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Ticky*Fangirl
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![[*]](./images/corporate/default_icon.gif) posted on 10-6-2008 at 03:57 |
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With All My Energy (mxm) (18+) (For BoiWonder)
Tina: Blue. Gibson: Green. Charlotte, Roberts and Zheibermann: Yellow.
William Aderman did the calculations in his head, trying to determine where the others were. If their signals were like this, then that meant... He
adjusted the settings on his monitor. He didn't need visuals out here, and heat sensors would be almost useless, or almost blinding; what he truly
needed was a decent targeting system. Too bad his AI had taken 12 too many shots to the head. He'd have to do this the old-fashioned way. After he got
back he'd give his ship to the Mech Team. They'd be able to do something about it. Meanwhile, he was stranded; all of his comrades were out in the
field, and somewhere out there, his enemies waited, as well.
Bill did all he could to keep his ship from melting down again, but there really wasn't much one could do when one's ship had taken as many
unfortunate hits as his had. The good part about it was that he'd prevented his comrades from getting too much damage in the process, and that had
given them enough time to collect important data concerning the enemy ships.
Driving a High-Force Fighter wasn't easy work; one was tied in to just about all of the systems there were on the ship. At least when you were on a
Shooter you didn't have to use your personal stamina to kick it into gear. On an HF there was no such thing as a "mechanical ignition"; everything was
controlled by the pilot. Which also meant that even though it was near-impossible for the pilot to get a wound, as he (or she) was sealed away in the
middle of the ship, one could collapse in the cockpit from sheer exhaustion, and one felt every hit the ship took like a slice taken from the pie of
the human pilot's energy. Many a High-Force pilot had collapsed from exhaustion, and it took several weeks of full medical attention to mend the
tissue damage done, because after a certain amount of time, the body had begun to eat itself to get as much energy as was being demanded from it. In
addition to this, the pilots couldn't eat a big meal before flying, because it wouldn't settle and would be vomited up again, wasting precious energy,
and there were only emergency rations of Essential Sugars in the cockpit, as they couldn't afford to take up any more space with food.
Needless to say, Bill's job was dangerous. He was in the "Critically Low" energy level now, even after eating a couple of tubes of Essential Sugars.
He wouldn't consume any more, as there was still a good distance to go. He took up the controls again and began the pursuit of his comrades.
"Aderman?" Tina called over the System. "What are you doing out here?"
"Following you." Aderman replied. "What else?"
"But all those hits..."
"I'm all right; I ate a couple Essential Sugars, and besides, I have really good stamina."
"Even so, you should take a break. The monitor says..."
"It's just a computer. No match for people, right? That's why we're HF pilots, not some Shooters. ...I'm fine, Tina. I've still got plenty of steam
left."
"At least eat a couple more Essential Sugars, all right, Aderman? ...I'm gonna have to switch channels soon, and then switch to high gear. Take it
easy, okay, Aderman?"
"Don't worry about me. Now, get outta here." William smirked. He was fine...it was just some stupid computer reading. He hardly felt tired at all, and
he'd have to save the rest of his Sugars for later, or he wouldn't have any energy to make the trip back.
A sudden flashing light above Bill's head caught his attention. "What?! It couldn't be..." It seemed he'd have to eat another Essential Sugar, or he'd
end up in truly "Critical Condition", totally drained of energy. Two enemy fighters and one Mini were apparently stationed on a nearby moon, and now
they were approaching Bill fast. The fighters shouldn't be too much of a problem; as long as he replenished his energy, he could handle them. He'd
been at it long enough to be able to take on two by himself; it was the Mini that concerned him.
"Minis" as they called them were wildcards: one never knew what kind of weapons they'd carry, and so one had to offer oneself up as bait to even know
who to attack first. For instance, if the Mini had a collateral bomb, then eliminating other ships first would be the worst route to take, but if the
Mini was carrying a sort of gun, then the fighters would be more of a problem, and easier targets, so one would want to eliminate those first.
Much to Bill's disadvantage, his AI was totally disabled, so he couldn't even scan the Mini for possible dangers. He also couldn't afford to offer
himself up as bait, after losing so much energy already. He ate two more of his precious Essential Sugar tubes. Apparently, he wouldn't be following
his comrades. If he won this skirmish, he'd be heading straight back to the Station.
Bill loaded his Solar Pistols. They took so much energy, but he was tired of being hit, and it wasn't like that mattered anymore: he'd be heading
right back to the station, anyhow. Bill switched his manual tracking on, and aimed for the wing of the Fighter to his right; he didn't want to destroy
it yet. If he could get this just right, he'd severely inhibit the Mini's maneuverability and then it'd be an easy target. His best bet was to
eliminate the Mini and then move on to the Fighters.
He finally caught aim on the sweet spot with his right Pistol, and quickly fired before the ship could move. He watched with a grin as it rolled over
directly into the Mini's path, then flinched, panting hard. These Solar Pistols really took a lot of energy... After catching his breath, Bill aimed
for the Mini. 'Wait for a good, sure vantage point, predict movement, adjust, and fire!' He recited to himself as he released the energy from his
Solar Pistol.
