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Post by Brie on Mar 23, 2006 17:18:01 GMT -6
He opened his eyes and looked around, unsure of where he was. He hated that feeling. He tried to think back, tried to remember. The last clear memory was the mask going over his face and breathing in deeply...he sat up and heard a monitor beeping. Immediately a doctor ran in. "Where in hades am I?" he demanded to know.
"You're safe and you're going to be just fine, Master," the doctor said with a smile.
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Post by Brie on Mar 24, 2006 12:44:18 GMT -6
The doctor adjusted the bed and Pierce relaxed. "The operation didn't go quite as planned," the young doctor started. "Don't worry, the surgeon has been...dealt with. But your heart was seriously damaged. At first I tried to find a replacement but when that didn't happen I realized that another human's heart could never beat within a god. That's when I knew that you had given me the knowledge. You, Master, are the recipient of the first artificial heart that I have ever made, and it's working better than I ever expected. With technology of this kind people could live for thousands of yahrens..."
"Destroy your research," Pierce ordered. "We can't chance it falling into the wrong hands. The last thing we want is for Apollo or Tigh or even the Widow to be able to live for thousands of yahrens.”
“You’re right, Master,” the doctor said sadly.
“Of course I’m right,” Pierce spat out. “So what have I missed? Is the Widow still alive?”
“According to the IFB reports she almost died but is now recovering,” the doctor informed him.
“Frack,” Pierce mumbled. “What else?”
“We’re in the middle of another battle with the Cylons...”
A smile spread across Pierce’s face. “Good, good, nothing like fear in the fleet to show people they should follow me. What about the Secret Survival Society? How many people are still around?”
“There are a few people here and there,” the doctor said. “Hundreds followed the call home.”
“They have been rewarded,” Pierce said.
“And there’s quite a large number on the Prison Barge,” the doctor continued. “Still more waiting for trial. Most of them think that you also left this plain of existence. Very few know the truth.”
“That’s how we need it to be for now. Can you get out a message?” Pierce wanted to know.
“Yes, Master.”
“Spread the word that a ‘message from beyond’ has come, informing them that they should all plead guilty,” Pierce said with a grin. “Yes, that will do. I like the idea of having a large part of the prison population loyal to me.”
“I’ll do that right away, Master,” the doctor said.
“One more thing.” Pierce couldn’t remember the doctor’s name but he didn’t really care. “The plastic surgery. Did he mess that up as well?”
“No, Master.” The doctor picked up a mirror. “He did a fine job. No one will recognize you.” Pierce stared long and hard in the mirror. His hair was shorter and darker, the beard was gone, and so was several yahrens of age. He ran his fingers across his hair and realized that he weighed a fraction of what he had before. “Are you pleased, Master?”
“Yes, my son.”
“Your new name is Holt,” the doctor told him. “There’s a background that’s been written up for you and entered into the main computers. I’ll make sure I get you a copy.”
“You have done well, my son. Tell those who know that I’m alive to sit tight for now, we need to be patient. Oh, and if she’s still alive, have someone get rid of that young med tech. The one with the funny eye. She betrayed me.”
The doctor stood still without even blinking for several microns. “You mean Kyla?” Pierce nodded. “But Master, she’s pregnant with your son.”
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Post by Brie on Mar 26, 2006 11:22:02 GMT -6
"My son?" Pierce repeated. "Why that little bitc..."
"Master," the puzzled doctor started, "you didn't know? I thought that you knew everything."
Pierce looked sternly at the doctor. "Of course I knew about Kyla and my son. I was testing you, testing your faith in me, a test that you just failed. But since you have been useful to me you shall not be punished...this time."
"Thank you, Master," the doctor replied, lowering his head.
"What is Kyla’s status?” Pierce wanted to know. He knew that the doctor wouldn’t question him again.
“She’s living of the Callisto with Boleman, the Widow’s protector,” the doctor explained. “The security around her is very tight, but we have someone delivering her meals who has been working on befriending her. Someone who thinks that he missed the call home and is trying to make up for his mistake.”
“Good, good,” Pierce mumbled. He put a hand to his chest and felt his artificial heart beating. Although slightly tired he felt stronger and younger than he had in yahrens. With his new face and body no one would recognize him. He would need to work on his voice, but he had time. “How long will you keep me in here?” he wanted to know. “And which ship are we on?”
“We’re in my private suite on the Starliner Alpha,” the doctor said. “We obviously wanted to keep you away from the battlestars, and the Alpha has a pretty good med lab, so it is easy to steal supplies. There are only three of us who know that you’re here, someone has been posted right outside the door at all times. As far as staying I’d like to make sure that your strength is totally back but you’ve healed from the surgery.”
“There’s no hurry,” Pierce told him. “You have done well, my son. If you don’t mind, I’d like to rest for a little while.”
“Yes, Master,” the doctor said, starting towards the door. “I’ll bring you the background that we’ve created for ‘Holt’ within the centar.”
“Thank you, my child.” Pierce waited several microns after the door had closed before breaking into a smile. “A son. I’ll be damned.”
