Please note that the following thread represents a combination of common worldly beliefs, Dante's Inferno and imagination. This combination is being used as most people are familiar with the ideas. The author may or may not agree with this presentation of the after-life given in these posts.
This thread is also meant to be non-offensive and non-threatening to others individual beliefs. Yet miscommunication and misinterpretation can occur. Therefore if you are not willing to objectively read the ideas set forth do not read the following thread.
To be reiterated once more, DO NOT assume that these are the authors personal beliefs. If you have any further questions please contact me via PM or e-mail.
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Whispers of a dark shadow. A restless spirit. Cursed and relentless.
The otherworldly beings spread rumors of one who refused to go to Malebolge, the eighth level of the hells. A rebel. Nothing special marked this spirit, except for their defiance. They would not suffer to be taken, and was brought to the wretched King Minos.
What will become of this supernatural being? Some say she will be forced to accept the hammer of judgment. Others say she has struck a deal with the King. Some say her soul will be banished to endless torment in the outer darkness.
Agreed amongst all, both blessed and cursed, is that this particular spirit will be forever unsatisfied.
Travels of the Dead
Moderator: Azjah von Drachen Walde
Travels of the Dead
Anne Ellis Feren
Minos tapped a long, sharp, claw. It was an imposing scene. King Minos sitting on his throne within the palace of Knoss. Intricately carved designs were painted behind him on the wall. Blood red was the dominant colour. Serpents slithered in and out of the walls, across the floors, entwining about the limbs of servants, slaves, and demons alike.
The minatours fiercome, narrowed eyes penetrated deeply into the spirit that stood before him. No one defyed him. He was second only to the head honcho himself. No, Minos would not relent.
"You will remain here, in Malebolge. As a barrater you will be ducked in boiling pitch by demons known as the Malebranche. Take it away."
The shimmering spirit watched as various demons approached eagerily. Slowly the faint image of a hand reached within what appeared to be the chest of the individual. From within came a glowing, bright blue key.
Demons, spirits, and the King himself withdrew in horror.
The minatours fiercome, narrowed eyes penetrated deeply into the spirit that stood before him. No one defyed him. He was second only to the head honcho himself. No, Minos would not relent.
"You will remain here, in Malebolge. As a barrater you will be ducked in boiling pitch by demons known as the Malebranche. Take it away."
The shimmering spirit watched as various demons approached eagerily. Slowly the faint image of a hand reached within what appeared to be the chest of the individual. From within came a glowing, bright blue key.
Demons, spirits, and the King himself withdrew in horror.
Anne Ellis Feren
Lucifer
The spirit smiled faintly and held the key tightly in her palm. King Minos quickly regained his composure and narrowed his eyes.
"A key to the pearly gates. And how does a sinner such as yourself gain such a token?"
"Simple. Peter met me on the way down here, and said that the last months of my life were filled with enough penance to warrant this key. I am deserving of neither heaven nor hell. You need a soul, I deserve a second chance. That's why I'm here, with this key."
Minos puzzled over this. Nothing was ever this complicated. Heaven, or Hell. Simple.
***
A bone-shattering, icy, burning wind swept through the palace. Suddenly, and unexpectedly a handsome man in his early thirities coasted in. A regal air surrounded him in his classy business suit. Swirling, colourful eyes of black and red pierced every spirit, demon, slave and servant. King Minos looked afeared.
"A bargain?" The being said, the voice seductive and yet stern.
The spirit eyed the man who had entered. "And you are...?"
As the man drew near his hand strayed over the spirits cheek. "Why, I am the Son of the Morning."
Quickly she tried to figure out who that was. Christ was the Son of the Morning was he not? What would Christ be doing down here?
"Not HIM," the man laughed mockingly. "I am Lucifer. Your new Master."
There was a slight pause before Satan spoke again. "A bargain is what you need. Fine, a bargain you shall have."
Oddly, the spirit in question felt like she was about to sell her soul to the devil.
"A key to the pearly gates. And how does a sinner such as yourself gain such a token?"
"Simple. Peter met me on the way down here, and said that the last months of my life were filled with enough penance to warrant this key. I am deserving of neither heaven nor hell. You need a soul, I deserve a second chance. That's why I'm here, with this key."
