Sabine: The rise of an Assassin:

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Sabrina Bergin
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Thu, 24. Dec 15, 09:35

Assassin:

The first thing I was aware of was the smell, my head was pounding, and the after taste of vomit filled my mouth. The second thing, was the light, it was so intense it was painful. I’d had been caught. Jenner must have worked it out somehow, reality hit me hard feeling like a blow to the stomach, almost throwing up I came to my senses, it was impossible not to recognise the room for what it was. We must have been stopped after we left the police station. Only… that wasn’t what happened, we had been interviewed, I remember that happening. Saya and Ritsu with those high level security clearances, had made that a short process. Then we had been in the flitter, that much had been real. I remembered asking to be dropped back at the port, then Ritsu laughing at me.

Ooh shit… That told me the amount of trouble I was in. Saya walked into the room, she must have been watching… waiting for me to come to. I managed to lift my head enough to see the straps holding my legs to the table. There were others, one around my chest, others holding my arms away from my body. There were drip feeds stuck into my left arm. The lines leading to something out of sight behind my head. The predatory look Saya was giving me, told me this was going to be bad… Really… really bad.

There was no need for this if she’d just let me explain, Hiro would understand, hell he’d be grateful. Saya wouldn’t want that of course, before I could begin reasoning with her, she strapped a gag to my mouth, the type designed to stop you swallowing your tongue. Her silence was also deliberate of course, I’d done the training, knew how to scare the crap out of prisoners, before touching them, to get information. Saya didn’t want information from me, she was doing this because she wanted to.

She started cutting me right after that, now I knew what the drips were for. I could feel the drugs take effect as my heart begin beating frantically against my ribcage They, or rather the drugs, were keeping me conscious, would stop me dying on her. I did manage to pass out for a while, after she started breaking my bones with a mallet. After that she must have adjusted the meds, time lost all meaning as she kept going, the amount of pain was beyond anything I had thought possible. After gods knew how long, I lost all feeling of pain in any one specific part of my body, feeling only a white hot needle in my brain, at some new torture. There were, brief periods when the pain subsided for a while. I began to look forward to them, I’d always been told that a body could be conditioned to experience plain as a form of pleasure, something about the pain receptors in your head, getting burnt out or something. I’d scoffed at that till now. Having run out of smaller bones to break, Saya started burning me.

That was when I began to curse my newfound ability to tolerate, enjoy pain. The stench of my own flesh, being reduced to charred meat sickened me as nothing else could. She was careful to keep the torch away from my face, probably wanted to avoid damaging my eyes. The mirrored panels above the table, told me she wanted me to watch what she did. I started to lose it then my, mind that is, all of a sudden the whole process, my pain her delight in inflicting it, seemed hilarious. It was in recognising my impending madness, that I found a means to avoid the pain. I withdrew from everything around me, pushing memories into the path behind, me in a desperate effort to hold it back. This was temporary what little ability to reason I had left recognised that this refuge was shrinking with each memory I sacrificed. That’s when darkness overwhelmed me.

Some part of me understood this. Knew this was the place Lannar fled to when she retreated from the world around her. I was even able to question that, who, or what was Lannar? All I felt was a faint sense of loss. A doorway had opened in my mind, if I walked through it, I would remember who Lannar, was why she was important to me, along with that came another certainty, passing through that door would lead me back to the pain that overshadowed everything. The absence of pain, was all that mattered now. Turning away from the doorway I ran back down the path, away from what I knew, was. The doorway led only to anguish, and torment. This other path was familiar to me, if it was as I remembered it, the cliff was just ahead. I had feared that once, no more. Without hesitation, I ran as fast as I could down the path towards the cliff, throwing myself into the abyss beyond.

After uncounted time, sound reached me, nothing else did except the lights burning into my eyes. This too was familiar, I’d experienced this before, again I saw the man from my deepest, darkest nightmares standing over me, his face masked, the cutting tool in his hand. Again he sliced through my sternum, forcing my ribs aside and, reached into me. I could feel what he was doing. Feel every movement as his hands desecrated my body. Unheard by anyone, I began screaming.

**********

Saya stepped back, when the Gaijin stopped thrashing against the restraints. The machines immediately began announcing signal loss from the med sensors. This was not right, Kumi had been monitoring her, adjusting the dosages to keep her alive. If he had done this, he would pay for his interference. She was not satisfied, not yet. She wanted the Gaijin to know why this was happening, wanted her to beg for an end to her wretched existence. A plea Saya intended to refuse.

Kumi came rushing into the chamber, pushing her to one side he began working on the Gaijin, starting resuscitation procedures. Knowing it would be pointless to question him just yet, she left the room to shower and change into clean coveralls. If he did manage to revive her, she would want him to explain exactly how the Gaijin had managed attempting, to escape her vengeance by dying. Later, having given Kumi more than sufficient time to revive the gaijin, Saya returned to the observation gallery overlooking the chamber. She was surprised to find her Lady, and Kumi deep in conversation as medical staff tended the Gaijin in the room beyond the plexi screen. Kumi, she noted, had a lot more equipment in the chamber now, than when she had left.

Her lady Ritsuko dismissed the man, before turning to speak to her. “It seems the Gaijin has manged to evade your retribution after all Saya.”
Saya glanced into the room, noting the monitors that showed the Gaijin was alive.

“She will recover my lady; I have not yet begun to make her suffer for her crimes.”

