Aye
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Posts: 41
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Post by Aye on Aug 4, 2009 12:44:09 GMT -5
It was the best night's sleep Aye had had in a long time, especially considering that he had spent the past five days cramped behind the control panel of a small cargo ship. To have a shelter with heat was more than he could have ever asked for. It was likely because of this that he had slept in so late. He rolled over and his eyes slowly opened. Then he heard a loud gurgle as he felt the very familiar stomach cramps of hunger. Of coarse! He hadn't eaten since morning the day before. Of coarse, he was used to hunting on an empty stomach and it shouldn't be too hard in a place as busy as this. Aye sat up and looked around for his most recent companion.
"Kaikoura? Kaikoura where?" he called out.
She was gone, probably last night after he fell asleep. His ears drooped down sadly. He wasn't surprised, but he was disappointed. Once again, it seemed that Aye was on his own again. He headed over to the window he had opened last night and was just about to crawl out when his nose perked up. That smell... the Slugs! She must have kept them in her shawl all night! But that would mean that by now they would have long since spoiled. Afraid to look, Aye traced the smell further inside where he found a nook that wreaked of the tainted slugs and just as Aye had feared, small bits of them could be found on the ground, evidence that they had been eaten quickly.
Without a moment to lose, Aye sprang out the window and began to track the scent. While Aye's sense of smell may not have been as good as a tracking scarth, it was reasonably better than your average Solanoid or Human and the smell of rotting slugs was sharp enough that Aye was able to determine her general direction before losing the trail. Aye was praying she hadn't actually eaten the spoiled slugs but if she had, he knew he didn't have long.
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Rink
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Posts: 16
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Post by Rink on Aug 4, 2009 14:31:32 GMT -5
As the ship waited its turn to land on Jachrid Space Station, Rink gazed out his view port to the stars beyond. Rink never completely got used to traveling in space, which usually made him a little queasy. He always compared this to what ancient humans called "sea-sickness". But Rink had come here looking for work. He had received word from an old buddy about an opportunity on this rock, and decided the info was worth the trip.
A shudder in the ship told him that they were moving. Probably landing soon. Probably close enough now. Rink dug into his carry case and ruffled its contents until he found it, his ancient portable TV. "Ancient" was right, as it had knobs and dials and weighed a good 5 pounds. Passengers nearby gazed at him quizzically as he turned it on and tuned in to a local news station.
"...and so it really is rare to see a dragon flying in space, let alone attacking cargo vessels. Fortunately no one was hurt, but the dragon is still on the loose, and it is strongly advised for many to avoid space travel for the time-being."
Dragons in space, huh? Now I've heard it all.
"In other news, a Rai'ku was allegedly found dead earlier this evening in the middle district. An officer at the scene gives his insights."
Officer Bwallee: "We found the filthy little thing and figured its a murdered slave, y'know? Wouldn't be the first time. Anyways we were 'bout to get its collar ID when this weird...creature? I guess you could call it that, no idea what it was really. Well anyways, it came from outta nowhere took the Rai'ku, and skivvied off! Never seen anything like it! Anyways, don't matter much, seeing how it was dead and all."
Sounds like someone just wants to avoid the hassle of paperwork, if you ask me. Everyone knows how much trouble a murdered Rai'ku can be, seeing as how slavery is illegal in most parts of the galaxy. Not to mention what it means to tell a Guun master the upsetting news.
Rink was sympathetic for the Rai'ku. Earth, circa his old portable TV, had pretty much stamped out slavery as oppressive and inhumane.
Inhumane. Except out here, there aren't many humans.
Rink turned off his portable TV and put it away. He looked back up to see the puzzled faces of fellow passengers. He was used to this by now, seeing as his TV was an Earth antiquity. Most people these days watched programs on hologram displays or had it beamed directly into their brains if they had a chip installed.
"What's the matter, never seen a television before?"
Rink already knew the answer, of course. The passengers shrugged, yawned, turned their attention away to something else, and pretty much did all they could to just forget about this odd human.
Whatever. We're landing soon and I can't let some ignorant passengers distract me.
Rink rummaged through his bag again and produced his notebook. He flipped a few pages until he found it--directions to his meeting place.
The sooner I get this job done, the sooner I can leave this rock.
He glanced at the directions and noticed where he was to meet his contact. It was in the same area that was just mentioned on the news.
Huh. Maybe I'll do some snooping around there, find out what I can about that creature and the Rai'ku. Never know, the Rai'ku could still be alive, and since I've never met one, it could be learning experience.
The ship finally docked, and passengers were getting up to leave. Rink also got up and made his way off the ship.
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Post by Kaikoura on Aug 5, 2009 6:24:14 GMT -5
Kaikoura hung helplessly, her thin wrists and ankles being crushed in the grip of the huge shopkeeper. In a few lumbering steps they were at the side of the store, and Kai was jerked around violently as the man kicked open the side door with one heavy black work boot.
They stepped inside, into the back room of the store. The whole left wall was covered by the food dispensing machine, a mass of tubes and dirty metal in dire need of repair. On the right wall, next to the door they'd just come through was a flight of stairs leading up. The man bypassed these and dropped Kai on the concrete floor near a stack of crates.
Before she had a chance to move, the man produced a thick, coarse rope and was on her again, binding her hands to her ankles.
"Doncha get nah funnee ideas now." The man said, as he finished securing the rope around her ankles. "I jus wancher tag number. There'll be a reewarrd fer you, I'll bet." The man grabbed Kai's head with two of his hands and wrestled it low enough to see her helmet. on the back plate was a barcode, a series of numbers, and her families' name.
"Bah. Jibbrish. I aint go the tules fer this." He said, pushing Kai over. "No matter. I's to be callin the Enforcers fer ya anyhow." The man stood up, wiped his hands on his shirt and sauntered over to the huge food dispenser. From somewhere inside, he produced a little black disk and after tapping it a few times, a small holographic head appeared above it.
"Enforcers line. Please state your name and business." said the little floating head.
Kai tuned the rest out, the pain in her stomach was intensifying again, and she struggled against her bonds. Her helmet scraped across the floor making a loud, hideous sound.
