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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 8, 2019 23:35:32 GMT -5
The golden days. When humans were well protected by the machines that they forged. Machines forged with magic. Machines that took flight with their pilots inside, destroying all that stood within their path. Though with such power, war is always something that will follow. It is inevitable. With humans, power is war. Rigs. That is what they called them before all of the machines were destroyed. It was an exoskeleton type device that allowed the wearer to perform feats that a human alone would never be able to perform. Flight. Fighting. Speed. They took down armies of men, easily. They were super soldiers in basic terminology. Though, with everything there comes an end. The Rigs were hunted down by a group of relic hungry brainwashed followers of a cult. The Rigs were something that stood in their path to hunting down all of the relics that the gods left upon this world. Relics that caused chaos. Though, such relics gave the humans the ability to forge such magnificent machines. The war was waged and ultimately each wearer was hunted down and gutted. The Machines were ripped to shreds. Not a single one remained on the crust of the earth. A horrible history that was buried beneath the ruble of old cities that were destroyed by the cult. The humans were driven into hiding, behind walls, behind runes to protect them from the cultists. Machines were outlawed as the cultists used the machines before their final destruction to destroy a few of the human cities. The Rigs were lost in a part of history that the humans worked hard to bury. Life and the luxuries of freedom did not remain in the world any longer. ** Life was different now. The poor were lost in the wastes of the slums. Within the slums a young girl sat on her knees, her blonde hair filtered into her eyes. She held her hands forward toward a man in a nicely fitted suit. Her ocean blue eyes looked up to him, pleading, though she didn’t speak. The man stopped and looked down to the child, his eyes searched hers a moment. “You want to work for money girl?” He questioned, a grin upon his lips. The girl looked to him and slowly gave a nod. She hadn’t had a meal in several days, her body was gaunt from living on the streets. Her clothing was ill fitting and tattered. She didn’t even own a pair of shoes. Her parents? Well. Like most many in the slums died, either to the government for the money they owed or to their own poverty. It was really a terrible situation to be a child here. The man held his hand forward. “Come then.” He took her hand. His eyes looked around, as if he was doing something illegal. Though, it was all about his class. Being seen helping a child of the slums would look negatively upon him. “Follow me.” He pulled her to her feet and then released her hand and brushed his hand against his suit. He walked off quickly then. The girl rushed to keep up with him as he made his way through the alleys. She had a limp to her as she walked. Her leg had been badly broken in a fall, the two bones that made up her shin were healed incorrectly halfway down giving her an abnormal gait. They moved through the city and came to the upper districts, the houses seemed to have a glow about them from how clean the area was. Something the child wasn’t quite used to. She glanced around in awe as she followed the man in a suit. He reached back and ushered her forward toward a large home. The bushes were neatly cut. The grass was perfectly pedicured. Once inside the man paused, he looked her over. He had dark almost jet black hair and chestnut brown eyes, a nearly kept beard lined his jaw. He tilted his head slightly. “What happened to your leg girl?” He questioned. The girl lowered her gaze from him, she didn't look much older than 6 or so. The man stepped forward and knelt before her. “I’m trying to help you.” He spoke and offered a nod. “Tell me, what happened to it?” He questioned as he gazed into her eyes. The girl looked to him a moment and took in a breath. “I...fell....sir....” She looked down once again. The man drew his brows together and nodded. “Let’s get you cleaned up hm? Then we shall see about that leg, you won’t be much use as a worker if you can’t walk well enough, darling.” He spoke as he took her and led her up a set of stairs. “What is your name girl?” He questioned as they entered a room that was nearly empty with the exception of a few boxes to which he began pulling clothing from. The young girl took in a breath as she watched the man, “Ellie....sir...” She nearly whispered. He glanced to her a moment and gave a nod. “Ah well, good to meet you Ellie.” He flashed a smile, “It’s your lucky day.” ** Ellie grew to know the man as Jameson Lovette. He had a wife named Mercy and the woman was unable to bear a child. Ellie had been in the right place at the right time. At the time she hadn't understood it but she’d stumbled into quite a lucky situation. Jameson took her in as his own and Mercy did as well. He was one of the richest men in the city, now the mayor. He ran everything. Her broken bones in her leg? Well, Jameson had taken her right away to a doctor but unfortunately the damage was done. They were left with only one choice. It was a painful decision but Ellie learned to love her mechanical limb. In fact it was almost good that it happened at such a young age. With pants on those around her would never know that from the knee down on her right leg oil ran through the mechanical piece. It moved much like that of flesh and blood... Ellie sat on the floor of the shop, her pant leg pulled up, a screwdriver in one hand as she adjusted a few of the gears on her leg. A bit of oil leaked to the concrete as she did so. She winced as she felt it tighten down. “Where are you headed off to today dear?” Mercy stepped from the home, the beautiful blonde haired woman looked as though she truly could be Ellie’s mother. Ellie looked up from where she sat, she flashed a warm smile to her mother. “Just out with Elias.” She spoke as she stood and let her jeans fall down over the mechanical leg. She set the screwdriver to the side as she pulled on her black jacket. Her blonde hair was braided to the side loosely with her bangs falling into her eyes. Mercy gave a soft chuckle. “Just out huh?” She raised a brow. “You’ve been wandering quite a bit lately, don’t forget your duties.” Ellie chuckled as she grabbed a backpack from the table, “Of course, I wouldn’t overlook a thing mother. Father said I could go.” She stepped to her mother and gave her a gentle hug. Mercy kissed her cheek and held her tightly a moment. “Be safe dear.” “Ellie!” A man stood in the doorway, he had fiery red hair and a clean shaved face. His eyes were a deep forest green. He wore jeans and a pair of hiking boots as well as a jacket and a backpack over his own shoulders. Mercy chuckled, “I suppose you should go hm?” She smiled to her daughter, “Elias do keep her safe hm?” She looked to the young man as he waved from the open garage door. “Of course Mrs. Lovette, I wouldn’t do anything less.” Elias replied. Ellie grinned to her mother, “Bye!!” She called as she rushed off and waved over her shoulder. She pushed Elias playfully and ran off down the driveway. “Come on!!” She spoke as she made her way toward the city. She slowed down and glanced to him once her home was out of view. “Thank for covering for me.” She smirked to him. Elias looked to his friend and nodded, “Of course. What is it you’re doing exactly?” He questioned curiously. Ellie chuckled, “Oh wouldn’t you like to know?” She raised a brow as she began to walk off from him. “I’ll meet you at the fountain later okay?” She spoke as she rushed off. Ellie moved through the city streets easily as if they were the back of her hands, she knew the ins and the outs. She passed through the slums district and as always she pulled food from her backpack and gave food to several of the beggars whom thanked her graciously as she continued on. Ellie made her way to the gate and she slipped her passport from her pocket and held it up to the armored guard. “Miss Lovette, what brings you to the edge of the city?” The guard questioned as he raised the front of his helmet so she could see his face. “Adventuring again? It’s dangerous outside the city...” He looked concerned. “I can hold my own.” Ellie responded as she nodded to him. “Don’t worry about me, hm?” She chuckled as the other guard opened the gate for her. She slipped from the city and made her way into the wilderness that lay beyond. The green of the grass seemed so much more vibrant than anything within the city. She jogged down the dirt pathways and eventually split from the pathways toward a cavern. Ellie slipped into the cavern as she pulled a flashlight from her bag. She weaved through the rocky corridors easily and she found a small room that had several things laying about it. Ellie lit a few lanterns which caused the room to glow and reveal what lay inside. One of the Rigs stood motionless in the center of the room, held up by two metal brackets. The pieces were clearly from several rigs, worked together artfully. The only thing missing was the helmet. “One last piece friend.” She spoke as she set down her backpack. Ellie pulled a mangled piece of metal from her backpack. The remanence of a helmet it seemed. She set it down on a workbench and over the next several hours she used pieces to fit the helmet back together. A grin upon her lips when she finally got all of the pieces working. Her mechanical leg had given her the upper hand in repairing such equipment. Ellie stepped up to the machine and lifted up the helmet. She looked into the golden visor. “Alright...” She nodded to herself as she clicked it into place. “Woah....” A voice came from the opening of the small cavern. Ellie spun around quickly, she reached to her thigh and pulled her pistol, it sights were instantly aimed on the person. After a quick moment she lowered the gun. “Elias, that’s how you get shot.” She snapped and shook her head. “What are you doing here?” She questioned with a raised brow. Elias stepped forward, admiring her work. “I followed you, I was worried...you know?” He reached out to touch the rig only for Ellie to gently push his hand away. “These don’t exist anymore....how...?” Ellie watched him as she crossed her arms. “Piece by piece. It’s taken me....” She thought for a moment. “Upwards of 8 years to get this thing up and running....well hopefully running.” She watched him. “They’re illegal...you know that right?” Elias looked to his friend, his brows tucked tightly together. “You could be killed over this thing, Ellie.” “I could be killed for a lot of things.” She scoffed slightly, “We had Rigs to protect us. Have you seen the wars lately? It is a matter of time before the cultists come after our city. Shouldn’t we be able to defend ourselves? Shouldn’t we look to our past? Why did they bury the history of these machines huh?” Ellie moved about she clicked a few things on the machine, it began to whirr as it powered on. A few lights along the armor lit up. A grin split her lips. “Can you imagine it? Flying?” She chuckled. “You’re going to get yourself killed. What if it doesn’t even work?” Elias cautioned her. Ellie moved the stand behind the suit. The back of it opened up revealing the interior that was padded for the wearer. “What’s the worst that could happen? Huh?” She reached up to lift herself into the Rig. Elias took in a quick breath. “You get stuck in that ancient thing?” He watched with wide eyes. Ellie chuckled and rolled her own eyes. “You worry too much Elias.” She pulled her body up and stepped her feet into the Rig. Ellie took in quick breaths as the back plate clicked into place and the sound of the helmet tightening down over the back of her head whirred into place. The last piece that remained was the golden visor. Ellie felt the excitement course through her body as she lifted her hand and looked to her armored fingers, she grinned. “This is incredible!” She lifted her leg as the visor clicked into place. Ellie took a step forward and suddenly the thrusters activated on the back of the rig. “Woah!” She cried out as she flew forward. She slammed into a stalactite crushing it with the force. She groaned as the thrusters carried her forward. She spun and barely missed another wall as she flew deeper into the caverns. Ellie cried out as she tried to figure out how to control the device. “Wait!” She screamed, “Stop!” She could hear the thrusters heating up behind her, almost the same as boiling water. Then suddenly as she came to the edge of a cliff the thrusters gave out and she went flying over the cliff into the dimly lit room. There was an opening in the ceiling that allowed light to cascade in. Ellie screamed as she toppled down, she landed with a splash in the depths of the icy waters. The thrusters sizzled and cooled as the water washed over her. Ellie climbed from the water onto the sandy beach. Before her runes glowed a beautiful blue upon a wall. “Oh....what is this?” She questioned as she took a step forward her hand reached out and then suddenly it was as if the world was warping around her. She stumbled back. Her eyes filled with fear. She’d heard of these, rifts. Cuts to the creators. Runes were just as dangerous as the Rigs. Runes were the magic of the gods. Though, Ellie didn’t know much about Runes or the Gods...much of the texts were hidden or destroyed after the wars. Ellie reached for the rifle that was attached to her hip. She lifted it and the numbers lit up on the screen within her helmet, allowing her to see how much ammunition she had. Not much. Just a couple dozen rounds or so. “Uh.....” She let out a breath as she looked up. “Go....” She stretched up. “Uhm.....fly?” She jumped slightly. Nothing. She looked back forward as a huge creature stepped from the ripple of magic. “Oh...no...no no no...” She jumped up several times. “Come on you stupid rust bucket!” She cried as she lifted the rifle to protect herself. Truth was, if she shot at the beast at best it would only be able to anger it. “How did I do it before?” She questioned herself as she looked up to the opening again. She jumped but nothing happened. It was just her and the huge snarling beast... |
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Post by Raven on Mar 10, 2019 0:42:09 GMT -5
War. What would humans do to win a war? What kind of sacrifices would they make. Sacrifices that would eventually become expectations, and be turned into honorable... when the premise was dark and futile. The greatest of these sacrifices were the talented youth of Servitors. Humans with a unique genome called Alpharitome. This was a mutation in very few children that resulted in the capability to use a sacred Relic that bonded their souls with the very fabric of technology itself. It was the bridge between human, and machine. It was a accidental discovery that lead to one of the most tragic of lives for all future children. Before the age of 12 - all children were tested of this genome. If they had it... they were taken from their families and "broken". Upon their 16th birthday they would go through the Transfusion. The bonding of soul and technology.
