealing with day to day routine, buisness, etc. The Green Order is well, people who make some of your acquantiences from Transilvania worry...at times they have even conducted espionage in the world."

Of course Jeff you may have slept with one if you ever went to a brothel poped into her head. She just grinned at Jeff and Meow. "Hows my favorite boy in the world..." She said to the cat.

"Really?" Jeff asked, "That's interesting. So it's kind of split like a business? With each division taking care of a specific aspect of running the company? In this case, the religion. And the Green Order, I could have used their help a few times in the past. They sound like that Order of Van Helsing or something, that Dad's talked about."

She looks at Jeff..."Ah you realize I don't know what you just refered to?..but hell here we are, up to our necks in the occult." She stands..."I'm a damn Militant Quaker, I don't want any of this petrid, pucid..." She shivers, "...dark magic crap."

"That's OK, I don't understand much about it either," Jeff said. "All I can tell is they're some kind of vampire hunter group. Katherine was telling me about it, dad almost killed someone at our wedding because they showed up with a vampire date, and he was kind of undead as well."

Gee, vampires, undead.. this is par for the course for you, isn't it Jeff the mirror reflection from his nightmare seemed to tell him...

Jeff took off his light jacket when Ann shivered, "Here you go," he said offering it to her, "At least it'll help keep you warm."

(How could you debate about anything being worse than 'Voyager'? Voyager was terrible!

Myself, I've always been a TOS man. My dad too...my brother, on the other hand, always wanted to be outside, playing baseball or some other crap that involved him getting fresh air. What's up with that? ;))

"I see," Niven said, making a note to talk to Jeff after this was all over. "And what can you do to counter Dirwisham? I've found that a good offense is the best defense."

"I'm not sure that proverb applies right here," said James, mostly to himself. "I can't lower myself to their level...no matter how effective it might be. I can't compromise the integrity of the crown."

She takes the jacket. "Ah undead at your wedding...remind me to have mine well inside holy ground. Like Peel Island or something...listen to me. Marriage...the most cuddling I've got in the past six monthis is from a furry mute and a married man."

"I see," Niven said, making a note to talk to Jeff after this was all over. "And what can you do to counter Dirwisham? I've found that a good offense is the best defense."

"I'm not sure that proverb applies right here," said James, mostly to himself. "I can't lower myself to their level...no matter how effective it might be. I can't compromise the integrity of the crown."

Niven put his hand on James' shoulder, "I know you can't. And you shouldn't have to. I'm sorry, I'm just concerned about you."

I'll see to that on my own

She takes the jacket. "Ah undead at your wedding...remind me to have mine well inside holy ground. Like Peel Island or something...listen to me. Marriage...the most cuddling I've got in the past six monthis is from a furry mute and a married man."

"Well, one of them was invited. We've saved each other before, I was glad he showed up, but with a date that was a vampire, Dad was a little.. nervous.

"Of course you'll get hitched," Jeff smiled warmly at her, "You're really great! I'm totally convinced you'll find the right one for you."

She looks at Jeff..."Are you sure you we not a cheerleader in another life or a motivaitonal speaker?"

Niven put his hand on James' shoulder, "I know you can't. And you shouldn't have to. I'm sorry, I'm just concerned about you."

I'll see to that on my own

"I know, Dad," he said. "I've dug myself into this hole, but I can get back out. And the first step is to go talk to Ann."

She looks at Jeff..."Are you sure you we not a cheerleader in another life or a motivaitonal speaker?"

Jeff shook his head, "No, I'm pretty sure I was just another guy."

The reflection smirked in Jeff's head. A murdering, bastard of a man. Someone who needed to be killed...

Jeff shook the image away and smiled, "I was just being honest. You're a really sweet person."

-----

"I know, Dad," he said. "I've dug myself into this hole, but I can get back out. And the first step is to go talk to Ann."

Niven nodded and stood up with James. "Well, her room is right this way."

One of the guards walked up to Niven, he whispered something into his ear.

"WHAT?" Niven roared. "When did this happen??"

"A little while ago," the guard said.

"I'm sorry son," Niven said to James, "It looks like our prisoner is trying to kill herself. Escort James to Ann's room." he said turning to the guard.

"Yes sir."

Niven hugged James, "Now, just be yourself. Let her know the great person we all know," he said before walking to the infirmary.

(back in a bit guys, a&H's dark magic gave me an idea for Antony... :twisted: Poor Jeffie.. ;) )

Niven nodded and stood up with James. "Well, her room is right this way."

One of the guards walked up to Niven, he whispered something into his ear.

"WHAT?" Niven roared. "When did this happen??"

"A little while ago," the guard said.

"I'm sorry son," Niven said to James, "It looks like our prisoner is trying to kill herself. Escort James to Ann's room." he said turning to the guard.

"Yes sir."

Niven hugged James, "Now, just be yourself. Let her know the great person we all know," he said before walking to the infirmary.

James' eyes narrowed. Suicide, even among spies, had little background in Iansisle. Then again, so did torture; the Tablet had specifically limited the powers of Iansislean law enforcement, even during times of crisis or war, for the past two hundred years.

Nor was he completely unfamiliar with the idea. In Effit, for example, a defeated general - and there had been plenty of them in the Effitian campaigns against the Shield - would fall on his own sword rather than face the shame of reporting to the Pater, or a violated woman would slice her wrists rather than live unpure. The entire suicide culture was seen by the 'dignified, refined' Iansisleans as barbaric and uncivilized, the bloody pagan rituals of a bygone era.

And the one time he had seen an attempted suicide was a moment that would forever be etched into his mind. Jeff and Icarus had fought to save the life of a man trying to kill himself, simply so that same man could be brought to trial. On his coronation, none the less: the resultant diplomatic crisis had nearly brought war between Jarlsberg and Iansisle before the days of the Alliance.

With a concentrated effort, James brought his thoughts back to the present. "That's terrible," he said earnestly. "But if anyone can save her, it's you, Dad." He returned the embrace. "Godspeed!"

Then James turned to follow the guard.

(I-man, check your TG's)

The guard led James to another wing of the house and knocked on the door.

(For lack of anything more profound to say...;))

James stood in the hall, hoping that he didn't look like a three-year old coming to admit he'd put glue in his brother's hair.

(hehheh, I'm working on that post now ;) )

Jeff answered the door and smiled at James, "Hey bro," he said softly. Then glanced at Ann and back at James. "I guess.. I guess I should go now. You two know where I'll be if you need me.

"Take it easy on each other," he said gently to the two of them before walking out.

James took a deep breath. "I'll try," he whispered back to Jeff. But as he came into direct eye-to-eye contact with Ann again, he could feel the rage boiling inside him again. With a concentrated effort, James managed to fight it down, but he couldn't bring himself to open a conversation.

Remember, you're here as neither a vengeful king nor an apologetic grade-schooler. Surely, you can find a middle ground? he asked of himself.

(this is not a PG-13 moment, skip now if you're easily freaked ;) )

At a small underground 'temple' in Lyone

Antony was sitting at a desk, flipping through an old leather bound book. He'd taken to reading books on the occult and evil magics in the years after he'd found out about Jeffrey. The more he read about Jeff's cybernetics, the more he'd tried to find something, anything, to give him an edge over his brother.

He'd finally found something. In one of the books he'd found, there was some kind of ritual, Sacrifice of an innocent to the Darkness. He'd read the ritual over and over, memorizing each nuance of what he would have to do.

And what could be more innocent than a nun? He'd asked himself as he stood up.

He walked into the small chamber next to his office, where the woman had been tied to the earthen altar. Dariana was in the room, with the video camera again. If this had worked, Antony wanted it saved for, posterity? No, he grinned at the thought of sending another of his little 'home movies' to Jeffrey.

Antony slipped into the black robe, and pulled out a long, curved dagger.

"To think, for so long I'd been doing this merely for the fun of it. And now, I can gain so much more from it."

He leaned over and laid his head next to the woman, "Thank you, for what you are about to give me," he said as he slipped the dagger up between the woman's legs.

"Assssshhhh, Kaaaaaaaaashhh, de'B'A'de tuuuuu" he started to murmer underneath the woman's screams.

(Ugh, can write no more about that, you guys know Antony's personality, I'll leave what he did up to your imaginations... if you've imagined it, then he probably did it.)

-----

Later, the woman's body, what had been left of it after the defilement, bled slowly into the earth of the altar. Antony, covered in the woman's blood grinned bestially at Dariana (who was herself a little unnerved at what he'd done).

Behind Antony, another larger face was seen materializing. A light blue, glowing face.

"What do you want of me?" An unearthly voice boomed through the room.

Antony never turned around to look at it.

"You know what I require of you."

The headless face bobbed up and down, as if nodding. "I do know. But do you know what you must do?"

"I've done it."

"No you haven't completed the ritual."

Antony nodded as he put the blade up against his chest. The red lines formed, and trickles of blood started to drop on to the alter. Antony's blood mixed with the woman's blood as he finished carving the pentagram across his chest.

The face turned to vapor, and appeared to enter the man's body, through the open wounds on his chest. Antony's eyes opened, a slight red glow behind them for a moment.

