The two lovers hugged and kissed until they were startled by something off to thier right in the nearby park. Both of thier jaws dropped at the sight of a huge, red saurian talking to an obviously nervous Quicksilver.
“Don’t I know you from somewhere?” the dragon asked as he looked long and hard at the Lieutenant.
“I doubt that highly.”
“No, wait, I do know you! We used to shag in my apartment, didn’t we?" Edited by: Detia1 at: 7/26/03 7:30 pm
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(5/19/03 8:50 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
If anything Jon's eyes widened as his nervousness increased. What happened then was not something that needed to be found out about now. "No. You must be mistaking me for someone else." Jon stepped back then quickly turned and made his way in another direction at a fast walk. He felt his headache increase 10-fold and just wanted to get out of there.
He was lucky when he spotted Seymour's cab not that far away. "Seymour!" he called, uncharasticly loud for him, then jogged over to it.
"Huh?" the cabbie grunted as he looked up from his paper. "Hey Lieutanant Quicksilver. What can I do for you, ya know what I mean?"
"Mind taking me back to Hawk Haven?" Jon asked.
"Not a problem. Climb on in." Seymour said with his normal smile as he cranked the cab up. He glanced into the rear view mirror as the SilverHawk climbed in. "You aint looking so hot there."
After shutting the door, Jon leaned his head back against the glass. "It's nothing... I'll be fine." He movedhis hand to wave away any other questions. The trip up was relativly quiet. Once there he payed the cabbie and made his way to the elevator. The bright overhead lights were doing nothing to relieve his throbbing head. When he reached his quarters, he didn't bother with any lights as he crossed the outer room, stripping out of the jacket and shirt. Soon the shoes and pants followed.
In moments he was sprawled out on his bed, the room temp having been set several degrees cooler then the rest of the station, in just a pair of boxers. He wasn't aware that those both empathicly inclined as well as telepathicly inclined were picking up on his stress migrain or that his door had not fully shut.
Re: A Gear in Politics
At the time, Sapphire was on her evening break from her sector sweep. During her break she often went to her quarters to have a snack and read. On her way there she noticed Lt. Quicksilver's door was open. SHe thought that was odd, so she lightly knocked on the door.
"Jonathan? You awake? Is everything ok?"
Not hearing a response, she tiptoed into his quarters. She turned the lights on at 50% and saw that he wasn't in the living room area. After closing the door behind her she peeked into Jon's sleeping quarters to see him sprawled out on the bed.
"He must be enhausted," she whispered to herself as she tipped over to him.
Re: A Gear in Politics
Sapphire wasn't even hovering over Quicksilver when she sensed something was wrong. Next instant, she had gotten a telepathic surge of Jon's thoughts. They were completely and utterly random; Sapphire didn't know what to make of them. She took a moment to examine the thoughts more closely and saw they were memories, severely supressed ones at that. There was drugs, sex, violence, stuff she normally wouldn't consider usual for the Lieutenant. But each time, a face came up, the face of a man with a velvet voice.
Is this what happened to him when he was MIA? she thought. Please let me be wrong.
But the man with the velvet voice was all she could get before she could feel Jon's mental shields restablizing. She took that as a sign to get out of there and do some investigating. Whoever that man was, he had something to do with Jon's dissapearance for a whole year, and she was going to find out what.
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Posts: 265
(5/21/03 3:47 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
Just after Jon left, Zan and Will decided to call it a night. Not only did she have business to take care of the next day, but Will also had partol. Jenny had promised to keep Eve overnight so that was something they didn't have to worry about, going and getting her so late. As they were leaving, they ran into the big red Saurian who was on his way in.
"Trench! I didn't expect to see you here," Zan said with a smile as she looked up at him, before giving him a hug. No one else seemed to want to get near him cause he looked so frightening, but those that did, knew he was a big softie.
"Hey there Shadow Lady...er... Phantom... umm.. I mean Zan..." he grinned sheepishly a moment but returned the hug. He then shook Will's hand. "How are you two doing? Haven't see you around at the club. Kinda miss the two of you there..."
Zan shook her head and sighed. "Can't go clubing very often. Not with a 10 month old about the house."
