From dgmyth@camelot.cif.rochester.eduTue Mar 19 18:11:03 1996 Date: Sat, 16 Mar 1996 14:26:16 -0500 (EST) From: "Dixon V. Graham" Reply to: crystal-logs@io.com To: crystal-logs@io.com Subject: Death of a Sledtech -- LOG [Logged by Andreshella (myself, whom you can blame for any lines that are way too long -- I forgot my wraparound. I tried to edit accordingly), Scorpion, and Terrill. Thanks to each of you, since I needed all pieces in order to make this vaguely whole.] [The Death Of A Sledtech, 3/14/96. Editor's notes in brackets -- generally, these notes are made by Andreshella's player. Whispers and, later, Matachin's empathic emits are in caret-things <>. Some minor spelling errors/typos have been corrected. Background information: Singer Andreshella is engaged to be married to Brin, sledtech. Due to injuries on both Brin's and Andreshella's parts, Andi has not cut crystal in longer than advisable. Her resonance is steadily dropping, making her moody, which probably hasn't helped matters as far as planning for their somewhat overdue wedding is concerned.] [Scorpion's chambers on JPF. Scorpion, disconcerted by a drawing left in her room, discusses matters with Slade.] Scorpion stands staring at a drawing on the wall. As she turns to face you she quickly wipes her face devoid of all emotion, only the fire burning in her eyes any indication that something is wrong. She even smiles. "Aye, love?" Large red bold letters written in some sort of red substance are scrawled all over the walls "You son was fun to kill, Napruton of Traitors. He was fun to cut and let bleed slowly then dismembered....you are next..." A large hawk is painted carefully close by. In it's bloody talons is a cobra, torn and bleeding. It seems to be in the midst of dying; It's eyes bulging horridly. Slade raises an eyebrow slightly, looking toward the drawing, then back to you "Um...hon..don't wanna trash y're taste in art or nothin'...but what th' hell is that?" Scorpion grits her teeth loudly, turning away to glare at the drawing again. "Had nay to do with /that/ did I. But know I /who/ did. Enough. Going to," her voice drops to a quiet hiss as she continues, "die is she for /this/." Slade turns fully, stepping into the room "Um...who love? Still th' same wha'ever tha's been sendin' y'those notes?" Scorpion simply nods, so angry now that if she speaks all that will come out is incoherent ramblings. She takes a step toward the drawing, fingers raising to trace the bloody cobra and her eyes fill with tears. Slade walks up behind you and rests his hand on your shoulder "Scorpy...Talk t' me, huh?" Scorpion is tense under your fingers, muscles knotted tightly, whipcord almost. She shakes her head, holding a hand up in a silent plea for time. Slade nods slowly, dropping his hand and taking a step back, watching you. Scorpion spins around to face you, stopping as she notices her cutter lying on the floor. Her eyebrow raises in silent contemplation as she stares at it and then sighs. "Celendria," is her simple reply. Slade blinks rapidly, deadpool eyes fixing on you "Cele? From...from our class?" Scorpion lifts her eyes to yours, almost unwillingly dragging them away from the cutter it seems and nods. "Aye. Nay other." She takes a step toward the cutter, forcing herself to a stop as she tries to control the burning rage and pain that is rapidly building to uncontrollable levels. Slade takes a step toward you again "Y'sure? 'amean...how couldja tell?" Scorpion turns slightly, facing you directly. "The same exact tattoo has she. And know her do I from an..encounter..on Shanny that Rovek and Kaylin put a stop to." Slade blinks again, turning back to the picture "But...y'really think s'd make 'erself known like tha, a' mean...tain't 't jus 'a bit _dumb_?" Scorpion shakes her head slowly, still looking at you as she tries to avoid glancing at the drawing and especially her cutter. "Nay. Hypnotised us did Katlyn. Messed up around me did she and undid it. So, know who Cele is I do. But knows that I know it she does nay...yet. Intend to change that I do." She smiles, an icy cold rage now filling her eyes. She seems to calm considerably. Slade blinks, eyes narrowing "Say wha? Wha' d' ya intend t' do, kid?" Scorpion suddenly changes the topic, seeming almost inconsequential. "Fined was I for the fight with Shi." She smiles again, "As if bad enough /that/" she points over her shoulder to the drawing, "was nay." Slade continues glaring at you, almost "Love...if y'got a problem, talk to Maxwell or Vyana 'r someone up there...tryin t' solve it y'reself 'nly makes things worse." Scorpion snorts, head shaking. "Nay. Because stop will she nay even then. Until one of us dead is. And mean that honestly do I. Trained for this has she been all her life. Stop her will no one." She shrugs. "Except me. And intend to end this do I. Here and now." She shrugs again, her quiet tone as she delivered those words making them somehow more foreboding. Slade half-glares at you, the souless eyes resting on you for an astoundingly long time, "Scorp...don' do this, huh? D'ya know wha 'it is y're gettin inta? Think 'f wha' s gonna 'appen when y' get caught..." Scorpion smiles again, more a cold quirk of her lips than an actual smile. "Caught? Me? Nay. Won't happen. An accident will it look like." Slade sighs, looking down then back up to you. He walks toward you and rests a hand on your shoulders "Whelp...toldja I'd be with ya through anythin...an' a will..." Scorpion raises an eyebrow, rage fading to be replaced with fondness and love for a while before it seeps its way back in. "Being around will be nay but trouble for you, love. /If/ caught I am then...." She trails off, leaving the rest of the sentence unsaid and leans up to kiss your chin before spinning away and grabbing her cutter, shoulders squaring in resolution. Slade shrugs, the left side of his lips rising slightly "YEah, well...what t' hell...'f 'am caught, what're they gonna do, fine me? M' creds' already lower 'n a snakes belly." Slade chuckles quietly "Sides...worked t'state fer nearly four years...know howta put 'n an act, huh?" Scorpion almost chuckles, lips curving in wry amusement for a second as she nods. "Aye. True enough is that." She turns to face you, slinging her cutter over her shoulder. "Going to help me find her then are you?" Slade smirks "Sure...wh'not, eh? Where'd'ya think sh'd be?" Scorpion shrugs. "Tuner is she. So, sorting, hangar or tuning." Slade nods slightly "I'll check tunin'...mos' likely place, an sh'might b' expectin' ya down there...sides, a'gotta load'a roses tha' a sent down wit' a wait fer market