Sunday, July 26, 2009

A Month in a Moment

*Inara is seen on the floor of her Hangar, Echidna's Daughter looming in the background with her various other ships scattered around it. She's sitting on a folding chair while one of her doctors tends to her hands. Behind her are several temporary cots, all with security detail in various conditions of injury, though none of them appear to be lethal.*

By the stars, I barely remember the last time I talked to to one of these things. *chuckles* And what a month it's been... I fell in love with an AI, made friends with an interesting couple, helped bring a man back from the dead while in Esoteria putting energy beams through True skulls, and I just finished debriefing some people for failing their tasks and allowing Reppy to get hurt. And that's just the highlights... I'm not really in the mood to relive some of those details.

*She flinches slightly as a loud snapping noise comes from where her hand is, what caused it is hidden by the doctor however.*

Maybe Reimei was right, maybe I do need to take a few days off... just go planetside, go shopping with Jall'n, leave all my comms offline or in orbit. Definitely taking Age and Reppy with me, I don't think I'd get a wink in if I didn't know they were safe. *She throws a glare over her shoulder momentarily* Though, after this reminder I doubt that will ever be an issue again.

Have a few new ways to do business now... *starts typing on her datapad and pulls up a series of images as she talks* Hephaestus' Hammer, *a very pleased smile is on her face as she mentions it* it'll repair severe amounts of armor damage in a short amount of time. Aegis is a rather interesting ship, resilient is the best way to describe it, and it packs a considerable punch at short range. And finally, Cupidity, the bane of all capacitor dependent systems in the cluster; and I don't think there's a turret that can consistently hit me or anyone I fly with for anything reasonable.

*The doctor finishes doing whatever he was doing with her hands and walks away with a quick bow. Inara flexes her hands a couple times, the bruising seems to be completely gone, and the cuts are mostly healed over*

I still can't believe I owe that... thing anything. Especially nothing this important. *shakes her head* Well, I'll send her a bouquet of microchips and wires or something.

*As she stands, she waves her hand and the feed dies.*

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Shattered, and Rebuilt

*Inara is sitting on the floor in the main room of her living quarters in front of a low table working on a device contained in a briefcase. While it appears she's not wearing anything, the location of the table and the equipment are protecting her 'modesty'. She doesn't look up as she starts talking to the camera drone.*

Well, I made a mistake. Not a little one either, I'm talking about the kind of mistake that could have destroyed me. Fortunately, someone pointed it out to me and I was able to keep it from going too far.

*Inara reaches over to a datapad sitting on the table next to her and hits a button, her image is replaced for a short time, instead showing the woman she had previously been torturing in a comfortable bed.*

She was released from my custody after three and a half days. She was well on her way to the brink of insanity, my work was going better than expected. But, revelations were made and she was released...

*Inara's features darken slightly, and she jumps as the device sparks brightly.*

Only to be captured and put into the care of someone... less nice than me. They notified me of their intentions, telling me they had hoped I would detain her longer, but since I was forcing their hand... She was to be used as a guinea pig for some rather twisted experiments, her mind erased and her body used for something.

*Inara chuckles as she continues to fiddle with the wiring.*

For the briefest moment, I considered leaving her to that fate... but, I knew I couldn't do that. Not only would that have been 'not nice', but I had agreed to a contract that said I would not kill her. My actions of releasing her was well on the way of doing just that, and I couldn't allow my actions to be the ones responsible for such things. So, I did what I do best, I negotiated for her release; and now, she's for all intents and purposes, my slave.

*A triumphant grin crosses her face as she puts another panel into place.*

At first, she was highly opposed to the idea. At least, until I told her to alternative. I saved her from, not only, being used as a test subject for someone with far too much interest in archaic Sansha technology, but also from the direct wrath of one of the Directorate. Kimochi wanted her dead, no questions asked, kill her and make sure she can never cause problems again. Well, now she's mine, and I'm going to be held responsible for any actions she might take against the Family.

Which is why she's under lock and key. I'm waiting until the storm subsides, and working with her to come to an understanding about her future. It's difficult, I wanted to do horrible things to her, I still hate her with an unholy passion, but I won't have her blood on my hands.

