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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 7, 2012 6:58:36 GMT -4
"That's all," Silas said, shoving the bloodied hair into his pocket and nodding to her. He turned back to Oryn and stepped out of the little apartment. "Let's go 'home'." The walk back to the car was a long one, and mostly silent. But when Silas eventually climbed into the driver's seat, he burst out laughing. "We actually did it," he said, grinning. "We're actually building up a rebellion." He laughed again, and took off the handbrake. "You can be the one to text Shirune," he told Oryn. "After all, I'm supposed to-" he paused as he carefully tried to reverse the car back onto the main road, "-keep my eyes on the road when driving, according to you."
The drive back to headquarters was one filled with hope, and that hope didn't ebb even when they pulled up inside and Shirune wasn't there waiting for them. Instead it was one of the officers who worked with the non-humans. "Where's Shirune?" Silas asked, slamming the car door shut. "I thought he'd want to be here to see the evidence of our kill..." "The Emperor is busy. And you're needed in the experimentation section." Silas narrowed his eyes. "Why?" "The man you captured has evidence of a concussion, and we think that you can help us get some information out of him. And," the man's gaze became a glare at his next words, "you gave your name to #20290." Silas was momentarily confused, then he remembered. He nodded in understanding, and turned to Oryn. "Go and visit Taru. I'll sort out everything with Shirune." "You can't do that!" the officer cried, staring at him in shock. "You're not authorised-" "I'm higher up than Oryn, and probably higher than you," Silas pointed out. He didn't actually know his definite position in Shirune's empire, but he was sure that no one else did. "So don't question me." He tossed the keys of the convertible towards Oryn, and immediately headed down the corridor towards the experimentation sector.
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Post by Dragonsashes on Oct 7, 2012 9:59:52 GMT -4
Static started overhead, drawing Gage back to attention. "#20290, stand up and place your hands on your head. Await transfer." "Where am I going?" Gage's throat felt dry from lack of water and use. "I am not permitted to divulge that information. Stand up and await transfer." The voice was young but completely lacked emotion. "Does this have to do with my reassessment?" "I am not permitted to divulge that information." "Do you even know?" Gage called out again. "Stand up and await transfer." "Right." Don't fight, Gage remembered. Don't run. Survive. Silas. Things rotated through Gage's head, but he didn't move from his spot on the bed for a few moments. "STAND UP AND AWAIT TRANSFER." This time the voice was louder, almost as if the person had purposely turned up the volume instead of screaming into the mic. Gage wouldn't put it past the people who captured him. "Alright, sorry. My legs cramped." Gage moved slowly, showing himself stretching his legs, even though they were fine. He didn't want his captures to realize how much he was thinking about things. Only when he was fully standing up did he stop stretching. His hands moved to the back of his head with his fingers interlacing. Within seconds, two parts of the mirror slid open and four guards stomped in. Two of them grabbed Gage's arms while the third placed handcuffs on Gage's wrists. The fourth bent down and clamped shackles onto Gage's feet. It didn't take long at all. When they were done, one led the way while one followed. One on each side. Three more guards stood outside and they joined the little group as they stomped down the hallway. "Am I that dangerous?" Gage commented to one of the guards. "Shut up and walk, nonhuman." The last word was spit out at Gage like an insult. Gage just shrugged and smiled. "I'd rather be nonhuman if it meant I didn't have the specie-ism that you have." He started whistling as they walked, trying to annoy the guards further.
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 7, 2012 10:27:09 GMT -4
Silas had barely reached the experimentation sector when he heard whistling, and saw at least six guards moving down the corridor in a square formation. There was someone in between them, moving slowly as though they were trying to make the walk as long and difficult as possible. He frowned, trying to see the prisoner around the crowd of guards. "Hey," he called, "what are you doing?" A few of them paused, staring at Silas and only just realising he was there. "Transfering #20290 to a more secure region," one of them said gruffly, eyeing Silas with distaste. "It's none of your concern, Almaras." 20290. He recognised that number. "I think it is my concern," he said, moving so that he stood in the middle of the corridor, blocking their way. "If you're going to take him away to the solitary cells, or to be tortured again-" "You have no power," one of them snarled. "You may think that you have authority, but you have no say in what goes on in this place. Now move, Silas, before we have to remove you." Silas paused, taken aback by the threat. After a moment, he cracked a smile. Then he broke their arm.
