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Post by ryocker on May 8, 2012 20:17:00 GMT -5
"Hey, leave me out of this, Temples," she said, almost insulted in her tone. "I'm perfectly content just staring at her- I don't want any of her powerful spells near me- she's a very dangerous threat to those she's opposed to!" As if on cue, Namia rubbed her arm, as though in pain. "...there was a time I accidentally saved some people in a building by preventing the explosion. If that happened to me, she more than likely caused the opposite in her reality. We're both threats- not just one of us. We ARE the same person, after all..."
Namia was in tears by now. "I'll confess to it," she sniffed. "I did sever a few lives with a slight miscalculation of energy..." She knew admitting to her mistake was a mistake in its own right. "There's no point in defending me... I've wanted to find a way to forgive myself, anyway..."
This no doubt caused as much surprise, with at least a few technicians looking it up on her file. Aiman Smirked, though it didn't seem fully honest- saving people is embarrassing when you're a villain, after all.
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Post by doctorzero on May 9, 2012 1:29:23 GMT -5
Miranda was a highly trained professional, always able to keep her composure in the most dangerous situations.
And right now she wanted nothing more than to put a bullet between Aiman's eyes.
She wanted to comfort Namia, say something to make her feel better, but something held her back. It's not any of my business. But...
She compromised by placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Ralsis cleared his throat. "Moving on..."
"Yes, yes, continue with your demands," said Kavma.
"Yes, of course." He stood up and moved aside, showing Dark Pit again. The angel still hadn't bothered to move.
"In exchange for Pit, the servant of the Goddess Palutena," began Ralsis, "I desire the custody of the man identifying himself as Zero, who I believe was seen on this island a few months ago."
Silence again, though it wasn't as big as a shock as before. Miranda and Evan looked at each other in surprise.
"...I am afraid that your request is impossible," said Kavma after another long moment. "The man you are referring to is dead."
Ralsis's expression didn't change, but the tone in his voice was unpleasant. "I...see. I'll need to see proof of that."
"Then I'll show you."
They couldn't see what Kavma was doing, but judging from Ralsis's expression, it wasn't pleasant.
"This is Zero's corpse, recovered after that...incident. I'm sure this is enough proof."
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Post by ryocker on May 9, 2012 5:55:42 GMT -5
Namia looked up at the woman trying to comfort her. As tear filled as her eyes were, they seemed to glitter with joy at her touch.
As for what was shown on the screen...
Let's just say Aiman let out a slightly amused "Nice" at the corpse.
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Post by doctorzero on May 10, 2012 1:14:17 GMT -5
Ralsis simply stared for a moment longer, then he sighed. "Very well, then. I'll have to reconsider this part of the offer. But if that's all, I will now make my final demand."
"Very well," said Kavma. "What do you want?"
Miranda suddenly felt nervous. She wasn't sure why--probably intuition. Whatever Ralsis wanted last wasn't going to be good, she knew it.
"Very well. My last demand." Ralsis leaned forward. "In exchange for the members of the Unity..."
He paused for dramatic effect (annoying them all to no end).
"I desire the Frozen Casket."
Most of the agents and technicians were somewhat confused by this statement, not knowing what he was talking about.
Miranda and Evan, however, knew EXACTLY what he meant, judging from the looks on their faces.
"...I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about," Kavma said calmly.
Ralsis snorted."Don't play dumb with me, Kavma. You know full well what I'm referring to. The same object that my mother procured, the same coffin that countless lives were sacrificed to create it. I want the Frozen Casket, Kavma, and if you do not give it to me, I will kill every single hostage aboard this station and send the remains of the lab plummeting to the island below."
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Post by ryocker on May 10, 2012 5:41:43 GMT -5
Aiman's grin looked rather mysterious. But she didn't say anything- she thought Ralsis's actions said enough.
Namia, however, tapped Miranda's leg, wanting her to bend down. "What's the item he wants?" she whispered, most likely so quietly many wouldn't have heard her.
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Post by doctorzero on May 11, 2012 1:29:25 GMT -5
Miranda shook her head wildly. She did NOT want Namia to know.
Evan noticed Aiman's look immediately. Oh, don't tell me she knows about it too...
"While I can see that you are rather determined," continued Kavma (Miranda had to admire his ability to keep his cool), "I'm afraid we don't have any sort of 'frozen' casket in our possession."
Ralsis leaned back. "Going to stay with that approach, are we?" he said coolly. "Very well, then, if that's how you're going to do it--"
"I don't suppose you could give us time to think about this? To consider your demands?" asked Kavma.
It was a smart move. "I see no reason why not; I was going to give you a time limit anyway," Ralsis replied. "You have exactly thirty hours starting after I cease this transmission to agree to my terms. Failure to comply will, as previously mentioned, lead to this entire island being destroyed. And don't even think about trying to send someone up here, as I will know about it and will set off the charges immediately. Am I clear?"
"Clear as crystal."
"Good. Be sure to think over my...requests. And remember: Frederick, Zero, and the Frozen Casket. Good day to you."
The screen went blank.
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Post by ryocker on May 11, 2012 5:50:02 GMT -5
Even if she was an ancient woman, crying was crying- her guilt enough to stain her eyes red. "It's okay, Miranda... I don't need to know..." Despite all that went on, she couldn't help but ask one question over and over in her head: Why does Ralsis want me...?
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Post by doctorzero on May 11, 2012 21:02:04 GMT -5
There was a brief silence as everyone contemplated what had just happened.
Evan acted first. "Everyone but Miranda, please leave the room. She, Kavma and I need to talk in private."
He glanced at Namia. "That includes you too."
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Post by ryocker on May 11, 2012 22:41:35 GMT -5
Namia nodded in agreement, stepping out behind everyone else. She knew they had their reasons- she did too, after all...