Maybe I can rebuild something from the pieces I created.

*She sets the soldering gun off to the side in its cradle and gently lowers a piece into place. With a satisfied grin she picks up a small screwdriver and tightens things up.*

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Gifts

*Inara is seen standing outside a hangar storage room with the number 25 is stenciled into the door wearing her standard business/flight suit. Next to the door an intricate control panel for various interfaces.*

I was given a gift yesterday... information. Very valuable information... The location of the person responsible for the death of someone that means a great deal to me.

Ten Kameiras and two dozen other security personnel later... *She reaches to the console, and a picture of a mostly empty storage area with a cot and open shower are set up flashes on one of the screens. On the floor is a body curled up clutching a book asleep.* I have what I wanted, and she doesn't have her suicide implants to get her out this time.

*Inara yawns and stretches widely.*

All this work... I think it's a good night to call in early.

*As the feed closes a data burst is recorded.*

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Miracles and Curses

*Inara is seen sitting cross-legged in the main room of her living quarters with a few candles for light as she meditates.*

The irony of asking for a second chance, then being unsure what to do with it once you had it... It's not lost on me.

*Several minutes pass as she sits there in silence.*

I was approached by a woman that doesn't exist, that has no ties to anything, yet claims to have a connection with the Cartel. She told me she could get Reppy back to me, I didn't know what to do; How was I supposed to just accept that offer without question, especially knowing I didn't deserve a second chance... after what I did. But, I couldn't walk away without trying.

*Inara goes silent again for a period, not moving or opening her eyes.*

I didn't expect her to do what she did... kidnap Reppy under the pretense of returning her to her family in the Kingdom. She didn't tell me what she was planning, and I sure as hell would never have approved this scenario. That bitch killed Reppy and had the stolen soft scan reactivated and delivered to my Hangar Array in Goinard.

*She takes a deep breath, centering herself before continuing.*

I had my 'contact' locked away in a closed section of storage... nothing that would break our contract, I never laid a finger on her. I just wanted her available if I ever did decide to break our negotiated dealings; this was a special case, and the thoughts were tempting. But, suicide implants were something I wasn't planning on, and she destroyed that clone without regard.

Then... then Reppy woke up. It was like the last few days had never happened to her, like she'd just taken a long nap and I'd been living a nightmare. Unfortunately, I knew better... I tried to go with being vague, only telling her what I had to. *sigh* I couldn't do it, I couldn't bring myself to leave out the truth to her; she means too much to me to have her stay near me because of a lie.

*Yet again, Inara gets quiet for some time meditating.*

So, I did the only logical thing I could. I told her, sat her down and told her for the first time that I was scared. I held on to her for dear life, afraid she was going to disappear from my grasp... but she didn't, she told me to forget it, she couldn't remember it and she couldn't think of any reason she should leave.

I told her she was too good to me, but she just giggled and kissed my worries away.

*Inara starts reaching around putting the candles out one by one with her fingers.*

Maybe... maybe this time the miracle will last.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Reset

*The lights are off and the only thing visible is the faint flickering of stars through a wide window with the black silhouette standing gazing out. It's impossible to distinguish any features of the person due to the darkness, not even the starlight is able to bring definition. When she does speak, her voice is in hushed tones, almost as if loud noise will break the cover of darkness she's standing in.*

One week ago today I received word that someone near to me was having problems; they canceled a contract, wouldn't respond to comms, was even drinking... Out of concern, I chanced InterBus transit and made my way to Motsu to visit her. I was surprised to find that her guards wouldn't even allow me to pass, they'd never even paused my entry before then.

Fortunately, my patience won out, and I was granted access to the Sentinel... What I found was disturbing, to say the least. A typically strong woman crippled by a virus in her interface systems, one that normally wouldn't have been a problem, a trivial thing she should have handled on her own. *a deep sigh is heard from the ink black profile* But, her mind was reeling from a blow I was partially responsible for, all but forcing her to find someone to open up to, someone to try and befriend... then the person she chose pulled the proverbial rug out from under her feet. I nearly destroyed someone I care about trying to help them.

