Jump to content

Alternity: The Elements of Eternity - Ep. 2 The Eye of Cronus


Recommended Posts

With the successful (more or less) rescue of Milena Sharael, the Union of Sol's designated Ambassador for this sector of space, the members of the Machiavellian Rue's crew are given ample free time aboard The Lighthouse, an interstellar space station that traveled throughout the known Omniverse.

On Deck 198, the social epicenter of the Lighthouse, their individual rooms at the Emporer's Palace Hotel overlooked the entire sector. Such restaurants as 198 West and Mongolian Grill tempted their pallets and tugged at their wallets. They knew the Lighthouse rather well, in fact The Corner wasn't far from here, a nightclub and bar they'd often use to find employment and an occasional fence for hot gear.

Although they each had plenty of time, Erebus had contacted them and informed each member to meet him at The Corner later that evening for a few rounds. Until then, the Lighthouse was their playground.

Click to reveal..
Ball is in the PC's court. You can make a post that includes some the 'off-camera' things your PC might have done to relax during the down time, or you can skip straight to the meeting. Your call.

The current Episode assumes the PCs have had the opportunity to get cleaned up, heal up and some fresh knickers on. smile

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Isis spent time in her room preparing. A human woman might don makeup, take her time choosing clothing...these tasks were accomplished quickly by Isis however. Rather, she spent time practicing things that came with more difficulty.

She smiled into a mirror. After a moment she shook her head and tried again.

A smile was complex social cue. It's meaning was almost entirely contextual, shifting and changing in real time according to the specific situation at the exact moment the expression was made. Adding to the complexity, significant portions of a smile's meaning was subjective, and thus couldn't be predicted or known until one knew who would be observing it.

But a smile was, she had learned, absolutely essential to deal with humanoids in any kind of realistic fashion. Among the crew of the Machiavellian Rue, who knew her true nature, she didn't have to bother with them. She understood that it made her seem robotic, and perhaps cold and unfriendly, but she also trusted that her crewmates would understand that she WAS a robot, and that the lack of smiling wasn't due to any ill-will on her part. She had no such assurances with strangers.

So Isis had compiled a list of 'normal' smiles from other people to use as templates, rough examples to guide her in determining what an appropriate smile for any given situation was. But some just didn't really fit her face very well.

With a disapproving glare at the mirror, Isis turned around and got the night's clothes on. A thin black slip with a short pink jacket would be considered appropriate for both the meeting and the entertainment before and after, she deemed. Though she left her hair down for now, she'd bring an elastic band to put it into a tail before the meeting.

As she dressed, Isis thought back to her conversation with Kittani on the Rue. The notion that anyone would envy her for being an android was one she found difficult to understand. Just as she did not envy human beings for the many things they could do that she could not. Though, on reflection, she thought, it would be useful at times to have human 'instincts.' A great deal of human practical knowledge seemed stored in a very high-performance portion of their minds that was disconnected from their consciousness. It allowed them to move and act faster and with more complexity than their rather lethargic conscious mind would generally allow.

It was an interesting feature. She wondered if there was value in emulating it. The problem was that there was no such division in her brain. No 'high performance' or 'low performance.' No conscious versus subconscious. No secrets from herself burbling under some mental threshold. The notion of -creating- such a threshold...artificially cutting off a portion of her neural net so that it could feed into the rest of her mind, but she received no feedback from it...seemed totally counter-productive. But interesting.

Perhaps she'd ask some of the other crew about their experiences with their subconsciouses, and see what the potential benefits and pitfalls of having one were.

Isis picked up her purse...it was nearly empty...and headed down to the lobby to see who else was going out that night before the meeting.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Her time on the Lighthouse was, as usual, boring. There were only so many gadgetry shops she could visit and only so many knick-knacks and thinga-ma-whatsits she could pick up for spare parts before she realized she had done all there was to do here... except get totally shit-faced in an attempt get over the whole 'I got shot by a tank because I was an ignorant tool' issue she was having.