They made it seem like Servitors were a gifted breed, and the honor was great. When in reality... they were turned into Warminds, and brainwashed to do the bidding of society. What could Servitors do? They could do everything a computer could, and more. Servitors had the processing speed that was 150 times the capability of a computer. They had the ability to make decisions and act on them. Scripting, coding - all of that was not necessary. It cut cost, it cut time, it cut everything. Soon enough entire cities were running off of a single Servitor. Meanwhile...over time these poor Servitors lost their humanity, and eventually were nothing more than a super computer.
Though there was an even more rare select few. The servitor of the Army of Valor. Mechanical suits that trained Pilots would host, with a Servitor to guide their every move. The Servitor would bond with it's pilot, allowing the Servitor to tap into the mind of the pilot. The Servitor then could react to the pilot, enhance the pilot, and ensure the suit would do what was needed. The Servitor also guided the pilot in missions - locating items, sourcing data on the fly, whatever was needed. The pilot...would hold the gun and shoot. Though, it took raw talent for a Pilot to be successful, and a unique connection with its Servitor to be grand. But a legend? Those were even more rare, Legendary Pilots had the perfect balance of mind, body and soul. The wars were shaped by these Soldiers of Valor, and victory swiftly followed in their great wake.
Though...it came to an end too swiftly. A great apocalypse came and wiped every great city - the ones that these Servitors ran...and the humans played all day. The apocalypse summoned great beasts that hunted the Valor Suits - until every last one was destroyed... everything to do with these Servitors...was demolished. Some say... it was a punishment for letting things get too far...
***
"Harley - You have 3 Elite Worgans headed your way, 12 East, on the map" Her vision peered through a visor - which had a heads up display. A map pinged brightly, and lead the way for her Pilot - Harley. She was a Servitor. Ripped away from her parents young. The Transfusion ripped her soul from her body and embedded her in a simple chip. As long as she was plugged into a unit - she could explore the grid at lightning speed. Though she was far more grand than others - she maintained her emotions, her humanity, far stronger than any other Servitor. Many struggled and fell into machine like living, but Raine did not. This is what made her one of the greatest Servitors in existence. Her will was strong.
Suddenly, on Raine's request - three rockets shot from the suit's shoulder.
"Great shot!!" Harley shouted as he ran forward, gun in hand. They were traversing a cavern, hunting a relic that was summoning Worgans to fight them. Boosters shot as suddenly Harley lifted into the air and flew forward. They emerged into a huge cavern room - where a glowing cube was full of a magic like essence, that sparked and spat - suddenly a wave of Worgans were conjured. Electricity snapped about the fleshy beasts and they shot forward on all four paws, huge teeth snapping towards Harley.
The two worked perfectly together. Harley wanted to leap backwards, Raine could feel it as if it was her own thought and reaction. So instantly she triggered the jet boosters and shot back. Harley's gun lifted and he shot perfect head shots - a blur of bullets and flashing from the barrel. What ever Harley wanted the suit to do - Raine was already on it. A volley of rockets, Harley moved his gun and slammed it into a beast, knocking its jaw completely out of place. He held his hand up and a rocket from his forearm shot into the beasts mouth, throwing the worgan aside.
Harley shot forward and slammed his fist into the cubes center. Raine instantly sent all her power to the core - overloading the cube easily. It suddenly exploded - sending Harley back. Jet pack fired and caught him mid air, keeping him from slamming into the wall. Though suddenly - something gripped Harley. Harley was pulled to the ground, tethered by something. As Harley rolled over to see what it was - something gripped his throat, lifting him easily into the air. Through the visor Raine peered a devilish looking character. His eyes were bright red - but eveyrthing else was darkness. Emitting from its body was a hue of horror - slowly the dark like smoke began to crawl over Harley's body. Jet packs fired - but the beast did not let go, its grip tightened around Harley's throat. Rockets did nothing.
"Harley - do something. Vitals dropping, suit integrity is 25% and dropping" Raine spoke into the helmet. Harley choked and spat - then suddenly, even through the suits armor, his neck snapped. He was dead in an instant. The beast laughed briefly and dropped Harley to the ground. The helmet fell from the suit and tumbled into a corner of rocks. Never before had the helmet detached from the suit, it was all one piece. This caused the power core to be severed - leaving an empty helmet, with a chip resting in the back...The Servitor Raine was lost that day...
Until suddenly... the lights flickered once more. The visor powered on - having been reattached to a power unit again. It was like being rebooted. Raine could see once again... her vision peered forward in a dark room. A woman peered at her creation. Instantly, within a few quick scans - Raine knew this suit was not original to itself, it was pieces put together. She was running diagnostics and writing code in an instant - trying to sync the gear together. The hell is this? The legs are in a completely different language... she worked swiftly to learn it. She didn't quite work it out completely before this woman was inside the suit.
The boosters wouldn't power exactly right, the jet pack was laggy. It was terrible work, and she was doing her best to work out the kinks. Though while she worked - she found herself unable to link with this pilot. She swiftly scanned the pilot - no identification number. No nothing. Though as she dug through the web...she began to realize that there were no new pilots registered in the Pilot Academy...no new ... anything. While a part of her brain was still coding...the other half was surfing. She scanned articles about the fall of The Valor Army, the death of.....
Suddenly the visor flashed red - a terrifying beast stared to her. Raine snapped to it. "Auto Pilot Engaged" she spoke into the helmet. In an instant she took over the suit. The suit fired backwards and she held her hand out - No ammo, no rockets. Suddenly the suit flew forward and gripped at the beasts's head, the boosters fired again and with all the might the suit had - she threw the beast against the wall. Her hand drove through the beast's gut, gripping it's spine - and then easily yanking it from its body, leaving a mess of blood and guts on the ground. She had seen Harley do this before, and mimicked the script. "Auto-Pilot disengaged."
"Pilot - I am Servitor Alpha Romeo four six nine nine two, Omega class. My name is Raine..." she cleared her voice, as if she had a throat...but the reality was that she didn't. "You.... are not registered in the Valor Facilities...it is evident you have no prior knowledge of Valor Suits, or ... how to put one together..." she paused. "but... not to worry... as long as you are the pilot of the suit, I serve you. This is my will....Lets... get you back to safety, hm? But first... for you to operate this suit - you and I must be bond. The way it works is... I tap into your brain, and all that you want is my command, all you have to do is...want it. Make sense? How to do the bond you ask? Well...Let's get you back and I can explain it, for now... I will Engage Auto-Pilot..." suddenly the suit took off, on Raine's command. It flew...almost perfectly. At one point one leg thruster gave out, but quickly fired back once more - only sending them for a slight barrel roll.
They flew over the trees, dipping low and landing on the ground with an easy flip. Stylish landings were always her forte. The suit walked easily into cavern, and then she released control. "On inside of the helmet is a small covering, under it is a chip. That is... well.. Me. I exist in that chip. If you break it... I will be gone forever. You must place a small bit of blood on the chip... you will see exactly where. I will read your DNA, and thus... I can write my own "DNA" to match yours, and then...well... you should feel my presence right away. To warn you.. it's a unique feeling...and... I will always be there, as long as I or you exist. We will be linked... you see your brain emits frequencies to control your body, I can tap into the frequencies, much like a radio, and thusly... we will be linked. Make sense?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 10, 2019 15:55:12 GMT -5
Just as the huge beast swiped forward as Ellie a voice spoke to her. “Auto-Pilot?” She managed to question just before the suit began to move on its own. She was along for the ride. She let out a yelp as the boosters tossed her forward. “No! Wrong way!” She tried to fight against the suit but, it seemed to have a mind of its own. Ellie watched as her hands gripped onto the head of the beast and with the power of the boosters it was tossed into the wall. Then she shot forward again...this time a splatter of blood collected across the orange visor. Ellie let out a cry, she wasn’t a soldier...sure she could defend herself and she had done so plenty of times over the years but....this? Her eyes were wide as she took in quick breaths. Auto-Pilot disengaged.
Ellie nearly fell to her knees as the suit was once again under her command. A voice began to speak to her then. She drew her brows together as the string of words and characters came through the helmet. “Raine...” She’d muttered as the voice cleared her throat, her voice trembled as she stared to the pool of blood and guts before her. The voice spoke of the Valor Facilities...something that Ellie had never heard of, and she called the Rig a Valor Suit. The words were like ancient artifacts, long lost and buried in the past of her people. “A bond?...” She questioned softly, though the voice continued to speak of what it meant. Her head was spinning. How had this thing survived so many years in the rubble? It was an incredible discovery. In all the old pieces of texts she’d found on the Rigs she’d never read anything about them having an AI....that was what this woman was that was speaking to her right? Yet, it seemed different somehow.
The Auto-Pilot came back on and the flight back was smooth and gentle. Ellie’s breaths had calmed as they landed with a flip. “Woah...” She would have flailed her arms if she’d had control. She took in a breath as Raine spoke of the chip that she resided in, she was an AI....at least AI was the best word that Ellie could think of. “Blood?” She questioned as she stepped forward toward the part of the cavern she’d built the suit in.
“Ellie!!” Elias rushed forward his eyes full of worry. “Are you okay?” He stared to the blood that was splattered all over the suit. “What the hell happened to you?!”
Ellie let out a breath. “Elias.” She held her hand up, “I was attacked by a beast...I don’t know what it was it came out of some relic....or something...” She shook her head as she climbed onto the stand for the suit. “How...” She muttered to herself.
“A beast? What kind of beast Ellie...?” Elias spat, “I told you this isn’t a good idea, you need to take that thing apart...” He crossed his arms as he stood before her.
The back of the suit opened then and Ellie climbed from it. “Elias.” She spoke as she stood on the back part of the suit, her ocean eyes locked on him, “Stop.” She had a stern look about her face as she hopped back and she moved around in front of the Rig. Ellie reached up and clicked beneath the helmet, releasing it. She carefully carried it over to her work station, followed closely by Elias. She flipped the helmet around and searched for the covering. She grabbed a small flat head screw driver and carefully pried it away. A blue glow came from the chip the lines seemed to breathe.
“What is that?” Elias questioned quickly.