*A sad laugh echoes in the darkness*

Maybe that's the theme of my life... destroying things, whether I mean to or not. My life on Saisio, my ties with the State, millions of lives working under Ms. Door, Jall'ns blood family, *sigh* the list goes on.

Of course, I try to clear my head by going out to the Gate and meet a few new faces... one of them gets me drinking. How he did it, I don't completely remember, but I do remember someone mentioning Koro, that bastard, and then having King remind me I'm better than letting my temper control me...

*Silence reigns for several minutes as the dark spot in the field of stars remains still.*

And now, I can't sleep. Not because I'm worried, no need to worry about what is inevitable, right? Reppy is asleep in the other room, and I broke her... I didn't want to, I did everything I could without lying to her to protect her. But it was me that ended up hurting her. *Her voice is starting to get a hitch to it.* Because I had to find out whether I'm human or not, whether I was capable of feeling the kind of love she had for me, I broke her.

*The shadowy shape moves around, it's hard to be sure, but it appears she's leaning against the window facing the void.*

It all started when I told him... I asked him to help me, again. And of course he said he'd help, but he kept asking questions; questions he didn't want the answers to, but he asked anyways. *Her voice is starting to raise and she takes a moment to breathe, starting only when her volume is back in control.* He grabbed me and held me... told me to 'let it out, dear'. I was fine, then he had to make me cry, give me permission to be weak.

I must have wore myself out, cause the next thing I know I'm hearing Reppy raising her voice, but I couldn't make out exactly what she said... there was more soft talking as I tried to figure out how I'd gotten into my own bed. Then, all hell broke loose, I heard a gunshot and was out of bed to see Vince threatening Reppy and a slave on the ground with a hole in his leg. For the first time in my life that I can recall, I froze. I was watching the man that I had fallen in love with threatening the life of the person that means the most to me aside from Jall'n.

What was I supposed to do? I always worked to protect and provide for me and mine, and it's always been simple; but when I have to protect them from me and mine... *A soft sob can be heard, but it is quickly stifled* My best wasn't good enough, I failed on so many fronts, how can I be sure I'm capable of doing what I've been doing anymore?

*Her voice regains focus as she returns to the 'story' as it were.* Reppy shot him, with the gun I gave her; it was just a fleshwound... but she shot him. And I almost took his head. Somehow, duirng the yelling match that seems all jumbled in my head now, he got whatever it was he wanted to hear; I managed to convince him to leave. I hated him so much right then, I had him against a wall, my free hand was wrapped around the handle of my wakizashi and I could have gutted him right there, wiped his memories of the night. But, instead I answered one of his questions he asked earlier, one he didn't want the answer to, and I took a kiss from him, stole it like GHSC... and it felt great.

Then, I finally get him off my ship so I can go back to Reppy. She's still curled up on our bed, she looked so fragile I held her and did my best to comfort her... but, she started asking questions, being persistent so I couldn't avoid hurting her. I told her more of the truth than she could take yet, and I watched it break her and there was nothing I could do. I watched my failure in her eyes, and I couldn't take it... I cried again, it was the first time she'd ever seen tears in my eyes, I think it scared her; but, I knew she was leaving, I don't know that I can ever fix the damage I did to her, and I know I'm not going to get the chance. When she wakes up, there will be a letter waiting on her, and she won't have to settle for giving her love to a... creature like me who can't return the same feelings.

*The stars start to shift and a station of Gallente design, but with CONCORD markings appears. The glow illuminating the room slightly, showing Inara with her head leaning against the window, her back to the camera.*

He told me he loved me too... not in those words exactly, but he said it. But we're not allowed to love each other, I don't even want to feel this. I hate him, and I don't... I'm a monster, and he says I'm not... I try to protect people, and I break them instead...

