As the guy looks at the papers, he sees that, if ever he should give away any information on the Kodiak, then he should be held as a liability and be disposed of to keep the secret...
^I know that's expected^ he thought, ^This place is top-secret.^
He turns around to David, then looks at the papers he had in his hand.
He gets the nearby cylindrical lazerpen and jots down his signature into it...
"There you go, officer. I've signed the papers... Now I'm officially part of the unlucky few that has the information stored in my head... Now... Do you wish to know more about Milarosa?
"It's too bad you guys can't supply a live Nomad for research purposes, because as far as my attempts went her dream-state only responds when she is in a reasonable proximity with them. If you don't manage to get a live host, I'm afraid you'll come into a dead wall as I have."
He turns around and walks towards the window... The ice crystals shining in the brilliance of the green sun...
"Mila... Please... I hope you'll be safe."
(//this post is meant to serve as the continuation because of the rude interruption of a break in the connection. Kudos to everyone who was involved in this event, but until I finish my AudioBiography to the present I can't log this in there.
If you allow, we could continue the RP event tomorrow, because right now I've got a whole house to clean. Yep. I'm like the caretaker here.)
This is a roleplay post, even the title should be RP. Amended for you. -Del
He places the papers in a file he was carrying and tucks it under his arm as leonardo looks out the window
"We've tried many times to capture a live nomad. The problem isn't in capturing them, it's in keeping them alive. They just seem to die once they realise that they can't escape. It certainly has hampered the research teams. The only time we can find anything out about them is when they're ripping at the hull of the ship the research team is in."
"Mila... Please... I hope you'll be safe."
"She's fine. She had fun on the bridge of that carrier. She's sleeping in the next room. 205 remember? Your right next to each other. Why don't you go check on her?"
David runs his hands through his hair
"I thought I had a lot of paperwork to do before I got the call of someone having a Nomad artifact. Thanks for handing it over by the way, those things are so fragile when we try and use force to take them they don't survive the ship decompression. Anyway I have to put your file away. I should only be a minute but if you have any concerns just call me on the intercom and I'll hear you"
He similes and taps a small metal device by his ear before leaving the room.
As soon as Officer David walked out the door, floods of thoughts came to Leonardo.
^Why... Why did I bring her here...? Why did I bring Mila into the hands of the LN? Why did I do it...?
^I know Mila has all these powers of hers and probably the next guy would do the same but... is it really worth it? ... There is so much mystery surrounding her it sometimes scares me to think at what she could really be... but...
^She doesn't look much of a threat...
^And now I've brought her into this mess, where I expect she'll be interrogated, tortured, tested... manipulated like a lab-rat and possibly stripped of all rights to be human when they find out something not right in her... She'll be here for a week... alone... helpless... in danger... without me being there to protect her should anything come to her harm and... BAH!
^... It's all my fault... I... I let my pride against the Nomads go against me... I... I sacrificed Mila for my own personal gain... for my revenge... I--^
Leonardo suddenly caught himself in his rantings. He shook for a moment, then calmed down.
^Mila... I... I mustn't think less of you... Even though you've always been a stubborn, klutzy, happy-go-lucky girl you've always persevered... You never gave up... You always had that inner strength in you... that inner flame of zeal and courage... You may be adopted, but you are still part of the Tigre Family. And the Tigres' are a strong family who've always managed to continue on with life, even when they are covered in mud... Ma pressed onward despite dad being a Nomad... I pressed onward despite the death of my parents...
^And now I must rely on my trust on Officer David's word... I need to be strong enough to have hope in you, Mila... You're no longer weak... In fact, you are many more times stronger than me... not only literally, but figuratively as well...^
He turns around and sees the doorway to the hallway, ^Oh yeah... she's right next door. But I won't be staying here for the whole time... I'll eventually be escorted out of this system, so I'll only get to see her next week... Maybe...
^... Maybe I should tell her.^
--------------------------------------------
On room 205, Milarosa was bouncing around the room with a big smile on her face, "WOW! That was AWESOME! I got to ride a carrier, visit the bridge, see lots of people..." She talked to herself, "There were SOOOOO many people, and SOOOOOO many buttons! Too bad the big captain didn't let me go and touch all of them... OH!!! When I getz to go on that carrier again, I'm not holding back on myself! I'M GONNA TRY AND KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO PILOT A CARRIER!!!"