Trench blinked. "A baby? How'd..." he then blushed and chuckled as he scratched his head. "I mean when did you have a baby?"
Will casually drapped his arm about Zan's waist. He had no problem with Trench so wasn't afraid of the fellow like everyone else seemed to be. "When? Ohh... about 10 months ago. Suprised you didn't know. As for how... well, that was a bit of a surprise for the both of us."
"Tell me about it!" Zan said with a snort, then changed the subject. "What are you doing here?"
The red dragon man smiled and placed a hand on one hip while motioning with the other. "I'm here to speak with the canidates about how they stand on Gay Rights and Homosexuals. As well as Fense."
"Well good luck on that!" Zan said. "Hate to run but we both have early starts tomorrow. Night."
"G'Night" Will Echoed as they walked off.
"Night you two." Trench replied as he walked on in.
Re: A Gear in Politics
Everyone and everything became silent once Trench entered the room. No one was expecting someone from Fense to show up at an event such as this. His great size caught everyone’s attention. The red dragon noticed this and smiled.
“I see all eyes are on me. Good. Now who are the other candidates for the up coming race?”
His staement caused a stir among the people.
“Other candidates? What’s he mean by that?” someone whispered.
“I saw him talking to the Dutchess out front. Maybe he’s talking about her,” another mumbled.
Re: A Gear in Politics
"Okay, let me make this simple." Trench said. "Any candidate in the upcoming race besides Governor Ravencroft?" That was when most of the guests realized the importance Trench had; very few addressed the Governor with his surname unless in incredibly important and formal situaitions.
"That would be me." a smooth voice said. Trench looked amongst the crowd to notice a short, plump humanoid looking much similar to Zeek the Beak, only much older.
"Anyone else?" Trench called out, recognizing the little creature as Senator Lerk, otherwise known to Fense as "Lerk the Jerk". Anyways, there was no response.
"May I ask what a denzien of Fense is doing in this part of the galaxy?"
"You may, Senator. But since you've already done so, I've come on behalf of Fense to ask about your plans for Fense. There have been rumors that the Galatic Counsel seeks to expand their juristiction beyond the Light Year Limit. I understand that this is another plan to capture the Mob, but we of Fense have our own customs and laws and to be re-districtized will destroy our way of life."
"Destroy your way of life? And what way of life may that be, sir? The way of the barbarian and the perverted? The way of the thief and the murderer? My dear sir, think of what Fense could gain under our juristiction. Protection from the Mob, no more criminals seeking immunity..."
"More recruits for the Mob." Xander interrupted. "Not to mention that looking into the so-called clubs on Fense may be potentially hazardous to anyone of its legitimate patrons."
"Ah, Ravencroft." Lerk sneered. "Are you telling me that you support leaving Fense the way it is? A haven for Mobsters?"
"They still have Brim Star, Lerk, or have you forgotten?"
"Still, the Council needs to take action against the Mob! You, of all people, know that Ravencroft! Perhaps your memory has blocked out the countless victims that have suffered under Mon*Star's hand. As I recalled, the Planet Master had taken several lives over the course of his criminal reign, your own family among them."
"How dare you! That has nothing to do with this election! But to expose Fense to our juristiction would cause more problems than it can solve! While our juristiction in that area can protect the inhabitants from the Mob, it would cause massive drains on our current resources. Not to mention that we may be endangering any and all potential defectors and informers."
"Then how do we deal with the fact that Fense is a criminal refuge?"
"Are there not bounty hunters to capture any criminals in that area for us? Plus why re-districtize an asteroid with few, if any resources, when the Mob have their own planet?"
"This is insane, Ravencroft! Your foolishness will cost you the election!"
"If you're my only competition, Lerk, I highly doubt it. But thank you for the warning, however unappreciated it may be."
"You'll regret this, Ravencroft, I promise you."
"Perhaps. Oh, haven't you heard Duchess Vernadua may be entering? I do hope you enjoy running against her; I know I most certainly will. It's about time I had gotten some real competition rather than a sniveling excuse of a senator who lets his own personal disregard for mixed races and other 'lowly forms' override his judgement. How you stay in office period is a mystery to us all."