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Post by doctorzero on May 13, 2012 0:19:58 GMT -5
Once everyone left, the monitor flickered on to show Kavma in his office, looking extremely disturbed.
"We can't give him the casket," Evan said immediately. "How the hell did he even know about it?"
"Assuming that what he said about being Staccato's son is true," replied Kavma, "then it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that she told him."
"I think the real issue is how we've never even heard of him until now," said Miranda. "I though Staccato never married, or had any lovers. Heck, I'm pretty sure she never became pregnant at any point in her life."
"The details of how and why aren't relevant at the moment," argued Kavma. "The real issue is how we should respond to the situation. Obviously, we can't give him either Miss Frederick or the Casket, but we cannot leave the hostages up in the lab."
"We can't send someone up there, either," Miranda pointed out. "We know nothing about this guy. We can't be sure he's bluffing."
"How can he even be sure that no one else will do anything?" asked Evan. "We're not the only force on this rock--there's a whole bunch of people who would probably want to go up there for some reason or another."
There was a brief moment of silence as they considered this.
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Post by ryocker on May 13, 2012 0:28:25 GMT -5
Finding the Waiting room, Namia pulled herself into a chair, shuffling to get comfortable. She was silent, still upset about what she had done years before... "i should be in the exchange," she mumbled. "It would... make me feel better to know I'm-"
Just then, the lights began to flicker. "? What's...?" She got off her feet, scrambling in place. "How did that-?!"
-----
A hurried knock hit the door of the room. "Excuse me for interupting, but we have a problem!" the recruit shouted, seriously upset. "We saw this really weird girl outside, and didn't think anything of her at first, but then she did this sneezing thing and the power almost shut off!"
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Post by doctorzero on May 15, 2012 0:52:10 GMT -5
Wilhelm looked up as the lights flickered. "What the..."
Anything else he might've said was interrupted as the doors leading to the rest of the building burst open. CRL agents began streaming out, making their way across the dining hall towards the lobby, completely ignoring Wilhelm and Crona.
"Hey, what's going on?!" Wilhelm demanded, standing up and stopping one of the agents.
"Emergency, sir," the agent replied. "We will be taking care of it shortly. You may sit back down."
Wilhelm was not easily put off. "How about you tell me what the deal is instead--"
"Wilhelm, will you please sit down?"
Wilhelm turned to see that Miranda had walked up to them while adjusting a rifle slung over her shoulder. "We have a problem outside we need to deal with. Soon as that's done we'll fill you in on what's going on. And before you argue," she added as Wilhelm opened his mouth, "I'd like to remind you that as CRL personnel I do have the authority to tie you up by the unmentionables on the stage there."
Wilhelm sighed and sat back down. "Dammit, Wrights."
"You're welcome," she said sarcastically as she went on her way. Wilhelm watched her go, then looked at Crona.
"Crystal Room Limited," he scoffed. "Bunch of assholes."
"I will be going out alone," Miranda announced to her squad, "However, in the event that I need assistance, you are to reveal yourselves immediately, am I clear?"
There was a chorus of 'Yes, Ma'am,"s. Miranda nodded. "Good. Evan will be joining us shortly to provide further assistance if needed." She turned to the lobby doors.
I need to ask for a pay raise... she thought.
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Post by ryocker on May 15, 2012 6:24:19 GMT -5
Crona looke at Wilhem. "If you say so..."
-----
Just as she went outside the power flickered again.
"Uuunh... so thish sick..." Wrights would no doubt be dumbfounded by what she was seeing- a little girl with patched together grey skin- patched face, patched feet- and a pair of enourmous patched hands. She was more or less completely stitched.
And if you payed attention, you might notice her headphones, and the needle detector in her chest. "Unh? Oh, hullo," she said, noticing Miranda come near. One look at her eyes and dripping nose no doubt told the tale. "Nice meet you, I Fra... aaah... Aaah..." Everywhere possible began to spark with violet electricity.
But the electric tracker on her chest was the real game changer- considering it moved further to the right the more she argued with her sneeze. As soon as it moved as far as it could to the right, her whole body began to glow violet. "Aaaaaaaaah...!"
"CHOOOO!!!"
A wild burst of electricity ran absolutely everywhere- some hitting the buildings, other pieces hitting the pavement. One part in particular hit a piece of metal going into the Crystal Room- causing another surge. "*Schnuuuuuff* Sorry... I not mean do that..." No doubt now what the problem was- she couldn't control her own power while sick.
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Post by doctorzero on May 15, 2012 19:07:19 GMT -5
Miranda was baffled at the sight of her, at first. As soon as she had seen the Frankensteinesque girl she had raised her rifle at her, but lowered it as soon as it became apparent what the deal was.
She turned on her radio. "Alert the medical team."
Meanwhile, back inside...
Evan entered the waiting room, rubbing the back of his neck. Upon seeing Namia, he sighed. "Sorry about the lights, we have a bit of a problem outside."
His com device beeped. "Hold on...yes?"
"Evan, can you wait for us in the medical bay?"
Evan frowned. "Why?"
"We have a sick person here. Make sure to bring Namia along."
There was a click, then the com device turned off. "Oookay..." Shrugging, he headed over to the door and beckoned to Namia. "Come on."
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Post by ryocker on May 15, 2012 19:24:09 GMT -5
Namia looked at him with barren, though very sad eyes. "...Alright," she huffed, picking up her feet. Though obvious, she was still trying not to be bothered by her past. But a smile emerged either way, as she followed behind Evan.
"I'm pushing 400 and I've still got a near perfect memory of my life... If I wasn't the woman I am, I'd call it a blessing, not a curse."
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