Apologies

Inara was sitting in her office when one of her servants entered appearing quite nervous, "Mistress?" The Achuran just looked up from her paperwork expectantly, "I-I'm not sure what protocol is for this.. but." The middle-aged Brutor holds out a folded piece of paper while bowing slightly.

Frowning at the lack of proper channels being taken, she snatches the note and quickly glances over it. The frown marring her features turns to one of barely contained rage for a moment, clenching her jaw and taking a breath to calm herself she bites out, "Where did you find this, and who else knows about it?"

Immediately, as if expecting the question, he answers, "No one outside of this room knows, except whoever wrote it."

Inara surprised the man, grabbing his chin and pulling up till their eyes met, "I'm sorry." The shock on his face was quickly replaced by one of pain as a short blade was slid in through his stomach and into his lung. Keeping the man from falling, Inara embraced him, whispering another apology as he drowned in his own blood.

Laying the body out on the floor respectfully, she kneels and takes a moment to grieve. Wiping the tears from her face, she calls in someone to clean her office as she exits through the rear.

`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`

"Ahh, Mistress Subaka. A pleasure to have you back in Curse." Inara nodded a greeting to the Cartel Medical Staff as she stepped out of the clone vat, taking the offered towel.

"I'm not here, and you never saw me." Her voice is cold, mechanical, the tone she uses when doing unpleasant business. Not sparing the people around her a second glance, she makes her way to clean up.

Exiting the secure medical facility, she makes her way to her quarters. Not long after, she leaves there wearing something that would be typical of the 'Underground' in the State. Long coat hiding her figure with a hat pulled low, mixed with the change in posture... it would be hard to point her out as 'Mistress Subaka'.

There was an easy pace as she made a direct path towards the farthest InterBus terminal on the station. They never asked any questions as Yanido Komoni asked for transport to the Kingdom.

`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`

Two days later, she was sitting in an unassuming bar frequented by the dock-hands. A fair mix of Kingdom locals and State workers, none of them seemed to care about the woman in the corner.

She was finishing her second glass of water and was preparing to leave when a tall Amarrian stepped into the dark pub and scans the patrons. Inara doesn't seem to take note of the new arrival till he approaches the table, speaking in clear Achur, "Please, take a seat, Mistress."

The calm demeanor she had been showing slipped for a moment, unbridled hatred flashed across her features momentarily as she sat back down, "You have me at a disadvantage, care to introduce yourself, or do I find myself forgetting the last couple days?"

The man seems unaffected by her threats as he takes a seat, "You can call me Oni." Under the table, Inara's hand twitched towards the pouch attached to her leg, "I believe we have business to do, no?"

Waving for another glass of water, Inara nods, "What is your price?"

Chuckling, he orders a glass of the local rotgut, "Straight to the point? What should I call you, 'Mistress' is liable to call attention."

"Inara will suffice, I just want to get this over with."

The Amarrian made a face as he tried the drink placed in front of him, "Wretched stuff, I can't believe they actually make money selling it." Leaning back and making himself as comfortable as he could, his features turned pensive, "Ghost Festival... PRETA... Naraka... Death, evil spirits, hell... Tell me, are you a monster?"

"I'm not here for your philosophy questions. What. Is. Your. Price." Each word was bitten off bitterly.

"Ah, but that is my price, answers to my questions. Isn't that your most valuable commodity, information?" His ease with her native language, and the relaxed nature he was showing, was beginning to unnerve her.

Taking more than a small sip of her water, she seemed to calm down slightly, "No, I'm not a monster. Are we finished?"

He chuckled slightly, "Far from it." Several hours of questioning Inara on philosophy and her views of a variety of seemingly unrelated and inane topics he asked again, "Are you a monster?"

By this point, Inara seems resigned to answer his questions, "I've answered this already; no, I'm not a monster."

For the first time since sitting down, his features turned stern, "Don't monsters kill others, without regard to the lives they are ruining?" The change in tone caught her attention, as she looks up from her boredom, he continues, "Perhaps, killing my sister and allowing my brother-in-law to be murdered in front of my niece?"

It took a moment before Inara's eyes went slightly wider, "Jall'n." He nodded in response, "No, no, no." Inara started to stand as she was speaking.

He never moved from his seat, just motioned for her to sit again, "I'm not going to take her," He chuckled slightly, "I couldn't if I wanted to. Just over half my life savings went to making sure that note was delivered, I don't have the resources to take on a capsuleer, I'm not suicidal enough to make enemies of the Cartel, and my sister was disowned for marrying that worthless excuse for an Amarrian." Inara just motioned for him to continue as she retook her seat and calming considerably, "She is however, blood."

"You're going through a lot of work, simply to gain visiting rights to someone who, by law, doesn't even exist in your family. It's not as if you could welcome her home, or admit to contacting her." Sighing, she rubs the bridge of her nose, "Just tell me why, so I can get back to my normal life without having to stain my hands again."

"I've done my research, Inara, you are someone who sees reason when it's presented. Of course I won't be taking her home, no one even knows I arranged this meeting." He seems quite pleased with himself, "All I ask for is monthly progress reports, and a few thousand ISK to keep my lips shut to the authorities who would remove her from your custody."

Inara looks like the entire world came to rest on her shoulders, "Let us go for a walk..."

`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`

"Have you ever been aboard a Capsuleer's ship?" Inara glanced over her shoulder as she was typing at a console. When the man shook his head, she smiled, "You're in for a treat today."

The man seemed quite intrigued as she finished up her transaction and started leading him towards the Hangar Array, "Just like that? You spend more than I likely have in all of my assets combined... Ahh, to be a capsuleer must be invigorating."

"It loses it's awe inspiring ability after a week. They should have it assembled and fit by the time we get down there." She sighs, "It's a shame the crew won't be mine."

`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`'~._.~'`

Less than ten minutes later, the man known as Oni was in the crew observation lounge looking across the stars. Inara's disembodied voice echoed in the room, "I hope you're comfortable?".

"Marvelous design, for Caldari anyways."

About then, the filters were forced to turn on the windows, as the local star came into prominent view, "Crew, please follow order 962 immediately." Glancing around, the Amarrian saw the two crewmen drinking coffee quickly leave the room, "I'm glad you are enjoying the hospitality."

Panic crossed the man's face as he bolted for the door, only to find it locked, "What's the meaning of this?!"

Inara's voice is heard once more, "You made one mistake," There's an almost sad tone as she continues, "You didn't tell anyone where you were going to be when you made efforts to extort me and stick your nose in the business of my family." The lights start to darken, fading to pitch black, "You and all evidence of you will be erased by the star, we are less than 40 kilometers from the surface, and without me in place... the shields will quickly fail to compensate for the radiation and heat." The man was pounding on the doors by this point, "I'm sorry."

Capsule Ejected.




((This is a piece of fiction that explains my recent absence IC. The details would be unknown, but with some digging an interested party would find that Inara Clone-Jumped to Curse, only to 'disappear'. Her pod never activated, no official communications were sent or received, there's no sign of her existing for a while, until a frigate was purchased in Tash-Murkon lowsec.))

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.*

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.*

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.*

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.

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.

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.