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Post by Dragonsashes on Oct 7, 2012 10:40:31 GMT -4
Gage watched as the man broke an arm. He gave a whistle of appreciation before he headbutted the guard next to him. Oh! This was fun! Gage thought. A guard stepped up to stop Gage but the nonhuman was faster, even cuffed as he was. Gage used his cuffs and his own weight against the man. The chain tightened against the man's neck until he went limp. Gage allowed him to drop before he pulled his hands sharply apart, breaking the chain between the cuffs. Now he was more or less free. His legs were still chained, but that didn't bother Gage. "So, I'm Gage. Or apparently number 2-0-2-9-0." Gage made the point of pronouncing every number, as if each one was a joke to him. "And you are?" Another guard tried to subdue Gage, but now with free use of his hands, Gage slammed his fist into the man's face. He turned back to the stranger who started it and smiled widely, showing some pointed teeth in the process.
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 7, 2012 15:50:17 GMT -4
Silas grinned back, not at all disturbed by the sight of Gage's teeth. "Silas. Ex-number 8931." Another guard approached Silas, and he shoved them to the ground. "So," he said conversationally, kicking the guard in the ribs, "have you been alright since I found you... yesterday, was it?" He glanced at the guards sprawled across the floor, some unconscious, all injured, and frowned slightly. Maybe attacking them hadn't been a good idea... The sound of footsteps in the distance made him panic a little, and he turned back to Gage before he could answer. "You should go," he said. "Try to escape. ...I need to get out of here before they pin it all on me." He nodded goodbye to Gage, before running in the opposite direction to the footsteps. He already knew that it was too late, though. Some of the conscious guards would alert Shirune, or another in a high position. And although he didn't know how they would attempt to punish him, he didn't want to find out.
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Post by Cedar on Oct 7, 2012 16:08:34 GMT -4
Oryn caught the keys Silas tossed at him, pocketing them as he entered the building. He wasn't entirely sure if he was supposed to be visiting his brother, but considering their "success", he was fairly certain no one would mind. Besides, he needed to see how Taru was doing after yesterday. It took considerable self-control not to run down the corridors to Taru's room, and the walk there seemed to take an eternity. His knock, when he finally did reach the room, elicited only a muffled and pained, "Who is it?" "Oryn." "Oh... come in." Oryn detected considerable relief in his brother's voice. He rummaged through his pocket for the key to Taru's room and let himself in, his concerned gaze landing immediately on his brother. Taru was lying on his bed, turned to face the wall, but his pain was still obvious. Oryn went to his side and laid a hand gently on his shoulder, and Taru turned to face him. "Hi Oryn." The agony in his brother's eyes was unbearable. "Have they not given you any medical treatment? No pain meds?" "They never have." "I'll be back in a moment." Oryn stood and slipped out into the hallway, back towards his own room, returning several minutes later with a glass of water and painkillers, which he handed to his brother. Taru took them gratefully before turning to Oryn. "Why do you do it?" he asked quietly. "Do what?" "Keep obeying Shirune." "You know why, Taru." "I would rather take this pain than see you become a murderer." "I can't let that happen..." "Then what? Will you keep working for him, performing unspeakable crimes forever, while I'm imprisoned here, and you're hardly better off? Oryn, please..." Oryn laid a hand on his lips, silencing Taru. "The room's bugged," he mouthed. Taru looked exasperated. "So what?" "So I am resisting." Oryn's voice was almost inaudible. "I just can't talk about it here." He glanced at his watch. "I have to be going..." Taru nodded, but gave Oryn a questioning look. "The girl..." Oryn's smile told him all he needed to know. "Good." Oryn slipped out of the room and sadly locked it, before heading off down the hallway in a random direction to mull over the day's events.
"Your cat, you say?" Shirune flipped through his notes. "Pets are required to be registered, and in my records there is no indication of you owning a cat. Either you harbored one illegally and will be subjected to a fine, or you are lying to the Empire. The punishment for lying is far more severe than anything that could follow admitting to the truth. I might also mention that while most of the machines attached to you are monitoring your vitals, one happens to be a lie detector." He stood, and began to pace back and forth. "So tell me, who is Cole?"
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 7, 2012 19:55:21 GMT -4
Clark's face fell at Shirune's words, and he glanced behind him at the monitor as his hand unconsciously went to the sensor on his fingertip. He fidgeted with it a little and managed to realize at least enough to see that taking it off would be a bad idea. "All this stuff about Cole isn't really that important though, right...? I'd really just like to get home... I have homework to grade, and I wanted to get a good night sleep before school tomorrow... What if I just gave you the money for the fine for having a pet, and in exchange we just forget about this and I can go back to dutifully serving the Emperor as a teacher..."