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Posts: 268
(5/26/03 8:22 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
Back at Hawk Haven...
Jon was stiring in his sleep, but wether or not it was from the nightmare like memories or something else Sapphire wasn't sure about. Either way though she did not want to be caught in his quarters, much less his sleeping quarters. As quietly and quickly as she could she left. and just in time too. As she was closing the door, Jon woke up.
Rolling over then sitting up, he looked about in confusion. It took him several moments to remeber where he was., and when he did, he let out a sigh of relief. Then he looked around again. Something wasn't right but he couldn't place what it was. Fumbling about for his robe, he stood and stumbled towards the main room. Sapphire had made it to her door when Jon's opened up and he stuck his head out, looking around, frowning slightly.
"Sara?" he called, evidently groggy enough to call her by her name instead of her code name or adoptive name.
Sapphire stoped and looked over her shoulder at him. "Yes Quick...uh... Jonathan?"
He stood there a moment then blinked, reaching up to rub his face. "Was there....... Did you see anyone entering or leaving my quarters just now?" he practicly radiated exhaustion, tension and stress.
Re: A Gear in Politics
"No, Jon. Although I did notice your door was opened, and thought you might like the privacy. Is everything all right?"
"Huh? Oh sure, everything's just fine."
"You look tired, Jon. Why don't you get some rest?"
"You're sure you didn't see anyone? Anyone at all?"
"I'm positive, Jon."
"Okay. Good night."
"Good night, Jonathan." As Quick went back into his quarters, Sapphire entered into hers. She was eager to start an internet search to see if the man she had gotten from Jon's memories would be in the Bedamian Galatic Database.
Re: A Gear in Politics
Sapphire wasn't the only one doing research. The Mob also had an interest in what was going on with the Fense matter. Mo-lec-u-lar had taken on the disguise of a reporter and watched with great interest as he observed the large Saurian discuss politics with the current Deputy Governor and his opponent.
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Posts: 269
(5/27/03 9:59 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
As the discussion continued, another figure was watching as well. But he knew more then he let on. He was one of the political aide's to Sen. Lerk. Even though he was considered 'a half breed' he was also somehow indespensible to the politician. He watched things with care. That was how he managed to spot Quicksilver, or as he had been called at one time 'Terry' or 'the terrror Man' in some cases, siting with the interfering human woman that caused him such trouble at one time.
He silently cursed the fact that she was considered a Noble and there for a lot harder to touch, but he could do it given the right information. It was the Leiutanent that he had all the dirt on. Including all his collection of videos of the SilverHawk preforming such vile acts such as rape and torutue. Not to mention all the drugs he partook in, transported, and sold.
His thoughts were interrupted when Sen Lerk came by. "Get your stuff. We're leaving."
Danovin smiled and bowed slightly. "Yes sir, Sen. Lerk."
The Senator just gave him a look, snorted and walked off muttering about 'half-breeds and humans' and their worthlessness.
Re: A Gear in Politics
After the state dinner was over, a certain Macromorph made his way back to Brimm*Starr. He relayed all the information he had gathered from the event.
“So, the Lightyear Limit issue has come up again?” The Mob boss mused.
“You think they might actually make those changes into law, Planet Master?” Windhammer inquired.
“I certainly hope not. That would surely put a snag in our business,” Pokerface commented. Echo nodded in agreement.
“Oh, they won’t make those changes. Not if they plan on living to a ripe old age,” Mon*Star growled. “Mo, I want you to look deeper into this situation. I want you to foind out more about the Folley guy. See if he can be manipulated like the other losers that ran with that idiot, Governor Xander.”
“And what about Phantom?”
“You should always keep an eye on her meddling ass. Besides, I gotta figure out a way to make her pay for her interference on Fense with the drug trade and prostitution ring.”
A Gear in Politics
After the Mob meeting, Yesman slithered away to his own quarters and the secret chamber within. From there, he could continue the plans he has been working on for several years and all the key elements, including "Junior's" correspondence with Sapphire. So far, random events have occured that lifted a burden on everything, such as Stan's "tragic" death, Zero accidentally hitting himself with his own memory-stealing staff (the poor thing has yet to regain any memory) and Jester's disappearance.