As soon as the Mini was hit, Bill saw everything moving in slow motion. It exploded into green flame. 'Green flame?! Shit...' Were his last thoughts
before he blacked out.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 00:47 |
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“Woah!” Zhi gaped at the sea of blackness and the hundreds of thousands of stars that were so brightly visible from the inside of Katet’s control
room. For several minutes Zhi was silent. Bobby was thankful for this as he was trying to get his angles correct to make the take off as gentle and
discreet as possible. Katet was an old ship that he had practically rebuilt with nothing but his own two hands. All of her controls were manual. He
didn’t even have voice-activated controls like almost all of the newer cargo ships.
“Where are we going again?” Zhi asked. Bobby sighed. “It’s a moon called Kalcythion. How about you sit down, okay buddy? You’re making me nervous
near all the buttons” he told his little brother. God forbid Zhi hit the wrong one he could do anything from shutting down the engine to opening the
hatch and depressurizing the ship. Zhi sat on the floor at the back of the cockpit where he could stare out at the heavens.
Truthfully there was nothing that Bobby wanted more than for the trip to be quick and without complications. While Bobby was glad that he was showing
his little brother the sky, and giving him what Zhi said was the best birthday present ever, his work was dangerous. He didn’t want anything to
happen to Zhi because the illegal nature of his work. Katet was a smuggling ship. He transported all sorts of goods. Most of them were harmless. A
select few of them were not so harmless.
“Will I get to see Kalcythion when we land?” he asked. “Nope, sorry, there’s a man there who is going to board our ship and then we’ll give him the
packages and he’ll give us the money. But you’ll get to meet a real live trader from Kalcythion” he said. Zhi nodded. “Is he an alien?” Zhi asked
with a lot of hope and a hint of trepidation. “Nope, he’s a lame old boring human” Bobby said as he continued to pilot the vessel. He increased
their speed though he kept it relatively mild as Zhi had never flown before. He had no desire for Zhi to throw up on his ship. Katet was like his
baby and he hated her getting dirty. The boy continued to chatter, with a type of excitement that only a thirteen year old taking their first trip
off planet could understand.
That was when Bobby saw it, the thing that ensured that they were not going to have the uneventful flight he had hoped for. Bobby recognized the
fighter at once. He also recognized the possible problems with using a fighter like that especially when it was under such heavy fire. He was faced
with a difficult decision. He could leave the scene or he could interfere and try to save the pilot. He worried about what would happen with his
brother on board. He also didn’t know the nature of the conflict. Bobby however didn’t like unfair odds and three against one was unfair. He didn’t
want to teach his brother to run away from people in need of help and so he realized that his decision had been made for him. He ran an agitated hand
through his deep brown hair.
“Woah! Are those fighters?!” the boy asked. Bobby sighed. “Yes Zhi,” he answered. He knew that the likelihood without the intervention the fighter
wouldn’t last long. They needed to act fast or there would be no point in acting at all. With a sigh he told Zhi to get in the captains seat and
buckle in. It would be more difficult to control on his feet but he didn’t want Zhi getting thrown around if he had to do some fast flying.
He went into a compartment underneath the control panel. There was a bag of small metal objects each of which was surrounded by a clear shell. He
pulled his sleeve over his hand so as not to touch the object. The oils from human skin would cause the inner glass to bubble and the object to
explode within seconds. He programmed it with the make and model of the ships that he wanted to take out. He put it into a small hatch on the side
of the ship and closed the small metal door. That immediately initiated the launch. He then repeated the process for the other offending ship. The
objects latched onto the ships and they became entirely inactive. The stickypulse was an object available only on the black market as it was illegal
to build, purchase, or utilize them. It attached to a ship designated by a make and model and then continued to short circuit everything electrical
inside. It killed everything but back up generators that usually only restored life support, rendering almost all ships useless.
“Zhi, that pilot out there’s in trouble. I need to leave the ship to go get him. I want you to stay on board the ship. I’m going to leave the radio
on so that you can hear me okay?” he asked. The boy looked frightened but nodded. Bobby showed him how to work the door so his brother could let
them back onto the ship once he retrieved the other pilot. He got quickly into a suit and got them as close to the fighter as possible.
Getting inside the ship was a challenge but he knew the outer workings of ships well enough that he was able to get inside. Carefully he moved toward
the cockpit. He didn’t know quite what to expect. It could be a lure or a trick for all he knew. Unfortunately that hadn’t occurred to him until he
was outside the door of the cockpit. Cautiously he entered only to find his suspicions confirmed. The pilot was unconscious in the cockpit. He
checked the vitals quickly not wanting to take a dead body on board and found that there was life still in the pilot. Carefully Bobby disconnected
the man from his controls. He made sure that the pilot was going to be protected Once he had the man prepared for travel Bobby hooked a line from the
pilot’s suit to his own so that a loose grip would not result in their being separated once they were in space.
It was easy enough getting them back onto Katet and Zhi was stoked about being able to work the controls for the hatch. Once he was safely inside
Bobby removed the helmet and laid the pilot down in the control room. “Zhi I need your help,” Bobby said seriously. “Is he dead?” Zhi asked timidly.
