Hey there,
there have been a couple of comments left so if anyone has questions or comments about my story or anything in general you can contact me at:
jag_heter_du@yahoo.com
Thanks and I hope you continue to enjoy!!
hd-qld
Tuesday 11 December 2007
Monday 19 November 2007
Sins of the Fathers has MOVED!!!!
Hi there,
my story has moved to the Voyage Conspiracy website. You can find it on the following link:
http://www.voyager-conspiracy.co.uk/hdfic/Sins1and2.htm
I understand it was quite difficult to navigate here, so thank you for sticking with it!!
Hope you continue to enjoy!
Cheers,
hd-qld
my story has moved to the Voyage Conspiracy website. You can find it on the following link:
http://www.voyager-conspiracy.co.uk/hdfic/Sins1and2.htm
I understand it was quite difficult to navigate here, so thank you for sticking with it!!
Hope you continue to enjoy!
Cheers,
hd-qld
Saturday 17 November 2007
Sins of the Fathers - Part 3
Bioengineering Institute, Galen Province, Northern Sector
Jerryn sat in her office going over the data from the previous two days. All negative. Attempts to understand why the cure had caused the sterility eluded them and in turn hindered attempts to reverse it. Rubbing her temples she turned her attention to her consol and opened the day’s messages. One requested her attendance to observe the Natives she had apprehended on her way home two nights earlier. Reaching for her gloves she left the office and entered the lab stopping to check with her junior on the experiments set for the morning. Satisfied everything was in order she left the lab and took the elevator down to up to the secure level. In the elevator Jerryn mused over the events two nights previous. How bold they had been to openly attack her. It hadn’t worked of course and she had quickly subdued them, regrettably she had to use considerable force with the elder one. Bones had been broken but he should live. The younger one had escaped but he was weak and of no consequence. In fact his version of events would no doubt fuel the Natives fear of the Aesir. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, Jerryn stepped out into the brightly lit corridor of the secure level. Walking up to the guard, Jerryn offered her uncovered right hand to be scanned.
“OK Cmdr, you can go through. Dr Pfahler is expecting you”
Continuing down the corridor Jerryn halted and looked through the large glass window at the room beyond. Lying on the bed hooked up to numerous machines was the elder Native. Beside his bed a white clad figure looked up and nodded to her and made its way out of the room. The figure exited the room removing the white paper hood and mask.
“Cmdr Helkovaara you did quite a number in this one here” said the woman, “I am Dr Pfahler” offering her hand. Jerryn shook it, the grasp firm.
“Yes Doctor, unfortunately some…force was required to subdue him. How are his vitals?”
“He is stable. A few broken bones but he should recover. We have been keeping him under observation. We are trying to establish what provoked the attack.”
“General anti-Aesir activity or do you suspect a repeat of Marien?”
“We have found nothing to suggest it is a repeat of what happened there. I believe the Marien disaster had an environmental trigger…..we just haven’t found it yet. I understand you have been screening some of the Native DNA? We have taken some samples from those you apprehended; I can release them to you today.”
“Yes that would be appreciated. Have they given any indication as to why they attacked?”
“They had high levels of what I suspect is a narcotic in their systems. The one called Karl seems to be particularly suggestive; Cmdr Norlund is reviewing him, possibly as a new recruit.”
“Indeed” murmured Jerryn, “you had samples you say?” directing the conversation away from Cmdr Norlund. Jerryn, as an ‘Elite’ knew what Balen Norlund was capable of. The man was sadistic and took great pleasure in inflicting pain and had delighted in tormenting her when she began her ‘Elite’ training. Norlund harboured out dated views that women where not ‘equal’ to men. He had taken especial dislike to her relationship with Talia. Although Jerryn had surpassed all her peers, Norlund still looked down on her because of her gender. The less she had to do with him, the better.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Secure level, Bioengineering Institute, Galen Province, Northern Sector
Bright lights. Pain. Pain everywhere. A groan escaped his lips.
“He’s waking Sir.”
Where did that come from…I’m not dead?
“Wake him up fully, I need to interrogate him”
Lehman felt cold metal press against his neck and a heard a hiss. Slowly the pain left him and the fog lifted and he was able to open his eyes. Fuzzy at first, his eyes focused upon the man who had spoken.
“Lt. Cmdr Brellier” he croaked.
“Clean him up and bring him to interrogation.”
Telfor sat in the interrogation room waiting for Lehman. The door opened and Lehman unsteadily walked into the room and sat at the chair across from him.
“Do you know why you are here Lehman?”
“No” he croaked.
Fingering the insignia on his collar, Telfor asked “Do you know what this means?”
Lehman’s eyes flicked onto the insignia, “Its Omega sir, your ‘Elite’ mark”
“Correct and you know what it means?”
“It means you are the best sir”
“It means much more than that Lehman. It means I can hear the subtle changes in your breathing and heart rate. I can see your pupils dilate. In essence, it means I can tell when you are lying.” Telfor paused to let what he had said sink in. “Tell me what happened in the last two days?”
“What…I…I was in barracks, and then you seconded me to that Cmdr…”
“Commander Helkovaara?”
“Yes. She had me driver her into the Native sector to the Archives. She wanted me to leave her but I told her it was against orders. She told me to stay in the foyer. She looked at stuff then we left.”
“You appear to be missing out a fair deal of what happened”
Grasping his head in his hands Lehman said “There was a problem with this little Native bitch, she was being a tease and this other one came out and started trouble. Both of them asking for it if you ask me”
“You are lying Lehman. Your eyes keep darting to the left and your breathing and heart rate have risen. Again, tell me what happened?”
“I told you!”
“I want the truth Lehman” said Telfor his voice calm.
“Shit!. Ok, Ok. There was a little Native. She was cute. So I chatted her up a bit might have got a bit fresh…”
“You attempted to force yourself on her?”
“I…yes.”
“Then what happened?”
“This other Native female came out of the office; she must have heard the little bitch whining. She started shouting the odds at me so I smacked her one”
“You struck…Kalin Morvern, the Chief Archivist?” said Telfor looking up from the incident report.
“Yes.”
“Can you explain how you had target DNA on you?”
“What….no I didn’t!”
Telfor stood up, “Cmdr Norlund would like a word with you Lehman. He shall be in shortly” and with that Telfor left Lehman alone to wonder just what the hell was going on.
Upon exiting the room, Telfor turned left and headed down the corridor for the elevator, the doors closing just as he approached.
“Hold the lift!” he shouted.
A slender hand shot through the gap causing the doors to open again.
“Thanks. Jerryn! What you doing here?”
“Could say the same for you” said Jerryn with a grin, “Picking up some DNA samples from the ‘gentleman’ who approached me a couple of nights ago” she smirked.
“Ah the ones you gave a good hiding too!” laughed Telfor. “Well I have just had a little chat with your friend Lehman..”
“I thought he was transferred?”
“He was, turns out he had this on him” said Telfor handing a file to Jerryn.
“He has the markers? What is this?”
“It’s not his, he had trace amounts of blood on him and it tripped the sensors at the Restricted Zone. I was actually on my way to bring it to you. Looks like I shall be paying a visit to the archives, the staff need to be tested again. He claims it came from one of the women.”
“He struck one of them, the Chief Archivist”
“Yes she will be screened again.”
“I would like to accompany you.”
“Of course, we leave in thirty minutes.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kalin sat in her office musing over the discrepancies between the commanders and the sergeants DNA. What was going on? There were enough similarities but could they really be so distinct? Speciation? Modifications? Modifications seemed the most likely, but it was all conjecture until the results where through. Sighing, Kalin turned her attention back to her duties made all the harder by her desire to solve the puzzle of the Aesirian DNA. It was hopeless. Frustrated Kalin got up and walked from her office, through to the foyer where she found Laura talking with Tom.
“Kalin, good to see you again” said Tom cheerfully offering her his hand.
“Good to see you too Tom, here to take Laura to lunch?” said Kailn, winking to the young woman who was now thoroughly embarrassed.
“Would that be OK Kalin? Just for an hour?” she asked nervously.
“Of course you kids go have fun” The young brunettes face positively beamed, “I’ll go get my coat” and she quickly disappeared into the office to retrieve it.
Kalin was about to enquire where Tom was taking the young woman when the doors to the building opened and Aesir troops filed in.
“What the…” her voice trailed off as she spotted a striking figure. The commander! Her dark angel! Kalin remained dumbstruck as Commander Helkovaara and another senior Aesir officer approached her.
“You are Chief Archivist Morvern? I am Lt. Cmdr. Telfor Brellier we are here to conduct a scan of yourself and your associates. Could you call all your staff here to the foyer?”
Kalin struggled to control the fear rising within her. Her blood! They must have found her blood. Walking over to the reception desk, Kalin flipped the switch for the loud speaker, clearing her throat she said, “Would all staff please report to the foyer immediately, I repeat, would all staff please report to the foyer.”
“Thank you. I assure you we shall be as quick as possible.”
“May I ask what this is about?” asked Kalin confused at the politeness of the young man.
“We just need to verify who is working here.”
“If I may Lt. Cmdr” interrupted Jerryn, “I would like to scan the Dr. Morvern myself.” Kalins’ eyebrows shot up at the use of her title.
“Of course Cmdr, perhaps Dr. Morvern will show you to her office.”
Kalin was totally stunned as both Aesir looked at her questioningly.
