Kendrick looked around his new home and smiled. The warehouse in the Dockside district of RhyDin was definitely less lavish than his old home on Rigel but his equipment had already been delivered and his modifications to the security system were up and running. Several of his companies back on Rigel had 'donated' the equipment over the last year counting the losses as theft or shipping damage. He had done all of the operational checks a second time to ensure everything was up and running to his specifications. All together he had to admit that the lab was superior even to the ones he had access to on Rigel. He locked down the shutters sealing the building and activated the defense system. He'd stay here for tonight. Spending any length of time in one place wouldn't be smart, at least until he was sure that his arrival had been unremarked by certain parties.
He'd make the rounds tomorrow. He'd need a new look though. He walked over to the spartan living area in the back corner of the warehouse and stared into the mirror. His face smoothed as the muscles and bones shifted and soon a featureless mask stared back at him. Mr. Silent wouldn't do. He concentrated and his nose grew, and his head swelled slightly. His bones through out his body compressed causing him to shrink several inches in height and he expanded his stomach giving himself a small gut. A name. Henry, he looked like a Henry. He smiled broadly, showing a missing front tooth, Henry Carter...I like it. He briefly wondered how much money the patent for his augmentations would have been worth...but then other people might know he could change his appearance at will and that wouldn't do at all. He quickly allowed his face to revert to it's normal form. Tommorow he'd start the new game. He wondered how long it would take the other players to realize it.
The New Game
Moderator: Azjah von Drachen Walde
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
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Guest
Kendrick, in the guise of Henry Carter, limped down the street. He had affected a cane for todays outings. He simply wanted to check out who he would be dealing with. He'd already applied for a job at Drachen Walde Industries as a janitor and spent several hours in the public library doing research. Barging in on potential business associates first thing in the morning would probably not be the best idea.
He walked in the front door of the MacPherson offices and stopped in front of the receptionist desk, "Personal message for the gov'nor Siewelt if you please missy," he croaked. The secretary looked him up and down with a disgusted air, but he charged on with the act. "Me boss told me to give it only to his own exalted self so if you could fit me in I'd be apprecatin' in mighty."
((Cross Posted to MacPherson R&D))
He walked in the front door of the MacPherson offices and stopped in front of the receptionist desk, "Personal message for the gov'nor Siewelt if you please missy," he croaked. The secretary looked him up and down with a disgusted air, but he charged on with the act. "Me boss told me to give it only to his own exalted self so if you could fit me in I'd be apprecatin' in mighty."
((Cross Posted to MacPherson R&D))
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
Kendrick stood up from his desk and stretched his back slowly. His research with the viruses that Herr Siewelt had provided him was going well. He had increased the contagion rate to almost ninety-five percent far exceeding the goals that had been agreed on for the new bioweapons. He had also included a trigger that could allow it to remain dormant for an indefinite period of time. His new investors would be pleased.
His research into the elusive bodyguards Azjah had picked up somewhere in her travels was less successful. He had been forced to avoid direct enquiries but he had come up with a single word that disturbed him more than anything else, Vampire. The research he had done had proven to further cloud the issue as it seemed few people had survived any intense study of the subject so what little information was readily available was so clouded in myth and superstition as to be practicaly useless in devising defenses. Despite the greater challenges this new world presented he knew that no one would pursue him as vehemently as Azjah would.
It startled him for a moment that he thought of her now without the title. perhaps it was an indication of home much he had changed in the last few months.
An alarm sounded on his computer. It was time to prepare to go to work. He'd been a janitor at DWI for almost a month now, or more correctly Mr Carter had been, and he had done a fair amount of snooping into the business records of the company. He was impressed at the operation and had filed away quite a bit of usefull information, some of which he had sold, under various identities, to Herr Siewelt as that august personage prepared his own personal war with the the lady. Kendrick thought watching her fight him off from the position of an objective observer would be quite entertaining to say the least.
He walked slowly over to the mirror and observed the changes as his body quickly molded itself into Henry's now familiar form. He thought briefly about the quiet hints he'd received about someone snooping into some of his old business and less legal projects. He'd have to track down the investigator soon, if only to provide a face to the nagging worry it caused.
As he walked out the door he realized something, he was looking forward to work. He enjoyed working as a janitor and life on the run fulfilled his desire for excitement as the subtle intrigues of the court never had. He hadn't had this much fun in years. Maybe a gift basket for the one who made it all possible. Kendrick whistled as he set off for work.
His research into the elusive bodyguards Azjah had picked up somewhere in her travels was less successful. He had been forced to avoid direct enquiries but he had come up with a single word that disturbed him more than anything else, Vampire. The research he had done had proven to further cloud the issue as it seemed few people had survived any intense study of the subject so what little information was readily available was so clouded in myth and superstition as to be practicaly useless in devising defenses. Despite the greater challenges this new world presented he knew that no one would pursue him as vehemently as Azjah would.
It startled him for a moment that he thought of her now without the title. perhaps it was an indication of home much he had changed in the last few months.