*somewhere out in space, the captain of the LNS-Montreal shivers at a strange presence he feels from far-away, like as if the sound of a million ships was heard in the air, and was suddenly silenced, "BRRR!!! Where the frak is this draft coming from!?"
Suddenly a loud grumbling noise was heard from Mila's stomach, "Oh yeah... Tonight's dinner-time... Well! Time for a trip to the mess-hall then! TO THE MESS-HALL!!!"
But just as she was about to open the door it swung open by itself, Leonardo being on the other side of the portal, "Uh... Hi Mila. I was going to---"
"LEONARDOOOOOO!!!" Mila didn't hesitate to bear-hug her brother, but Leonardo managed to quickly hold her off at arm's length, "Oopsie! Got a little excited there. But why are you here? I thoughts you were already at Planet Erie by now?"
"Yeah... well... about that I---"
"Can you please hurry up?" Mila impatiently, but cheerfully remarked, "I'm kinda hungry, Leon... No? Okay then! Bye!"
"Mila w-w-wait!" Leonardo quickly grabbed her arm before she could scurry off.
"YUP?" Mila turned around.
^Uh-oh...^ Leonardo thought to himself, ^I can't tell her the news now... not when she's like this! If I told her that she's gonna be here for a week filled with tests and experiments she might panic and start to dislike coming here--
^ah... wait... must trust her with the truth... that's the least I could do for dragging her into this mess.^
"Uhm, Mila? I've got to tell you something..." Mila stopped struggling and started to listen intently to Leonardo, "You uh... are going to be staying here for a whole week... I can't be here for you because I'm not allowed to--"
"Why not? Weren't you part of the LN once? I thoughts you were good buddies and all!"
"It's not that... ^okay... now the hard part.^ The truth is... I sent you here to be... well... experimented."
Mila leaned her head to the side as if to show confusion, "Huh? Experimented?"
"Yeah... You know about those 'powers' you have, like the need to constantly go and bask in the sunlight, your speedy physical changes and most of all... your dream-state? And do you remember the times when I tried to do some... tests on you, you remember?"
"Uh huh! What about them?"
"Well, it's like that... only more advanced and more thorough. The LN guys here are going to search to see if there's something wrong with you."
"But Leonardo! There's nothing wrong with me! Sure I don't get a tan like other girls... and that I know so much about school in such a short time... and... and that I... malfunction ships and..."
"P... Precisely, Mila. The LN guys are going to study you if whether or not you have something different from normal girls. I keep hearing that you won't get hurt in any way, so I'm hoping it won't be so bad. And besides... after the tests you get to come back to the estate. I'll let Helga cook you a nice dish of that Ferrengi-chips you always wanted..."
Mila didn't reply back... A long moment of silence descended upon them.
Eventually, Mila said in a suddenly serious voice, "... Tests huh...? Am I really that different Leonardo? Have I caused you so much harm? I... didn't mean to be... *sniff*" Mila then starts to weep.
^Aw, crud...^ "Mila..." Leonardo tries to comfort her, "... It's not like that. You are different, sure, but you haven't done anything wrong... well... maybe not intentionally, and not dangerously... well... maybe dangerously, but still--"
"WAAAAAA I'm such a mean sister to Leonardo!!! I've been a very bad girl!!!" Mila then continues to weep on his shoulder.
^Aw man... Now look what you've done, Leonardo. Now you've made her feel bad about herself.^ "I'm sorry, Mila. I'm sure you aren't bad at all... In fact, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Mila. So please don't cry, okay?"
Mila quickly becomes sober and looks somehow ...strangely straight at his eyes, "I'm... the "best" thing that's ever happened to you?"
^... HUH!? OH NOEZ!^ Leonardo panics in his head, ^WHAT THE FRAK DID I JUST SAY!?^ "Ehrm, well uh... uh what I meant was that you uh... I mean you are not a bad girl at all! I was all uh... sad and uh... lonely while I didn't meet you yet, so uh... you shouldn't feel so bad about---"
"... Lonely?" Mila just raised an eyebrow at him.
^*facepalms himself on his mind*^ "L-l-l-look! Just don't feel bad, okay!? You aren't as bad as you think you are! D-d-don't be so hard on yourself! M-m-maybe y-y-your uh... abilities just need some practicing and getting to know. In fact, your abilities are what make you you. I think you'd never be able to pass Piloting without your ability to become better all the time! Maybe someday that will come in handy in the future, for example." Leonardo stutters.