“Ah…uhm this way Comdr” stammered Kalin and walked toward her office. Oh shit! Oh shit! What the hell! They must have found my trace on him!
Entering her office Kalin automatically started to walk around her desk, halting she turned to look at the stunning younger woman.
Jerryn saw the unspoken question on Kalins face. “It is your office Doctor” and she took the seat in front of the desk. “I assume you are a…little confused Doctor. I am correct you are Doctor Kalin Morvern, former Director of the Bio-engineering Institute?”
“Yes” said Kalin falling into her seat. Kalin watched as the Cmdr removed one glove, keeping the other on and began to open the small case she had been carrying. “We need to conduct some scans, Doctor. We have verify your identity”
Kalin pulled up her sleeve to reveal her tattoo.
Jerryn pulled a black gun lie device from her case, stood up and walked around the desk. She took Kalins offered arm and pressed the scanner against the skin. A few short moments later the device beeped. Jerry removed it and looked at the read out frowning slightly at the result Kalin did not have the markers.
“You will be pleased to know Doctor you are who you say you are?” she said with a small smile.
“Thank you” said Kalin rolling down her sleeve watching Jerryn return the scanner to its case and hesitate as she closed it. Here is comes thought Kalin.
“I came across a number of your publications during my last visit here Dr. Morvern”
“My…my publications?” stammered Kalin completely confused. Not what I was expecting!
“Yes. Your work on genetics and bio-engineering is….exceptional” said Jerryn shyly.
“What! Eh…thank you.”
“I see I have confused you” said Jerryn, “That was not my intention. I…I have rather quickly become a fan of your work. I myself am a scientist and I have hit an impasse in my current research.”
Kalin watched the young woman take a deep breath.
“Would you consider possibly acting as a consultant?” There she said it. She was sure her face was bright red. The woman sitting across the desk from her was brilliant, a genius. The theories she had hypothesised and proven where remarkable and Jerryn, for the first time in her life was not the smartest person in the room. She looked up to meet Kalin’s blue-grey eyes and held them.
Kalin was stunned by the request. Even more stunned when the beautiful woman caught her gaze and held it. She as transfixed by the bluer than blue eyes. Suddenly she realised she was supposed to respond, but before she could there was a knock at the door and the other Aesir officer entered.
The gaze between Jerryn and Kalin was broken as Jerryn rose and walked over to the Lt. Cmdr, their heads bowed as they spoke in private.
“They have all tested negative”
“Same with the Doctor, Lehman must have picked it up somewhere else” said Jerryn. “I just need to finish up here then we can go”
Kalin watched as the other officer left and the young woman walked toward her, arm outstretched, offering her hand. Taking it Kalin could feel the warm and the softness of her skin.
“I hope Dr Morvern that I may drop by again and we can discuss your theories in more detail?”
“Yes. Yes I would like that” said Kalin and was shocked to find that she really did like that idea. Their hands lingered and eventually Jerryn let go, leaving Kalin confused as to why it bothered her so.
“I shall contact you in due course Doctor” said Jerryn a small smile playing on her lips. Kalin stood and watched as the enigmatic young woman turned and walked from her office.
Jerryn sat in her office going over the data from the previous two days. All negative. Attempts to understand why the cure had caused the sterility eluded them and in turn hindered attempts to reverse it. Rubbing her temples she turned her attention to her consol and opened the day’s messages. One requested her attendance to observe the Natives she had apprehended on her way home two nights earlier. Reaching for her gloves she left the office and entered the lab stopping to check with her junior on the experiments set for the morning. Satisfied everything was in order she left the lab and took the elevator down to up to the secure level. In the elevator Jerryn mused over the events two nights previous. How bold they had been to openly attack her. It hadn’t worked of course and she had quickly subdued them, regrettably she had to use considerable force with the elder one. Bones had been broken but he should live. The younger one had escaped but he was weak and of no consequence. In fact his version of events would no doubt fuel the Natives fear of the Aesir. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, Jerryn stepped out into the brightly lit corridor of the secure level. Walking up to the guard, Jerryn offered her uncovered right hand to be scanned.
“OK Cmdr, you can go through. Dr Pfahler is expecting you”
Continuing down the corridor Jerryn halted and looked through the large glass window at the room beyond. Lying on the bed hooked up to numerous machines was the elder Native. Beside his bed a white clad figure looked up and nodded to her and made its way out of the room. The figure exited the room removing the white paper hood and mask.
“Cmdr Helkovaara you did quite a number in this one here” said the woman, “I am Dr Pfahler” offering her hand. Jerryn shook it, the grasp firm.
“Yes Doctor, unfortunately some…force was required to subdue him. How are his vitals?”
“He is stable. A few broken bones but he should recover. We have been keeping him under observation. We are trying to establish what provoked the attack.”
“General anti-Aesir activity or do you suspect a repeat of Marien?”
“We have found nothing to suggest it is a repeat of what happened there. I believe the Marien disaster had an environmental trigger…..we just haven’t found it yet. I understand you have been screening some of the Native DNA? We have taken some samples from those you apprehended; I can release them to you today.”
“Yes that would be appreciated. Have they given any indication as to why they attacked?”
“They had high levels of what I suspect is a narcotic in their systems. The one called Karl seems to be particularly suggestive; Cmdr Norlund is reviewing him, possibly as a new recruit.”
“Indeed” murmured Jerryn, “you had samples you say?” directing the conversation away from Cmdr Norlund. Jerryn, as an ‘Elite’ knew what Balen Norlund was capable of. The man was sadistic and took great pleasure in inflicting pain and had delighted in tormenting her when she began her ‘Elite’ training. Norlund harboured out dated views that women where not ‘equal’ to men. He had taken especial dislike to her relationship with Talia. Although Jerryn had surpassed all her peers, Norlund still looked down on her because of her gender. The less she had to do with him, the better.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Secure level, Bioengineering Institute, Galen Province, Northern Sector
Bright lights. Pain. Pain everywhere. A groan escaped his lips.
“He’s waking Sir.”
Where did that come from…I’m not dead?
“Wake him up fully, I need to interrogate him”
Lehman felt cold metal press against his neck and a heard a hiss. Slowly the pain left him and the fog lifted and he was able to open his eyes. Fuzzy at first, his eyes focused upon the man who had spoken.
“Lt. Cmdr Brellier” he croaked.
“Clean him up and bring him to interrogation.”
Telfor sat in the interrogation room waiting for Lehman. The door opened and Lehman unsteadily walked into the room and sat at the chair across from him.
“Do you know why you are here Lehman?”
“No” he croaked.
Fingering the insignia on his collar, Telfor asked “Do you know what this means?”
Lehman’s eyes flicked onto the insignia, “Its Omega sir, your ‘Elite’ mark”
“Correct and you know what it means?”
“It means you are the best sir”
“It means much more than that Lehman. It means I can hear the subtle changes in your breathing and heart rate. I can see your pupils dilate. In essence, it means I can tell when you are lying.” Telfor paused to let what he had said sink in. “Tell me what happened in the last two days?”
“What…I…I was in barracks, and then you seconded me to that Cmdr…”
“Commander Helkovaara?”
“Yes. She had me driver her into the Native sector to the Archives. She wanted me to leave her but I told her it was against orders. She told me to stay in the foyer. She looked at stuff then we left.”
“You appear to be missing out a fair deal of what happened”
Grasping his head in his hands Lehman said “There was a problem with this little Native bitch, she was being a tease and this other one came out and started trouble. Both of them asking for it if you ask me”
“You are lying Lehman. Your eyes keep darting to the left and your breathing and heart rate have risen. Again, tell me what happened?”
“I told you!”
“I want the truth Lehman” said Telfor his voice calm.
“Shit!. Ok, Ok. There was a little Native. She was cute. So I chatted her up a bit might have got a bit fresh…”
“You attempted to force yourself on her?”
“I…yes.”
“Then what happened?”
“This other Native female came out of the office; she must have heard the little bitch whining. She started shouting the odds at me so I smacked her one”
“You struck…Kalin Morvern, the Chief Archivist?” said Telfor looking up from the incident report.
“Yes.”
“Can you explain how you had target DNA on you?”
“What….no I didn’t!”
Telfor stood up, “Cmdr Norlund would like a word with you Lehman. He shall be in shortly” and with that Telfor left Lehman alone to wonder just what the hell was going on.
Upon exiting the room, Telfor turned left and headed down the corridor for the elevator, the doors closing just as he approached.
“Hold the lift!” he shouted.
A slender hand shot through the gap causing the doors to open again.
“Thanks. Jerryn! What you doing here?”
“Could say the same for you” said Jerryn with a grin, “Picking up some DNA samples from the ‘gentleman’ who approached me a couple of nights ago” she smirked.
“Ah the ones you gave a good hiding too!” laughed Telfor. “Well I have just had a little chat with your friend Lehman..”
“I thought he was transferred?”
“He was, turns out he had this on him” said Telfor handing a file to Jerryn.
“He has the markers? What is this?”
“It’s not his, he had trace amounts of blood on him and it tripped the sensors at the Restricted Zone. I was actually on my way to bring it to you. Looks like I shall be paying a visit to the archives, the staff need to be tested again. He claims it came from one of the women.”
“He struck one of them, the Chief Archivist”
“Yes she will be screened again.”
“I would like to accompany you.”
