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Post by Brie on Aug 30, 2006 12:41:45 GMT -6
Brie turned off the IFB monitor. "I'm sorry," she said, taking her seat again. "I spent a couple of sectars in a coma so I understand what it's like to lose time, but I can't imagine what this is like for you. You were shot down during the battle at Pangara Delta. Your ship was destroyed, and there were no signs that you could have survived. You were declared dead, in fact the memorial service was quite touching. And then you inexplicably turned up again over two yahrens later, barely alive. When you came to you had no idea where you had been or how much time had passed, just like now. After you angered several members of fleet security and a couple of medtechs, I came onto the scene and took responsibility for you. We headed to an empty room to talk, to see if we could piece together the puzzle. During our conversation it became clear to me that something wasn't right. In fact, at times you weren't there at all, except for physically. That's when I first suspected that you had made a deal with Count Iblis. When Amy was mentioned in our conversation you became agitated and decided to try to stop her surgery. I made a couple of calls, warning security that you were on the way, but decided I needed to handle it myself. I arrived as you were trying to get into the Operating Room, which was when I shot you the first time. You shook off the effects of the stun surprisingly well, and for a micron I thought that you had been rid of what was controlling you. We went back to the room, where I quickly discovered that I was wrong. 'He' wanted me to follow him, probably because I'm higher up on the chain of command than you are, and he made all kinds of promises to me. He then, using your body, made me think that I was about to be raped again. That's when I shot, and you were freed." Brie paused, realizing that she shouldn't have said the word 'again'. She hoped that Artus didn't pick up on her mistake.
"There were a couple of blackshirts stationed in the hall, all ready to say that I fired in self defense. Military Inquiries wanted to pin it on you as well. But I couldn't let you be blamed for something that wasn't your fault. I was all set to spend my life on the Prison Barge so that you wouldn't be charged. That's when I made up the crawlon story, and fortunately there were actually crawlons within the walls of that room. So the shooting was ruled accidental. You can think I'm crazy if you want, but I can get you copies of the reports from when you were shot down and when you returned. Plus I can bring in one of two of the medtechs. I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find a woman who wanted to slap your face."
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artus
Viper Pilot
Posts: 140
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Post by artus on Sept 1, 2006 2:19:53 GMT -6
The last part made Artus grin again, despite of himself.
"Major, I don't really know what to say. After all, it is a bit much to take on all at once. And I do hope you'll forgive me for still remaining a bit sceptical. After all it does seem a bit conveniant."
He paused, gauging the expression on Brie's face.
"It's also difficult for me to accept that I made a deal with some kind of Demon. Perhaps it's just personal; pride or arrogance, but I would like to believe that I would not do that under any circumstances. Your asking me to believe that I would betray all that I believe in."
Artus thought for a micron.
"Then again you said that even Commander Sheba followed this guy at one time, so maybe it is possible. You have to understand it's hard for me to come to grips with this, because I have no memory of it and I feel completely fit as well. Just like I was just put in here yesterday without a scratch on me."
Looking at Brie's face he decided to ask her about the fact that she had said 'raped again' at another time. The situation was volitile enough as it was...
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Post by Brie on Sept 1, 2006 10:54:12 GMT -6
Brie sighed. "The thing is, this particular Demon can be very persuasive. And the deal I believe you made was for Amy's life, not your own. You told me once that you love her, are you saying that your pride wouldn't allow you to sacrifice yourself for her? If that seemed to be the only way to save her?"
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artus
Viper Pilot
Posts: 140
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Post by artus on Sept 3, 2006 1:23:04 GMT -6
Artus also sighed, and admitted defeat.
"Your right, major. I would sacrifice my life, give everything, to save Amy."
He then looked at the ceiling for a few microns, then looked back at Brie.
"I suppose that also means I am willing to face the full consequences of my actions. No matter how unbelievable and unreal they seem to me now."
He paused.
"So where does that leave me now?"
