krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Jun 28, 2014 19:02:24 GMT
Sindari's log, June 28th.
The conference went about how I thought it would. It was one of those times I was disappointed that I was right, but glad I came prepared. The waiters turned out to be Romulans. They disabled the planetary dampening field and opened fire on us. Luckily, I had snuck some snipers in. They were disguised as vacationers and had disassembled rifles in their picnic baskets. When the conference started to gather, they cloaked and hid in the bushes up the mountain. I even had some set up on the island to the northeast, over a kilometer away. So when the shooting started, they were able to break up the attackers and distract them enough for us to get away. When my ship lost the open comm to me, they sent the Artemis down to get me. It’s a strange sight to see a Hirogen Hunter escort land in the ocean, but a welcome one. We were all able to run to my ship and escape to orbit. There was a bit of nasty business with a Scimitar, some Thalaron, and a rather fun ride through the lower atmosphere in an Apex, but the Feds managed to handle the rest. And now, they owe me. There can be no more arguments about whether or not I’m on their side when so many of them owe their lives to my actions. S’Taev can kiss the fattest part of my ass.
And now I've left Risa. Hopefully the Feds will be too busy with their Mai-tais and suntans to notice the bio-weapons lab they funded quietly slipped to warp and vanished. I can't take it anymore. The Federation can sit in the sand, sip their drinks, flaunt their Bikinis while a war goes on and their comrades die. I can't. Perhaps I'm just wired differently. I understand the need for a break. Those with softer minds are more easily scarred and damaged by war. They need a brief diversion. A way to escape from the horror that is burning a swath across our Galaxy. I'm not that weak. I've been fighting wars since before most of them were shitting in diapers. I don't need a break. I thought I did. It just wasted time. Besides, I've hit a dead end in my work. The DNA strands just refuse to bend to my will. I need a better distraction. One that doesn't involve moping on a beach.
A good friend of mine provided such a distraction. She came to me with a story. Through her tears, she ralated a sorry tale of Orions, Tal'shiar, and slavery. She was imprisoned on a slaver ship and treated very badly. She was raped by a Nausicaan and deeply scarred mentally. She's pregnant with his child. I tried my best to comfort her, but she's young. Too young to understand or feel anything but betrayal and hatred. This is a vile galaxy full of horrid monsters wearing the guise of people. To learn this fact so early in life... it sickens me. Innocence is something to be treasured and protected at all cost. She asked me to find this ship and capture all the Nausicaans on it for her. Then bring them to her. I tried to talk her out of it. I explained how hatred only begets more hatred. That once you sink to that level. Once you take lives to right a wrong, there is no going back. There is no true redemption once your ledger book is painted red. But she was steely in her resolve. She knew what she wanted. So I reluctantly agreed. Let's hope the child is prepared to repay the favor when I ask it. First I save her live at the battle for Risa, now this? I’ll own her very soul.
I've set a course for the filthier side of space. I may not have my warships or my money, but I have some old contacts and a lot of practice with this sort of thing. Although I am not eager to take lives again, can a ship full of slavers and rapists even be considered lives? She gave me some info that will make tracking them easier. She wants the Nausicaans alive, the Orions dead, and the ship given to the slaves it's transporting. I’ll do it. I’m tempted to vent the slaves as well. It’s a far kinder fate than what the Syndicate had in mind for them. And it would cover my tracks. There would be no one alive to send the Orions after me. But I’ve had enough of unnecessary killing. We’ll have to play it by ear. But first thing’s first. I need to find someone with connections. A slaver, a pirate, a member of the Syndicate. Someone I can barter with or threaten. The hunt, as it were, is on.
-End of log-
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Jul 10, 2014 21:04:00 GMT
Sindari's log, July 10th. The attack went perfectly. We got what we needed and didn't lose any crew. And so far, the Syndicate hasn't come after me. So I think it's safe to assume they don't know who hit their transport.
My weapon is complete. Or as complete as I can make it for the moment. I need to wait for the Feds to stop lounging on Risa before I unveil it. I'll need the Admiral and perhaps some others to see what it can do. I'll explain the purpose of the weapon. That it's not a doomsday weapon, but a deterrent. Any sane person would see the value of such a tool. If they see reason and don't arrest me on the spot, I can ask them to help me test it. The small samples that I was supplied with can only show me so much. I need to test the weapon in their space itself. I could open a rift myself and test it, but that would be a bad idea to end all bad ideas. If I got back alive, the Feds would burn me at the stake. But I really don't want to tangle with the tripods in an old Hirogen ship. Perhaps the Avalon could assist. I'm sure if I promised to give John all the credit, he'd jump at the opportunity to be the Starfleet Captain who single handedly gave the Undine a bloody nose and sent them scurrying. Dangle enough medals and commendations in front of a Fed captain, and they'll fly into the maw of Hell itself. Which, on a side note, is most likely how Starfleet manages to send their people to their deaths with no pay. Anyway, I'm rambling again. I'm confidant that they will see reason and help me help them.
...I hope.
-End of log-
(( OOC note. You can read about Sin's attack on the slavers here. However, the person who Sin was doing it for as a favor got cold feet and retconned it. Something to do with someone whining to them about sexual assault RP being "too much". Grow up people. The person who Sin did the mission for is an NPC now, since I didn't want to retconn a 3000 word story that I took about three hours writing. And yes, I'm still more than a little miffed about it. ))
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Aug 25, 2014 7:17:27 GMT
Sindari's log, August 25th
I'm done. The Federation clearly no longer wants my help. I rescue them all on Risa, save their lives, work for them. They cut my funding and I still work on their weapons for practically nothing. Then they still treat me as filth. A man who I saved on Risa with my bare hands told me I still had to earn their respect. If tending to his burns and keeping him alive doesn't even earn me a "thank you", then they can all go to hell. I give them everything and I'm still treated as a lesser being. I've taken the Icarus into the Outback. It's a dwarf galaxy far from the Milky Way, connected by a wormhole. I need time to clear my head. Quiet the angry noises. The Icarus is falling apart, so I'm hoping to find something or someone here that can get me a paying job. Till then, we've been wandering around the Outback. It's still fairly unexplored, so we've been mapping it. Specifically, the Dark Matter patches like the Dark Expanse. The distortions can be nasty to any ships who get too close. One nicked us and fractured the hull armor across six decks. But a map of the area is slowly forming. The Icarus' long range sensors are unparalleled and the stealth systems mean no one will bother us. I'm finding that these Hirogen ships make amazing scouts as well at trackers.
I met Mirror Tammek again today. I had thought him dead. He approached me and told me that "my people" needed me. That they needed my expertise to save them from the Terrans. If I hadn't been on a Federation Starbase, I would have pressed my thumbs into his eye sockets and torn out his throat with my teeth. The normally silent voices screamed for his violent and painful end. It was all I could do to control myself. They use my work for evil, kill my family in front of me, destroy everything I ever cared about, then ask for my help? Ever since I came to this universe, I've put the other from my mind. I never once thought of going back or contacting anyone from there. But now... My dreams are filled with images of Romulus. My home. And it's burning. The oceans are boiling, the continents bubbling and cracking as they're turned to ash and glass. Disease and plague spread from colony to outpost. The Romulan people, MY people, dying by the billions. And in my dreams, I'm the one responsible.
I must admit, they're the most pleasant dreams I can remember.