So, she didn't mind so much that she was actually wearing some make-up, and that she'd bothered doing her hair up a little bit, keeping her blue bangs combed around each side to frame her attractive face. Her black leather shorts were shorter than the crew would be accustomed to, in fact they were blacker and leatherier then they were accustomed too also, and showed a bit more of her butt then what was considered 'polite' in society, but she didn't care; she'd be so damn drunk soon it wouldn't matter who was looking. She scooped up her matching coat and slid her arms in it not bothering to zip it up and hide a silver top with a plunging neckline.

Ten minutes later her knee high boots were clacking loudly on the hotels perfectly polished granite floor as she met Isis. "Hey," she smiled at her robotic compadre. "Where're the others?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gabe always liked visting the Lighthouse it was a combination of things, but the one thing it had that no other place on the finge had was a branch of the Psi Order that he had trained with. It wasn't an official or large branch, but it was there if you knew where and who to look for. He always touched base with them, partially for sparring and a decent place to meditate, but also just to be with people who had similar backgrounds.

Having said that, it was good to be out of the Order as well - too much meditation just made him stir crazy, and he had plans following that debacle on the last job. So with some trepidation, which his recent meditation did little to calm, Gabe walked into the office to start his driving course. Luckily most of this is in sims - I hate to think what damage I might do if it was straight into a vehicle. No, don't think that way Gabe. You managed to get back to the ship in one piece, build on that. About a week, and several bottles of whiskey, later he walks back out with a new license listed on his ID.

Unfortunately, he knows what sort of ribbing and probably derision to expect from at least some of the rest of the crew, and so celebrates quietly by himself.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Isis acknowledged Kittani's greeting nonverbally with a nod, and replied, "I don't know. Still getting ready, maybe."

She glanced at the elevators and stairs for a moment, then added to Kittani, "Where are you planning on going?"

(OOC - Hee...okay, I figured I'd wait and see if anyone else wanted to join in, but I guess not.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shiro came out of his room clad in the only set of normal clothing he owned. His clothes were nice, in that they weren't covered in stains, they were clean, and he ironed them. H He nodded to the others and sighed. The ass chewing he'd gotten from Erberus was legendary. He'd felt bbad about the mistake, and had spent most of his time running sims, and repairing the damage to the Shikon when he wasn't needed on the Bridge.

He offered a faint smile. "So a night to go out and have fun eh? Let's try to keep out of trouble this time."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After spending far too long, in her opinion, caged within the confines of the Rue, having a bit of free time on the Lighthouse was a welcome relief for the consort. She whiled away the hours flitting from one shop to the next, sipping fruit-flavored concoctions, luxuriating in the services offered by the salons, and trying to regain some sense of normalcy. Many of the proprietors were more than happy to offer discounts, samples, and more to the ambassador, if only she would be willing to mention their establishments to her colleagues. Of course, Milena was more than happy to oblige, since everyone involved could benefit, and it required so very little effort on her part. She was eager to return to her work, but the chance to relax in a bubbling mineral bath was not to be missed. If anything, she reflected as she lay back in the heated water and listened to the music filtering through the vibracoustic tub, it would help prepare her for the meeting with Captain Erebus and his crew of miscreants later. Admittedly, they weren't all bad, as mercenaries went, but it was difficult even for the trained diplomat to relate to them.

By and large, she realized, the problem was that she was an outsider, someone who did not belong to their little group, who did not exist on quite the same social strata. Reflecting on this for a while, she slowly drifted off into a comfortable half-consciousness, allowing the water and the music to melt away all worldly concerns.

Hours later, with a multitude of packages being delivered back to her quarters on the Rue, and after being scrubbed, massaged, and moisturized until she fairly glowed, Milena arrived at "The Corner." Her dark hair was arranged into elaborate coils and loops atop her head, and the slippers she wore were perfectly matched to a long, figure-hugging gown of amber-colored silk. A vertical slit on either side almost crested her hips, and the plunging bodice sparkled with delicate embroidery and beadwork; apparently, subtlety and "blending in" were concepts lost on the Joybringer.