Minos puzzled over this. Nothing was ever this complicated. Heaven, or Hell. Simple.
***
A bone-shattering, icy, burning wind swept through the palace. Suddenly, and unexpectedly a handsome man in his early thirities coasted in. A regal air surrounded him in his classy business suit. Swirling, colourful eyes of black and red pierced every spirit, demon, slave and servant. King Minos looked afeared.
"A bargain?" The being said, the voice seductive and yet stern.
The spirit eyed the man who had entered. "And you are...?"
As the man drew near his hand strayed over the spirits cheek. "Why, I am the Son of the Morning."
Quickly she tried to figure out who that was. Christ was the Son of the Morning was he not? What would Christ be doing down here?
"Not HIM," the man laughed mockingly. "I am Lucifer. Your new Master."
There was a slight pause before Satan spoke again. "A bargain is what you need. Fine, a bargain you shall have."
Oddly, the spirit in question felt like she was about to sell her soul to the devil.
Anne Ellis Feren
"The deal works like this. You gain nine months of retribution. There are a few conditions you have to satisfy in order to gain a full pardon. First, be perfectly saintly. Two, you will have no body...besides those you possess of course. Third, you may see your family only three hours out of the twenty-four. And last...you must help a certain Kendrick Tuebingen fulfill all his life-wishes.
If you succeed you gain your heavenly pleasures. If you fail...well have fun in the torments of Outer Darkness. In short, your soul will be mine."
So, her soul would end up being the devils if she failed. It was a risk she'd have to take. At least to see Caleb, there were too many loose ends to tie. And as for Kendrick...well she just hoped his final wishes in life were easy enough.
"I accept."
Lucifer smiled handsomely. "I thought you might. Oh, but before you go, I believe you ought to have a tour on what you missed out on."
The Malebranche approached with a devilish hunger on their lips. One more soul would add to the hellish screams that night.
If you succeed you gain your heavenly pleasures. If you fail...well have fun in the torments of Outer Darkness. In short, your soul will be mine."
So, her soul would end up being the devils if she failed. It was a risk she'd have to take. At least to see Caleb, there were too many loose ends to tie. And as for Kendrick...well she just hoped his final wishes in life were easy enough.
"I accept."
Lucifer smiled handsomely. "I thought you might. Oh, but before you go, I believe you ought to have a tour on what you missed out on."
The Malebranche approached with a devilish hunger on their lips. One more soul would add to the hellish screams that night.
Anne Ellis Feren
Anne's spirit figure drifted around RhyDin. How much time had passed? How old were her kids now? Was Azjah all right? What about Caleb?
The misty figure drifted towards the portal. As it passed through it became just a purple mist. Anne found Azjah there. The friend were reunited, though it seemed surreal and distant. Vincent was present as well. A duel occurred, but nothing significant occurred that evening. The ghostly aspect of Anne was slightly disturbing to all.
Following her duel, Anne quickly addressed Azjah about the subject that was bothering her most.
"Where is he now?"
"Caleb? The last I knew, he had gone to the Emerald Isles." The Emerald Isles. Could even a spirit reach such a protected place? "They are well cared for and protected there Anne."
"I'm sure they are." The misty spirit wondered if she should even attempt to find her family. "There is no way for me to get there. Isn't that right?"
"They have reopened the Isles, but I'm certain Caleb could be reached."
"Do you know how?"
"No, but I have never been a guest of Lord Momus."
"Is there anybody that could help me find a way?"
"Lord Momus, or his brother, Khirsah Tavadon. I need to return home Anne, where can I find you?"
"I'll find you. When do you want to see me?"
"Tomorrow night? Here on the Isle?"
"I don't think I can tomorrow, perhaps Thursday?"
Azjah nodded. The spirit pondered her tasks. Anne had to find Caleb, and Kendrick. Nine months suddenly seemed a very short time.
The misty figure drifted towards the portal. As it passed through it became just a purple mist. Anne found Azjah there. The friend were reunited, though it seemed surreal and distant. Vincent was present as well. A duel occurred, but nothing significant occurred that evening. The ghostly aspect of Anne was slightly disturbing to all.