"You see Jeff," he said quietly, "Gary Oldman got it right in Bram Stoker's Dracula..." he looked up to the ceiling.

"The blood is the life."

(this is not a PG-13 moment, skip now if you're easily freaked ;) )

At a small underground 'temple' in Lyone

Antony was sitting at a desk...

(*gets freaked*

Heh, just kidding *goes back to actually read post without any smartass comments*)

EDIT: Ooh, that Antony is one bad cookie!

Here's hoping he doesn't get his hands on the disk! ;))

(this is not a PG-13 moment, skip now if you're easily freaked ;) )

At a small underground 'temple' in Lyone

Antony was sitting at a desk...

(*gets freaked*

Heh, just kidding *goes back to actually read post without any smartass comments*)

EDIT: Ooh, that Antony is one bad cookie!

Here's hoping he doesn't get his hands on the disk! ;))

(LOL, it has to be said.. but it's better than being a dumbass. ;) Wait a sec.... *brain locks* disk... disk... I'm drawing a blank.. )

(Heh, what good are disclaimers if we can't mock them? ;)

The disk - from that last RP. I think it's pretty well buried in Gallaga, so no problem.)

( :lol: No doubt.

Ya know, that disk would be sweet to get a hold of.. *ponder* And speaking of disks, it goes without saying that a slightly edited version of this is en route to the Larkinian Embassy. ;) )

(Ooh! I'll bet Jeff'll just love that! ;)

I'm typing up the arrival post for you and Valinon right now; is there anything else Jeff wants to ask the Count before they get to Dun Adien?)

(Yeah, unless you want James and Ann to watch it first, while Jeff's finally asleep. ;)

I can't think of anything, it's all you man. Remember, I'm there for comic relief :P )

(ack! The server faked me out! 'post did not go through,' my ass!)

(It's going to be interesting to see where this conversation between Ann and James goes. It's also interesting to note that I think James is, at last, starting to develop a personality of his own. Makes me feel like a daddy ;)

Sweet...I may not respond for a bit, then, while I'm reviewing old descriptions of Dun Adien / Ian's Isle for continuity's sake and typing it up. If I don't get it up before you have to bug off for sleep, man, then g'night!)

"You see Jeff," he said quietly, "Gary Oldman got it right in Bram Stoker's Dracula..." he looked up to the ceiling.

"The blood is the life."
OOC: Umm, perhaps Bram Stoker got it right and Gary Oldman just copied?

Also, if the blood is the life, and Antony's blood mixed with an innocent's, then wouldn't that make Antony innocent? :twisted:

(Somehow, I don't think Antony's the type to correctly identify the original author of a work; he seems more the type to get references from pop-culture and cinema.

Don't confuse in character ignorance with out of character ignorance. We all, I'm sure, are well versed in our basic literary facts. You don’t need to show how smart (you seem to think) you are by nitpicking in character statements.)

Ann looked at James in the uncomfortable silence in the room.

"I assume you are here to tell me to remove myself from this house your Majesty. Before I do, I wish to appologize for snapping at you on the matter of diplomatic immunity. After thinking about it, you are correct...as such I can see nothing more than to resign my postion."

James' anger had been building ever since he saw Ann, but the apology did a fair degree to neutralize it.

"Actually, that's not why I'm here," he said. "I - I just wanted to say that I understand the pressure under which your comments were made. If you wish to continue in your role in Larkinia, free to visit Iansisle when your work demands it, I suppose that would be acceptable."

Jeff walked into the small hospital and slipped back into Katherine's room. A few minutes later, Niven walked in (I'm assuming either the woman was stabilized or died) and put his hand on Jeff's shoulder.

"She'll be all right, Jeff. I know she will," he said quietly. "We need to talk, however."

"We need to talk, however."

(DUM-da-DUM-dum...DA-DUM!

That's never a good way to start a conversation! ;))

(well... ya know.. ;) )

Niven started, "Jeff, your actions with Tarriff appear to have backfired in an unexpected way, against James."

Jeff nodded quietly.

"Dirwisham had decided to spread his grudge against you to James as well."

"I see," Jeff said quietly.

"I thought you should know that for when you return to Ianapalis after this is over."

"What aren't you telling me?" Jeff asked him. "I've known you long enough to know when you're beating around the bush."

Niven just sat down with Jeff, watching Katherine as the first of his tears fell from Jeff's cheeks.

*ring ring*

Yes?

Jeeves, I need you to prepare some kind of transport to Lyone for me.

Is that a wise course of action?

No.

Then why...

Just take care of it, please.

Yes sir.

*click*

(No! No, Jeeves, no! I'll triple your salary! :P)

(No! No, Jeeves, no! I'll triple your salary! :P)

(And on that note, check your TG's)

(Done and replied!)

James' anger had been building ever since he saw Ann, but the apology did a fair degree to neutralize it.

"Actually, that's not why I'm here," he said. "I - I just wanted to say that I understand the pressure under which your comments were made. If you wish to continue in your role in Larkinia, free to visit Iansisle when your work demands it, I suppose that would be acceptable."

She raised an eyebrow. "I would prefer never to return to Iansisle, for my own sanity. I should note that it is a personal problem and does not reflect the postion of my government. In that light may I ask a question? What have I exactly done to deserve your hatred?"

James bit his lip down on an ill-tempered retort and thought about slapping himself. He had been right; offering to withdraw Ann's persona non grata status had been a mistake.

"You've earned my displeasure, Baroness, because I think you're a poor excuse for a diplomat," said James after taking a few deep breaths. "Don't worry about your position reflecting on your government; at least in the past they've shown a modicum of respect to my country and myself.

"I understand that international relations are sometimes just a pretty dance and that very often respect is only a cover drawn over one’s sincere feelings, but that cover is quite often needed. There’s no place in diplomacy for blunt and disrespectful positions. I suppose it’s this lack of even pretending to mask your dislike for me personally and my country that makes me dislike you quite so much.

“After you saved Jeff’s life, I made the mistake of allowing you into my personal life. I can see now that I may have been mistaken in that move.”

James made himself stop ranting. He was supposed to be in here making up, or at least pretending to. Being this frank, as he’d just said, certainly wouldn’t help anything. Just as in international relations, there was no place for the blunt and tactless in interpersonal ones.

James bit his lip down on an ill-tempered retort and thought about slapping himself. He had been right; offering to withdraw Ann's persona non grata status had been a mistake.

"You've earned my displeasure, Baroness, because I think you're a poor excuse for a diplomat," said James after taking a few deep breaths. "Don't worry about your position reflecting on your government; at least in the past they've shown a modicum of respect to my country and myself.

"I understand that international relations are sometimes just a pretty dance and that very often respect is only a cover drawn over one’s sincere feelings, but that cover is quite often needed. There’s no place in diplomacy for blunt and disrespectful positions. I suppose it’s this lack of even pretending to mask your dislike for me personally and my country that makes me dislike you quite so much.

“After you saved Jeff’s life, I made the mistake of allowing you into my personal life. I can see now that I may have been mistaken in that move.”

James made himself stop ranting. He was supposed to be in here making up, or at least pretending to. Being this frank, as he’d just said, certainly wouldn’t help anything. Just as in international relations, there was no place for the blunt and tactless in interpersonal ones.

"I'm a bit confused your majesty, I've attempted to keep a respectful manner to you while you have displayed an obvious hatred for me. I've just assumed it was because you saw Alcona and Hubris as a potential enemy being so freindly with Calarca. I will admit an outburst at you over my aide was wrong, although may I point out you took a postion only a legal represenative of Celeborne could take?"

As for your nation, I don't hate it, nor it's people. What I don't like is what being in Iansisle does to me. The nightmares of the screams over the gunfire...or the face of the little flower girl who was killed in the assasination attempt on me..." She shivers even though she is wearing Jeff's jacket.

"And I have no intrest in interfering in your private life. However, Jeff and Kathrine are my freinds, and I will not abandon the few I have remaining to your whims. Which was exactly what you have just offered is it not? 'Keep your job but stay away from Jeff and Kathrine'. I'd like to hear your response if the Celeborne government said you were persona non grata except on buisness matters."

Niven and Jeff finally walked out of the hospital room, "Come on Jeff," Niven said, "You need to get some rest. Don't make me drug you again."

Jeff nodded wearily, "I know. We still need to talk about that." he said as they walked. Jeff looked over at Jeeves and nodded to him as they passed through the living room.

Niven caught the slight nod and made a note to talk to James and Ann about it in the morning, just before the children arrived.

Torrhall, Hubris

The Temple of Athena Hubris had stood for over eight centuries. Governments came and went, but the Temple had not. The massive bronze doors still swung opened at daybreak and closed at sundown. It was at the heart of the city, yet in reality it's own world.

Beneith lay a chamber. A domed room made of natural stone. The floors were covered in mosaics, most older than the Temple above. In the center of the room was a pool. Not of water, but mercury. At time went on small ripples exposed themsleves in the pool and then went to one direction or another.

Women, dressed in red looked at the pool and recorded various things. Then a large wave appeared and moved towards the wall. It crashed into the side of the pool. The Mercury formed a symbol. Three circles and one large one. That was an unusual event...

One woman steped away to a small alcove...She wound the old phone and picked up the receiver...