An alarm sounded on his computer. It was time to prepare to go to work. He'd been a janitor at DWI for almost a month now, or more correctly Mr Carter had been, and he had done a fair amount of snooping into the business records of the company. He was impressed at the operation and had filed away quite a bit of usefull information, some of which he had sold, under various identities, to Herr Siewelt as that august personage prepared his own personal war with the the lady. Kendrick thought watching her fight him off from the position of an objective observer would be quite entertaining to say the least.
He walked slowly over to the mirror and observed the changes as his body quickly molded itself into Henry's now familiar form. He thought briefly about the quiet hints he'd received about someone snooping into some of his old business and less legal projects. He'd have to track down the investigator soon, if only to provide a face to the nagging worry it caused.
As he walked out the door he realized something, he was looking forward to work. He enjoyed working as a janitor and life on the run fulfilled his desire for excitement as the subtle intrigues of the court never had. He hadn't had this much fun in years. Maybe a gift basket for the one who made it all possible. Kendrick whistled as he set off for work.
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
The visit with Anne and his massively successful presentation to the board at MacPherson's had put Kendrick in an excellent mood. Henry Carter had quit his job at DWI today, and was going to join the merchant marines. At least that's what he had told his supervisor. Perhaps a new direction.
Kendrick sat down and began to take samples from the roses that he had purchased on his way to the safehouse. Once he had got them all into the analyzer he sat back and watched as the computer began to compile the information. Maybe not a florist, but he'd never taken a crack at art before. Something beautiful perhaps. He bent over his keyboard and began to modify the samples on the genetic level. He was so involved in his work that he almost missed the alarm.
He hit the command key and his analysis was replaced by the camera feeds from his now abandoned warehouse. The motion detectors had gone off but that was not unusual, what was strange is that the thermals were acting up too. He quickly switched to the thermal imager and saw two distinct cold patches moving through the hallway he had built. They had already bypassed the explosive floor plates, the acid spray, and the poisoned darts (he'd added those mainly because he just wanted to say he had poison darts as one of his traps). Suddenly the flamethrowers activated filling the hallway with flame. The thermal imager whited out for a moment but as it recovered he noticed that the two shapes were seemingly unharmed.
"What DOES hurt you blasted things?" Kendrick mumbled to himself, "Maybe I need to add a vacuum cleaner to my defense measures."
He watched carefully as they moved into the center of the warehouse and after hovering for a few minutes coalesced into two figures that matched the descriptions he'd been able to scratch together.
"And a big hand from our studio audience for the gruesome twosome of Bloodsuckersville...Lucy and Gabe." Kendrick narrated as they started down at the small holo-projector that he had left. They examined the sticky note on it's side. Kendrick couldn't read it on the monitors but he knew what it said since he's the one who had left it. In big red letters, 'To: Azjah's Vamps'. He'd figured anyone else that tried to enter the premises without his permission would have been catfood before reaching this point. He was right too.
"That's right, turn it on boys." Kendrick said exasperated after they had simply stood there looking at it for awhile. As if in response to his command, Lucien reached down and pressed the play button on the projector.
Kendrick smiled and watched as a tiny hologram of him appeared over the projector and began to speak, "Hello, and welcome to my humble abode. I'm not here right now but if you'll leave your name and your number I'll try to remember where I hid the bombs...have a nice day."
A moment later all of his video feeds went to static and he could hear a loud explosion echo over the city. The explosives were designed to bring down the building with minimal damage to the surrounding area. The resulting fire should be able to be extinguished quickly, he'd read that the fire department had gotten a lot of practice recently. He switched back to his analysis with a contented smile. He had no illusions that his two bloodhounds had been harmed but he at least hoped they'd gotten a bit singed. Perhaps a get well soon note? Kendrick hummed quietly to himself as he continued his work with the rose.
Inspiration comes from the most unlikely of places.
Kendrick sat down and began to take samples from the roses that he had purchased on his way to the safehouse. Once he had got them all into the analyzer he sat back and watched as the computer began to compile the information. Maybe not a florist, but he'd never taken a crack at art before. Something beautiful perhaps. He bent over his keyboard and began to modify the samples on the genetic level. He was so involved in his work that he almost missed the alarm.
He hit the command key and his analysis was replaced by the camera feeds from his now abandoned warehouse. The motion detectors had gone off but that was not unusual, what was strange is that the thermals were acting up too. He quickly switched to the thermal imager and saw two distinct cold patches moving through the hallway he had built. They had already bypassed the explosive floor plates, the acid spray, and the poisoned darts (he'd added those mainly because he just wanted to say he had poison darts as one of his traps). Suddenly the flamethrowers activated filling the hallway with flame. The thermal imager whited out for a moment but as it recovered he noticed that the two shapes were seemingly unharmed.
"What DOES hurt you blasted things?" Kendrick mumbled to himself, "Maybe I need to add a vacuum cleaner to my defense measures."
He watched carefully as they moved into the center of the warehouse and after hovering for a few minutes coalesced into two figures that matched the descriptions he'd been able to scratch together.