Following her duel, Anne quickly addressed Azjah about the subject that was bothering her most.
"Where is he now?"
"Caleb? The last I knew, he had gone to the Emerald Isles." The Emerald Isles. Could even a spirit reach such a protected place? "They are well cared for and protected there Anne."
"I'm sure they are." The misty spirit wondered if she should even attempt to find her family. "There is no way for me to get there. Isn't that right?"
"They have reopened the Isles, but I'm certain Caleb could be reached."
"Do you know how?"
"No, but I have never been a guest of Lord Momus."
"Is there anybody that could help me find a way?"
"Lord Momus, or his brother, Khirsah Tavadon. I need to return home Anne, where can I find you?"
"I'll find you. When do you want to see me?"
"Tomorrow night? Here on the Isle?"
"I don't think I can tomorrow, perhaps Thursday?"
Azjah nodded. The spirit pondered her tasks. Anne had to find Caleb, and Kendrick. Nine months suddenly seemed a very short time.
Anne Ellis Feren
Concerns of Living and Dead
The dead don't sleep.
The dead don't eat.
The dead don't drink.
The dead don't feel.
Life, or lack thereof, was fairly boring. The shade of Anne searched high and low for Lord Momus. He couldn't be found anywhere. It was becoming rather difficult for the spirit to accomplish her task. She also tried to find traces of Kendrick, but to no avail. Two nights later she floated onto the island, no closer to her goal. Resting beneath the sand the shade awaited for the Marchioness to return. Lost in ghostly thoughts it took some time for the shade to realize that her visitor had arrived and was waiting.
Quickly forming into the recognizable shape of Anne the violet essence floated towards the chaise. Polite greetings were exchanged and Anne inquired after her companions thoughts.
"I spoke with Lord Momus, and requested he let Caleb know you are here and desire to see him and your children."
This should have been good news, but Anne was dissapointed. Second thoughts had crept into the spirit.
"I see. And what did Lord Momus say?"
"That he would see if he could get that message to him."
"I'd like to reach Lord Momus before that message is delivered. Do you think I can find him?"
"He comes to the Isle and may be in RhyDin this night."
Having recieved her answer the shade probed into her next concern.
"Any word of Kendrick lately?"
Azjah frowned, slightly troubled by the inquiry."Only the message he left in my computer systems that we are having trouble removing." The living informed the dead of the artifical intelligence living in her computers. Anne offered to help remove the creature that looked just like Kendrick.
The conversation turned to more pleasant matters. The shade was invited to the Palazzo, who in turn inquired after the Marchioness' business. Anne was also pleasantly surprised to discover her former boss was expecting.
The shade was about to leave when she thought of the task ahead of her. Finding her husband. How would he react to seeing his dead wife?
"Azjah, I'm not sure if I should see Caleb."
"Why not?"
"What if he's already moved on? Why bring back memories, or regrets or guilt? Or what if it's the opposite? What if he's still in love with me and I force him to see me but that's all he can do? What if my children aren't ready to see a parent come back from the dead? They should only be around seven or eight now."
"He has not moved on Anne, and you let me see you when I cannot do more. They would know what you look like, and they would have a fine memory of their mother's last words to them, and you would have seen them grown more."
"Azjah I let you see me because...well in a way your more emotionally stable. Do you know what I mean? What if he goes off the edge?" The shade made a motion as if she were sighing. "I wish I had a body." The statement was only partial, she truly wished that she was living again.
"Can you posess one?"
"Yes."
"What is involved?"
"Frankly, I have no idea. I've never posessed one. It can be living or dead. In fact, I can spirit inanimate objects. Did that with a chair accidentally. Imagine gaining the memories of a thousand behinds."
The mood instantly lightened and on parting Anne was glad she'd had the chance to catch up with her friend. The dead and the living parted ways but would meet again later.
The dead don't eat.
The dead don't drink.
The dead don't feel.