-End of log-
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Sept 24, 2014 15:57:37 GMT
Sindari's log, September 25th.
It's been almost a month since my last log. Some things have happened, but not much. I did a job for Ardet. An escort job. Beforehand I managed to convince her that I could protect her ship better if the Icarus was in full fighting form. So instead of normal payment, she used her fancy shipyards to give the old girl a makeover. New shields, power systems, weapons, everything. A full refit. Which works fine for me, since that's what I was going to use the payment for anyway. I've renamed her from the H.H.V. Icarus to the H.H.V. Icarus Rising. Now, she's a true battlecruiser. More than a match for anything that gets thrown at us.
Her first test went amazingly well. Ardet had us escorting her ship while she moved a shipment of Gel Packs to those idiots at the 26th fleet. She expected the Orion Syndicate to hit us, but I hadn't realized how truly incompetent she is. Her ship actually broke down in the middle of nowhere, in the perfect place for an ambush. If we hadn't been there... well, it's good we were. The Orions attacked with some Klingons and what looked like a Merc ship. We traded some blows, slapped them around for a bit before I got bored and rammed one of them. The extra armor plating did its job and we were barely scratched. As the hull of the Corsair scraped against ours, we sunk our tow cables into her hull and held her there. The rest of the group ran pretty quick.
Before I released the Corsair, I had a brief chat with the captain and set up a meeting. Later, we found each other on Nimbus and worked out a mutually beneficial relationship. I had access to Starfleet facilities, officers, and was in a perfect position with the Icarus' long range sensors to track their movements. Since Starfleet sure isn't going to trust me or give me a steady job, I agreed to gather information for the Syndicate. They pay very well. Well enough that maybe, just maybe, I won't have to beg and grovel for every scrap the Feds toss me.
I've given up trying to prove myself an ally to them. I don't know why I keep trying. Maybe it's because I just want to belong somewhere. Maybe I wanted to be seen as a hero instead of a villain. No matter. I could save their lives again and again and they'd still look down on me. So why bother trying? I have a ship and a crew to provide for. I can't keep waiting. I need to seize the opportunity I've been given if I ever want to rebuild.
I went to the briefing for Phoenix Flame or whatever they're calling it. Doesn't look good. It feels like another Fed funded shit show. I foresee people like me getting shoved aside while the Feds do everything. They don't trust people who don't wear the uniform. That was made abundantly clear in the briefing. I may be wrong. Who knows, this might be my big break. But judging from past experiences... I'm not getting my hopes up. Ardet approached me for a long term job. She wants the Icarus to escort more of her cargo to the planet. I hesitate to work with her again.
She's utterly clueless. And I suppose I resent her more than a little. When she was working for me, before the Downfall, she was competent enough. Not leadership material, but a good merc. Then one day her criminal mob boss daddy up and dies. For some reason he left her an entire fleet. Shipyards, bases, the whole thing. Overnight she suddenly had what I spent thirty years building. I worked for my power. I bled and sacrificed for what I had. Each captain was recruited individually. I spent so much time and effort building my little fleet and making it a successful family. Then one little incident and I walk away with no fleet, one ship, one arm, and one eye. She doesn't deserve it. She didn't work for it. She has no idea how to lead. It's not fair and I despise her for it.
As for Rh'vaurek... I can see he's stressed. There's some kind of killer A.I. loose on the Starbase and I think it's getting to him. We've been seeing each other more, which I love, but it's opened some old wounds. Wounds that I thought were closed for good. I love the man more than anything, but... maybe that's the problem. I don't know. The road ahead of me that used to be so crystal clear is now gone. I don't know where to go.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Oct 18, 2014 10:18:07 GMT
Sindari's log, October 18th.
First, business. New Yukon. Not the most creative name, but the Federation likes calling things "new" for some reason. The planet is a ductball. A wasteland. For some reason the feds want to help revitalize the planet. Help the people on it. They've contracted a number of independents to help. Me among them. We've been spending a lot of time on the planet's surface working to set up a small base in an abandoned Romulan smuggling den. Apparently the Romulans used to use the planet as a smuggling hub during the Dominion war, but they've been gone for a while. The base is finally ready. Top of the line security too. Call me overly cautious. There's a small mining town near the base. It's not much to look at. But the people seem well grounded. Salt of the earth people who work hard to scrape out a living. I speak their language. Perhaps that's why I was hired to help. This is my kind of planet. I spoke with an Andorian woman who talked about the place. Apparently the Orion Syndicate owns the planet more or less. They control the mines and any shipping contracts on and off the planet. This means they control the planet. She told me of their leader, some Orion woman named Mejol. She sounds like the worrying kind of Orion. The kind that doesn't wear the metal bikini and spend all her time on her knees under some man's desk. No, she's the dangerous kind. The kind that can think and lead. Orion women are as cunning and deadly as they are seductive, if not beaten down. She no doubt already knows of Starfleet's plan to "help" her planet. I worry she may know who I am as well.
I've done work with the Syndicate in the past. In fact, I still have a contract with them for intel gathering. I haven't been sending them much, just old info and things they can't use easily. Things that appear interesting but aren't dangerous. And Nishalla has paid me well for these tidbits. But I have also had some... hostilities with the Syndicate. So if Mejol knows who I am, this could be either a benefit or a huge problem. The Andorian I spoke to hinted that there might be more going on in the mines than mining. With the Syndicate, I have no doubt she's right. But WHAT they're doing is the question. My first step should be to find out what. Then track down Mejol and have a chat. If I play this right, I could come out very very rich. But I need to be careful. Orion women have an annoying habit of being almost as cunning as me. Perhaps I can... persuade her that working together would be mutually beneficial.
Because if I don't nip this in the bud, I just know it will end in bloodshed. I don't want to kill anyone here on behalf of the Federation. But knowing Starfleet like I do, and seeing how they act here? Armed conflict is inevitable.
Now, on to personal. Rh'vaurek proposed. I said yes. We're getting married. We don't know when, where, or how, but we're engaged. I don't know how to feel. Part of me is overjoyed to the point of being outwardly giddy and... bouncy. The other part has a horrible terrible feeling. I love the man. I really do. But my life has been defined by pain and blood. Maybe the best thing for someone I love so completely is to keep them far away, where they're safe. I know it's cliche and a common though among damaged individuals, but not matter how I look at it, I can't stop thinking it. Because sooner or later, I WILL have another episode. And there's no telling what will happen then.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Oct 21, 2014 6:27:43 GMT
Sindari's log, October 21st
New Yukon is going to hell in a hand basket real fast. Turns out the Syndicate has some kind of Antimatter processing plant down there. Not good. It's not their usual thing. Means they're branching out. So far, no bloodshed. I hope to keep it that way. However, one of the Starfleet officers here is going to cause problems. I don't even know his name, but he seems to know mine. And he seems to have come into this mission with some rather unpleasant opinions of me. Seeing as how he's never met me, this was confusing. Until I heard a comment as I was walking away. He said that Sanders and Lara were right about me. I have no idea why Lara would bad mouth me, but I think I know why Sanders would. He knows S'Taev. I remember from our time together. Seeing as how S'Taev up and left me one day without another word, I think it's safe to assume he's been shit-talking me to anyone who'll listen. It's just a theory, but it would explain why Sanders and now this new fellow all treat me like I'm some diseased psychopathic mass murderer bent on galactic conquest.