“No, flying fighters takes a lot of energy and this guy overdid it. He’s just passed out” Bobby explained. “I need you to help get him out of his
suit and then I need you to grab the first aid kit. I’m going to fly us back home, can you look after the pilot?” Bobby asked. Zhi nodded and began
to do as he was told. Bobby knew that there would be trouble for not making the drop. Silently he felt a hint of aggravation at his tendency to get
involved in things that were none of his business.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 03:09 |
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Aderman couldn't know what was going on. He was unconscious, in the oblivion that came when he'd exhausted himself beyond what his body should be able
to stand. His job was wearing on his life, and it showed: Aderman looked almost 20 years older than he was. On average, HF pilots' lives were
shortened by 50-60 years, if they didn't die in combat, merely from the toll flying a High Force Fighter took on the body. It was a genius system, but
it totally trashed the human body. HF pilots were an endocrinologist's worst nightmare; every doctor Aderman had seen to regulate his metabolism,
heartbeat, and essentially, energy control, had sighed and shook his head, recording the disparity between Bill's age and reality. Most HF pilots died
from their endocrine system shutting down entirely from being overtaxed. It was a very real danger of being in Aderman's position, but he liked his
job.
Right before Aderman awoke came the memories, and a sore pain on the back of his neck. He winced, drawing his hand to the back of his head. It felt
like he'd taken a nap over a tree root, something he hadn't done since he was really little. Bill relaxed a measure at the memories that brought. His
planet had been pretty nice; he was happy there, but he wasn't exactly sad to leave it, either. Bill really wasn't picky when it came to these sort of
things.
But...that was shortly followed by a feeling that something wasn't right. He wasn't in his ship. Aderman's eyes opened. He wasn't in the med ward, or
on a government ship for that matter! What was going on?! Aderman jolted, then started to prop himself up. He was almost in a sitting position when
the weariness hit. Okay, he couldn't sit yet. Bill sighed, lowering himself down, and glaring at the ceiling, partially frustrated that he couldn't
get up, and partially agitated that he had no idea where he was. He could have been taken in by the ENEMY, for chrissakes! This felt land-bound. Which
meant he was either in deep, or....no. He was in deep. This wasn't a government facility, that much was obvious. Aderman was definitely in deep.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 04:15 |
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Bobby carried the pilot inside as soon as they had landed safely on Decathect, Bobby’s home planet. The planet that Bobby and his brothers lived on
had been torn by a civil war that lasted for generations. Only five years earlier the war had ended. Bobby’s side had lost and they had been driven
in to refugee camps outside of the city. They lived in parts of the city that the rest of the population had abandoned. It was rough but they were
family. Bobby wasn’t bitter. He had never cared about the civil war until after it was over. After all he had been too young to fight. He was only
nineteen.
The smuggler carried the man inside of the building and Zhi ran ahead opening doors for them. Bobby knew that they would need to get a doctor for the
man right away. When he came in Thai, the second oldest boy in their family, was trying to pry the youngest, June a boy only seven, away from the
last of the sweets. “Thai we had a problem with the flight I need you to go fetch the doctor right away” he instructed. “Send Zhi, I just got stuck
watching a hyperactive seven year old all morning while you had your fun” he said. Then his eyes rested on the pilot in Bobby’s arms. “Thai now”
Bobby shouted at him. Thai scowled at him and went to do as he was told. The boy was going through a rebellious phase and for whatever reason had
decided that he hated Bobby, him and his smuggling.
June had been clutching onto Thai’s pants when he saw the fighter pilot in Bobby’s arms. “It’s okay June he’s just sleeping” Bobby explained. He
took the soldier over to June’s bed. He had the most comfortable mattress since he was the youngest and got sick the easiest. The soldier had been
wrapped in blankets on board Katet and Bobby pulled them more closely around him. Bobby had to admit that Zhi made an able copilot and could follow
directions well. Maybe Bobby should teach him a little bit about flying. He had been begging for long enough. Bobby instructed Zhi to get water and
for June to give him the rest of the sweets. Bobby was not a doctor and didn’t know whether it would be necessary to regulate the pilot’s blood sugar
levels after his taxing flight. Thai came back quickly with the doctor Bobby explained what had happened and how he had found the man. The doctor
ran a free clinic and had very limited resources but he did what he could for the pilot and gave Bobby care instructions for him as well as a list of
medications that the doctor could get off the black market if Bobby could put together the money to pay for them. Bobby said he’d see what he could
do and the doctor left.
When the pilot awoke Bobby could see the uncertainty he felt. Unfortunately June was the first one to get to him. “Hello” June said shyly “Do you
want some candy?” Bobby realized then that the pilot had woken up and went to his side. “June why don’t you go to Thai and have him get you ready
for bed” Bobby began. “Do I have to?” he pouted. “Yup…you have to” Bobby said sternly. This earned Bobby another disdainful look from the fifteen
year old but Bobby was beyond caring.
“Hey, sorry about him. Everything's okay, you’re on Decathect. I’m a cargo pilot and I saw you were in trouble out there. My brother and I picked
you up and took you on. You should try to rest. The doctor just left. He said that you should be okay as long as you get proper treatment. You’ll
be safe with us,” Bobby promised the man.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 04:35 |
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Aderman smiled wanly at the child. "No thank you," He said softly. Bill knew better than to eat what he wasn't sure of. Especially not in this state.
He wouldn't know the difference between the tough, spicy Marthack and chewy, sweet Guilin meat.
Bill moved his eyes disdainfully to the eldest. "He's just a kid." Aderman said, almost accusingly. He still had no idea what he was doing here.
"...Look. Give me a few hours, give me some food, and I'll be ready to leave. I need to get to a government building as soon as possible, report my
position..." And here was obviously not the place to do it.