Life, or lack thereof, was fairly boring. The shade of Anne searched high and low for Lord Momus. He couldn't be found anywhere. It was becoming rather difficult for the spirit to accomplish her task. She also tried to find traces of Kendrick, but to no avail. Two nights later she floated onto the island, no closer to her goal. Resting beneath the sand the shade awaited for the Marchioness to return. Lost in ghostly thoughts it took some time for the shade to realize that her visitor had arrived and was waiting.
Quickly forming into the recognizable shape of Anne the violet essence floated towards the chaise. Polite greetings were exchanged and Anne inquired after her companions thoughts.
"I spoke with Lord Momus, and requested he let Caleb know you are here and desire to see him and your children."
This should have been good news, but Anne was dissapointed. Second thoughts had crept into the spirit.
"I see. And what did Lord Momus say?"
"That he would see if he could get that message to him."
"I'd like to reach Lord Momus before that message is delivered. Do you think I can find him?"
"He comes to the Isle and may be in RhyDin this night."
Having recieved her answer the shade probed into her next concern.
"Any word of Kendrick lately?"
Azjah frowned, slightly troubled by the inquiry."Only the message he left in my computer systems that we are having trouble removing." The living informed the dead of the artifical intelligence living in her computers. Anne offered to help remove the creature that looked just like Kendrick.
The conversation turned to more pleasant matters. The shade was invited to the Palazzo, who in turn inquired after the Marchioness' business. Anne was also pleasantly surprised to discover her former boss was expecting.
The shade was about to leave when she thought of the task ahead of her. Finding her husband. How would he react to seeing his dead wife?
"Azjah, I'm not sure if I should see Caleb."
"Why not?"
"What if he's already moved on? Why bring back memories, or regrets or guilt? Or what if it's the opposite? What if he's still in love with me and I force him to see me but that's all he can do? What if my children aren't ready to see a parent come back from the dead? They should only be around seven or eight now."
"He has not moved on Anne, and you let me see you when I cannot do more. They would know what you look like, and they would have a fine memory of their mother's last words to them, and you would have seen them grown more."
"Azjah I let you see me because...well in a way your more emotionally stable. Do you know what I mean? What if he goes off the edge?" The shade made a motion as if she were sighing. "I wish I had a body." The statement was only partial, she truly wished that she was living again.
"Can you posess one?"
"Yes."
"What is involved?"
"Frankly, I have no idea. I've never posessed one. It can be living or dead. In fact, I can spirit inanimate objects. Did that with a chair accidentally. Imagine gaining the memories of a thousand behinds."
The mood instantly lightened and on parting Anne was glad she'd had the chance to catch up with her friend. The dead and the living parted ways but would meet again later.
Anne Ellis Feren
The dead don't belong with the living
The purple mist floated around RhyDin looking for Lord Momus once more. Upon entering the arena for the tenth time that evening she saw no sign of him. About to leave the person in question entered the room. Immediately the shade descended from the rafters and inquired after him.
“Have you delivered Azjah's...or would it be mine? message to a certain tenant of yours yet?”
“He has been... remise with the children.. so I have not had the oppertunity.. rather, I have not taken to go to him yet to deliver it.”
The answer satisfied her. She followed up by asking after her husband. It sounded like he was alive and well. But there was no way to be sure with Caleb. Lord Momus agreed to take the shade to the isolated Isle that her husband was on. Before leaving she expressed the same concerns to the Elder as were given to the Marchioness.
“Child, has he ever denied you?”
“No,” she whispered softly.
“You are the only one whom he has not.”
As they slipped away into the night Anne felt the pressure of the Lord’s hand over hers. Apparently the dead were not exempt from the powers of the Elders. They stepped from the air to a ledge within the dense forest coverage, taking a look over a small clearing that held a lake within. Caleb sat with his back against a tree, watching the children as they played in the lake.
Anne realized why she was so nervous. He might be ready, but was she? Eventually she floated down to be beside him, invisible to the naked eye. Caleb was sharp, recognizing a presence immediately. Eventually she backed off a little, so she was fifty meters away. Slowly the mist began to form and twist into her figure. The look on his face became on of confusion. He instantly began accusing the old man and a fury entered his countenance like she had rarely seen before.