"And a big hand from our studio audience for the gruesome twosome of Bloodsuckersville...Lucy and Gabe." Kendrick narrated as they started down at the small holo-projector that he had left. They examined the sticky note on it's side. Kendrick couldn't read it on the monitors but he knew what it said since he's the one who had left it. In big red letters, 'To: Azjah's Vamps'. He'd figured anyone else that tried to enter the premises without his permission would have been catfood before reaching this point. He was right too.
"That's right, turn it on boys." Kendrick said exasperated after they had simply stood there looking at it for awhile. As if in response to his command, Lucien reached down and pressed the play button on the projector.
Kendrick smiled and watched as a tiny hologram of him appeared over the projector and began to speak, "Hello, and welcome to my humble abode. I'm not here right now but if you'll leave your name and your number I'll try to remember where I hid the bombs...have a nice day."
A moment later all of his video feeds went to static and he could hear a loud explosion echo over the city. The explosives were designed to bring down the building with minimal damage to the surrounding area. The resulting fire should be able to be extinguished quickly, he'd read that the fire department had gotten a lot of practice recently. He switched back to his analysis with a contented smile. He had no illusions that his two bloodhounds had been harmed but he at least hoped they'd gotten a bit singed. Perhaps a get well soon note? Kendrick hummed quietly to himself as he continued his work with the rose.
Inspiration comes from the most unlikely of places.
Busy Afternoon
The street was deserted, but I could feel Lucien in the darkness. No street lights penetrated this section of the neighborhood, which consisted of mostly warehouses, run down storage structures, and abandoned buildings.
Lucien faded into view as I paused to study the warehouse that reeked of Tuebingen. The man had not come back. The scent was fading, but lingered still. As one, we dissolved into mist, since this would be the most expeditious way to enter the building, as well as the form least likely to attract attention.
A transition to mist and a slide through cracks in the building’s windows and around the doors allowed us inside, and instantly we knew he’d been here, but clearly he was gone now. The building was mostly empty. Devoid of anything that might have tied us to the man: with the exception of the security system. It still functioned.
There was high level technology at work here, and the flash of flame shooting toward us confirmed my suspicion that there were motion detectors as well as the explosives in the floor.
Lucien and I streamed through the flames, and found ourselves in a room at the end of the long hallway. No further triggers seemed apparent, and by silent consent, we both solidified.
There in the center of an otherwise empty room was a small holographic projector with a note attached. There was no one else within the warehouse, just the two of us, and this note was intended for us.
Lucien initiated the play sequence as Tuebingen’s image appeared. At the comment about the bombs, Lucien and I both transformed into mist, streaming for the skylight as the warehouse erupted into a fireball and flying debris. We shot into the night sky as the building collapsed in burning rubble, doing surprisingly little damage to the structures around it.
We shifted into winged phantoms in the night as the fire fighters rushed toward the scene. The RhyDin bluffs offered a secure place to land and talk. “He is here, but one step ahead of us.”
We spent several hours planning our next steps before returning to the Palazzo.
Morning dawned, and another delivery vehicle pulled into the Palazzo driveway. Dyson dutifully answered the bell, amazed to find a man standing there with a note and a boxed confection. Only this one was not for the Marchioness, this one was for the twins.
Dyson signed again for the delivery and tipped the boy before closing the doors. He’d long since gotten over finding one or the other of the twins standing behind him at the most opportune times, so he simply handed the box to Lucien.
There was no scent of poison or explosives on the package, so he took it down into the basement suite for study.
Gabriel stepped out of his rooms as Lucien set it upon a low table. There was no card and inside the box was an ice cream cake, with an icing mock bomb on it. The inscription read: “Get Better Soon".
Gabriel loosed a string of ancient Romanian curses. “He knew we were there. He knew we would come, and now he thinks to taunt us. The double entendre is clear.”
Lucien was silent as he regarded the melting ice cream. “Perhaps it is time to stop confiding in anyone other than ourselves. He grows much too bold.”
The afternoon would be filled with work this day.
Lucien faded into view as I paused to study the warehouse that reeked of Tuebingen. The man had not come back. The scent was fading, but lingered still. As one, we dissolved into mist, since this would be the most expeditious way to enter the building, as well as the form least likely to attract attention.
A transition to mist and a slide through cracks in the building’s windows and around the doors allowed us inside, and instantly we knew he’d been here, but clearly he was gone now. The building was mostly empty. Devoid of anything that might have tied us to the man: with the exception of the security system. It still functioned.
There was high level technology at work here, and the flash of flame shooting toward us confirmed my suspicion that there were motion detectors as well as the explosives in the floor.
Lucien and I streamed through the flames, and found ourselves in a room at the end of the long hallway. No further triggers seemed apparent, and by silent consent, we both solidified.
There in the center of an otherwise empty room was a small holographic projector with a note attached. There was no one else within the warehouse, just the two of us, and this note was intended for us.