“Of course, we leave in thirty minutes.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kalin sat in her office musing over the discrepancies between the commanders and the sergeants DNA. What was going on? There were enough similarities but could they really be so distinct? Speciation? Modifications? Modifications seemed the most likely, but it was all conjecture until the results where through. Sighing, Kalin turned her attention back to her duties made all the harder by her desire to solve the puzzle of the Aesirian DNA. It was hopeless. Frustrated Kalin got up and walked from her office, through to the foyer where she found Laura talking with Tom.
“Kalin, good to see you again” said Tom cheerfully offering her his hand.
“Good to see you too Tom, here to take Laura to lunch?” said Kailn, winking to the young woman who was now thoroughly embarrassed.
“Would that be OK Kalin? Just for an hour?” she asked nervously.
“Of course you kids go have fun” The young brunettes face positively beamed, “I’ll go get my coat” and she quickly disappeared into the office to retrieve it.
Kalin was about to enquire where Tom was taking the young woman when the doors to the building opened and Aesir troops filed in.
“What the…” her voice trailed off as she spotted a striking figure. The commander! Her dark angel! Kalin remained dumbstruck as Commander Helkovaara and another senior Aesir officer approached her.
“You are Chief Archivist Morvern? I am Lt. Cmdr. Telfor Brellier we are here to conduct a scan of yourself and your associates. Could you call all your staff here to the foyer?”
Kalin struggled to control the fear rising within her. Her blood! They must have found her blood. Walking over to the reception desk, Kalin flipped the switch for the loud speaker, clearing her throat she said, “Would all staff please report to the foyer immediately, I repeat, would all staff please report to the foyer.”
“Thank you. I assure you we shall be as quick as possible.”
“May I ask what this is about?” asked Kalin confused at the politeness of the young man.
“We just need to verify who is working here.”
“If I may Lt. Cmdr” interrupted Jerryn, “I would like to scan the Dr. Morvern myself.” Kalins’ eyebrows shot up at the use of her title.
“Of course Cmdr, perhaps Dr. Morvern will show you to her office.”
Kalin was totally stunned as both Aesir looked at her questioningly.
“Ah…uhm this way Comdr” stammered Kalin and walked toward her office. Oh shit! Oh shit! What the hell! They must have found my trace on him!
Entering her office Kalin automatically started to walk around her desk, halting she turned to look at the stunning younger woman.
Jerryn saw the unspoken question on Kalins face. “It is your office Doctor” and she took the seat in front of the desk. “I assume you are a…little confused Doctor. I am correct you are Doctor Kalin Morvern, former Director of the Bio-engineering Institute?”
“Yes” said Kalin falling into her seat. Kalin watched as the Cmdr removed one glove, keeping the other on and began to open the small case she had been carrying. “We need to conduct some scans, Doctor. We have verify your identity”
Kalin pulled up her sleeve to reveal her tattoo.
Jerryn pulled a black gun lie device from her case, stood up and walked around the desk. She took Kalins offered arm and pressed the scanner against the skin. A few short moments later the device beeped. Jerry removed it and looked at the read out frowning slightly at the result Kalin did not have the markers.
“You will be pleased to know Doctor you are who you say you are?” she said with a small smile.
“Thank you” said Kalin rolling down her sleeve watching Jerryn return the scanner to its case and hesitate as she closed it. Here is comes thought Kalin.
“I came across a number of your publications during my last visit here Dr. Morvern”
“My…my publications?” stammered Kalin completely confused. Not what I was expecting!
“Yes. Your work on genetics and bio-engineering is….exceptional” said Jerryn shyly.
“What! Eh…thank you.”
“I see I have confused you” said Jerryn, “That was not my intention. I…I have rather quickly become a fan of your work. I myself am a scientist and I have hit an impasse in my current research.”
Kalin watched the young woman take a deep breath.
“Would you consider possibly acting as a consultant?” There she said it. She was sure her face was bright red. The woman sitting across the desk from her was brilliant, a genius. The theories she had hypothesised and proven where remarkable and Jerryn, for the first time in her life was not the smartest person in the room. She looked up to meet Kalin’s blue-grey eyes and held them.
Kalin was stunned by the request. Even more stunned when the beautiful woman caught her gaze and held it. She as transfixed by the bluer than blue eyes. Suddenly she realised she was supposed to respond, but before she could there was a knock at the door and the other Aesir officer entered.
The gaze between Jerryn and Kalin was broken as Jerryn rose and walked over to the Lt. Cmdr, their heads bowed as they spoke in private.
“They have all tested negative”
“Same with the Doctor, Lehman must have picked it up somewhere else” said Jerryn. “I just need to finish up here then we can go”
Kalin watched as the other officer left and the young woman walked toward her, arm outstretched, offering her hand. Taking it Kalin could feel the warm and the softness of her skin.
“I hope Dr Morvern that I may drop by again and we can discuss your theories in more detail?”
“Yes. Yes I would like that” said Kalin and was shocked to find that she really did like that idea. Their hands lingered and eventually Jerryn let go, leaving Kalin confused as to why it bothered her so.
“I shall contact you in due course Doctor” said Jerryn a small smile playing on her lips. Kalin stood and watched as the enigmatic young woman turned and walked from her office.
Tuesday 13 November 2007
Chapter 2 - Part 2
Part 2
Aesir Transport en route Restricted Zone, South of Galen Province
The transport rattled and shook as it made its decent toward the landing zone. From his window, Lehman could see the high fence surrounding the now abandoned city. The transport banked to the right, causing Lehman to squint his eyes as the glare from the sun caught him. Bright blue sky, sun shinning overhead. A beautiful day, but there was no one in the city to enjoy it. Lehman had been told the story of the city and it chilled him to the core.
Marien had been the second city if Eostara. Where Vilar stood as a shinning beacon for all the modernity of the Eostaran people, Marien represented everything artistic and cultured. In place of sky scrapers stood regal buildings, architectural wonders of days gone by. Lying south of Vilar, Marien straddled the River Mor, ornate bridges joined both sides. Wide cobbled streets fed into quaint alleyways, filled with cafés and boutiques. Now the streets and alleyways lay empty. No one sat at the café tables watching the world go by; no lovers walked hand in hand. The city was dead.
All had been well until five years ago. At first there where just isolated incidents, people where tense and tempers could fray. So the violent assaults where initially ignored; until they spread. Fighting become more and more common, normally placid citizens became enraged, uncontrollable. Almost primal. Within six weeks of the first reports, the city had become a living hell. Citizens attacking not only the Aesir invaders but themselves. The Aesir did not expect the ferocity directed at them. Many were lost trying to control the enraged Natives. The decision was made to retreat. A fence was erected, not to keep people out, but to keep the Marien natives in. The screams and howls could be heard, yet no one went to their aid. Within six months the screams and howls had faded, but it was a further six months before teams were sent in. Nothing could have prepared them for what they found. Death. Violent, savage, brutal death. Once closed on the Natives of Marien had turned on each other and had destroyed themselves. A 150,000 dead. As the teams investigated, two Natives where found barely alive. They were put into isolation and taken for study. More teams where sent in to clean up. It took three months to dispose of the bodies, incinerators working round the clock. The rescued Natives survived only two weeks. During that time the Aesir scientists observed a degeneration in their behaviour. Autopsy results showed severe atrophy of the frontal lobes, yet enlarged amygdalae. Four years on, Marien was still under quarantine as the Aesir picked through the remains of the once great city for the answers?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The transport touched down with a jolt. Lehman looked around eyeing up his companions. Grunts, the lot of them. All brawn and little brain. ‘Shit, how did I get myself into this?’
“Fall in and move out” barked the Lt.
Lehman stiffly fell in behind and shouldered his duffel bag and marched out into the sunshine. Standing with the other he listened to the orders and again, cursed that ‘Elite’ bitch that sent him here. They were to walk into a grey non descript building for screening. Slowly the line crawled toward the entrance, men disappearing one by one to be scanned. In time he reached the front of the cue and stepped cautiously into the doorway.
“Walk into the centre of the room. Scanning will start in sixty seconds”
Lehman stopped as he reached the centre. He startled as the blue beams of light flickered over his face. Slowly they began to scan down his body. When the beams reached his hands claxons wailed and the door slammed shut behind him.
“What the fuck!” screamed Lehman running to the door pounding it with his fists “What is this shit! Let me out of here!”
Hissing could be heard over the wailing claxons as gas poured into the room; Lehman collapsed to the floor.
Aesir Transport en route Restricted Zone, South of Galen Province
The transport rattled and shook as it made its decent toward the landing zone. From his window, Lehman could see the high fence surrounding the now abandoned city. The transport banked to the right, causing Lehman to squint his eyes as the glare from the sun caught him. Bright blue sky, sun shinning overhead. A beautiful day, but there was no one in the city to enjoy it. Lehman had been told the story of the city and it chilled him to the core.
Marien had been the second city if Eostara. Where Vilar stood as a shinning beacon for all the modernity of the Eostaran people, Marien represented everything artistic and cultured. In place of sky scrapers stood regal buildings, architectural wonders of days gone by. Lying south of Vilar, Marien straddled the River Mor, ornate bridges joined both sides. Wide cobbled streets fed into quaint alleyways, filled with cafés and boutiques. Now the streets and alleyways lay empty. No one sat at the café tables watching the world go by; no lovers walked hand in hand. The city was dead.