Aderman sighed, resting his head down. "I know I'm 'safe'. Your planet hasn't been causing too much trouble for the past couple of years. Just don't
give me any medicine or exotic foods." Bill didn't trust either. Not here. Even the government knew of the shadowy dealings on planets like Decathect.
However, it also knew there was nothing anyone could do about it, so they just turned a blind eye to the inner economic workings of such planets.
Aderman still wouldn't trust any medicine or spices. Plain food was his best option, and one he intended to take advantage of until he had his
strength back. "....where is the nearest government facility or... building with InGal communications?"
ooc: If you want me to explain any terms, or any political dealings, etc., just drop me a PM. ^^
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 05:07 |
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Bobby frowned. For someone who had just been rescued the guy had a hell of an attitude. Bobby had not been expecting any thanks but he had not been
expecting to be ordered around in his own home either. He also didn’t like that the pilot suggested that his planet had been causing trouble, even if
it had been minor. Part of his distaste at the suggestion stemmed from the fact that some of that “trouble” had been caused by Bobby himself, and he
knew it.
“I don’t know if you know anything about Decathect, but I’m afraid you won’t be able to get to any of the government buildings or to any InGal
communications” Bobby explained to him. You’re in a refugee camp outside of the city. The only way to enter the city is if you have the K7 gene. A
contingent of the population developed the mutation several generations ago. As a precaution to keep Antiquarians out, anyone who wants to enter the
city needs to test positive for the gene at the gate” he explained. He handed the pilot the water and candies. The water quality outside the city
was not very good but they tried to store it in as clean conditions as they could. The candies however were from Kalcythion and fairly popular
throughout the galaxy. Bobby bought some of them from the man he sold the smuggled goods to. June loved them.
“My name’s Bobby. That’s Thai, Zhi, and June” he introduced pausing in the hope that the pilot would offer a name in return. “I’m going to make some
hot food; I’ll bring you some when it’s ready” he explained. “Hungry?” Bobby asked Zhi. The two had not eaten dinner yet due to their flight. Zhi
nodded. Bobby went to a box in the corner of the room where a bag full of potatoes and some packages of freeze-dried foods were being stored. He
took out one of the packages and some of the potatoes. The package was a noodle soup that was unique to Decathect. He added water to the soup and
lit the burner on the stove with a match. It was supposed to light on its own but the thing was pretty old. He heated the potatoes and cooked the
soup, pouring it into bowls for himself, his brother, and the pilot.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 05:53 |
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Aderman shook his head. "I don't know much, sorry. Not a planet I frequent." Those were few and far between. As per regulations, he mostly stayed with
the government ships. His breaks weren't long enough for him to return home; most of the places he went to were the central, "government-friendly"
planets, well used to the business of off-duty pilots.
"...You don't suppose a Government I.D. number would do? I have to give word of my location to my superiors; I'm Lost now. I have three weeks to find
a way to tell them I'm alive and where I am." It didn't seem Bobby knew any more about government protocol than Aderman knew about this planet.
Aderman nodded, trying to smile gently. "Hey. Name's Aderman." He introduced. "Th-thanks for this..." he said uncertainly. Bill wasn't really sure if
this was a blessing or a curse, at the moment. If he'd been left out there, in space, a government ship might have found him, or even one of his
comrades, when they returned. "...Did you recover my ship?" Aderman didn't want to leave his ship out there for any scrap dealer to pick up. Those
things were valuable, and had technology exclusively made for them. It would be unthinkable for the enemy to obtain such technology, to be able to use
it against them. It's part of how the government kept this rebellion under control, if it even was a rebellion. Aderman couldn't be sure.
Aderman frowned at the candies, but figured he'd go ahead an eat them. They were given to him, after all, and he could assume they weren't poisoned.
Bobby hadn't acted like an enemy, and unless Bill was on some kind of hallucinogen, this wasn't enemy turf. Then again, if this was a hallucination,
he'd be better off dead. No harm in eating a few candies. Besides, it had sugar, something Aderman's blood needed. "I don't suppose you have any
Potassium, Vitamin B or D, or protein-rich foods?" He asked. Those were essentially what was drained out of his body right now, in addition to sugar,
but these candies should take care of that. He needed nutrients, really. Fruit and meat.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 06:26 |
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Bobby wasn’t surprised that the pilot had never been to his planet before. Very few people had been. It was not a place that was terribly welcoming
to strangers. The truth was that Bobby had never thought to hard about how to get into the city. A lot of Antiquarians had tried it but most had not
succeeded. The few who did manage to trick their way past the gates were almost always found out and jailed for their boldness. He doubted somehow
that a Government I.D. would be enough to get someone inside. Even if they were from another planet anyone without the K7 gene would be considered an
Antiquarian, and an enemy, within the gates of the city. Decathect’s policy had been entirely isolationist since the civil war had ended.
Bobby bowed his head slightly. If his insane love of his ship was any indication it was not really a surprise that any pilot’s first fear would be
losing their most prized possession. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t recover the ship. My ship wasn’t large enough to carry it as well as three passengers
and the cargo” he explained apologetically. The soup was prepared quickly. “The potatoes have some vitamin B in them. Unfortunately it’s difficult
to get anything fresh but potatoes. Most of everything else is freeze-dried. The soup has some powdered Kyquis in it” he offered half-heartedly.