Lucien initiated the play sequence as Tuebingen’s image appeared. At the comment about the bombs, Lucien and I both transformed into mist, streaming for the skylight as the warehouse erupted into a fireball and flying debris. We shot into the night sky as the building collapsed in burning rubble, doing surprisingly little damage to the structures around it.
We shifted into winged phantoms in the night as the fire fighters rushed toward the scene. The RhyDin bluffs offered a secure place to land and talk. “He is here, but one step ahead of us.”
We spent several hours planning our next steps before returning to the Palazzo.
Morning dawned, and another delivery vehicle pulled into the Palazzo driveway. Dyson dutifully answered the bell, amazed to find a man standing there with a note and a boxed confection. Only this one was not for the Marchioness, this one was for the twins.
Dyson signed again for the delivery and tipped the boy before closing the doors. He’d long since gotten over finding one or the other of the twins standing behind him at the most opportune times, so he simply handed the box to Lucien.
There was no scent of poison or explosives on the package, so he took it down into the basement suite for study.
Gabriel stepped out of his rooms as Lucien set it upon a low table. There was no card and inside the box was an ice cream cake, with an icing mock bomb on it. The inscription read: “Get Better Soon".
Gabriel loosed a string of ancient Romanian curses. “He knew we were there. He knew we would come, and now he thinks to taunt us. The double entendre is clear.”
Lucien was silent as he regarded the melting ice cream. “Perhaps it is time to stop confiding in anyone other than ourselves. He grows much too bold.”
The afternoon would be filled with work this day.
Gabriel Datrazanov
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
It was time for the end game. The final phase of his project was almost complete. He'd watched the trial unfold and had little doubt about the outcome now, Anne would be found guilty. He had prepared for this but now he wondered if it would be enough. Then he remembered why he was there on Rhydin. All this because of a little boy.
He walked down the hallway of his estate. The Ball would be beginning soon and Anne was still finishing her preparations. So many things he wished could have been different, so many mistakes.
He paused at the bedroom he had set aside for her children. His leverage. Without knowing why, he stepped past the guards and openned the door. The children were playing but stopped when he entered. The boy whispered something to his sister and she went back to her dolls but the boy walked up to him with a very serious look on his face. Kendrick fought down a smile.
"You're not a nice man are you?" The boy asked with the bluntness that only a child can achieve.
Kendrick did smile now, "No, I guess I'm not."
"Are you going to kill mommy?"
The smile slipped, "No I am not. I simply need her help with something and then you will all be going home."
The boy stared at him as if deciding if he was telling the truth, "Then will you keep her safe? She's scared. She doesn't want us to know it but she is."
Kendrick regarded the boy carefully and then slowly lowered himself down to one knee, "On my word, I will not allow her to take harm if I have the means to prevent it. My honor stands forfeit if I do."
The boy slowly nodded as if he had expected nothing less and then suddenly smiled, "You want to play with us."
Kendrick returned the smile but shook his head, "I'm sorry little sir, but I have to be going now."
Kendrick rose and turned for the door. The boys voice stopped him just before he stepped through though, "You know mister, you could be a nice man if you wanted to."
Kendrick glanced back over his shoulder, "No, I don't think I could. Not in this lifetime."
The night had ended in murder and less than two days later he had found himself hated and hunted by everyone he had ever known. He stared at his computer screen for a moment weighing his options and then finally hit the send button. The message would travel through the normal channels and very soon Caleb Feren would recieve a request for a meeting.
Mr. Feren,
I would request that we meet to discuss the future safety of your fiancé. I will be in the park where she likes to walk at noon.
K. A.
Now he would simply have to hope that Mr Feren could control his base impulses long enough to see reason. If not, Kendrick would not see sunset. Sometimes winning required the big risks, and after all he had a promise to keep.
He walked down the hallway of his estate. The Ball would be beginning soon and Anne was still finishing her preparations. So many things he wished could have been different, so many mistakes.
He paused at the bedroom he had set aside for her children. His leverage. Without knowing why, he stepped past the guards and openned the door. The children were playing but stopped when he entered. The boy whispered something to his sister and she went back to her dolls but the boy walked up to him with a very serious look on his face. Kendrick fought down a smile.
"You're not a nice man are you?" The boy asked with the bluntness that only a child can achieve.
Kendrick did smile now, "No, I guess I'm not."
"Are you going to kill mommy?"
The smile slipped, "No I am not. I simply need her help with something and then you will all be going home."
The boy stared at him as if deciding if he was telling the truth, "Then will you keep her safe? She's scared. She doesn't want us to know it but she is."
Kendrick regarded the boy carefully and then slowly lowered himself down to one knee, "On my word, I will not allow her to take harm if I have the means to prevent it. My honor stands forfeit if I do."
The boy slowly nodded as if he had expected nothing less and then suddenly smiled, "You want to play with us."
Kendrick returned the smile but shook his head, "I'm sorry little sir, but I have to be going now."
Kendrick rose and turned for the door. The boys voice stopped him just before he stepped through though, "You know mister, you could be a nice man if you wanted to."