"We have an occurance of note, and it did involve Her but not in the normal way. It was the destination...

"Yes, well you know that destination is the hard part, the pool forms the easiest thing it knows..."

"I can only tell you what I know..."

(Oooooooooh! Sounds interesting! :) But what does it all mean? :P )

(Well...let's say you don't do what Anthony did without somone noticing. Although let's say that James is going to discover new levels of the term arogance)

(Oh yeah, I knew what he did would attract a little bit of attention ;) And that's just the start for him)

(*runs in panting* I'm here! Sorry again; some friends stopped by, and then I couldn't put off that Harmony Cup post I've been meaning to put up. Give me a sec, and I'll have something up here! ;))

James was quickly starting to wonder why he was even trying to keep his emotions in check anymore. He wanted no more than to shout at Ann; to belittle her; to exert his authority as the monarch of a country. The brief lull of horror between the two sharp ends of Ann’s argument nearly made his heart soften, but the aggressive and, in his mind, willful misinterpretation of his words and false analogy at the end gave it back an edge of steel.

“I took the position that needed to be taken,” he said harshly. “There was no legal representative of the government of Celeborne present, and as ally of theirs, I couldn’t very well and let the law be bent around their legal authority.

“As for your emotional appeal, I am not a heartless man. I’m sorry for what happened to you and the people around you, but don’t think you can twist me in that despicable manner. Frankly, it shocks me that you’d have the sheer gall to dishonor their memories so.”

That misinterpretation of James’ probably was at least partially conscious, but right now, his rage was feeding itself and overriding his logical centers.

“Now, then, I never suggested once that you abandon any friends. You yourself said that you’d prefer never to return to Iansisle; I made a suggestion that took that into account but would have allowed you back in if you'd wanted to come. And now you accuse me of trying to seperate you? An interesting flip-flop.

“Perhaps you don’t quite realize it but, even if Jeff and Kate are your friends, they’re my family. If you want to carry on this vendetta against me, that’s fine and dandy - I don’t like you one little bit, and I probably never will. But don’t drag them into this!

“I offered you a solution that would have allowed you to keep your job and us both to save face; a solution that would have allowed you access to Iansisle any time you wanted it, and you chose to throw it away. That’s fine, but don’t assume I’ll make it again!” He turned to storm out of the room.

Ann yells back at him..."We both know what the definition of free to visit Iansisle when your work demands it means your Majesty. And don't give me that lot of crap, if I had accepted that offer the only thing you would have done is refused me to do anything other than attend to my diplomatic visits. No seeing Jeff or the kids...we are both too intelligent..what a minute what vendetta against you?"

Ann sits down and beings to write a letter...

The only answer Ann got was the slamming of her door on the way out. Once again, James was mad enough to spit nails, and he started down the hallways almost at random. After all, it was very hard to storm anywhere but out, and he wasn't quite done storming.

Niven had just walked back into the hallway as James had stormed into another hallway.

"Oh good god, I thought they'd... damnit!"

-----

Jeeves was talking to one of the guards as James was storming through the hallways.

"Yes, I need to prepare one transport to leave in the next couple of days. I can't tell you why, but it is to go to Lyone, if possible."

James was angry, but not too angry to recognize the importance of the word 'Lyone.' He stopped walking at once, and looked over towards where the sound had come from.

"Jeeves!" he demanded. "Why are you arranging transport to Lyone?" Perhaps a little more gruff than he would have been under most circumstances, but James was still in a right bad mood.

Jeeves remained cool under James' sudden aggression.

"I was merely asked to prepare some sort of transportation for Master Jeffrey to Lyone. I don't know why, although I would be willing to wager it is not to check out the shipyards, sir."

He offered James a martini.

"Martini sir?"

"No, no," James waved the drink away. "Hmph - we can't very well let him go through with this," he continued, mostly to himself. "But you can't disobey his orders either."

He humphed again. "We'd better 'arrange transport' for him with one of NivenCorp's private flyers. I'm going to go see if I can find dad; he may have some insight on this situation."

"That's what I was thinking sir. Maybe a flight to Lyone, via Machu Picchu? With you, Baroness Winton and the children?"

"Good man, Jeeves," James started to say, but something caught in his throat, and it came out more like "Gaahm." He tried again, without much more success, then simply nodded.

However much he disliked Baroness Winton, Jeff did like her. And if she could help persuade him down from an idiotic fight to the death, so much the better.

"I'm going to find dad," he said at last. And then he turned and walked from the room.

"Very good sir," Jeeves said before turning back to the guard.

Niven was walking around the hallways looking for James. "Didn't go so well I take it," he said as James appeared.

"With Ann?" James' voice was much less sharp than it had been with Jeeves. "No. I'll tell you about it later, though - something more important's come up.

"Jeff told Jeeves to book passage to Lyone."

Niven sighed, both at the news of Jeff and James' encounter with Ann.

"Jesus Christ," Niven said. "I'm not letting Jeff leave here if I have to keep him sedated!"

“My thoughts exactly,” said James, nodding. “But I don’t want to get Jeeves in trouble. I - I’m afraid I spoke rather harshly to him. Can you think of any way to cancel Jeff’s plan without letting him know how we found out?”

"Actually, I can. Jeff will want to take a private transport."

Niven walked with James back into the living room. Jeeves had left, but Niven walked over to a guard.

"I want all available transports sent out. Now. Send them on maintenance, patrols, whatever you need to do."

The guard saluted and walked out.

Niven picked up a phone and dialed the front gate.

"If any taxis arrive to meet Jeffrey, turn them away immediately. Thank you."

Niven put the phone down. "That should take care of things for now."

"But not forever," replied James, scratching his chin. "We're going to need something to tell him after he finds out the cabs are being turned away."

He sighed. "And I don't really want to be dishonest. We lied to him - even if by omission - about Antony. I don't think I could do it again."

(I gotta go, man..I'll see you tomorrow! ;))

"I know you don't want to, I don't want to either. But this is long enough to convince him that he doesn't want to go running into the lion's den. Ann made a good point, this seems suspiciously like a trap, one designed for Jeff." Niven said. "He has a family to think of, I know how much he wants to kill Antony, we all do. But not like this..." Niven's voice seemed to fade away a moment...

-----

As Jeff finally fell into a fitfull sleep, two glowing red dots slowly flashed in through the windows. These dots grew in size until they were the same size as human eyes. A small smile seemed to materialize under them.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are...I see you."

If Jeff hadn't noticed, Sir Meow was now in the bedroom with him...having entered a few moments after he did.
***
Of course one 'private' aicraft was just waiting on the tarmac of a nearby airport. The Marine guard was napping in one of the comfortable chairs...the phone rang. He grumbled as he rose and mumbled "what! Oh yes my lady. I'll go hire a rental car immediatly...ah, I'll ask at the counter....yes...yes."

***
The woman who had ordered it ready was now brain dead, or at least everything but a small portion of her motor cortext. The brainwave activity was almost a flat line...
****
On a desk in her room Ann had placed three envolopes...
They were labled:
To his Grace, Alexander III it actually was quite bulky and heavy as though a large object were enclosed.

To Jeff

To Conner Williams

She left her room with only a small bag over her shoulder, her blond hair was now black, and covered by a hat. Unshead tears filled her eyes...She looked down at the sleeping Sir Meow. She stopped, and then went to Jeff's room.

I have to say goodbye in person...at least one more time

The door opened to reveal two glowing eyes. She stared at them for a moment, then stepped into the room silently and into a shadow, hoping she wouldn't be noticed. She almost tripped over Sir Meow.

We've lost too much damn information already...if James had let me deal with the Sister in my own way....damn let's see what I can get.

As Ann slipped into the shadows of the room, she saw Jeff tossing and turning in the bed while the grin formed under the eyes.

A shadowy, black hand reached out towards Jeff from the darkness across the room.

As Ann slipped into the shadows of the room, she saw Jeff tossing and turning in the bed while the grin formed under the eyes.

A shadowy, black hand reached out towards Jeff from the darkness across the room.

In manx a wishper could be heard...<<Guard, Now Cat of Doom*>>

Meow lept on to the bed, his red eyes glowing...

The hand snapped back into the shadows at the same moment Jeff woke up with Meow jumping on the bed.

"What the f---??" Jeff asked, trying to shake himself awake.

"This isn't over, Jeffie...

The eyes vanished into the darkness.

Sir Meow looked at the spot where the dark hand had been...He was looking for the enemy that had appeared and then vanished.

Ann stayed quiet for a moment and then said quietly, "Jeff...are you alright?" She was waiting for a counter attack.

edit:(TG)

(Gotcha, She is? Interesting)

Jeff looked at Meow, then over at Ann, "Yeah, I think I am. I had the worst dream though," he coughed as he sat up in the bed.

He reached over the turned on the lamp next to the bed. The light illuminated the room, where the hand and eyes had been there was nothing but a bookcase.

"Jeff...you've had some...well...Jeff you just had a pair of eyes hovering over your bed."

"I had some what?" Jeff asked, still waking up. "a pair of eyes? Damn, did we have some bad mushroom risotto or something? Cause I thought I saw the same thing in my dream."