All had been well until five years ago. At first there where just isolated incidents, people where tense and tempers could fray. So the violent assaults where initially ignored; until they spread. Fighting become more and more common, normally placid citizens became enraged, uncontrollable. Almost primal. Within six weeks of the first reports, the city had become a living hell. Citizens attacking not only the Aesir invaders but themselves. The Aesir did not expect the ferocity directed at them. Many were lost trying to control the enraged Natives. The decision was made to retreat. A fence was erected, not to keep people out, but to keep the Marien natives in. The screams and howls could be heard, yet no one went to their aid. Within six months the screams and howls had faded, but it was a further six months before teams were sent in. Nothing could have prepared them for what they found. Death. Violent, savage, brutal death. Once closed on the Natives of Marien had turned on each other and had destroyed themselves. A 150,000 dead. As the teams investigated, two Natives where found barely alive. They were put into isolation and taken for study. More teams where sent in to clean up. It took three months to dispose of the bodies, incinerators working round the clock. The rescued Natives survived only two weeks. During that time the Aesir scientists observed a degeneration in their behaviour. Autopsy results showed severe atrophy of the frontal lobes, yet enlarged amygdalae. Four years on, Marien was still under quarantine as the Aesir picked through the remains of the once great city for the answers?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The transport touched down with a jolt. Lehman looked around eyeing up his companions. Grunts, the lot of them. All brawn and little brain. ‘Shit, how did I get myself into this?’
“Fall in and move out” barked the Lt.
Lehman stiffly fell in behind and shouldered his duffel bag and marched out into the sunshine. Standing with the other he listened to the orders and again, cursed that ‘Elite’ bitch that sent him here. They were to walk into a grey non descript building for screening. Slowly the line crawled toward the entrance, men disappearing one by one to be scanned. In time he reached the front of the cue and stepped cautiously into the doorway.
“Walk into the centre of the room. Scanning will start in sixty seconds”
Lehman stopped as he reached the centre. He startled as the blue beams of light flickered over his face. Slowly they began to scan down his body. When the beams reached his hands claxons wailed and the door slammed shut behind him.
“What the fuck!” screamed Lehman running to the door pounding it with his fists “What is this shit! Let me out of here!”
Hissing could be heard over the wailing claxons as gas poured into the room; Lehman collapsed to the floor.
Monday 12 November 2007
Chapter 2 - Part 1
Chapter 2
Aesir Barracks, Northern Sector, Galen Province
“I tried Lehman, but the bitch won’t budge.”
“Christ Lt. it was only a Native. A fucking Native!”
Numan sat back in his chair and watched the Sergeant….no Private, wrestle with his fear. Chewing his bottom lip, his eyes darting around.
“Couldn’t you try Brellier?” he gasped, clinching at whatever hope he could.
“No dice Hans. She has already threatened to contact him. Christ she probably will and I will be following you out there!” Numan forced a small laugh, but it was weak. He could barely contain his own fear at the thought of being transferred. “You should have told me she was an ‘Elite’” barked Numan. He tapped a few commands into his terminal.
Transfer orders.
Restricted Zone.
Handing the data crystal over Numan sighed. “I’m sorry Hans, you have to go. The transport is outside, get your things, it leaves in five minutes.”
CO Office, Aesir Barracks, Northern Sector, Galen Province
Lt. Commander Telfor Brellier sat behind his desk reading the day’s notices. Most were personnel reports and logistics but one caught his eye. A message from Commander Helkovaara, interest piqued he opened it.
To: Lt. Cmdr Telfor Brellier
From: Cmdr Jerryn Helkovaara
Subject: Order Violation and Unauthorised Contact
Lt. Cmdr Brellier,
Further to my report yesterday regarding Private Lehman. His direct superior, Lt. Numan, contacted me last night at home requesting that I rescind my order. I have attached another official report, this time on Lt. Numan. My official report on Lehamn stands. I do not appreciate being contacted at home nor my orders questioned. I request you deal with this incident personally.
Cmdr Jerryn Helkovaara
Chief Biomedical Scientist
Bioengineering Institute
Galen Province
PS Telf, you really need to keep your house in order!!!
Snorting at the cheek of the woman, Telfor activated his consol and input the details for Jerryn’s communicator. The screen blinked into life and Jerryn’s face appeared on the screen. Not for the first time, Telfor appreciated the beauty of the young woman. Many thought her cold, aloof and arrogant, yet Telfor knew that was the price to be paid for being an ‘Elite’. The best of the best. Although the Aesir where superior, the ‘Elite’ where on another level. A smil broke out on his face.
“Good morning, Cmdr Helkovaara. How are you?”
“I am fine. Would I be correct in assuming the formal use of rank is an indication that this is not a social call?” said Jerryn, her left eyebrow raised and a small smile playing on her lips.
“Yes, I am afraid this is official. I have received your message and report and wish to offer my sincere apologies that Lt. Numan saw fit to question your orders. Lehman’s punishment has been upheld and he shall shortly be making his way to the Restricted Zone. I will deal with Numan myself” said Telfor.
“Thank you. I will however need another driver. Would it be possible to request a female?” asked Jerryn.
“Of course, I can think of a couple. I am sure they will prove less…troublesome. Definitely less likely to molest the Natives at any rate” chuckled Telfor. That comment got a grin from Jerryn.
“On a less official note, how are you doing Jerryn?”
“Fine, Telfor. I am doing fine. Keeping me busy though. I have tracked down some Native research which may be of use to us.”
“Do you ever think about anything other than work!” said Telfor shaking his head. “You know, such a pretty lady shouldn’t spend all that time working”
“Pretty lady! My God Telf, your chat up lines are getting worse!”
“You can’t blame a guy for trying”
“You call that trying!” said Jerryn incredulously.
“That’s the effect you have on me”
“That’s the effect anything remotely female has on you” and with that Jerryn terminated the link.
“She can’t resist me” said Telfor to the blank screen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn sat back in her chair shaking her head at the conversation. He never gives up! Thankfully it was all banter. She couldn’t help but smile as she thought back to when they were younger. Telfor was five years older, Talia three, and they both looked out for their younger friend. They had played together in the field of Valerian and after they had left, they played on the ships. Jerryn had sulked when they had gone off to school, but she had quickly caught up to them and where all selected for ‘Elite’ training together. They worked hard and they played hard. Mentally they surpassed their peers and where second only to The Elders. Physically, they where in a league of their own, surpassing all in their beauty. They were also faster, stronger and had better reflexes.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
They were the brightest and the best, and in Jerryn’s eyes Talia shone brightest. Oh Telfor had been interested once upon a time, but even he had realised that he could not compete with Talia. Accepting that, he had become her older brother, but it didn’t stop the lame chat up lines. She expected nothing less now. Telfor had been her rock when her parents had died. They had been on a scout ship, a routine mission. An ion storm struck. They had found the ship 4 days over due hanging dead in space. The small ships shield’s couldn’t withstand the force of the storm, hull breaches voided the atmosphere killing all ten of the crew. Jerryn had thrown herself into her studies.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
Jerryn’s features darkened at the memory. Telfor had helped her through those dark days and Talia had been waiting for her on the other side. Talia. For Jerryn there was no one who could compare. They had been friends for years and finally became lovers. Talia had been her first, the one she though she would spend her life with. Talia was as beautiful as Jerryn but where Jerryn was reserved Talia was a free spirit, and at stark contrast to the teachings of the Aesir. And Jerryn adored her.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
None of that had mattered five years ago. Jerryn fingered the spider web of scars above her left eye. Faint to the naked eye, but they were there. Gloves hiding the scars on her left hand and no one, bar the doctors, saw the scars on her torso and back. Her enhanced abilities had been unable to help Talia. The accident was as vivid now as it was five years ago. Working their engineering rotation, a relay had exploded. The fire quickly spread causing a cascade. Jerryn and Talia had been working in the cooling tower. The explosion had caused their gantry to collapse. Jerryn had tried to reach Talia, could see her losing her grip. Jerryn launched herself forward to catch her. But she wasn’t fast enough. Talia had fallen to her death and Jerryn had met her eyes as she fell. Another relay panel exploded then and slammed into Jerryn knocking her unconscious. Her injuries so severe they never expected her to survive let alone make a full recovery. Feeling the pinprick of tears behind her eyes, Jerryn scolded herself for bringing up such memories and resorted to tried and tested methods. She threw herself into her work.
Aesir Barracks, Northern Sector, Galen Province
“I tried Lehman, but the bitch won’t budge.”
“Christ Lt. it was only a Native. A fucking Native!”
Numan sat back in his chair and watched the Sergeant….no Private, wrestle with his fear. Chewing his bottom lip, his eyes darting around.
“Couldn’t you try Brellier?” he gasped, clinching at whatever hope he could.
“No dice Hans. She has already threatened to contact him. Christ she probably will and I will be following you out there!” Numan forced a small laugh, but it was weak. He could barely contain his own fear at the thought of being transferred. “You should have told me she was an ‘Elite’” barked Numan. He tapped a few commands into his terminal.
Transfer orders.
Restricted Zone.
Handing the data crystal over Numan sighed. “I’m sorry Hans, you have to go. The transport is outside, get your things, it leaves in five minutes.”
CO Office, Aesir Barracks, Northern Sector, Galen Province
Lt. Commander Telfor Brellier sat behind his desk reading the day’s notices. Most were personnel reports and logistics but one caught his eye. A message from Commander Helkovaara, interest piqued he opened it.