Mila looks at him strangely, then chuckles to herself, "Oh... Yeah... Maybe my uh... abilities you say? They MAY come in handy someday... and who knows? Maybe that 'dream-state' could be some sort of 'telepathy' or something. Or that my super-quick changes would make me a real super-hero! You're right, Leonardo! Maybe I've been thinking too much about it, I guess.
"And maybe the tests that these LN dudes will be fun! I always love a cool game for me to play! I sure do hope these tests will be very interactive!"
After that she then starts to walk away, but not before turning around and saying, "Leonardo! Thanks for saving me there on Outpost Holman! It really WAS the best idea for me to come along with you when I had the chance. See you in a week then!"
When Mila finally disappears behind the elevator door to the mess-hall, Leonardo scratches his head in confusion, not knowing whether or not he should either be happy she handled the matter rather well, or that he should facepalm himself for her utter innocence...
...Incoming Transmission...
Location: Texas
Information Source: Oliver M'Cany
Greetings gentleman,
As you might remmember i am pilot Oliver M'Cany recruit among the LNS. Through our friendship i stronlgy want to know what happened in this matter that you discuss and if you need nay help from behalf of me. I don t forget faces especialy when it is about honorable man. Since i have returned to my office i will start to get in contact with the LNS superiors.
David was waiting for the elevator when as soon as the doors opened Mila shot out
"Hey. Hey Mila! Where are you off to?"
Mila stops at turns briefly
"To the mess-hall! I'm really hungry"
David laughs lightly to himself
"Do you know where that even is? The Kodiak is a big station. Here, I was going to give this to you in your room, but seeing your here"
David pulls out a small data pad and hand it to Mila
"It's a map of the station. Anywhere your not allowed to go is coloured red, your room is coloured green. Now you can fly off to the mess-hall"
"Thanks!"
David gets into the elevator and heads back to room 206 to find Leonardo standing in the hall way looking very confused.
"Hehe. She certainly has quite a bit of energy. I'm glad she was on the carrier and not in my ship. Anyway now that everything is sorted out we don't we have chat? Your going to be here a week after all and I'm sure you have plenty of questions"
David puts an arm around Leonardo and leads him back to his room.
"... huh?" Leonardo wakes up from his thoughts, "... Oh, Officer David... What's up?"
The officer raises his eyebrow at him, then chuckles to himself, "You look like she just said something lewd at you."
"No no..." Leonardo sighs softly before continuing, "She's quite pure-hearted... Innocent, to put it simply. I tell her the truth, and shrugs it off like not a care in the world has happened... That kind of attitude worries me a bit as well. She attracts a lot of... trouble around us." Leonardo then remembered something, "Oh yeah... You said I'm able to stay for the whole week, you say?"
"Yeah. That's right. You did propose that you'd stay here for the time being to watch over her, didn't you? You were VERY willing to come with us, even though many would've simply turned around and run, you know."
Leonardo scratches his head in embarrassment, "... Yeah, I guess I did... Just thought you guys wanted some privacy, what with this station being top-secret and all... That's great news, then. At least I can rest assured she's still within earshot of me, so I don't have to totally worry about her right now."
As the two near the door David lets off his arm and opens the metal slab, "Ah yeah..." Leonardo continued, "So what are you here for, Officer? I'm sure you'd like to hear the full details about my studies on Mila's... conditions before you proceed with the testings to make sure you guys are up to speed as to what I know."
David opens the door, walks in and heads to the window, studying the ice crystals slowly floating past. Leonardo sits on the bed, waiting for an answer.
"I was undercover. The people I have been assigned to watch happened to come back to Manhattan. So while they thought I was partying like a mad thing I was really doing my report on what I've seen so far. I wont tell you the details because then you'd have more papers to sign. Anyway I just happened to be submitting my report when the call came that some trader had spotted a Freelancer with a Nomad artefact. I was still in my flight suit so I simply got my LSF ship and headed to the location given to me by the LNS-Motreal. As for the people I was watching they wont be leaving for a few weeks. I simply told them I'd be travelling around and so don't expect to see me. They took the bait no questions asked; They trust me...So taking the time to stay with you two isn't an issue."
David looks round to Leonardo but he turns away.
"Look that's part of the job. I'm going to find it hard to bring them in when the time is right. I rarely lie to people and I sure haven't lied to you."
Leonardo turn back with a smile on his face.
"I trust you..You let me into the top secret Zone 21. You even brought me to a research station you yourself didn't even know about 6 months ago and your even letting me say the whole week with my sister. You really are a good guy David and I'm glad it was you that took that call. Because that was us"
David similes back, obviously relived and probably wondering about the words just said.