Kyquis was a fish that was located only on the planet. It had a strange taste that took most people a while to get used to but it was high in fat,
which was helpful if meals were few and far between. Bobby and his family were lucky. His smuggling allowed them regular meals and a few comforts
that most people outside the city lived without. “I’ll see what I can get in the morning,” he offered.
He set Zhi up with his soup and potatoes and brought two bowls over to Aderman. “I don’t know much about how the gate works but I’ve never heard of
anyone getting in with a government I.D. As far as the Tekeyans will understand you are an Antiquarian while you’re here. Antiquarians are governed
by a special set of laws and can face jail time for entering the city. I can fly you out the next time that I have a delivery to make. I fly to
Kalcythion once every two weeks. From there you should be able to access InGal communications,” he offered. “Don’t worry about the ride. It wasn’t
a problem” he offered in answer to Aderman’s thanks. That of course was a lie. He’d missed his drop, which meant that money was going to be tight
and their departure from Decathect was going to be delayed.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 06:54 |
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Aderman felt uncomfortable. He didn't want to be here; he really felt like an outsider. "It's...fine," He murmured, closing his eyes. He really hated
to bother this family like this; they didn't look like they could afford to house a new stranger.
"Don't worry about it," Aderman murmured, trying to sit up again, this time succeeding, at least a little. "I just need to get in contact with the
Government, if I can." He took his soup from the man, and started to stir it. "I'm sorry....for burdening you. If I can get in contact with the
government, I'll probably be picked up by them, and you won't have to worry about me." Aderman smiled weakly at Bobby. He was really very, very
sleepy. He just needed some soup, then he'd go to sleep.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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Registered: 8-6-2008
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| posted on 11-6-2008 at 21:00 |
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Bobby gave Aderman a hand sitting up and kept his hand on his upper back to help support him. The man looked exhausted. “It’s okay. You’re not a
burden, just worry about recovering” Bobby instructed. Bobby and his brothers were just fine and he wasn’t interested in anyone’s pity. He had taken
the pilot on board for whatever reason and had understood what that would mean for when they got back. He had made a conscious decision. “These will
help they are pretty fresh” he explained pushing the bowl of potatoes toward Aderman. “I don’t know if there’s a way to make contact but I’ll start
asking around. There are some people who might know better than I would” Bobby explained. Personally, Bobby didn’t want the government getting
involved. Questions would be raised as to the circumstances under which he picked Aderman up and Bobby didn’t want that. He knew that he was in
violation of intergalactic laws.
Bobby’s family’s apartment was one room that sported a carton and a stove as well as two mattresses and two piles of blankets. There were boxes that
contained the boys’ clothing. Another small room, hardly a closet, contained a shower and toilet, a rare commodity outside of the city. All the
technology seemed practically ancient but everything served its purpose and the family got on just fine. They could support a stranger for a couple
of weeks. Besides Bobby was sure that Zhi wanted to grill him about flying fighters once he got over his shyness.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 03:09 |
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Aderman rolled his eyes. He wasn't saying it out of courtesy, nor because he needed reassurance. He could tell Bobby wasn't in the best of financial
situations, and didn't know what sort of a part his planet had in that. If there was anything Aderman could do to help, he would; the man's kindness
was enough for that.
Aderman nodded. He did have to get in contact with the government so he didn't disappear. No one would know what happened to him, and after a certain
amount of time, they'd assum him dead.
In between bites of soup, Aderman paused to give Bobby a look. "Stop treating me like I'm sick. I'm just hungry." He said, chuckling. Aderman
continued to eat the soup. It was good, really. He'd lived so long on "well-balanced meals" as part of his military routine, with more than the
daily's allowance for most vitamins as well as calories, because of his job. Anything tasted wonderful after that. That didn't even taste like FOOD
all the time.
"This is good," He said around a spoonful, barely pausing for the comment before eating again. Aderman could get used to this.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 03:40 |
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Bobby was really only used to taking care of kids who were sick. He had never actually taken care of a full-grown person. There used to be hospitals
for that. He was used to anyone who got sick needing to hear that everything was going to be okay or that there was nothing to worry about. When
Aderman gave him that sarcastic look Bobby knew that it wasn’t exactly what the pilot was looking for. Bobby removed the hand he was using to help
support the Aderman. He seemed to be doing well enough on his own and didn’t want to make him feel uncomfortable.
The man had to laugh when Aderman said he liked the soup. Kyquis was a fatty inky bottom-feeder. Most people on their own planet didn’t care for it.
Somehow no one was really surprised that the rarity was never exported anywhere. The few unfortunate people who had the poor fortune to try it
almost unanimously agreed that it was repulsive. “I’m glad you like it. I guess someone has to” he joked.