Not seeing the others in the dimly-lit nightclub, she moved to the bar, ordered a drink, and quickly found herself engaged in conversation with the bartender. Requests for a dance from the men around her were gently, politely declined; she was not, regrettably, here to ply her own trade, but to wait on the whims of the Rue's captain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A few days after getting his license Erebus makes his announcement.

The time in between has not be wasted and Gabe has learnt a few new things, both from his experiences and with the help and advice of the Adepts from his old Psi Order. However, by the time Erebus calls them together he is ready to get back to work, and hopefully a last little relaxation before they do so.

Dressing casually, and with no weapons for a change, Gabe catchs up to Shiro, Isis and Kittani just as they are arriving at the Corner...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They entered the Corner and loud thumping of tower-like speakers assaulted their ears relentlessly. The Lighthouse 'nightlife' was a very active crowd of all sorts who came to dance, mingle, and relieve the stress from their duties here upon the space station.

All manner of exotic species carried on their business in relative privacy while men and women both flirted with a nearly endless supply of patrons dressed in a variety of the latest fashions. Locating Milena wasn't very difficult given that she nearly glimmered in gold among a sea of infatuated men and women. Retrieving her seemed more a chore however as her entourage seemed nearly depressed by her departure scowling at Gabe and Shiro for taking their lovely Goddess of Joy away from them, but certainly didn't cause any trouble over the matter.

On the second floor dining area the music was considerably more muted the party noticed as they moved past the patrons enjoying their cuisine from all over the Omniverse. The greeter escorted them to a back room, a private dining area where Erebus waited, smiled and left them.

"Dinner's on me," He said as his greeting. "You've earned it people."

Relaxing as they perused the holo-menus of the Corner's not so Five Star dining, Erebus debriefed them. "StarMech and the Union of Sol have paid us but have asked that we continue to baby sit their little Ambassador here until she completes her assignment on Kurg, and they didn't pay us for the bikes we lost which I'm notto thrilled about." He seemed to care very little that he was being rude to a woman that was present as he talked down to her. The crew barely noticed at this point, Erebus wasn't really wasn't one to mince words. "However, I've some business to take care of, so you guys will be on your own. I've arranged for transportation for you. Shiro, Kitty, Isis, there is a job on The Rock of Bral that I want you guys to handle, we could use the money. Gabe, I want you to escort the Ambassador to Kurg and act a her personal bodyguard. Enjoy your meal and get some partying in, you have work in the morning."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The boor's rough manner hardly merited so much as a raised eyebrow from the aasimar woman. Once she was off his ship, his attitude was no longer her concern, and when she'd finally completed her work in this sector and smoothed over the tensions broiling on Kurg, she'd never have to see the bitter old space pirate again.

The thought brought a smile to her lips as she considered the woefully brief wine list.

"Splendid," she said smoothly. "As varied as the delights here, and on your ship, may be, I will be immensely relieved to return to my work."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gabe looks at Erebus with a slightly surprised expression when given his assignment, followed by an evaluating look from Erebus to Milenia and back again. "I'll do my best, although it's not exactly what I've trained for. I assume that we should be expecting some trouble?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"The Rock of Bral," Isis repeated. A quick browse of the local network filled her in on the basics. "It has a reputation as a pirate haven." She tilted her head slightly as she closely watched Erebus' face, as she wasn't sure how he'd react to the necessary question.

"Will we be working with them, or against them?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Almost like home."

"Preferrably it's the option that won't get us shot upon arrival." He shrugs. He didn't think of them as pirates, the term mercenaries fit far better.

He chuckled. Whatever this crew was, it was unique.

He looked to Erebrus. "What's the job at the Rock?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"Against them," Erebus said to Isis. His veteran stare fell to Shiro. "I'll send the specifics to your data slates, but the gist of it is you'll be handling some pirates who made the Concord military's shit list. As usual they wanna send in expendable assets to handle the problem."