I didn't have to take this job. But I wanted to help since Starfleet doesn't know how these backwater worlds work. Now they decide to treat me like I'm stupid? Like I'm crazy? Like they don't want me here? Fine. He didn't even want to hear my plan on how to figure out what's going on. He was too obsessed with beaming in some kind of stealth drone. A simple-minded Starfleet issue win-button. It's lazy, it's stupid, and most of all it's predictable. They'll see it coming.
I intend on trying my plan anyway. I'll approach the Syndicate as myself. No lies. I'll tell them my name is Sindari Krowlek and I've done work for them in the past. I'll inform them that Starfleet is here to take their planet and that they hired me to help. But I believe that Starfleet doesn't belong here and that the Syndicate can pay me better. I'll offer to misdirect the Feds and muddle them up. Sabotage them when possible and spy on their activities for the Syndicate. I'll offer to help them keep their Anti-matter operation under wraps. And I'll do all this. I'll do whatever they tell me. Until of course, I'm in a situation to... alter things. With one fell swoop, we can stop their operation, arrest their leaders, and ship them off in brigs. The only risk is to me. And if this prick hates my guts so much, how can he possibly object to a plan that has a good chance of getting me shot?
However... if this man becomes more of a problem, he'll start endangering lives. Not just his own, but ours as well. I won't let that happen. The desert is a big place. And there is no law here.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Oct 27, 2014 9:57:04 GMT
Sindari's log, October 27th.
I'm back from my little trip into hell. And I think I'm ready to finally write the log that I've been putting off for years. Who knows, maybe this will banish at least one of the demons from my mind.
I'm a Mirror. That much isn't a huge secret. Many of my friends know it and I'm sure it's in my file. I'm a reflection. Someone who's less than the people in this universe. An enemy, if one listens to the talk. But my people... the Romulan Empire. We were a proud race. I was a doctor back then. One of the Empire's best and brightest. I was young, happy, soft spoken. I was timid. I wore dresses and nail polish and danced in crowded concert halls. I lived in a mansion in the hills with my mother, my father, my husband, and my two children. I was happy, successful, and proud to serve my people.
We were isolationists, the Romulans. We kept our borders safe and locked down. No contact with anyone outside. But we watched the coming storm. We tried to gauge the strength of it. We built warships, weapons, trained soldiers, laid traps. We knew it was coming and we were prepared. But then the Terran Empire attacked. And we realized how wrong we were. True, our technology was superior. But we hadn't taken into account the ferocity with which the Terrans fought. Few people realize how much hatred, anger, and cruelty can be more of an advantage in a war than something like weapons or tactics. They swarmed across our space like ravenous insects. So we made a weapon. No, I made a weapon. My team was the team that developed it. We were desperate. The hounds were at the door. It was about survival. We couldn't think about if it was ethical or right. And it worked. By the gods, it worked. We beat them back. System after system, world after world we beat them back till we reached our border. Then we kept pushing them back. We started taking their space.
So they called for a ceasefire. The leaders of two great empires met on neutral ground to discuss terms. No one knew what happened at the meeting. What was said, what was promised. But the Terrans walked out of the meeting with a third of our territory. We were winning. We had them running from our might, and just like that we gave up. We gave them weapons, technology, everything they wanted. They gave us nothing but contempt. I began to question why. Publicly. I spoke to any news agency or reporter who would listen about what had happened. I called out our leaders, who to this point had been kind and just. I asked why. It was the single greatest mistake of my life.
They came while we were having dinner. Terrans and Romulans. A team of them. And they made me watch. They spent hours using my family to show me the price of my actions. Cut by cut, scream by scream. That was when I became broken, I think. I don't remember what happened after that. They said I was found wandering a city alley covered in blood, viscera, cuts, burns, and clutching a table knife.
I ran here. I made this universe my home. But I never knew the reason for my family's death. Something happened between the Terrans and the Romulans. I know it doesn't matter what. It was forty years ago, and I can't change the past. But it eats at me. It gnaws on what little of my soul is left. And it tugs me back. It's like a whisper in the back of my head, calling me home. I ignored it for years. Then one day I found the Door. A tiny nebula, far away from anything else. Easily overlooked. I found it by chance. It has the perfect composition to create a brief rift between worlds. A crack in the looking glass. I hid it away. Sensor masking, detection nets, all manner of tricks on the odd chance anyone comes anywhere close to it. On both sides.
I've been using this Door to return to my universe on and off. Sometimes every few years, sometimes every few months. I quickly learned I couldn't get close enough to Romulan space to learn anything. The sensors along the border see all. And I didn't have the access codes to get close. But now I do. I went to Battlestation 381. It was full of the Terran counterparts of that damnable Praetorian Starbase. Oddly enough, these Terrans were more friendly towards me than their Prime counterparts. And this was the first time I was able to walk among the enemy. I began to understand them. Not just that, but they showed me something about Humans I hadn't known before. I fought with them, drank with them, laughed and flirted and touched their faces. I understand now. What they are. They're animals. And animals can be trained. Broken. Fenced in and chained. I traded the keys to my Door with one of them for a set of Terran access codes. He wishes to flee his universe like I did. He mentioned doing it for someone else. Perhaps love? Perhaps obligation? I care little.
I'll warn the Prime Universe Andrew Kumar of his duplicate's arrival to this universe once the sensor net picks up activity at the Door. After that, it's his problem. But this trip taught me something important, not just about the Terrans, but about the Humans in this universe as well. They're the same. Okay, maybe not exactly the same. But there is a core underlying thread that links them. It was best demonstrated by a man on met on Praetorian today after arriving back from my trip. It was revealed he was one of the men who somehow got trapped on the Battlestation 381 during my time there. And he was involved in the same firefight that I got pulled into. In self defense, I had to stun him and disable one more. Upon revealing that I was the same Sindari, he stated that if he had known I was from his universe, he wouldn't have tried to kill me.
You see? Their hate blinds them. No, perhaps hate isn't the right word. What's the best wording... ignorant hate? Disregard? Moral malice? They use these wars as an excuse to kill any and all that fall under the category of "enemy". He saw me as just another Mirror, so he could justify to his conscience killing me in cold blood. They slaughter thousands and call it self defense or war casualties. But do they feel it? No. They say they are acting on orders, or serving the greater good. They're protected from guilt by their "morals". Then they have the audacity to look down on people like me. The broken ones who wallow and slog through the wars they create, just trying to scratch out a living. They see themselves as better because of what the Federation was founded on. Exploration and peace. But how many hundreds of thousands of people must die to their phasers before they can realize that Federation is dead and they're just a more polite Terran Empire?
And the Federation is dying. I see that old storm rising again, but on a different shore. I think I'm the only one who's looking that far ahead. I try to speak out and warn them, but they just see it as "fed bashing". Why would they listen to filth like me? This time, there will be no one to stop them. Bit by bit they'll change into something ugly until they're killing each other over a promotion. How did that old poem go?
"This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper."
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Nov 6, 2014 13:53:43 GMT
Sindari's log, November 6th.