“If you want to inflict further torment on that poor creature, then do so Saya. Kumi assures me she will not feel it. He is fascinated by what is happening to her, though the Gaijin gives no outward sign of it, the level of pain she is experiencing, goes beyond anything he has ever known. Whatever might have been left of the gaijin, no longer occupies that living corpse Saya, surely that is vengeance enough? She has died four times since you left, doubtless she will continue to do so, unless we have the machines that sustain her removed.”

That was what they had been discussing, her Lady wanted her to end this, let the Gaijin die. She could… would not allow that. Ritsuko perhaps sensing her thoughts left then. Her disapproval evident.
Ritsuko knew I would not change my mind; her displeasure would be short lived. The gaijin was less than nothing to her after all.

**********
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Post by Zaitsev » Thu, 24. Dec 15, 17:32

Annette Barret wrote: *snip*
So I will be fair, if even one of you wants to see what, she has written. (Not Shaun.)

Say so.

Not going to happen is it?

That's okay, just confirms what I have been telling her.
*raises hand*

I would like to see it too.

Merry christmas, and congratulations on the wedding. :)
I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am :D

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Post by Annette Barret » Fri, 25. Dec 15, 00:59

Okay you humble me.

Thank you all for your good wishes.

Sabbie and I are sat here together sharing a rather good wine. So we are both going to toast everyone on this forum, and wish you all a merry Christmas and happy new year.

I hope you will forgive me, if I keep Sabbie occupied for the next few weeks.

What can I say? I'm selfish.

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Post by Triaxx2 » Fri, 25. Dec 15, 17:52

Good for you. Just don't let her ruin the nun outfit.

Thanks for the present. Even better, I just got power back. Oh, how I love the weather in this state.
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Post by Annette Barret » Fri, 25. Dec 15, 23:18

Triaxx2 wrote:Good for you. Just don't let her ruin the nun outfit.

Thanks for the present. Even better, I just got power back. Oh, how I love the weather in this state.
Ouch! the weather that is.

Okay I redacted my post. Yes I over reacted.

Basically because it had no place being here. This is Sabbie's storey not mine.

Yes we discussed that at length. Painful. Also I figure it reached the people it was meant to.

The "Nun outfit" is safe. Heh, Heh, Heh.....

So in answer to your unspoken question, yes I will encourage her to finish this. Not my first choice, but I'd rather we not start married life with a row.

I'll speak to you all soon. Well after the new year.

Annie.

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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Sun, 3. Jan 16, 09:24

Okay.

Who wants a new year prezzie?

I've already got mine. (I'm so excited.) Keeps going off in my head. just got a little while to post before we hit the road.

What the heck, you guy's are all probably still asleep. LUGGARDS!

No that is not a word I made up.

I bet we make it back to Pompey before you even wake up.

Other favourite tune/song. "I'm getting married in the morning."

Corney, I Know.

I can't help it I just want, everyone to share my happiness. Next chapter follows. Honest!
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Sun, 3. Jan 16, 09:35

Continued:

Clive opened the door, one of the house servants, he invited her to enter the rooms they had been allocated with a sweep of his arm, a gesture she ignored.

“Mr Jenner, Lord Kanegawa will see you now, if you and your companion will please follow me.” So, after six days of being forced to sit on his hands and do nothing. The Lord himself deigned to see them.

Marie obviously heard the request, she joined him a moment later handing him his jacket as she did so. The servant about faced and began walking away at a brisk pace, obviously expecting them to follow. Clive struggled into the jacket as he forced himself to keep pace with the woman. Instead of leading him to Lord Kanegawa’s study she led them to an elevator. She stood aside allowing them to enter then stepped back as the doors closed and it began its descent. This one, judging by the time it took to reach their destination, took them far deeper than the levels they had been allowed access to till now. What was immediately apparent was the high level of security here, the guards here were dressed in combat armour, and the air was filled with the faint smell of ozone, that came from active shielding. As they walked down the corridor Clive could not help but notice the blast doors that were in their retracted positions. Anyone attempting to gain entry to this level would find it a difficult, if not impossible a task. Two guards standing outside an armoured door at the end of the corridor told him this was Where they would meet Kanegawa. Sure enough it opened as they approached, their escort told them to enter, before taking a position next to one of the guards.

Kanegawa was sat behind a huge desk that had multiple display emitters around its edge. “Please be seated Mr Jenner, Ms Danvers.” They sat in the chairs closest to his desk. A soon as they had done so, an aide entered the room and placed coffees in front of them. Only when he had the left the room, did Kanegawa continue speaking.

“Your tests have been completed, and the results have confirmed the Lady Kanegawa has not been… doubled, is the term I believe you use, for the infiltration process the Argon have been attempting?”

“That is correct Sir, it is a fact I will be making clear in my report….”

“There will be no report Mr Jenner.” Kanegawa stated, interrupting him.” Even the slightest suspicion that my granddaughter, has been the target of such an attempt, would render her forever suspect. There are matters you are not aware of, Yukiro has been raised as my heir, by discrediting her, my enemies sought to undermine me.” There was no mistaking the anger that lay behind his words. Would he now be wondering if he and Marie were part of such a conspiracy? There was no doubt in his mind, they would not leave this complex alive if he did. His next words left no doubt, he had considered that possibility.

“Please relax Mr Jenner… had I suspected you.... of involvement, we would not be having this conversation. Now… As I said a moment ago, there is much you are unaware of, if you are to work for me, it is necessary I bring them to your attention. Now this is from the surveillance records of the function room, where the Senator was killed, correct?”

Access to those records had been restricted to eyes only, for those with the highest level of security clearance. I also suspected that I would be receiving orders to report to him, when I returned to base.

“That is correct sir, those records were seized immediately after the shooting occurred.”