*She steps off to the side, back into the darkness. The drone records one last thing, barely a whisper before deactivating.*

Reset.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Happenstance

*Inara is seen, yet again sitting on the long couch under the armor plate window in her main living quarters wearing her over-sized, dark blue, plush robe. She's sipping on a glass of water looking off screen with a content smile before turning to the camera drone and speaking in soft tones.*

Sometimes I wonder if things like this are because of me, or those I surround myself with... *She waves her hand in the direction she was looking a moment ago causing the drone to swivel and face the door to a lavish bedroom, the door is seen open showing a large bed with two dark haired forms laying on it, apparently still asleep, before returning to Inara.* I got a message as I got back from the gym, asking if she could visit... Apparently Reppy invited her over after their 'close-call' the other day when I was sleeping in. She apparently was in a hurry to get here... *Inara pauses in concentration for a moment* 1 minute and 20 seconds faster than it should have taken her if she was walking at her normal speed; and just fast enough to arrive as I was walking out of the shower.

We discussed typical things, work, pleasure, clothing, food... we even had dinner, Ternos was at his prime today. Talk returned to clothing, and unfortunately, Kimochi's skirt wasn't what many would call modest or appropriate for the low table and mats my dining room configuration was set for... one thing led to another, Reppy was massaging her shoulders, hints of what could happen were everywhere, then... it did.

*Inara smiles as she reminisces a bit, drinking her water with a content sigh.*

We were fairly tame... but, it was definitely an experience I wouldn't mind repeating. *Her face sobers slightly* I just need to speak with Vince before he gets the wrong idea, I made a promise to him and I want him to know that I kept it. I never pursued her, but true to the warning I gave him, I couldn't turn her away when she came to us. Besides, even if Kimochi hadn't been flashing her latex thong at me all through dinner... Reppy seemed more than excited about her joining us, and I always find it difficult to tell that girl no.

*Inara's eyes flash back off screen quickly as she holds her breath. A few moments pass before she lets it out with a sigh.*

I thought Reppy was waking up, and her curiosity would mean she'd want to see this. And since I haven't told her about the promise I made to Vince... it'd bring about a lot more questions about me than I'm willing to give her answers for at this point. Some day I should figure out what I want rather than continuing to play my part as protector of me and mine... but I don't know I could do that without knowing there was something or someone in place I trusted to fill my role in my absence.

*Inara yawns and stretches her arms above her head.*

I think I'm going to go curl up between those two, and catch up on my rest... I have a feeling Kimochi is a morning person.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

A spot of sunshine

*Inara is seen in her stationside office, large window behind her overlooking the CONCORD labeled Hangar array with many of her ships visible through the clear armor plate. Her flight suit is still crisp and Inara seems content with her cup of steaming liquid for a moment*

I did something I haven't done in a while last night, I went out with the sole intent of spoiling myself. Things only got better from there, especially when Kimochi said this set was on her.

In all honesty, the prices of the clothes for both me and Reppy would have been inconsequential, but the gesture is much appreciated. It's been a while since anyone has bought me a gift *Inara's face brightens a little more as she takes another drink* and I think I could get used to it. I'm always the one watching, protecting, and providing for me and mine... perhaps it's pride that has kept me from ever appearing to need anything.

*Inara stands and goes to stare out over the Gallente designed Hangar Array, bringing her glass with her. The camera drone follows to keep the same distance as before.*

Not sure what happened, whether it was Vince's gentle persuasion or whether it was the evening she spent with Kimochi and me... but Reppy came home with me last night again. After threatening to leave because of something that can't happen. I figured she was going to the Sentinal to spend time with her new friend, but when she said she just needed to get away from the situation... I panicked slightly.

She says she loves me, and her mind doesn't think she's lying... her biological responses tell me she was being as honest as she always is with me. Not sure whether that's a good thing or not yet; I still don't know how to define love, let alone return those feelings to someone. I hope she's strong enough to live like that; *A dry short laugh escapes her before taking a drink* I've advised other people to leave for less.

If I take the two explanations of love I asked for so far as being true... *she turns back towards the camera drone with a bit of seriousness* I'm in for a rough ride.

*Retaking her seat she allows a smile to return to her face, and without hesitation she changes the subject back to something more pleasant.*

I am looking forward to seeing Sebastien's work, after seeing what he's done with Kimochi's wardrobe... The evening dress is simply stunning, and I can't say that I've ever worn that much red. Not to mention, I can't wait to see Reppy in that delightful little green number; I'm sure it will turn more than a few heads.