"As for explaining the tests you have already done, don't bother. I'm only a standard agent. I don't really know the in depth stuff about the Nomads. For that I'll call someone from the R&D department. They can use the information, not me."
David looks at his watch a laughs lightly
"I've been up 27 hours and 27 minutes. I probably should get some rest. You might want to as well. Your going to have a full week keeping your sister in check"
"I'll certainly agree with that...where is she by the way?"
"I ran into her at the elevator. She was running off to the mess-hall for some food. I stopped her and gave her a map but if she gets lost don't worry. Any places she's not supposed to go she can't get to and the people in this place will point her in the right direction to get back. Oh and you might be pleased to know I have room 204, so if you have any problems just call out and you'll wake me, I'm a light sleeper."
"Good to know. Thank you Officer David. Have a good sleep"
David walks to the door and turns around as he gets there
"No need for the formalities, call me G. Most of my LSF buggies do so I'm used it to"
He then walks out of the room, the door closing behind him leaving Leonardo alone with his thoughts.
^David does seem like a nice guy,^ Leonardo thought, ^Taking the time to look after us... heh. Nah... We're just lucky he has the time to do so.^
A low grumble is heard from his stomach, signaling his own time to eat, "Huh. Guess I should've joined in with Mila when I had the chance... Wouldn't wanna interrupt Officer David, but... I don't know where the frak IS the mess hall anyway..."
As David was starting to doze off on his bed, beginning to feel the effects of sleep deprivation, unable to take off his flight uniform from fatigue, he hears a low knock from his door and a familiar voice sounds on the other side, "Uh... Officer-- I mean, uh... G. I might need a map of the station too. Sorry for interrupting you at such short notice."
"Nah, it's fine," David sleepily stands up and grabs a nearby datapad before opening the door, "Here you go." David hands over a shiny, blue-screened datapad that showed the Kodiak's layout, and starts to point to various parts of the map, "The red areas are the restricted parts, and..." He proceeds to type some buttons here and there and a clicking sound is heard, "... I adjusted the pad to show the location on your room... It's neon-green on the map. The rest of the areas are where you can go."
Leonardo grabs the datapad and replies, "Thanks, uh... G.... Sorry. I'm not used to addressing people of respectable rank in an 'informal' way. It'll take some getting used to."
"Just keep practicing... You'll get the habit if you stuck with guys like us longer..." He chuckles before letting out a short yawn before closing the door. Leonardo then proceeded to head to the mess hall...
-------------------------------------------------
Leonardo finally arrived at the entrance to the mess-hall. He was just about to head on inside when he thought he heard a commotion going on, like people hooting and hollering.
He almost drops his mouth wide open to find that the commotion was a drinking contest... and apparently, Mila was involved in it. In fact, she was the contestant on the table, drinking these gigantic mugs of frothing beer with a burly, hairy LN agent who did the same... with less grace. The area was circled by many other people: soldiers, scientists, mechanics, even Leonardo could make out a few officers looking at the show... They had good reason to be very excited...
... It looked like Mila was winning.
"HAAAAHRRR!!!" The burly man in the blue outfit huffed, apparently red with drunkness, and barely could still hold the mug on hand, "Y-y... you haaaarr not baaaad, little guuuuurl..."
"Less talking, more drinking!!! YIPPEEEEE!!!" It looked like Mila didn't even had the slightest bit of intoxication in her system, "I don't take no... FOR AN ANSWER!" She then proceeds to gulp down the last bits of liquid into her belly, and placed the empty vat on the table with a loud thud...
...There were 8 similarly-sized mugs on her side...
Finally, the other contestant submitted to the effects, and dropped down dead-asleep. The whole room cheered with madness... Mila was the victor.
Leonardo pushed through the crowd and immediately grabbed hold of Mila with both of his hands and proceeded to shake her, "MILA!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? YOU KNOW WE'RE JUST GUESTS HERE, DON'T YOU!?"
"LEONARDOOOOOOO!!!" Leonardo didn't anticipate Mila's bear-hug, and starts choking under the intense pressure exerted. It's only a few moments after that Mila, realizing her real strength, stops short of killing him, then continued, "Oopsie! Sorry 'bout that, Leonardo! OH! OH!!! Did you just see it? I WON!!! I WON, LEONARDO!"
"*gasp*... Yeah... I saw it alright... *wheeze*... the bigger question is... WHY!?"