Though Ellie didn’t pay him any attention as she carefully removed the chip from the helmet. She drew her brows together as she pulled her dagger from her thigh. She lifted it to her finger and pricked the end of it and dropped a bit of her blood on it. Almost as soon as the blood touched the ship Ellie stumbled her eyes widened and she took in a gasp of air as if she had been punched in the chest. The world spun around her briefly, though after a few moments a smile curved up her lips as the feeling settled. It was a different feeling. Almost a sense of calm. She searched over the helmet a moment before she snapped the chip back into place.
“We should head back to town...” Elias cleared his throat. “It’s starting to get late, hm?”
Ellie bit her lip slightly as she stared to the visor of the helmet that she held in her hands. She let out a sigh. “Sure, no problem Elias.” She took the helmet and placed it into her backpack and tossed it over her shoulders. “I’m with you.” She looked up to him and offered a smile. “Sorry I worried you.” She chuckled as she moved forward and blew out the lanterns before they made their way out. The trip back to the city was mostly silent, except the grunts from Elias as he tried to keep up with Ellie. She was fit and moved quickly over the trails toward the city.
“Ellie.” Elias spoke as they came close to her home within the city. He paused as he gazed into her eyes. “Just, be careful okay?” He slipped away then without another word.
Ellie let out a sigh and shook her head. He was right though, she needed to be careful. She was dabbling in things that she didn’t understand. Clearly. She made her way up the driveway toward her home and held her hand over a sensor to open the door.
“Welcome Miss Lovette.” An automated voice spoke as the lock slid out of place and she made her way inside.
Ellie slipped through the home, her father was still working and her mother must have been at an event with him. The home was completely silent. She climbed up the staircase toward her room and slipped inside. She stepped over to her desk and popped open her computer. “There has to be a way to power you...” She spoke as she slipped the helmet from her backpack. It took her nearly an hour to gather the supplies. She’d built a small projector like what they used with the AI of her current time. She wasn’t sure if it would work, but it would be a good try. Ellie set the helmet down on her desk and she plugged in a few lines to it. The helmet whirred and lit up powering on once again. “Um...” Ellie clicked a few things allowing the access to the projector. “Raine?” She asked as she looked into the visor of the helmet. “I’m not sure if this works at all...” She muttered and sighed. “I want to know about the Valor Suits...what you are...in my time the suits are illegal...um....the pilots and the suits were all destroyed...that’s why I don’t know how to put a suit together...that’s why it was so many pieces of different suits...” She bit her lower lip as she gazed into the visor. “I did what I could with what I had...and...I’m not sure if I did well...” She shook her head then as she leaned back in her chair, she stared to the small projector that she’d hooked into the helmet. “The wars have gotten much worse, cities have been destroyed...many cities have fallen to the cultists...they are in search of the old relics...like the one that made that beast...” She sighed softly then as she crossed her arms over her chest and stood stepping away. “We need the Rigs...I really think we do...to survive we need someone who can fight the cultists...they have machines of their own...” She fell silent then, feeling as though she was speaking to an empty helmet. She hoped she hadn’t damaged the chip when she placed it back into the helmet. She had been careful. Maybe her computer wasn’t enough power? Her ocean eyes gazed into the visor from where she stood in the room.
Ellie grit her teeth then as a pain shot through her leg. She looked down as oil leaked through the jean material of her pants. “Damnit.” She muttered. She moved about the room with a heavy limp as she slipped the jeans from her body and she pulled on a pair of shorts. Ellie sat down in the center of the room with a tool kit. A spark emitted from the mechanical leg as she quickly worked on it. She removed it from her own leg, a horrible scar visible from where they amputated her lower leg. Ellie sat there, in the center of the floor quietly working. Her leg had been giving her fits over the past month or so. Soon enough she’d need a new one. She wore them out quickly with her high activity level. The doctor spoke of a new breakthrough that he’d discovered when she’d made her last visit. Her next leg was going to be with some new technology that the doctor had engineered. She drew her brows together as she located the problem and began fixing it, she moved between tools quickly, trading one for another as she repaired the break in the system.
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Post by Raven on Mar 10, 2019 22:08:18 GMT -5
Raine remained silent as Ellie slipped from the suit, though she could still see through the visor. She watched as her pilot spoke with some other man, she could tell right away that they knew each other - their relationship was close, but not romantic. She could have easily mistaken it for family but the facial markers showed no genetic relation. She diverted her thoughts from the two and focused on the remaining issues with the suit. She ran several scans, counting over ninety thousand errors in functional code and synchronization. Without wasting a second - she began to run batch updates as a section of her mind wrote code on the fly. Occasionally she'd check back up on her pilot - Ellie was her name, catching it in conversation. Her friend - Elias. She pondered for a moment and attempted to connect to the web, but she received nothing. Whatever they operated on was not of her original time. She wondered then - just how long she was gone for. She remember the fight scene, the severing of power... watching the limited power access count down. She sent out nearly a hundred distress signals but the cavern system blocked her. And then... darkness. It was like sleeping, when suddenly she woke once more.
Raine remained silent as Ellie bonded herself to the gentle glowing chip that was Raine's essence. In an instant she could feel her pilot. Her brain, her body, and within moments it was as if Raine could switch between the suite - and Ellie herself. Though, it wasn't a smooth transition. The whole way that Ellie traversed home - Raine was cracking the code of his woman's brain. Her brain frequency and patterns were different than she had ever experienced. She worked at creating the perfect algorithm to tap into her nervous system....
Then as she worked - she hadn't even realized what Ellie was doing. Until suddenly a port opened up, an access way. Raine focused in on this new device and within moments she was within it. "Hmm... this is pretty advanced technology... not hard to figure out though" she spoke - her words would flood into Ellie's mind, a direct link to her. Within moments - something came from the projector. An image - at first it was just the exoskeleton of a human. Then - slowly it began to form features. A gentle jaw line, soft lips, hair that was long and flowing - several braids weaved through the mix. Then soft agile hands - a slim frame. She was naked at first - blue lines crawled over what would be her "skin". Blue lines that were almost exactly like the blue lines her chip. It covered her entire body, moving with the curves of her. Then clothing appeared over her - a simple t shirt and vest, and pants, boots. Though she had no color...all black and white, with blue lines... This was Raine. This was Raine at 18. The day she was transfused.
Her hands slowly moved upward - Raine's own eyes fabricated in this projected body looked to herself. An express of pure awe crept over her face... She turned then - standing just a few inches shorter than Ellie. No words came from her - nothing, she couldn't begin to express the kind of joy that came over her. "I..." she smirked. "I never thought..." she shook her head. She reached forward then to lift up a cup - but her hand went right through it. A projection...nothing more. Rainebit her lip slightly and then looked to the woman - her pilot. She could feel Ellie's emotions briefly, as surely Ellie could feel Raine's. She tilted her head and slowly stepped forward, her hand reaching forward - as if to touch the robotic leg. "Hmm..." she viewed it - it became outlined, and she was reading the status of it, scanning it.
"Your nervous system's signals - that tell you what to move, what to do, and so on - is unique per person. Your..mechanical leg does not have the processing power to decrypt and respond as fast as you want. It will, but results in a lower life-span... You'll need a new one in less than 2 weeks, for sure..." she spoke. Her words - came from her own lips. Her hand lifted and she touched her own face - she could feel it, or maybe she wanted to feel it so she made it happen...
"You don't understand what this means to me" she held her hands out - eyes looking to the blue lines that ran along her hand and fingers. "Servitors are...were once humans, but with a very special technology we were able to meld mind and technology together. I... lost my body long ago, and have been living in that chip - for as long as I can remember. It was a rarity that I even got to control a Valor Suit, which was the only thing that resembled a body to me..." she sighed deeply. "I'm not sure how long it has been, but I can tell it has been a very long time. Even this...projector of sorts is in a highly advanced coding language than I've witnessed... I can only guess, a minimum of 500 years, to expect such advancements..." she raised a brow.
"But you said that Valor Suits are outlawed?" she thought for a second. "I do not sense any other servitors either..." she paused. "That....is actually good" she crossed her arms. "I am glad, at least." she turned then and thought for a moment. "The Valor Suits - they were the peak of technology. We pushed beyond Artificial Intelligence and found a way to bind soul and technology together - the possibilities at that point was limitless. Then, apply those minds, me - a Servitor - to the greatest warriors of humanity, and then give them jetpacks, guns and super-strength, hm?" she chuckled slightly. "They were considered damn near gods...." she crossed her arms. "But it is evident that they are not.. considering the circumstances now" she paced briefly - something she had taken for granted when she was a human.
"Relics... hm, yes. That is where this sacred knowledge and capabilities lie. Servitors were crafted by a powerful Relic. There are more out there - The Suits of Valor tried to collect them, and protect them. To keep them out of the wrong hands... though, who knows...maybe we were the wrong hands?" she paused. "It is no surprise to hear that everything is in chaos, these Relics are far too strong for humans to handle, they are not here to help us - they are here to destroy us. They are the Gods playing with the Human temptation, and greed..."
Raine lifted her head - there was a knock on the door. Instantly the projector turned off and she disappeared, reverting her essence back to the helmet...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 11, 2019 19:22:41 GMT -5
Ellie drew her brows together and nearly dropped the screwdriver she had in her hand when she heard Raine’s voice in her mind. She glanced about the room, “Um...I suppose it is? I mean...it’s kind of a few pieces of junk that I just threw together nothing that advanced about it, the new projectors are much more sophisticated than that...” She fell quiet then feeling as though she was speaking to herself. Ellie turned a screw on the mechanical leg and then she looked up as the form began to appear before her. She watched slowly as the projected form took shape, detail. Her eyes gazed over the young woman before her, her brows tucked together slightly as she looked over the black and white image, such detail yet no true color to the projection.
She was hit by the wave of emotion, of happiness. It was overwhelming at first but Ellie smiled as she watched Raine. She lowered her eyes slightly as Raine’s hand pushed through the cup and the Servitor realized she was merely a projection. She then watched as Raine began to analyze the leg before her. Ellie’s eyes gazed over her, the detail was too real for an AI. Even the AI of her time seemed too perfect, to sculpted. This woman before her had a unique look about her, she didn’t look fabricated, she seemed almost...human?
Raine gave a slight laugh as Raine spoke that she only had a few weeks left with this mechanical leg before her. “Yes, I tend to burn right through them, they are heavy and don’t really ever work the way I want them too. But it is much better than some of the prosthetic pieces out there right now, so I take it with a grain of salt. I can wish for more, but I’ve been given so much in my lifetime that I choose not to complain about it.” She shrugged slightly as she tightened the last screw. Ellie then moved and began attaching it back to her leg. She winced slightly as the circuits plugged into a device that was wired into her nervous system. It hurt when she connected and disconnected it. It sent a jolt through her nervous system. But, if she didn’t repair it the thing would fall apart in days instead of giving her a few more weeks.
Ellie looked up to Raine as she felt her face, her brow raised slightly as she slowly stood. She looked over the projection before her as she held her arms out and began speaking. The reason she seemed to incredibly human was....because she was a human...at one point. Ellie’s jaw loosened as she listened to Raine speak. How horrible. To have life taken from you in such a manner and to be bound to a chip...locked away...to lose everything like that. She spoke of the Valor Suits, the pilots within them. What Ellie knew of that time was such a small fraction of what Raine knew...she was there, she knew everything that had been covered up by the humans now. Everything that was meant to be forgotten forever.