"GRIPTAK NASS!" the shopkeeper yelled, picking up the nearest handy thing, a wrench, and throwing it in her direction. It connected with her Anai, still covered by her shawl and she yelped in pain.
"NASS! NASS!" the man yelled again. Kai scrunched up as much as she could, fighting the pain in her stomach and her Anai both at once. She heard the man finish his call and then tromp over to her. He crabbed her roughly by her shawl and sat her upright against the wall.
"You not sush a goood Rai'ku. Don know when to be QUIET!" The man said. "Now, I say yoh be quiet, wile we wait for Enforcers to come for you. Not one SOUND do I want to heer."
Kai was crying, and barely listening to what the man was saying. She managed to nod her head enough for the brute to shove her back to the floor. He then stood up and walked through an open doorway, presumably back to the front counter.
Several minutes passed and Kai tried not to move. Whatever was happening with her stomach was getting worse, and if she held still, the pain seemed to subside just a bit.
Good going, Kai. she thought, Now what? Back to Gartik -he'll kill me for running away, or worse. Kai thought briefly about being sent to work in one of the family's giant energy turbines, devices that were infamously deadly for slaves. Even if you didn't die while working them -well, Kai had personally seen what a Rai'ku looked like who had spent time in one. She shuddered.
From nowhere, Kai got an odd taste in her mouth. Her throat tickled, and she coughed. In a panic, she looked back towards the open doorway, all was silent for a moment, then Kai heard the shopkeeper begin talking to someone.
Kai felt it again, another cough coming on, she tried to fight it, but soon was coughing over and over again. When she finally stopped, she noticed the red stain on the floor near her mouth. It was just registering what she was seeing when she felt the powerful hands of the shopkeeper on her again. He picked her up by her helmet, and sat her upright.
She was about to apologize when her face exploded in pain. The world went white for a moment, and she had the sensation of flying through the air before landing hard on the floor again. The world came back into semi focus, Kai realizing what had just happened. Before she could regroup, she was jerked up again and this time it was the other side of her face that took the beating.
"I SAY QUIET! YOU BE QUIET!" the man roared at her. "Ees bad enough I have you heeer. Make my store look like zoo!" The man stomped back out to the front of the store. Kai heard music begin to play.
Kai didn't make another sound. Fortunately, her hood which was now obstructing her face was muffling the coughing and crying. It was also absorbing a great deal of blood.
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Rink
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Posts: 16
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Post by Rink on Aug 5, 2009 15:47:38 GMT -5
Following the directions in his notebook, Rink found himself in the right area. All kinds of beings were out and about, shopping at stores or dining at the numerous restaurants. Those nearest him gave him a curious glance as he was the only human there, and his archaic paper notebook clutched in his hands made him look like a backwoods country bumpkin.
The one thing about these cold calls is I don't know who I'm supposed to be meeting. I really wish I had my gun, just in case.
Rink owned several antique Earth weapons, many related to law enforcement of the past. He took pride in these weapons of his ancestral keepers of the peace. While he wished he could use these guns exclusively, no one made or used bullets anymore. Most inexpensive force fields would block bullets anyways. No, his weapon of choice was the standard-issue energy pistol used by police across the galaxy. Cheap ammo, easy to maintain, easily replaceable if lost/destroyed, and ability to stun or kill, Rink found this weapon to be satisfiable in every situation, even if it was not as elegant or meaningful to him as an old .44 revolver. However, he had to leave it with the customs official at the dock, since he had misplaced his gun-carrying license.
Putting his thoughts on guns aside, Rink stopped outside an old and grimy bar. The directions in his notebook confirmed he was at the right place. Rink frowned, contorting the scars on his face.
Makes sense. Less people, less witnesses. Something tells me I'm not gonna like this job one bit. Just what kind of trouble are you getting me into, Wert?
His old colleague had suggested this job to him. Rink never completely trusted Wert, and probably never would have taken up the suggestion a lifetime ago. But hard times and little money can change one's mind.
The bar was empty. The barkeep glared at him, then went back to wiping the same spot on the counter, muttering something about crazy midgets and orange-colored furballs. Rink didn't know what this could possibly mean, so he sat down at a table. The whole place stank of cheap booze, and by the looks of it, it was all over the walls and floor. Curiously, there were what appeared to be chicken feathers on some parts of the floor.
Looks like a brawl took place here. Or a pillow fight. Now, I wonder where this contact is? I'm late, so he's REALLY late.
Just as he finished the thought, the door opened and in stepped a well-groomed, well-tailored man. His hair was slicked back and oily, his face sharp and pointed. He looked like a hustler or some low-life gangster straight out of the old gangster movies he had seen. He also had his hands in his pockets, his right hand holding what was unmistakeably a gun.
"Leave us," he said, looking at the barkeep.
"This is my place, no one tells me to leave. Bet that's not a real gun ya got there. YOU leave before I call the frockin cops on you."
The gangster pulled the gun out of his pocket and pointed it at the barkeep's chest.
"Leave us."
"t-tthe place is all yours!" The barkeep tripped over himself as he ran out the back door. Rink could hear him swear as he slammed against a trash bin in his haste to get away.
"Now, to business."
Great. All alone with a gangster and I have no way to defend myself. Could it get any worse?
"I have a task for you. Perform it well and you will be greatly rewarded."
"Ok. What do I have to do, sir?
"Don't take that tone with me. Remember who has the gun. I work for a man...of great repute, shall we say? I cannot name him of course, or else I'd then have to kill you. He had another job prepared for you, but he has changed his mind. He wants you to find this and capture it for him. Alive."
He produced a holographic still of the newscast he had watched earlier. The image was a 3D representation of the Rai'ku being taken away by strange alien.
"You want me to recover the Rai'ku? Thought they said he--or is it a she?--was dead. Why not let the local police handle it?"
"No," he hissed, "not the Rai'ku. Although if you also happen to find it alive, capture it as well, they can be worth a lot. My master is very curious about this creature." He pointed at the blue alien holding the Rai'ku.