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Post by Dragonsashes on Oct 7, 2012 21:37:16 GMT -4
Gage watched as Silas disappeared down the hall. A day? It had only been a day? But Silas was right, he needed to get out of here. He took a turn down the next hall, opening doors a crack to see what was inside. Finally, he found a storeroom with a lab coat hanging on it. He grabbed it and put it around his shoulders. Now he just needed to slip through the halls unnoticed. Gage believed that he could do that. He walked around carefully, looking each hall up and down. He was looking for the exit. Shouldn't there be gigantic signs flashing at him, this way? He took a breath and stared around. Where was the exit? "You there! You're in the wrong section. Head back to the lab." Gage turned around slowly and nodded. He kept his eyes partially down and walked away. "Not that way. This one." The man was staring at Gage. This wasn't going to end well, Gage thought.
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 8, 2012 12:14:55 GMT -4
The way out of the experimentation sector was a long one, and Silas found himself slowing to a walk before he reached the end. He glanced about him, looking at the various non-humans behind glass walls. The corridors themselves were dark, but all of the rooms were illuminated within. He paused when he thought he recognised one of the non-humans within, and was surprised when he realised that it was Shirune himself who was interviewing the man. He reached into his pocket, touching Atom's bloodied hair. If the men took a while to get to their feet, then Shirune himself could unwittingly provide him with an alibi. He had a reason to find the Emperor, after all, and no reason to be down the corridors he was. He paused outside the door to Clark's room, and reached in his pocket for his keycard. He opened the door and stepped inside, smiling at Shirune. "I killed her," he said cheerfully, dropping the hair directly onto Shirune's notes. "Have you found any information about the invisible man yet?" He glanced at Clark out of the corner of his eye, wondering just how bad of a concussion he had given him and whether or not it would impact on the invisible man.
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 8, 2012 14:58:47 GMT -4
"Who're you?" Clark mumbled when Silas entered the room. Cole recognized him immediately and tensed, moving even further into a position to protect Clark. He growled Silas's name under his breath and then glanced towards Shirune. If he made a move against Silas now Shirune would know for sure that he was here. Was that why Silas was here? Because he knew that Cole couldn't do anything without giving away their secret? He scowled a little, made more angry by that thought. He glanced between Shirune and Clark quickly before looking at Silas again. Clark had practically already given up their secret anyway, he really wouldn't be giving up anything in getting his revenge on Silas. That settled it. In one second he went from standing close to Clark to a step away from Silas before he pulled one fist back and slammed it into Silas's face. He didn't give Silas a chance to catch himself or respond before slamming his other fist into Silas's ribs. He was growling profanities and threats under his breath as he pummelled Silas, even though he knew only Clark would hear. Another blow to Silas's head, then another, maybe Silas would end up with a concussion of his own. Clark stared in shock at Cole for a moment before he managed to speak. "What are you doing?" he spluttered, eyes wide. "You're gonna kill him!" Cole backed off a little, though he was still glaring at Silas. "He hurt you," he muttered, as though that was all the explanation needed.
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 8, 2012 15:56:28 GMT -4
Silas hit the ground hard, curling in on himself in an attempt to protect his bruised ribs. Blow after blow struck his head, and his head in turn struck the floor. His nose was broken, his eye was swelling, and his sluggish mind was only just beginning to comprehend his injuries. He had been right - the invisible man was at least twice as strong as a normal human. "You're gonna kill him!" he heard Clark shout, and in a horrible moment he realised it was a possibility. Beaten to death by an invisible man, he thought, not a good way to go. The barrage stopped and he clawed at the ground, shakily bringing himself to his feet. Far more powerful than a human, he realised. As soon as he was standing up his head pounded, his vision lurching and flickering while his ribs throbbed and nausea pooled in his stomach. "B-bastard..." he spat, glaring at the empty space he assumed Cole was. He couldn't even look anywhere near the Emperor - he prided himself in his ruthlessness, in his resistance to harm. Now his face was bloody and bruised, even though the rest of him (excluding his ribs) was relatively unscathed, and the humans would never let him forget it. His fingers curled into fists, and he waited until his vision was slightly clearer before he lunged forward, trusting his senses. Except the throbbing in his head was drowning everything out. His fist struck the wall, leaving a big dent, and he let out a growl as he turned back to Clark. And that was when he saw one of the officers he had attacked moments before standing outside the room, and saw the phone in Shirune's hand. He was doomed either way, and so he tried to punch Cole again.
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 9, 2012 2:12:59 GMT -4
Cole stepped easily out of the way as Silas threw another punch that ended with him denting the wall. When Silas turned around and lashed out again, this time Cole didn't dodge, but instead caught Silas's fist in one of his own hands. Using Silas's own momentum against him to put Silas facedown on the floor so that he would be hard-pressed to get up again soon. "Tell him next time he tries to lay a hand you I'll do even worse," Cole shot over his shoulder to Clark. Clark frowned back at him anxiously and then glanced towards Shirune and back. "You weren't fooling him anyway so just say it." Clark sighed and then shifted his gaze to Silas. "Cole wants you to know that if you try and hurt me he'll 'do even worse.' Sorry... He gets kind of protective sometimes... who are you?" With that Cole somewhat reluctantly let Silas go and he returned to Clark's side, now shifting his attention to Shirune, wary of what this might mean for himself and Clark.