When she began speaking about the Relics, pacing, Ellie watched her carefully. “There is a group of people...from what text I have found I think they destroyed all of the....Valor Suits as you call them. In my time we call them Rigs.” She chuckled softly. “But then again...the bits and pieces that I put together are the only ones I could find...it’s taken me a long time to get everything together, it’s all scattered and broken beyond repair....” The woman spoke of gods and the greed and temptation of humans. Then suddenly she’d disappeared from a knock at the door. Ellie scrambled forward and slammed the top of the computer closed to hide the program she was running. “Who is it?” She asked quickly.
“Ellie honey?” Her father’s voice. “Are you alright?” The door pushed open. Her father stood before her, he’d aged a bit since she was a child, speckles of grey in his beard, though the hair upon his head was still as thick as ever. “We have the banquet tonight, remember?” He questioned. “You’re not even dressed yet dear.” He looked to the oil spot on the wooden floor. “Is that thing giving you fits again?” He sighed as he stepped forward into the room. “I’ll give Dr. Greyson a call in the morning, hm? He said the prototype should be ready.”
Ellie frowned slightly. The banquet. She hadn’t been looking forward to this. But with her father as the mayor she had to attend all of the functions, it was much like being a princess in the medieval ages, minus the corsets. But she’d have to dress nicely, which she was more of a jeans and t-shirt sort of girl. Ellie gave a smile though, “Of course father, I just got home, I was getting ready but I sprung a leak again...” She sighed and shook her head. “Did he really say it was ready? What’s it like? Has he told you?” She questioned him curiously.
Jameson looked to his daughter with a warm smile, though his eyes moved and fell upon the helmet on her desk. “What’s this old thing?” He questioned as he stepped forward. He leaned down looking into the golden visor, he reached forward and brushed a bit of dirt from the top of the helmet. “That’s an old piece huh?” He unplugged it from the projector and lifted it up. Inspecting it. “Is this from a Rig, Ellie? It certainly looks like it.” His eyes looked to her, a stern look coming over him then.
“Elias and I found it, I was just researching on it, looking it over. It’s pretty neat huh? It might be from one of the old Rigs, yes...” She paused and bit her lip slightly.
Jameson flipped the helmet around looking at an inscription on the side. He brushed his thumb over it, he could barely read the word Harley that was stamped into the side, there was a last name but the metal was too tarnished to tell what the last name had been. “It’s an interesting history.” He spoke as he set the helmet down. “A history that our government has decided to bury. Ellie, you have to be careful with things like this, the Cultists...if you were near any relics when you found this you could have been killed.” The worry of a father spilled from him as he spoke.
Ellie took in a breath as she watched him. “Of course father.” She smiled she stepped to him and hugged him gently. “Don’t worry, I’m not getting into anything crazy, just picking up old items. You’re the one that gave me the book on the Rigs, remember? I find them fascinating.”
Jameson kissed the top of her head and a chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Of course you would.” He spoke as he pulled from the hug. “Well, get ready dear, we will leave for the banquet in...” He pulled the sleeve of his suit back. “An hour. How’s that?”
“Plenty of time father.” Ellie replied as she watched him leave the room. She glanced to the helmet, her heart was pounding within her chest. She was surprised her father hadn’t taken it. But, if he thought she was just picking up random pieces to inspect what was the harm in that? She reached forward to her computer and pulled the lid up and typed in her password quickly before she started the program back up for the projector and she plugged it back in. “Um...coast is clear.” She gave a gentle smile as she tapped the top of the helmet.
Ellie then stepped over to her closet. She thumbed through a few dresses that were in the back corner, a bit of a frown upon her lips as she did so. She grasped onto a black dress with blue trimming, it would bring out the color of her eyes easily. “I can’t believe that they took the soul of humans and imbedded your soul into a chip...that’s....horrible.” Ellie spoke as she came from her closet with a pair of knee-high black boots to match the dress. She stepped off into an adjacent room. “I mean...didn’t they think of the course of their actions? Maybe that’s why the suits all got destroyed...” She came back a few minutes later dressed in the dress with her hair down around her shoulders. She sat down in front of her mirror and began to pin her hair up neatly upon her head before she began to line her eyes in make-up. “I can’t imagine what it was like to live back then...to see all the r--Valor Suits....flying through the skies? Taking down the baddies.” She grinned as she slipped earrings into her ears. Soon enough she was dressed rather well, she looked nothing like before. She was a well presented young lady. Just as her father wanted her to be. “Now we cower in fear behind our walls hoping that the Cultists aren’t going to strike our city next.” She shrugged slightly. “Then again, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t be stupid enough to strike here.” She raised a brow, “Or maybe they would.” She moved about the room tidying the place up a bit as she spoke. The heels of her boots clicked across the hardwood flooring. “Well...what do you think?” She turned. “Am I presentable enough?” She chuckled softly. Her bangs fell into her eyes slightly and she blew them from her eyes before she sighed. “I hate wearing this junk.” She shook her head.
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Post by Raven on Mar 12, 2019 14:09:15 GMT -5
Raine lowered her head slightly as she felt the horror within Ellie - when she spoke about the origination of her existence. For the longest time - the people of her time saw it as a normal occurrence, hell...an expectation. No one saw the Servitors as humans, or life forces, the people just seemingly forgot in their joy - the cruelty that they possessed. She watched as they played, she obeyed as they flew around in fun suits - shooting each other was a pass time for some. Out of all the servitors - she was one of the more lucky. To had been paired with an honorable Pilot. She knew her brothers and sisters were stuck with a fate much worse... controlling cities, factories, doing the dirty grunt work. Those few were the ones that lost themselves the quickest. Valor Suit Servitors at least got to be social, bond, and enjoy the latter half of being a Servitor... though, no one ever said it was fun.
Raine's presence shifted from the helmet to Ellie herself. I am here she spoke in Ellie's mind. Now that you have bonded to me - I can shift to see through your eyes, and talk through your mind, as if you were a suit. Though, if you wish me gone - you just say the word... she paused as her father spoke to her. Raine could feel the uneasiness, tension - anxiety. What for? She dug a little deeper...where did this feel originate.
Ah, yes. Valor Suits were banned, that is right. What kind of trouble could she really get into?
It was just a few moments that her father was gone and Raine transitioned back to the projector. Her body flickered on and Raine stood once more. "Your father seems very...understanding of the natural curiosity..." she placed a finger to her chin as she thought for a moment. Though as Ellie spoke - about the chip, stealing her soul... Raine let out a small sigh.
"It became such a casual thing in my time - that it flatters me you even feel this way. It was always funny, I thought. We had the most power, we could bring down entire cities if we wanted to... but we never did." she crossed her arms. "When we become one with technology - her mind can access the web, or internet. We can read entire books in just a few seconds...I think... we became so smart that we pitied humans" she thought for a long moment. Though she let it go as a sort of anger had began to fester in her... which she spent years trying to calm.
Raine watched as Ellie picked out an outfit. "It certainly was a sight - to be apart of that, to fly over the world and demolish the evils. I think... I got lucky to be apart of it. It truly was a glorious thing. But...all great things must come to an end, hm?" she took in a breath suddenly as Ellie came walking in. "Oh you look beautiful" she stepped over towards her. "Hmm, a piece of hair here though - " she held her hand out, as if to fix it. "Hmm...may I?" she questioned softly, eyes looking to her. Once Ellie gave a nod - Raine partitioned her mind and half of her was within Ellie's body. Like Raine could control the suit - she could control Ellie. Slowly Ellie's hand lifted and tucked a wild hair away.
Infront of Ellie - her hands turned, forefinger touching thumb - rubbing in a circle. For just a brief moment she sat and experienced the joy of touch. Though, a moment passed and Raine released control. She returned back to the projector and let out a swift breath. "Thank you" she bowed her head. "My Pilot didn't really like to share..." she chuckled for a moment. "Ever...I know it can be an odd feeling" she looked to her own glowing blue hands. "The day I became a Servitor - was the day I lost everything. I think... many forget how lovely it is to feel, to taste, to smell" she grinned. "The things that make you human, you know..." she lowered her hands then and nodded. "But enough of that, I shouldn't bring you down... You should get going huh? I will come along?" she tapped her head then, Raine was asking if she could join Ellie in her mind - and go about the night with her. This whole experience was new...in her time - she was assigned a Pilot, rules were outlined here. She had already broken one of them. It felt good though, to break them. To felt good to not have boundaries. To do as she pleased for once. It was a different life - but she couldn't even fathom of saying she missed the old one. Maybe...maybe a little.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 12, 2019 17:33:24 GMT -5
Ellie had taken in a quick breath to the feeling of Raine inside her mind. She could feel her there, almost like the feeling of someone over her shoulder. A protector maybe. She had given a soft laugh to Raine’s response to her father. “He’s always supported me, even in the troubles that I tend to get myself in.” She’d responded softly before she’d stepped to pick out her clothing. All the while she was listening to Raine speak of the ways of the past. How it was normal to rip a soul from a body. To Ellie it was a horrible thought. How could one do such a horrible act and feel....okay? How could guilt not consume you? Maybe the Valor Suits were banned for this very reason. No. It wasn’t that. What was it? Why? There had to be an answer...maybe this Servitor knew?
As she nodded her head to Raine’s request she took in a shaken breath as her body was swarmed with a strange feeling, almost like being surrounded in the heat of the desert. Then her feeling seemed to melt away, it was almost a numbness a tingling. She watched as her hand moved to the will of the Servitor. Her eyes stared into the mirror as she adjusted the loose strand of hair. It was strange to watch these things happen and to feel so disconnected from it. When Raine released control back to her she sucked in a deep breath, as though she had been beneath water. Her eyes looked to the woman that was projected before her. “No, thank you.” She let out a soft chuckle as a sense of fire and ice rushed over her skin. It was an exhilarating feeling. Something she’d never experienced before.
“Odd doesn’t begin to cover it.” She smirked a moment before she looked back to herself in the mirror. Ellie frowned slightly as Raine spoke of her loss. Her eyes fell away and she fumbled with her hands slightly. “I still cannot imagine why anyone would willingly force another human into such a life...it isn’t fair...” She shook her head and then shrugged. Ellie watched Raine tap the side of her head and she nodded, “You may have more fun than I will. I hate banquets.” She rolled her eyes slightly. “Dressing up....” She made a face as if she was going to be sick. “Toss me in a machine shop, slather me in oil and sprinkle some dirt on top.” She grinned and let out a playful laugh then. “That’s where I am most at home. Tinkering...that’s how...I managed to piece a suit together, bit by bit.”
Ellie closed her laptop and lifted the helmet from her desk, she looked it over for a few moments. “You’ll have to tell me more of your glory days later, Raine.” She gave a soft smile before she set it back down. Ellie then stepped from her room and down the stairs. Her mother and father were waiting for her in the foyer.
Her mother wore a beautiful red dress with her dirty blonde hair pulled up neatly upon her head, beautiful earrings within her earlobes and an equally gorgeous necklace hung around her neck. Jameson smiled as he heard the clicks of Ellie’s boots upon the stairs. “Ellie.” He grinned, “Gorgeous. Isn’t she Dahlia?”
Her mother smiled brightly as she looked up the stairs to her daughter. “Brilliant.” She spoke as she greeted her with a kiss upon her cheek. “Are you ready for the festivities?” She questioned as she started toward the garage. “All eyes are on us tonight, Ellie.”