"What makes you think I'm any good at capturing aliens?"
"You used to work for the Agency, did you not? Wert said as much last time we talked. Tracking criminals was part of the job, no? This should be rather easy for you then."
Rink had to agree. It wasn't some fluke that he was the youngest to ever join the Agency. While not his greatest skill, he was accomplished at tracking and capturing dangerous criminals. Unknown aliens was new territory though. He stared at the image, wondering what species it was.
"My master has never seen a specimen such as this. He is very curious about exotic creatures...hmm I may have said too much just now."
Rink, still staring at the alien and trying to memorize its features, pretended not to hear the last comment. It seemed to fool the gangster, as he made no indication that he was going to kill Rink on the spot.
"As I said, capture that and you will be rewarded."
"How much?"
The gangster cackled. "My master is never willing to part with money if it can be helped. No, perform well and he may just give you the opportunity to have your way with one of his concubines. However, as I'm the only human in his employ, believe when I say that not one of them is even remotely pretty." He laughed again.
Rink gulped. He had seen old Earth science fiction films that romanticized human-alien relationships, but that was before humans had actually ventured beyond Earth. The reality was that most aliens were not sexually attractive in the eyes of humans.
I think I'd rather get payment.
"When you have captured the creature, bring it to this location." The holographic image of the creature and the Rai'ku changed to a 3D map with a marked location. It appeared to be in the upper levels, probably where the rich and wealthy lived.
Probably where this guy's "master" lives.
Rink only had a second to memorize the location as the gangster promptly shut off the hologram display, put his gun back in his pocket, turned around, and walked out the front door.
The job seemed simple enough. But I'm not being paid. And I'm supposed to capture an unknown alien that may or may not crave human flesh, shoot poison from its eyes, or God knows what else. Wert, if I ever see you again, I swear I'm punching both of your faces in and kicking you in the balls...wherever that is.
Rink left the bar and started walking down the street. This job was going from bad to worse, and he hadn't even started yet. Right, where do I even start?
He rounded the corner and stopped. This street had not been swept yet, and some trash littered the area. However, near a drain he noticed something. There was some bits of what could have been flesh--human or alien he couldn't tell, although the texture reminded him of slugs--and what looked like bits of blue fur.
Hm. That alien looked like it was covered in blue fur. Guess I just found my square one. Still, wish I had my gun.
Rink stood there for a minute. He hadn't found lodging for the night, but it didn't matter since he had no money to pay for it. Guess I'll start my search now.
Quietly, Rink slipped into the dark drain and out of sight.
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Post by sparkythedog on Aug 6, 2009 1:48:12 GMT -5
(this is a collaborative post between Taeg and Sparky)
*Sparky looked around nothing seemed familiar to him. not even his own skin. everything was different. come to think of it. Nothing is familiar. Where was he where did he came from. Or who he was. Or even the guy carrying him around if ye could call him a guy. Freaked out sparky turned to the guy and shouted*
Who the hell are ye I am Taeg, why who should I be?
Touche kid Please can you make a note of the beard I pains takingly grew? had to beat back three worflers just to get it I did was a nasty fight that... *confused* who are you then?
Ummmm ok...... yeah im unaware of whom i am and where i am. Well that's easy then isn't it? come with me! *With that Taeg began to wander through the crowds, not even looking back to see if the dog followed. Sparky stood there for a moment. Who was this guy and could sparky tust him. Could he afford not to trust him. He was holding him when he awoke so maybe he knows something about himself that could help. Sparky started to follow on all four legs with out even thinking about it*
so where are we going? *Taeg looked back at the dog in surprise.* oh! why hello again! haven't seen you in ages. look who it is Charley! *Lifts his arm up, then whispers to the dog* we hate Charley, but we can't seem to get rid of him.
*sparky looked quizical at taeg. This is the person that sparky had to trust? Who really could trust a guy who thinks a scar is a person*
Umm.... .yeah its been a while what ye been up too. Not much... just been lying low here on Jachrid station. bookies and all. How bout you? did you ever find out who or where ya are?
Jachrid? *this word seemed familiar to sparky* A space station on the out scirts of space. or so I hear tell. never been there my self. So I wouldn't know... though it does sound like a good place for laying low if I ever get off this planet... watch out! he'll get you too! *Taeg stared out the window into space for a second, then shook himself an remembered he was talking to someone* fancy that. an orange dog! and wearing pants! fancy times these. dogs wearing pants. people not wearing pants. sound like the best of times.. wish I could live em'
*Sparky looked at his back legs real quickly. Son of a bitch he was wearing pants. why would he need to wear pants?*
indeed fancy times whith talking orange dogs that wear pants. say ye dont happen to know where to get a drink around here do ye? i could use a drink and i dont know why? the drink that somethings ya... I think there be a place where such drinks dwell a little yonder *Taeg pointed down a side street*
well then lets go. my treat Most exellent! *Taeg started going the other way, and sparky had to run and grab him by the collar (whcih was at perfect height for Sparky while on all 4.)and begin dragging him to the bar.* First me, then the wenches... Better then my oven being padded i suppose
yeah sure what ever
*sparky was getting quite agitated at this moment and was about to loose his cool*
I have a feeling ye know something about me and yer gonna tell me over a nice pint oh, I never touch the stuff. addles the brain, and what with my brains already being addled. wouldn't be a good stew
its good for what ales ye ALES ye. I knew it was somewhere in there. good job wayne *Sparkey pushed the door to the bar open, and sat Taeg down in a seet at the bar, then sat down himself*
Bar keep two of ye hardest drinks
*in moments the bar maid brought two drinks and sat them down one in front of sparky who downed his before the waitress could set one down in front Taeg. Which sparky also grabbed and downed*
ye having anything to drink? none for old Taeg.
what about Charlie *Taeg held up his arm to his ear.* he say's he'll have a pint of ale. Charley! I didn't know you drank? this changes everything. *Taeg then slams his arm down on the counter repeatedly until it begins to bruise. Taeg then holds it back up to his ear.* No Charley, i don't think that's how drink properly.