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Post by Jane on Oct 11, 2012 0:17:38 GMT -4
Atom sat still for a long time after her unwanted visitors had left. She didn't want to go to sleep now. Had she made the right decision? Should she have agreed to this plan? At the moment it didn't seem like there was much harm in it. They hadn't tried to kill her, and they hadn't insisted that she do anything much. Except take a phone number really. And having a phone number meant she'd need a phone obviously. Which meant a trip into town.
The problem with being an escapee from the maze was that you couldn't really get a job. Most jobs were controlled carefully, and you most certainly needed paperwork to get in to one. After a couple of enquires, she'd already give up on that idea. So, even with a few odd jobs here and there, she wasn't going to be able to afford a phone. Which meant she was going to have to steal one. Lovely.
It turned out to be easier than she thought, picking one up, and leaving the shop pretending she owned it and wasn't in much of a hurry. With how busy the shop was, no one seemed to give her another look. Hopefully they wouldn't think to check the security cameras later. Though that was probably inevitable. But she had the phone, and she had the number, which she saved to the phone, just in case she lost the paper. There, she was prepared now.
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Post by Cedar on Oct 11, 2012 2:33:51 GMT -4
Shirune had been scribbling down notes during the encounter, but now he ceased his observations to get the situation under control. Having spoken briefly with the officer Silas had attacked, he addressed this issue first. "Somebody take Mr. Almaras to the hospital. Silas, in light of your behavior today, I am restricting your privileges. You will not be permitted to travel anywhere without an escort, nor allowed to drive. I will determine later when your restrictions shall end. Sir," he addressed the guard, "please inform your commander that I would like a search sent out immediately for the escaped prisoner." The man saluted and hurried off.
Shirune turned finally to Clark and Cole. "Well. Very interesting case, and one I would very much like to pursue further." He rummaged about in a box of instruments, withdrawing a pair of infrared glasses. Putting them on, he could make out the dim figure of Cole, and noted that on his papers with interest. "Tell me, then, kind sir. This invisible man's strength and speed seem quite enhanced--are you aware of why this is so?"
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 11, 2012 12:37:34 GMT -4
Silas stared resolutely at the wall of the doctor's room, ignoring the pain in his ribs and refusing to meet the doctor's eyes. He was all too aware of the human in the corner watching him, trying to hide his smirk at Silas's injuries. He didn't care if he was punished further - if he didn't look away soon Silas would break his nose. "How did this happen, Mr Almaras?" the doctor drawled, touching the bruising on Silas's face and fighting a smile when he saw him flinch. He fought back his anger - how dare these humans find his pain funny? "None of your damn business." His eyes flickered over to the door - he had tried to leave twice, insisting that he was fine, but his 'escort' had stopped him both times. The doctor tutted, the sound grating on Silas's nerves. "I thought you were invincible, Mr Almaras. I've never seen you injured before." Silas muttered under his breath, but the doctor ignored him. "You seem to have a broken nose, a black eye-" "Both of my eyes are black, you idiot." "-Fine, a badly bruised eye and badly bruised ribs. You don't seem to have a concussion of any sort, but you should stay on the ward just in case." "No," Silas said bluntly, standing up and moving towards the door again. His head was throbbing, worse than it ever had in his entire life, but he could cope. He didn't want to spend one more moment in the company of these humans. "Silas-" He slammed the door in his escort's face and immediately turned down one of the corridors, heading towards his room. He pulled his hood over his face, hiding his bruises, and shoved his hands into his pockets as he stalked down the corridors. He wished that he had taken their offer of medicine just to take away the pain in his head and ribs. The world just wasn't fair.