Jeff looked at Meow and scratched his belly, "So I have you to thank for scaring them away?"

Ann laughed, it was sort of dry, humorless..."I guess we did...what do you remember about your dream Jeff?"

She walks forward, her eyes on Jeff and then the black bag in the corner. Her eyes return to Jeff...

"It was weird. I was in some sort of chamber, dug into the ground. There were two people in the room with me. One looked like me, but different somehow. There was something... unearthly about him. You could almost see his skull glowing red under his skin.

"The other man. It was weird, he was dressed like he came from the late 19th century London era, I don't remember much except this wicked looking blade he carried.. There was just an aura around him, something evil."

Jeff caught Ann's glance to the bag and looked down, "Just some.. additional things I thought I might need."

She looked at the bag..."Did they say anything to you?"

Hmm, so Anthony has gone to the Occult, it would explain a good deal. But is the sperm part of something larger? A DNA tracking device that could effectivly allow Anthony to...launch attacks against Jeff, but then...Oh god this isn't good.

(sorry I haven't been able to post today, folks. Between Easter, my parents coming out for a visit, registering for classes, and the Latin test I have tomorrow, I haven't been able to sit down much. I'll have to catch y'all tomorrow. :()

Speaking of latin, do you think you could help me out with a few phrases, Iansisle?

Um, sure. I suppose I can - kind of - count that as studying. What's up?

I came not to bow, I came to conquer

Only God can judge me

And last but not least,

Justice finds those who are deserving

(now remember I'm only on my second semester, so these are probably fraught with error ;))

non flectere veni; veni vincere
Literal: I came not to bow; I came to conquer (you may remember certain verbs in here from veni, vidi, vici ;))

Deus solus me judicat
Literal: God alone judges me (I don't want to deal with the subjunctive; sorry.)

(I'll have to get the rest later, Imi; I gotta go. Later!)

She looked at the bag..."Did they say anything to you?"

Hmm, so Anthony has gone to the Occult, it would explain a good deal. But is the sperm part of something larger? A DNA tracking device that could effectivly allow Anthony to...launch attacks against Jeff, but then...Oh god this isn't good.

"Something," Jeff nodded, "I can't tell who said it. They said they could see me, and that this wasn't over. Whatever 'this' is."

She looks out the window at the night sky...then sighs..."Jeff...tell me is there really anyway I'm going to stop you from going after Anthony? Tell me the truth..."

Jeff looks at the window at the moon for a minute, then back to Ann, "I don't know. Part of me knows I have to stay here and take care of Katherine. But another part of me...I just want to wrap my hands around his throat and pop his head like a big zit before I die.

"I'm torn between the two. I can't let that second side override who I am. I can't let it take over, because then you'll have to kill me like a rabid dog."

(OOC: That side of Jeff is his 'cyberpsychotic' side, comes with the cybernetic enhancements. As Jeff loses more of his 'humanity', then he runs the risk of going psychotic, it's the trade off he made to get borged up. It's apparent in Jeff through the 'smirking reflection' in this dream (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116770&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=215) )

(I-man, no worries, it is a big holiday after all! ;) )

"Ah, you know...I've thought that you were struggling with trying to protect you familiy here. Or deal with the threat out there....I hadn't realized you were...well so close to the edge...trying to avoid becoming an Anthony...the struggle."

She turns and looks at him, with a nice bright fake smile,

"You need to get your rest Jeff get back some of your strength...go back to sleep, I'll let Meow keep the nightmares away, alright?"

edit: somehow didn't read right first time...and edits got lost... :?

"Wait," Jeff said, motioning to a chair. "There's nothing more I want to do than protect my family from this... whatever the hell he is. Please, give me a minute. I'll try to explain this better.

"I just want to be the person I was meant to be."

Jeff looked back outside at the night sky.

"I've been patched up and enhanced in a lot of different ways. Everytime in response to something that's happened to me, whether it's being attacked in Imitora, or being kidnapped and tortured by the former Larkinian President for some.. unknown reason

"I'd finally come to peace with what I am, because regardless of what I've become, I'm still just me, Jeff Williams, here," he tapped his chest, "And here." he added tapping his temple. "No amount of rewiring could take that away."

"Ever since I completed the last round of cybernetic enhancements, I've felt like something's not right. That I'm losing a piece of who I am. Call it my soul, or whatever you believe in. And it scares me.

"And now, knowing there is someone out there, who is the same as me, biologically. And seeing what he's capable of... it just brought back all of those old fears."

Jeff turned back and looked at the bed before shutting his eyes. "I don't want to be that close to the edge...

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ramble like this. You look like you're getting ready to go somewhere. You aren't leaving are you."

Jeff opened his eyes and looked at Ann, "And... correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't your hair blonde before?"

Edit:D'oh! I missed your edits, I'll get editing this so it'll make sense.

Edit 2: OK, I think that works better

Ann looked at the cealing trying to figure out what to say...Do I tell him? Should I? What if whatever it is attempts to manipulate him...trys to turn him towards being a psycotic while he's here. or induce an episode? I need...we need information...Oh well, I've got one last source and then...well...but she might know someone else we can go too...

After the long pause she said, "Jeff that wasn't a normal dream you just had. Those red eyes were in this room...I'm afraid we are now hip deep in the occult. The question is what do we do about it? I came in here to, well say goodbye and to get the data you had on Anthony, of course letting you sleep as I did so."

She rose and stood over the bag. "Now I don't know what to do. James and I are so...at war almost that he's accused me of various things which I don't even think he really beleives. No, he....I don't get him...and he doesn't get me...and well it's become a ruddy mess since he poked his nose into...well he was just being kingly I guess, I took offense and...it's degenerated horrificly."

She looks back at Jeff, "I...I...Oh hell," She ran her hand through her hair..."I was going to go after Anthony. I thought that him being so focused on drawing you out that I might have a chance of at least wounding him and smashing his current plans...giving you guys breathing room and time to deal with him properly. Now I want to get you some kind of protection...at least give us an idea of what were fighting. Which means a trip to the Hubrian mountains for me, to find some assistance...I hope."

"They were? The occult? Great..." Jeff said as he rolled out of the bed. He slipped a pair of jeans on over his mesh workout shorts (for modesty's sake) and quickly threw on a black t-shirt and a pair of jungle boots.

"So if... I guess it was him.. if he could track me down here, what else could he do? Who was the guy with the knife from turn of the century England?"

Jeff squeezed Ann's shoulder gently.

"I know you and James are at each other's throats, and I'm still convinced there's a way to work things out. Not quite sure how, but I think there's a way.

"And you were going to go after Antony?" Jeff smiled at Ann and hugged her, "Thanks, I appreciate it, but I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. Promise me you're trip to the Hubrian Mountains won't include a stop off in Larkinia?"

"Jeff..." She just stops..."Get some sleep Jeff."

The problem with a completely defesensive stratagy is well it allows your enemy to pick the time and place of the attack. And we can't be on guard always...no, time to throw a wrench at Anthony... fills her mind as she stares at Jeff for a moment.

She got up said 'stay' to the Tiger and walked out the door.

Jeff watched as she stared at him and walked out. He looked down at Sir Meow, "I hope she's able to find out something.

"And I'm willing to bet you're not going to let me out of this room are you?"

He laid back down on top of the bed, as thoughts of Antony reaching out to Katherine started filling his mind.

He sat up a couple of minutes laer, "Come on," he said to Meow, "I'll feel safer staying with Katherine."

Great, now I'm talking to the tiger too...

OOC: No it's when the tiger talks back to you that you need to worry...(hums theme to Wonderfalls [i]We're bouncing along in our barrels...)

IC:The tiger followed...he looked a bit sad. As though he knew something Jeff didn't know.

Ann didn't stop at her room, just out the door and down the drive to the gate. She nodded at the Sentries and acted as though all of this should be arranged. She got in the rented car with the Marine guard and drove to the airport...

***
OOC: Now tis time James and Jeff met a truly arrogent woman...Victoria.

IC:Early Morning

The phone in Ann's room rings for several minutes. With no reply there is a call to the security office (who ever handles these things...) A deep voice asks..."This is LOW scout Tango, Tango, Alpha requesting a conection with Ann Gretchen, Baroness of Winton, and landing permission off your shore for an emergency confrence with said Baroness."

Jeff looked down at Meow, "You OK? I'd say you look kinda sad. She'll be back." Jeff and Meow walked through a different exit in the house and approached the hospital.

The two walked into the hospital room and Jeff sat down at the chair next to Katherine. Jeff looked up at Katherine and kept watch on her as long as he could, but after a little bit, had nodded off, resting his head next to hers on the pillow and his hand interlaced with hers.

-----

The guard looked around, "Did Baroness Winton leave already?"

"Yes sir, she did."

"LOW Tango Tango Alpha, permission to land granted. Baroness Winton has already left the house with an escort in a Marine Uniform, as had been arraigned" (Based on her actions)

There was a silence for a moment..."Acknowledged. Then we need to speak with who is in command of this facility as their ealiest convience please..."

Something large begins to decend into the water off the coast. Plasma streeams soften the decent into the water below.

"Of course."

-----

Niven and James were still talking when a guard walked in and whispered something in Niven's ear.