To: Lt. Cmdr Telfor Brellier
From: Cmdr Jerryn Helkovaara
Subject: Order Violation and Unauthorised Contact
Lt. Cmdr Brellier,
Further to my report yesterday regarding Private Lehman. His direct superior, Lt. Numan, contacted me last night at home requesting that I rescind my order. I have attached another official report, this time on Lt. Numan. My official report on Lehamn stands. I do not appreciate being contacted at home nor my orders questioned. I request you deal with this incident personally.
Cmdr Jerryn Helkovaara
Chief Biomedical Scientist
Bioengineering Institute
Galen Province
PS Telf, you really need to keep your house in order!!!
Snorting at the cheek of the woman, Telfor activated his consol and input the details for Jerryn’s communicator. The screen blinked into life and Jerryn’s face appeared on the screen. Not for the first time, Telfor appreciated the beauty of the young woman. Many thought her cold, aloof and arrogant, yet Telfor knew that was the price to be paid for being an ‘Elite’. The best of the best. Although the Aesir where superior, the ‘Elite’ where on another level. A smil broke out on his face.
“Good morning, Cmdr Helkovaara. How are you?”
“I am fine. Would I be correct in assuming the formal use of rank is an indication that this is not a social call?” said Jerryn, her left eyebrow raised and a small smile playing on her lips.
“Yes, I am afraid this is official. I have received your message and report and wish to offer my sincere apologies that Lt. Numan saw fit to question your orders. Lehman’s punishment has been upheld and he shall shortly be making his way to the Restricted Zone. I will deal with Numan myself” said Telfor.
“Thank you. I will however need another driver. Would it be possible to request a female?” asked Jerryn.
“Of course, I can think of a couple. I am sure they will prove less…troublesome. Definitely less likely to molest the Natives at any rate” chuckled Telfor. That comment got a grin from Jerryn.
“On a less official note, how are you doing Jerryn?”
“Fine, Telfor. I am doing fine. Keeping me busy though. I have tracked down some Native research which may be of use to us.”
“Do you ever think about anything other than work!” said Telfor shaking his head. “You know, such a pretty lady shouldn’t spend all that time working”
“Pretty lady! My God Telf, your chat up lines are getting worse!”
“You can’t blame a guy for trying”
“You call that trying!” said Jerryn incredulously.
“That’s the effect you have on me”
“That’s the effect anything remotely female has on you” and with that Jerryn terminated the link.
“She can’t resist me” said Telfor to the blank screen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn sat back in her chair shaking her head at the conversation. He never gives up! Thankfully it was all banter. She couldn’t help but smile as she thought back to when they were younger. Telfor was five years older, Talia three, and they both looked out for their younger friend. They had played together in the field of Valerian and after they had left, they played on the ships. Jerryn had sulked when they had gone off to school, but she had quickly caught up to them and where all selected for ‘Elite’ training together. They worked hard and they played hard. Mentally they surpassed their peers and where second only to The Elders. Physically, they where in a league of their own, surpassing all in their beauty. They were also faster, stronger and had better reflexes.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
They were the brightest and the best, and in Jerryn’s eyes Talia shone brightest. Oh Telfor had been interested once upon a time, but even he had realised that he could not compete with Talia. Accepting that, he had become her older brother, but it didn’t stop the lame chat up lines. She expected nothing less now. Telfor had been her rock when her parents had died. They had been on a scout ship, a routine mission. An ion storm struck. They had found the ship 4 days over due hanging dead in space. The small ships shield’s couldn’t withstand the force of the storm, hull breaches voided the atmosphere killing all ten of the crew. Jerryn had thrown herself into her studies.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
Jerryn’s features darkened at the memory. Telfor had helped her through those dark days and Talia had been waiting for her on the other side. Talia. For Jerryn there was no one who could compare. They had been friends for years and finally became lovers. Talia had been her first, the one she though she would spend her life with. Talia was as beautiful as Jerryn but where Jerryn was reserved Talia was a free spirit, and at stark contrast to the teachings of the Aesir. And Jerryn adored her.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
None of that had mattered five years ago. Jerryn fingered the spider web of scars above her left eye. Faint to the naked eye, but they were there. Gloves hiding the scars on her left hand and no one, bar the doctors, saw the scars on her torso and back. Her enhanced abilities had been unable to help Talia. The accident was as vivid now as it was five years ago. Working their engineering rotation, a relay had exploded. The fire quickly spread causing a cascade. Jerryn and Talia had been working in the cooling tower. The explosion had caused their gantry to collapse. Jerryn had tried to reach Talia, could see her losing her grip. Jerryn launched herself forward to catch her. But she wasn’t fast enough. Talia had fallen to her death and Jerryn had met her eyes as she fell. Another relay panel exploded then and slammed into Jerryn knocking her unconscious. Her injuries so severe they never expected her to survive let alone make a full recovery. Feeling the pinprick of tears behind her eyes, Jerryn scolded herself for bringing up such memories and resorted to tried and tested methods. She threw herself into her work.
Thursday 8 November 2007
Sins of the Fathers - Part 4
Part 4
“To Kalin!” chorused the lively group of people. Kalin smiled awkwardly as she was congratulated and hugged yet again.
“Now, now it was nothing”
“Nothing! My God you stood up to him” cried Laura, who flung her arms around Kalin hugging her tightly.
“Seriously Kalin, I for one and very grateful you did stand up to him” said a softly spoken young man.
“Tom, it’s ok really, please no more fuss. If the Commander hadn’t come down when she did who can say what would have happened. You just take care of Laura you here. Or you’ll have me to answer too!” this comment was met by peels of laughter and Kalin was able to make her way to the bar. Unasked, the barman Pete placed a drink in front of her, dismissing her proffered credits with a shake of the head. Kalin raised the glass to him in reply and took a sip feeling like a fraud. If the Commander hadn’t arrived when she did? Kalin suppressed a shudder; she should be more careful, can’t go bringing attention to herself. He burst my lip, does he have my blood? But the Commander, my God the Commander! She was stunning, like an angel…a dark angel.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Across the city, Jerryn sat engrossed in the data she had collected from the archives, marvelling in the knowledge possessed by these so called ‘primitive’ people. Primitive they were not. These documents proved what Jerryn had suspected all along. The arrival of the Aesir and the subsequent occupation had succeeded due to surprise. The Natives had not anticipated an invasion or indeed any hostile action. From the documents Jerryn had viewed, the Natives where more advanced in many aspects, especially science. Space travel for them, was in its infancy, but the medical and scientific knowledge was bountiful. The chirp from the communication system startled Jerryn from her studies. Walking over to the consol, Jerryn entered a short sequence to activate the monitor.
“Commander Helkovaara, good evening”
“Good evening Lieutenant, to what do I owe this interruption?” said Jerry icily.
“Eh...Ma’am, this afternoon you reported one of my men, Sergeant Lehman. You cited…”
“Private Lehman now Lt”
“…ah yes Ma’am. That is why I contacted you” he began “Lehman has assured me he was only toying…”
“Save me the excuses” interrupted Jerryn, “you have called me at home and are directly question an order. I shall not rescind it. The demotion stands as does his transfer to the patrols”
“Yes! A transfer to the Restricted Zone! He was only toying with a savage for Gods sake…”
“Savages you say Lt? Is it not savage to attack a woman who says no, Native or otherwise? In the future Lt you shall stick to protocol. If you have a complaint, go through the official channels otherwise you shall be joining him. I shall contact your CO, Lt Cmdr Brellier. Telfor is still your commanding officer is he not?” The Lt’s face flushed red with embarrassment and anger.
“Rules and regulations Lt, are what separates us from savages” replied Jerryn closing the link. Sighing she rubbed her temples and again marvelled at how a people so advanced could so readily devolve.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Still standing at the bar Kalin spotted a familiar face. Picking up her drink she pushed her way through the crowd to the darkened corner of the bar and sidled up to the dark figure at the end. Starring straight ahead, Kalin waited.
“Long time” rasped the figure.
“I need to see him. I need to see the Doctor” There she had said it. As the words escaped her lips she hurriedly looked around in case someone had overheard her.
“Many seek him out” he answered cryptically.
“Cut the crap Tobin. You might look exotic with you inked face, but I remember when you were a lawyer! Now take me to him!”
Tobin muttered under his breath.
“Oh and Tobin, you might want to stop smoking the Cherook. You sound terrible!”
“You never do change do you Kalin?” muttered Tobin “Follow me”
Kalin followed him through the back of the pub and out into the back alleyway. The cold hitting Kalin, and not for the first time, she rued the state clothing they were issued. How woefully inadequate they were. Thin and threadbare, even the extra layers she wore barely kept out the chill. They disappeared into the labyrinthine back alleys, poorly lit, Kalin couldn’t see where she was stepping and more than once she was grateful for small mercies. After six blocks they came to an abandoned warehouse. Entering they walked to the far corner and took the steps down to the basement. At the foot of the stairs Tobin stopped:
“Follow the corridor round, third door on the right”
“Third door, OK” replied Kalin and she began to walk but a tug at her arm stopped her.
“What happened to you?” whispered Tobin reaching up to caress her cheek.
“They came,” sighed Kalin reaching up to take his hand in hers “ and you gave up” dropping his hand she continued down the corridor. The pal strop light flickered above her head, footsteps echoing all around barely drowning out the sound of Tobin retreating back up the stairs. Reaching the third door on the right, Kalin hesitated. Taking a deep breath she rapped on the door. Silence rang out. She knocked again and was greeted by the sound of metal scraping against metal. A laser shot out scanning her eyes. Blinking the door swung open. Kalin entered.