Found out something interesting last night; apparently Kimochi thinks Reppy looks as delicious as I do. I have been leery of sending anyone after director information, for fear of misunderstandings and accusations of espionage... but my curiosity is peaked now. Unfortunately, I can't pursue personally... but I did warn him that I couldn't be asked to turn her away.

Speaking of Vince, I wonder what all he talked with Reppy about. I was unprepared when she met me in the 'Hook, and I didn't have a recording pin handy. Apparently, he can be taken at his word to some extent, which is good... I think.

Never had anyone aside from Vaden I needed to turn to, but with him acting like a coward refusing to find a new "destination" for his life, I can't even reliably turn there. I'm... *Inara pauses as she searches for the right word* cautious about using Vince as a support, but who else knows that side of me? Who else can I turn to though, and know they won't use my moments of weakness to control me? *Her voice starts to trail off as she finishes that thought, staring at her cup*

Perhaps... I think today I'm going to go curl back up with Reppy. Call today done.

*With a satisfied nod, she finishes her cup, leaving it on the desk before killing the feed.*

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Family and love...

*Inara is shown sitting in the living quarters aboard Echidna's Daughter sitting on the long couch below the large window. It appears the ship is sitting outside a station, as a portion of the Gallente design is visible on the backdrop of stars. She's sitting there in a long, dark blue, plush robe; her hair still slightly damp and hanging loose by her shoulders.*

*She starts the recording by playing another recording of a man's voice, "I know who you really are underneath, Inara Subaka, and you are very lovable - despite your darker sides and maybe partly becasue of them" Taking a moment of silence she turns away from the window to face the camera drone.* Me lovable? I laughed in his face, or rather, into his chest while he was holding me. I guess I should start from the beginning, instead of jumping to the last chapter.

It started as I was reading in the 'Hook, Reppy had fallen asleep leaning on me and I saw him come in. I was tired of being afraid, trying to guess what he was going to do with the information... the power he held over me. So, I took a leap and had Reppy returned home, while I went to face the only man that had caused me fear in quite a while.

Who'd have thought, with everything he had over me, he offered to take our conversation someplace private... I was expecting the boardroom, but he surprised me by offering his place. Then the fucking gentleman had to be polite and escort me the entire way on his arm...

Then, after getting me a glass of water to drink he had the gall to tell me about protecting Family... Lecturing me on how Family is there for each other, watching each others' backs. Damn it, that's all I know how to do!

*Inara takes a moment to collect herself and continues in more calm tones*

But, he managed to point out, I'm quite good at offering my protection, but have... issues, with accepting any help. *She taps a pad laying on the endtable and a recording of Vince can be heard playing, "More often than not it takes more strength to ask for help than to ignore it."* Hearing him say that was like being called a coward and feeling good about it afterwards. I'm not used to people insulting my strength, my pride. But he did it, without flinching, a smile on his face the entire time.

After settling our issues, knowing he wasn't going to use what he knew to puppet me around, we discussed a variety of things. Trust, friendships, people we know... then, I'm not sure why, I asked him for a favor. Something, I'd never asked anyone. I asked him to hold me, not to cuddle, not to let me hold him; I asked him to hold me.

We discussed Kelsy while I sat there in his lap. It felt oddly... safe, there; it's the only way I can describe it. Then, I'm not sure who brought it up, or how it came about *Inara chuckles* Okay, so that's a lie, I choose not to recall how it came up; but the discussion turned to love.

I know a lot of things, I know that I don't love Vince; I don't love Kelsy, or Reppy, or Elysa, or... I just don't love. It turns out, Vince knew this... and he knew why. Not sure when he started being so observant, but he pinned me down perfectly; the person he was talking to, the me he has had exposure to... she's weak and afraid. So afraid infact, the idea of someone being able to love her scares her *Inara laughs bitterly* And I'm in so much denial that I could be weak or afraid that I refer to that portion of me as another entity.