Ellie looked to her father a moment as a sigh escaped her lips. “Ready as ever mother.” She replied with a forced smile. She really would rather stay home. But she couldn’t fight with them. They had taken her in as their flesh and blood...taken her off of the streets...given her everything...how could she truly argue that? Ellie climbed into the back of the sedan and soon enough they were off. They drove through the city and down the streets quickly. The car was powered by a hydrogen gas, a new advancement in her time. Only the rich had them. Ellie glanced to the people of the streets as they drove through the town. Soon enough they came upon a large building that was lit up. It was the town hall where most functions were held.
Ellie slipped from the car and followed closely to her parents her eyes moved to the people as flashes came from cameras. All eyes really were on them. She bit her lip slightly, she wasn’t one for attention. Not like this. The Mayor of Alban is coming to meet with my father for a deal this evening, hence the banquet...it’s a trade deal but anything that my father does, every step that he takes is watched by both the government as well as the people of this city which is Lesik...I’m not sure if Lesik was around when you were active before. Ellie thought in her mind as she walked through the people and was placed at a table with her mother and father. Several other well dressed men and women were at the table.
Ellie’s eyes moved across the table to a young man that sat directly across from her. The Mayor of Alban’s son. Over the last year he had been trying so hard to develop a relationship with her. He flashed a perfect smile to her as his emerald eyes looked over her, his hair was neatly combed. Truly he was a catch for the eyes, but Ellie wasn’t interested in the political games that he was trying to play with her. Ellie returned the smile all the same as her eyes moved to the plate of food that was placed before her. She reached out and took a sip of her white wine, before she took a gulp, and then another sip. Alcohol would loosen her up, right? She sat quietly as her father and mother spoke with the other government officials and mayors of other cities. Her eyes would move about the group, taking them in. She’d seen them so many times before.
Jameson looked to his daughter at the end of the meal. He stood and squeezed her shoulder gently. “Spend some time with Nicholas, hm? I need Mayor Ruger to be happy and if his son is happy, then he will be happy,” Jameson smiled, “Just a dance or two, who knows maybe you’ll enjoy the time.”
Ellie stood and looked to her father, a smirk upon her lips. “He’s nothing more than a pretty boy to look at father.” She glanced to him as he stood next to his father speaking with him as well. “Do you want the same as they do?” She raised a brow slightly.
Jameson let out a sigh and shook his head. “I only want this trade deal to go smoothly, Ellie. Help me out dear.” He shooed her gently.
Ellie walked away and straight to a waiter that carried around a plate of mixed drinks. “Thank you.” Ellie grabbed one and drank it swiftly before she set her drink aside. She didn’t want to be here. She glanced to the news teams that stood throughout the room. All eyes on her. A soft sigh came over her lips.
“Ellie.” A voice spoke. The Mayor’s son. “You’re hard to catch.” He smirked as he looked down to her, his eyes searched hers.
“Nicholas, did you ever think I wasn’t aiming to be caught?” She looked up to him with a playful smile, almost flirtatious.
Nicholas chuckled and shook his head. “No the thought never crossed my mind. Care for a dance?” He offered her his hand.
Ellie watched him carefully a moment. “That may light up my evening just yet.” She replied as she took his hand.
The next few hours Ellie was towed about by Nicholas. She drank wine and mixed drinks. A warm pink upon her cheeks as she leaned against his chest. A glass clinked as her father stood upon the stage with Mayor Alban at his side. “Ladies and Gentlemen. We have reached an agreement for the trade deal.” Jameson spoke with a smile. The room hushed. Ellie felt Nicholas’ warm slink around her waist more. She looked up to him curiously for a moment before she turned her attention back to her father. “Trade will be conducted between Alban and Lesik from now on. Food, weapons, soft goods. We have much to offer each other. Much to grow.” The room erupted in a cheer then.
“Ahh good.” Ellie smiled as she pulled back from Nicholas. “They’ve come to an agreement.” She spoke as she stepped away.
“Ellie wait.” Nicholas grasped her hand and pulled her back gently.
Ellie’s heart raced as she looked up to him. “What is it?” She questioned, her ocean blue eyes laced with worry. “I need to go.” She slipped her hand from his once again before she disappeared into the crowd. Ellie walked toward the main stage where her parents were when suddenly she was grasped by her wrist and pulled away. Ellie pulled back. “Nicholas!” She cried, thinking it to be the mayor’s son. She was tugged into the shadows and forced from the room. Suddenly her back was slammed against the wall. She tried to scream but her mouth was covered by a gloved hand.
“Ellie Lovette.” The voice spoke. “You have something that belongs to the Cultists.” His voice was threatening. His eyes were beady, his skin pale. He had a long scar across his neck.
“Cultists?” Ellie gasped as she fought against him.
The man slammed his fist into her ribs a few times causing her to buckle forward, Ellie wasn’t a soldier. She wasn’t equipped to fight this man that was twice her size. “Yes, Ellie. You have the last known Servitor. When you powered it on it sent a ping to our system. Now hand it over.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ellie gasped, her voice trembled. He slammed her harshly against the wall again, a cold blade against her neck now. “I don’t I swear.” She whimpered.
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Post by Raven on Mar 12, 2019 18:09:32 GMT -5
Raine watched idly, quiet in Ellie's mind as they traversed. She knew better than to hover too much - in some instances Harvey would complain that she was 'always there' and he had 'no privacy'. Though the words always stung - she would just block her thoughts while moments didn't include her. She would often just space off into the systems when Harvey was having his way, which he was quiet the ladies man. Though, none ever stuck. She knew he yearned for someone, something, but feared that he could never have it. Their time together was constant and long, the feelings were inevitable, as is with most and their pilots. Though forbidden. A Servitor had to be as emotionless as possible, any attachment and they would be decommissioned. Anything that would obscure their judgement - considering their power...
Though, Ellie spoke to her then. I see... Seems he has quite the influence... she returned the thought. The flashing - the people, it reminded her of Harvey. He was quite the Legend, any where he went - a band of people followed. Loved and adored, the hero that everyone wanted. Raine then noted the facial differences between Ellie and her parents - or the lack there of. She couldn't possibly have been their child - it appeared there was more to this story than she thought. She wondered then if there was some interior motive. People with power seek to use that power. Was Ellie of some spectacular nature? It was not uncommon for those with power to covet the gifted, for themselves. Though... there was a sense of care that they had - which she had not seen before. A bit of her still didn't trust them...
The evening progressed and the drinks continued. She scoffed briefly at Nicholas, within Ellie's mind. He seems a real tool she spoke with a slightly disgusted face. Though this sort of drama was the sort of thing she loved to watch, truthfully. What would Ellie do? She wondered. It was evident she cared not for him, which was interesting. He was handsome, and came from great wealth. Everything someone in a dying world would want. What was Ellie's motive then? Her goals? Was it really to have a Valor Suit, and bring justice to the world? It had been some time since she had ever met someone with that legitimate wish...
I am sensing some frequencies...a radio... keep dancing, I will see if I can decrypt it Raine spoke as Ellie danced with Nicholas. It took a minute or so - and then she tuned into it. It was a fuzzy sound at first, both Raine and Ellie would be able to hear it was Raine projected it into Ellie's mind.
Subject is midcenter, Blue dress then some garbage, she couldn't make it out.
Hmm...plenty wearing blue, but who are they after, why is someone being watched? Raine then partitioned her mind and hacked into the cameras. All 3 cameras in the room were following Ellie.
It was then that suddenly Ellie was pulled away. Raine instantly returned and waited briefly. She knew right away that Ellie didn't have the strength to fight back, not yet at least. It would take some time to train this one. Auto-Piloting ! Raine called out.
Suddenly Ellie's hand reached forward and grasped the man's wrist. She squeezed roughly and with a unique twist - she wrangled his arm downwards, the knife dropping from his grip. Then with a twist of her hip, she threw the man - in a judo-style throw - onto the ground and sat ontop of him, legs holding him down.
"Who do you work for!" Raine shouted through Ellie. It wasn't Ellie's voice that flooded forward - it was Raine's. Ellie's fist pounded down on the man's jaw, a loud pop came from him.
Alpha Nine is down - reinforcements go go go
She had Ellie reach down and yanked a dogtag from the guy's neck, and then grabbed his phone. With an elbow - she slammed down into his temple, knocking him cold clean out. She stuffed the phone and dog tag down her bosom, into her bra - and then rushed into the crowd. Hands lifting her dress she ran forward. A flurry of men pushed people over - bursting through the crowd. People screamed and shouted - chaos commenced. Raine did this on purpose - she knew they didn't bring enough men. And the mayor had guards - strong guards.
Raine released control, Ellie came flying towards her father. Several guards lifted their guns and fired - the men that were after them fell to the ground in a heap. It began to quiet down - but the crowd disappeared swiftly, rushing home from the commotion. One of the guards leaned down to the one of the dead men and sighed deeply. "Cultists... what are they doing around these parts?" he questioned as his eyes looked to the Mayor and Jameson.
Jameson sighed softly, his arm wrapped around Ellie as he held her close. "It isn't the first time I've been attacked, they must have thought this gathering was about something else..." he looked to the Mayor then and then to Nicholas. "My deepest Apologies, sir..." Jameson bowed his head. "I think it is best we return to the safety of our homes... though I hope you still consider our agreement."
The Mayor looked to the guards - who lifted the dead bodies, then he turned his head to Jameson. "I understand...Perhaps we should do something a little more private, hm?" he smiled weakly. "I will have some of my men escort you home, please. Your safety is important to me" he nodded. "Nicholas, why don't you and a few guards go with them. I will be trusting my partners in your hands, son" he smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Think you can handle it?" The Mayor nodded. It was an undeniable offer for Jameson, Nicholas would guide them home - which would also mean more time with Ellie. The Mayor knew very well the power the family had - and this was an effort to bind the families.
Cultists huh... They were targeting you... but why...? I will see what I can dig up...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 12, 2019 22:26:09 GMT -5
Ellie groaned slightly as Raine took over. Her eyes had fluttered for a moment as the strange sensation swept over her body once more. Though it was a welcomed thing with the pain that had entered Ellie’s ribs from the harsh hits to her side. She watched as Raine made precise movements, much like a soldier would. Her actions were perfect, using inertia rather than body weight. Ellie could take down just about anyone if she were trained right. Having Raine here with her...well it saved her life for one...
As Raine rushed forward Ellie could hear the clatter of footsteps behind them. Fear overwhelmed her. This was it....this was the end, wasn’t it? When Raine released control she stumbled and fell forward into her father’s arms, tears rolled down her cheeks. “Father.” She whimpered as he gripped onto her and held her as the guards shot down the men that had chased after her.
“Ellie!” Dahlia rushed forward and wrapped her arms around the girl. Her eyes full of fear as her husband spoke with the mayor. “Cultists?” She questioned. “Jameson!” She gripped onto Ellie, fearful for the girl’s life.
Jameson sucked in a breath as he looked to his wife. “The Cultists have always been around, Dahlia, we just need to figure out what they are doing here now, and why they chose to attack.” He looked into Ellie’s eyes. “Eh, cupcake?” He brushed a tear from her cheek. “Did they hurt you dear?” He asked.
“I’m alright...” Ellie spoke as her mother released her. “Just frightened.” She gave a nod.
Jameson gave a nod to the Mayor’s offer. “That sounds like a wonderful idea, thank you sir. Say we meet at my home over breakfast tomorrow? I’ll give a room to your son for the evening as well as the guards. I have the space after all.” He brought his eyes to Nicholas whom returned a smile. “Nicholas, ready then?” Meanwhile the Mayor grinned happily to this offer, he nodded to his son in approval.