Kendrick glanced back over his shoulder, "No, I don't think I could. Not in this lifetime."
The night had ended in murder and less than two days later he had found himself hated and hunted by everyone he had ever known. He stared at his computer screen for a moment weighing his options and then finally hit the send button. The message would travel through the normal channels and very soon Caleb Feren would recieve a request for a meeting.
Mr. Feren,
I would request that we meet to discuss the future safety of your fiancé. I will be in the park where she likes to walk at noon.
K. A.
Now he would simply have to hope that Mr Feren could control his base impulses long enough to see reason. If not, Kendrick would not see sunset. Sometimes winning required the big risks, and after all he had a promise to keep.
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
A few minutes after noon found Caleb checking out the area around the park where Kendrick asked to meet. He could find no evidence of a trap but that simply increase his nervousness. He had no problem spotting Kendrick who for some reason was strolling apparently unconcernedly around the lake at the center of the park. Finally losing patience, Caleb stepped from behind one of the trees to where he could be spotted easily and leaned against it. Kendrick spotted him almost imediately and waved cheerily like they were old friends before continuing his relaxed circuit. Caleb's lip curled, but he showed little emotin beyond that. He watched as Kendrick came around the lake again and when he was on the close side of the lake he moved to meet him.
Kendrick greeted him with a smile, "Afternoon Mr Feren. I trust you and yours are well?"
Still expecting the worst he replied in a surly tone, "We are."
Kendrick nodded before continuing, "Unfortunately I am unsure as to whether this will continue to be the case and I would like to enlist your aid in remedying this."
Caleb's brow lifted, "My services are...postponed."
Kendrick continued, "The trial is not going well. If it goes badly in the end, your fiancé would be in danger of her life."
Caleb's voice was cold, "As will many others."
Kendrick looked at him for a moment before continuing, "I would like to prevent this. I can get her to safety, along with you and her children, but I will need help in securing her release."
It was Caleb's turn to study the other man. There was little enough need to tell him that there would be issues with the children, "What 'help' is it you wish, Kendrick?"
"I don't have time to set up many of the contacts I would need to infiltrate the security forces that will be holding her. My actions on Rigel we're long in the preparation and we have little time. I need your ability to slip past security and your...how to put this," Kendrick paused and then smiled slowly, "selective morality when it comes to the sanctity of human life."
"I see. There are certain...restrictions, which I now have."
Kendrick's right eyebrow raised sharply, "Such as?"
"My selective morality when it comes to the sanctity of life. It was a vow I made, along with others, to Anne."
"I see." Kendrick said slowly. The news that Anne and he were married was not unforseen but it was not pleasant in the least, "I take it congratulations are in order?" He asked, hoping to confirm what had just been insinuated.
"For who?"
"The happy couple, assumedly you."
"When certain matters...are settled, perhaps then."
Kendrick sighed inwardly, Know Your Duty. Hold Your Honor. The words echoed in his mind strengthing his resolve, "Understood. I'll hold off on the wedding gift then." A new thought flashed into his mind, "Any objections to rescinding a persons rights to consciousness temporarily?" He asked with a grin.
"None."
"Then I think your friend Azjah may be helping us out. May I assume that you are willing to accept my aid in this regard?"
Caleb chuckled darkly, "It is something which Anne will not expect. That, perhaps, is why I was willing to come here."
Kendrick gave him a hard look, "There is no need to inform her of it."
Caleb laughed darkly in response, "Not yet at least. I cannot let her think that I am predictable, after all."
Kendrick didn't like his uncomfortable ally's cavalier attitude. He didn't care much if the assassin lived or died but Anne and the children must be safe, his duty and honor required it...and something else as well. "If this works I will no longer be a threat to anyone, she should be unaware of my part in it." Kendrick said suddenly.
"There is always a threat. You forget who you speak to, Kendrick." Caleb said in a quiet voice.
Kendrick grinned at the implied threat. This plebian would live because Anne willed it but the assassin had not yet shown himself to be half the threat he thought himself to be. "Not in the slightest Mr Feren. I know exactly who you are, and why you have certain restrictions right now. Love is a wonderful prison is it not. She loves you as well and whether you accept it or not that is one of the reasons you made it off of Rigel alive." He thought briefly of how easy it would have been to simply kill the arrogant fool when Kendrick had freed him from Mr Silent. Duty and honor again, someday he knew they would be the cause of his death as they had already been the cause of so much pain. He shrugged inwardly, without them however he would be nothing but a rabid dog. Even this one knew something of the ideas even if he barely paid them lipservice. "I am no threat to you or yours, and as long as she loves you I never will be. I will contact you when the time approaches."
Kendrick turned abruptly and walked calmly towards the entrance to the park. Caleb watched him leave with a smile. There is a big difference in not being a threat to them, and not being a threat to anyone, Caleb thought to himself.
Kendrick greeted him with a smile, "Afternoon Mr Feren. I trust you and yours are well?"