Sitting there in his embrace, he had me giggling and blushing again... Fucking Gallente bastard, bringing out the weak side of me, making me feel safe, cared for, wanted. I know I'm physically attractive, I go through great efforts to stay that way... but do you know how often I'm told I'm beautiful? Then he goes off and tells me, in not so many words, that if he wasn't in love with Kelsy he'd be falling for me... *Inara nearly growls as she yells* Fuck, what would I do with a Gallente in love with me.

*She pulls her robe tighter around her and whispers* What would I do with love..?

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Best Laid Plans...

*Inara is shown pacing one of her training areas wearing a sports bra and sweats. From the way she's breathing hard and the hair plastered to her head it's apparent she's been working out for quite a while.*

I swear, the first time I visit the Gate in weeks and I nearly make a fool of myself in public, then I do make a fool of myself later.

*Growls in an almost feral manner as she kicks a large hanging bag*

Why did Verone have to do it before I got there? If he would have just waited... 5 minutes, I would have been there for the argument, seen Verone pull the gun, and prepared myself for it before it happened. *Shakes her head* No, I can't blame Verone... I don't know what the woman did to earn the shot, but Verone isn't someone to do something like that without cause.

But why did chance make him the only person I knew there? Why did he have to be the one to find me when I was... weak? *As she says the final word she punches a nearby wall, causing a sickening crunch to be heard* Then, why did he have to fucking offer to help me... even after I told him not to offer what he isn't willing to give? Was I not clear enough in what was wrong? Was the shaking, clingy-ness, and blushing not enough of a hint for his thick Gallente skull?

*Inara notices the blood starting to seep through the wrap on her hands and curses*

Then you factor in how this is going to set back convincing him, or rather having Kelsy convince him, that I don't want to steal either of them forever. It was already going to take quite some time, but now...

Thankfully, Reppy was awake when I got home and helped... calm me down. Spent quite some time just talking, touching, being close. By the stars, this shit is making me go soft. *grabs a bottle of water, takes a drink then starts unwrapping her hand. Once the wrap is off the disfigured shape of her knuckles is apparent, even from the distance the camera drone is at. After pouring the last half of the bottle over the wound, she taps a panel on the wall with her good hand.*

I should go get this checked properly... *glances at the panel again* I better get moving before the infirmary goes to morning shift, I like the night doctor better.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Epiphany

*Inara is shown staring out a picture window showing the voids of space*

Forever... Immortality... Patience...

All words I thought I understood, in fact I could have quoted you the definitions verbatim in several languages. But it wasn't until I was walking a beautiful, Gallente woman home that their true value, their substance, was realized. It's strange to think that a purple-haired Gallente former pop-singer was the one to open my eyes, however unintentionally it may have been.

I've been living by the idea that I'm immortal, I can do anything I wish to do, and should try everything at least once through eternity. And this is still true... but I don't have to do it now. With the rest of time to play with, I can be patient and wait centuries without any worries of growing too old to do things.

Sadly, this does mean I will have to wait some time before I'm able to find out what it is about Vince that turns certain women into drooling idiots. And I'm not sure if I've convinced Kelsy that she needs to join me for my evening exercises or not... she seemed quite interested, but leery for fear of angering Vincent. I will never understand it, holding yourself back from what you want or need simply because someone else wouldn't approve.

She holds quite a bit of promise herself, at this point I'm not sure which I'm looking forward to most. She told me herself that most of the reason she stayed in her singing career as long as she did was for power and money... I would have been hard pressed to have found a better reason to do something I wasn't enjoying.

*A chime comes from off camera and a door can be heard sliding open. A young Khanid woman in a sheer night gown enters and curls up against Inara, "When are you coming to bed? You were out late, and I can't sleep very good..." Inara just smiles and kisses the top of her head as she cuts the camera feed.*

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

That which is mine...

*Inara is sitting behind an ornate desk, in an office that appears to be of Gallente origin. There is a large viewing window behind her desk overlooking a hanger that oddly bears the words CONCORD Bureau on the hanger doors. Her brows are furrowed in frustration as she addresses the camera drone.*

I was asked recently what I meant when I say 'mine', then later told that they still didn't completely understand the idea behind those words.