I spent a night in the brig. And I'm finally calmed down enough to write a log about it. It started with Kiso. I arrived at the bar only moments after he apparently ripped a chunk of the counter top out with his bare hands and threw it across the room. I had just missed him. From what I'm told, Admiral Spoon had just informed him that two of his family members had been murdered. Two children. And of course, old emotions bubbled to the surface. My heart ached for his family. Then Tiana Rastalon stated that she didn't see what the big deal was, because they could just make more children. I lost it. I heard screaming in my head and the next thing I knew I was trying to break her face with my fist. In my blind rage, I missed of course. Connor grabbed me. If he hadn't, I would be in here for a lot longer than a night. I think I would have killed her. He told me he had to lock me away. I begged him not to. I panicked. Even more old wounds opened. An old fear of mine. I understand he had to. But I can't help but resent him for it.
I curled up in the corner and I cried like a baby. For the first time in a very long while, I cried. Two strong triggers so close together... My two children were murdered. Hearing someone say that dead kids don't matter because you can just make more? And I spent ten years in Rura Penthe. I left with a horrible fear of being locked away. There were many locked cells there. Nothing good happened in them. Then while laying in the cell, I realized something. I had forgotten their names. I can see their faces, their smiles. I can smell them and feel their bodies hugging me. But I can't remember their voices and I can't remember their names. I spent the last forty years trying to forget the horror of their deaths that I forgot them instead. This realization made my control slip completely. So the voices came back.
Insanity is rather annoying at times. Especially when one is able to see it, diagnose it, realize the cause, but is still helpless to stop it. I've had the others locked away safely lately. I've been making progress. I've made friends, and people are starting to trust me. Some of them even seem to like me. But all that progress... I sat in my cell and I fought with them. They whispered words of hate and fire and retribution. I beat them back down. I don't want to be Her anymore. That Sindari protected me for a very long time. And she'll always have a place with me. No, she's not a personality. She's just... a different side of me. Everyone has one. But she scares me. People don't like her. And I want people to like me again. So I beat them down.
Now I'm out and back on the Starbase. But I'm scared. The others have never been this close to the surface before. I can still hear them murmuring when I try to sleep. I'm terrified that someone or something will rattle me just enough to cause what little control I have left to slip. If that happens, people will get hurt. I need to avoid Tiana at all cost. Knowing her, she'll throw being sent to the brig in my face. I'm afraid next time I'll kill her and anyone who tries to stop me.
And Rh'vaurek is still missing. Not a word from him. He's just gone. It's for the better, I think. If he was here he'd try to help me. And I'd only end up hurting him. He's been gone for three weeks. If he comes back while I'm like this... maybe that will be the trigger to set me off again. My anger at him for abandoning me when I needed him most. Every man does in the end, I've learned. S'taev did. Rh'vaurek did. I've been sniffing around two Caitian men on the Starbase. Thane and Fearos. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I crave companionship? Maybe I want to sleep with another cat JUST to hurt Rh'vaurek? Maybe I just need someone to actually want me? Who knows. I should stop.
By the gods, this is a whiny log. Better to be whiny here than in a bar though. I'm strong. I need people to see me that way. Leave the tears for when I'm alone. On a side note, I'm rich now apparently. The Singularity core I got for the Federation researcher netted me far more than we agreed upon. 554 bricks. Not bars, bricks. She's going to get lynched by her superiors, but they're not getting their money back. I can rebuild with this. The question is, do I pay V'Neo her half? Or pay her half of the original agreed upon sum and not mention Starfleet's little tip. I like the cat, but I don't know her well enough to trust her. And making someone rich who might use the money to kill me... it's just bad business.
Oh, and I've stopped drinking. Completely. I'm taking medication to help with the withdrawl, but this is still going to be hell. I just can't risk an altered mental state right now. I need to recover, gather my wits about me, and try to repair the damage this incident has done to my recent progress.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Nov 25, 2014 21:15:22 GMT
Sindari's log, November 25th.
New Yukon is going downhill fast. I knew it would. It's a delicate world held together by sin and vice. Now Starfleet hopes to disrupt this and "rebuild" the planet. In a situation like this, there's only one outcome. It's like surgery. In tissue that's so badly infected, the only way is to excise and burn away what can't be saved then let the body heal as best it can. This planet is no different. No wonder Starfleet hired people like me to do this. They know their laws and rules won't work here, so they need someone who can get their hands and souls dirty by burning away the infection. So here I am. After all, I was a doctor. I'll wield their scalpel.
There was a bombing. Noting major, just a storefront. But it served to excite the tension between the groups. The city is on edge and someone's trying to push it over into chaos. It was a sloppy amateur job and the others don't believe it was Syndicate. But afterwards, I met with the Syndicate leader Mejol. Now I'm not sure. She was clearly expecting us and had us brought to her ship. From our talk, I've decided she's clearly over her head and has no idea what to do. But she mentioned she was trying to keep the planet in chaos as a way to rule and control it. This makes me wonder if she was responsible for the bombing after all. And it worries be, because it shows how truly ignorant she is.
Let me explain. There are two distinct ways to rule a planet as a dictator and a criminal. The first is at gunpoint. You rule them through fear and death. If someone questions you, you kill them and make an example of their family. Soon, no one questions your rule and everyone does your bidding out of fear. However, this take enormous effort due to the nature of sentient people. They'll resist where they can, so the military presence must be heavy and visible. And this method is eventually doomed to fail. Whether it's years, decades, or centuries, it eventually falls apart. Either the people rebel and overthrow their oppressors, or an outside force comes to liberate the planet. It's the more primitive way to rule, and not a favorite of mine.
Now the best way to rule a planet is through love. The carrot instead of the stick. You show the people you care for them, and if they're willing to obey you, you'll take care of them. This means healthcare, food, defense. You can even let them self govern their cities and towns. If you love the people enough, they'll love you back. They'll work in your mines, join your armies, and throw themselves at your enemies in your name with amazing ferocity and enthusiasm. All because you take care of them. Now, this doesn't mean you have to be a lawful and kind leader. You can kill them as you like, but quietly with "accidents". Then send money and flowers to their families. You can recruit them for your smuggling and illegal enterprises, but only the most loyal and eager to serve. And if anyone decides you're too soft, a small but strong demonstration of force will solve it. This way, anyone looking from the outside won't see tyranny or evil. They'll see a good ruler taking care of its people. And they won't intervene. This is how I rule my mercenaries, and this is how an outlaw world is run.
But this Mejol... She seems to be running the planet something like the first, but she lacks the forces to enforce it. So instead she pits the people against each other. This might work in the short term, as the people would be too busy fighting their neighbors to fight her, but eventually it'll fall down around her. They'll either realize their mistake and turn on her, or one side will kill the other and become too powerful to control. This Orion's stupidity opens a door for me.
I've offered to spy on the Feds for her and if necessary, sabotage them if they get too close. She's told me I need to kill a Starfleet officer and bring her the body in order to earn her trust. I talked with Admiral Vilaina, and she's agreed to help. She's sent me a body of one of the officers who died during the Mirror attack. Vacuum exposure. Perfect. Mejol will trust me now.
As for the Mirror attack, not much to say. They came from their portals and attacked the Station. Starfleet fought well, but I fought better. Their losses would have been far worse if not for us. And I didn't lose a single crew member. As the Terrans retreated, I followed them into one of their rifts and pressed the attack on their side. Starfleet did not follow me, unfortunately and the Icarus took moderate damage. But we claimed several more crippled ships before the rest fled to warp. We opened a rift and returned home. Hopefully in the future, the Terrans will think twice since they now know they can't just retreat to their own universe to be safe.