Niven nodded, "Looks like we have a guest coming in, and Baroness Winton has left the grounds. I'll go wake up Jeff, he'll want to know."

Niven and James walked to Jeff's room. After knocking and not hearing any response, the two of them opened the door and looked into an empty room.

"This isn't good," Niven said.

He dialed up the guards quickly, a moment later he looked more relaxed. "Jeff and that tiger are in Katherine's room again, finally getting some sleep.

"Shall we go meet our new arrival?"

The object is more definite as it finally lands. A long cylindrical body with three equidistant 'wings' located at one end. Each wing appears to mount a large engine. It is not a dominating object by itself. After all it is only the length of a battleship.

The ship has landed on three massive pontoons, two built into the wings, and the third extending from the front. As the steam disipates off the water a hovercraft is lowered to the water and sails onto shore.

(OOC: Let's thank L.O.W for the quick trip here from the Northern Klatch...)

Niven stood out on the back deck, watching the ship drop and the hovercraft approach the shore... his shore.

"Hmmmm, interesting."

He nodded to himself as he made a quick call, just in case, before leaving to meet this ship at the dock.

As the hovercraft ends it's approach and pulls to the dock, three men jump from the craft and form a small group around the landing site in a protective manner. Their eyes looking at the guards as potential threats. As the engines wind down a second group exits the craft.

Two more men in kaki uniforms with green tabs on the collar and an eight foot figure in a black cloak with a double ended pole arm walk behind a woman and two men.

The woman is approximatly six one with long red hair in a pony tail. Her green eyes don't show much emotion. She is dressed in gray slacks and a green jacket that seems to have a mutitude of pockets...MAV is on a sewn in name patch. The shoulders bare an Alconian flag on one side and a patch holding a sword grasped in a hand on black on the other.

The taller of the two men in blond, and is wearing a kaki uniform but with blue tabs not red. He also has a silver eppulete. The man on the left looks like a somewhat older sibling of the woman, but shorter. His eyes are...well...most people just say 'blue' but they tend to seem to swirl color at time. He is looking about as though this were a very nice outing to be on.

The party waited on the dock for the approaching doctor.

Niven approached the group, leaving his guards behind him at the dock.

"Good morning," he said walking up to them, "Such a nice day to go for a trip, I hope yours wasn't full of hassle."

"Good Day Dr. Niven," the woman began..."I'm Victoria Crawford...ah. Consul of the Federated Klatchian Coast. This is Captain Tom Williams "she points at the blond who gives a short bow.

"And this is my...ah Nephew...Mr. Crawfnord. She looks back at him...he smiles and her and nods back. I was here to meet with Baroness Winton on several matters she recently raised and to deal with her transgressing Aide. I've been informed that the Baroness is not on the property...unfortunatly, this is either a mistake or a serious problem has occured."

Niven saluted Williams and nods to Mr. Crawford.

"Yes, I was informed of that just after she'd left. There was a car that came to pick her up, she'd apparently expected it, she walked out, nodded to the guards and got in to leave.

"As for her aide, she'd had some sort of stroke, to the best of our knowledge. Her brain activity has almost flatlined, and we have done what we could to stabilize her.

"What kind of matters did she raise, if I may ask? Do they involve any of my family that is currently here? She did come to check on how my son was doing after recent events."

Niven motioned to the house, "Can I offer you some breakfast? I have the cooks preparing some now."

Sir Meow enjoys a breakfast of

Double Post O's, a part of his balanced daily diet...now in new "Orc O flavor..."

The invite to breakfast was a completely off key for what she expected. She didn't quite understand how things worked around here, nor who exactly defined Dr. Niven's family. A quick read of the Baronesses reports had found a decided desire to stay away from that particular nut. Or perhaps she her self didn't quite understand?

"Thank you for the gracious offer...."

Mr Crawfnord. interupted her and said..."I would be delighted to attend your morning meal, it...it..." He looks at the other two who are just staring back at him.

"I think Tom and my nephew will accept having breakfast with you and your family. I on the other hand would like to take a look at the Sister and access her situation. If you don't mind Doctor. As for the Baroness, would someone please check her room for her.?...not to dismiss your report out of hand but...I'd prefer to confirm she is not on the premisis."

Niven grinned inside at the reaction of the group to his offer of breakfast. Outside he still looked cool and unflappable.

Better to be polite to get to business

"Of course, we will pass by her room on the way to the dining room and I'll escort you to the hospital" Niven said, "This way, please."

Niven and the guards walked the group into the house and directly to Ann's room. They opened the door to an empty room, Niven noticed the envelopes on the desk and picked them up and looked at the names.

"I'll need to give this one to Jeff, and.. Conner? Interesting."

The woman looked at the envolope labled to his Grace and profered out her hand. "May I please?"

Niven handed her the envelope, Well she is the only official Alconian representative in the country, she'd know how to get it to him faster than I would.

"Now if you'll follow me, I'll take you to the medical center."

Niven and the group walked through the rest of the house and out into the courtyard. As they crossed the courtyard, Niven said, "We'll stop off and I'll deliver these letters to Jeff on the way to her room."

As the group entered Katherine's room, Jeff was awake and standing in the room, watching Katherine.

"Jeff, Ann left this here for you," Niven said handing Jeff the letter and making the proper introductions. Jeff nodded, saluted and bowed in turn.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all, I wish it were under better circumstances."

She proceeded to open the envolope and scowl as she was led around. When entering Kathrine and Jeff's room.

She looked at Jeff and gave a bit of a wry smile. She looked at Tom, and he looked at her. Finnally she spoke, "I'm sorry for interupting in this unfortunate moment, but I hope to quickly deal with our buisness and be out of your hair quickly."

Jeff nodded, "Thank you. I understand that you have business to take care of, and if I can help, I'll try to do what I can for you.

"If this is about Ann, all she told me was she was going to the Hubrian Mountains, and something about the occult."

Victoria's eyes narrow a bit...
"Tom, see if you can dig anything up between Ann Gretchen and the Hubarian Mountins if you would..."

Tom bows, turns and walks out the door to return to the hovercraft. "Thank You, Jeff...you mentioned the Occult...what specificly did she say?"

Mr Crawfnord seems to be looking about the facility. The only other person is a small, white haired man in a Kaki uniform.

(The rest are forming a permiter around the house, although the eight foot creature is now standing on the deck.)

OOC: Sorry forgot about defining that earlier...

*edit: Damn forums ;) *

(Oh dear, should I get worried?)

OOC: No...although MAV and James might prove an intresting match up...
(James doesn't have any military experience does he?)

(James? Military experience?

:lol: :lol:

Seriously, not really)

Jeff started telling the story of what had happened with the dream and what Ann told him had happened.

Jeff then looked at Katherine and his curiosity got the better of him before he opened the letter, after putting the one to Conner in his pocket.

Meanwhile, Niven's guards kept an eye on the troops surrounding the house.

Jeff started telling the story of what had happened with the dream and what Ann told him had happened.

Jeff then looked at Katherine and his curiosity got the better of him before he opened the letter, after putting the one to Conner in his pocket.

Meanwhile, Niven's guards kept an eye on the troops surrounding the house.

(What I though, while my little princess 'equivilant' there has...well let's say the nickname MAV is actually an acronymn she likes to drive things with treads and 155mm guns.

..Oh, the permiter is decidedly towards 'outside threats' The Var is trying to protect...well I'm going to let that be an IC/OOC secret...actually I should have about eight of them really... :? )

The letter appeared tear stained...

Dear Jeff

After my recent explosion at King James I have found myself now forced to admit that I am a failure at both personal relationships and my duties to the crown as a Royal Envoy. Your brother beleives that I have a vendetta against him, that I am using our freindship as a weapon against him. Although I still have no clue as to why he beleives this, he is right in one thing. I must honor those who died because of my inability to save them. I...well...I have some buisness to attend to.

I'm afraid I will not be returning from this buisness, to ever see you, Kathrine or the children again. His Majesty has all but forbidden it, and though he offered to allow me to enter his domains again, the wording was such that I would never again be allowed to see you on what I can only imagine was 'pain of death'. If this was not his intention, well I threw away hope because I was scared of death. That can not and will not continue.

I have intrusted care of Sir Meow to your son Conner. Sir Meow seems to really enjoy his company, and Conner is young enough to grow up comfortable with dealing with a large cat as a constant companion.

I'm sorry if this puts you out in anyway. I should note that Sir Meow's 'mother' created a trust for him after her death. As such you may withdraw his allowance from the TorrHall International Bank when needed...I have enclosed the account information below.

Always, Ann Gretchen...

**
Victoria listens, she is playing with a gold ring on the end of a gold necklace in her hand, letting it drop and then flipping in back up into her hand like a yoyo. She mumbles something, crushing the openned letter in the other hand.

"I would like to see the woman please," she says giving a salute to Jeff.

Crawfnord looked about and said in his mannered tone, "Yes, and perhaps someone could direct me to procuring a glass of juice I would appreciate it."

The letter appeared tear stained...