It all started when someone asked me what I stand for, what my purpose is... My immediate response was to the effect of the protection and betterment of me and mine. I don't feel there is much room for misinterpretation, I do everything within my power to guarantee the safety, survival, and improvement of my life and those that are near me. Vaden, my slaves, the Ghosts... the list goes on, but the idea is the same, they are mine and this concept is apparently difficult for some to grasp.

*Inara rubs her brow and glances to a crystal bottle sitting on a tray near her desk before shaking her head and turning back to the drone.*

And now, I'm hearing of potential threats to something that is mine... from something else that falls under the same category. Purely by practical business sense my choice is clear; but Reppy is such a darling and I'd hate to be forced to give her up simply because some people that I will not name can't move past things that should be labeled as history *as she says this a picture overlays on the screen of Elysa*. Though, I have nothing to fear from the old wardog herself... I don't want to force the directorship of the Ghosts to step in and intervene.

The bitch needs to realize that while Reppy and Mortis may be blood, Reppy has no intention of taking away from their interaction. While she has a new family, Reppy is still drawn to the blood connection she shares with Mort; I think the old attack hound is just afraid Reppy's appearance is going to make her handler go soft... not likely, but a reasonable fear.

*Inara groans in frustration*

This is why I don't get involved with other people's personal problems... I still can't explain why I offered Reppy sanctuary.

And to top it off, I keep seeing that damn purple headed bimbo giggling with that arrogant bastard who thinks the gods created him for the betterment of mankind. He is quite the waste of oxygen, yet he's been with a woman I hold in high respect then broke her heart for some Gallente tart. I keep telling myself he can't be that good, but the more I think about it, the more I want to tie his laboratory perfected ass up and see what it is about him that is so damn special...

*Inara finally breaks down and pours herself a glass of amber liquid and polishes it off quickly.*

And now, it's the end of the day. I sure hope Jane delivered that video she promised, it better be worth it considering I let her borrow some of my tools to make it.

*Feed dies as Inara sets her empty glass on the edge of her table and starts to walk away.*

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Change

*Log entry back dated ####*

There's an old saying from my training on Saisio, "the only thing that stays the same is the fact that everything changes".

Twice in barely over a month, I've found myself packing everything I owned and moving. Oddly, this time it was back to Sinq Laison... fortunately, neither Vaden nor I are ignorant enough to return to work for that bitch Liiza. No, the other end of that particular region.

Add to that I see "Blue Bunnies"... people that have always shown themselves as hostiles on my interface are now on my NA listing. I'm even expected to fly with some of them, I hesitate to even look at the number of Veto, or Veto friendly, Pilots that have lost something during my last employ. At least, the few I've dealt with during the move were able to put on a friendly face, I just hope they don't plan on getting a chance to get behind me; at this frame in infinity they hold less trust than a starving drooler in a Matari orphanage.

Not to mention, the fact my cloaking technician caused me the loss of a ship. He's being summarily punished for his mistake, and it's just ISK, but he made a mistake. Fortunately the destruction wasn't complete, just enough to force my Pod to emergency eject, and the majority of the slaves onboard Ender of Hubris were able to evacuate via escape pods that routed themselves back to the station for pick-up.

*Inara's mood brightens slightly*

There is good news however... Mortis' little sister, Reppy, was simply delightful. I wish Jane wasn't so opposed to her status as my slave being known to other Pilots (but contracts are contracts), I know she would have enjoyed dessert with us. I've never met someone so wide eyed with wonder at the smallest things, it was rather refreshing to see that kind of naivety in a Pilot and not have it be a complete facade. So timid, rather unusual for someone of her former post in life... but nothing I can't rectify.

On a more practical note, I'm leaving all planetary assets in Tzvi. It's not but a stone's throw away, and uprooting an entire community twice in such a short time period could cause me more disgruntled subjects than it's worth. Besides, rebuilding the infrastructure to support them, again, does not sound like a pleasant prospect. There is still additions being made in Tzvi as we speak, so my foremen are going to have their hands full keeping good communication with me while my residence isn't on site.