Kanagawa turned his chair so that he could look at the two monitors that came on behind him. In the left hand one was the image of Brano, as she had boarded a shuttle from the Torus. On the right showed her again in a city he didn’t recognise.

“Here is the first piece of information you lacked till now Mr Jenner, you have already confirmed, the woman on the left is that of the assassin Kareen Brano. The picture of her on the right however, was taken from surveillance footage, taken at the exact same time. It had come to my attention, that she was arranging the death of several people known to me. The fact I, and members of my own security recognised this woman, prompted me to have her watched. When I first met her… some years ago now, she was already an accomplished assassin. I took part in advancing her training myself. She subsequently contacted my granddaughter, and asked, or rather instructed her to remain here within the security of my home, for the following week. She later took my granddaughters place at that function. Regrettably, I did not learn why till much later.” Kanegawa looked to me clearly intending to see if I could revise my conclusions on what had happened.

“That then..., can only be Arlen Poler… Our research indicated she died, shortly after becoming a test subject for the Ahriman project.”

“Just so Mr Jenner. Her orders were to kill the Senator, then to assume Yukiro’s appearance in order to breach my security. It was a well devised plan, save for the fact the woman had previously sworn an oath of loyalty to my family… Her masters could not have known this of course. From what we have learned, she was unable to break fully, the compulsion to obey their orders. Sadly..., I did not see, her clumsiness was deliberate, intended to alert me to the Argon’s intentions, in the only way she hoped I might understand.”

My mind was reeling as I tried to adjust my thinking, from what I’d thought was fact. I had asked myself why Brano had taken the role of the sniper. In hindsight, that must have been Poler’s part in the plan. Her absence, had forced Brano to improvise, I doubt Yukiro had ever intended to be at the function at all. Brano must have suspected it was Poler. That’s why she been a target. Brano had wanted her dead, before she could be questioned. That left only one person Kanegawa could have got this information from. “Is Poler still alive?” Kanegawa hesitated a moment before answering, I had little doubt as to the methods, that would have been used, to overcome her conditioning.

“She is alive; she has been placed in an induced coma in order to aid her recovery from her injuries. If you will follow me Mr Jenner… No Ms Danvers, you will remain here, there are certain things, a woman should not be forced to see.”

Kanegawa led me from his office, to another room deeper still within the complex. When I looked down to where she was being treated, I was glad I had not eaten for a while. Even though I had suspected this, I was still sickened by what had been done to her. The Amnio tank was clouded from blood that was leaking from multiple injuries. l glimpsed areas of skin and muscle tissue, that resembled little more than charred meat. Several of her bones were exposed to view. I could only wonder at the fact she was still alive. Perhaps Kanagawa had guessed from my expression, the question I asked myself.

“Yukiro was angered when she learnt what was done to a woman, she considers a friend. She has reminded me, that we now have an obligation to her. The difficulty we have, is her insistence in seeking oblivion. You are considered an expert in this field Mr Jenner, what would you advise?”

My advice would normally be, to grant Poler’s wish, to let her die, and put her out of her misery. Then I had to consider Marie’s advice, on how one dealt with the Kanegawa’s. My understanding was, that having alerted them to the Argon plan, at risk to herself, Poler had acted honourably. That was a big deal with them, so I took my time before answering him. “It is possible to erase certain memories, in cases where people have suffered extreme trauma.” I didn’t use the word torture, but he knew what I meant. “There are methods…, that have produced acceptable results. It utilises aspects of imprinting technology. It is a risky procedure; she might be reduced to an existence with little or no cognitive ability. She might recover, with few if any memories left at all, she will require extensive aftercare in either case.” Kanegawa led me back to his office then, Marie guessed what I had seen, when she saw me, and that I was sickened by it. Kanegawa gave me a few moments to regain my composure, before speaking again.

“Mr Jenner… In your opinion. would the chances of an imprint succeeding, be improved if you had an actual print of Arlen herself, to use as a template? One that was made, prior to recent events.” That was a stunning revelation, that he had a print of Arlen Poler. It must have been taken when she had been here before.


“It would eliminate many of the more common reasons for an imprint failing to take. My god did the man not realise what he held? “The chances of success would be increased exponentially. The most common causes of imprint psychosis, is the host recognising, a false memory, and the conflict that causes. With an actual print obtained from Poler, that problem is avoided altogether. She would have to be given an explanation, as to what has happened. One that does not conflict entirely with events. She may experience recall of certain memories even after the imprinting procedure. The imprint would have to be sustained over a lengthy period in order for it to be recorded into her long term memory.”

“I take it you are familiar with this procedure then. You will construct the necessary procedural program, once Ms Poler has recovered from her physical injuries you will be required to supervise the process. Now let us discuss your future’s. Here are your new security clearance cards.” He placed two Ident cards on the desk along with a thin folder. “The folder contains a summary of the official report you will be filing, regarding recent events. There is a data cube of the report ready for you to upload when you return to the city. Your new Ident cards will allow you to access to the omega security network. There are certain protocols to be obeyed. Ritsuko will advise you on them, and other matters pertaining to your new status. That will be all.”

I took that for the dismissal it was, we both rose, and bowed formally, before leaving the office. The guard escorted us back to the elevator, after which we were allowed to make our own way back to our rooms.
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Sun, 3. Jan 16, 09:42

Okay it was rushed.

Still I hope that, it wet's your appetite for more.
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Post by Triaxx2 » Sun, 3. Jan 16, 10:38

As always it has. And congratulations again.
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Sun, 3. Jan 16, 12:52

Triaxx:

I love you.

To be honest at the moment I love everybody.