Dear Jeff

After my recent explosion at King James I have found myself now forced to admit that I am a failure at both personal relationships and my duties to the crown as a Royal Envoy. Your brother beleives that I have a vendetta against him, that I am using our freindship as a weapon against him. Although I still have no clue as to why he beleives this, he is right in one thing. I must honor those who died because of my inability to save them. I...well...I have some buisness to attend to.

I'm afraid I will not be returning from this buisness, to ever see you, Kathrine or the children again. His Majesty has all but forbidden it, and though he offered to allow me to enter his domains again, the wording was such that I would never again be allowed to see you on what I can only imagine was 'pain of death'. If this was not his intention, well I threw away hope because I was scared of death. That can not and will not continue.

I have intrusted care of Sir Meow to your son Conner. Sir Meow seems to really enjoy his company, and Conner is young enough to grow up comfortable with dealing with a large cat as a constant companion.

I'm sorry if this puts you out in anyway. I should note that Sir Meow's 'mother' created a trust for him after her death. As such you may withdraw his allowance from the TorrHall International Bank when needed...I have enclosed the account information below.

Always, Ann Gretchen...

**
Victoria listens, she is playing with a gold ring on the end of a gold necklace in her hand, letting it drop and then flipping in back up into her hand like a yoyo. She mumbles something, crushing the openned letter in the other hand.

"I would like to see the woman please," she says giving a salute to Jeff.

Crawfnord looked about and said in his mannered tone, "Yes, and perhaps someone could direct me to procuring a glass of juice I would appreciate it."

The letter appeared tear stained...

Dear Jeff

After my recent explosion at King James I have found myself now forced to admit that I am a failure at both personal relationships and my duties to the crown as a Royal Envoy. Your brother beleives that I have a vendetta against him, that I am using our freindship as a weapon against him. Although I still have no clue as to why he beleives this, he is right in one thing. I must honor those who died because of my inability to save them. I...well...I have some buisness to attend to.

I'm afraid I will not be returning from this buisness, to ever see you, Kathrine or the children again. His Majesty has all but forbidden it, and though he offered to allow me to enter his domains again, the wording was such that I would never again be allowed to see you on what I can only imagine was 'pain of death'. If this was not his intention, well I threw away hope because I was scared of death. That can not and will not continue.

I have intrusted care of Sir Meow to your son Conner. Sir Meow seems to really enjoy his company, and Conner is young enough to grow up comfortable with dealing with a large cat as a constant companion.

I'm sorry if this puts you out in anyway. I should note that Sir Meow's 'mother' created a trust for him after her death. As such you may withdraw his allowance from the TorrHall International Bank when needed...I have enclosed the account information below.

Always, Ann Gretchen...

Jeff read the letter a couple of times, trying to process the letter.

She won't be returning from her business? She said she was going to go after Antony, but I made her promise...

She never actually said she promised..

Jeff's face paled at the thought. He looked at Katherine, then he looked at the letter, back to Katherine, then he looked at Niven, who looked at him like he knew something was up.

Not like this.. not for me she doesn't.

*ring ring*

Yes sir?

Jeeves, I don't care what it takes, train, plane, a pair of swimming fins if you have to, get me a transport to Lyone, immediately!

His next call was to his old friend.

Chris, I need you, Nate and Zann to meet me in Lyone.

What's up J-Dub?

We've got to keep a mistake from happening. Just meet me there.

Where are you?

Celeborne, under lock and key.

How are you going to get out?

Leave that to me.


Victoria listens, she is playing with a gold ring on the end of a gold necklace in her hand, letting it drop and then flipping in back up into her hand like a yoyo. She mumbles something, crushing the openned letter in the other hand.

"I would like to see the woman please," she says giving a salute to Jeff.

Crawfnord looked about and said in his mannered tone, "Yes, and perhaps someone could direct me to procuring a glass of juice I would appreciate it."

Jeff nods to her, "Ma'am, one question, please. If Ann doesn't go to the Hubrian Mountains, is there any way you can locate her?"

Meanwhile, Pridemore appears behind the man with a platter of drink glasses on it, "Of course sir, Orange, Apple or Pear?"

Victoria eyebrow arches at Jeff's statement. "You know, the Royal family does keep track of it's Peers." She holds up the ring and chain.

"Unfortunatly, she had decided not to be a Peer of the Relm anymore. She has caused too many deaths and used them...what was it...to gain sympathy from people." She holds up the thick, crumpled mass of paper.

"I am stuck trying to do to many things at once, however. I can tell you that she isn't about to go up against whatever that was in your dreams without backup or at least knowledge. She thinks the Order has betrayed the relm, which appears to be inncorrect, of course at the moment the Order does appear to have an infiltration problem."
She looks at Jeff the green eyes seem to study him and then narrow in recognition, of perhaps what Jeff is...

"However, the Hubrian mountians are...not your normal place one might say. And I doubt she won't go there... Now before You do anything foolish go down to the dock and see if Tom has turned up anything, like where she took my jet to? After all, your going to have a lot better time reasoning with her than well that evil incarnate you just described. And she might be better prepared than you..."

Crawfnord looked at this whole thing and became a bit, well concerned.

"Ah thank you, orange...Ah, Mr. Williams may I discuss something with you while you go down to the dock?" He holds the glass of juice with only three fingers."

(man, do I feel like a bastard! I physically take the blade to jolly Markus Rumbiak, and then I do my damndest to drive Ann to suicide :?. Um, let me just assure everyone this isn't my usual behavior!

On a lighter note, no, James has zero military experiance. Icarus' coronation proved he couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a firearm, and there's been continual reference to not being as handy a swordsman as Sir Richard. He is somewhat of a horseman, though, and does pay polo casually (and not very well, though the other team usually throws the game).

And the only things with treads and guns Iansisle has need to be imported from Walmington on Sea ;).

(James? Military experience?

:lol: :lol:

Seriously, not really)

:P)

(I'll be back on in a bit, problems at work.. I-man go ahead and post James' reaction to what's going on ;) I think we can guess what Jeff's gonna do :P )

(OOC:Hmm, what I thought...which explains everything. The meaning of Royalty, the Peerage, and their relationship is almost polar oppostites between Alcona and Iansisle.)

One fiasco of wine please!

"Yes ma'am, she might be more prepared than I am," Jeff said quietly before turning to walk away.

Crawfnord's statement caught Jeff off-guard, "Yes, of course sir," he said. He reached over and squeezed Katherine's hand quickly before walking out of the room.

Niven looked at James, "I don't like the look in his eyes."

edited:

Crawfnord follows along quietly. He really doesn't say much of anything except to the Var who starts following them. "Please contact the Coxswain..."

Jeff walks with Mr. Crawfnord, "What can I do for you?" he asks, almost absentmindedly as they walk.

Meanwhile Niven leads Victoria to the other hospital room with the Sister in it.

Niven looked at James, "I don't like the look in his eyes."

James frowned, an odd expression in which he sucked his lips to his teeth and drew back the corners of his mouth. "I don't think he intends to let us hold him here in Celeborne; I doubt there's anything even your fine security could do to retain him against his will."

He sighed. "Perhaps we're going about this wrong. If he's leaving for Lyone, irrelevant of our will, it might be best to lend as much support as we can rather than hinder his efforts."

"Maybe not, but I don't intend on giving him much of a choice in the matter right now if I can help it," Niven said. "Who knows, maybe later today a miracle will happen and Katherine will wake up and talk him out of it."

At that moment, a black sedan was approaching the gate. Ann, Niven's daughter was behind the wheel, and four children were in the back.

"You didn't see a tiger!" Theodore said jokingly to Conner.

"Uh-huh! An' he was big, and fuzzy, wif' big teeth!"

Ann looked at the guard, "Can you tell dad we're all here?"

After Ann and the children pulled through, another motorcycle messenger pulled up and handed a package to the guard.

"Special overnight delivery to one... Jeff Williams."

The guard signed for the package and sent the courier on his way before informing Niven and James that a package had arrived for Jeff.

"Um..." James seemed racked by indecision.

On one hand, he didn’t want anything bad to happen to Jeff; on the other, he’d known his adopted brother long enough to know that once Jeff set his mind to something, that thing would get done, the cost be damned. He also knew that Jeff had his mind not only set but fixated upon killing Antony, and nothing - not even his family - would be able to stand in his way.

(Awww, I wouldn't say that. Jeff's not a psychopath, yet :P )

(not a psychopath, maybe, but certainly dedicated! ;)

I'm off to bed, man - I'm wiped out. I'll catch you later!)

(Yeah, me too man, I've got a presentation in the AM I need to get ready for, late!)

Jeff walks with Mr. Crawfnord, "What can I do for you?" he asks, almost absentmindedly as they walk.

Meanwhile Niven leads Victoria to the other hospital room with the Sister in it.

"Ah let's see what Tom has to say...then perhaps we can discuss things."

Jeff nods as the group walked down the docks.

-----

Jeeves walked to Jeff and handed him a package, "For you sir. Overnight express delivery. Scanned through as a DVD disk."

Jeff nods and looks at the package, "Thank you."

"Also, your sister Ann and the children have arrived."

Jeff nods as the group walked down the docks.

-----

Jeeves walked to Jeff and handed him a package, "For you sir. Overnight express delivery. Scanned through as a DVD disk."

Jeff nods and looks at the package, "Thank you."