Nicholas offered a nod. “Of course Mr. Lovette.” He turned and motioned for a few guards to come to him. “We are to escort the family home we will remain with them for the evening.” Nicholas spoke as they walked from the room.
Ellie followed along, she could feel Nicholas behind her, she’d glance over her shoulder every now and then. She took another step and winced, her mechanical leg. The running. It wasn’t strong enough for running like that with it so close to the end of its life. Nicholas’ arm was around her waist almost instantly, aiding her. “You did get hurt didn’t you?” He questioned a look of genuine concern in his eyes as he helped her forward.
“It’s nothing.” Ellie replied as she removed herself from his grip and climbed into the backseat of the sedan. She was silent as they headed toward the mansion high up on the hill. Her eyes looked to the passing people and a sigh came over her lips. All the while she was gripping where her leg met her skin. Shocks of electricity buzzed into her body. She’d have to go see the good doctor tomorrow....hopefully the prototype was ready.
Once they made it to her home Ellie climbed from the back of the car. She limped slightly and once again Nicholas had his arm around her. “I’ve got you.” He gave a smile. “Nothing to worry about, Ellie. Just let me help.” He searched her eyes a moment as he helped her forward.
Jameson watched the two, his eyes glanced to his wife whom was looking to him with crossed arms. “Jameson, I thought you said the Cultists wouldn’t be able to track her. I thought you said she would be safe.” Dahlia spoke in a hushed tone so that the guards wouldn’t overhear.
Jameson sucked in a breath, his jaw tightened slightly. “We aren’t even sure if that is what this is all about honey.” He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her forehead. “We will figure it out, you know how they are, it could have been a hit because of the banquet. They may have thought we were agreeing on something bigger than simple trade.”
“They hurt her....my little girl...” Dahlia spoke, her brows quivered. “You can’t be alright with that Jameson...” She breathed as she walked away from him quickly.
**
Ellie leaned against Nicholas, truthfully she was thankful for his help. She’d have to wear her other prosthetic until she could see the doctor in the morning. Once they reached her room Ellie turned to him, her fingertips curled around the knob of the door. “Thank you, Nicholas.” She spoke as she looked up to him.
Nicholas smiled, his hand still upon her hip, his eyes searched hers a moment. “Are you sure you’re alright?” He asked. “I could sit with you, until you’re tired we could just...”
“I’m alright.” Ellie gave a smile as she pushed her door open slightly. “Just tired.”
Nicholas took a step forward, he leaned forward slightly. “Ellie...I really...you shouldn’t be alone...you were attacked, you must be terrified.” He was smooth trying to use all the elements he could to swoon her. “I’ll protect you.”
Ellie lowered her eyes from him, “I’m quite alright, Nicholas.” She pulled from his grip then. “Good night. My father will assign you a guest room.” She closed the door then. Her back pressed against the door as she took in quick breaths. She moved into her closet and changed into her loosely fitting pajama bottoms and a tank top. She let her hair down and a sigh escaped her as she grabbed a box from the closet. She carried it over to her desk and she powered up her computer so that Raine could project herself if she wanted to.
Ellie looked to the helmet a long moment before she moved to the center of the room. She sat down with the box in hand and she rolled up her pants. A few sparks came from the mechanical leg. “Stupid junk...” She muttered as she loosened it and released from her leg. A bit of blood remained on the connections. She let out a shaken breath as she started to become aware of the pain in her ribs. “So are there Cultists in your timeline?” Ellie questioned softly.
**
“She didn’t let me in.” Nicholas spoke softly into a small radio.
“Don’t worry, Nicholas, she will. Just give her time. She’s one of the few blood descendants of the original pilots, one of the greats even.” The voice chuckled in his ear. “You can see it you know? If you look at the old photographs, you can see it in her eyes. She looks just like him in a way.” The voice paused for a moment. “Just give her time, earn her trust. We will need you to execute the plan once she trusts you enough. Got it? Whatever you have to do, get her trust.”
**
There was a knock on the door then. Ellie scrambled and closed her laptop once again. “Yes?” She asked as she walked toward her door, she’d attached the old prosthetic and it was evident that she wasn’t used to it. The leg had zero technical features. Her mechanical leg still lay in the middle of the floor.
The door pushed open slowly. “Ellie dear.” Jameson stepped in. His eyes looked to his daughter and he gave a gentle smile. “Are you alright?” He asked. His eyes looked to the mechanical leg and he sighed softly. “Did they hurt you?” He asked. He had a book in his hand, it was old, the leather was tarnished that was wrapped around the spine, it was nearly falling apart.
Ellie took in a breath, “I'm alright, just some technical difficulties with my leg...normal evening....aside from getting attacked...” She muttered the last bit.
Jameson stepped into the room and set the book down on her desk. “Ellie.” He let out a breath. “When your mother and I adopted you....I looked into your family, I wanted to make sure that you didn’t have parents that had lost you. I looked into the family line that you come from and well...” He glanced to the book. “The reason I gave you a book on the Rigs is because you are a part of a special family line, a part of the elite...back in the days that the Rigs were called Valor Suits and there was an academy to train the pilots of these things.” He looked to the helmet again. Ellie watched her father, her arms crossed over her ribs that pulsed in pain. She didn’t speak though her expression was curious. “I’m telling you this because...that may be why you were attacked...” His expression was serious as he watched her. “There are few descendants left...those that were the Cultists have captured and have put to work...I don’t know what they are up to...but....” He let out a breath and shook his head. “I’m sorry I never showed this to you...” He lifted the book and handed it forward. “It’s a book about the man that was your Great Grandfather...and funny enough....that’s his helmet you’ve found there.” He kissed her forehead then. “We can talk more in the morning, dear...we will get your leg fixed...I’m sorry for this...I thought I was keeping you safe...” He muttered as he stepped from the room.
Ellie held the book in her hands. Her jaw was loose. She stared to the old leatherback a long time before she opened the laptop and unlocked it for Raine once again. She moved and sat on the edge of her bed as she slowly flipped through a few pages. Valor Suits. Images she’d never seen before. Stories. This was a journal. It was Harley’s journal. He stood in the shining suit, the helmet wasn’t rusty, the pain was fresh and beautiful. Ellie ran her fingertips over the page. “Is this true...?” She questioned. “If it’s true...why...would they want me?” Her voice was small, confused.
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Post by Raven on Mar 13, 2019 22:45:24 GMT -5
You are okay, breath - Raine spoke to Ellie as she fell into her fathers hands. She honed in on the radio frequencies that were getting more and more distant.
Subject escaped, Alpha Team down, back up requested
Negative, retreat and regroup. It appears we underestimated our target... The second voice was deeper and cruel sounding... The remaining radio chatter was broken and static...Raine let it go, though she had allowed Ellie to listen to it as well.
It appears someone is after you... That is...concerning. I will keep an eye out, stay alert for anything out of the ordinary, okay?
They had made it home by the time Raine had focused back in on what was happening. She had been sifting through the internet. Trying to find something about what happened - but there was nothing. Everything had been erased, or simply seized. She was able to hack into the old archives of the Valor Suit Training Facilities - but it hadn't been updated. The last update was only a few months after Harley's passing. It seemed everything fell quickly... she wondered then if it had to do with the Relic they were unable to seize.... Then...that man - she had never seen or heard of him before. She remembered his masked face - all black. She remembered how Harley felt... it was a mix between fear and then...peace. He died swiftly, at least...
A small wave of sadness fell over her as she remembered it. It had happened so swiftly... Though it was broken as the projector turned on once more. Raine slipped into the projector and appeared before Ellie. She stepped over and looked at the book - her finger moved over to touch the cover. Though...it went right through. She let a deep sigh out and then nodded. "That is...his book..." she whispered. It was evident just seeing it gave her a bit of pain. She failed to protect him... It was her job to be his eyes and ears, and to even over-ride him. She trusted him too much, so much that it got him killed...
She cleared her voice and then stepped back. "Harley was... one of the most legendary Valor Pilots. He was one of the very few that could push back an force of Relic-Hunters... here.. I'll just show you..." she disappeared then. She played a memory through the projector..
"Harley - the others are not here yet, they are out over 20 clicks, ETA is 10 minutes" Raine spoke loudly into the helmet.
"We can't wait that long, they are triggering the Relic now, I've got to get in there and stop them. I can hold them off at least 10 minutes..." His voice was that of a tenor, deep and silken. There was a powerful sense of confidence in it...well deserved confidence.
He flew forward then - they had been hovering over a canopy of trees. In the center was a glowing blue light. Relic Hunters had triggered a Relic to go off. All around in a huge circle - trees suddenly fell. A burst of blue power came from the relic. As they flew over - there was easily over 50 men, and 30 Suits guarding the hunters. These were not Valor Suits, they were a lesser form of it - that the Relic Hunters had seized and began to produce. Super Soldiers, but not Valor soldiers.
Harley flew down swiftly - from his shoulders fired rockets that exploded on the ground, sending dirt flying into the air, acting like a smoke screen. He landed and pulled a large - Valor sized bowie knife from his thigh. He shoved it forward into an opposing suit - killing the pilot instantly as it stabbed through the thin metal. He pulled his gun forward and fired from his hip - Relic Hunters were spray and fell to the ground. He then burst into the air and threw the knife - piercing the visor of another suit. A swarm of bullets came his way, but he easily shifted to the side and a laser came from his wrist. He fired it in a swift row - slicing down many humans.
"They are recovering - positioning now" Raine spoke.
He then burst forward and grabbed a suit by the chest piece and slammed him into 3 others. With his gun he fired directly into the chest of the suit, which the huge round pierced through all 3. He then lifted the body and used it as a shield - a wave of bullets came his way. This was due to their recovery - several of the Relic Hunters stood in waves- shooting at Harley, though he moved just fast enough to use the dead suit as a shield.
"Suit has a vapor canister" Raine called out.
Harley slung the suit forward and then thrusted backward, he threw two grenades, missiles fired - and the suit he threw suddenly exploded. The explosions of his grenades added to the effect - leaving just a pile of dead bodies, suits mangled and destroyed. He turned then and held his hand out. A glowing blue light came from his palm - the relic that was shuffling in the air, glowing brightly - seemed to have powered down.
"Hey! Did you leave anything for us?!" A womans voice shouted over the coms. Four other suits landed, their visors staring to the heap of destruction that Harley had left.
"Ah, too slow..." Harley laughed and tossed the relic to one of the Valor's way. "Lets head back to HQ"
The vision of the memory faded. Raine reappeared. "He was fast... coordinated, strong, and we worked together like a cog in the wheel. We didn't have to speak half of the time - it just happened. If you had Harley on your side... you were sure to win. The more he fought - the more confident he became. Eventually we just started going solo, and I think that confidence...in the end is why we lost. We didn't research, we didn't 'feel a place out', we bounded in heads first, assuming nothing could stop us..." she crossed her arms. "I wonder if the loss of the greatest hero the people had, was the beginning to the downfall..." she lowered her head.
She cleared her throat then and nodded. "I had been a Servitor for other Pilots before... its all about the connection between the two. The Chemistry... because if it's right - then basically it is two minds linked together in perfect harmony, the pilot becomes 100% machine and 100% human..." she paused then. "Not every person has the ability to link like that, anyone can be a pilot - but only certain people with certain DNA strands can do it. His family was one of 3 Legendary blood lines... It is like I said... someone from that family on their side... well, you are destined to win..." she smirked then and then crossed her arms.