June and Thai had gotten in some sort of disagreement in the corner and June was starting to cry. Thai stormed off leaving the kid in tears. Bobby
knew how much June worshiped Thai and if Bobby wasn’t entirely mistaken June was the only one of them that Thai had any tolerance for. With a heavy
sigh Bobby went to him and picked him up. It had been like this since Thai had turned fourteen. The truth was he didn’t knew what to do with him
anymore. “It’s okay he’s not mad at you” Bobby told him. It took a couple of minutes for him to put June to bed but within twenty minutes both June
and Zhi were asleep in Zhi's bed. Bobby knew that Zhi went to bed to be cooperative and he appreciated it. Thai had still not come home by the time
they were asleep.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 03:53 |
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Aderman watched the whole ordeal as he finished his soup, sitting up. He waited until the youngest were asleep, smiling absently at them. Part of
being in the military was that you didn't see kids much. He'd forgotten how....for lack of a better word...cute they were. It was relaxing, watching
Bobby put the two to sleep. After he was finished, Aderman asked in hushed tones, "What's biting his tail?" as he gestured to the doorway out
of which Thai had practically stampeded.
"...Will he be back?" Was the inevitable question that followed. Things could get dangerous at night on any planet, especially in this day and age.
This also wasn't Aderman's home planet. There were more people, less wildlife. That heightened the danger significantly. "If you need me to, I can get
him back. I'll drag him on the heels." It was just a lack of discipline, after all. If therew as one thing being in the military had taught him, it
was how to be and enforce discipline. Aderman could give the brat a lecture he wouldn't soon forget.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 04:07 |
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Bobby sighed. Suddenly he looked very old, older than any nineteen year old should have to feel. “Thanks but if he isn’t back in twenty minutes I’ll
go out after him. You shouldn’t be out of bed after what happened, besides this part of town can get pretty rough at night. I have a couple ideas of
where he might have gone” Bobby offered. “Thai’s been like that since he turned fourteen. He blames me I think, for the way that things are. He
usually gets on very well with June. The kid idolizes him and even if he doesn’t always have as much patience as he should, well, you know” Bobby
said with a heavy sigh. “It’s a difficult age. I’m not his father and he makes sure I’m always aware of that fact” Bobby said tiredly.
“Anyway, it will work itself out in time.” Bobby said, though it was clear that he didn’t truly believe that even as he said it. He knew deep down
that if all of his brothers went through phases like the one Thai was passing through now Bobby would crumble. He was barely getting by and he didn’t
know how to handle his brother. He was doing all he could to make sure that the moron didn’t do something stupid and get himself killed before Bobby
could get them off planet. Storming out late at night was just the latest example. “Would you like some more soup?” Bobby asked. Suddenly he wasn’t
feeling all that hungry.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 04:22 |
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Aderman watched the man and frowned. "Yeah... one more bowl..." That should be enough for him to get around some. Aderman stuffed away a few more
candies as Bobby took his bowl.
Aderman could see what was going on. Thai was a smart kid. Intuitive. Impatient. Stubborn. He'd get himself into trouble, but he could get himself out
of it alone, most times. But those times would make him cocky, make him do things he shouldn't next time... the end result wouldn't be pretty, and
Bobby wasn't suited to discipline him back into his place. Aderman could. He would. After one more bowl of soup.
Bill had been through a lot. He could fend off guys in this town. Just because he spent his time in a fighter unit didn't mean he didn't know how to
brawl. Thai would be back soon. As soon as Aderman got to him. One way or another, Bill would have to talk to him. Not Bobby. There was nothing that
man could do for Thai. Not now. Bill could tell Thai respected him; because Thai had such respect for his older brother, he expected more than what
Bobby was giving. The disappointment was mutual, and frustrating everyone. Probably even the youngest of the kids could feel the tension from it.
Aderman could actually understand it. There'd been a similar situation among the cadets of the unit adjacent his during training. The leader wasn't
the oldest, but he was by far the most qualified. There was one boy, though, who didn't listen to him or respect him. Once the boy stopped showing
public respect towards his leader, even when the kid fought him, and won, the boy wouldn't acknowledge that the other was better. It took outside
intervention to put things back in order. That person became the second-in-command, until their groups were shuffled again. Aderman was fortunate to
be in Gina's group next, and learned what she'd done, why, and what was going on from her. He could deal with this, no problem.
Aderman ran a hand through his short, dark hair, scratching at his scalp before the food came back. He smiled. "Thanks." He said, taking the bowl and
beginning to eat again. Between bites, Aderman managed to say, "After I'm done, don't toss this stuff out. I'll finish it in a while." After he took
care of the kid.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 04:54 |
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Bobby took the bowl and went over to the stove pouring the contents of his own bowl into Aderman’s. Despite what his brother might have thought Bobby
was used to sacrifice for the good of their family. It wasn’t entirely uncharacteristic of him to ignore his own needs. “No problem” Bobby said
distractedly. He was too worried thinking abut where his brother had run off to. Bobby nodded at the request that he keep the soup on. He imagined
that flying the fighter into such dangerous levels of exhaustion had to work up an appetite. Personally Bobby couldn’t imagine throwing food away no
matter what his feelings about the stuff were. They never threw anything away here unless it was rotted. Almost all the freeze-dried food remained
good for years, and the potatoes were always used so quickly they didn’t have a chance to go bad. Ordinarily every ounce was consumed.
“I should go it’s getting really late” Bobby said anxiously. He truly believed that the fighter was trustworthy but there was still a hint of concern
at leaving the two little ones alone with someone he had met only hours prior. Bobby tucked the two sleeping kids in quickly. “If you need anything
Zhi can get it for you. If he asks where I went…just tell him I’ll be back soon” Bobby said anxiously. The last thing he needed was for Zhi to try
to play the hero and come out after him. He didn’t want to see anyone get hurt as a result of this whole mess.