lable...gotta good reason t' be down there checkin'." Scorpion nods, turning for the door and then swings back around again. "Kiss me?" Slade smiles and leans down, way down, to kiss your lips lightly "'lways, love." Scorpion smiles up at you. "Love you do I. Remember that nay matter what..." Slade smiles, drawing back and resting an overlong finger on your lips "'lways, love...'lways." Scorpion turns her head, kissing the finger gently and then sighs, face expressionless as she opens the door and walks out. "Meet you in the hangar will I." Slade nods and walks out, a few steps behind "You bet." [Scorpion seeks out Celendria. Meanwhile, Andreshella is trying to relax in the pool area, attempting to ignore her steadily dropping resonance. She sits on the pool's edge, legs dangling in the water.] Aquatic Facility The tell-tale scent of strong chlorine assaults your enhanced senses, the air here seeming humid and pleasantly warm. This room is huge, easily as big as the rest of the gymnasium complex, and the ceiling is almost as high as the room is wide. Light from the brightly florescent bulbs above dances scintilatingly off the water of the large pool, casting prismatic reflections on the patterned white tile of the deck and walls, and causes brief rainbows of colour to appear at the edges of your vision. The pool is large, competition-sized, and the calm, refreshingly clear-blue surface beckons to you. Several small ladders lead into the water along each side, the shallow end by the change rooms sporting 'NO DIVING' painted brightly along the tile. As the water gets deeper, the red-painted tile changes to blue, indicating a safer depth for those who prefer entering head-first. At the far end of the room, the end of the square pool forms an L for the diving pit, the immensely tall diving tower flanked by two smaller diving boards. Contents: Datapad Gitar Pool Obvious exits: Locker Rooms In the pool, Himiko straightens out on the surface of the water and begins to float lazily around the pool. She starts getting a mildly bored expression on her face. In the pool, Kevlan smiles to the others as he floats around for a while, still occasionally humming under his breath in random spurts. "Oh yes Ah-a got-a lotta livin' t' do.. hmmmm hmm hmm hmm hmm..." Andreshella smiles faintly, unfolding her arms and reaching one down to plish quietly into the water. In the pool, Kevlan, at last, rolls smoothly over in the water and does a steady stroke over to the shallow end, before he climbs out. Kevlan climbs out of the pool, and steps out onto the deck. In the pool, Himiko closes her eyes, floating aimlessly, a faint smile on her face as she feels tense muscles relax. Kevlan lets out a contented sigh. "Lady Bright Ah needed that..." In the pool, Delvan reaches Kesya's side and grabs onto the poolside, looking up at Andi. Andreshella chuckles. "Must be relaxing." Kevlan smiles to the Singer on the edge of the pool. "Yes'm," he agrees sagely. "Ah needed th' stretch anyhow, aftah sittin' 'round bangin' on mah gitar f'r hours an' hours." In the pool, Kesya yawns suddenly, and pulls herself out of the pool in one fluid motion. "Urph. I'll have to do this more often... but it's been a long day. Bedtime, I think." Kesya climbs out of the pool, and steps out onto the deck. In the pool, Delvan nods and looks up after Kesya, "Sleep well, dear." Andreshella turns round to speak toward Kevlan, leaning into the ladder. "You play gitar...? Which flavour?" In the pool, Himiko murmurs softly, "Night Kesya." Kevlan plops somewhat gracelessly down at the pool's edge near Andreshella, and dangles his long eggs into the water. "Um, seven-string, ma'am," he says earnestly. Kesya waves to those in the pool and on the deck, and wraps the huge terry towel around herself before treading towards the locker rooms. Kesya meanders down the tile, and disappears into the female locker room. In the pool, Himiko opens her eyes as she comes into contact with the wall of the pool as she yawns, "I must've dozed off." Himiko climbs out of the pool, and steps out onto the deck. Himiko clambers up awkwardly, and pads off to the changing room, having forgotten her towel. Andreshella smiles faintly, lifting one hand to twine fingers into a curling lock of brown. "There ought to be more musical Singers," she says, plainly, followed in a step by a cheerful, bland, "Good night, ..." In the pool, Delvan looks after Kesya for a moment, then moves down the wall a little, a foot or so away from Andi, before climbing out and heading to his commandeered chair. Snatching up his towel, he starts drying himself off. Himiko waves and murmurs a goodnight as she skitters off Himiko meanders down the tile, and disappears into the female locker room. Delvan climbs out of the pool, and steps out onto the deck. Kevlan waves to folks leaving, and says to Andreshella, "Well, uh, theah's me, an' mah wife... an' some folks who show up f'r singin' with us, but usually we git techs." Andreshella shakes her head. "So many Singers treat it like a job." She shrugs. "Duty, maybe. It's for the pleasure." The thought seems to please her indeed, and her smile turns a bit more blank -- and, for a moment, completely elsewhere. Coming back, she points out, "It's good for people to have something else to do, techs especially." Andreshella frowns a bit. "Maybe Singers especially." Kevlan says agreeably, if a bit wistfully, "Ah git a lot o' Singers mad, so they don' wanna sing with me..." Andreshella leans her head pleasantly on the ladder's railing and, blinking, queries, "How do you ever make Singers mad?" Delvan finish drying himself off and waves to the singers left around, "I'm going to go check up on something. Expecting a delivery sometime soon." He tosses his towel over his shoulder and heads around the deck to the locker rooms. Kevlan waves to Delvan, and confides, in a tone that suggests that a small puppy is explaining why he gets barked at by larger dogs, "Aww, heck, Ah-Ah-Ah jes' had a few rounds o' good luck inna Ranges, ma'am..." Delvan meanders down the tile, and disappears into the male locker room. Andreshella giggles softly. "A few rounds. So that's like making Singers mad by being wealthy...?" Kevlan gives a low, slurry laugh. "Yeah, Ah guess so... Anyhow." Andreshella looks distant. "Like it does any good if you're ground-bound." After having said that much to the water, Andreshella turns to speak to the other Singer once more. "You've got something to get to, right?" Neither pleased nor displeased, just expectant, she arches a brow -- an expression out of place so near to unfocused eyes. Kevlan