"Place your credit card in here, please," the chemist said, gesturing to the little pin machine she had on her desk. Lucielle did so, keeping her eyes on the desk and the slightly crumpled prescription. She tapped the desk absently, brushing her hair out of her eyes with a slightly shaking hand. Calm down, she told herself. You look normal. Human. They won't say anything... "What dye do you use?" Lucielle's head snapped up, her eyes wide as she regarded the chemist. "W-what?" "Your hair," she said, gesturing as though it was obvious. "I always thought white hair was, y'know, for old people, but it looks nice on you. What dye was it?" The machine beeped, saving her, and Lucielle quickly typed in the pin. She shrugged in response, not wanting to speak, and pulled the card out of the machine before the chemist noticed that the name on it was not hers. Lucielle grabbed the bag of medicine, tucking the credit card into her pocket and whispering a thank you before leaving. She absolutely hated walking around so many humans, and interacting with them. She was always terrified that they would see something inhuman in her blue eyes, that they would find something wrong with the way she looked, she held herself. That she would be carted away for experiments just as Silas had been, and that there would be no one left to look after him. She only hoped that her caution would be enough. She kept her eyes down as she walked, and wished that it was raining so that she could pull up her hood... or better, snowing. But it wasn't the time of year for snow, and she wasn't sure if this part of the Empire got snow. She was walking straight towards the train station, the medicine bag in one hand and a bag of food in the other, when she walked into someone. They apologised and walked on, but Lucielle paused and looked about. A movement out of the corner of her eye had caught her attention, and she stared at it. There was a girl walking out of a mobile phone shop, and Lucielle was certain that she had seen her steal the phone she was currently putting numbers into. She didn't even think before moving over to where the girl was, and tapping her on the shoulder. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice going hard. "Don't you think you should put that back?"
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Post by Jane on Oct 11, 2012 19:24:12 GMT -4
Atom restrained herself from jumping as a lady with white hair accused her of stealing the phone. She tightened her fingers round it, but smiled at the woman, putting on her best innocent face.
"Excuse me, but I think you have the wrong person. This is definitely my phone. I'm afraid you must have mistaken me for someone else. If you'll excuse me, I'm in a bit of a hurry." Gah, this woman suspected her of stealing the phone, even if she might not be quite sure. Atom had better get ou of there before things started to happen that she wouldn't like.
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 12, 2012 1:39:03 GMT -4
Clark was looking nervously from Cole to Shirune to Silas, incredibly confused by this point about what was going on. "I don't know why... It's just how we are... Now can we go home? I really don't know anything or what's going on. I just want to go home and take a nap..." Cole frowned apologetically at Clark. He felt at least partially to blame for their being there. Still, now that their secret was out there was no way it would be that easy to go home again.
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 12, 2012 12:37:00 GMT -4
Lucielle frowned, about to pursue the matter further when she noticed the time on Atom's stolen phone. If she didn't hurry, she could very well miss her train. "Alright," she said. "I'm sorry for bothering you." She glanced at the phone one final time, seeing the number glowing on the screen and recognising it. But she didn't have time to question the girl, nor did she want to. If she missed her train it would be a disaster... and whatever reason the girl had for having his number she could hear from Silas himself. Whether she wanted to hear it was a different matter entirely.
The train was relatively secluded, and Lucielle made sure that the other passengers were seated far away from her and were suitably distracted before getting out her phone and dialling Silas's number. She didn't even have to look in her contacts - she still remembered the number from the girl's phone. "What do you want?" Lucielle was a little taken aback by his tone, but the surprise was quickly crushed by indignation. "Charming. You really know how to speak to a woman, Silas." "I am not in the mood. Just say your piece and hang up - I don't want to deal with you right now." "What's gotten you so irritated?" "None of your-" He cursed into the phone and Lucielle heard the dull thump of him punching a door. "Go away!" she heard him shout. "I'm already in my room, what more do you want?" His muffled words put her on edge despite herself. "You're being watched? Why?" "Helped a non escape. Beat up a few guards. ...Got beaten up by a non..." Lucielle didn't know what surprised her more - that Silas had shown (dare she think it?) humanity, or that he had actually been hurt. "Are you alright?" She blamed the healer in her for caring. "No, I'm not. My head hurts like hell and I've got you talking to me. It's the second worst day of my life. So can you please tell me why I have to put up with you?" She was used to his moods and his insults, but they still irritated her. "Why does a human have your number?" Silas was silent, and Lucielle could tell that she had caught him off-guard. "I'm waiting, Silas." "Shut up, I'm thinking. Tall, dark hair...?" "She was taller than you, yes." She heard Silas growl something under his breath and laughed quietly. "She's helping me with something. Something important." "So you've not fallen for a human, then?" The noise of horror and indignation at the other side of the phone was priceless. "For your sake I'm going to pretend you didn't say that." She laughed quietly. "So you can't tell me the big, important something?" "Not that it's any of your business anyway, but no. Maybe later, when I'm not surrounded by humans." "Alright. Goodbye." He had already hung up. She sighed and tucked her phone away, resting her head against the window and watching the world roll by. She didn't know what Silas was up to, but she was worried about him. He was careless - always had been, always would be - and left to his own devices who knew what he could do. Also... the thought of him hurt unnerved her. He was far from invincible, but he thought he was. And, despite his impossible arrogance, she didn't want him to be hurt. She blamed the healer inside her once more, and waited for the train journey to end so that she could stop thinking of plans and humans and phones. But just as she stepped off the train her phone buzzed with a text, making all of her efforts in vain. I'll try to visit and give you information face to face, but no promises. A human will be with me. S.