“Why has the old man brought you back..?” It was obvious he wasn't his usual calm self, and he was still accusing Tass of the pain he knew it was causing her.
The figure wrapped her misty arms around herself. “Lord Momus doesn't have to pay for anything. It was all my fault, I asked him to take me here. Caleb, I just wanted to see you again. I wasn't sure it was a good idea but I was being to selfish to care.” She was babbling around him, like she did when nervous. Uncharacteristically she withdrew from Caleb. He recognized it immediately.
“Retreating.. that is not the Xile I knew..”
“Well you aren't being calm and collected like you usually are. People obviously change and act differently in different circumstances.”
He stood, removing himself from the attack, but was still much too tightly wound. “It is not every day your..” He trailed off, though it was obvious where his sentence was going.
The conversation improved from thereon. They discussed the children at first. Anne was very pleased to know that they had sharp minds. However, the happiness was dissipated by the realization that her husband was isolating himself. Apparently he would not be able to keep his promise if he left. Quickly things turned to business.
“If it was not the old man that.. you've come for a reason.”
“Redemption. … I have to behave myself. I can only see you and the children for a limited time. I'm...well I'm in this state. The only body I get is the one I possess. And I have to help someone fulfill any and all of his dreams and/or life-wishes.”
“And.. who would this be?”
The shade looked him in the eye placing her misty hands overtop of his. “Please, please, please understand. I didn't choose him. I accepted because of the alternative. I wouldn't have received this opportunity without this catch.” Softly she spoke the last word. “Kendrick.”
Braced for a cold-blooded look or a snarl or some sort of emotional expression the simple nod was somewhat nerving. “Caleb...I...I won't if you don't want me too. I really would rather be here.” She paused for a moment. He was quieter than normal with her. “Are you okay?”
“ I do not like owing people.. so what is it I must do to help you in this.. contract...”
“I don't know if you can. I'll let you know though.” The shade grinned. “Get my body back in pristine condition. There's a task for you.”
“I will see to it that the old man does so”
Slightly shocked she quickly tried to retract the request. “Don't get me wrong, I'd like one but don't go out of your way.”
“He owes me.”
The departure following was brief. As the shade left the Isle her thoughts quickly ran over the events of the past few days. It was all so unusual. So unnatural. Even being with her husband felt artifical in many ways. The dead don’t belong with the living.
“Have you delivered Azjah's...or would it be mine? message to a certain tenant of yours yet?”
“He has been... remise with the children.. so I have not had the oppertunity.. rather, I have not taken to go to him yet to deliver it.”
The answer satisfied her. She followed up by asking after her husband. It sounded like he was alive and well. But there was no way to be sure with Caleb. Lord Momus agreed to take the shade to the isolated Isle that her husband was on. Before leaving she expressed the same concerns to the Elder as were given to the Marchioness.
“Child, has he ever denied you?”
“No,” she whispered softly.
“You are the only one whom he has not.”
As they slipped away into the night Anne felt the pressure of the Lord’s hand over hers. Apparently the dead were not exempt from the powers of the Elders. They stepped from the air to a ledge within the dense forest coverage, taking a look over a small clearing that held a lake within. Caleb sat with his back against a tree, watching the children as they played in the lake.
Anne realized why she was so nervous. He might be ready, but was she? Eventually she floated down to be beside him, invisible to the naked eye. Caleb was sharp, recognizing a presence immediately. Eventually she backed off a little, so she was fifty meters away. Slowly the mist began to form and twist into her figure. The look on his face became on of confusion. He instantly began accusing the old man and a fury entered his countenance like she had rarely seen before.
“Why has the old man brought you back..?” It was obvious he wasn't his usual calm self, and he was still accusing Tass of the pain he knew it was causing her.
The figure wrapped her misty arms around herself. “Lord Momus doesn't have to pay for anything. It was all my fault, I asked him to take me here. Caleb, I just wanted to see you again. I wasn't sure it was a good idea but I was being to selfish to care.” She was babbling around him, like she did when nervous. Uncharacteristically she withdrew from Caleb. He recognized it immediately.
“Retreating.. that is not the Xile I knew..”