says "Huh? Aww, no, ma'am... Ah ain't got nothin' 'cept mah bed, later, when Berni an' Ah git tired... she's restin' up inna tank tonight, wanted our suite t' herse'f. Ah jes' been workin' on a song." Andreshella blinks once, opens her mouth and, both brows lifting, shuts it again. She is silent for a moment and, finally, awkwardly blurts, "Oh?" Kevlan, not quite grasping why this might be awkward for anybody but himself, says sheepishly, "Yeah, Ah been frettin' with it f'r hours, but" -- and his tone brightens -- "Kesya gimme an idea f'r gittin' the rhyme Ah needed." Andreshella suddenly smiles more freely. "I know a poet," she murmurs. "Not that strange." Without explaining her comment, she adds, with some puffed pride, "Kesya's someone who'll help people out." Kevlan says genially, "May she always do so, then." Turning around where he sits, he reaches over to grab his gitar, and he settles again with it, strumming languidly. Andreshella smiles faintly at the sound. "Do you play for people?" Over the notes, Kevlan says shyly, "When they ask me... Ah git asked, ever' so often. Still kinda startles me." Andreshella looks bland for a moment, then asks, "I mean...for...um. Your...girlfriend...you mentioned...?" Finally untwining her hand from her hair, she drops it to her lap, clasping it with her other, elbow wrapped round the ladder's rail. Andreshella adds, after a thought, "For...one person, I mean." Kevlan ohs, and blinks a bit. Then he says guilelessly, "Yes'm. Ah sing f'r mah wife. But Ah don't mind singin' f'r anybody who wants a song..." [Bakkar and Rayne enter, dive into the pool, wander about.] Andreshella sits on the tile, ankles swaying through the water, elbow locked around the rail of a ladder. To Kevlan, she murmurs, slightly apologetic, "Your wife, then. Glad to...hear it..." She fades, expression leaving her face. Andreshella frowns suddenly, listening to the splashes of other people around the pool. "Kevlan...I'd ask you to sing. Sometime I will." Her words come firmly, suddenly sure of herself, and strong, as she unlocks her arm from the ladder and extracts her feet from the water. "I need to talk to someone." Kevlan blinkblinks a few times, tilting his head and peering uncertainly at Andreshella. Finally sensing that this other person must be troubled, he ventures, an embarrassed and husky edge to his voice, "Um... anythin' Ah c'n do t' he'p, ma'am?" Andreshella gets to a slightly shaky stand. "You've helped, I hope, Kevlan, already." Kevlan blinks up at Andreshella as she rises, then nods quickly. "Yes'm," he answers, and smiles a bit. "Ah-Ah-Ah ain't sure what Ah did, but Ah'm glad...?" Andreshella nods once and, gathering a towel, makes a swift exeunt to the locker rooms, already squeezing water from her hair. [Andreshella, disturbed, makes a beeline for the Hangar. Meanwhile, Scorpion's search for Celendria continues in Sorting:] Main Sorting The moment you walk in you are assailed by a kaleidoscope of sight and sound. People are running to and fro at an exhausting pace. Sorters run to the shed to fill in crystal segments, handlers bring cargo in from storage, and Singers come raging in from the cargo bay. The sorters seem hard pressed to deal with Singer anger, as well as their jobs, yet they move with a calmness and care when handling crystal. Contents: Tamber Zynthce Obvious exits: Scorpion storms in, coming to a dead stop and looking around, eyes narrowed and glittering with rage. She seems to be looking for someone. Zynthce looks at Scorpion, asking mildly, "Can I help you?" Scorpion shakes her head. "Unless pop that bitch out of thin air you can then nay. Seen a Tuner named Celendria have you?" Scorpion shifts the cutter on her shoulder, eyes flicking around the room as if willing Cele to appear. Zynthce shakes her head. "no... Hello, Tamber." Scorpion totally ignores the other Sorter, not even responding to Zynthce as she swings around and heads for the hangar, muttering something about people who are going to flaming well die. Hangar Floor The immense cavern that serves the guild faces the eastern sky. The blue sky merges with the harsh browns of the long plain of the Joslin Plataeu far to the east. The smoothly tiled floor is scarred by myriad gashes and scratches caused by wind-tossed sleds. The northern and southern walls contain over-large double doors while the western wall is set with observation windows. Looking around (+view), you notice several signs posted. The shadows are complete on the hangar floor as Scoria has passed her zenith. The blocks of the guild complex cast sharp shadows on the great plain. Contents: Scorpion, over by the wall. Celendria, over by the wall. Brin, over by the wall. Shi, over by the wall. Kaylin's sled Shi's sled Gyles's sled Repair Bay Sled Tech Desk Radar Corbin Hangar Terminal A large map, for instructional purposes Sled rack Obvious Commands ("." for list): .wait .sleds .desk .radar .map .hangar door .floor Obvious Exits: WWSF Transport Met Transport Equipment Room Simulators Catwalk Cargo Storage Sorting Ready Room The noise of too many conversations is suddenly replaced by the whipping sound of the wind. Shi turns to Kaylin and grins. "How's the Sled?" Celendria turns to see who entered and waves briefly. Shi turns and waves at Scorpion. "Hey Scorp." Liste descends from the catwalk. Krellin emerges from the ready room with purpose. Celendria leans on the sled rack, cutter laying gently on her shoulder. Scorpion pauses in mid stride as her eyes fall upon Celendria, attention focused on her alone. She ignores the presence of everyone else, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. Liste comes down from the catwalk. "Not again.." Celendria waves to Krellin. "Hello again." Brin glances over at Scorpy and sighs a bit, "Heya, Scorpy. Nice day...?" Krellin smiles, "Hi Cel." Shi turns and notes Scorp's expression and tenses herself. Slade emerges from the ready room with purpose. Liste says "Hmm.. wonder if Security would actually come down here?" Krellin looks at Scorpy then to Celendria. Celendria glances around the room, eyes falling on Scorpion and she tenses slightly. Slade walks halfway down the ramp from the upper level, pausing in midstride. He looks down at everyone in the room, one bluish eyebrow arching up slightly, then continues down. Shi glares at Liste, then turns her attention back to Scorp Brin glances between the two with a soft sigh. He glances at Liste, "Good luck." Andreshella emerges from the ready room with purpose. Liste says "You're all mad. Totally crackers." Scorpion smiles, strolling casually over to Celendria where