"Because he thought less of me, Leonardo!" She puts on a cute, innocent puppy-face and points at the now-knocked-out man in a blaming fashion, "He started it! He started it! He called me all sorts of names behind my back, and called me weak and helpless! Soes I decided to challenge him to a drinking contest! And... uh... That's about it!"
Just then the doors burst open, and David rushes inside with a slight wobble in his movements, shouting in a very freakish fit with a pistol in his hands, "ALRIGHT! YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR TRYING TO INTERRUPT MY BEAUTY SLEEP WITH YOUR RANTINGS AND HAILS, CAUSE IF I---" He almost trips over when he bumps on the downed guy, "Whoa... what the hell---"
"Officer Davi--- I mean, Mr. G!" Leonardo lets go of Mila and turns around shocked, "Uh... what are you doing here?"
For a moment David inspects the man, then looks at the two, and scratches his head as he puts the pistol in its holster, "Soooo... who's the girl that managed to be in par with ol' Rodney here?"
Everyone quickly points at Mila. The guy doesn't believe his eyes and tries to rub them in vain, then says, "... NOW I've seen everything... Leonardo. Is she--"
"If you mean she drinks, no. She doesn't usually drink, but if ever she's goaded to she can drink about... 14 mugs before passing out?"
David is shocked at what he hears with his own two ears, "Wha... 14 mugs!?"
Leonardo scratches his head in embarrassment, "Yeah well... I'm surprised at this myself... But I'm happy she didn't have to reach #10 because... THAT'S when things start to get... steamy..."
David rubs his eyes. Trying to make rational decisions whilst being half asleep
"Alright. Milia room 205 right now, Leonardo, 206...now. As for the rest of you do not call me again. I can stand a 36 hour shift but once I go to sleep getting up again is almost impossible. Hear me?'
The group moans a yes and starts to leave. Obviously disappointed that he had ruined their fun. David turns and heads back to his room along with Leonardo and Mila.
"Ok you two...No more..anything ok? If I hadn't of almost gotten to sleep I would have been fine but now...give me 8 hours...just 8. Then you can fly my bomber for all I care but just give me 8 hours"
But I didnt get to eat dinner yet!
What the HOW CAN YOU THINK OF EATING WHEN YOU DRANK MORE BEER THAN A NORMAL PERSON COULD DRINK WATER!? And besides I cant wait for you anymore Its either Im going ahead alone, or youre.
He thinks for a moment before continuing
BAH! If I leave you two alone again Im bound to get called anywayFinego ahead and choose your meals. Ill go and pick a table
YIPPEEEEE!!!
Mila starts jumping up and down in glee,
Youre the BEST, Mr. Officer!
She starts to run off and grabs a plate without a second thought. Leonardo was just about to apologize to David until he shushed him and said,
Just go eat dinner And make it quick.
Leonardo proceeds to shyly grab a platter and tags along with Mila David, after choosing a table, takes the chance to have a short nap After all, this was turning out to be a long day
----------------------------------------------
On the hallway, David is followed by Leonardo and Mila just behind.
MilaYou cant just do these things anywhere you like! There are rules to follow and peoples feelings to consider. They arent as free-spirited as you. In fact, most of them are working, while you are interrupting them and putting on a show on the first day! This isnt the ITS-Vagabond II, okay?
Mila puts on another puppy-face show,
But Leonardo...
Please, Mila This is a Military installation. Were lucky to even be here alive. The last thing we need now is to be responsible for a vacuum decompression because you couldnt control yourself and decided to push a button. We wouldn't want to treat these people badly after they've been so nice to us, right?
Mila lowers her head and says in an apologetic tone,
Yes, Leonardo Ill try not to cause trouble anymore
Leonardo feels a bit sorry and says in a softer voice,
There there, Mila You dont have to be a total stick-in-the-mud to not cause trouble Just think before you do, okay? And dont press anything without a good reason to.
Mila gets her hopes up a bit and smiles,
Okay For you, Leonardo.
David rolls his eyes as the three reach their respective rooms.
"8 hours alright? You'll get a call from me then...But if I get a call that either of you two left your room in that time I'll personally see to...It doesn't matter. I'm sure you wont be that stupid"
David disapears into his room
"Good night Mila, be good. Officer David is just very tired. He's stayed up over a whole day now. I'll see you in the morning"
Mila goes into her room. Leonardo lingers just a moment to make sure the door closes before going into his own room.