“Well you aren't being calm and collected like you usually are. People obviously change and act differently in different circumstances.”
He stood, removing himself from the attack, but was still much too tightly wound. “It is not every day your..” He trailed off, though it was obvious where his sentence was going.
The conversation improved from thereon. They discussed the children at first. Anne was very pleased to know that they had sharp minds. However, the happiness was dissipated by the realization that her husband was isolating himself. Apparently he would not be able to keep his promise if he left. Quickly things turned to business.
“If it was not the old man that.. you've come for a reason.”
“Redemption. … I have to behave myself. I can only see you and the children for a limited time. I'm...well I'm in this state. The only body I get is the one I possess. And I have to help someone fulfill any and all of his dreams and/or life-wishes.”
“And.. who would this be?”
The shade looked him in the eye placing her misty hands overtop of his. “Please, please, please understand. I didn't choose him. I accepted because of the alternative. I wouldn't have received this opportunity without this catch.” Softly she spoke the last word. “Kendrick.”
Braced for a cold-blooded look or a snarl or some sort of emotional expression the simple nod was somewhat nerving. “Caleb...I...I won't if you don't want me too. I really would rather be here.” She paused for a moment. He was quieter than normal with her. “Are you okay?”
“ I do not like owing people.. so what is it I must do to help you in this.. contract...”
“I don't know if you can. I'll let you know though.” The shade grinned. “Get my body back in pristine condition. There's a task for you.”
“I will see to it that the old man does so”
Slightly shocked she quickly tried to retract the request. “Don't get me wrong, I'd like one but don't go out of your way.”
“He owes me.”
The departure following was brief. As the shade left the Isle her thoughts quickly ran over the events of the past few days. It was all so unusual. So unnatural. Even being with her husband felt artifical in many ways. The dead don’t belong with the living.
Anne Ellis Feren
The ghost floated into the dining room, followed by a timid young woman with red curly hair.
“Evening Azjah,” a friendly, but hollow greeting from the shade.
“Good Evening Anne, Klinton will try to be here as soon as he can. But he said to start without him.”
“Of course,” the shade took a seat to the best of her ability. The young woman waited for the Marchioness to be seated before taking her place opposite the ghost. “Azjah, this young lady across from me is Layla Marina Zyana, her preferred name is Rina. Rina, this is Marchioness Azjah Caer, the employer I was telling you about.”
Rina canted her head politely. “Milady.”
“Hello Rina, and please, call me Azjah.”
“Duly noted,” replied the guest.
“I met Rina by chance, at a restaurant. She was taking charge while her brother was on business. Organized, efficient, and confident. Upon further inquiry I discovered that she’s dealt with shipping goods before. I think she would be excellent as your shipments manager.”
On queue Rina offered her resume to the Marchioness. Azjah took the parchment and viewed it with a critical eye. “All business operations of Drachen Walde Industries would be confidential.” She raised her eyes to Rina. “Though all of our deliveries are legal, they are ordered by questionable organizations and/or individuals. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Perfectly.”
“I’ll put this under review. You may expect to be contacted within a week.”
The dinner proceeded with regular pleasantries; Rina became more comfortable as the night went on. Anne enjoyed the company rather than the food. Klinton did arrive late, and was very pleased to see the ghost.
Rina excused herself early with other business she had to attend to. When she left Anne inquired as to the status of the AI.
“Still plaguing our systems, unfortunately.” The Marchioness frowned, Kendrick 2.0 was a nuisance she wanted rid of.
“I’ll see to it tomorrow then.” Anne announced, and then requested her leave also. There was a certain Isle with a certain husband on it she wanted to visit.
“Evening Azjah,” a friendly, but hollow greeting from the shade.
“Good Evening Anne, Klinton will try to be here as soon as he can. But he said to start without him.”
“Of course,” the shade took a seat to the best of her ability. The young woman waited for the Marchioness to be seated before taking her place opposite the ghost. “Azjah, this young lady across from me is Layla Marina Zyana, her preferred name is Rina. Rina, this is Marchioness Azjah Caer, the employer I was telling you about.”
Rina canted her head politely. “Milady.”
“Hello Rina, and please, call me Azjah.”