she stops, leaning to mutter something in her ear. Brin glances up, and smiles warmly, "Heya, love..." Andreshella stalks out onto the floor and, with purpose, right to the tech desk. She halts, though, as she hears Brin's voice, and zeroes in on it, smiling a bit tensely. "Hi." Slade's soulless eyes fix upon Liste and he drawls "'ey...resemble that remark. He stops at the edge of the crowd." Scorpion mutters to Celendria, "... Know... put... drawing... my room... now... going..." Celendria turns quickly to look at Scorpion with narrowed eyes. "I have no idea what you are talking about." Liste stands tensely where she ended up on the floor, knowing.. knowing this is going to escalate. Brin moves over to her and hugs her, glancing over at Scorpy and Cele while he does, lip-reading. Celendria backs away slowly, looking at Scorpion cautiously. Andreshella lifts her hands to her head and pulls her hair back, shaking a few drops of water from it as the pressure squeezes them out. She twines the hair into a quick bun and returns Brin's hug, whispering at him. Krellin watches Celendria and Scorpion carefully. He moves closer to them slowly. Scorpion moves with her, icy glare fixed on her face as she suddenly reaches out and reveals the tattoo that Cele is marked with. "Nay?" Andreshella leans back a bit and repeats the whisper -- or less than, since the tech should read her words, not hear. His attention elsewhere, though, she is quiet when he returns no response. Celendria slaps her hand away. "How dare you touch me! Get away from me.." Brin frowns, murmurs something to Andi, and edges towards the two. Liste sighs. "Bloody.." Shi looks at Brin and then at Andi, then suddenly tenses and takes a short step forward. Celendria tenses more so as she backs further away. Brin wanders over to them, "Problems, ma'am's?" Slade circles around, trying to get a little nearer to Scorpion and Celendria. Andreshella blinks at Brin's whispered words and, abruptly, stands back to the wall. Words more forward than actions, she calls softly, "If you need me...holler." She shakes her head, then, not sure why she bothers. Celendria shifts her weight, resting the cutter lightly on her shoulder. Scorpion quirks an eyebrow, the rein on her already short temper slipping and raises a hand, backhanding Celendria. "Brave enough are you to put it in my room to begin with. So admit it now can you. Nay matters. Either way...die you will." She smiles again, quite pleasantly as a matter of fact, if it wasn't for the rage deep within her eyes. Celendria says "This...person is thinking I'm causing all her suffering...When it's probably herself doing it." Celendria winces at the blow, eyes turning toward Scorpion blazing with anger. "How dare you!" Brin frowns softly, "Scorpion, there will be no violence here today... There's been enough blood shed in this hangar this month. Shi looks over at Brin. "I don't think they can hear you, Brin. They're too much into the Rage." Celendria gracefully pulls the cutter down her shoulder a bit. Her eyes narrowed and measuring Scorpion carefully. Andreshella arches a brow at Shi's words. "Brin...leave them alone. Call Security." Brin frowns, edging a bit between them... And not seeing a word said by Shi or Andi. Scorpion ignores the sledtech, all her attention focused on Celendria. "Tano priso?" She arches an eyebrow, calmly awaiting the response. Slade waves a hand toward the hawk-tattoo that Scorpion revealed "Yeah, well...a' 'gree witcha 'bout th' violence bit...but let's think 'bout this, huh? Scorpy's gotta nice li'l decoration 'n 'er wall, coupled wit' a death threat...wit' a birdy lookin' a whole he'll 'v alot like dis, eh?" His voice is back to the slow, deadpan drawl. Liste crosses her arms and stands near the catwalk, clear of the potential trouble.. but she is clearly not happy with letting it go on. Shi raises her voice, "Scorp, If it's personal.. Keep it that way.. No need for Others to see this." Celendria says "Napruton! How dare you insult me!" Celendria snarls. Andreshella fidgets, going even paler than before. "Brin...come on. We can go out, right? Go cut...it's been too long." Krellin raises en eyebrow and turns to Shi, "What do you want to do? Put them in a room together to kill each other?" Slade tosses back a few locks of neon-blue hair "S'all ready t'late fer that, Shi..." Celendria allows her cutter to slip a bit more, it now resting at chest level. Brin remains deaf (Pun intended) to Andi's words, looking between the two cutter-wielding women, frowning, and not commenting... Just attempting to stay between them. Shi arches an eyebrow at Krellin. "Better each other in one room than blood spilled here! Scorpion says "Dare even more yet will I." She raises her cutter, waving it in threat at her, although she doesn't turn it on. "Killed him did you?" Krellin turns to Slade, "You want them to do this?" Shi takes a step forward, lifting her wrist unit to her mouth speaking rapidly. Celendria cackles loudly. "Me? Nay....But told was I how it was done. Bled he did slowly....life dripping away...painfully." Brin says softly, "Put the cutter away, Scorpion." Slade shakes his head "Now, dinna say that...just mean 's too late t' drop dis back t' a personal level." Celendria holds her cutter protectively in front of her, backing away ever so slightly. Her muscles are tight coiled springs ready to strike. Krellin watches Scorpion and Celendria, barely believing what he sees. Celendria wipes her eyes and a gleam of red can now be seen. She blinks and a blood red iris is now visible. Brin doesn't notice the change in Celiendri's stance, or eye, facing Scorpion. Scorpion gasps loudly, eyes closing as a shaft of pain rips its way through her. When she opens them again the rage that was present has been replaced with /nothing/. They remain dull and lifeless as she raises the cutter, taking a step toward Celendria around the opposite side of Brin. Slade's own, tarpit eyes seem to look at Celendria, then he takes a step toward the three, fingers curling and uncurling. Brin edges over to remain between them, and a little closer to her, his own stance tensing some, much like someone preparing for a fight. Andreshella takes a step forward, listening to the sudden quiet, broken only by slight movements and Scorpion's gasp. "Brin...Brin?" Shi growls as she hears the words from Cele and matches Slade's steps with her own. Abandoned, the blind Singer says, as if to herself, "We'll go cut now, Brin, and someone else will take care of it while we're gone..." Celendria grins at the reaction. She begins a motion like water, moving