There is a whole lot more coming regards Sabine. Already written.

I sort of guessed you knew that.... Sigh....!

I'm still so excited so I don't care. :oops: :lol:
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Post by Annette Barret » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:11

Resurrection:

The day beyond the room was glorious, as it always was in spring here, nature was in full bloom, and the grounds were as oft times before, being visited by flocks of birds pausing, before they ventured further inland. The only thing that marred her mood, was the woman who walked alone through the garden, indifferent to the beauty that was all around her.

Jenner assured her, the imprinting had been a success. She knew in her heart it had not, that woman might have the memories of Arlen Poler, but there was nothing of her friend’s spirit in her. She was a pale imitation of Arlen nothing more. If a question was put to her she would answer it, give her an instruction she would obey it. But these were acts carried out without any trace of personality or emotion. If left unattended she would merely continue with the last task set for her. What was it Saya had said of her? After attempting to discern if this was some ruse on Arlen’s part, a charade designed to give her the opportunity to escape. Saya had been quite blunt in her choice of words.

“That thing, though living is truly dead”, it has no tama, no soul.”

We had hoped for a better outcome, as it was that creature did nothing, save remind us of the crimes we had allowed, committed against her. That Jenner had sent his woman, to answer my questions merely reiterated his conclusion, that this was the best that could be hoped for or achieved. He had suggested she be moved to a care facility. I had refused, knowing full well the sort of work he carried out for the ATF. Marie was no doubt aware of my anger, perhaps felt it was unreasonable, that I had ordered her here. She could not say that of course; having learnt not to anger me. It was pointless keeping the woman here any longer, she could add nothing to what was already known. “Thank you for your time Ms Danvers, we shall have to wait and see if time itself, will allow Arlen to regain herself.” Yuki finally turned around, allowing the woman to leave the room.

**************

Looking to Ritsuko, I saw she was frowning as if deep in thought, troubled even. “Do you think me foolish for hoping that Arlen might fully recover Ritsu?”

“That you wish it is all that matters to me Yuki, though I had as much reason as any to see Arlen dead, I would not have wished this fate on her. Given a choice I believe she would ask for an ending. In keeping her body alive do we torment her soul by forcing it to remain here as well?”

I had to acknowledge her words painful though they were, who else here had come back from that which awaits us all? She had always insisted she remembered little of that day. At times I found myself wondering if that were true, I had been there when she had returned to us, I had looked into her eyes and saw… In truth I know not, save that it frightened me. There was an expression that described it well. When one looks to long into the abyss, know it looks into you as well. That day I had glimpsed that abyss.

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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:23

Yes. I let Annie post that one.
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:33

Continued:



“There is much that still troubles me about this whole matter Yuki.” She continued. It has done since Jenner carried out the imprinting. It is in my mind that I have seen it, yet still I cannot pinpoint what it was, that troubles me about her.” I noticed her eyes had fixed on the gardens where the woman was being led back to the house by Saya. That was an oddity all in itself. When Arlen had been alive she had hated her with a passion she had demonstrated, in the manner in which she had tortured the woman. Why now did she choose to give so much care for this shadow of Arlen. Was she perhaps troubled by guilt? Ritsu had assured me that was not the case, when I had mentioned this to her.

“Perhaps then we should discuss that which troubles you rather than Arlen herself Ritsu?” I suggested seating myself next to her.

“It might be of some use.” Ritsu agreed taking a moment, as if to determine where to begin. “When I confronted Arlen in the hotel…. No it started before then. The people she killed, she did so in a clumsy manner, I questioned her on that, thinking that it had been deliberate. I know for certain she had always boasted that the only people that she was known to have assassinated, were those she intended. Perhaps it was not mere clumsiness? The manner in which those people were killed could have been carried out by any number of assassins. There was none of the skill or finesse, I had come to associate with her.” Ritsu paused as if this recollection had suggested something to her. I waited patiently so as not to distract her.

“She was afraid Yuki. In the hotel I saw doubt in her eyes. That is the other thing that has been troubling me.”

“Explain!” I snapped without thought.

“Yuki I do not suggest it was fear for herself she felt.” Ritsu offered by way of apology, that I might have taken that to have been her meaning. “Jenner suggested she had been conditioned.” She continued, her eyes lost in thought as she considered her memories. “She was forced to act against you, perhaps she feared she might succeed. Given time even the police would have found her. She certainly left enough evidence in her wake. She did care for you Yuki of that I am certain.” That suggestion might fit, I knew Arlen well, as much as anyone could truly know an assassin. It still rankled that she had refused to share my bed, albeit graciously. Did Ritsuko know of that I wondered? “The Arlen we knew, would not have shown fear Yuki. She would have attacked me, or laughed at me, it was her way. She was clearly not herself.”

***********

Ritsuko was right of course, whenever Arlen felt threatened or challenged in any fashion, she had but one response. “She should have shown anger,” we agreed, speaking almost in unison.”

Anger was always just beneath the surface with Arlen, even a blind man could see it in her. “So, if we are to assume this… Conditioning had robbed her of that aspect of herself Ritsuko. How might this help us to restore her? I would not seek to harm her as she is now, that would be both cruel, and dishonourable.”


“There may be no need, Yuki, from what Jenner has told us of this Brano woman, she would have been the one to give Arlen her instructions. She would have done so only after arriving here herself, no doubt in case Arlen was captured, and the plan exposed. Given that Arlen managed to overcome her conditioning, enough to alert us to her presence. It is likely she anticipated events, and took other measures to enable us to help her. She always planned many steps in advance of her true goal.” Motioning Ritsu to remain seated, I gathered a tray from the counter near the wall before pouring us both glasses of rice wine, we then silently considered, what those measures might have been.