Inside the room Kalin was grateful for the warmth. Removing her coat she approached the balding man working at a bench.
“Doctor, I need the serum.” said Kalin looking lazily around the laboratory. The man didn’t respond. Clearing her throat, Kalin asked again.
“I heard, I heard! What is it with you people these days, can’t you see I am busy!” he fussed. Turning round he walked briskly toward her. Grabbing her face in his hand he inspected her bruises.
“Hmm, in the wars again?” and began looking in a drawer.
“I was struck by an Aesir Sgt. He may have some of my blood. Hence I need the serum”
“Your blood, are you sure?”
“Yes he may have my blood. Is he smart enough to check it? No, but I cannot take that chance. The serum now” replied Kalin tersely.
Kalin caught the container thrown to her and pressed it to her neck, closing her eyes at the contact. The contents injected into her with an audible hiss. Kalin through her head back and inhaled deeply, eyes flying open.
“What is it like?” he asked his voice filled with awe and wonder.
“What is it like? Where to begin; It’s a rush, yes a rush. My senses are heightened, my skin tingles, my blood is flowing faster in my faces” said Kalin, turning to look at him. Her face flushed, eyes sparkling, almost glowing…almost.
“Go on” he urged.
“How can I explain how it is to hear and see more clearly? To hear the blood singing in my veins” Kalin stopped and cocked her head to one side. “How do I explain how it is to feel more than alive to someone who is not?”
“That was unnecessary” he said, his face breaking into a scowl.
“Unnecessary, but true” Walking toward him Kalin drew two clear bags from her pocket. “Oh now I have hurt your…feelings. Well maybe these will cheer you up?” and handed them to the Doctor.
Taking them from her he held them up to see better in the poor light.
“Nail clippings and two strands of blonde hair” he stated quizzically.
“Well run them through the sequencer then!” a small smile played on her lips as she watched him realise what she had just given him.
“Aesirian?”
Kalin chuckled as he quickly moved to a large machine on the bench. The smile faded when she remembered how old and simplistic it was. She had the most up to date machine at her institute. Her institute; it wasn’t her institute anymore. Shaking such thoughts away, she patiently waited whilst he ran the samples. After a few moments the machine beeped.
“Let’s see what we have here”
A few keystrokes caused the monitor to flicker. The Doctor thumped his fist against it, and suddenly it came to life. Coloured, intertwined lines crossed the screen.
“This is from the clippings. OK Doctor, isolate and delete my sequence.” Said Kalin and the Doctors fingers flew across the keypad, “now that leaves the Sgts. Now call up the sequence from the hair” A second set of intertwined lines came onto the screen.
“They are different!” exclaimed the Doctor, “I thought you said both samples where Aesirian?”
“They are both Aesirian, now run contig.” Said Kalin. As the computer followed the commands the contiguous sequences where aligned.
“The hair DNA….that can’t make sense?”
“It’s bigger isn’t it?” asked Kalin, voice bubbling with excitement.
“You mean…”
“Yes, the Commander whose hair this is has significantly more genetic information; I have always suspected hierarchy, if only I had access to the institute I could verify it properly”
“Well I can do that here!” cried the Doctor, the hurt evident in his voice.
“And it will take you months, if not years!”
“Well time is not an issue for me”
“No, no my friend, it is not”
The Doctor was a marvel. An automaton, engineered to fulfil any role. This prototype had been programmed for bioengineering and medicine. A remarkable achievement for Kalin and her colleagues, when they had created him, the mould had truly been broken; literally. ‘They’ had arrived and in the panic during the initial invasion many technologies had been scuttled rather than allowing them to fall into enemy hands. Kalin and a few of her most trusted friends and colleagues succeeded in hiding him al this time. His medical knowledge proving invaluable as the Natives did not receive the care they had previously been used to. Kalin shook her head as she recognised the old jealousies creeping in, jealous of the Doctor…the automaton. Jealous of how truly oblivious he was to the true nature of their predicament.
“You keep analysing Doctor, I will see you again” and with that Kalin turned, picked up her coat and left him engrossed in the samples she had given him.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn sat back in her chair and stretched her arms above her head, neck tense from pouring over the data she had spent that last few hours analysing. The work was outstanding. The bioengineering knowledge was outstanding. Not for the first time did she wonder what had happened to the people behind this work. Flicking through the names again she came across one of the most prominent. Morvern, Kalin Doctor of medicine, bioengineering, and genetics. One of the most lauded scientists amongst the Natives. A frown clouded her fine features. Morvern. Reaching for her terminal she called up the Native data base and entered the name. A moment passed and data filled the screen. Scanning it, Jerryn had to read it again. Kalin Morvern, renowned scientist and physician was alive and reassigned to Central Archives! The picture contained on the database was of the auburn haired woman with the striking eyes! The woman who the sergeant had struck was the renowned scientist. She had found her!
“To Kalin!” chorused the lively group of people. Kalin smiled awkwardly as she was congratulated and hugged yet again.
“Now, now it was nothing”
“Nothing! My God you stood up to him” cried Laura, who flung her arms around Kalin hugging her tightly.
“Seriously Kalin, I for one and very grateful you did stand up to him” said a softly spoken young man.
“Tom, it’s ok really, please no more fuss. If the Commander hadn’t come down when she did who can say what would have happened. You just take care of Laura you here. Or you’ll have me to answer too!” this comment was met by peels of laughter and Kalin was able to make her way to the bar. Unasked, the barman Pete placed a drink in front of her, dismissing her proffered credits with a shake of the head. Kalin raised the glass to him in reply and took a sip feeling like a fraud. If the Commander hadn’t arrived when she did? Kalin suppressed a shudder; she should be more careful, can’t go bringing attention to herself. He burst my lip, does he have my blood? But the Commander, my God the Commander! She was stunning, like an angel…a dark angel.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Across the city, Jerryn sat engrossed in the data she had collected from the archives, marvelling in the knowledge possessed by these so called ‘primitive’ people. Primitive they were not. These documents proved what Jerryn had suspected all along. The arrival of the Aesir and the subsequent occupation had succeeded due to surprise. The Natives had not anticipated an invasion or indeed any hostile action. From the documents Jerryn had viewed, the Natives where more advanced in many aspects, especially science. Space travel for them, was in its infancy, but the medical and scientific knowledge was bountiful. The chirp from the communication system startled Jerryn from her studies. Walking over to the consol, Jerryn entered a short sequence to activate the monitor.
“Commander Helkovaara, good evening”
“Good evening Lieutenant, to what do I owe this interruption?” said Jerry icily.
“Eh...Ma’am, this afternoon you reported one of my men, Sergeant Lehman. You cited…”
“Private Lehman now Lt”
“…ah yes Ma’am. That is why I contacted you” he began “Lehman has assured me he was only toying…”
“Save me the excuses” interrupted Jerryn, “you have called me at home and are directly question an order. I shall not rescind it. The demotion stands as does his transfer to the patrols”
“Yes! A transfer to the Restricted Zone! He was only toying with a savage for Gods sake…”
“Savages you say Lt? Is it not savage to attack a woman who says no, Native or otherwise? In the future Lt you shall stick to protocol. If you have a complaint, go through the official channels otherwise you shall be joining him. I shall contact your CO, Lt Cmdr Brellier. Telfor is still your commanding officer is he not?” The Lt’s face flushed red with embarrassment and anger.
“Rules and regulations Lt, are what separates us from savages” replied Jerryn closing the link. Sighing she rubbed her temples and again marvelled at how a people so advanced could so readily devolve.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Still standing at the bar Kalin spotted a familiar face. Picking up her drink she pushed her way through the crowd to the darkened corner of the bar and sidled up to the dark figure at the end. Starring straight ahead, Kalin waited.
“Long time” rasped the figure.
“I need to see him. I need to see the Doctor” There she had said it. As the words escaped her lips she hurriedly looked around in case someone had overheard her.
“Many seek him out” he answered cryptically.
“Cut the crap Tobin. You might look exotic with you inked face, but I remember when you were a lawyer! Now take me to him!”
Tobin muttered under his breath.
“Oh and Tobin, you might want to stop smoking the Cherook. You sound terrible!”
“You never do change do you Kalin?” muttered Tobin “Follow me”
Kalin followed him through the back of the pub and out into the back alleyway. The cold hitting Kalin, and not for the first time, she rued the state clothing they were issued. How woefully inadequate they were. Thin and threadbare, even the extra layers she wore barely kept out the chill. They disappeared into the labyrinthine back alleys, poorly lit, Kalin couldn’t see where she was stepping and more than once she was grateful for small mercies. After six blocks they came to an abandoned warehouse. Entering they walked to the far corner and took the steps down to the basement. At the foot of the stairs Tobin stopped:
“Follow the corridor round, third door on the right”
“Third door, OK” replied Kalin and she began to walk but a tug at her arm stopped her.
“What happened to you?” whispered Tobin reaching up to caress her cheek.
“They came,” sighed Kalin reaching up to take his hand in hers “ and you gave up” dropping his hand she continued down the corridor. The pal strop light flickered above her head, footsteps echoing all around barely drowning out the sound of Tobin retreating back up the stairs. Reaching the third door on the right, Kalin hesitated. Taking a deep breath she rapped on the door. Silence rang out. She knocked again and was greeted by the sound of metal scraping against metal. A laser shot out scanning her eyes. Blinking the door swung open. Kalin entered.