“Duly noted,” replied the guest.
“I met Rina by chance, at a restaurant. She was taking charge while her brother was on business. Organized, efficient, and confident. Upon further inquiry I discovered that she’s dealt with shipping goods before. I think she would be excellent as your shipments manager.”
On queue Rina offered her resume to the Marchioness. Azjah took the parchment and viewed it with a critical eye. “All business operations of Drachen Walde Industries would be confidential.” She raised her eyes to Rina. “Though all of our deliveries are legal, they are ordered by questionable organizations and/or individuals. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Perfectly.”
“I’ll put this under review. You may expect to be contacted within a week.”
The dinner proceeded with regular pleasantries; Rina became more comfortable as the night went on. Anne enjoyed the company rather than the food. Klinton did arrive late, and was very pleased to see the ghost.
Rina excused herself early with other business she had to attend to. When she left Anne inquired as to the status of the AI.
“Still plaguing our systems, unfortunately.” The Marchioness frowned, Kendrick 2.0 was a nuisance she wanted rid of.
“I’ll see to it tomorrow then.” Anne announced, and then requested her leave also. There was a certain Isle with a certain husband on it she wanted to visit.
Anne Ellis Feren
The spirit sat at the console, waiting for something to show. She had politely requested to speak with Kendrick. Mere moments passed before the console flashed and the rough approximation of Kendrick’s face slowly appeared on the screen. “Hello milady, I was wondering when someone would make use of my services, how may I aid you today?”
The translucent faced smiled. “Kendrick 2.0. Do you recognize me?”
“I'm sorry to say that I am unable to perform a physical scan at this time. Your physical body appears to be.... absent.”
“As well it should. My name is Anne. Anne Xile.” The spirit debated on calling herself Anne Feren, but she didn’t know how much of Kendrick’s memory was within the intelligence.
The AI had difficulty believing that she was really Anne. According to its knowledge “Mrs. Feren is dead.” And Kendrick didn’t believe in any sort of afterlife so why would the creation believe her?
“Why do you request this information? Hopefully not as part of a crude threat of some kind.”
The essence smirked. “No. I made a deal with the Devil, to return here for nine months. I have certain tasks I am obliged to perform. One of them is to help my friend Kendrick.”
“You would help father...to do what?”
“Anything he desires really. Any dreams or aspirations or wishes.” Slowly Anne began to realize the stupidity of her choice. What if Kendrick wanted her? No, she would push that thought of her mind.
“I find that as unlikely as your claimed identity.”
“Well Kendrick 2.0, let me put this suggestion forward. Interrogate me. If you have all the memories of your father you will know what Anne, and Anne alone should know. Question me.”
“What would that prove? Anne Feren was quite open with her friends. Caleb Feren or Lady Drachen Walde could have coached your responses. Besides, Anne is dead.”
“Could they coach my mannerisms?”
“The dead cannot come back easily.”
Slightly frustrated Anne exclaimed, “You are a measly artificial intelligence! And trust me, I didn't tell Caleb or Azjah certain things about Kendrick. Besides, Caleb wouldn't be that open with anyone, neither would Azjah. And I came back. It wasn't easy but I did it. I am Anne. My mannerisms never changed, neither did my personality. THAT cannot be coached.”
“Measly. I take offence at that.”
“Good, it was meant to be offensive. You gonna question me or not?” The AI rose a singly eyebrow just like Kendrick would. “My, my, just like your father, aren't you.”
“What happened to my grandfather? And what happened to my uncle?”
“Your uncle died when he was nineteen. He was nothing like your grandfather. I got the impression he didn't die of any natural causes. Your grandfather, well Kendrick killed him.”
“Why?”
“Your grandfather had an unusual sense of duty and honour. He instructed Kendrick to kill Azjah's parents. However.... I believe the real reason was that your grandfather was very cruel to your uncle. I believe anger was the motivation behind your grandfathers death.” The spirit was slightly pained to bring back memories that hurt her friend. The image seems to freeze and then glitch, a set of numbers passed over the screen.
It began to move again shortly. “I should like to be there when he sees you again. Father is coming home. I just sent off a prearranged emergency code he will return as soon as he is able once he receives it.”