**********
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:41

Continued:

“What would you have done in her place Ritsu?” I asked after half an hour had passed, and having nothing occur to me. Having to admit I knew little of what an assassin might do under such circumstances. “knowing you had limited time to act. Ignore suicide, our enemies would have denied her that choice.” Ritsu acknowledged that as likely whilst she considered her answer.


“Arlen would be aware of the conditioning, and how it might be removed or rendered harmless. They must have used it after her ordeal as a test subject.” Referring to the Argons use of her, in the Ahriman project. “This implies, it is by a means she knew, is available to us. Something she had seen us use.”

Ritsu was close now I could almost see her gaze stalking the answer she sought.” Imprinting! Yuki. She used it herself, this is where the answer must lie. So…. she must have placed the means of her restoration where we might find it. She would take no chances in this. Jenner’s method, was partially successful. But to be fair he had only a portion of her print to work…. Yuki Arlen, edited that print after it was taken. She informed Hiro bluntly, there were things, no one should know about her. She retained the original herself. That must be what she expects us to find. It is the only reason Jenner’s attempt had any success at all.”

I kept silent sensing that Ritsu had come upon the answer. For the first time in weeks I felt a glimmer of hope.
Then I had to ask myself, why Hiro had not told Jenner there was a complete print somewhere? Did he hope to recover the original for himself, to what end.? This was not the first time; I had been troubled by his actions of late. What could he hope to gain by leaving Arlen in her present condition? I put that to one side, as I tried to imagine a place where Arlen would leave the original print, where I would be the one to find it. Certain, in my own mind, she would not trust it to anyone else. There could be but one answer, to that question.

“It is here Ritsuko, in her rooms. She visited me a while back… on a whim she said. I had not thought it odd then, she was always coming and going.”
Ritsu joined me, as we went directly to the rooms I had set aside for her use. They had not been touched since she had left. Only she or I, could access them. We waited for the air to be refreshed before entering, I waited after sealing the door whilst Ritsu searched through the rooms. I glanced the about entranceway, then saw the necklace I had given her as a birthday gift, angered she had left it here. “Ritsu that necklace… Arlen said she would never part with it.”

I pointed out where it hung, as if discarded on a closet handle. Ritsu opened the cupboard, after only a few seconds of searching, she handed me a data cube, and a sealed case. Again, I Looked at the cube wondering if indeed all that Arlen was, could be, was contained within as I had to wonder what had prompted Arlen to hide this here, did she also have doubts as to what might occur, if she had left this in Hiro’s possession? I activated a console and sealed the room, grateful now, I had allowed Arlen to shield this room from any surveillance. Keeping my voice low, despite the safety measures she had taken, I expressed my concerns to Ritsu, she made no comment, nor did she seem shocked that such thoughts had occurred to me. Only when I had finished did she reply.

“My lady, as to whether you are right to be concerned or not, is of no moment to me. It is enough that you prefer this procedure, be carried out by those you know are loyal to you. I will fetch the necessary equipment. Whilst if I might suggest it would conceal our true intentions from others, if you might express the hope, if asked, that transferring Arlen to her old rooms, might help her recover. I will have Saya review your security measures, and staff, whilst we make the necessary preparations.”
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:49

Continued:

Awareness came all at once, the first thing I noticed, was the absence of pain. The second was Lannar, sitting on the path watching me. “Am I finally dead then?” I wondered. The path told me otherwise. That was different, it led now in only one direction. It seemed I was once more trapped within my own mind.

Lannar laughed at me, yet it was not Lannar who laughed, I recognised what I’d thought was Lannar. “No you are not dead, not for the moment… You left me Sabine.”

The anguish, anger in that simple statement startled me, more so for the fact that she was speaking so clearly to me now, before… she had been nothing more than a chaotic mass of furious needs, and emotions… That at times overwhelmed me “What did you do?”

“What else could I do, I remained here. You wanted to die I refused to allow it. Now we must face the world again Sabine. I have been able to observe it, through that doorway, yet I cannot pass through it. Your friends…” I felt the displeasure, jealousy, anger, that word provoked in her. “Are trying to reach you, I tried to speak to them to no avail. They are waiting for you.”

“What happens to you… if I go through it?”

“I am touched by your concern, Sabine. Or is all you really want to know is if you will finally be rid of me? Of that I am uncertain, if you do not, we will remain here together, till we perish. There are matters of vengeance left undone, that at least is one thing, we can both agree is unacceptable. You must decide soon Sabine; I will restrain myself. You must do the same.” She laughed as I rose from the path, and crossed through the opening.

**********

The moment my eyes opened I screamed “You fracking bitch!” her laughter still clear in my mind. Saya stepped, back her hand going to her sword. “No… not you Saya, I was speaking to someone in here.” I explained tapping my temple. Feeling the imprinting headset as I did so. That only got me a puzzled, yet still openly hostile look back.

“I need the box. There isn’t much time.” Ritsu handed me the case, I opened it, loaded the injector, and fired it against my carotid artery. What memories I had left, were slipping away from me again. I couldn’t afford to lose anymore.

The next time I came too, I leaned over the side of the bed, and began to vomit. Ritsu had seen what was going to happen, and nudged a waste bin into place to catch the bile that poured out of me. She then handed me a cloth which I used to wipe my mouth with, before accepting a beaker of water from her. “Thank you Ritsu.” I added, feeling my senses spin, as I tried to make sense of the conflicting realities in my head.