Thai had needed some air. He’d been cooped up all day with June and he was angry at Bobby for bringing a stranger in. Just one more selfish shitty
thing for him to do. Thai knew how much Bobby had wanted to be a pilot and he knew that cargo piloting had never been his dream. The fact that he
wanted to be a fighter, however, didn’t mean that he needed to adopt one, and with Zhi on board. It made Thai’s blood boil. He was frustrated and
miserable. He was old enough to be working a job of his own but instead Bobby asked nothing more of him than to babysit. He treated Thai more like a
child than June most of the time. Or at least that was what Thai felt.
Bobby knew that most of the jobs available were dirty miserable and dangerous outside the city. He’d done some honest work after the war had ended
and he worried about what would happen should Thai try to get an honest job. Soon enough Thai would be able to go back to school. That was what
Bobby really wanted. Thai was very smart. He wasn’t made for labor.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 05:04 |
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Aderman was too busy stuffing his face to object. After his soup was finished, he got up and set his now-empty bowl back upon the bed. It unsettled
Bill to leave two kids alone, but... He spared a glance to them, then rolled his eyes. Of course.
Aderman walked to the elder of the two and whispered almost silently in his ear, "I'll be back in just a minute, I promise. I just need to stretch my
legs." Aderman then backed away and left the house.
He stood in the door frame for a few moments, taking note of his surroundings, noting where Thai and Bobby could have gone, as well as where he could
go if things got dangerous or he exerted himself too much. Once this brief inspection was over, Aderman set off at a fairly brisk pace, for him, after
the two natives. For non-military folk, it would have been a good run, but not quite a sprint. It wasn't even a jog, for Aderman.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 05:22 |
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Zhi murmured soft incoherent syllables when the pilot had woken him before snuggling up closer to June and going back to sleep. Bobby had thought of
a couple of possible options as to where Thai had gone. He may have gone to his friend’s house. She lived close by. Bobby hoped that that was where
Thai had headed as her parents would let Thai sleep there provided he didn’t cause too much trouble. He may have found some people he knew a couple
of streets down and on the corner. But then Thai had never really been the type to complain to friends. Mostly they discussed neutral topics. There
was the possibility that he had gone to the gate, a truly idiotic move on his part which Bobby hoped against hope he hadn’t done. Or he may have gone
to the park, it was large, open, and a good place to walk and breathe and cool one’s head. Instead of going where it was the most logical for him to
find Thai, the gate or more likely the park, he went where he hoped that Thai had gone, to his friend’s home.
Thai in reality was at the park. Whenever he was upset he always went either to the gate or the park. To watch the city that was far beyond his
reach, a place he was old enough to remember, or to the park where it was open and quiet. Despite his attitude he liked to think that he wasn’t a bad
person. It was Bobby who was wrong. It was easier being angry outside the apartment. He didn’t like to see June cry. Thai cared a lot about that
kid. He was probably the only thing that had kept Thai from leaving altogether. That and the fact that even though he was bold enough to go out and
wander after dark by himself, he was not brave enough to be completely alone.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 05:41 |
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Aderman didn't know, and didn't care about any sort of housing. He didn't know these people; he was disturbing enough lives already. His objectives,
as an appendage of the government, were to save as many civilians as possible while disturbing as few as possible to do so. Space was a good
battleground; a city was not.
Aderman didn't like the look of the gate. It was too dangerous, and Thai was too smart for that. He didn't know the open expanse was called a park; in
his world, there'd been no need for such things. He'd learned about them, sure, but that didn't mean he could recognise or identify one.
A small figure, a silhouette before the dim light of the streetlamps showed Aderman that he was right. "Thai." He said, his voice cold, dark grey eyes
piercing, though that had no affect in this dark.
"Sit down," Aderman said, doing so himself. He didn't care where Thai sat; this short wall, containing the plants from spilling dirt onto the walkway,
was good enough for him. Aderman hated giving lectures; he hated talking. But he could see that Thai was distressing his savior, and he could at least
talk some sense into the boy, right? As a favor. As repayment.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 12-6-2008 at 05:55 |
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Thai was surprised when he heard his name. He hadn’t been expecting anyone to find him. Whoever was calling him wasn’t Bobby and it wasn’t any of
his friends. The voice would have sounded entirely unfamiliar except…“It’s you” Thai said injecting as much disdain into the one word as he
could manage. “What the hell do you want?” he demanded. He had no intention of doing anything that the man said. The fact that Aderman was a friend
of his brother’s only served to make him even more determined to hate him. Approving of the pilot meant approving of his brother’s behavior and he
wanted nothing more than to despise anything about him. The only problem was that Aderman was really what he needed, a heavy hand at discipline and
something of a role model.
“Where do you get off telling me what to do? You’re the one who is in my house. What are you even doing here? Why don’t you mind your own
god damn business. I don’t need a babysitter.” he said. In addition Thai did not sit down. In fact he paced back and forth partially to be defiant
and partially to blow off whatever steam that the shouting had not.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 13-6-2008 at 00:58 |
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Aderman rolled his eyes as the boy started to speak. However, he waited patiently until Thai was done to speak. "Are you done yet? Or is that all you
have against me?" He knew Thai wouldn't hear a word until the boy had argued his point; all teenagers were like that. And there was only one way to
really get their attention.