“Thank you. How long will it be?”
“I do not know. He was exploring the edges of known space. He said he wanted to experience the freedom of the voyage that you once spoke of. Father loves you, you know.”
The spirit would've choked if she had a physical form. She’d always suspected but now that it was confirmed she worried more about Kendrick’s wishes. “I think I... I'd better be going. I have someone else who loves me too, and I must see him as well.”
“Goodbye Miss Anne. Please come see me again if you have a chance.” The image grinned. “I get the feeling they don’t like me too much.”
“Stay out of trouble. Don't cause Azjah too much trouble.” Faintly the essence began to fade away.
“I never cause trouble.... that’s father's job.”
The translucent faced smiled. “Kendrick 2.0. Do you recognize me?”
“I'm sorry to say that I am unable to perform a physical scan at this time. Your physical body appears to be.... absent.”
“As well it should. My name is Anne. Anne Xile.” The spirit debated on calling herself Anne Feren, but she didn’t know how much of Kendrick’s memory was within the intelligence.
The AI had difficulty believing that she was really Anne. According to its knowledge “Mrs. Feren is dead.” And Kendrick didn’t believe in any sort of afterlife so why would the creation believe her?
“Why do you request this information? Hopefully not as part of a crude threat of some kind.”
The essence smirked. “No. I made a deal with the Devil, to return here for nine months. I have certain tasks I am obliged to perform. One of them is to help my friend Kendrick.”
“You would help father...to do what?”
“Anything he desires really. Any dreams or aspirations or wishes.” Slowly Anne began to realize the stupidity of her choice. What if Kendrick wanted her? No, she would push that thought of her mind.
“I find that as unlikely as your claimed identity.”
“Well Kendrick 2.0, let me put this suggestion forward. Interrogate me. If you have all the memories of your father you will know what Anne, and Anne alone should know. Question me.”
“What would that prove? Anne Feren was quite open with her friends. Caleb Feren or Lady Drachen Walde could have coached your responses. Besides, Anne is dead.”
“Could they coach my mannerisms?”
“The dead cannot come back easily.”
Slightly frustrated Anne exclaimed, “You are a measly artificial intelligence! And trust me, I didn't tell Caleb or Azjah certain things about Kendrick. Besides, Caleb wouldn't be that open with anyone, neither would Azjah. And I came back. It wasn't easy but I did it. I am Anne. My mannerisms never changed, neither did my personality. THAT cannot be coached.”
“Measly. I take offence at that.”
“Good, it was meant to be offensive. You gonna question me or not?” The AI rose a singly eyebrow just like Kendrick would. “My, my, just like your father, aren't you.”
“What happened to my grandfather? And what happened to my uncle?”
“Your uncle died when he was nineteen. He was nothing like your grandfather. I got the impression he didn't die of any natural causes. Your grandfather, well Kendrick killed him.”
“Why?”
“Your grandfather had an unusual sense of duty and honour. He instructed Kendrick to kill Azjah's parents. However.... I believe the real reason was that your grandfather was very cruel to your uncle. I believe anger was the motivation behind your grandfathers death.” The spirit was slightly pained to bring back memories that hurt her friend. The image seems to freeze and then glitch, a set of numbers passed over the screen.
It began to move again shortly. “I should like to be there when he sees you again. Father is coming home. I just sent off a prearranged emergency code he will return as soon as he is able once he receives it.”
“Thank you. How long will it be?”
“I do not know. He was exploring the edges of known space. He said he wanted to experience the freedom of the voyage that you once spoke of. Father loves you, you know.”
The spirit would've choked if she had a physical form. She’d always suspected but now that it was confirmed she worried more about Kendrick’s wishes. “I think I... I'd better be going. I have someone else who loves me too, and I must see him as well.”
“Goodbye Miss Anne. Please come see me again if you have a chance.” The image grinned. “I get the feeling they don’t like me too much.”
“Stay out of trouble. Don't cause Azjah too much trouble.” Faintly the essence began to fade away.
“I never cause trouble.... that’s father's job.”
Anne Ellis Feren
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