toward Scorpion with alarming speed. Celendria raises her arm with the cutter heading toward Scorpion as she does so. Shi watches closely. Slade slips his hands around his waist, beneath the duster. A soft jingling is heard as he unravels the chain about his belt, holding it by two weights that were previously concealed in the shadows of his duster. He begins to quicken his pace, dropping into a crouching, scuttling position as well. Liste mumbles to herself.. " I should just go do my sims, and let them kill each other.. noone cares if I see r not." Scorpion snarls, stance rapidly switching from that of attacker to defense and drops into a crouch, attempting to swing under Brin to get at the person who has been driving her insane since she arrived on Shankill. She seems to have dropped back in time to her days as a killer, no emotion touching her now, just a mind numbing coldness. Andreshella shakes her head at the sounds. "Brin...I can hear my crystal in my head. I know you're here, Brin, no one's left, I heard...come on. We'll take your sled, you can fly as fast as you want..." Shi watches for an opening to drag the Sledtech out of the way. Brin's arm snaps out to intercept her hand, at the wrist, as he attempts to block Scorpion from her attack... Shi makes a leap for Brin, shouting" NOOOOOOOO!!" Knowing that she's too late to stop the inevitable.. Kaylin steps out from the cramped interior of the airsled "Chocolate Freud." Kaylin has arrived. Holding the chain taut, Slade crosses in front of Shi, getting out of her path almost as soon as he gets into it, and heads toward the fight, seemingly keeping on the side that Cele's on. Kaylin steps out of her sled and freezes at what she sees. Celendria snarls and hits something. She oofs loudly as she impacts with someone and goes rolling on the floor. Krellin quickly steps between Andreshella and the commotion. Scorpion growls, eyes turning to Brin for a brief glance as she nurses her wrist. Only for a second though, anger so much out of control now that she doesn't feel the pain for long and heads for where Cele lies on the floor, finger poised on the switch to the cutter. Kaylin takes a step forward and stops again, knowing she can't do anything now. Krellin says "Scorpion, stop!" Celendria snarls and regains her senses pulling herself free, but unable even in her rage to get her cutter free. She grabs her dagger and stands ready for Scorpion. Standing, hands finally limp at her sides, Andreshella shows no intent of moving. Past voice, aware of the tension and the snarls and the sounds of jerky, violent-bred motion, she listens, face white. Brin again moves to intercept her, going for her hand. He is knocked, by Celendria, as he does so, is grip missing as he falls into Scorpion heavily. Liste edges around the group, towards Andreshella. Matachin emerges from the ready room with purpose. Shi errfs as Cele's cutter hits her in the chest, handle first, knocking the wind out of her. Scorpion 'oomps', falling to the floor in a tangle with Brin. She twists, instinctively trying to protect the cutter as she falls. In the sudden silence that has fallen, the ominously muffled sound of a turned on cutter can be heard. Kaylin screams out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and moves toward the pile of bodies. Krellin rushes forward and stops at the sound, standing completely still. As if to block out sound, Andreshella closes her eyes, hands turning to fists, knuckles going as white as her face. Shi kicks the cutter aside, after turning it off, and gradually makes her way back to Brin, shouting, "Brin!! BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!! NOOOOOOO!!" she crawls towards where Scorpion and Brin lay. Celendria stands perfectly still waiting for Scorpion's next move. Her face contorts in pain but she shoves it away, eyes gleaming red. She hears the cutter and her eyes go dark. Slade sidesteps, allowing Shi to fall next to him. The coal black eyes flick first to her, then to the mixture of Scorpion and Brin, finally to Cele. The ringing of the chain as he slackens and tauts it again echoes through the hanger as he turns to face this latter. Brin blinks and cries out in agony, twitching away from Scorpion, too late. Shi wrenches Scorpion away from Brin and falls at his side. Andreshella turns one way, the other way, and finally makes to run forward, right for Krellin. "He can't hear you -- Brin -- " Scorpion fumbles with the cutter, trying to turn it off before any more damage can be done and backs away, face pale and eyes wide in shocked horror of what has been done. Liste stands near Andreshella, just in case she might bolt to the group. Krellin turns and grabs Andreshella holding her back. Shi looks up and SNARLS at Scorp. "HE COULDN'T HEAR YOU, DAMNIT!! Liste reaches for Andreshella as well. Kaylin leans down, somewhat off balance to see what has happened to Brin Brin holds his front, face agonized briefly, before pain overwhelms him and he drops into a nice, safe, unconscious state. Celendria backs away slowly, dagger clenched in her hand. She looks at Brin then Scorpion, eyes going wide in horror. Kaylin moves over to Scorpion, "Scorpi, ? " She reaches out her hand. Shi takes a limp hand. "Brin?? Brin??" A howl of pain comes from her. "BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!" Andreshella twists in the medic's grasp, kicking one boot backwards, aiming for an unfortunate shin. "Let me go letmegolemmegoh god, BRIN!" Krellin winces at the kick, but doesn't let go, "There's nothing you can do." Slade's eyes narrow to mere slits. He rises to a standing position, a snarl contorting his face, quite unusual for him. Glaring first to Cele, then Scorpion, he barks "See...this damn _private_ war 'f yers aint so damn private no more, is it?" Liste looks to the medic holding Andreshella, as if to ask if he needs more help..? Shi stays kneeling beside Brin, mumbling softly to him, even as the hand goes slack with unconsciousness.. Krellin nods to Liste, "Can you hold her?" Brin isn't dead, yet... He is, however bleeding, a lot. His breathing is also none-too-stable, the cutter having apparently caught a lung. Shaking in Krellin's grip, hair coming loose, Andreshella gasps as she inhales a brown lock of hair. "Let me go, letmego, She'eka KAHK, let me fardling frying GO you son of a camel's breed by piss!" Kaylin takes another step toward Scorpion. Scorpion flinches, knocking Kaylin's hand away as she stares down at Brin lying on the floor. She takes another step back, groaning and spins to head for her sled, intent on getting away from