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Post by Cedar on Oct 12, 2012 17:06:21 GMT -4
Shirune sighed, slightly disappointed at the lack of an explanation. "Well, then. So, you've been this way as long as you can remember? Excuse me a moment..." He pulled out his phone, glancing down at a new text from one of his guards. Is there anyone else who could be put in charge of Silas? He isn't calming down. I'll send someone in. He dialed Oryn's number, and was immediately greeted with a slightly nervous "Hello?" "I want you to supervise Silas. In fact, if he's being too disruptive or distressing to the rest of my staff, just take him somewhere else." "Yes, sir." "Thank you." Shirune hung up, and turned back to Clark. "I apologize for the interruption. Can you explain what you know about the apparent link between the two of you?"
Oryn pocketed his phone and hurried in the direction of Silas's room, wondering what his colleague had done to upset the guards this time. Upon his arrival he dismissed them and knocked, not waiting for a response before he opened the door and entered. "I'm supposed to watch you now. If you bother the other employees too much I have to take you somewhere you won't disturb anyone. So if you want to go work on overthrowing Shirune, just piss someone off..."
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 12, 2012 17:28:48 GMT -4
Silas frowned at him, glancing back at his door. "I was pissing them off? They're the ones who-" He cut himself off, sighing in irritation before turning to Oryn. He still didn't look at him fully - the less Oryn saw of his bruised face the better. "Whatever." He glanced at the clock in the corner of his room and grimaced at the time. Had it really only been that morning when they had found Atom? "Right. I don't feel comfortable going to sleep with you here - you might stab me or something. Nor do I want to be a good non-human and not annoy our dear co-workers." He paused, debating whether or not he should just throw away all dignity and throw a tantrum before he decided against it. He didn't want Oryn to have ammunition to use against him when he overthrew the Empire, after all. "So. Where are we going?" He considered bringing up Lucielle, and the fact that it was possible for her to be of use to their efforts, but he wasn't sure. The drive would take hours, and even though she could know something that could help them he didn't really want her company. And he owed her an explanation which he didn't particularly want to give. But the thought of hours staying in his room and losing game after game of chess was somehow even worse. And, while he didn't particularly want to see Lucielle, he owed them a visit. He could always distract Lucielle with Oryn while he visited him... "If you don't have anywhere in mind..." he said slowly, "there's somewhere up north that may benefit us visiting. It's not too far off where we found Atom, so we could always drop in on her too. But it's a little out of the way, so I may have to drive a little... What do you say?"
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 12, 2012 19:42:55 GMT -4
"Well, more or less. I don't really know exactly when he showed up, but pretty much all my life that I remember... But I don't know anything about it really... He's just a part of me... He's stronger and faster than I am, but I'm the only one who can see him or hear him. I don't know much more than that." Clark shrugged and then glanced at Cole. Cole reached out and took his hand, giving a reassuring smile. "It's just never been that important to either of us what the reasoning behind it was," he stated, looking back to Shirune.
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Post by Cedar on Oct 13, 2012 1:41:34 GMT -4
"Sounds fine," Oryn replied. "I'm driving, though. Come on." He led the way out to the employee parking area, and climbed into the driver's seat of a small and rather nondescript car. It was probably the least recognizable vehicle in the lot, which was precisely why he had chosen it for this operation. "So where is this place?" he asked, easing the car out of the lot. "Do you have an address?"
Shirune regarded Clark with well-concealed frustration, unable to quite fathom how someone could be so uninterested in the workings of their own peculiarities. "Well, then. Out of sheer curiosity, I am going to run some tests on you." He raised his voice. "Guards, please come and escort Mr. Clark to the experimentation sector." Two men in crisp uniforms entered the room and made their way over to Clark, quickly detaching him from the various monitors before helping him up, grasping either of his arms to prevent any escape attempts. Shirune looked vaguely apologetic. "I do hope this is all right with you." His eyes betrayed the unspoken remainder of that sentence. Because you have no choice.
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Post by Jane on Oct 13, 2012 5:29:35 GMT -4
Atom didn't breath easy until she made it back to her apartment. That woman, she had been pretty sure that Atom had stolen the phone. She'd been so lucky that the matter hadn't been pursued. If it had...Atom shuddered to think of the consequences of that. Obviously she wasn't cut out to be a thief. She wasn't going to steal anything else if she could possibly help it.