"He was known to be quite active, I wouldn't be surprised if he had off spring... the possibilities are there..." she then stepped before her - eyes studying her. Suddenly she scanned her face - reading her face. Then she displayed the scan of Ellie's face, and then Harley's face. She ran another scan that compared the facial recognition. Eyes...ears...nose..face..bone structure. Then finally a percentage appeared. "87%" she chuckled. "That's pretty high..." she looked to her and then sighed. "If they know who you are, then that would certainly make sense as to why you are hunted. I want to know... how do they know? And why now....?" she crossed her arms. "Convenient considering..." she paused for a moment.
"They've been...accessing me" she whispered. She was away in her mind - looking to see if anyone touched her files. "In the olden days all of our experiences were logged and archived. They're hacked into the Valor Database, they knew I had become active..." she shook her head. "I should have known better...I have put you at risk" across her hues - were suddenly words. She was coding and it appeared over her eyes, her own vision stared to a screen, in her mind. The words formed swiftly, and scrolled even faster - she wrote at almost 500 words per minute. "See you break through this..." she whispered as she worked.
"All of the high importance files in the database are gone, purged not long after Harley died..." she spoke. "It seems the Valor institute knew it was going down hill. I wonder if these Cultists are trying to recreate their own Valor suits... It seems I'm the only Servitor left... if they want to recreate the true valor - then they need to figure out the Formula to the Servitor..." she crossed her arms. "We need to figure out where that Relic is and destroy it..." she looked to her then. "But if they purged the files on it's location, even I do not know... We would have to access the Head Quarters building, I could recover the deleted...."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 14, 2019 0:11:06 GMT -5
Ellie took in a deep breath as she felt Raine’s sadness cascade over her like a spring rain. She sucked in a breath and drew her brows together slightly. It was an odd feeling, to feel what another was truly feeling. Rather than relying on facial features to tell the tale. Ellie could feel just how upset Raine was. But at what? She was attacked before as a child. That was how her leg was broken. She’d run her whole life until Jameson and Dahlia took her in. She figured she would have died much earlier in life if Jameson hadn’t scooped her up that night and taken her in.
Ellie looked to Raine as she’d tried to touch the cover of the book. Her eyes saddened. To not be able to touch or feel. She let out a soft sigh as she began to absentmindedly flip through the pages as Raine spoke. Though her eyes lifted as she listened to the Servitor. The scene began to play before her, her eyes widened slightly. It was incredible to watch Harley fight. His moves were like the perfect moves within a chess match. Calculated. Yet, reckless. He could have died, yet, he destroyed everything in his wake. To the extent that even his own teammates gave him a hard time about killing all of the soldiers before they had the chance to arrive.
“He was incredible...” Ellie spoke as Raine seemed to rush with sadness once again. “You can’t blame yourself for his death….death is something that happens and...well the fallout of everything...that wasn’t because of losing him. Cities were bombed, completely destroyed….crushed...I mean...that part of the history they haven’t obliterated and cast in shadows.” Ellie shifted slightly and shook her head. She then froze as Raine began scanning her. Her eyes looked to the woman before her, concern on her face. “There’s no way I’m related...that was...years ago...I mean...my father...he might just...” Raine spoke that Ellie was an 87% match then. Her brows drew together as she watched the Servitor. “Oh...well...” She blinked a few times and crossed her arms over her chest. Thinking back to her childhood. “My leg.” She spoke as she looked down to the prosthetic that she’d strapped on until she could get the trial from the good doctor.
“I was...4?” She questioned and drew her brows together. “When I was a child I grew up in the slums of the city.” She stepped about the room, her leg giving a heavy thud each time it landed, there was a notable limp to her now without the mechanical leg. She stepped to her closet and climbed onto a small stand and pulled down an old wooden box. She stepped to her bed and glanced to Raine a moment. “My parents were both murdered.” She spoke her voice soft. “I remember it like it was yesterday...” She unclipped the thick leather strap on the box and pulled out a few things. Sifting through a few items, she pulled out a knife that had once belonged to her father. She then pulled a picture from the box and grasped it with both hands, her eyes welled with tears. It was never easy thinking of what happened.
“There was a man, he was masked….everything was black and his eyes seemed to glow red...” Ellie nearly whispered. “It was late in the evening...my mother had just tucked me into bed and she was reading a goodnight story to me. My father was in his office working as always. There was a crash. I remember the sound of the glass breaking so clearly in my mind...It almost hurts to think about it. Moments after the sound my father was yelling about something, we couldn’t hear him. There was a gunshot. Mother pulled me into her arms and hugged me close, I could hear her heart racing within her chest as I hugged myself to her. My father rushed into the room moments later, blood rolling down his arm, he was holding onto his shoulder, a cut on his face. He told my mother to run...just as the echo of a gunshot sounded once again...his blood...it splattered across my face...his body went limp...”
Ellie paused a moment, it was clear that she was holding back tears as her emotions surged. The man...his eyes...his glowing red eyes...” She stared to the photo in her hands, her father had her on his shoulders, all three of them had huge smiles on her lips. They were standing before a sold sign for a home. My mother fought for me. She fought with the man and she was forced to throw me out the window of the home...” Ellie stopped speaking again, her fingertips ran over a scar on her forearm, it was faint, but it was there. “I landed on my leg...but...I ran...I ran as far as I could and I didn’t stop running...” Her breaths shuddered. “I found myself scrounging for food, begging….that is how Jameson found me...he uncovered the case files from the murder, a suspect was never apprehended...but he got me this stuff...to remember them by...” She stopped speaking then as she brushed a few tears away. “Is that man one of them then?” She asked, “Is that why he killed my family…? Was that man after me?” She shook her head.
Ellie let out a sigh as she put the trinkets back into the box. She held a small scarf, one that her mother had worn nearly everyday. The material was soft, softer than anything she’d ever felt. She let out a soft sigh before she folded it and placed it back into the box. “Maybe...if we can get to the old headquarters we can find something?” She questioned as she looked to Raine. She locked the box and then carried it to her closet. She then stepped to her computer and locked the screen. “Just in case.” She gave a gentle smile. She lifted a box from the shelf, it was a wooden crate. She carefully set the helmet inside of it and closed the top, the wires still ran to her computer so that Raine could project herself. Ellie moved to her bed and let out a heavy sigh, “I think it may have taken them this long to find me...” She spoke, “Or maybe they’ve been watching me all along? Maybe they attacked because they know I have you? They were waiting for me to find you….I mean...if my DNA is the only one that can truly link with you...” She drew her brows together. “That’s how it works right?” She leaned back against the pillows and stared to the ceiling. “What will they do to me if they were to take me….?” She pondered out loud.
There was a knock from the door then. Ellie sat up quickly as the door pushed open. “Who’s there?” She questioned as she looked to the door.
“It’s just me.” Nicholas spoke as he stepped into the room. He had a glass of water and a gentle smile upon his lips. “Just wanted to check in on you.” He glanced around the room briefly before his eyes fell back on her. “Just worried about you.” He set the water next to her on the nightstand.
Ellie looked to him with her brows tucked together. “You should have waited before you came in.” She sat at the edge of her bed. “I’m fine really.”
Nicholas stood a few feet away, trying not to infringe on her space. He gave a gentle smile, “Sorry, I’ll wait next time.” He nodded to the water. “I’ll let you rest...then?” He searched her eyes.
Ellie lifted the glass of water and held it up before she took a long drink from it. “It has been quite a long day for me, Nicholas. You would feel the same if you were attacked by Cultists as a banquet after you’d just spent a few hours dancing. Wouldn’t you?” She raised a brow as she looked to him. She took another long drink from the water.
Nicholas crossed his arms slightly, “I’d be trying to figure out just why I was attacked. Or maybe, you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He shrugged. “They didn’t come back for more, maybe they truly were confused as to the reasoning of the banquet.”
Ellie finished the glass of water. She looked up to him, a strange heaviness was overcoming her body. “I’m not sure, Nicholas.” She spoke, her words sounded almost muddy. “I think I just need to rest and in the morning we can figure it out...” Her eyes fluttered slightly.
Nicholas knelt before her, his hand went to her cheek. “Ellie you don’t look well at all.” He searched her eyes, his expression concerned.
Ellie took in slightly quicker breaths. “I’m...just tired...” She choked out, her vision swirled slightly.
“Here let me help you.” Nicholas carefully cradled her into the bed and tucked her in. He searched her eyes as he tucked a strand of hair away from her face. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked.
Ellie could barely hear him now. “What...is….happening…?” She questioned, her body felt heavy her mind began to cloud.
“Do you think they did something to you?” Nicholas felt her forehead. “You’re cold.” He tucked the blankets more around her. “I’ll go get you some tea.” He rushed from the room.
Ellie’s eyes fluttered, “What...” She muttered as she tried to move, she felt paralyzed.
**
“I slipped her the serum, planted that it might have been from the attack.” Nicholas spoke to one of the guards. “Give her about 10 minutes and she won’t even be able to open her eyes.” He chuckled as he made his way toward the kitchen to brew a cup of tea he stepped in and stopped as his eyes fell on Dahlia. “Mrs. Lovette.” He bowed his head.
“Nicholas.” She spoke, her voice soft. “What is it?” She drew her brows together slightly.
He gave a gentle smile. “Nothing to worry about, Mrs. Lovette. I just wanted to make a cup of tea for Ellie, she’s feeling a bit under the weather.” He looked over her face, lines ran down her cheeks from her tears. He felt a bit of remorse as he looked her over. “Could I make some tea?” He asked.
“Oh...of...of course.” Dahlia nodded as she moved and pulled down a bag of tea. “This is Ellie’s favorite...” She muttered softly.
**
“Raine….” Ellie fought against the tug of sleep. “Something...is wrong...” She whispered.
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Post by Raven on Mar 14, 2019 2:10:18 GMT -5
Raine grew quiet as Ellie told the story of her past. For a moment she could see glimpses of the memory - the scene played out in just vague flashes. While Ellie remembered...it came to Raine as well. It was a terrible scene, she felt a wave of grief and sadness wash over her. It pushed her down and pressed upon her.... She glanced to the trinkets and items in the box.... She sucked in a breath and let it go slowly, as if she could really breath...
"I'm...sorry" Raine whispered and then she turned her head a she heard movement. She disappeared swiftly and slipped into Ellie's mind, watching Nicholas from her eyes. She thought for a long moment, watching as she drank. Something seemed off, what did Nicholas want? Though something changed. Ellie's blood tox changed, slightly, but enough to cause a concern. If she knew anything from her past - any kind of difference was concerning. She watched Ellie waver for just a moment. In an instant she ran a screening - Galeninthramol... What the hell was that?
Raine quickly shifted her essence through the computer, traveling across all the cameras of the house. Her Father - where was her father. She quickly honed in one a bedroom, her father sat at desk - looking at his computer. Raine swiftly appeared on the screen, in her human like form. "Mr Jameson..." she spoke. "I am Raine, a Servitor that once belong to Harley Stinren. Your daughter Ellie found me in his helmet, and I have been with her since. You must listen and trust me - your daughter has been drugged by Nicholas, Galeninthramol. I do not know what this does but she needs your help, hurry - her room" she pleaded. "Please-" she called out.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 14, 2019 2:51:10 GMT -5
Jameson sat at his computer, his fingers typed away quickly. His eyes tired. He felt an incredible about of regret that Ellie had been hurt, targeted by the Cultists. He’d done so much the shield her and hide her from them. Was it because he’d given her a book on the Rigs? A book on history….was that how they’d found her? He leaned forward and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m so sorry Ellie...” He muttered softly. “I’ll protect you...” He went to close his laptop when the screen became fuzzy. The words came from the speakers and he stared in awe. “A servitor?” He questioned, his expression surprised. “Nicholas? He did what...Galeninthramol….how in the hell did he get ahold of that?!” He drew his brows together and stood up quickly. Jameson rushed from his office and slammed into the chest of one of the guards.