*sigh*

I guess I should get back to arranging my belongings here... I hate moving.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Location: Unknown

*Inara appears sitting in her study, lounging on a dark leather couch with a bottle of brandy on the table next to her. She glances at a data pad sitting near by and starts a string of letters and numbers.*

J-1-0-0-0-1-5, J-1-2-4-7-5-3

Arbitrary designations assigned to corners of the universe that my navigational computer couldn't pinpoint. I'd heard rumors that these areas, often referred to as W-space, were death pits, worse than black holes (which we saw).

*pauses to take a drink*

After being there... I find the rumors a little bit far fetched. Where are these 'monsters of the deep' that swallow the heavily tanked marauders whole. They did prove to be a small problem for local damage absorption by the Heavy Assault Cruisers, but once Michel and I dusted off the Basilisks it was only a matter of time. The only... unsettling things I've noticed are the lack of biological debris and the fact they fired almost immediately upon our arrival, no chance to negotiate.

These drones are far more effective than any other drone I have seen, almost scary to think these could be the next step the Federation's mistake is taking. That much of an improvement in such a short time... could prove to be a problem in a few decades. Others are saying they are Jovian experiments they forgot through time; and the idea of AI with Jove tech is a bit more unsettling yet.

Unfortunately, my expertise isn't in the sciences... however, there seemed to be quite a price on the scrap we were able to collect. And right now, business is business. While being a simpler existence, ISK is a lot less prevalent in these corners of New Eden, and I'll take what I can right now.

*Jall'n comes running up to Inara from off screen holding an old leatherbound book with gold writing Galnadan's Travels, "Will you read with me?" A smile crosses Inara's face as she lets the little Amarrian girl climb onto her lap. Glancing at the camera*

Sometimes it's worth the little things like this; the safety and security of me and mine.

Now, Jall'n, wave bye to the camera and we'll read the first two chapters before you go to bed.

*Jall'n waves towards the screen with a wide smile, "Bye."*

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Wonderful Welcome Back

I take a weekend to get things arranged in one of my new estates planetside, where I haven't had a chance to install proper comm, then come back to find out that Vaden of all people is being handed the reigns for all proper fleet operations. By the words of our former Fleet Marshal, I have to answer to that arrogant old man.

I can only wait to hear his rantings of how they finally came to their senses and appointed him, a true leader to a proper position of authority. By the stars, he didn't need his ego stroked any more than the lavish welcome they gave the two of us. We were treated like celebrities and now they actually give him some form of power?

It's time for a drink... and a stick... definitely a stick.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Stepping out of the shadows

*Text only entry*

Ghost... It's the title I have taken on. Quite the change from the regular business negotiations and territorial protection rallies of Sinq Laison, but one that I am quickly adapting to. Small ships, well for the most part, striking quick and with precision rather than with the brute force [BL3H] threw at things that stood in our way.

I'm writing this as a bit of a break from the paperwork of registering the hundreds of new slaves that are going to the market. Some foolish bunch decided to offend someone higher in the pecking order as well as digging into details of our actions... Such an affront to me and mine can not go unchecked. As such, a small group of us Ghosts decided to show that it's not only Force Recons that can perform a job with discretion.

Two days ago Vaden, Mr. Akula, and myself undocked some of the larger, more specifically tasked ships. Ships that are rarely, if ever, associated with stealth and guise. With a small bit of support I was able to bring in Echidna's Daughter on her first combat mission; the destruction of an eyesore placed by these... vermin.

I hope their lesson has been learned, the families they had employed on the station were given the opportunity to leave and enter my hanger arrays for the duration. And now I'm in the middle of selling them off to pay for the inconvenience their former employers put on us.

On a more personal note... I met Aria's cousin the other day. Very possibly the most worthless lump of flesh I've ever had the displeasure of meeting. I was hoping that after Vince scattered his knee across the station I would get the pleasure of tending his wounds... sadly, Aria had the local med teams rush him off to properly heal, and she was adamant about not just throwing him in a new body even though he was already wired for it and had received the proper training to prevent a wetgrave. His screams were simply delightful though... such powerful lungs for such a runt of a man too. I could have spent hours listening to it, and days finding ways to make them louder.

I guess... I should be getting back to this paperwork. It won't do itself.