"Gabe, your the only one of us who can slip into nearly any event and not be fully disarmed." He looked back between Gabe and Milena several times as he spoke. "My bullshit detector is going of on this whole diplomatic mission to Kurg thing, you keep her fine little ass safe, whether she wants you to or not."

Click to reveal.. (Info)
Erebus has sent the info about the missions 'A Good Ol' Fashioned Bral' and 'Weren the World is our Ambassador' to their respective participants.

"But that's all for tomorrow," He said, managing a rather charming smile. "Enjoy the night guys n' gals all work and no play..." The mischief in his expression helped to lighten the mood a bit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup... they're gay. She thought to herself, slouching in her chair a bit as Erebus gave the debriefing. I'm tramped out from head to toe and totally prepared for a night of irresponsible acts and not a single one of them notices. She sighed and she continued thinking. Great, of all the mercenary crews to rescue me it had to be the gay one. I've gotta be the unluckiest woman in the omniverse... I can't believe this.

"Doncha worry Capn' Isis Shiro and I will make short work of those guys. Shikon's fully repaired and ready for war again." She 'toasted' as she raised her beer to her lips. "To fortune and glory."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gabe nods at Erebus' summary of his usefulness, Yep that about the limit of it. I've got weapons they can't take off me easily.

Turning to Kitty as she gives a toast he chips in, "C'mon Kitty, enough with the beer, what are you really going to be drinking tonight. Or should I just surprise you?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gabe looks down at his 10% by volume cider, then over at Kitty's normal 4-5% beer, "I could dispute that, but instead I'll just point out that this", he downs the rest of the pint, "was only for while the business was dealt with. Now I'm going back to my more usual malt whiskeys, but if you want to stick with beer that's not a problem."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shiro nods. "Fair enough." He looks to the rest of the crew, opens his mouth to say something responsible and closes it. "Screw it, let's get tore up. Fighting pirates on their home turf can be hazardous as hell. May not get a chance like this again for awhile."

"I'll even buy the first round."

he knew just the ale to start with, a Timbiqui Dark, one that was strong but didn't sit in your stomach. It diffused out quickly. He'd developed a taste for it back in his military days.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"I would like to buy the second round," Isis offered mildly. "as I will not need any for myself."

She nodded at Erebus and raised an empty glass, recognizing the ceremony.

"Fortune and glory."

It was impossible to tell if the android was simply repeating the words by rote, or understood their deeper significance in this context. Her placid expression and reflective eyes betrayed nothing of what lurked beneath.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gabe raises his empty glass to join in the toast, "Fortune and Glory."

Although little of either for my job. Babysit the ambassador and find out how it got as bad as it has, which means the Thuldan's are probably behind it somewhere egging one or both sides on. Unless of course it's corporate stuff financing it? Oh well, just have to wait and see when we get there.

"Since we won't be coming with you guys, I assume we will be flying commercial. Have you already arranged that, or do we do that in the morning, and whats the budget on this?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Erebus lowered his glass and quirked an eyebrow at Gabriel. "Yes, I've arranged for it, now shut up and drink. If I wanted to 'plan' and 'make arrangements' we wouldn't be in a five star restaurant eating the good shit with an unlimited bar tab." His sarcasm was as five-star as the food in this place. "Christ you people think to much..." He looked to Shiro, who was still on thin ice with him. "And some of ya, not at all. Just enjoy the night, everything is taken care of."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Isis watched Gabriel go, then looked around at the others. Clearly, she decided, things were off to a quiet start. She'd rather hoped to observe this 'party' in action though so she wasn't giving up on it yet. She consulted what databases she'd absorbed for likely context, then said, "If someone will clarify which form of party this is, I will try to facillitate it. I could provide music accompaniment, carry beverages and return empty glasses, tell jokes, remove my garments, obtain and distribute paper headwear and aspirated noisemakers, or consult with restaurant staff to provide flashing lights."

She pauses, then adds, "It would be inadvisable to use illegal or controlled substances on restaurant premises, however."

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...