I also let Admiral Vilaina into my mind. I didn't know she was a Telepath. We talked and drank at a memory of one of my parents' legendary parties at the mansion. I found that while in there, my mental barriers are almost non existent and I perhaps was too honest with my answers. But oddly enough, I trust the woman a great deal. Even respect her. I doubt there's anything I could let slip that would affect our friendship. And for the first time in many years, I dreamed. A side effect of the link, I believe. They were good dreams. Perhaps I should share more memories with my friend. But the risk of bleedthrough is... no, I can't subject her to those memories. I need to meditate more. Settle my mind and practice stability more. So the next time a mouthy spotted brat decides to run her mouth, I won't put my boot to it.
Perhaps I need a vacation. Maybe to Vulcan to refresh my meditation techniques.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Dec 20, 2014 12:27:18 GMT
Sindari's log, December 20th.
It's the holiday season. At least for many Federation citizens. Christmas is here. Where people spend time with their friends and family, bond, drink, exchange gifts, and cuddle under blankets. It's all smiles, candy, mistletoe, and holiday cheer.
Rh'vaurek and I broke up. I decided to end it, seeing as I hadn't seen him more than a couple times in the last few months. I approached him and he agreed that it was for the best. Which hurt, I have to admit. I thought he'd fight for us. I thought he genuinely cared for me. I mean, he cooked me dinner. No man's ever done that. No, he does care for me. I'm sure of that. But it seems yet again, good things don't last. The name "Sin" is starting to feel like a curse instead of a clever nickname. Perhaps it has a kind of stigma with it. After all, who would want to spend the rest of their life with a sinner like me?
Speaking of, I made an Elf costume. For the holidays, you see. Complete with bare midriff, green everything, and mistletoe belt. Why? Because why the hell not. I looked up the Terran holiday traditions. People like elves. And I like being liked. It's a win win. And now that I'm back on the market, it can't hurt to be a little flirty right? Then again, I think I'm done with dating. It seems every time I try, it ends badly. Maybe there's something to being a lesbian. The women I know seem far more dependable and honest than the men. Bah. To hell with them all. I'm Sindari. It was silly of me to think I need someone else to lean on. Having someone close like that made me vulnerable. All that blushing and giggling and acting like some giddy schoolgirl. Shameful. Glad to be out of it.
Let's see, what else... Oh! The Tiana situation. While her crew members (only the men, mind you) have been harassing me on her behalf something fierce, she actually surprised me the other day by apologizing for her comments about dead children. I accepted it. And while I still detest the spoiled child, she managed to impress me by how maturely she handled the situation. I always assumed if she were to apologize, it would be in a passive aggressive way with some backhanded comment that would end up making things worse. It just goes to show that anyone can change. Hell, just look at me. I used to be... well, not the pleasant cuddly Sindari people know and love. If I can change to where I actually let people hug me? Maybe the Shrill Trill can change to where she's tolerable.
And on that note, a sort of martial arts tournament has been announced on the 146th. Well, less of a tournament and more of beating the tar out of each other. I think it's Vilaina's idea to help ease some tension and maybe have a little fun. I'm shocked they actually let me enter. I'm going to clean house. Unless I come up against an augment, android, or some other fighting-machine, it's pretty much a guaranteed win. Think about it. Thirty years of combat experience. Martial arts from many different corners of the Galaxy. A brand new armored prosthetic arm. Reflexes verging on supernatural. As long as I avoid any kind of physical strength contest, I'm golden. Of course, knocking someone on their ass in three seconds is boring so I plan on letting them get some hits in. Maybe draw it out. Make a show of it. It's been too long since I got a good punch to the face. Some days, I crave it. Sounds a bit odd. But all this hanging around the Feds on their cushy Starbase has made me miss the dirty gritty violent outer worlds. The days where disagreements were settled with a knife, not a security officer waving their metaphorical cock around. More than anything, I just want someone to have the balls to hit me.
Speaking of knives, apparently we're allowed small pocket knives on the Starbase. I wasn't aware of this. I'm back to carrying my balisong Karambit. Not the longest blade, but it's one I'm trained to use. Of course, I'll never use it for anything other than nail cleaning or thread snipping. But it's nice to know it's there. A sort of tiny security blanket.
New Yukon is at a standstill. Both sides are at a kind of standoff. And it's pissing me off. At this point, I'd rather burn the Syndicate out of their hole and be done with it. But it's the only damn job I have, so I need to do this right. The Admiralty is watching. If my crew does this one right, it just might mean more jobs.
Oh, about Admiralty. I kissed Vilaina. She misused mistletoe and payed the price for it. It was hot. S'nice to have high ranking friends. And not just for the usual friend things like talking and hugging. If things go tits up for me, I'll have friends in high places who can vouch for me. Admirals, captains, war heroes. It gives me a bit of wiggle room. Which I'll need ever bit of if they ever find out about... well, that's another log I think.
-End of log-
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Feb 18, 2015 2:41:50 GMT
Sindari's log, February 17th
I've gone too long without writing a log so this will be an understandably long one. First, I've met a Starfleet admiral named Nate Hopkins. He's possibly the first Starfleet officer I've met who can match me. He sees right through me. This bothers me greatly. If not for our mutually beneficial relationship, I might try to kill him. Or bed him. Or both. He realizes what I am and what I can do, but he also realizes what I can do. So he hired me for a job. We carried it out flawlessly. While I don't normally like killing allies, the Republic will never know it was my ship that raided and destroyed their facility. And I came out the other side with a substantial payday. I look forward to doing more business with this most interesting man. Every talk with him is a battle of wits and wills. I like that. His power is oddly enticing.
There was a fight night at the Starbase. I got to fight Tiana and Kiso. Sadly, the fight between Tiana and I ended too soon. I was toying with her too long, savoring it. Perhaps it's a good thing. It would be embarrassing for her to get destroyed in front of her crew. Later, we had a long talk on the Starbase. While she's still a spoiled brat, I came to understand something about her. A rumor I asked about and she answered honestly. It made me respect her, oddly enough. And showed me that, in a way, she's very similar to me. Might explain why Chris likes her so much.
Next, the refits and overhaul of my new flagship are completed. Once we've tested her and worked out all the kinks, the Acheron will be the most powerful vessel in the quadrant. Perhaps even the Galaxy. With the money I've gained, we've outfitted her with the best. Systems tests prove promising. We just need a combat situation to test her fully.
My pet project still progresses slowly. I've been working on this same puzzle for decades, and am no closer today than I was ten years ago. The DNA strands just won't bend to my will. At this rate, live testing will never be feasible. Not after the last disaster.
I've left the job on New Yukon. There was nothing to do. The Syndicate owns that world, and I won't sit idly by in a standoff. If the Feds want my help, next time I'll fix the issue myself before it becomes an issue.
I've set sail for greener pastures. Hopefully greener. The Acheron now spends the majority of her time in the Outback, seeking new business opportunities. Hopefully, the 26th will be more acceptable of outsiders than the 146th. I know there's more work to do out here for independents. And it lets us get away from the fire consuming the Milky Way. Starfleet's ignorance is astounding. The chessmaster controlling these wars has managed to warp Starfleet into something new. Something horrid. Some officers still cling to morality and the old ways, but too many are acting like the Terran Empire we ran from. This unseen enemy isn't trying to crush the Federation under ships and weaponsfire. They're forcing Starfleet to chance what they are in order to survive. Years of war is corrupting the Federation from the inside. And it'll be the death of them.