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Post by Brie on Mar 27, 2006 13:59:35 GMT -6
Boleman sat at his desk under the pretense that he was working, but he couldn't concentrate. Across the small room Kyla has fallen asleep in a chair. The sound of her breathing with the occasional mild snore was amazing to him. He couldn't believe how quickly he had grown accustomed to having her around. His life with Trula seemed like it had been decades before. Somehow, listening to Kyla breathe, life had become good again.
He glanced at his computer screen. There were still several members of Pierce’s group on the Callisto who had yet to be charged. As recently appointed Opposer a lot of that would fall into his lap, but with the battle going on all legal proceedings had been halted. In a way he was glad, he was in no hurry to face more of Pierce’s followers.
With a sigh he looked again in Kyla’s direction. He was trying hard to sort out his feelings for her. He was easily old enough to be her father which made him confused about his growing feelings. He knew he loved her but he hoped he wasn’t in love with her. There was a line that he knew he shouldn’t, he couldn’t cross.
Kyla stirred slightly. Boleman stood, knowing that if she slept much longer in the chair she would regret it. He wanted to keep her comfortable. “Kyla,” he said softly, gently shaking her arm, “it’s time for you to go to bed.”
“Okay, Daddy,” Kyla mumbled. She opened her eyes. “Oh, sorry, Boleman. I was dreaming...”
“That’s okay,” he said with a smile. “I’ve been called far worst things. Here, let me help you up.” He held out his arm and Kyla grabbed it. They had done this many times before.
Kyla made it to her feet, took a step forward, and grabbed her stomach. She felt a strange sensation and was suddenly covered with liquid. “Boleman, get the doctor. The baby is coming.”
Boleman didn’t move. “The baby isn’t due for another two sectons.”
“Try telling him that,” Kyla said, calmer than she had expected. “I need the doctor, now. My water just broke.”
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Post by Brie on Mar 28, 2006 13:46:18 GMT -6
Boleman's voice was frantic as he spoke with Doc Bkj. “We need you immediately, the baby is on the way.”
Bkj’s voice remained calm. “Take a deep breath, then tell me how far apart the contractions are.”
“Kyla, how far apart are the contractions?” Boleman asked.
“I guess about 45 centons,” Kyla said. She looked embarrassed. “I thought that they were gas.”
“About 45 centons,” Boleman said into his com. “And her water broke.”
“You have plenty of time,” Bkj said. “It’s her first child, it will probably be at least ten centars, maybe even longer. Just keep her comfortable, and contact me again when they’re about 10 centons apart.”
“Aren’t you going to come check her out?” Boleman was practically begging.
“We’ve got our hands full,” Doc explained. “There was a shuttle attacked by the Cylons. No fatalities, but dozens are injured. I’ve no spare medical personnel, and I’ve already put a call out asking for help from other ships. That included asking about midwives, since I knew Kyla’s time was getting close. And as I said, she has plenty of time. Because of the circumstances I’d like her to deliver there, but if you have to, take the wheelchair out of the closet and bring her down here. Or else you could...” Bkj let her words drop.
“I could what?” Boleman wanted to know.
“Contact Colonel Charybdis,” Bkj replied. “He has experience delivering babies, he could talk you through it. Now I have to go. You’ll be fine, all three of you.”
As the connection broke Boleman couldn’t help but wonder if Bkj was serious about Charybdis.
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Post by Brie on Mar 30, 2006 8:52:22 GMT -6
Boleman started to rifle through some papers on his desk. "Let's see, Colonel Charybdis, he's probably on the bridge. I have his extension here somewhere..."
"Relax," Kyla said with a grin. "Doc was kidding. We're in the middle of a battle, the Colonel isn't going to leave his duties to come down here. Besides, I'm a med tech. I know what to do.
"What to do," Boleman mumbled as he started to pace. "I need to boil some water. Or get some towels. There's got to be something that I’m supposed to be doing.”
Kyla couldn’t help but laugh. "Yeah, you're supposed to take a deep breath. I've only had a few contractions and they haven't been bad. We have a long wait until this baby gets here. But please, sit down. I want to ask you something."
Boleman sat in the chair next to Kyla's and started to tap his foot on the floor. "You can ask me anything."
"Would you," Kyla started slowly, avoiding eye contact, "consider becoming my baby's father? Legally I mean."
"You want me to adopt him?"
Kyla nodded. "I don't want him to ever find out who his biological father was, and you've been nicer to me than anyone I've ever known. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have help me raise my son."
Boleman smiled. "Kyla, there's nothing that would make me happier."
"Thank you." Kyla paused. "So that's something you can do while we wait, start on the paper work. And please, stop tapping your foot. It's driving me crazy!"
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Post by Brie on Mar 31, 2006 15:28:06 GMT -6
Den rang the bell and waited. He hadn't tired of delivering Kyla's meals, it was nice to be near his master's son. The peephole was opened immediately and he showed himself. The door slowly opened a few microns later.
"How are you feeling, Kammy?" Den asked sweetly as he wheeled in his food cart.
“We don’t need anything at this time,” Boleman said quickly, trying to push the cart back towards the door.