But now that she had the phone, she'd better send the number to that little guy, Silas. He might need to contact her at some point. If he was telling the truth about his plans that is. After all, she still wasn't quite convinced that he was actually going to do any of the stuff he'd said he would. It all sounded a bit far fetched to her. Who would even think of trying to stand up to Shirune, the Emperor? But she did so hope that he was telling the truth. She wanted to bring down Shirune so that he could never again experiment on people, never use the maze again, or do any of the other horrible things she knew he did.
She sent the text quickly, then threw the phone down on the bed and lay down next to it. Being out in the real world was still so confusing. She was having to relearn anything she would already have known. Had she living in a town, or a city? Had she been good with people? All she knew was that she didn't like living with a lot of people now, and she was more likely to hit people than to talk to them. And she felt so bad about how violent she was. if only she didn't have to be like this. if only things were different.
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 13, 2012 7:16:58 GMT -4
"Address?" Silas repeated, frowning. "Not really. Just... north. But don't worry, I'll give you directions. Take the first right and go down the motorway. Follow the signs, break a few speed limits... Oryn, you do realise 70 is only a guideline, right? You should have taken a faster car, one that can get to 100, this one's so slow... Just cut between those two cars, the gap's big enough... Right, go right! Are you blind, the sign's- Oh. Fine, in five minutes go right. I suffered a head injury, y'know, you can't expect me to see everything. ...Honestly, Oryn, the train's not going to come for another ten minutes you can make-"VROOM "...Never mind. ...Yes I know it's a dead end, I was just distracted. It's easy enough to make a u-turn, you don't have to shout... Go off the road here. I know I said that before, but I mean it this time. Another little road will appear in a minute, calm down."
"Stop here." Oryn finally pulled up in front of a small house surrounded by flowers, and Silas stared at the building. It was dark outside the car, but there was the glow of a light indoors. The house was in a small town in the middle of nowhere, so small that food shops were short in supply and medicine was scarce. He hadn't liked this town when he had lived there - the small amount of humans was refreshing, but the size of it made him feel stifled. Trapped. He had almost been thankful when some of Shirune's guards found him and took him away... "Right..." he sighed. "Let's go." He stepped out of the car before he could change his mind, and knocked on the door as soon as Oryn caught up with him. He kept his eyes on the ground, and hardly looked up when the door opened. "Silas? What the hell happened to you?" "Can we come in?" he said, ignoring her completely. He gestured to Oryn. "He's safe, don't worry." Her eyes flickered over to Oryn suspiciously, but she moved out of the way to let them past. "You're telling me what happened, though." Silas nodded, walking past her and into the house. Lucielle turned to Oryn and forced a smile. "Hello. Sorry about him, I'm sure he's been making a nuisance of himself on the way... My name's Lucielle. Who are you...?"
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 13, 2012 15:59:45 GMT -4
Clark frowned, his eyes widening a little at Shirune's words before he looked nervously to Cole. As the guards stepped forward and grabbed him, Cole scowled, quickly breaking the guards grips on Clark and shoving them roughly away. He pulled Clark behind him and eyed Shirune and the two guards angrily. "I don't really think that's necessary," Clark mumbled from behind his other half. "I'd rather just go back to my life and keep teaching like I have for years... Cole and I have never caused any trouble..."
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Post by Cedar on Oct 14, 2012 3:02:09 GMT -4
Oryn regarded Lucielle with slight apprehension, but decided she didn't appear to pose too great a threat, and managed a polite but nervous smile. "I'm Oryn... Silas's coworker. Um... pleased to meet you..." He trailed off, unsure of what else to say. How did people ever manage in social situations, anyway? It was impossible.
He should have thought of Cole's protectiveness, Shirune silently berated himself, but outwardly remained calm. "None of our tests will cause any harm to either of you, I can assure you. Nor are they in any manner a punishment for any trouble you have caused; you have been most exemplary citizens of the Empire. You have my utmost apologies for any rough handling you have received thus far at the hands of my employees. But as I have said, I have a purely academic interest in your special capabilities, and do hope that you would be willing to allow us to run some tests. Keep in mind that if you resist or harm any of my employees, you are committing a crime against the Empire and will be duly punished, as well as risk losing your job. If you wish to go back to your life as it was, I suggest you cooperate. You will not be harmed as long as you do so."