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Post by Brie on Sept 3, 2006 13:37:20 GMT -6
Brie grinned. "There will be no consequences. When you first returned to the Callisto you had a head injury, which should be enough to explain your bizarre behavior. And now, if anyone asks you, tell them the truth. You don't remember anything. Just don't say anything about what I've told you really happened, because as I said before, I'll deny it. The fleet isn't ready to hear about Iblis' attempted return. As far as duty is concerned, you'll have to be released medically and have a psychological exam, which is standard procedure. After that, I see no reason for you not to return to full active duty."
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artus
Viper Pilot
Posts: 140
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Post by artus on Sept 5, 2006 5:35:29 GMT -6
Artus sighed. He guessed it all came down to playing dumb, something he turned out to be very good at.
"Allright major, I'll not say a word to anyone. Allthough I must admit that you haven't gotten me fully convinced. But whatever it takes to get me out of here and back to active duty. So as far as I'm concerned you cabn send in the medtechs and they can do their prodding and probing and I won't say a thing. Won't even insult them or make a pass at them. Well, not much anyway."
He scratched his head.
"Just one thing though, major, I have a personal request to make. When any kind of this felgercarb turns up again, I want in. I know both you and the captain have your ways of secretly dealing with these things, saving the universe and hoping nobody has noticed. Well, I intend to be out there with you, fighting these threats to the fleet.
You see, if what you tell me is the truth, and I certainly believe that you believe that, then this Iblis guy took away two yahrens of my life. Two fracking yahrens! Now I believe that has earned me the right to fight, same as you. Same as the captain."
Artus looked Brie in the eyes.
"Now I know that this is way out of line for a subordinate to ask his commander, but I'm asking anyway. Please major, I want in. No more secrets."
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Post by Brie on Sept 5, 2006 12:40:45 GMT -6
"Everyone has their secrets, Lieutenant," Brie replied. "So I can't really promise you what you're asking. But I can tell you this. You've earned my respect, which is something that I don't give out all that freely. And I promise that once you're back on full duty, you're name will be right up there for the better assignments. At least as long as I'm running Gold Squadron."
Brie stood up and stepped towards the door. "I have someone else that I need to see. The med lab will inform me when you've been released, but I'll get working on your housing assignment and anything else for your official return. If you need anything or just want to talk some more, just send for me." She approached the door and turned back around. "If I hear anything about Amy, I'll let you know. Otherwise, you'd be wise to stay away from her. There two yahrens that you've been gone have been tough on her, and as I said before, she's engaged to Charybdis. Colonel Charybdis. If she needs a shoulder, it should be his."
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artus
Viper Pilot
Posts: 140
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Post by artus on Sept 6, 2006 1:53:57 GMT -6
Artus opened his mouth to say something, but then shut it again.
He remembered when he and Amy last parted he had promised to give her more breathing space, and he had been determined to keep it that way. Because a little part inside of him had always been sure that Amy would come back to him.
And if it was true what Brie had just told him and two Jahrens had passed, he supposed it would only be natural that she had moved on, with him being declared dead and all that.
But then why did he feel so betrayed?
He managed to say:
"Thank you major, I'll keep that in mind" without his voice wavering too much.
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Post by Brie on Sept 6, 2006 12:26:14 GMT -6
Brie paused by the door and turned back around. "When my husband's viper exploded, I wouldn't let them declare him dead until I had proof that he really was. It was a lousy way for me to live." Brie walked through the door, closing it quietly behind her.
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artus
Viper Pilot
Posts: 140
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Post by artus on Sept 7, 2006 0:54:33 GMT -6
As Artus saw Brie leave, he was feeling even more confused.
What had she just tried to say to him. Was she trying to tell him that Amy must have had a real hard time and he shouldn't judge her? Or was she saying that if Amy had really loved him, she would have stuck it out until there was definitive proof that he was actually dead.
Like he needed more felgercarb like that on his mind...
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