And finally, I've made a mistake as I occasionally do. After Rh'vaurek left me, he left a hole. I hadn't opened up to anyone before him. I became used to having someone I could rely on, talk to, care for me. So when we broke up, I began looking for someone to fill that place. Someone who will stand by my side as an equal and share my burden. So I found a Romulan girl named Likah. She's clearly been through some kind of trauma. She's scarred and has lost almost all her memories. She's timid, nervous, and afraid. So I began to date her. I believe it's because she reminded me of a younger self. Back at the beginning of my stay in Rura Penthe. Before I made the choices that led me here. Perhaps I'm dating her because I think I can save her from my fate. Give her the support I never had. Or perhaps I wanted to fill that hole Rh'vaurek left. Either way, I'm doing it for the wrong reason. I don't love her. I care for her, but I don't love her. To continue to let her think so would be cruel. She's leaning on me too hard. It'll be better for both of us if I break it off. It'll crush her, it'll hurt her, but in the long run it's the best option. She insists nothing I ever do will change her opinion of me. And the way she looks at me, I believe her.
But one of the good things about being me? I can be the heartless bitch for the greater good. After all, my name is Sin.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Feb 19, 2015 22:39:18 GMT
Sindari's log, February 19th
It's done. I've ended the relationship. Good thing too. We were dating maybe... two weeks? Maybe less? With only a handful of dates? And she broke down. Tears, begging, pleading, the works. It hurt to do, but her reaction just further shows me it was the right thing to do. I hadn't been one hundred percent sure, but after her little display? I was sure. If she breaks down like this after such a short time together, the sooner I ended it the better. She assured me she wasn't obsessed. She assured me she could stand on her own. It was clearly a lie. One which I'm glad I saw through. I saw her crying and pouring her heart out to Chris and some other woman on the second floor later. It's good she found people to talk to. I owe him for helping cushion that big bag of crazy.
But it's for the best. She might obsess, she might come to hate me, but it's better than being with someone who doesn't love them. I'm done. I'm done dating. I've tried for so many years to find another soul mate. Someone who can challenge me intellectually and physically. Someone strong, confident, powerful, clever, witty, and someone who cares. Rh'vaurek was close, but in the end his job mattered more. I'm done trying. No one can replace my husband. It's time I accepted that what I've become isn't something anyone would mesh well with.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Mar 3, 2015 8:34:23 GMT
Sindari's log, March 3rd
We're fucked. All of us. Utterly and truly fucked. This is the one of the few times I wished I was wrong. By God, I wished I was wrong. But I see it now. The pieces fell into place. They'd been jumbled, scattered. I didn't know what they meant. A hint here, a mystery there. But it's all crystal clear now. And we're so fucked.
A while ago I think I wrote a log about my suspicions. How it all seemed a part of something bigger. The wars, the attacks, the mysterious new enemies. I posed a hypothetical. What if it wasn't a handful of random races vying for control, but one single hand moving separate pawns against the Federation. In an effort to keep them spread thin, always fighting, never resting. I postulated that the best way to defeat the Federation wasn't brute force. The Dominion tried that, and learned it simply can't be done. What if an enemy discovered the best way to make Starfleet a non-threat, is to compromise their ideals. The founding principles of the Federation. What if they found a way to turn "to boldly go where no man has gone before" into "victory is life". It would be infinitely easier to conquer them once they're bloodthirsty savages like the Klingon empire. Perhaps not with raw force, but with subtle tweaks and string pulls. They'd be too bind with war to see it.
But who? Who could pull off such a monumental task? I once thought it was the Tal Shiar, but they're a dying breed and didn't have the reach. I met with a friend recently. An old friend who happens to have a fairly high rank. I told him my theory. My fears. He responded with a phrase.
"Demons of air and darkness."
The stories are true. Well, we all knew they were true. But they were ancient stories. After two hundred thousand years, they've become nothing but bedtime stories to scare children or captivate imaginations. According to all sources, the Iconians went extinct when their planet was bombarded. It ended their empire and they vanished from the universe. I was skeptical. It was far fetched, to say the least. But I thought about it. It makes an odd bit of sense. The stories I've heard, the whispers and rumors. I'm told something... dark happened on Qonos. Something that killed a good part of the council. The vague drunken descriptions I've heard match nothing I've seen or heard of before.
I believe him. They have the experience, they have the motivation, they certainly have the technology. Their gate technology is still beyond us. And after two hundred thousand years of planning and developing, it stands to reason they'd have power. Enough power to give a long outdated empire like the Vaadwaur the technology to set Delta ablaze with war. The Vaadwaur only wish to conquer. They blindly fight across the stars with the weapons the Iconians gave them. And right after Starfleet opens a gate to their space. And being Starfleet, what do they do? Then send ships across the galaxy to fight this new threat. More war, more lost officers and ships, more spreading of their troops. If they win? Great. Iconians have a race they can control that beat Starfleet down. If they lose, oh well. All they lose is another pawn while keeping their king safe.
How many of our enemies are unwittingly dancing to these Demons' tune? How long have they been planning this? Hell, for all we know the Borg might be a threat because of the Iconians. Voth, Undine, Elachi, even True Way and Tal Shiar. How many people have been offered power and jumped at it without thinking of what they'll owe, or what it'll cost? How far does their reach spread? Do they have their hooks in Starfleet? The Empire? The Republic? Are there spies in every ship and Starbase? They're clearly in it for the long game. So do we even stand a chance? I've seen Starfleet captains bragging about how many kills they have, their skill with a blade, how powerful their ship is. As if it's casual conversation. When was the last time I heard an officer brag about a battle they prevented? Or a race they discovered? Or a treaty they helped form?
We're already doomed. Too few have seen the strings, and far too late. All I can do is what I've always done. Never show my back to the enemy. Fight till I can't fight anymore. Keep my crew safe. Keep flying. There's so many questions left unanswered... but I do know one thing for certain. One absolute truth. If we're to burn, then we'll burn together.
-Sindari's Log, supplemental.
This whole thing reminds me of a quote by a great man.
"The greatest challenge laying before us is to do what must be done, without undoing the dream of the Federation." - Admiral Marcus Ramirez
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Mar 9, 2015 11:43:19 GMT
Sindari's log, March 9th
I wrote a song today. More of a poem, really since it can be spoken without the tune I came up with. I couldn't sleep, so why not? It's one of those songs that will never be sung.
Behold the bird so proud and true
Who left her nest behind
Behold her feathers green and blue
With gold to soothe the mind
Behold her falling from the sky
To land in dust and tears
Nothing left but to weep and cry
To burn her last few years
Her wings are broke, her back is bent
Her memories weigh her down
Her days of flying, long since spent
She's put away her crown
What caused this bird to fall from grace?
To draw in her last breath?
What caused these tears to stain her face
And make her embrace death?