“The baby is coming,” Kyla added with a nervous grin. “It wouldn’t be smart for me to eat anything now, but if you have some ice chips maybe...”
“Of course, Kammy,” Den said. He opened his cart and found a large container of ice. “I’ll leave all I have here for you.”
“Thank you,” Kyla replied.
Den looked confused. “If the baby is coming why aren‘t you in the Sick Bay? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“They’re extremely busy,” Kyla told him. “And it’s going to be several centars. We have time.”
Den inched closer to the door. “If there’s anything I can get you, just let me know. Congratulations, Kammy. I‘m sure the baby will be perfect.”
The door closed behind him, but Den waited until he was around a corner before breaking into a smile. His master’s son was about to be born. He needed to spread the word.
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Post by Amy81 on Apr 3, 2006 6:03:46 GMT -6
Em sat in her quarters, thinking things over. The situation with Ange went perfectly. Aside from him nearly killing her, that is. That wasn't part of the plan. She'd underestimated him, and wouldn't again. Ange was a dangerous man, but his suspicions had been proven false, and since they'd made up he had no reason to pry into her affairs again.
The message, on a private channel, was brief when it came in. The master, Pierce, was alive and well! Em was relieved, for she'd failed to secure the organs he needed, and worse than his death would be his rath for her failure. She hoped he would be forgiving. The last part of the message was very exciting: Rejoice, the message had read, to the master will be born a son.
She was just leaving for her office when a second message came in. This time it was on an official wavelength. Anyone with medical experience was needed on the battlestar. She was about to ignore the call when she noticed they were also asking about midwives.
She wondered about that. She had such experience. The early days of the fleet demanded much of everyone, and she'd trained and assisted various medlabs throughout the fleet. But when the time came she'd gone back to her original job rather than change over into the medical profession.
Midwives, she thought. Midwives and babies... Pierce's maybe? Or maybe that brat Amy. She's pregnant. I should answer the call. If nothing else it'd maybe be a chance to make it up to Master Pierce...
She called the launch bay, but was disappointed to learn that the battlestar was in the midst of battle and unreachable. "But this is a medical emergency call" Em insisted. "Not mere ship to ship travel."
The tech in the bay made some calls. He called back to Em. "You're clear for the next shuttle available. Don't know when that is though. But get down here as quickly as possible."
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Post by Brie on Apr 4, 2006 12:02:37 GMT -6
Comeek stood at attention as his Master approached him. “You have done well, my son. Here is your reward.” Pierce clapped his hands and a man came forward. He was pulling something. The scantly-clad form of Logan took shape in front of him. Her hands were tied behind her and there was a chain around her neck. “She’s yours,” Pierce continued, “to do with as you wish. Your own personal love-slave.”
“Thank you, Master,” Comeek replied, taking the chain in his hands. He pulled on it, bringing Logan close to himself. He put one hand behind her head and pulled her into a kiss...
THUNK! Comeek opened his eyes and looked around. “Frack, I fell out of bed again.” He sat on the floor, smiling at the image of Logan still in his mind. He knew that it was more than a dream, it had been a message. Master Pierce had something for Comeek to do, and he would be rewarded.
“Did you hear me? Do you want carrots or peas?” Den stood at the cell door. He had avoided the brig ever since having been assigned bringing meals to Kyla, but this time he’d make an exception. He had important news to share.
"I don't really care," Comeek mumbled, rubbing his elbow.
"Come and look," Den insisted.
Comeek stood and realizing who Den was, walked to the cell door. "Peas," he said.
"Look closer," Den suggested. Comeek moved close enough to hear Den's whisper. "Our Master's son is on his way."
Comeek smiled, picturing himself with Logan raising his Master's child. "That is good news."
"Also, we've received a message from beyond," Den continued. "Our Master wants you to plead guilty and not fight being transferred to the Prison Barge. He says that you will be rewarded."
"Here is your reward," Comeek mumbled, thinking about the dream. "Yes," he said hungrily, "I think I'll take the peas."
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Post by Brie on Apr 7, 2006 14:16:25 GMT -6
"Guard," Comeek yelled at the top of his lungs.
The guard took his time. "What do you want?" he asked at last.
"I need a protector, I'm ready to enter my plea," Comeek informed him. "The sooner the better."
The guard shook his head in disgust. "We're in the middle of a fracking battle! And you know very well, because there’s so many of you all tribunals have been put on hold until further notice."
Master Pierce needs for me to wait Comeek thought. Could it have something to do with my dream? He moved close to the cell door. "Do you ever see the women‘s section?"
"Sometimes," the guard replied, this time with a bit of a smile. That Pierce had some well proportioned followers!
"How is Logan?" Comeek wanted to know.
The guard thought for a micron. "Logan? I don't recall the name."
"She was a warrior."
The guard shook his head again. "There are no former warriors in the women's section."
Comeek scrunched his forehead. "Oh. I must have been mistaken. Thank you for your help."
"I'll let you know when things lighten up around here," the guard promised. He walked back down the hall.
Thinking hard, Comeek sat on his bunk. Logan hadn't been arrested? That must mean that she was still free, still posing as a warrior. He hoped that he hadn't tipped off the guard.
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