“My apologies, my sense of when and where I am, is all out of whack. It will pass… I hope.”

“You planned for this Arlen, explain why you did not simply tell us, it would have saved us all a great deal of pain.”

“Sorry Yuki I couldn’t, Ceri had her hooks into me. At least I thought she had, I couldn’t warn anyone… Conditioning.” I managed, assuming they would be aware of that. “To be honest, I only gave myself a one in fifty chance of surviving. Sorry I can’t explain everything just yet, there are gaps, holes in my memory. I am struggling to accept, that this isn’t just another delusion. Now if you would be kind enough to undo these restraints, I need a bathroom, and then something to eat.” Ritsu stepped back from doing just that, she did not trust me. Never had, to be honest. “Look, if it makes you feel better, Saya can keep an eye on me. I’m sure she’ll be more than happy, to take up where she left off.” I couldn’t prevent the surge of rage that shook me as I remembered what she had done.

Saya laughed at that as I locked eyes with her. “This is Arlen without doubt,” she agreed. “You remember some things clearly then Gaijin?”

“It’s not the sort of thing you forget.” I admitted through gritted teeth forcing myself not to react the way I wanted to. For some reason, my hostility made them more trusting. No doubt, the reason for that would be explained to me in due course. For the moment I needed to get to the bathroom, that need at least seemed familiar. I had to be helped though, I was still disorientated by the chaos going on in my head, my knees started to give, when I tried to stand unaided, and I felt the room begin spinning around me.

**********

Saya took me at my word, and after I had been helped into a hot bath, remained to watch over me. I thought she was going to keep the silent treatment going. No such luck… Just as I began to feel relaxed, she started with the questions. “You seem remarkably calm, all things considered Arlen.” The use of my actual name, gave me reason to think she might be trying to be reasonable. That would be a first but I needed their help, help from all of them. I still had to choose my words carefully. I got the impression, she was finding holding her anger in check, as difficult as I was.

“The last thing I feel right now, is calm Saya, I know how you killed me. I also think you enjoyed it as much, if not more than I might have done, had our positions been reversed. We have bigger problems though.” She waited for me to continue. I took some pleasure in refusing to explain that to her. Petty I know, but I still enjoyed it. Explaining the problems could wait till I had a chance to speak to Yuki. There were holes in my memory, but those of recent events, were surfacing fairly quickly now. “So tell me Saya, I’ve always wondered why you hate me so much? I’ve never understood that.”

**********

Saya looked at me directly then, as if she was finding it hard to believe I could be unaware of the reasons. I saw her come to the decision to finally explain it to me. “I forget, when you first came here you were young, little older than myself, unaware of our customs. So I will explain that which any true child of our ancestors, would have known since infancy.

“When you infected My lady with your cursed nannites, you saved her life, which… I suppose you would consider to be cause for gratitude, not anger. In our society…, seppuku may only be carried out in a prescribed, and honoured manner. Your cursed nannites, have forever robbed my lady, of the choice of that honourable death, should honour demand it of her. Worse still, the fact you tainted her, has made her unwelcome in her own home. Even here, we abide… only because her Lady allows it.” My gods these people truly were savages, who the hell thought like that?

Unbidden a memory came to me; a Split, my combat instructor, had been explaining why his people still fought duels with knives. He had made much of the honour involved, in such combats fought to the death. I realised, only now did I truly understand the meaning of his words. Apologising for what I had done, would, I suspect, be considered insulting. “That was not my intent.” I admitted reluctantly, again choosing my words carefully. “I acted from ignorance, not malice.” Saya said nothing, but seemed less hostile towards me after that admission. Once I was done, she helped me out of the bath, and then to get dressed. We joined the others in the lounge where a meal had been laid out for us. The absence of servants spoke volumes.

***********

Over the course of the meal we discussed their understanding of my own, and others recent actions. I waited till I had enough information to guess how much of the truth they knew. There were some things I still chose not to reveal to them. I had not been surprised to learn that Hiro seemed to have acted for his own ambitions.
I looked around the table, after we had all pushed our dishes aside. “You know most of it I admitted. The actual events that is. There was another player at the table though, one you could not have known of.”

“You mean this woman Ceri you mentioned earlier.” Ritsu guessed correctly.

“That’s her though the last time we spoke she was disguised as the Senators wife, at the function. She obviously intended to watch Yuki die.”

“You prevented that Arlen.”

“I could have done a lot more if I had been able to recognise her, to act. No matter it’s past that now. I suppose I should tell you about her.” I explained that Hiro had been in touch with Ceri. The bitch had always known how to reach people, she thought she could manipulate. The fact he was as keen on a war, with the commonwealth as she was, made me wonder what else he had been doing, and why?

“Yes, Jenner thought Brano was the one who was running this operation, and in large part she was.” I still needed her death to be undisputed. “Ceri used to be my superior when I worked for Argon intelligence. A while back. That’s why she knew my embedded command codes.” I continued, leaving my thoughts on Hiro’s motives for the moment. “I helped stop her provoking a war with your people. It made all the news channels at the time.”

“I remember that, it involved the Goner fanatics ship. The one that was destroyed. The Aran.”


“That’s the one Saya. Then after the hearings she managed to get her hands on me. I’d gotten careless.” I admitted. “She kept me long enough to trigger the embedded commands. They ensured I would follow her orders when I arrived here. One of those commands was not to reveal any aspect of the missions. Hers, or the Argon one she hi-jacked. She got hold of me at that hotel before I went to pick up that girl. After that things got a little blurry for me. I was aware of what I was doing but had to follow the reminders I had left myself, on my PDA. To complete the mission, she didn’t want that changed.”