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 14, 2012 3:57:40 GMT -4
Lucielle smiled. "Nice to meet you too." "Are you two finished?" Silas called from the living room. "We are here for a reason, Luci, not just for your 'delightful' company." Lucielle rolled her eyes. "If I could avoid your company I would, Silas." "Should have thought of that before you imposed yourself upon us. I'm afraid you'll just have to put up with me." "A fate worse than death." "Just get in here..." Lucielle sighed, shaking her head and walking into the other room. Silas was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling. "Get your feet off the couch, you'll ruin it." "I paid for this couch, I can do whatever I want." "So you want to ruin something you paid for?" Silas sighed angrily and sat up, glaring at Lucielle. "You're so annoying..." Lucielle snorted. "Right. Now tell me what happened to your face, and why your number was in her phone." "So demanding..." Silas complained, sighing dramatically. "Fine. I got beaten up by a powerful non for knocking out his friend and bundling him into the boot of my car. Completely unjustified, I know." "Silas..." she said, disappointment in her voice. Silas looked away, looking uncomfortable. "In the brotherhood we were taught to defend ourselves by any means necessary..." Lucielle rolled her eyes but didn't push the matter. "And the phone?" she pressed. "We... that is, me, Oryn and the girl," Silas said slowly, "are currently arranging the downfall of Shirune. It's still early days, but... I think we can do it." Lucielle fell silent, glancing at Oryn and then back at Silas. "You're serious...? Silas, I don't know about this. Shirune's really, really powerful, and he knows how to hurt you. And if I'm not there to help you-" "Don't worry about me. It's weird." "Don't try to distract me! Seriously, Silas, you could die!" "But I probably won't!" Silas protested, turning to Oryn almost desperately. "Oryn, help me out here. Tell her how capable I am."
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Post by Cedar on Oct 14, 2012 16:10:55 GMT -4
"Um..." Oryn was unsure how to respond. Silas really wasn't capable, but he was necessary for overthrowing Shirune... "He's more capable for this than most people..." There. That, at least, was true. The vast majority of the population was far less capable of overthrowing Shirune than Silas was. "Someone has to destroy Shirune. And if not us, then who?"
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Post by Cuppy/Wonders on Oct 14, 2012 16:43:11 GMT -4
Silas smirked and turned to Lucielle triumphantly. "Exactly. If we don't crush him, no one will." Lucielle frowned at him and folded her arms. "You're really so willing to risk your life and theirs after what happened to Ceil?" Silas's smirk vanished from his face. "Don't you dare," he said, his voice low and threatening. "Dare what? I'm sick of you thinking you're invincible. So you're a little harder to hurt - it didn't stop that non, it didn't stop those bastards that maimed you both! If you go after Shirune, you're asking to be hurt. And this time I won't be there to bring you back!" "I'm not asking you to!" Silas was standing now, glaring at Luci with his hands fisted at his sides. "Then why are you here? To show off, as always? Were you expecting me to cheer the fact that you've dragged someone else into one of your amazing plans? Then I'm sorry to disappoint you." Silas looked like he was about to hit her, but turned away before he could. He marched towards the staircase, and was on the third stair when she realised. "Where do you think you're going?" "To see Ceil," he shot back. "Your shouting probably woke him up." "This isn't your house!" "When has that ever mattered?" "We're not done here, Silas!" "Really? Because I think we are." He paused on the top step, his phone buzzing in his pocket. Probably from Atom, or Shirune. He'd check it later, when he didn't want to throw it down the stairs. "We'll talk more tomorrow. Oryn can explain himself. I'm going to see Ceil, then I'm going to bed. Try to stop me if you want - it'll give me an excuse to break your neck." There was the sound of a door slamming, and Lucielle sighed. She rubbed her eyes and sat down heavily, temporarily ignoring Oryn. "That irritating little..." she sighed again, addressing Oryn now. "I have no idea how I can stand him, let alone how you can. But, if you are going to go through with this, make sure you keep him grounded. If it's probably going to kill him, say so. Please. Otherwise..." She shook her head. "Anyway... Do you have any idea what he's got planned? Or did he just spring the idea on you and not explain a thing?"
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Post by Squid (Carys) on Oct 14, 2012 23:07:03 GMT -4
"Apologies? That red-eyed creep of an inspector nearly killed you before he dragged you here, and all you get is this guy's apologies?" Cole grumbled, glaring at Shirune even as he spoke to Clark behind him. Clark was the only one who'd hear him anyway, so why would it matter where he looked? Clark sighed. This was all a great deal beyond what he could handle, and particularly when his head still ached and he was still so fuzzy on what had happened to get here. "Cole... shut up," he muttered eventually, and Cole's continued grumbling about Silas and the man in front of them finally fell silent, leaving Cole standing there poutily. Clark took a deep breath and then moved out from behind Cole enough to see Shirune. "Um, what kind of experiments is this going to be? And why is it so important? It's not really a big deal, right?"
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