Inside the room Kalin was grateful for the warmth. Removing her coat she approached the balding man working at a bench.
“Doctor, I need the serum.” said Kalin looking lazily around the laboratory. The man didn’t respond. Clearing her throat, Kalin asked again.
“I heard, I heard! What is it with you people these days, can’t you see I am busy!” he fussed. Turning round he walked briskly toward her. Grabbing her face in his hand he inspected her bruises.
“Hmm, in the wars again?” and began looking in a drawer.
“I was struck by an Aesir Sgt. He may have some of my blood. Hence I need the serum”
“Your blood, are you sure?”
“Yes he may have my blood. Is he smart enough to check it? No, but I cannot take that chance. The serum now” replied Kalin tersely.
Kalin caught the container thrown to her and pressed it to her neck, closing her eyes at the contact. The contents injected into her with an audible hiss. Kalin through her head back and inhaled deeply, eyes flying open.
“What is it like?” he asked his voice filled with awe and wonder.
“What is it like? Where to begin; It’s a rush, yes a rush. My senses are heightened, my skin tingles, my blood is flowing faster in my faces” said Kalin, turning to look at him. Her face flushed, eyes sparkling, almost glowing…almost.
“Go on” he urged.
“How can I explain how it is to hear and see more clearly? To hear the blood singing in my veins” Kalin stopped and cocked her head to one side. “How do I explain how it is to feel more than alive to someone who is not?”
“That was unnecessary” he said, his face breaking into a scowl.
“Unnecessary, but true” Walking toward him Kalin drew two clear bags from her pocket. “Oh now I have hurt your…feelings. Well maybe these will cheer you up?” and handed them to the Doctor.
Taking them from her he held them up to see better in the poor light.
“Nail clippings and two strands of blonde hair” he stated quizzically.
“Well run them through the sequencer then!” a small smile played on her lips as she watched him realise what she had just given him.
“Aesirian?”
Kalin chuckled as he quickly moved to a large machine on the bench. The smile faded when she remembered how old and simplistic it was. She had the most up to date machine at her institute. Her institute; it wasn’t her institute anymore. Shaking such thoughts away, she patiently waited whilst he ran the samples. After a few moments the machine beeped.
“Let’s see what we have here”
A few keystrokes caused the monitor to flicker. The Doctor thumped his fist against it, and suddenly it came to life. Coloured, intertwined lines crossed the screen.
“This is from the clippings. OK Doctor, isolate and delete my sequence.” Said Kalin and the Doctors fingers flew across the keypad, “now that leaves the Sgts. Now call up the sequence from the hair” A second set of intertwined lines came onto the screen.
“They are different!” exclaimed the Doctor, “I thought you said both samples where Aesirian?”
“They are both Aesirian, now run contig.” Said Kalin. As the computer followed the commands the contiguous sequences where aligned.
“The hair DNA….that can’t make sense?”
“It’s bigger isn’t it?” asked Kalin, voice bubbling with excitement.
“You mean…”
“Yes, the Commander whose hair this is has significantly more genetic information; I have always suspected hierarchy, if only I had access to the institute I could verify it properly”
“Well I can do that here!” cried the Doctor, the hurt evident in his voice.
“And it will take you months, if not years!”
“Well time is not an issue for me”
“No, no my friend, it is not”
The Doctor was a marvel. An automaton, engineered to fulfil any role. This prototype had been programmed for bioengineering and medicine. A remarkable achievement for Kalin and her colleagues, when they had created him, the mould had truly been broken; literally. ‘They’ had arrived and in the panic during the initial invasion many technologies had been scuttled rather than allowing them to fall into enemy hands. Kalin and a few of her most trusted friends and colleagues succeeded in hiding him al this time. His medical knowledge proving invaluable as the Natives did not receive the care they had previously been used to. Kalin shook her head as she recognised the old jealousies creeping in, jealous of the Doctor…the automaton. Jealous of how truly oblivious he was to the true nature of their predicament.
“You keep analysing Doctor, I will see you again” and with that Kalin turned, picked up her coat and left him engrossed in the samples she had given him.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn sat back in her chair and stretched her arms above her head, neck tense from pouring over the data she had spent that last few hours analysing. The work was outstanding. The bioengineering knowledge was outstanding. Not for the first time did she wonder what had happened to the people behind this work. Flicking through the names again she came across one of the most prominent. Morvern, Kalin Doctor of medicine, bioengineering, and genetics. One of the most lauded scientists amongst the Natives. A frown clouded her fine features. Morvern. Reaching for her terminal she called up the Native data base and entered the name. A moment passed and data filled the screen. Scanning it, Jerryn had to read it again. Kalin Morvern, renowned scientist and physician was alive and reassigned to Central Archives! The picture contained on the database was of the auburn haired woman with the striking eyes! The woman who the sergeant had struck was the renowned scientist. She had found her!
Tuesday 30 October 2007
Sins of the Fathers - Part 3
Part 3
Jerryn stood in front of the mirror as she fixed her hair. She cut a stunning figure in her uniform. Tall, slim but all was hidden by the uniform jacket. Blonde locks held up in an intricate twist. Clear intelligent blue eyes and striking features. Jerryn was stunning by anyone’s standards. After her hair was done she put on her field cap and slipped on her great coat. Dark grey with red epaulets adorned with her commanders rank. Pausing to check herself again, Jerryn turned and left her apartment to the waiting transport. She settled into the vehicle and instructed the sergeant assigned to her to drive to the central Archives.
“What are your order’s Ma’am?”
“I shall be there for sometime. You may return to barracks and I shall call you when I wish to leave”
“I’m sorry Ma’am, but my orders are to remain with you. No one is to be alone in the Native zone”
“Very well you shall park outside and remain at the entrance” sighed Jerryn, then she settled back in her seat and watched the city rush past her window. The affluent suburbs gave way to more heavily built up areas, “Aesir Out!” and other such slogans adorned the walls. The closer to the Native zone they got, the more derelict the areas became. The transport slowed as it approached the checkpoint, Jerryn’s window rolled down and she passed her hand over the biometric scanner offered to her.
“Thank you Commander, you may go” said the checkpoint guard snapping a salute. The window rolled up as the transport moved on into the Native zone. Ten minutes later they pulled up in front of the imposing building that housed the Central Archives. Jerryn strode purposefully up the front steps, the sergeant quickly falling in behind her. Upon entry she was greeted by a nervous Native who would show her to the materials she sought.
“Sergeant, remain here. If I need you I summon you.”
Not bothering to wait for his reply, she followed the young archivist to the reading room.
“The Chief Archivist arranged for all the journals you requested. Most are now available electronically however we have yet to digitise some of the older journals. If you do need to go that far back the Chief has requested you contact her. They are quite fragile some of them”
“Dismissed”
Jerryn walked round the table removing her cap and placed her coat over the chair and sat down. Taking out her note pad she opened it at the latest notes:
Genetics
Variation
De-selection
Speciation
Loss of fitness
She frowned at her notes and tapped the monitor in front of her and began to search.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A knock at the door roused Kalin from what she was reading. Tapping the monitor, she closed the file she had open.
“Come in”
“She’s here Chief. I showed her to the room you set aside”
“Good hopefully she will find what she’s looking for. Let me know if there are any problems”
“Eh…a sergeant is posted outside”
“We have nothing to hide Michael, if he wants want anything get it for him, otherwise stay out of his way”
“Yes Chief”
The door shut behind him. Sighing, Kalin pinched the bridge of her nose. Why was the Aesir Commander looking at Native journals? What was she looking for? Kalin re-opened the file she had been looking at and hit a few key-strokes; suddenly she was viewing the search strings used by the Commander: bio-engineering, selection, variation, immunology…
A few hours passed, puzzled at the search strings, Kalin was also intrigued. What could the Commander be looking for? Another few key-strokes and all the Commanders search strings and selections would be recorded. Switching the monitor off, Kalin leaned back in her chair. Coffee, that’s what she needed!
Pushing back from her desk, Kalin got up and left her office. As she left she heard raised voices coming from the foyer. Upon exiting the corridor Kalin could barely believe her eyes. The sergeant had her junior archivist up against the desk.
“C’mon you know you want it”
“Please…please let me go” the young woman whimpered.
“Let me go….Sir!” snarled the sergeant.
“S..sir please” pleaded the young woman.
“What is the meaning of this!” roared Kalin fury filling her face, “Let go of her now!” Although petite Kalin was a formidable presence and a force to be reckoned with when angered. Shocked at how he was being addressed, the sergeant loosened his grip on the young woman who quickly wriggled free and ran behind Kalin.
“Who do you think you are talking to me that way…Native”
“Sergeant,” began Kalin, her anger barely contained “we are placed here by your government, but we are not your playthings!”
A cruel smile curled his lips as he walked toward Kalin. Taking a deep breath she pulled herself up to her full height, but she still fell many inches shorter than the sergeant. He pulled his scanner from his belt.
“Your arm” it was not a request. Kalin resisted.
“I said you arm!” Kalin didn’t see his arm coming towards her but she most definitely felt it as he backhanded her. She fell to the floor dazed and confused tasting blood. Roughly the sergeant grabbed and twisted her arm, pain coursed through it and a gasp escaped her lips.