“Operation Tengu” Yuki suggested.

“That was the name given to it Yuki, thing is… it’s a fraud the plan was designed to make you doubt your own command infrastructure. It would have you eliminate those considered inimical to the Argon” I then gave them chapter and verse on the whole thing. From the Ahriman project to the present day. Well, almost.

“What of those you assassinated.”

“They were involved with the drug smuggling operation Ceri created, call it poetic justice, vengeance, whatever you want… They were the ones supplying her with local resources.” They were also responsible for killing my friends Yuki.”

Ritsuko gave everything I’d said a great deal of consideration before she asked the question, they all wanted answering. This was the one I feared might reveal my secrets.

“So Arlen these Nannites.” I saw her flinch when she mentioned them, at least now I knew why. They can alter a person’s appearance, but you say they are too short lived, to be the weapon Jenner fears, and is certain exists. Is that what you would have us believe?”

She knew, that question was the same as putting a loaded gun to my head, if I lied now…, she would know it. They might then, consider the possibility Tengu was real. What the hell… I either trusted these people or I didn’t. I smiled, acknowledging her doubts.

“There has only ever been one success, to came out of Ahriman Ritsuko… Me, once I knew what it, I was, I destroyed the research, then killed the man, who had succeeded where everyone else had failed. I pointed to the case that contained the injectors, along with my dwindling supply of nannites. Deciding to use only enough, for a temporary change. “This is best demonstrated” I explained measuring the dosage carefully. “The effect will be brief; I need a true picture of the person you want me to look like. It would help, if it was someone I don’t know and, is similar in appearance to myself. Its less painful that way.”

Of course they had a perfect test subject for me. After a few minutes they looked at the picture of Marie Danvers on the display, then back to me, their eyes switching back and forth between the two, as if hoping to find some discrepancy. The alteration only lasted a few minutes before my face shifted back to normal. Now, I had to trust them. I waited for them to consider the implications of what they had witnessed.

“This is a weapon that both our peoples would wish to own Arlen, even if it’s effectiveness was short lived, in the wrong hands…” Yuki did not need to finish the sentence; everyone here, could guess at the chaos that would lead to. Had seen the harm the mere thought of possessing it had already wrought.

“It is a potent weapon for an assassin Arlen, is this then how you gained your reputation?”

“Not entirely Saya, this was forced on me, long after my reputation was established.” I knew that snide question was payback for my earlier pettiness. “It is I admit, a useful tool, for one in my profession though. One I have ensured kept to myself. I expect Jenner or Hiro demanded Saya look for any knowledge, of this whilst I was being questioned.” Saya’s confirming nod, was no surprise to me. Jenner would have wanted Tengu at any cost.

She noted my more than “moderate” description, of what she had done to me. “On that note, I should explain. I was thorough when I destroyed the research that led to this. I can produce the nannites but I can’t key them to anyone, other than myself. I destroyed the device he created. After a period of time they fall apart. Fresh nannites don’t help either.

“What of the nannites you infected my Lady with Arlen?” Saya demanded, surprising Ritsuko by bringing that up now.

“They were modified from standard ones, available in the commonwealth at the time, designed to overcome trauma, and a few other things Saya. They were produced, long before I was thrown into the Ahriman project. I can… if you wish advise you how to use them Lady Naymuri, I cannot remove the taint, there should be no reason for you not to make use of them. That is of course for you to decide.” I was pretty certain that was as close as I would ever get to being able to apologise, I wanted to make amends in some way I suppose. That she did not reject the offer outright, made me think she had accepted the offer, and, or the apology it implied. These people had some strange ideas, the Split would find them to be much alike, in their view of things.

**************
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:52

Conspiracy:


It was a week before I was allowed to venture into the upper levels, and the garden again. This would alert others, to my apparent recovery. Yuki knew I was angry Saya had returned with Ceri’s head in a box. She also knew I had wanted to kill that bitch myself. She had overruled me, concerned that Ceri might be able to make me obey her again, despite my assurances to the contrary. The question we all waited to be answered now, was who would come to claim the prize? That being me, the only known example of a successful human resurrection.

If it was Jenner, that was not a problem, if it was Hiro… That would confirm Yuki’s fears as to his ambitions. To be fair, Kamishi’s message had pretty much dammed him already. Yuki had taken steps to block him, she didn’t bother explaining how. There would be a final confrontation between them. I was certain of that much, better it occurred here, at a time of our choosing, rather than on his home ground. Once we had word he was on his way, his agents were dealt with. By the time the ground cars reached the house, we had all gathered in the formal reception hall. At first glance, it would appear we were simply watching a practice match. So he must have been feeling quite sure of himself, when he walked in with only ten personal guards, eleven counting his assassin Sakura. The match halted as soon as Yuki rose from her seat, and clapped her hands once. The two fighters moving to the sides of the room, to clear a path for Hiro, and his entourage.
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 00:54

Continued:

“Ms Poler, please gather your possessions, you will be returning to Kyoto with me.” The fact that he expected me, to meekly follow his orders, told me he really didn’t know me at all.

“You know Hiro I’d rather not, Yuki here has promised to take me into town, tonight and I’d rather not disappoint. What say, I give you a rain check on that?” His face was a picture as my refusal registered, he’d probably never been openly defied before in his life. He failed to see what Sakura did, that this… was more than me simply refusing him. Sakura’s hand moved to his sword hilt. He would know, or have guessed, an EMP field had already rendered his other weapons useless.

“Sakura… you will teach this gaijin manners” Hiro ordered, as if my refusal counted for nothing.