Still expecting the worst he replied in a surly tone, "We are."
Kendrick nodded before continuing, "Unfortunately I am unsure as to whether this will continue to be the case and I would like to enlist your aid in remedying this."
Caleb's brow lifted, "My services are...postponed."
Kendrick continued, "The trial is not going well. If it goes badly in the end, your fiancé would be in danger of her life."
Caleb's voice was cold, "As will many others."
Kendrick looked at him for a moment before continuing, "I would like to prevent this. I can get her to safety, along with you and her children, but I will need help in securing her release."
It was Caleb's turn to study the other man. There was little enough need to tell him that there would be issues with the children, "What 'help' is it you wish, Kendrick?"
"I don't have time to set up many of the contacts I would need to infiltrate the security forces that will be holding her. My actions on Rigel we're long in the preparation and we have little time. I need your ability to slip past security and your...how to put this," Kendrick paused and then smiled slowly, "selective morality when it comes to the sanctity of human life."
"I see. There are certain...restrictions, which I now have."
Kendrick's right eyebrow raised sharply, "Such as?"
"My selective morality when it comes to the sanctity of life. It was a vow I made, along with others, to Anne."
"I see." Kendrick said slowly. The news that Anne and he were married was not unforseen but it was not pleasant in the least, "I take it congratulations are in order?" He asked, hoping to confirm what had just been insinuated.
"For who?"
"The happy couple, assumedly you."
"When certain matters...are settled, perhaps then."
Kendrick sighed inwardly, Know Your Duty. Hold Your Honor. The words echoed in his mind strengthing his resolve, "Understood. I'll hold off on the wedding gift then." A new thought flashed into his mind, "Any objections to rescinding a persons rights to consciousness temporarily?" He asked with a grin.
"None."
"Then I think your friend Azjah may be helping us out. May I assume that you are willing to accept my aid in this regard?"
Caleb chuckled darkly, "It is something which Anne will not expect. That, perhaps, is why I was willing to come here."
Kendrick gave him a hard look, "There is no need to inform her of it."
Caleb laughed darkly in response, "Not yet at least. I cannot let her think that I am predictable, after all."
Kendrick didn't like his uncomfortable ally's cavalier attitude. He didn't care much if the assassin lived or died but Anne and the children must be safe, his duty and honor required it...and something else as well. "If this works I will no longer be a threat to anyone, she should be unaware of my part in it." Kendrick said suddenly.
"There is always a threat. You forget who you speak to, Kendrick." Caleb said in a quiet voice.
Kendrick grinned at the implied threat. This plebian would live because Anne willed it but the assassin had not yet shown himself to be half the threat he thought himself to be. "Not in the slightest Mr Feren. I know exactly who you are, and why you have certain restrictions right now. Love is a wonderful prison is it not. She loves you as well and whether you accept it or not that is one of the reasons you made it off of Rigel alive." He thought briefly of how easy it would have been to simply kill the arrogant fool when Kendrick had freed him from Mr Silent. Duty and honor again, someday he knew they would be the cause of his death as they had already been the cause of so much pain. He shrugged inwardly, without them however he would be nothing but a rabid dog. Even this one knew something of the ideas even if he barely paid them lipservice. "I am no threat to you or yours, and as long as she loves you I never will be. I will contact you when the time approaches."
Kendrick turned abruptly and walked calmly towards the entrance to the park. Caleb watched him leave with a smile. There is a big difference in not being a threat to them, and not being a threat to anyone, Caleb thought to himself.
I sat on the couch with Christopher and Katharine. Caleb was out for some reason, he was very secretive and wouldn’t tell me anything except ‘he was going for a walk’. The trial had just gone downhill, and they had found out about a couple more crimes that I had committed. The duration of this torture had extended even further so they could accommodate all of the evidence against me. I spent all my recreational time with the kids and Caleb. I new my life was limited and no one would fool me into believing otherwise.
Caleb and I had been wed as planned and sometimes I wonder what I was thinking. When I had eventually said yes during the ‘ceremony’ I couldn’t help wondering what sort of fate I had sealed. It had been a month since Rhaine had started to heal my eyes. I only take the cloth off during the evenings so my eyes can adjust. It’s very bright and I still have troubles seeing colors clearly.
Vincent is still pressing to take my children. I don’t understand why a man that used to call me friend would try to do this. I love my kids and I do the best I can for them. But I’ve heard other people talking, about how he’d provide a better home for them. Sometimes I can’t help but think he’s right. They would have a stable home wouldn’t they? And he’s had good morals up till now…but I can’t bear to let them go.
Time will tell what happens, but it’s quickly running short. In two days the final day of trial will be held. I can all ready feel my soul being claimed by Davy Jones.
Caleb and I had been wed as planned and sometimes I wonder what I was thinking. When I had eventually said yes during the ‘ceremony’ I couldn’t help wondering what sort of fate I had sealed. It had been a month since Rhaine had started to heal my eyes. I only take the cloth off during the evenings so my eyes can adjust. It’s very bright and I still have troubles seeing colors clearly.