Poor Zero, Yesman thought. Losing his own memory completely and stuck on the Asylum Planet. Oh well, let's look at this quarter's candidates, shall we? Hmm...what a surprise, Xander Ravencroft, Bedlama's Golden Boy. No problem to me, but has been a pain in Mon*Star's ass long before he became Governor. With the exception of his taste in deputies, he hasn't done a bad job with this galaxy. Him, he could work, despite circumstances.
But Senator Lerk...not too much of a problem, but he could pose a threat. Him and his aide Veto. None too pleased about mixed races, especially those containing human, or Feltorue. If he found out about Sapphire--or worse, Jade--this entire galaxy's screwed. Definitely not a problem so long as Xander stays in the race. I'm going to need to keep an eye on Lerk the Jerk.
And what's this about Phantom running? That's gotta be a knot in Lerk's already-tense beak. Ah, well, divide and conquer is what I say; if I know Lerk, he's going to be too busy spitting out anti-human propaganda and discrediting Phantom and the SilverHawks to give out any real concerns for the galaxy's well-being. Of course, if worse comes to worse, I have my ways of getting Lerk outta the race permanently...either way, Xander's going to remind Limbo that the last thing it needs in another War of Eternity and win by a landslide, as usual.
Now, it's time for "Junior" to make another dive for information about the latest deputy. A good thing I planted that spy chip in Mo's head so I can everything he sees from here. I swear by every patron god in Limbo, if this guy turns out to be another Mob spy...but enough of that. Just make sure to wait around for the right time...that's all.
Re: A Gear in Politics
Back on Bedlama, the Governor and his Deputy Governor put thier heads together to prepare for the campaign trail.
"Mr. Folley, I have to commend you on your performance during that impromptu debate at the state dinner last night," Xander complimented.
"Why, thank you sir. I found Senator Lerk and his running mate quite annoying and offensive. How the heck did Lerk manage to win a seat on the Council?"
"Well, when he was first elected he didn't have such radical views. SInce then he's become more bold with his opinions."
"Why doesn't anyone run against him for his council seat?"
"Because they are afraid to."
"But why, sir?"
"Because everyone wh has run against him in the past has been totally humiliated by his smear campaigns."
"But wait, you're running against him. How come he hasn't humiliated you out of office yet?"
"Because he knows better, that's why."
"I think I need an explaination, sir."
"We all have skeletons in our closets, and believe me, most of mine are out in the open. Last term, Lerk made the error of using those same skeletons against me only to be made more of a fool than he usually is. As soon as he had gotten personal, I managed to convince the people that Lerk would bring about a second War of Eternity, whihc he would most probably do with his opinions on humans and people of mixed backgrounds."
"But some people do have negative opinions on humans."
"Yes, they do, but unlike Lerk, they keep those opinions away from their rational thinking, especially on the job. I think Lerk is going to try one of his smear campaigns again, with both anti-human and anti-hybrid propaganda."
"Of course, one overprotective Chief of Peace Keepers should be able to plummet him effectively out of the race permanently."
"Tempting as that may be, Brigadier Brightlight won't harm Lerk on my command. I can't get one of the few people I trust completely in a court martial, can I?"
"Good point."
"Besides, I can handle Lerk personally. I have my suspicions that he's abusing his power, but without sufficient evidence I can't confront him. Plus, it's an election year so any aggressive judical action on my part would be viewed as having a biased observation."
"Ya gotta love politics."
"Nonetheless, as long as Lerk doesn't challenge me in a courtroom, things shouldn't be too chaotic."
"So, what's the campaign strategy, Governor?"
"The usual; have the people view Lerk as the pathetic, prejudiced bastard he is and make sure another War of Eternity doesn't start."
Re: A Gear in Politics
To get the campaign under way, Xander made a few important phone calls. Within the hour his new camgaign manager, Roma Kerty, arrived at his office.
"So, is this Roma Kerty any good, sir?" Richie inquired.
"I would say so. She's managed the campaigns of two of my collegues before. She may be young, but she knows what's she's doing!"