"Also, your sister Ann and the children have arrived."

At the dock Tom was in the radio room of the hovercraft attempting to use a computer with a very odd keybord. He was constantly swearing...
"Print...No...what the...I said print...Print...alright that glyph means what...laugh maniacally or something...."

Jeff was saluted, in an odd fasion of an arm across the chest and a short bow as both he and Crawfnord walked onto the dock.

Crawfnord only asked..."Ah, a DVD...expected or not?"

*crumples and throws post in trash can. Damn forums*

Jeff looked down at the DVD, "No, nothing I know about. But I have a suspicion."

Jeff saluted back, "I was sent to find out if you've found anything out yet. Where Ann took the jet she'd flown here in, among them."

Tom looked up...swore again...Well if I can figure out how the printer works I'd give you what I found out. The diplomatic Saab just reported landing at the Farhill Marine Training Center. Which is in the Hubarian Mountain area...if one of the most uninhabited regions. Now, I looked up Ann's school transcripts, from age 12 to 16 she was in 'Youth Training in Cythreuliaidyffryn, which only shows a yearly proficency exam on the standard subjects. No transcripts, what is even more weird is that they gave their students A level tests...which is not like most youth training facilites I've ever heard of...

Now Cythreuliaidyffryn is not going to be on your standard guidebook either, it's litterally a swatch of flat land between two mountains with a road going through it to a nearby pass. Latest survey reveals...well a compound of wooden buildings at the edge of a mountain medow really, with a nice stream running through it. Which makes one wonder how it got that lovely name..."

He looks through a few items on the screen. "Oh, yes and the airbase isn't that far from the place. And it seems Ann got a ride from a marine who was going on leave about fifteen minutes ago."
He pulls up another screen,
"Her Cards report a down payment on a chartered flight....company filed a flight plan to Larkinia about fourty minutes later. They have a stop off in a town named Dobson, fourty miles south of that unpronouncable name. She also bought a....I have no clue, but she spent almost a hundread grand on something, from one of the more colorful outfitters in Cross Harbor."

(Cythreuliaidyffryn ?? I think I was in that town when I was over in Wales... ;) )

Jeff nodded, "If she hasn't left yet, we still might be able to stop her. Can we get to Dobson before she's expected to arrive?"

Conner, Theodore and the twins (Julie and Marcus) walked out of the car and looked into the courtyard. Marcus spied a suspicious tail and smiled at Conner.

"Look," he said pointing it out to him.

"It's Meow Meow!" Conner said, the grin spreading on his face as the group of children rushed over to show Theodore the tiger.

(OOC: Welsh name...yes but I hope you didn't go through there... :shock: )

Tom looked up at Mr. Crawfnord. "Ah, sort of open...they didn't post a time of departure yet..."

Crawfnord laughed..."I see you want to intervene...now, I have a question...are you under house arrest?"

(OOC: Welsh name...yes but I hope you didn't go through there... :shock: )

Tom looked up at Mr. Crawfnord. "Ah, sort of open...they didn't post a time of departure yet..."

Crawfnord laughed..."I see you want to intervene...now, I have a question...are you under house arrest?"

(Actually, I'll need to check my passport, but I think we did. It was part of the rugby tour I was on, and I remember going to this town with the longest name in the world or something like that and we stamped them into our passports)

"They didn't? If we hurry we can..." Jeff's train of thought derailed at the station.

Crawfnord's laugh and question brought him back, "Yeah, I want to. But I don't know if I should. I should stay here with Kattie in case she wakes up, or someone tries something to get to her again. But I can't let Ann go and end up dead.

"Am I under house arrest? I think I might as well be, dad and James aren't too great on the idea of me leaving, especially since I can't find a way out of here yet."

"Hmm, it's your choice...but Alconians are a bit...odd when it comes to doing their perceived duties. I'd ask Victoria to intervene, except she's on the warpath at the moment."

A smaller hovercraft has appeared near the dock with what would best be described as an 'old' salt in a black uniform. He waits at attention..."Ah yes Bathus, I would like to get some fresh, hot nutty doughnuts for everyone here. I here there is a great bakery in Dobson on the Isle of Hubris, take our jolly boat if you would."

He finished his orange juice. "Ah, quite nice...you know sometimes playing the part of the normal man is quite nice." He sighs..."Of course, it is difficult balancing one's obligations against one's need for personal relationships. I think King James needs to have that discussion...which of course might go a long way in ending his war with the house of Winton..."

***
Meow seems to home in on Conner like a missle. For some odd reason the cat want's attention...

***
Victoira and the small white haired man stand on either side of the sister. The small man opens a black case and pulls out a pair of pliers and a flashlight. He opens the woman's jaw and looks down inside and then goes..."Ah...yes..."

A few seconds later he has extracted a molar and is examining it in the light. "Ah...yes...although...hmmm, new design actually..."

"Hmm, it's your choice...but Alconians are a bit...odd when it comes to doing their perceived duties. I'd ask Victoria to intervene, except she's on the warpath at the moment."

A smaller hovercraft has appeared near the dock with what would best be described as an 'old' salt in a black uniform. He waits at attention..."Ah yes Bathus, I would like to get some fresh, hot nutty doughnuts for everyone here. I here there is a great bakery in Dobson on the Isle of Hubris, take our jolly boat if you would."

He finished his orange juice. "Ah, quite nice...you know sometimes playing the part of the normal man is quite nice." He sighs..."Of course, it is difficult balancing one's obligations against one's need for personal relationships. I think King James needs to have that discussion...which of course might go a long way in ending his war with the house of Winton..."

***
Meow seems to home in on Conner like a missle. For some odd reason the cat want's attention...

***
Victoira and the small white haired man stand on either side of the sister. The small man opens a black case and pulls out a pair of pliers and a flashlight. He opens the woman's jaw and looks down inside and then goes..."Ah...yes..."

A few seconds later he has extracted a molar and is examining it in the light. "Ah...yes...although...hmmm, new design actually..."

"She's on the warpath, huh? Any reason I should be concerned for?" Jeff asked, before the hovercraft arrived.

"Doughnuts? Dobson?" Jeff asked with a twinkle in his eye, "Say... you wouldn't need any company on the way would you?"

-----

Conner and the other kids met Meow. Conner planted a kiss on his nose while the other's petted him and rubbed his belly.

"Wow! It is a tiger," Theodore said astonished.

-----

Niven watched as Victoria examined the woman, content to observe for now.

(Oh, the name in welsh means feilds of the demons...)

Crawfnord pondered for a moment..."As you are not royal, do not stand in the way, the royal ego is a thing of monstrous proportions. Or, perhaps your best out of the way..."

Crawfnrod just gave a sideways glance. "Bathus say yes to the nice man..."

Bathus seemed to mumble a "Yes" although through the accent it was hard to tell.

"Now if you'll excuse us Duke Williams, we think we are going to have to particpate in one of the few world events of 'good prince, bad prince' in known history."

***
The little man placed the tooth on the counter and smiled for a few moments. Out of the small case he pulled a bottle with an eyedropper top. After placing a few drops on the tooth it turns red..."Up...right stuff...better injector...wouldn't pick this up on a normal x-ray."

Victoria turned to Dr. Niven. "I'm afraid that your patient should be quite dead. It's amazing that you stabalized her, but...well. I'm going to have to ask that she be allowed to die now...I will of course fill out whatever legal paperwork there might be."

***
Conner got 'kissed' right back.

(Really? Interesting!)

Jeff nodded, "Well, I mean as long as dad or Katherine, or James hopefully, aren't involved, then it'd be best to stay out of the way anyway."

God knows there's enough on my mind as it is.

" 'Good Prince, Bad Prince'?" Jeff asked a little confused.

-----

Niven nodded, "As you wish ma'am, but don't worry about the legalities," he said before turning to the medics and ordering the machines to be shut down. "We did what we could, but not even the nanites can repair brain tissue that's been damaged by blood exposure."

-----

Conner giggled and gave Meow a flopping hug. "We missed you!" Julie and Marcus said.

(Kicks sever for eating post *gets cash for the phrase "eating post")

Crawfnord just replies "Above your pay grade." As he strolls down the dock, the eight foot figure following behind him.

Tom just shakes his head as he sits on the edge of the hovercraft. He appears to be attempting to decyper a book, with what appear to be glyps written on the cover, although a picture of a computer indicates it is a manual of some kind.

Bathus looks at Jeff and asks..."Aye...Ar ya reddy ya Grace...orda ya need ta get anythin for dis resupply?"

"Uh.. right," Jeff said to himself after Crawfnord and the eight-foot tall thing left the docks. He looked down at his left leg quickly before turning and looking at Balthus, "Ummm, no. I think I'm all right."

Gun's in the leg, just in case, I should be all right. I'll see if I can find her there before I pick up the doughnuts.

Jeff called Niven and told him he was running out to get some doughnuts, from the Hubrian Mountains, and that he'd be back in a little bit.

OOC: We...I love playing with well I guess it is my tech now...

IC:"Alright...climb on..." The small six person craft began to push itself up into the air and cross back to the large craft on shore. As it passed under the middle, it began to lift up and into a large 'bay' It was huge. Most of the hatches looked like 8 foot versions of a sub hatch. On one wall was a group of green plate armor. On the other wall was a small group of green human sized armor.