Vincent is still pressing to take my children. I don’t understand why a man that used to call me friend would try to do this. I love my kids and I do the best I can for them. But I’ve heard other people talking, about how he’d provide a better home for them. Sometimes I can’t help but think he’s right. They would have a stable home wouldn’t they? And he’s had good morals up till now…but I can’t bear to let them go.
Time will tell what happens, but it’s quickly running short. In two days the final day of trial will be held. I can all ready feel my soul being claimed by Davy Jones.
Anne Ellis Feren
Hunted
The trail of Kendrick Albrecht has grown quite cool, but the man is still lurking in RhyDin. I have found places he has been, and some of those places are only recently discarded. He knows how to keep moving, and that is the thing that keeps him alive for the moment.
My return to RhyDin was remarked by the vampiress, and her interest in the man remains. She has a certain respect for what this human can do in terms of chemistry, but she's agreed not to interfere with my plans for the former Earl. In fact, she's going to consider it a test for him. If he's not able to evade me, then he's not the man she wants for her next project.
Fair enough, but the former Earl will not get away. Not now that I have a fresh lead on him.
My return to RhyDin was remarked by the vampiress, and her interest in the man remains. She has a certain respect for what this human can do in terms of chemistry, but she's agreed not to interfere with my plans for the former Earl. In fact, she's going to consider it a test for him. If he's not able to evade me, then he's not the man she wants for her next project.
Fair enough, but the former Earl will not get away. Not now that I have a fresh lead on him.
Gabriel Datrazanov
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
All of Kendrick's preparations were complete. His affairs were in order. He felt like he was preparing for his own funeral, and if things went wrong over the next few days it probably would come to that. The last part was ready but he hesitated for a moment. He could still turn away and disappear if he wanted to. Actually he couldn't, but it was nice to think about doing so even if it wasn't something he could bring himself to do.
He transmitted the last of his messages and stood slowly. Caleb would have all of the plans for Anne's flight from justice and even the access codes to Kendrick's own ship. His distractions were in place and it was time to go home.
Half an hour later he was sitting in the parlor of the Palazzo Drachen Walde awaiting the return of the mistress of the house. He wondered again how someone as careful as Azjah would fail to find the trojan horse he'd uploaded to her house security system back when he worked at DWI. Oh well, it had allowed him this little surprise. Besides, the look on Azjah's face would be priceless. Perhaps the bow he had tied around his chest was a bit much, but what fun was going to the gaols if you couldn't do it with a smile on your face. It was time to go home.
He transmitted the last of his messages and stood slowly. Caleb would have all of the plans for Anne's flight from justice and even the access codes to Kendrick's own ship. His distractions were in place and it was time to go home.
Half an hour later he was sitting in the parlor of the Palazzo Drachen Walde awaiting the return of the mistress of the house. He wondered again how someone as careful as Azjah would fail to find the trojan horse he'd uploaded to her house security system back when he worked at DWI. Oh well, it had allowed him this little surprise. Besides, the look on Azjah's face would be priceless. Perhaps the bow he had tied around his chest was a bit much, but what fun was going to the gaols if you couldn't do it with a smile on your face. It was time to go home.
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
Four hours later, Kendrick was bored. He amused himself for a while by hacking into the house security systems and leaving little...'difficulties' for Azjah but even that got old after awhile. Finally he let out a deep sigh, wrote a short note for the lady of the house, and walked out the front door whistling.
My Dear Azjah,
I had stopped by to surrender myself to you and allow you to return me to Rigel to face the full fury of our beloved nation's legal system. Unfortunatly, my survival instincts once again asserted themselves and I have decided that such an act is not entirely in my best interest. As nothing remains to tie me to this sad strange world, I have decided to move on and see if there are other worlds out there that hold any fascination for me. Give my best to your husband and the little ones Anne left behind. I do not include Caleb in such a missive because I fear we understand each other far too well. Perhaps I too could have once been redeemed. Also do endeavor to keep Lucy and Gabe more fully engaged. I fear that they may have become somewhat long in the tooth, if you will forgive the shameless pun, and may not be up to protecting you. After all they never could quite catch me, even when I visited your own home. I wish you luck in your endeavors. I would hate to find you no longer a worthy rival should I choose to pass this way again...imagine that, a woman as a worthy rival. Well I guess you are the exception the proves the rule and all that.
Forever yours,
K.A.
He left the bow on the note and a little less than half an hour later his starship was lifting off and he was headed out into space. As the ship kicked in its FTL drive he suddenly realized that this must be what it feels like to be free.