“What is going on here?” demanded a cool voice. Kalin turned her head to where the voice was coming from and issued a small cry as her arm was roughly released. Cradling it too her, she tried to focus on the figure who had spoken.
“Sergeant I asked you a question?” Kalin’s eyes slowly regained focus and she was stunned when she saw the beautiful young woman who had spoken. An angel! The commander began to speak to the sergeant in Aesirian, ignoring Kalin and the younger woman.
“Laura, help me up?” and Kalin felt the young woman help her to her feet. “Are you OK Laura? Did he hurt you?”
“N…no you came before, before…he…” said Laura choking back a sob. Tenderly Kalin put her arm around Laura comforting her. She realised the commander had stopped talking; turning to her Kalin could not help but marvel at how beautiful she was. They were all stunning but this woman was exceptional.
“Your name…please?” asked the commander.
“Morvern, Kalin. Δ7-9α-69120. Chief Archivist. This is my junior archivist”
“Tanner, Laura. Ξ5-8δ-69252” whispered Laura.
“I must officially protest at the actions of your subordinate Commander”
The commander held up her hand forestalling her.
“I must insist!”
“Chief Archivist Morvern, I heard what transpired”
“But…” Kalin was even more shocked when the commander reached into her pocket removing a crisp white handkerchief and held it out to her.
“You are bleeding”
Thoroughly confused Kalin took the offered handkerchief.
“I shall retrieve my belongings; I have finished for this session. I will download a data set. I will inform you when I need to return” and with that Kalin watched the commander return to her allotted room.
Jerryn let out a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding in. That woman’s hair! Laced with fire and with blue eyes! Eyes that blue on a Native! She did not understand why this shocked her so. Her mood quickly darkened as she remembered what the sergeant had done. Trying it on with that young girl! Shaking her head at his behaviour she couldn’t understand the attitude of some of her people. She didn’t really understand why the Natives where treated as they were. Yes they were different, but what that such a bad thing? Oh she had heard the talks, inferior species, poor stock. It never sat right with her, but she kept quiet and got on with her job. She would find a cure and they could go home. Home. Jerryn had few memories of Valerian but they were happy ones. Running through a field, being scooped up into her fathers arms. Her mothers laugh. As the memories flooded back she could feel the tears form behind her eyes and that wouldn’t do. Composing herself she gathered her things and downloaded the data set. Pulling on her coat, adjusting her cap she set off cutting a dashing figure as she strode through the foyer. At the reception desk she halted turning to Kalin:
“We are not all monsters” and with a brief, barely imperceptible nod of her head she was gone.
Jerryn stood in front of the mirror as she fixed her hair. She cut a stunning figure in her uniform. Tall, slim but all was hidden by the uniform jacket. Blonde locks held up in an intricate twist. Clear intelligent blue eyes and striking features. Jerryn was stunning by anyone’s standards. After her hair was done she put on her field cap and slipped on her great coat. Dark grey with red epaulets adorned with her commanders rank. Pausing to check herself again, Jerryn turned and left her apartment to the waiting transport. She settled into the vehicle and instructed the sergeant assigned to her to drive to the central Archives.
“What are your order’s Ma’am?”
“I shall be there for sometime. You may return to barracks and I shall call you when I wish to leave”
“I’m sorry Ma’am, but my orders are to remain with you. No one is to be alone in the Native zone”
“Very well you shall park outside and remain at the entrance” sighed Jerryn, then she settled back in her seat and watched the city rush past her window. The affluent suburbs gave way to more heavily built up areas, “Aesir Out!” and other such slogans adorned the walls. The closer to the Native zone they got, the more derelict the areas became. The transport slowed as it approached the checkpoint, Jerryn’s window rolled down and she passed her hand over the biometric scanner offered to her.
“Thank you Commander, you may go” said the checkpoint guard snapping a salute. The window rolled up as the transport moved on into the Native zone. Ten minutes later they pulled up in front of the imposing building that housed the Central Archives. Jerryn strode purposefully up the front steps, the sergeant quickly falling in behind her. Upon entry she was greeted by a nervous Native who would show her to the materials she sought.
“Sergeant, remain here. If I need you I summon you.”
Not bothering to wait for his reply, she followed the young archivist to the reading room.
“The Chief Archivist arranged for all the journals you requested. Most are now available electronically however we have yet to digitise some of the older journals. If you do need to go that far back the Chief has requested you contact her. They are quite fragile some of them”
“Dismissed”
Jerryn walked round the table removing her cap and placed her coat over the chair and sat down. Taking out her note pad she opened it at the latest notes:
Genetics
Variation
De-selection
Speciation
Loss of fitness
She frowned at her notes and tapped the monitor in front of her and began to search.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A knock at the door roused Kalin from what she was reading. Tapping the monitor, she closed the file she had open.
“Come in”
“She’s here Chief. I showed her to the room you set aside”
“Good hopefully she will find what she’s looking for. Let me know if there are any problems”
“Eh…a sergeant is posted outside”
“We have nothing to hide Michael, if he wants want anything get it for him, otherwise stay out of his way”
“Yes Chief”
The door shut behind him. Sighing, Kalin pinched the bridge of her nose. Why was the Aesir Commander looking at Native journals? What was she looking for? Kalin re-opened the file she had been looking at and hit a few key-strokes; suddenly she was viewing the search strings used by the Commander: bio-engineering, selection, variation, immunology…
A few hours passed, puzzled at the search strings, Kalin was also intrigued. What could the Commander be looking for? Another few key-strokes and all the Commanders search strings and selections would be recorded. Switching the monitor off, Kalin leaned back in her chair. Coffee, that’s what she needed!
Pushing back from her desk, Kalin got up and left her office. As she left she heard raised voices coming from the foyer. Upon exiting the corridor Kalin could barely believe her eyes. The sergeant had her junior archivist up against the desk.
“C’mon you know you want it”
“Please…please let me go” the young woman whimpered.
“Let me go….Sir!” snarled the sergeant.
“S..sir please” pleaded the young woman.
“What is the meaning of this!” roared Kalin fury filling her face, “Let go of her now!” Although petite Kalin was a formidable presence and a force to be reckoned with when angered. Shocked at how he was being addressed, the sergeant loosened his grip on the young woman who quickly wriggled free and ran behind Kalin.
“Who do you think you are talking to me that way…Native”
“Sergeant,” began Kalin, her anger barely contained “we are placed here by your government, but we are not your playthings!”
A cruel smile curled his lips as he walked toward Kalin. Taking a deep breath she pulled herself up to her full height, but she still fell many inches shorter than the sergeant. He pulled his scanner from his belt.
“Your arm” it was not a request. Kalin resisted.
“I said you arm!” Kalin didn’t see his arm coming towards her but she most definitely felt it as he backhanded her. She fell to the floor dazed and confused tasting blood. Roughly the sergeant grabbed and twisted her arm, pain coursed through it and a gasp escaped her lips.
“What is going on here?” demanded a cool voice. Kalin turned her head to where the voice was coming from and issued a small cry as her arm was roughly released. Cradling it too her, she tried to focus on the figure who had spoken.
“Sergeant I asked you a question?” Kalin’s eyes slowly regained focus and she was stunned when she saw the beautiful young woman who had spoken. An angel! The commander began to speak to the sergeant in Aesirian, ignoring Kalin and the younger woman.
“Laura, help me up?” and Kalin felt the young woman help her to her feet. “Are you OK Laura? Did he hurt you?”
“N…no you came before, before…he…” said Laura choking back a sob. Tenderly Kalin put her arm around Laura comforting her. She realised the commander had stopped talking; turning to her Kalin could not help but marvel at how beautiful she was. They were all stunning but this woman was exceptional.
“Your name…please?” asked the commander.
“Morvern, Kalin. Δ7-9α-69120. Chief Archivist. This is my junior archivist”
“Tanner, Laura. Ξ5-8δ-69252” whispered Laura.
“I must officially protest at the actions of your subordinate Commander”
The commander held up her hand forestalling her.
“I must insist!”
“Chief Archivist Morvern, I heard what transpired”
“But…” Kalin was even more shocked when the commander reached into her pocket removing a crisp white handkerchief and held it out to her.
“You are bleeding”
Thoroughly confused Kalin took the offered handkerchief.
“I shall retrieve my belongings; I have finished for this session. I will download a data set. I will inform you when I need to return” and with that Kalin watched the commander return to her allotted room.
Jerryn let out a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding in. That woman’s hair! Laced with fire and with blue eyes! Eyes that blue on a Native! She did not understand why this shocked her so. Her mood quickly darkened as she remembered what the sergeant had done. Trying it on with that young girl! Shaking her head at his behaviour she couldn’t understand the attitude of some of her people. She didn’t really understand why the Natives where treated as they were. Yes they were different, but what that such a bad thing? Oh she had heard the talks, inferior species, poor stock. It never sat right with her, but she kept quiet and got on with her job. She would find a cure and they could go home. Home. Jerryn had few memories of Valerian but they were happy ones. Running through a field, being scooped up into her fathers arms. Her mothers laugh. As the memories flooded back she could feel the tears form behind her eyes and that wouldn’t do. Composing herself she gathered her things and downloaded the data set. Pulling on her coat, adjusting her cap she set off cutting a dashing figure as she strode through the foyer. At the reception desk she halted turning to Kalin:
“We are not all monsters” and with a brief, barely imperceptible nod of her head she was gone.
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