*Sparky getting fed up with everything decieds to take a different approach to the conversation.*
The tacos have two
You don't say? both of them? well I'll be. And you're quite sure they said we found you in an alley? who am I to argue... they are the tacos.
which alley? The one by the giants. I claimed that land for the queen. she'll be most pleased.
Shut up Charley! I already told her of your plans for conquest.
She's sending an armada
the armada! but thats the tastiest food of them all That it is! you know for a dog saved by liquor you're quite the smart bee with knees.
well i do have a can of corn after all bahhahaha. funnier then a tarnished pirate eating scurvey!
Pirate? *this word gave sparky a familiar sensation like it was important to him.* whatzit in Thursday? Am I right? course then the chickens did come...
chickens? *this word also made sparky feel something familiar* what am I? some sort of suith sayer? why don't ya check to see if ya have any ID? Thanks, Charley, i was going to suggest it first... blaggen Bumble he is
*sparky started padding himslef down to try to find something in the process a flask fell out from what appeared to be his chest. in the reflection sparky saw the collar around his neck. He took it off to look at it. It was rather torn and mangled the tag on it was all scratched up and the letters S-A-R-T-H-O-G could be made out.*
I guess my name is Sarthog. and apparantly i have a flask too. *Taeg picked the flask up and read it* +1 flask of never ending drunkeness? this makes more sense then a possum that thinks it's an octopus......hey! I think I just made a slight bit of sense *Taeg reached over and gave sparky a big hug* you do this to me! *Taeg began to sob uncontrolably into sparky's shoulder. And just as fast as he had started, he stopped.* wuzza winkle! I forgot about pandora! *Taeg reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pocket computer, and quickly turned it on. the screen displayed a small graph with numbers filling in all the boxes* Looks like Pandora lost again. course, the horse has been bed ridden with broken legs for 3 months now. they said it was a crazy bet, but I had a good feeling about her. oh well. looks like more trouble for Taeg... *Noticing sparky* who are you then? come to collect the bounty? hahahaha. you'll never take me alive get him Sarthog! now your in for it. *Taeg spun in his stool and stopped when he was facing Sarthog again* what you doing just sitting there Sarthog! get him!
*taeg looked over his shoulder*
fancy that your good. Where were we?
umm... ye made sense Of course! We must search out a place to hide. Giants aren't happy, they'll be back.
indeed. Who are the giants?
A big blue fuzzy one. and a smaller blue one. she wasn't fuzzy though. she ran first.
ok..... lead on my friend
*Taeg rushed out of the bar, sparkey on his heals. Taeg pushed through the crowds drawing murmurs from some, and out right anger from others. Sparky followed close behind, not taking any care of the crowd either Soon Taeg stopped outside a restruant and began to look on the ground closely for a trail. Even putting his ear on the ground as if listening to something*
The street, his name is Ned by the way, says they came through here. well no Ned, I didn't think... yes that's what I... your right of course... I know, you don't have to tell me twice.
So where does ned say is a good place to hide
Says there is a whole district of abandoned buildings. good place to hide. hid there once or twice myself when the bookies come calling
sounds good lets go
*Taeg began to run off through the crowds again, with Sparky at his heals.*
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Aye
New Member
Posts: 41
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Post by Aye on Aug 6, 2009 23:51:56 GMT -5
Aye was hurrying as fast as he could to follow her. Even in the mostly-empty streets of this district, the small amount of activity that it did see coupled with how old the trail was made it increasingly difficult to find. On a couple occasions, Aye got lost and had to back-track to re-find the trail. Eventually, the trail lead him to a dull building, small in comparison to the many warehouses that surrounded it. Aye saw someone enter the building empty-handed as another left with sacks full of what Aye could only assume was food. Aye had seen places like this before where people could trade currency for food. They were the types of places that Aye would avoid due to their level of security. He had only hoped that Kaikoura hadn't gone inside.
To avoid suspicion, he stood up like a normal person and casually walked up to the building. Unfortunately, all the activity in this area wafted the smell faintly through the entire area. It was impossible to see if she had passed by, entered in or taken a vehicle away from the area. The scent did wrap around the building, but when Aye went to examine it, the alley was empty. Without anywhere else to check, Aye decided he would take a look inside the building.
Correcting his posture as much as he could, he walked inside nonchalantly. A brief glance revealed this building to be the type of place he would never otherwise enter normally. There wasn't even any food to take, the entire wall was covered in food-dispensing machines. The only way one could get food from them was to give them currency or break into them which often proved more difficult than it was worth. And as a clear deterrent, there was a large-looking, four-armed attendant who looked more than capable of dispensing any trouble-makers. Aye would have normally left the place immediately, but the smell had become much more powerful in here. Instead, he began to pretend to browse through the selections on the machines as he looked around for any traces of Kaikoura.
He was just about to give up on looking for her when his ears perked to a very quiet sound. If he hadn't been listening for something, he probably would have missed it. It sounded like a muffled whimper coming from the back room on the opposite wall. Aye turned around and neared the wall, sensing the smell coming much more powerfully from there. However, this behavior had also caught the attention of the four-armed attendant.
"'Ey! Wattre you lookin' at?" he shouted.
Aye turned around and said questioningly, "Rrrishnataaaaka?"
"Wat's that? Lemme get me Universal Translater."
What he didn't know is that what Aye said meant absolutely nothing. It was a word that Aye had just made up in order to confuse the shop-keep. And in the moment that the attendant's eyes were off Aye, he had slipped into the back room and closed the door behind him. He didn't see her at first, huddled in the corner with in her shawl but Aye's eyes soon fell on Kaikoura. She hadn't yet noticed that Aye had entered the room. It wouldn't be long before the attendant came to investigate so Aye quickly crossed the room and darted underneath the stairs. Kaikoura jumped when she saw something move so quickly so close to her and looked up to see him. Aye pressed a single finger to his lips and Kai nodded with a sniffle. She jumped again when the four-armed mad burst into the back room.
"Ey! Where'd ya go? Ya can't come back 'ere!" His eyes scanned the room and then fell on Kakoura. "Where'd that blue fella' go?"