Bathus got out of the craft as several men secured the hover craft by locking it to arms extending from tracks above.

A second group stood next to a small, needle like object that likely could only fit about three people at most. Bathus walked over, saluted the crew and pointed to the middle seat..."Ya bes...be gettin in ya Grace..."

***
([alternate reality/] The Sister's body rose up from the table screaming gibberish and attempting to eat one of the nurses...[/alternate reality] (there, that's my does of Zombie for Victoria...and her RL doppleganner Milla Jovovich)

The brain activity died away as did the heart beat and breathing. "I'll send for a toxic disposal team to come pick this up..." She turned towards the door and stopped.

"Dr. Niven, we would like your perspective on the conflict between Ann Gretchen and King James if you don't mind. This letter has more tear marks then a hankercheif at a wedding they may say. This appears to be a fairly emotional issue for Ann at least." Her green eyes look (down?) at the doctor with a quiet assurance.

***
Sir Meow was well if not happy, decidedly less unhappy. He ran out of the court yard and onto the lawn facing the sea. Somewhat bouncing as he did so.

OOC: We...I love playing with well I guess it is my tech now...

IC:"Alright...climb on..." The small six person craft began to push itself up into the air and cross back to the large craft on shore. As it passed under the middle, it began to lift up and into a large 'bay' It was huge. Most of the hatches looked like 8 foot versions of a sub hatch. On one wall was a group of green plate armor. On the other wall was a small group of green human sized armor.

Bathus got out of the craft as several men secured the hover craft by locking it to arms extending from tracks above.

A second group stood next to a small, needle like object that likely could only fit about three people at most. Bathus walked over, saluted the crew and pointed to the middle seat..."Ya bes...be gettin in ya Grace..."

Jeff followed Bathus to the second ship and sat down where he was instructed, strapping himself in as much as possible.


"Dr. Niven, we would like your perspective on the conflict between Ann Gretchen and King James if you don't mind. This letter has more tear marks then a hankercheif at a wedding they may say. This appears to be a fairly emotional issue for Ann at least." Her green eyes look (down?) at the doctor with a quiet assurance.

(How tall is Victoria? I'm not sure how tall Niven was, I thought he was about 6'2" or 3" And isn't James in the room also?)

(How tall is Victoria? I'm not sure how tall Niven was, I thought he was about 6'2" or 3" And isn't James in the room also?)

(Um, is he? :oops: )

(I dunno, we can say he's in Katherine's room, keeping an eye on her)

(Right on! Sorry I haven't been participating too much; you and A+H seem to have it pretty well in hand ;))

(Yep, so far. Besides, James needs to be in the room when Antony tries to show up again. :P )

"It would seem to me," Niven started, trying to measure his words, "That the first clash between James and Ann came from a misunderstanding between Ann and Jeff at Jeff's funeral. James has been as protective as possible with Jeff, and I think he took the misunderstanding personally. That has clouded his judgement towards her. Plus both people are quite... sure of themselves. That sounds so much better than 'arrogant', which I don't think either is.

"And if I can say so, I think Ann has found herself, slightly drawn to Jeff, and his family. That might be the cause of the emotional response."

((I'd assumed he was in Kathrine's room or elsewhere. Otherwise she would not have asked the question. She's about 6'1" tall,))

Bathus got into the first seat, and strapped in. "Yar...time to get some of da dust off those coils..."

Completely unitelligable...

"Heruk Bathus...movoto sepetrum

complete unintelligable...

the craft was lowered out of the bay and down towards the sea. It was then rotated towards the west...

completely unintelligable

"Angav..Or...Baha...Or...Asa Untay...Or..."

Beee....Ohsema Ohsema Angav Orma...
Female voice Warning, Warning, Antigrav launch in progress...please keep arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times...

The craft shot out of it's cradle and across the sea. Jeff felt both pushed and pulled at the same moment and then nothing....even though the ship was obviously acceperating...

Bathus looked back and said. "Ga compha ba'c der tis gona be ta an hour flight aw mowa.."

***

Victoria nodded as she listened, "Perhaps, perhaps but why were Jeff and Ann to get along so well after the argument? Or we should say we would like your thinking on that. we have our own ideas on that matter."

She is again playing with the ring on the chain. Her mouth slightly puckard.

"Jeff's become a very empathetic (as opposed to just 'pathetic' :P )person. This harkens back to a duel he had been involved in when he was knighted, he ended that man's life. Since then, he's taken care to not let things get to him, if he can help it, because he's seen the worst that can happen.

"I think Jeff sees a lot of himself in Ann, in their background, actions, who they are. And he can understand the problems, the fears that Ann has."

"Yes, we though something similar. She made several comments on our intelligenence files about both you an Jeff that were quite revealing. Not in a bad way but explained a few 'irregularies' that had popped up. At the same time, her few reports on James were dry and opinonless. A sign that she avoided her own personal feelings when it cam to him."

She stops and looks at Niven with fairly hard eyes..."The problem is that he has somehow manipulated, or at least hurt my vassel. His Grace is displeased and we are quite upset. As it stands King James has done serious damage to both Ann's future and his relations the Dual Duchy. King James and Ann are both to blame, and not to blame for this incident. However, we are unable to let things lie as they now stand, I need Ann, what we do not need is Ann feeling like a complete failure again."

***
Jeff if poking around would discover a portable DVD player with several intresting titles also in the right hand pocket. They seemed to vary from 'Worthingtons go Wild' (unopened) to a DVD on how to lern Vrakian in 9000 easy steps.

In Katherine's room

James was sitting in the chair Jeff had been in before when the sound started. First, a faint clicking sound, it faded in and out. Looking against the wall, he saw some dark, metallic shaving.. or what looked like them, slithering in and out of the shadows.

James looked up quickly. He had been just about to doze off; maybe this was part of a dream that hadn't quite started.

"Hello?" he called softly. If he was seeing things, it wouldn't do to let everyone know he was crazy.

He had some vague memories of that night in the Honeycomb.

Jeff picked up the small DVD player, "Hmmmm," he said as he put the disk inside and hit the start button...

The scene opened up on an earthen alter, and a woman on it.

"Oh shit.." Jeff said quietly as Antony appeared in the screen.

Jeff hit the off button quickly.

What's the matter Jeffie? Are you scared?? the smirking reflection said from behind the looking glass.

-----

Nothing was heard in the room except the *clack clack clack* of the tapping as the ... whatever they were slithered on the wall.

Two pinpoints of light were seen in the darkness.

James was fully awake now, but he could still hear the clack-clack. Now he was really starting to worry.

And then he saw the two pinpricks of light. "What in the green..?" he started, stumbling backwards.

"Yes, we though something similar. She made several comments on our intelligenence files about both you an Jeff that were quite revealing. Not in a bad way but explained a few 'irregularies' that had popped up. At the same time, her few reports on James were dry and opinonless. A sign that she avoided her own personal feelings when it cam to him."

She stops and looks at Niven with fairly hard eyes..."The problem is that he has somehow manipulated, or at least hurt my vassel. His Grace is displeased and we are quite upset. As it stands King James has done serious damage to both Ann's future and his relations the Dual Duchy. King James and Ann are both to blame, and not to blame for this incident. However, we are unable to let things lie as they now stand, I need Ann, what we do not need is Ann feeling like a complete failure again."

"I agree, she doesn't need to feel like a failure. The problem is convincing both sides to sit down. It's almost like Ann needs some kind of boost to her self esteem, and James needs to.. I don't know, I've never really seen him like this before."

-----

The pinpricks of light turned into two flaming eyes.

"Hello? What's this? You're not Jeffie." a voice softly slithered into the room.

James grasped for his broadsword hilt. It wasn't there; why would he need it in Dr Niven's estate?

"Who...what..?" He'd seen supernatural things before; why were they always after Jeff? "No, I'm not," he said firmly.

He'd seen supernatural things before; why were they always after Jeff?

:lol: like the song goes, "It's a kind of magic" :P

"Oh well, I guess she'll have to do."

A flaming finger pointed out from the darkness towards Katherine.

"Never!" cried James, rushing to her side.

Bathus looked back at Jeff with a bit of concern. "Proah Sir?"

***
"No what Ann needs is a real explination. Of why James hates her, we think that would go along way toward making her feel better. She is an engineer, and unable to come up with a solution to the question of why only fustrated her, likley only adding to the problem...now she's decided to solve a problem she thinks she can solve."

She considers the end part of Niven's statement..."You realize that...I'm sorry but did the temperature just drop ten degree's in here?"

A flaming pentagram formed under the eyes as they darted to the doorway, where the sounds of guards jumping up from their chairs were heard.

"Next time you see Jeffie, ask him if he got my present."

-----

Edit: "Yes, I think it did," Niven said looking around, and then hearing the commotion heading into the next room.

"That's.. Katherine's room!"

"You..your present?!" James still wasn't quite making sense. Especially now that he was talking to an empty room.

Whatever it was, it'd done a good job of shaking him. He couldn't even properly check and make sure Kate was all right.

(I gotta go, man...my brain is fried. I'm sorry :?)