this. Andreshella kicks again, unaware of the calm discussion of her fate. "I have his fardling RING, you hedonist pig, let me fragging GO!" Liste nods. "Think so." Kaylin moves after Scorpion "Scorpi Wait!" Shi rips off her shirt and presses it to the wound. " Someone get a Medic in here!!" The chain jingles again as Slade wraps it around one forearm, taking both weighted ends in one hand. Expression softening, he heads after Scorpion as well. Kaylin tosses over her shoulder "Krellin! take care of him!" Celendria backs away, then turns and bolts from the hangar. Krellin shakes his head, to Liste and looks at Shi, "Shi take Andreshella so I can help Brin!" Kaylin moves closer to Scorpion "Come on Scorpion, we can help you" Krellin says "Now!" Liste says "I'll do it.. go on." A few tears sliding down her face, the blind Singer moans. "Dammit, you git, you think -- let me GO!" Shi snarls at anyone that comes near. "Brin?? Brin?? Talk to me!!" Krellin tries to twist to see Shi, "Damn it. Now Shi!" Andreshella howls, "Let him talk to ME!" Liste sighs, and turns to go. "Fine." Brin remains unconscious, though does emit a soft moan of pain, as if in a dream... Scorpion whirls around to face Kaylin, head tilting as she realizes that Kaylin's sled is right behind her and grabs her, backing toward the sled. She casts a brief glance at Slade, "Remember...." Kaylin gasps and lets Scorpion pull her into the sled. Matachin, near the door, shivers very gently, and just watches, horror-frozen. Shi snarls at Krellin, then turns away.. Spotting Scorpion, she growls. "You are marked as of this time forth, Scorpion." Slade seems to draw a breath, then 'accidentally' stumbles, conveniently heading directly for Kaylin's legs. Kaylin hollers "Slade, follow, I'll try ..." She is dragged in into the sled Shi turns her back on Scorp and goes to take Andi's hands. Krellin is still holding Andreshella. Liste moves for the sled sims. "Try and help, and.. bah." Krellin lets go of Andreshella as Shi takes her and runs to Brin's side. He drops to his knee next to him. Scorpion shakes her head silently. "Matters nay, Shi. Be back will I nay." "HELP him, you wannabe son of a surgeon," screams Andreshella, writhing as her hands are gathered. She yanks an arm back, hissing. Kaylin says "Scorpi, listen to me!" Liste escapes the wind that whistles through the hangar to the simulator area. Slade shakes his head, sitting up, then running one hand through his hair. Almost immediately, he hops back do his feet. "Damnation..." Followed by a string of every known, and many unknown curses in the standard tongue. He looks toward Shi "Tain't all _her_ fault, y'know..half dis damn party, an a'mean th' more guilty half...'s makin 'er getaway...long story, 'splain it if I can...later." Shi snarls, but keeps her hands on Andi, murmuring monosyllable words of comfort to her. Krellin quickly rips Brin's shirt to the side, ignoring And, as he removes tries to use the shirt to stop the bleeding. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Scorpion stops inside the doorway, turned so that no one can enter and shakes her head at Kay. "Shut up." Krellin says "Brin, can you hear me?" Shi says "Explain it to me later Slade, otherwise I'll have both their guts for dinner. And it better be something good." Brin is blissfully unconscious; and doesn't appear to want to awaken to the pain that's awaiting him should he. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Kaylin says "Scorpi, don't run, stay, it was an accident. I can help you." Matachin moves quietly over to stand by the others, kneeling beside Brin. Andreshella screeches. "Let go of me! What d'you think I'll do? Let me see him, dammit, let me touch him -- " Tears coming faster now, as she hears the medic speak, she screams, "LET ME GO!" Krellin tests for a pulse on Brin's neck... Slade nods and heads, quickly, toward the sled rack "Well...s'fice 't t'say, Cele and 'er bunch killed Scorpy's kid...more news whenever." He half-screams at the tech to get his sled down. Shi she tightens her grip on Andi. "Let the medics do their job, Andi. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Scorpion shakes her head again, "Nay. Stay here will I nay. Impossible is it since.." She trails off, refusing to continue and simply states. "Shut up, Kay. Or knock you out cold will I." Brin is alive, if barely. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Kaylin keeps trying to talk sense into Scorpion. Andreshella howls, suddenly laughing, then calming to hysterical tears. "Medics do their job! Medics...! He's MY...my...my Brin...don't I mean anything?" Terrill emerges from the ready room with purpose. Shi releases one hand to use her comm unit and call Security. Slade shakes his head as the crane moves with all the speed and grace of a pregnant slug. Grunting in aggravation, he immediately turns on one heel and storms after Cele. Shi tenses and holds Andi, watching the Medics work on Brin. Terrill enters the hangar, immediately attracting the attention of several sled techs standing about watching the tragedy unfold. As if at her one chance for life, Andreshella lifts the freed hand and, balling it into a fist, jams it in the general direction of Shi's voice. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Scorpion sighs, "Warned you did I." Her hand raises, grabbing the pressure point on the side of the neck and squeezing hard enough to be immediately effective. Slade ducks into the ready room, escaping from the swirling wind. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Kaylin hits the floor with a thud. Krellin lifts the shirt to try to see the wound. Shi doesn't even rock with the blow, then looks down at Andi. "I feel pain as much as you do, Andi. But that isn't helping any." Terrill's suited form moves soundlessly across the hangar floor, towards the prone figure of Brin and the medics crouched above him. He stands silent amidst the chaos, head slowly tilting down to regard the victim. Matachin raises a narrow hand, touches Andreshella's very gently, thin fingers curling about hers. Not enough to hold, enough to give pause, perhaps. >From sled 'Chocolate Freud', Scorpion nods, reaching for a length of rope lying on the floor next to her feet and kneels, quickly tying Kaylin up and propping her up in the spare seat. She closes the door with a quiet 'thud' and sits in the seat with a plop, fumbling with the control bar. Sled Chocolate Freud rises upwards and hovers a moment before it speeds away. Krellin doesn't seem to realize what's going on around him, only his patient. Terrill's voice echoes above