Kaikoura looked back at him, unable to say anything. Whatever she said, she knew he would likely hit her again. Then, without thinking, her eyes moved to the stairs and then instantly back.
"Ah, de stairs, eh?" He began to move towards the staircase. Aye didn't move a muscle as the heavy man began to climb the stairs. They flexed down under his weight with each step leading upwards into where Aye could only assume was where the bulk of the dispensing machine's mechanics and storage were. With that much to search through, the thing may be up there for quite some time. Still, Aye wasn't about to take his time. He quickly fell upon Kaikoura and went straight to cutting the cords that bound her with his claws. It wasn't until now that he got a good look at her. Her face was bloody and battered, her Anai bruised and turning purple. And from the gurgle he heard in her stomach, Aye was fairly certain she had eaten the spoiled slugs.
Once her bindings were cut, he lifted her up in his arms and whispered, "Go now."
Leaving the way they came, Aye ran out the front door and into the nearest alley. Behind him, he noticed a pair of enforcers arrive in a hover-car. They had gotten out just in time. Still, if only to be careful, Aye didn't go directly back to the building they slept in. He circled around the building and zig-zagged through the district before finally heading back.
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Aye
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Posts: 41
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Post by Aye on Aug 8, 2009 2:30:07 GMT -5
By the time they got back to the abandoned building, Aye could see Kaikoura was in tremendous pain. The throbbing in her stomach was getting progressively worse and Aye was not sure how much longer he had. Entering in through the window, Aye laid Kaikoura down in the middle of the floor, bunching up her hood to act as a pillow. She groaned loudly, clutching her stomach and trying to curl up but Aye stopped her. Forcing her back down, he moved her hands and began to feel her torso. He was unsure what type of anatomy a Rai'ku like her had, but if it was anything like any of the other creatures he had encountered, he knew where to start.
He pressed down on several parts of her torso, feeling carefully. There were a few organs that he was not sure if he could identify but he kept on searching. Then, as he pressed down with both hands, he felt a small twitch inside her and Kaikoura rocked with pain. He positioned his hands over that spot and said to her, "Hurt will. Sorry."
Aye suddenly jabbed a finger down on her stomach, pressing hard into her. He was twisting and manipulating her skin as he felt inside her. There were four, maybe five inside and they were becoming increasingly agitated. Above all else, he wanted to make sure they moved towards her mouth and not deeper into her digestive tract. Using one hand to block her lower stomach, he began to use the others to press into them and slowly push them upwards. Kaikoura began to howl with pain, trying to fight Aye off but he easily batted her hands away and continued. They were running out of ground now and Aye had to continue or they might burrow their way deeper inside her. With both hands, he pressed them into a corner, the only way out being up. He pushed harder and harder until-
Kaikoura felt the tickling in her throat again but this time she couldn't hold it back. She rolled onto her side and heaved loudly, what little contents in her stomach being ejected onto the hard concrete. When she opened her eyes, she reeled back in fright. Wriggling in the puddle of vomit were five worms nearly four inches in length. It made her even sicker to imagine that they had been inside her only moments before. Reaching over her, Aye crushed each one of them beneath his fingers and then picked up Kaikoura. Moving her away from the filthy floor, he took her to a smaller room deeper inside the building and set her down there.
"You stay," he said gently to her. "Food get me, here bring."
Aye waited for her to nod back and then left. He was going to return to the shopping district he had been to before. While it was risky to return to a place where people had seen him before, it was the only place he knew of that had readily available food that he could steal and with Kaikoura in her current condition, he didn't want to waste any time. She may not be in mortal danger anymore, but the worms alone would have left her very weak and the beating she had taken certainly would not have helped. He just hoped she didn't try and leave before he got back...
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Post by Kaikoura on Aug 8, 2009 6:27:46 GMT -5
Kaikoura didn't move from where Aye had left her, lying in a pool of broken sunlight in one of the back rooms. She couldn't move and didn't really want to try, after all she'd been through it was enough to just lie here, warm and safe again.
Both sides of her face were swollen from where the shopkeeper had struck her, fortunately the worst had come after Aye had removed the parasites, because by now she was beginning to have trouble even breathing through her mouth. Her Anai, too, was badly bruised and even under the best of circumstances would be sore for weeks.
Kai's head was swimming. She tried to focus, but nothing seemed to stick. She was used to being hit, Gartik had used any excuse to beat up on her, being his personal slave. However, he wasn't as physically strong as he might be and though Kai had been hurt by him on many occasions, she couldn't remember ever being in as much pain as she was now.
She drifted in and out of consciousness for a while. Each time she came to her senses, she was determined to get back up and clean herself up as well as the warehouse for when Aye returned, but what her mind wanted and what her body would do were two different matters. Kai didn't realize what a few weeks of eating nothing but scraps had done to her already wiry frame, and so instead beat herself up silently for being so weak.
Eventually, she felt as bad mentally as she did physically, and gave up trying to move. Her breathing was labored, her face now swollen so badly that she was breathing solely through her nose. Despite this, it was only a few moments before she passed out completely.
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Rink
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by Rink on Aug 11, 2009 16:57:10 GMT -5
A foul smell immediately hit his nose. But Rink didn't have time to worry about it. He immediately whirled around and looked out the drain. He couldn't see anybody on the street, for which he was glad. He only just realized the gangster might hire someone else to tail Rink, to make sure he did the job.
I can't believe I'd overlook something like that. But looks like I'm ok for now. Better get a move on though, just in case.
Rink looked around. There was no more sign of any blue fur that might help him track the alien.
Great. Guess I'll be stumbling around in this sewer for a while.
At random, he picked a direction and started walking. It felt like hours, but in reality was only minutes, as he navigated the maze of tunnels. He passed an area where it was rather noisy in the streets above.
I don't think that alien would stay in such a busy place, after being seen with a Rai'ku. My guess is I should head to quieter areas.