Twas long ago this bird was proud
A noble nest and home
She ruled from high upon the clouds
And rested on her throne
And with her king a home she made
And filled it full of love
And every night alone she prayed
To those far up above
She'd pray for happiness and grace
For those she held so dear
She'd pray for safety in this place
Sheltered from those they fear
But then one day her castle walls
They all were torn apart
And so she flew her empty halls
And tried to mend her heart
For years she traveled far away
Not once did she look back
She tried to leave that awful day
That stained her heart so black
But matter not how hard she tried
To fly away from life
This little bird had surely died
From loss and love and life
I am the bird with broken wing
I am the bird who sang
I am the bird who fell to earth
And rose back up again
My talons shine, my beak is strong
And while my feathers fade
They can not keep me down for long
My pain is now my blade
I do not run from things I've done
Or memories that sting
I still fly towards that setting sun
And ALL will hear me sing
I sing the song of freedom earned
And those that hear my voice
They turn to me, their hearts upturned
And in new life, rejoice
So come and fly away with me
To parts so strange and new
I yearn to fly so far and free
The question is, do you?
~Sindari Lareth
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Apr 3, 2015 5:09:39 GMT
Lament of Echoes
I close my eyes and walk these halls
My feet so young and bare
These faces on these hallowed walls
I know not why they stare
They stare at me, and now I see
The reason for their gaze
I am not who i used to be
Back when I knew this maze
So many questions in me dance
Were these halls once my home?
Or maybe symptoms of my trance
Built by a mind that roams.
But as I grip these wooden doors
And swing them open wide
I know this room I know these floors
It's where we lived and died
A hallowed hall above all halls
Where once I laughed and played
The state of which, it now appalls
Built by a mind too frayed
And yet the voices echo still
And bounce inside my mind
The words they whisper send a chill
My fate long since consigned
Because, you see, we all agree
That I have gone quite mad
The realization set me free
And for that we're all glad
The voices me, myself, and we
We walk these halls together
And she is us, now don't you see?
We're birds of the same feather
For I am they, and she is us
And while her memories fade
There is still something she can trust
No matter how afraid
These halls of wood and marble white
And while it's just a dream
It serves as tribute to the might
Of family and esteem
And while the last of Lareths die
Our voices hold her up
We live in here to mollify
And to refill her cup
Memories of a former life
So soft and warm and kind
They fade away, just like the wife
Who once had quite the mind
And someday soon, she'll all be gone
That girl who loved and healed
Replaced by us and a new dawn
Her final state revealed.
For we are SIn, now don't you see?
The differences we made
That poor young girl, that Sindari
Will live by naught but blade
A doctor lost, a savage won
While none will shed a tear
Her days of healing long since done
She'll live by pain and fear
For I am us, and she is we
The changes and the facts
While she is them, and we are me
But one can make it back
~Sindari Lareth
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Apr 18, 2015 19:08:50 GMT
Sindari's log, April 18th
I'm lost again. Or is it still. Let me explain... long ago, my mind broke. I saw my family butchered before my eyes. I was young and weak. So my brain did what it could to shield itself from damage. It split into other personalities. These personalities were stronger. They could be used as a buffer. It's a fairly common occurrence with multiple personalities. One steps in to shield the other from harm. But mine... I split into more than two. There were so many voices for a time. All struggling for control. Eventually, on Rura Penthe, they coalesced. They were molded and hardened into Sin. I left that icy hell soaked in blood, no longer Sindari. Sin had been born.
But... the original personality, the one the others were created to protect, was locked away. I think I meant to protect her. She was so precious to me. Sindari represented a time when I was happy, gentle, and safe. So I kept her locked away. But over the decades, I began to forget who she was. What she'd say in situations, how she saw the world. The Sin personality became the dominant one. Loud, bold, shameless, confident, and most importantly, strong. But now... I tried to remember Sindari the other day. My original self. I thought, "What would SHE think of this situation?". And the realization that I didn't know deeply troubled me. I... cried. Something I hadn't done in a long time. I feel like I've lost a member of my family, or a best friend.
I know she wanted above all else to help people. She was a doctor, after all. She never raised her voice. She never swore. She smiled, and comforted. She had a gentle voice and a soft touch. But I'm a Mercenary now. Not a doctor. I can't help but think she was too good for this Galaxy. She was too... gentle. This universe is ruled by pain and war, not love and compassion. I try to tell myself that she'd be torn apart by this place. Or by me and the legacy I've created. If she was re-born into this place, what would be here for her? No, she couldn't handle it. Maybe it's better I let her waste away and decay into nothingness. Let her memories fade, along with her smile. But the thought of that... just the idea of letting go of her... it hurts more than any wound I've suffered. I want her back. But I don't. Like I said, I'm lost.
I'm reminded of a quote by Alice.
"I wonder if I've been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!”
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Apr 28, 2015 3:20:38 GMT
Sindari's log, April 27th
The nightmare's real. This morning I woke up and for the first time in many years, reality was worse than the nightmare I was having. The Iconians have made their move. Their Heralds now spread through the systems. New Romulus was hit. The forests burned. Qonos was hit. It's burning as well. A quarter of the allied fleet was lost in a day. The allies are running scared. They're frantically trying to set up defensive lines around key systems and core worlds. But with an enemy that can appear and disappear wherever they please, it's pointless.
I don't understand. All the servitor races paving the road, all the plotting and scheming, all to launch a full force invasion? What was the point? It doesn't make sense. I've heard rumors of Iconian sightings on New Romulus during the attack. Why dirty their hands like this? Is it just another play in a larger game? If so, it's a damn good one. I don't see how they can survive this.
I've taken my ship to Risa. My crew and myself are drinking and enjoying the local flavor. Why not? The Galaxy is going to burn, might as well enjoy the last days of light. It's been almost a week here on the sands and surf. I've... enjoyed myself far more than I perhaps should have. But the question remains. What now? The Outback isn't safe. No where is safe now. Not even the Den. My responsibility has always been to the men, women, and children living hidden away there. It's stayed hidden and intact for decades. But this fire sweeping the Galaxy... perhaps the flames will reach far enough to touch my home.
The Den can NOT fall. I won't allow it. But what can I do? Our only defense for so long has been secrecy. Perhaps if we keep our heads down and wait, it'll all blow over. All I've done to build this safe haven... Nothing is more important than my people. I still have The Door as well. But there's far too many people to get through it. Not on the Acheron. If we fixed up the Icarus and outfitted it to haul people, maybe. But it would take too many trips. And once through to my home universe, then what? Seal The Door? Will that keep us safe from the Iconians? What if they're back home too? Or what if there's no place for us to set up again? I could be leading them from one death to another.
I don't know what to do. Do I keep my head down? Hide? Stay out of it and hope for the best? Do I cut my losses and run? Or do I do what I've always done. Do I bare my teeth and show my claws. Do I go down fighting, spitting in the face of this damned universe one last time. "For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee." My crew will follow me into battle, even if it's to certain death. We're family. But my responsibility has always been to keep them alive. Maybe... just maybe to protect those we love, we'll have to fight in the end. But I will not throw lives away.
I don't know if I should help, or hide.
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on Apr 29, 2015 18:57:38 GMT
Sindari's log, April 29th
I talked to Tammek the other night. He gave me a look I hadn't seen before. He looked... Scared. Confused. Vulnerable. It deeply unsettled me. He told me something. He told me to do what I've always done best. Survive. He said that at least one of us had to live through this.
Is that what I'll be known for when I'm gone? The last of the Lareths, good at surviving. Is that my legacy? Selfishness, sex, and violence? No... I won't let the last of the Lareths be known for something so petty as survival. I once said that I'd burn the Lareth name across the stars so when I'm gone, my family will be remembered.