************

“Arlen I free you of all restraint defend yourself, with all honour.” I was hoping Yuki could have avoided using those precise words. It meant, I had to fight in the time honoured fashion, they considered acceptable. Me… I would have used the chemical grenade; I had readied for this, as things stood… Yuki, Saya, and Ritsuko, were still bound by their stupid code of ethics, that would only change when Sakura actually attacked me. Then they would be able to defend me, as an honoured guest must be. Yeah… only the Split could understand that, or agree with it. Then, everyone knew the Split were pretty much insane.

Ritsuko had, over the last few days, taken the time to show me, what she knew of Sakura’s techniques, she had sparred with him often enough. That gave me some idea, of what I was up against. Time to see if my skills had deserted me as well. It soon became clear he was not going to make the same mistakes as Taddeo, and others facing me in the past had. This man had been killing people, longer than I had been alive, after all. So it could be more of a challenge than I wanted. As soon as he launched his attack I heard Yuki give orders to Saya and Ritsu, vaguely aware that Hiro’s other guards, had moved to prevent them interfering. I ignored that as I began the first of many passes, with Sakura… our blades flashing at speed through the air between us. As we fought I felt my anger rising, I could feel the surge of the lust for battle, as rage joined with me. I swear the bitch was enjoying this.

***********

So, now we see the rumours about you are true Sabine, you do have the eyes of a demon, when in combat.”

“I’ve been told they are rather pretty…., by men about to die Sakura”, knowing that distraction was his only purpose in talking. I followed his example. “I’m disappointed Sakura, they call you the silent killer, so shut the frack up, and get on with it. I have a hot date tonight… remember.”

That got to him, his bigotry emerged, he lost all pretence at courtesy, launching a series of attacks I recalled Saya had once used on me. He had probably taught her that sequence. If he hoped for the same result; he was in for a disappointment. I evaded the final strike, that had once allowed Saya to knock me of my feet, cutting him in his side as I countered it.

“Oops sorry” I apologised, mocking him. That gave him reason to pause for a moment. He realised I had turned his own taunts against him. His eyes narrowed, as he readied himself for yet another attack. This time as he came at me, I felt his sword cut me across the stomach. That should have had my guts spilling onto the floor. The look of amazement in his eyes, when he saw I had, what appeared to be only a shallow wound, was more than satisfying. Rage was enjoying this now, more than I was in fact. Then, she didn’t feel the pain wounds caused me…, never had. Sakura shifted the tempo of the duel, probably figuring he would outlast me. He might have been right, if I hadn’t been dosing myself on energy drinks all day. I could keep burning adrenaline for some time yet, before fatigue started affecting me. “Preparation is everything”. I remembered saying that to a girl somewhere, or had I? I pushed the memory, not quite memory aside, as Sakura came at me again. This was not the time to reminisce.

**********

After a while it became obvious, we were the only remaining combatants. It was time to finish this. It was a pity he had to die, he would have made a good instructor. Ritsuko had spoken at length to point out, I must not offer him mercy. If he yielded… that was another matter altogether. He wasn’t going to yield; the look in his eyes told me that. I took the attack to him. Forcing him back down the length of the hall. Our blades clashing repeatedly as I advanced. He knew he was going to lose, that it was just a matter of time now, crazy bastard. All he did was smile at me. Not a sneer, just a knowing smile. I took his head as I passed him a few moments later. Then stepped clear as he fell. I cleaned my blade, then remembered to bow before joining Yuki, and the others. Hiro stood alone, surrounded by his dead, the outer doors to the room sealed shut behind him.

**********

“Lord Kanagawa, you have sought the life, of a guest in my house.” He looked up at Yuki’s condemnation of his actions. “I trust sunrise will be met with your formal apology.” I had to give the man his due, he accepted his fate without protest. He faltered only once as the inner doors opened, so he could be escorted from the hall. Kamisha stood there waiting. Staring at him her disgust, anger at what he had attempted, done, clear in her eyes. She walked past him to join us, never once looking back.
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 01:24

That is as they say "All she wrote".

No Sabine's story is not finished.

Just paused whilst I flesh out the details of where she goes next.

I'll Give you a hint. "Phantoms".

Time line now is "From Nothing" a month ahead. Hey this has always been a back story.

Still no reason not to let a certain "Pirate Prince" be worried.

I will not attempt to change what has been written. I'm just going to tweak it a bit.

**********


Edited due to a change in direction.
Last edited by Sabrina Bergin on Sat, 9. Jan 16, 09:31, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Sabrina Bergin » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 16:42

Seppuku:


Hiro was not afraid of this, nor was he angered by Yukiro’s besting of him. It showed only that he had trained her well. She would be a worthy successor.
He glanced to where they waited to bear witness, feeling a momentary surge of anger that the Gaijin was amongst them. Then a sense of desolation as Kami’s eyes met his.

He would not falter, for good or ill, he was a lord of the Kanegawa, already his works reached out to shape the future of his people. In time they might recognise that. As the sun touched the trees he sank the blade into his soft flesh. His second did not hesitate.

***********

Okay that was weird, I mean I got the significance. What it meant to the people around me when Hiro killed himself. I just didn’t get it. That’s when Kamishi pulled me aside and gave me a list. She didn’t have to elaborate. Bitch even had a flitter waiting for me. That’s when I started to wonder who really ruled here. I glanced at Ritsuko and felt her eyes lock onto mine.

She knew.

**********

Just a taste. Hope you like it.
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Post by Triaxx2 » Mon, 4. Jan 16, 22:20

Interesting.
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