Before too long, the sounds of the street above began to die away as he headed away from the concentrated urban area. Now, there was only the occasional sound of a hover car or cargo vehicle overhead. He stopped to look out of a grate, to get an idea of his surroundings. He appeared to be in an industrial area, most of which seemed abandoned as it was deathly quiet and the few shops he saw were boarded up. Rink decided he would get out of the sewer here.
This seems like an ideal place for that alien to hide. More importantly, I'm glad to be out of that stinking sewer. Doubt I'll ever wash the stink off.
He slipped out and onto the street. He dusted himself off, trying his best to get rid of the stink when he noticed flashing lights bouncing off a nearby building. Police lights. Wondering if it might be related to his task, he started walking in the direction of the police lights.
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Aye
New Member
Posts: 41
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Post by Aye on Aug 12, 2009 2:09:23 GMT -5
At a fast pace, it didn't take long for Aye to get back to the shopping district he was in before. Along the way, he had snatched an un-used plastic bag he found in a waste bin behind a residence. It would be important to use not only for holding any food but preserving it after bringing it back. He had been seen, not once but twice in plain view and on successive days. The heat was going to be on harder than it had ever been before and security could be rough in a place like this. He had to make one big score and make it fast and then lay low for the next few days until the commotion died down. Sticking to the dark alleys, Aye began to scope out potential targets. There was a fish stand with several fish on open display and Aye's mouth watered just looking at it. But he also knew that fish spoiled very quickly and it just wasn't worth it. For another day, he decided.
Patiently, he waited until he found the perfect target. A truck pulled up to one of the buildings and gruff driver got out of the cab. The driver walked around to the back and opened the door where Aye could see several boxes that he clearly recognized. They were a popular product shipped all over the galaxy and Aye had gotten his hands on them only a handful of times. The packages contained dozens of complete pasta dinners which needed only boiling water added to be prepared. The driver brought out a stack of the boxes and set them down on the sidewalk before turning to the another person who Aye could only assume owned the building the truck was parked in front of. Seeing this as his opportunity, Aye dashed out from the alley, straight through the crowded street and up to the box. He slipped the top box on the stack into his plastic bag and turned to run. At this time he saw another humanoid exiting the car, similar to the first he had seen.
"Hey, stop right there!" it shouted at Aye before coming at him, hunched over to bear down on him. As the creature was just about to crash down on him, Aye leaped up, his foot landing on the back of the thing's head using it as a spring-board to jump back into the crowd and dart off. Aye could only hear the distant yelling of them as they tried to chase him but it was no use. Aye had not met a being that could keep up with him since he was very little. It would often pass through his head, wondering why it was that he was so fast and so agile. Was it something common among people of his race or was it something Aye had developed by living on the streets his whole life. Whatever it may have been, now wasn't the right time to wonder about it. After he had made some reasonable distance, Aye directed himself back into the alleys and to the shelter.
It hadn't been an hour since he left that he slipped back in through the window. In his hand was the black plastic sack, stressed from carrying the box and a the addition of a few water bottles which Aye had also found in a trash bin and filled at a public drinking terminal. He set the box down in the middle of the floor by the heater and then took the water bottles to the room where Kaikoura rested. When he walked in, she was passed out on the floor. Aye knelt down beside her and opened one of the bottles. Wetting the lower edge of Kaikoura's shawl, he lifted it up to her face and began to wipe away the blood which had hardened there.
Kaikoura jerked awake and looked up at Aye. Aye didn't say anything, only continued to wipe away the stains of blood and tears from her face. When he was done, he left the remaining half of the bottle with Kaikoura and began to scrounge around the rest of the building for something that could substitute as a pot to boil water in.
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Rink
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Post by Rink on Aug 12, 2009 18:11:03 GMT -5
Rink rounded the corner and saw the police hover car. Along the doors were the words "Jachrid Enforcers" before changing to some strange symbols that Rink guessed were the same words but in some alien language. It was a convenient method of alerting you, whatever species you were, that these were the authorities. Well, aside from the bright flashing lights, sirens, and the uniforms with guns.
Rink could hear voices inside the building near the car. He could hear someone screaming angrily, followed by someone who spoke as if the first man was clearly insane. This was followed by the two officers coming out the front door.
"I swear, dere 'as a Rai'ku ere! 'ad it back ere an everythin! Musta run when i was gettin tha blue thing."
Rink was relieved. He was on the right track.
"Yes, and as I explained sir, we'll investigate fully. Good day."
The storekeeper, clearly not convinced, muttered about how the Enforcers were all lazy punks before closing the doors.
The other officer said to the first "Raving mad! That one is clearly going senile. Must've called us just for the attention."
"Yeah...wait, who're you?" They both looked at Rink standing near the hover car. "Hey, we're Enforcers, don't be messing with us! Move away from our hover car or we'll arrest you!" They both fumbled for their weapons, pointing them at Rink when they were drawn.
When he was in the Agency, Rink had met his fair share of cops like these. Rooks. Greenies. Fresh meat. These guys are clearly newbies, because they both forgot to undo the safeties on their guns. But I'll play along, thanks to my old ace up my sleeve.
Rink held his hands up. "I wouldn't do that if I were you officer. Now, I'm going to reach into my coat pocket for my identification."
"Stop, or we will shoot you!"
Ignoring them, he reached into his pocket and withdrew his old Agency ID. It was clearly illegal for him to still possess it, let alone abuse it in this manner. However, it had helped him get out of several binds during his days after forced retirement. He had a feeling it would help him now. He noticed both Enforcers' arms were trembling.
"I said STOP!"
"Here. My identification. I think you'll find it enlightening."
One officer lowered his gun as he came forward and snatched the ID out of Rink's hand. He looked at it, all color flushing from his face as he reached the part about how this suspicious man in front of him was an Agency man. He looked back at his partner and nervously motioned him to holster his gun. The shopkeep had burst forth from his shop. "Cut tha rakket! Eh? Wha's goin on ere?"
"This man is from the Agency. You know, THE Agency."
All three of them stared at Rink, bewildered. Rink knew the ruse had worked.
"Now, if I could have my ID back please. I need your help. I'm looking for a blue alien, covered in fur. It's part of a classified investigation I'm conducting here on Jachrid Station."