Aderman watched Thai with grey eyes like iron. Of course he wasn't done. Thai had likely been cooped up all day; he needed exercise. He had way too
much energy, adrenaline pulsing through his veins. It was his age. Aderman couldn't MAKE him exercise, but it sure as hell would make like easier for
Bobby if he did.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 13-6-2008 at 02:38 |
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Thai turned to glare at him, fire met the coldness of Aderman's stare. He had inherited that look from his mother and June was quickly developing the
expression as well. Though June looked like a spitting kitten when he got that look on his face. Thai ignored the pilot. He did not want to indulge
him in any way and he actually felt a little better having someone to shout at who was not four feet tall and prone to tears. The pilot could take it
and having someone big to bully was actually pretty nice. He didn't often get to blow off steam. His brother never fought back always trying to
coddle him and make him happy. When he was angry he wanted someone who was going to fight back.
He didn't realize that he was playing right into Aderman's hands. That would have pissed him off a lot. Thai was starting to shake all over because
it was so cold. Decathect was a planet that was hot during the day and very cold at night. Most people stayed inside at night. The people who lived
on Decathect had gotten a dark golden skin complexion. It allowed them to be comfortable during the day. Nothing but shelter and clothing kept them
warm. Thai wrapped his arms around himself and continued to pace casting another angry glare in Aderman's direction.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 13-6-2008 at 03:12 |
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Thai, apparently, was done. Aderman sighed, leaning forward. "You're wrong, Thai." There. That was always enough to spark a teenager's rage, fueled by
the pride and arrogance of that age.
Aderman wasn't bothered by the cold; He'd been exposed to real cold, the cold of space. He also didn't know how hot it could actually be on this
planet; he hadn't lived through the middle of the day, having only arrived here in the evening. However, Bill would seek shelter before the night was
over. He could tell by the rate at which the temperature was falling that the cold would make him uncomfortable. He could endure it, but he wouldn't
be happy at all. Aderman preferred warmth, but nothing TOO warm. A nice, warm planet, but not one beside a sun. Something reasonable and warm. Fire
warmth was always night; Aderman loved a good fire.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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The_Boi_Wonder
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| posted on 13-6-2008 at 03:30 |
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Thai felt indignation and fury. He wanted to hit the pilot but he was sure that would not be so easily forgiven. Besides that would be lame. What
was the point of hitting some half dead hack anyway. "You don't know shit about my family pal" Thai said with an insulting edge to his voice. "You
don't know shit about my brother" he added. "We'll see if you think I'm so wrong when...you know what...forget it...I don't owe you an explanation."
Thai said. The truth was that Thai realized that the pilot was probably a government agent and if Thai told him about Bobby's little smuggling
business they would all be in trouble. The truth was he and Bobby wanted the same thing they just intended to go about it different ways. They both
wanted to protect their family. Bobby planned to do it by keeping Thai out of the factories and making enough money to get them off planet. Thai
wanted to work. He wanted to be able to be part of supporting them. He saw Bobby's unwillingness to give up the smuggling business as selfishness.
He knew nothing about the intention to get them off planet because Bobby had never told him.
"You are a stupid prick who apparently can't even do your own job right. I was around when the doctor looked you over. I don't want your stupid
advice or your insignificant judgment. I, unlike you, actually know how to look out for myself. Why should I give a shit about anything you say or
think?" he demanded. He wasn't really asking. He didn't care what the answer was. He expected the pilot to tell him that he was older and that was
why. He wasn't often surprised by people older than him. His brother used his age as an excuse. If only Thai had been a few years older things
would be very different.
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Ticky*Fangirl
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| posted on 13-6-2008 at 03:47 |
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Aderman stood up. "You're right; I don't know shit about your family. But you are unranked. I am your superior. And you don't talk shit to your
superiors." Aderman was taller than the kid. It wasn't hard to look down on him.
Aderman then moved from his relaxed standing position. He pushed himself forward, into a fighting stance and jumping within range of the kid, landing
a good punch to his jaw. "And that," Aderman said, "Is what happens when you talk shit to your superiors. There's a reason I'm not scrubbing waste
facilities, civilian. I'm a member of the elite, and I went through more shit than a termite like you could live through to get to where I am. I don't
know your family, and you don't know my history. But I'm at least respectful, and very grateful for all the courtesy and kindness your older brother
has showed me. So I thought I'd help him out a little. I saw your place. I know you don't got it easy. I can respect that, and I'll be outta your hair
as soon as I can. but your older brother don't need a shit like you messing things up. He's too soft to do this to you, but I'm not. So don't you ever
think you're the boss of the universe, cause there's always someone bigger, stronger, smarter, and faster than you out there. When your older brother
found me, I was separated from my comrades and faced an enemy smarter than me that I hadn't expected. That kind of shit happens. But I'm alive, so I
guess I must've done something right. If the feds think I'm useless, they can always discharge me and send me on the first flight back home. I'm sure
my family would love to see me, if they haven't died while I've been gone. At least you know what's going on with your family." Aderman frowned at the
kid. He didn't expect any respectful reaction from Thai, but maybe the kid would at least act a little more appreciative. Or maybe he needed the point
reinforced, with words or fists, Aderman didn't care. He'd hold back, though, so he didn't do any permanent damage.
You Love The Pain.
You Play The Game.
You Sleep With Sin.
You Want To Win. |
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