Krellin. "He will die here." Andreshella weeps, screaming softly, "Don't I matter at all...all flesh and medics, all crystal and...and crystal...and crystal..." Her voice fades into tears, sobs, gasping hard in her throat. Shi looks down at her hands, bloody from the elbow down tot he hands... She then looks at Matachin. "Can you hold onto her for now?" Krellin curses as he looks up, "Some one get me some clean towels!" At Terrill's words, the blind Singer collapses into Matachin, no more words said. Matachin moves, taking Shi's place. The androgyne's voice is very, very gentle. "Go help. I'll stay by her." Shi rushes over with more clean towels to hand to Krellin. Terrill doesn't even turn to regard Andreshella instead crouching beside Krellin, both comical and horrifying in his appearance whilst doing so. Brin's pulse is, slowly, fading, as his life's blood seeps from him, too much for even the symbiont to heal on its own. Krellin takes the towels and puts them over the wound tossing the shirts to the side. Krellin tosses the towels to the side and yells, "Get back." Krellin pulls a small object from his back pocket that resembles a wallet. >From this he pulls two small cords out and quickly puts them on Brin's chest. Shi snarls and takes a single step back. Terrill's hand stretches out over the towels. "No, this will not keep him alive. Let me." His voice still flat and emotionless. Krellin unfolds the small devise setting something and you see Brin's body jolt. Krellin looks at Terrill for a moment, "What do you think you're doing!?! Get out of my way!" Terrill's darkened faceplate turns to Krellin, reflecting only Krellin's face back at him. "I am able to prolong his life, that is all that is important." Weeping into the androgyne's form for a time, the sobs of the blind Singer's rage turned to -- lostness -- quiet, coming more as gasps for breath, then for something less. Finally her breathing is calm and she crumples into a folded-leg sit, listening, frozen. Krellin nods, "Fine do it." He turns to Shi, "Get me my bag from the infirmary. You'll see it. And make it quick!" Shi nods. Shi ducks into the ready room, escaping from the swirling wind. [Inside the 'Chocolate Freud']: Kaylin moans and moves a little. Kaylin moans "Scorpi, wait," Then subsides into unconsciousness again. Scorpion glances over to you briefly, shaking her head as she waits for you to awaken again. Kaylin blinkblinks and moans again. She begins to struggle in her bonds. Scorpion sighs deeply, resignation filling her eyes. "Sit still. Be free will you shortly." [Back on the Hangar Floor]: Terrill nods once before his hand descends to Brin's chest, over the wound and his heart. The towels fall to one side, the dark metal of his glove pressed against Brin's skin. Krellin watches Terrill and removes the chords, setting them on one of the towels. Shi emerges from the ready room with purpose. Andreshella gathers strength, pulling her fists to her chest and crossing them as if cradling something in her arms. Softly, she queries, voice bittersweet, "Prolong?" Shi skids to a halt near Krellin and drops a bag at his feet. Krellin speaks quickly, "How long can you keep him alive?" He takes the bag and opens it up. There is a faint hum, audible even in the clamor of the hangar. Terrill's glove seems to shift, writhe and 'panels' fall slide from his forearm to cover the entirety of Brin's chest. Krellin's eyes widen as he watches, "What are you doing?" Matachin gently rubs Andi's back, and just watches. [Sled:] Kaylin sighs "Why run? It was an accident" Scorpion says "Because." Kaylin snaps "Because? What kind of reason is that?" Kaylin shakes her head "No, you can't so solve anything by running." Scorpion doesn't reply, she simply turns and starts the sled again, jaw set in determination. "Killed an innocent did I. Punishable by death is that. Next best thing do I will." Scorpion sighs, bringing the sled to a halt and leans forward, head resting with weary resignation on the window. "Untie you will I so leave you can. Be able to find this again should you nay anyway." Kaylin says softly "Come back with me, please" Scorpion raises her head and turns to look at you again, eyes dull and lifeless. She's calmly accepted the fate she has decided for herself. "Nay." Kaylin says "Scorpi, I'm not leaving you." Scorpion shrugs. "Fine. Carry my corpse back then you can." She stands, heading for the door. "Follow me close should you." Scorpion stops the sled and turns to you, eyes solemn and deadly serious. "Die out here intend I to do Kay. Deserve nay else do I." Kaylin nods and struggles with the ropes. [Hangar:] Terrill's voice is fainter. "As long as is necessary." The exposed wires along his arms horrific and alien in appearance. Brin's body spasms sharply then is still, his breathing suddenly stable, his eyes closed. Terrill's voice is fainter still. "His life is my life, my life is his." The tubing along his arm pulses, though you cannot be certain if it is with light or movement, even sound. Steady, unceasing, a heartbeat of life. Andreshella cries out, "Necessary...?! For what kind of life?" She turns to the stranger who holds her and, with a not-quite-murmured thanks, begs, "Let me go to him?" Brin, breath and pulse temporarily stable, does come to briefly, moaning in agony. Matachin murmurs, softly, "Let her touch him..." to the others, firmly. Matachin takes Andi's hand, guides it to Brin's forehead... Shi murmurs to Matachin. "Let Andi talk to him. She needs this." Terrill falls silent, more a machine than human, hovering over Brin's figure. Unmoving. Letting her hand be guided, Andreshella startles as she is led and knelt by Brin. Hand touched to his skin, her tears start afresh. "Brin..." Matachin, to Brin and Andreshella: Souls touch, gently, very gently. Both of you, together. No pain, the touch light as a dream. Brin's eyes open slightly, as he fights through the pain, "A..Andi?" Shi falls to her knees on the other side of Brin's head.. watching. Krellin speaks quietly to Terrill, "What else can be done?" Andreshella crumples, head bowing. Hair still damp, a lone tendril curls across Brin's face as the Singer dips her head in a low moan and lifts it again. "I'm sorry...Brin." Her voice drops past whisper to mere mouthing, not even knowing if he can see her to read. "Love you. So sorry...I love you, Brin, please -- " Terrill is silent, another hiss from his suit as a needle extends from one finger to press into Brin's flesh. Matachin's fingers whisper over Andi's, before she moves back. Touch given, contact made. Krellin looks angry and he watches Terrill