The shopkeep bursted out loud. "YEAH! THa thing was jus in ma shop, b'fore dese two shooed up. Disapeered, alon wit tha Rai'ku girl. Coulda gotten a pretty penny fo me trooble."
"A likely story. I'm sorry sir, but this one is clearly going senile."
"Liek 'ell I 'm! Ya jus wanna catch 'em yursef an claim th' reward!"
"Stop! I need all of your cooperation, or would you like to spend the rest of your lives on a mining planet for obstructing justice?"
All three shut up. The shopkeep proceeded to tell his story of a Rai'ku girl rummaging through his trash, how he bound her in the backroom and called the authorities. Then he explained how a strange blue alien came in, spoke some language his universal translator couldn't decipher, and broke into the backroom. When the Enforcers showed up, both the Rai'ku and alien were gone. The Enforcers were about to object again when Rink stopped them. Rink knew that he'd gotten all the information he could about the blue-furred alien and Rai'ku. Now it was time to address something else that was nagging him.
"Thank you sir, you may go back to minding your store. Now, officers, I have a question for you. What can you tell me about a human man who works for someone in the upper levels? He's got slicked back hair and a pointed face. It's vital to my investigation."
"Hmm...I think I know who you're talking about. But I'd avoid him if I were you. He's dangerous. Usually packing heat, and doesn't think twice to use it."
"Does he have a name?"
"Thought you'd know, if you know what he looks like. But yeah, his name is Corleone. Real gangster type. But he's only a thug compared to his boss." Rink groaned. That gangster type had taken a name from an popular and old Earth gangster film. Rink felt it was sacrilege.
"And who might this boss be?"
"Some guy who moved here a couple years ago. Word is he's wanted in over ten star systems. They say he's called Aku, but that's gotta be the dumbest gangster name I ever heard."
Rink sighed this time. Not if you knew him. And I do, all too well.
Rink thanked the Enforcers for their time and watched them get in their hover car and leave. He then walked into the alley next to the shop, probably the same one where the shopkeep had found the Rai'ku sifting through his garbage.
Aku is here. And he's hired me to do this job? Well, we'll see about that. Except, doing the job may be the only way to get near him, and I gotta pay back that son of a bitch for what he did to me.
Rink stood there thinking for a while, before walking further into the alley.
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Taeg
New Member
Posts: 18
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Post by Taeg on Aug 15, 2009 14:04:19 GMT -5
*Taeg Looked at the many abandoned buildings as he walked the streets. Sarthog at his side. He could almost remember being here before. but then the thought left as soon as it had entered his addled brain.*
We're like Kids in a Christmas. Which one do we want to... to... what we doing here again?
For the 12th time, we are looking for a place to hide... from the giants.
Funny that, a talking dog. Have we met? I only feel as if we've met before...
Oh Look Sarthog! let's go in that building!
*Taeg pointed to a trash can*
What do you say Charley? Fancy we'll kill you too?
That's a traNed say's we should go over to an actual building... not a trash can. This Ned isa smart bloke right?shcan
*Sparky let out a long sigh. he knew the only way to get info from this guy, so he did his best.* Once in a moon little debt was had.
Well of course you had to. Nothing else would have done.
This doesn't seem to be working this time...
Well Yes Charley, I suppose the giants may come back, and I am sure we could try to be friends. But really?
*That's when Sparky realized, the best way to get information from Taeg, was to have him talk to inanimate objects. For some reason, they seemed to spark his memory best.*
So, what does Ned have to say about which building we should hide in?
Ooh hahah! Let me ask!
*Taeg dropped to the ground and began to mumble to the street.*
Ned say's there is a great building over two streets, I hid there once, he say's it is a abandoned ware house. We can't miss it, it was a commercial building, but it was left in the process of becoming a industrial business. Wow! that was quite a mouthful Ned. Surprised I remembered the lot. hahahaha
Can Ye lead us there?
No Problem, I'll just follow Ned. This way!
*Taeg just stopped and stared at Sparky.*
Shh! I here him coming, we must be very still.
Haha! To the park!
*Taeg started to walk back the way they had come, Sparky grabbed him by the collar, and turned him around.*
Abandoned building...
Abandoned building!
*Taeg started walking in what sparky hoped was the right way. Then with another sigh, began to follow him.*
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Aye
New Member
Posts: 41
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Post by Aye on Aug 17, 2009 3:54:03 GMT -5
After looking for some time, Aye was able to locate a piece of scrap metal. It was thin enough to bend by hand but not so thin that it cracked under the stress. After a few minutes of struggling, Aye was able to bend the sheet of metal into a make-shift pot. It wasn't pretty and it couldn't hold much but it was enough to make the meals he had stolen earlier. Filling it with water, he placed it directly on the coils of the heater which he had not placed sideways on the concrete floor with other pieces of scrap metal placed to keep it from rolling around. The heater couldn't reach a full boil with the make-shift pot, but it was enough to cook the food so Aye opened a package and poured it in. Once it had soaked up the water, it began to smell as it should; a meal of noodles, generic green vegetables and small bits of what Aye could only assume was meat but could have easily been a substitute.
He lifted the pot from the heater using the edge of his burlap satchel and then carried it over to the room where Kaikoura was. As far as he could tell, she had drifted back to sleep so he placed the make-shift bowl on the floor next to her and sat himself in the corner. Aye's enhanced sense of smell only made the food more tempting and a part of him wanted to just eat. If he had another piece of scrap metal like that he would have made his own but there were none to be found so until that bowl was empty, he could not make more. On the other hand, after what happened to Kaikoura she would need as much food as she could get immediately and Aye was perfectly accustomed to going without eating when the time called for it. Instead, he waited patiently for her, the empty packaging in his hands.
He scanned over the box, noticing the many symbols on them that made up the writing. Aye had seen these symbols on many containers, streets and even on clothing and it had always been such an amazing fascination to him. To think that nothing more than markings on a surface could be deciphered into verbal communication was more intriguing than a space-craft's ability to fly utilizing anti-gravity and Ionic engines. He spotted a set of symbols that he recognized and began to try and make them out.