The Iconians and their Heralds threaten us all. Not just the alliance. But the home I've built. The NEW family I've gained. No, this will not stand. If this is to end in fire, then we shall all burn together. I've never backed down from a fight before, and I won't do it now.
So let the guns thunder. Strap on your swords one last time. Gnash your teeth and shake the stars with your battle cries. We may die, but they're coming with us to hell. One last war, lads. The Lareth name may be lost to history, but we'll make damn sure the Iconians remember it.
Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more
|
|
krow
Member
Posts: 177
|
Post by krow on May 21, 2015 18:31:13 GMT
-BEGIN PLAYBACK-
Sindari Lareth appears in her quarters, sitting behind her desk. The frame bobs slightly, demonstrating that the recording was taken by an Exocomp hovering before her. She leans back, idly fidgeting with a strip of latinum with a distracted expression.
"Where to start... I've cut my contact with the 146th. So let's start there. They never knew how to utilize Mercenaries properly. Sanders didn't help. That idiot captain was out to get me from the start. His rumors and lies about me being a dangerous sociopath sullied my good name with that fleet. Despite my multiple efforts to prove myself. The rescuing of their admiralty on Risa, the Mirror Universe attack, the undercover work on New Yukon with the Syndicate. Nothing I did seemed to change their mind about me. And I was left to sit around doing nothing while I waited. They can stick their heads in the sand, but I won't go gentle into that good night."
She sighs and tosses the strip onto one of the stacks behind her chair and gets up, smoothing her skirt against her legs and turning to face a wall mounted holographic map displaying various planetary systems, trade routes, and ship movements. She continues speaking as she regards it.
"So I've returned to the Outback and Praetorian station. The 26th seems more willing to utilize people like me, since they clearly need the help. They're not exactly what I'd call 'well armed' and the nature of the Starbase means they're fairly isolated. I've been hired on to do a job. Not an easy one. A rather silly one, actually. Admiral Zekell wants me to do intel work. He asked me to figure out if the Iconians are interested in the wormhole that leads here. Which, I assume is a classified assignment, but I haven't been able to find him to ask. Personally, I don't see the point or the merit. The Iconians were only discovered because they chose to be. They don't exist in a realm we can understand. They're unseen, unheard, silent. The perfect shadow enemy. 'Demons of air and darkness' they're called... I see why. So how can one Merc with an old Astika uncover the intentions of demons? And I don't know why they'd be interested in Praetorian. Their goal has been so far to wipe out the usurpers to their throne. That means us. Why would they even look twice at one Starbase out of the way of everything? I've seen the ships that come and go. It's hardly an armada they have here. If they come for the 26th, it'll be after the Milky Way has been reduced to rubble."
She turns back to the camera and frowns, looking down at the assortment of empty and partially empty bottles on her desk. She picks one up, sniffs the contents, then has a long pull before settling back down in her chair.
"I heard some of what became of the Hartford. Rhys told me all about his little quest before he set out. Even had the gall to ask me to come. None of my men. Not my ship. Just me. Like I'd be stupid enough to take such an outdated little ship into a place we know nothing about to find an enemy we don't know anything about and ask them 'oh please, don't kill us'. Pathetic. I'm all for diplomacy, but only when it's done intelligently. Half the crew I talked to mentioned they thought it was a suicide mission. Rhys told me the reason they took an Exeter was it was a ship they could stand to lose. Idiotic... But from what I'm told, if the one eyed buffoon comes back, I'll get to say 'I told you so'. Which I enjoy far too much. What's that? A simple Merc who didn't even graduate their precious Academy knows better? Seems some of the crew came back somehow. Not sure how. But the one I met was a drooling mental case one minute, a bitter sullen mental case the next. He threatened to blow up the Starbase. Even had a weapon. Showing just how incompetent Security is."
She takes another long swig and covers her mouth, stifling a soft burp. She reaches under her desk and pulls a small tribble off of the floor and starts stroking it distractedly.
"Like I said, they need my help. Hopefully I'll he able to assist with small jobs here and there when needed. Like that security breach the other day. Nothing interesting happened, but I got to carry a phaser for the duration. Means they trust me more than the 146th ever did. And my new Liason officer... Tel'iss. Sweet girl. Turns out she's Atreyu's daughter. She must have gotten her smarts from her mother. I'm really glad he didn't try to threaten me again. It would have made our new working relationship awkward if I had to put a gun to her head to make him back down. Metaphorical, of course. And if he actually had gone through on his threats... Well. Let's just say I'm pleased she didn't have to have an accident. Transporters can be so tempermental sometimes."
The Romulan chuckles and continues dragging her fingers through the Tribble's fur, the little animal purring softly.
"But I like her. She's a clever one. Dark past, it seems. But that's common enough. A bit timid. She actually talks to me like I'm not some random minion. She talks to me like an equal. As a Merc, that's not common. Oh, sure people put up an effort with their 'how are yous' and 'nice legs'. But you can tell with so many that they're just putting on a show. Contempt is just a occupational hazard when working with the almighty Starfleet. I don't mind it, but it's nice when they take the time. Tel even mentioned trying to get me clearance for a sidearm on the Starbase. While I doubt they'll allow it, it would be nice. Since I'm not allowed armor, my repeater at my side would make me feel a lot safer around these security bumbles. At least it's not Mirror Praetorian... Too many firefights over there. But at least I got to shoot Atreyu. That was fun."
She grins, getting a distant expression on her face as she reminisces. The Tribble trills sharply, making her snap out of it. She resumes petting it, mollifying the creature for the moment.
"Sorry. Needy little bastard... Where was I. Ah yes. What else to cover. It's been so long since I did a log, I'm rambling a bit. Love life? About same as last time I made a log. No more dating. I'm starting to feel like I've gotten the reputation as a bit of a slut with the 26th. Which I don't mind. I'd rather let people misjudge me. Truth is, I haven't gotten laid once in this little Galaxy. Best to let them keep assuming I've slept with half the fleet. I enjoy my teasing and flirting too much to stop. It's something Etek taught me back when I was married to him. Sexuality can be a weapon as well as a business tool. People aren't used to it being in the open. It throws them off their game. Unbalances them. Makes them distracted and confused. And that makes people easier to manipulate. He always told me, 'Show a little skin, Sinny. If they're watching your chest, they might not notice what your hands are doing.' Then he'd wink and pantomime shooting a gun. He was an odd person... but the lesson applies still."
She shrugs and gingerly places the Tribble on the table, watching it with a small smile as it rolls back and forth from bottle to bottle.
"As for my mental health? I've compartmentalized. My little project to try and recover more memories from that night has been put on hold. I can't have a fragile mental state when everything is going tits up. The Mansion is firmly and securely locked. Can't have any telepaths walking those halls, can we? The whispers and echoes are locked away as well. As long as I'm working and distracted, there's no threat from a crack in my armor. I'm finally to a place where I'm stable. And I intend to keep it that way. Even if the nightmares won't stop."
Sin frowns slightly, a muscle under her left eye twitching slightly. She rubs her eye then shakes her head sharply to clear it.
"Bah. Enough of this endless prattling. I'm sending the Phlegethon out on an errand while the Acheron stays at Praetorian. At least until I get further instruction. I'll sit, sip, sigh, and wait for tasking orders. After all, I still have a couple months of free drinks. Might as well use it."
She gestures to the camera as she gets to her feet and the recording ends.
-PLAYBACK ENDS-
|
|