silently treat Brin. Brin blinks a bit at the needle, and sighs softly, "Whyfor sorry, beloved? S'not your fault... Shouldn't have tried to help... Abruptly, the Singer fumbles in her pocket, spilling out her cane onto the floor. From her hand comes a ring, silver and hematite, a man's band. Unable to find a hand to put it into or finger to put it on, she just presses it to Brin's chest, crying. "Would've married you. Should've. Here...I..." Her voice fades. "Don't think, love. Just...just...breathe. I love you." Shi bows her head. "Too slow, I'm sorry Brin." Silent tears fall down her face. Brin whimpers, softly, at the item, "Love... I love you... Marriage is just words... Love is eternal." Shi helps Andi fit the ring onto Brin's finger. Krellin looks at his Medical scanner and nods very slowly... Andreshella chokes on a sob and nods mindlessly at Shi's help, fumbling the band onto Brin's hand. That much done, she twines her fingers with his, choking a bit at a wire her hands come across. Voiceless, she mouths, "It's done, love. It's done." Krellin watches silently, the anger changing to sadness. Shi brushes the hair out of Brin's face one last time, looking down. Brin closes his eyes from a moment squeezing her hand, "I'm with you love... Now and always... In one form... Or another..." He finishes, almost as if by rote, "One heart together, two souls combined... Eternally..." Andreshella bites her lip, hard, and nods, words beyond her grasp. Shi sits silently, watching and waiting for the inevitable. Brin holds her hand, tightly, saying nothing more... Another faint hiss and the needle from Terrill's glove pierces his skin once more. Shi looks at Terrill and Krellin. The pulse through Terrill's suited arm dulls, fades and is gone. He remains motionless as Brin's life essence leaves his broken body, left in peace. Krellin stands slowly. Shi bows her head to the Inevitable and stares blankly at the floor. Andreshella shudders slightly at the sound, squeezing Brin's hand gently in her own once, becoming thereafter still. Silence fills the air once more. Sled techs, security and staff all bowing their heads in respect. Their own silent prayers going out to Brin and to the gods they may believe in. Krellin whispers something to Shi. Shi blinkblinks Andreshella disentwines her hand, slowly, to push back Brin's hair. Twice she does so and lifts her hand to her lips. She reaches back with her other hand, toward Matachin, Terrill, anybody. "Take me...home...someone...service...figureitalloutlater. Take me home." Shi continues to stare blankly at the floor, unmindful of the pool of blood soaking her pants. Andreshella blinks a couple times, stifling the remaining tears. Matachin's fingers curl about hers... Matachin whispers softly, "Cry, if you like... the robe's absorbent." He moves to her side again, keeps a hold of her hand, waits. Andreshella swallows, and gets to her feet. "I...need to go home." Terrill presses a button on his wrist unit and speaks into it, summoning a gurney. Gurney 2 has arrived. The gurney glides silently into the hangar, people parting before it. It comes to a stop beside Brin. Matachin murmurs, "All right. What level..." He squeezes her hand, leads her gently away. Krellin motions for Terrill to stand to the side as he lifts Brin onto the gurney. Andreshella slips out with the androgyne. "Nine...no. They changed it. Ten...green." Andreshella ducks into the ready room, escaping from the swirling wind. Shi comes back to herself and snarls one word, "Celendria" and trots off to the lifts. Shi ducks into the ready room, escaping from the swirling wind. Terrill's mechanics slide back up along his arm, seamless fitting together once more as his arm lifts from Brin's body. Krellin watches Shi and goes after her quickly. Krellin ducks into the ready room, escaping from the swirling wind. Matachin ducks into the ready room, escaping from the swirling wind. Terrill stands silently, armored form turning to regard the dispersing crowd. He makes his way from the hangar floor, the gurney hovering silently as it follows behind him. [Brin, as he is last seen:] A young man, of about 23 years, Brin stands at about 5'1" tall. He has long platinum hair, done up in a pony tail, silverish eyes, and pale skin. He is dressed in a set of loose-fitting clothes; Standard shirt and pants, with a cloak over, hooded, looking good for harsh climates. In one ear is a small hematite earring. Brin's chest is covered in blood, the tattered clothing about the wound similarly soaked in the red life fluid, the wound obviously fatal to even those with no medical knowledge. Inconsistent with the horrific nature of his injury his face is calm, at peace, silent in his never-ending sleep. [Andreshella, Matachin, medics, and gurney exeunt. Meanwhile, in the "Chocolate Freud":] Scorpion turns to look over her shoulder at you and frowns, heading over to undo the ropes that hold you. Kaylin shakes loose of the ropes and follows you out. "You know I could knock you out anytime and drag you back." Scorpion raises an eyebrow slightly. "Do what feel to be right you do." [Scorpion leaves; Kaylin, freed, follows.] Crystal Vein All about you can see freshly painted A red scorpion, tail poised to strike.. The vein subtly sings to you in a scale of E flat. You catch a sparkling glimmer of rich deep rose. The crystal rings with a sweetness and purity of tone. Kaylin says in a hushed voice "Rest for a while Scorpi, it will help maybe. I'm not leaving you til you come to your senses" Scorpion traces her fingers over the vein, sighing deeply and turns to face you. Scorpion says, "If so concerned about me you are, Kay. Then let me die you will. Because live with myself can I nay after this." [End logs. Follows something written, from Andreshella's player, inspired by Brin when the two were first an 'item.' It finds its IC place as an engraving upon the crystal memorial which Andreshella intends to make, and keep, to remind her of Brin -- should she ever find herself able to forget.] ------------------------------------------ I saw your wings were sleeping On the other side of a dream You saw the future when we fly Now I know that you're a stranger To unconditional love I promise you'll forget how to cry. ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Andi won't dance, Andi won't sing, Andi won't play She sits in her room, pining away, hiding all day She hasn't a friend, they think she's a boy, they leave her alone But what they don't know -- Andi has dreams all of her own <> "Andi," Kansas -----------------------------------------------------------------