“Mr. Lovette.” The guard steadied him. “Where are you off to in such a hurry? Is everything alright?”
“I need to check on my daughter.” He brushed the man’s hands from his shoulders. Jameson rushed down the hallway and pushed into Ellie’s room quickly. “Ellie.” He closed the door behind himself and rushed to her side. “Ellie?”
“Dad…?” Her eyes fluttered. Her breaths trembled slightly.
“Hey, honey, it’s okay. I’m here.” He took her hand and searched her eyes. He looked to the glass of water next to her bed and lifted it. He sniffed it slightly and shook his head. Galeninthramol was a scentless drug. Though it was an incredibly strong sedative. Even a few drops could incapacitate someone. He brushed her hair from her eyes and frowned slightly. “Nothing to fear, love.” He gave a gentle smile.
Ellie’s eyes slipped shut as her head leaned against his hand. Her breaths shuddered. Nicholas must have given her plenty of the drug. But why? Jameson lifted his eyes as he heard footsteps coming down the hallway. He stood and quickly moved to the closet, the shadows wrapped around his body as he waited. He’d find out soon enough. The door handle turned and the door pushed open then. Nicholas stepped into the room, the hot mug of tea in his hands. “Ellie, I’ve got your...” He paused as he noticed she was unconscious. A soft sigh came over his lips as he pushed the door closed behind him. His eyes glanced around the room again. “Okay, she’s out...what exactly am I looking for?” He spoke into the device on his wrist.
“Anything that could point us in the direction of the Servitor. It has been activated, and I think she’s already bonded with it.” The voice spoke back to him. “If that is the case then we take her tonight.”
Nicholas frowned slightly. He set the mug of tea down and sat on the edge of the bed. “If only you knew, Ellie.” He whispered before he tucked the blanket up around her. He stood and moved through the room. He pulled a few books from the bookcase and shuffled around. When he stepped over to the computer he sat down in front of it. He clicked on the keyboard for a moment. “Damn.” He muttered as he looked to the locked screen. He then glanced to the wooden box, his brow raised as he looked to the wires that ran into it. “What’s this then…?” He reached forward.
“Nicholas.” Jameson spoke from the shadows. He stepped forward with his arms crossed. “Going through my daughter’s things isn’t in any shape or form going to get you on my side.” His voice was stern.
Nicholas shot up, his eyes wide. “Mr. Lovette.” He chirped. “Uh...I...” He pushed the chair to the desk in. “I was just making sure she was alright...um...”
Jameson stepped forward his eyes boring into Nicholas’ a long moment. “She seems rather tired, don’t you think?” He questioned as he glanced to his daughter. “Now. If you’d be so kind. Who are you talking to on your radio there?”
Nicholas looked to him with worried eyes. “Oh, I wasn’t um...”
Jameson reached forward his hand clutched the front of Nicholas’ shirt. “Or were you just planning on taking advantage of her? Huh? What is the game you’re playing? I know you drugged her, Nicholas.” His voice was threatening as he stared into his eyes.
Nicholas trembled within his grip. “Um...I...wasn’t...I...it was...I was...”
Jameson grit his teeth as he shoved Nicholas toward the door. “Consider the trade deal with your father off. Get out of my house.”
Nicholas frowned slightly. “Mr. Lovette….” He leaned in close his eyes gazing up to him. “Calling off the deal isn’t going to protect her.” He glanced over his shoulder toward the door. “Believe me. Nothing can.”
Jameson gripped the front of his shirt again. “Are you threatening my daughter?” He questioned.
“Nicholas are you alright in there?” One of the guards called.
Jameson looked up as the door pushed open. “He’s busy drugging my daughter. So no he isn’t alright.” He snapped.
“Sir, unhand the Mayor’s son.” The guard ordered.
“Gladly.” Jameson shoved him into the guard’s hands. “Get out of my house.”
Nicholas took in a breath, “Let’s go.” He grabbed the shoulder of the guard and pulled him from the room.
Jameson stepped to the window, he stood with his arms crossed as he counted the guards as they left the home. “Scum.” He growled as he came back to Ellie’s side. He tucked the blankets carefully around her and paced. He glanced around the room a moment as he let out a breath. “Raine...” He spoke and looked to the wooden crate that Ellie had on her desk. “That was your name right?” He glanced to Ellie with worried eyes.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 14, 2019 3:19:35 GMT -5
Raine moved through the houses electronics until she was with Ellie once more. She ran an diagnostics, Hang in there... she spoke softly into her mind. Ellie's heart rate had slowed down and her brain waves were delayed, what ever this drug did - it slowed everything down. Enough of it could kill someone, she could tell. She listened in on the radio and instantly ran a quick program to pinpoint the location. She got the coordinates easily, she was surprised to see that they weren't on a more secure line, she wondered then just who was behind this. Surely not someone too professional...
Raine watched as Jameson intervened, which she was thankful for. She worried briefly, since there was only so much she could do. Nicholas was ran off easily by Jameson, but she knew he was right. They would persist... but at least now they had help.
The projector flicked on and Raine appeared in the center of the room, standing before Jameson. She was just an inch or two shorter than him... her eyes looked to Ellie and she sighed softly. "That is my name, yes sir." she bowed her head. "She is stable, heart beat is 58 beats per minute, blood pressure 80 over 58, I think the dose she got was a fair bit... I think she is going to be okay though" she nodded. She held her hand up and a globe appeared before her, a ping went off on it. "I honed in on the radio, the location is...here" the globe zoomed in to a grid. "They went off of a common radio frequency, but short length, meaning they didn't want to broadcast through the satellites, this also means the other end of the radio is near by..." she crossed her arms. "Though surely they are moving now..." she sighed. "I am going to apply a quick script to track all frequencies and record them, if anyone is near by we will catch it. Also, I am changing the static IP of all your devices, this shouldn't effect you in any way but it will cause anyone trying to hack your systems to start from ground zero, from there I can build an advanced firewall to overlap your current..." she chuckled. "Apologies if I am speaking a different language. I mean to say, if you let me - I can do all I can to keep people out, in the best way I can..." she paused.
"I... am sorry. If I am putting her in danger" she bowed her head slightly. "I think...whoever these people are - have been watching the Servitor activity, perhaps when I came back online..." she let out a sigh. "Her safety is most important, I will respect that" she spoke softly. "But even if I go - I think she will be hunted. I think... whatever the reason, she is..." she let out a sigh once more. Her eyes glanced to Ellie "She is stirring..." she spoke.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Mar 14, 2019 3:59:41 GMT -5
Jameson watched as the projector flickered on. He searched over the woman before him and a chuckle came over his lips. “Ellie’s tinkering came into handy with this piece huh?” He looked to the projector that Ellie had pieced together easily. He drew his brows together as Raine spoke of the vital signs of his daughter. “Keep an eye on her, if she gets worse we will take her to the hospital...I’ve heard of that stuff he gave her before. Professionals use it, it’s sold on the black market. Highly illegal.” He sighed softly. “When it first came out it was used to over take women in the slums….low life dirt bags.” he scoffed slightly and shook his head.
He looked to Raine as she began to speak a different language to him, his brow raised. “Firewall….alright. Whatever you need to do to keep her safe.” He nodded. “Even if you’re gone I fear she won’t be safe you’re right.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “She was hunted when I found her. I quickly covered up any traces that led to her, but I know whatever group has been looking for her...they haven’t stopped. I worked with the local detectives on it, but we couldn’t ever overturn anything, we couldn’t find any prints at the scene of the murder. Nothing. It’s horrible what happened to her mother and father. Hacked to pieces...like a butcher got a hold of them.” He sighed softly. “I’ve never let her see the crime scene images, it’s horrible...” He brushed her hair gently with his fingers.
Ellie’s eyes fluttered slightly. He shifted and sighed, “Well, Raine. We have you. Right? Servitors used to run damn near everything in your time. We don’t have such a thing now. But, I imagine with you we are in good hands, yes?”
Ellie opened her eyes slowly. “Father...” She breathed. “What’s happened?” She questioned softly.
Jameson gave a gentle smile, “Well, for one you found a Servitor.” He winked to her and chuckled softly. “For two, Nicholas drugged you with a hefty dose of medication...” He searched her eyes carefully.
There was a knock from the door then. “Ellie honey?” Dahlia questioned.
“Come on in dear.” Jameson spoke his eyes moving to the door as it opened slowly.
Dahlia pushed the door open. “Ellie….are you alright? Nicholas and the guards left in a rush, dear. What is going on? I thought they were supposed to stay the night...”
**
“Mr. Lovette found out that I drugged Ellie.” Nicholas spoke into the radio. “He caught me red handed. He has kicked us from the home and called off the deal.”
“What?!” The voice on the other side of the radio was angry. “Well, I suppose I need to take it into my own hands now don’t I?”
**
Ellie took in a breath as Jameson helped her to sit on the edge of the bed. “You don’t have to get up dear.” He spoke as he held his hand over her back. “We will figure this out.”
“He drugged her?” Dahlia scoffed, her face full of disgust. “I’ll have that pig all over the papers come morning.” She stood up quickly and stormed from the room.
“Dahlia...” Jameson let out a sigh. “Your mother.” He let out a soft chuckle. “How do you feel dear?” He asked as he glanced to her.
“Dizzy...” Ellie whispered softly.
Jameson carefully helped his daughter lay back down. “How about some rest, hm?” He kissed her forehead. “You’ll feel better in the morning.” Jameson crossed his arms over his chest as he stood. “Keep her safe, Raine….” He stepped from the room.
Ellie’s eyes fluttered and closed as she rolled onto her side. She took in a deep breath as her muscles loosened and sleep consumed her. Her mind was flooded with nightmares. Memories of the murder of her parents. Nicholas giving her the water that was drugged. Her mind spun as she slept. It never truly quieted down. Ellie tossed and turned within the bed, the blankets became tangled around her body, she let out a soft whimper as in her dream she rushed down the streets with her broken leg, the crunch of the broken bone seemed to reverberate off of the paved roadway.
It wasn’t until morning the Ellie found solace in her dreams. She was finally resting peacefully as the warm rays of the sun sifted over her body. The door pushed open slowly and Dahlia stepped into the room with a cup of coffee in her hands. “Ellie honey.” She spoke as she set the coffee on the nightstand. She brushed her hair and frowned slightly as she looked to the bed. “You okay dear?”
Ellie’s eyes opened slowly and she let out a sigh. She sat up slowly and glanced about the room. “It was all true...wasn’t it?” She whispered as she lifted the hot mug into her hands and hugged it to her chest. The weakness had disappeared with her rest.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got the guards on point this morning. There’s nothing to worry about, Ellie. Your father and I will keep you safe.” She kissed her cheek. “Come down when you’re ready, your father has already gotten you an appointment for your leg to get it fixed.” She gave a warm smile before she slipped from the room.
Ellie sat quietly her eyes stared to the empty glass of water that Nicholas had given her. “Raine?” She asked, her voice soft. “If we figure out where the old headquarters are...can we stop them?” She took a sip from her coffee. "Do you think they want me because of Harley? Have you heard anything on the radios?"
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