"T.... Taaaaaaa.... Taaaaaassssst.... Taaassstyyyyy..."
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Rink
New Member
Posts: 16
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Post by Rink on Aug 18, 2009 18:16:58 GMT -5
The truth was staggering. Rink's was thinking about things both past and present, in stream of consciousness.
Aku. I had a hunch when that weasel of a gangster mentioned that interest in exotic aliens. As much as I want to pay back Aku, I wish I was wrong about that.
It's been years. Back when I was in the Agency. The Commander gave me the case that altered my life forever. Exotic aliens of interest were going missing, and all the evidence I uncovered led me to believe it was connected to someone within the Agency itself. Turned out that the perp was Aku, although I didn't know it at the time. Wasn't even on my suspect list. When I started getting too close though, it got personal. First it was acquaintances, then friends that went missing. Then he took the love of my life. When I finally realized my mistake, it was too late. I still remember hearing the explosion, seeing it from my office window. All that life, extinguished in fraction of a second. Too many innocents died because of my mistake. And to add insult to injury, Aku decided to take an early retirement, courtesy of Agency funds he had somehow managed to steal. The amount he stole was never disclosed to the public, but it was enough to hide forever. Speaking of the public, when the news companies finally caught wind of the story, it was a PR disaster. Everyone in the galaxy got to hear about the corrupt Agent who kidnapped aliens and people to fill his sick, private collection, killed them, robbed the highest law enforcement agency, and got away. It was a huge blemish on the honorable history of the Agency, which had gone centuries without a scandal of this magnitude. And since I was the head detective on the case that caused this, I was let go immediately. Would've quit anyway. He killed her...he killed the frockin love of my life and I was gonna do anything to pay him back for that.
But without the resources of the Agency, I've been stumbling around in the dark. He stole all my money too, of course, so I've had to work odd jobs to survive. And now I've been lured to this space station because of that. That sneaky bastard is using me to perpetuate his crimes, toying with me, taunting me.
Aku will definitely have some of the officials at the space port in his pocket. If I try to leave before finishing this job, I'll be locked away on some bogus charge. If I bring the alien to him, he'll probably kill me or worse. If I don't do anything, I'm gonna be stuck on this rock for a long time, since I have no one anymore who would come search for me. So no matter what, I'm screwed. Wert, if I survive this, I'm not just gonna kick your face in, I'm going to frockin kill you!
I guess for now, I'll try and finish the job. Who knows, maybe I'll get a lucky break and manage to get away only slightly mangled. Aku is definitely toying with me, trying to make me remember the past. I'm only lucky I found out that he's here before I walked right into him.
Rink suddenly stopped. A thought occurred to him.
Aku is thinking I will just do this job in hopes of more money to survive, and then be blinded by rage when I "find out" that it's him. But now I know it's him, what if I do something unpredictable? What if I...I don't know, what if I team up with this alien? Ask him/her/it? to help me fight Aku? It would help the odds of beating Aku at his game and getting out of here alive if I partner up. I better hope this alien is the kind and understanding type.
The idea seemed logical. Aku didn't just want the alien for his collection, he wanted Rink. They stood a better chance working together. He knew now that he must find the alien no matter what. The problem was the trail had gone cold back at that store. This time, there was no conspicuous fur that told him where the alien was, nor any prints or tracks that might help. He knew that the alien was not too far, since it had been in the area not too long ago. But one man searching a deserted district would take too long.
Rink was on the edge of despair when he smelled something faint. As he turned a corner, the smell was stronger. It smelled delicious, and since he hadn't eaten in a while, his stomach growled.
Food! But I thought this place was deserted. If I can smell food, that must mean...
His stomach leaped at the realization, and he pressed on, a light spring in his step as he thought of who he might meet when he found the source of the smell.
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Post by Kaikoura on Aug 19, 2009 12:40:00 GMT -5
Kaikoura stirred at the delicious smell nearby. She opened her eyes and found herself staring at some sort of metal cup with steam rising from it. Kai pulled herself up, and looked around. Aye was near to hand, scratching his head and staring at a brightly colored box.
With one hand, Kai gently touched her face. It was still swollen, but not quite so bad, the cold concrete floor had done that much at least. Then she caught another whiff of the smell, and spun around. Inside the metal cup was soup filled with chunks of things Kai couldn't identify.
This was an afterthought, though, as she was on it in seconds. It was still very hot, but the sensation of the soup sliding down into her empty stomach was elating. For the first time since she was very young, she felt happy.
Just about the same time Kai finished, Aye seemed to notice she was up for the first time.
Kaikoura! Awake you. Well now you feel?
Yes, sir... Kai mumbled, And... she looked at Aye straight in the eyes Thank you for saving my life...again. A-and for the food... I guess I'm pretty helpless on my own.
Aye seemed a bit puzzled by this, so Kai pressed on.
I had...have...er...I've thought about what you said...Last night. Remember?
Aye Kaikoura speak many things.
I mean, what you said about...family? You and me? Well...if it's alright, I mean, if you still...
Kai was failing. She knew what she wanted to say, but she couldn't get it out. Her programming was too ingrained. The thing she was reaching for now was something she wasn't supposed to have. Something she wasn't allowed to have.
She stared at Aye for what seemed like hours, he stared back at her with a curious expression on his face. She could feel him thinking, but she couldn't see what it was. Somewhere in the distance, a warning siren went off as a ship began to pull out from one of the docks.
Then Kai pushed herself off the floor and onto her knees. She attempted to stand, and after a moment, pulled herself onto her shaky feet. She took a step toward Aye. At any other time, in her usual frame of mind, she would have been mortified. She was bruised, dirty, swollen, and her long Anai was totally exposed, but at this moment it didn't matter. She still felt the same feeling of happiness, and she wasn't about to give it up.
Finally, she made it to where Aye was sitting. She collapsed to her knees, and bowed low in front of him.
I would like to swear complete loyalty to you, sir. Please, let me stay by your side and serve for you. I don't want to be alone anymore.
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