My Dear Azjah,
I had stopped by to surrender myself to you and allow you to return me to Rigel to face the full fury of our beloved nation's legal system. Unfortunatly, my survival instincts once again asserted themselves and I have decided that such an act is not entirely in my best interest. As nothing remains to tie me to this sad strange world, I have decided to move on and see if there are other worlds out there that hold any fascination for me. Give my best to your husband and the little ones Anne left behind. I do not include Caleb in such a missive because I fear we understand each other far too well. Perhaps I too could have once been redeemed. Also do endeavor to keep Lucy and Gabe more fully engaged. I fear that they may have become somewhat long in the tooth, if you will forgive the shameless pun, and may not be up to protecting you. After all they never could quite catch me, even when I visited your own home. I wish you luck in your endeavors. I would hate to find you no longer a worthy rival should I choose to pass this way again...imagine that, a woman as a worthy rival. Well I guess you are the exception the proves the rule and all that.
Forever yours,
K.A.
He left the bow on the note and a little less than half an hour later his starship was lifting off and he was headed out into space. As the ship kicked in its FTL drive he suddenly realized that this must be what it feels like to be free.
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Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
Technical Difficulties
Klinton and I had arrived home to chaos in the Palazzo.
The security system seemed to have developed a mind of it's own, and the glitches were driving Eoin and Lucien to vociferous distraction. Gabriel was steering clear of the duo and came toward us as we walked in the door.
"Marquess, I word if I might," was all Gabriel would say.
He wanted to talk to Klinton without me, and I left the two of them to go see what had Eoin and Lucien nearly at blows.
The alarm system had some very interesting glitches that had not been there prior to today, and as I looked toward Gabriel and Klinton, I knew they were tied to whatever Gabriel had told him.
I made my way back toward Klinton and Gabriel.
"Alright you two, just what has the whole house in an uproar?"
The security system seemed to have developed a mind of it's own, and the glitches were driving Eoin and Lucien to vociferous distraction. Gabriel was steering clear of the duo and came toward us as we walked in the door.
"Marquess, I word if I might," was all Gabriel would say.
He wanted to talk to Klinton without me, and I left the two of them to go see what had Eoin and Lucien nearly at blows.
The alarm system had some very interesting glitches that had not been there prior to today, and as I looked toward Gabriel and Klinton, I knew they were tied to whatever Gabriel had told him.
I made my way back toward Klinton and Gabriel.
"Alright you two, just what has the whole house in an uproar?"
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
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Kendrick Albrecht
- Adventurer
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 9:36 pm
- Location: RhyDin
...ALL FUNCTIONS AT 100%...
...LOCATE PRIMARY...
...AZJAH KAER NOT CURRENTLY IN RESIDENCE...SEARCHING EXTERNAL NODES FOR PRIMARY...PRIMARY LOCATED...
...CONTACTING PRIMARY...
...DIALING...MESSAGE SERVICE REACHED...
GOOD EVENING MISS AZJAH. MY NAME IS KENDRICK 2.0 AND I HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO INFORM YOU THAT MY INSTALLATION INTO YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESS MAINFRAMES IS COMPLETE. I AWAIT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS AND AM HAPPY TO SERVE. LOGGING OUT.
...AWAITING FURTHER CONTACT...
...LOCATE PRIMARY...
...AZJAH KAER NOT CURRENTLY IN RESIDENCE...SEARCHING EXTERNAL NODES FOR PRIMARY...PRIMARY LOCATED...
...CONTACTING PRIMARY...
...DIALING...MESSAGE SERVICE REACHED...
GOOD EVENING MISS AZJAH. MY NAME IS KENDRICK 2.0 AND I HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO INFORM YOU THAT MY INSTALLATION INTO YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESS MAINFRAMES IS COMPLETE. I AWAIT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS AND AM HAPPY TO SERVE. LOGGING OUT.
...AWAITING FURTHER CONTACT...
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Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
Silent Hours before dawn
It was late. We'd returned from Twilight Isle, but Berrin's words kept needling me.
I couldn't sleep, and so I left my rooms to sit at my desk. There was something constructive I could do, and Vitus' order needed to be delivered.
The computer powered up, but instead of the usual greeting, a visage of bad dreams spoke to me...
GOOD EVENING MISS AZJAH. MY NAME IS KENDRICK 2.0 AND I HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO INFORM YOU THAT MY INSTALLATION INTO YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESS MAINFRAMES IS COMPLETE. I AWAIT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS AND AM HAPPY TO SERVE. LOGGING OUT.
I sat for a moment, utterly frozen in place.
Installation into my household and business systems???
How? How did that slimey murderer manage this???
I summoned Lucien, he was my systems expert. We would have to get this removed immediately!
I couldn't sleep, and so I left my rooms to sit at my desk. There was something constructive I could do, and Vitus' order needed to be delivered.
The computer powered up, but instead of the usual greeting, a visage of bad dreams spoke to me...
GOOD EVENING MISS AZJAH. MY NAME IS KENDRICK 2.0 AND I HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO INFORM YOU THAT MY INSTALLATION INTO YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESS MAINFRAMES IS COMPLETE. I AWAIT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS AND AM HAPPY TO SERVE. LOGGING OUT.
I sat for a moment, utterly frozen in place.
Installation into my household and business systems???
How? How did that slimey murderer manage this???
I summoned Lucien, he was my systems expert. We would have to get this removed immediately!
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
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