"Is she Hash'a'Glith like you, sir?"
"No. She's actually a Rhynoid."
The canditates where then interrupted by the intercom.
"Governor Ravencroft, Miss. Roma Kerty is here to see you."
"Send her on in, Miss. Minkh."
Richie watched the door as the Rhynoid came in. He was expecting to see a hulking, wrinkly skinned female with a large horn protruding from her face. To his surprise she was taller and slimmer than he expected and her horn wasn't that big at all.
"I thought you said she was a Rhynoid, sir?"
"Oh, you must be thinking of the Rhynoid Majora. The ones withthe big horns that guard the jails and prisons. Miss. Kerty is actually a Rhynoid Minora. They have smaller horns and more delicate features."
"Oh..." the human replied, his lips curling into a small smile. Miss. Kerty smiled in return as she wallked over with a box of supplies in her arms.
Re: A Gear in Politics
As one campaign manager was starting work, so was another member of a political group that was in opposition, but this one was looking into more then one of his positon should be able to, working from a well hidden room that contained a treasure trove of information. File after file containing damaging information on various people. Most of those files were fairly thin and did not contain anything more then very embaressing or compramising information. Those that were left were fairly thick and contained enough information to ruin, if not out right destroy, the person whom they belong to.
As he looked though the files, he would sort them into various piles. Each stack representing a phase in his plan. The first phase would be the longest, most tedious part. But one had to start from somewhere did they not? Picking up the first file he flipped through it and smiled to himself. He then picked up an old fashioned headset and slipped it on. Punching the number into the pad he waited till the person on the other end accepted the call. All they would see if they had a VidCom would be velvetly blackness. But they would be able to hear the voice very well.
"Hello...you remember me do you not?... good. If you do not want your son's rather..... amourous adventures to become common street gossip, you will do as I say......Now now, threats will get you nowhere..... But if you do, do as I say your file will be sent to you. To do with as you please.... Yes indeed.....Now when have I ever gone back on my word? HHhmmmmmm? That's right. Now listen carefully..... I want you to..."
Re: A Gear in Politics
Soon, the campaign for the most powerful position on Bedlama was underway. It wasn’t long before the headlines and tabloids were dominated by the happening and rumors connected to the campaign. Some of the candidates couldn’t handle explaining the embarassing rumors popping up in the papers, so they dropped out of the race. So far, Gov. Xander and his running mate, Mr. Folley, had come through unscathed. But that wouldn’t last forever.
“Gov. Xander, sir. Where do you think all this information and rumors are coming from? I mean whoever is providing that damaging information must have pretty good sources. I mean, they even have pictures!”
“I’m sure Lerk is involved somehow, as always. But if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll leave us out of his little games.”
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Posts: 272
(6/24/03 7:06 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
It was one of the rare days when Will was off and had Eve with him for the most part. The pair were doing the weekly grocrey shopping when Will spotted one of the tabloids with his wife's picture on it besides one of Lt. Quicksilver. The headlines were actually what caught his eye.
"Humans in the Running for Bedlama Leadership!"
Picking up the paper, he glanced through it while waiting in the check out line. Once he reached the register, he added it, and several other papers in with the rest of his purchases. the Cashier raised an eyebrow slightly at the papers and he just shrugged. Once everything was paid for he loaded it up into the beat up looking Pickup. For all the vehicle's looks, it surpassed safty and emmissions codes by leaps and bounds. Once Eve was strapped into her car seat, they headed home.
When he arrived home, he gathered up Eve in one arm and the tabloids in his free hand. "Let's see what mommy has to say about this, shall we?" he said to his daughter. She only gave him a toothless grin in reply as she reached for the pappers. She manged to snag one and started stuffing it into her mouth to chew on. "hey now, your gonna spoil your supper sweat heart."
"Who's gonna spoil who's dinner?" Zan asked, meeting him at the door. "Come here ya little rug rat!" she said, holding her hands out to her daughter who squirmed and giggled. Once taking her daughter she playfully swung her up into the ear, causing the girl to squeel with glee.
"Know where she got her lungs from." Will commented in passing.
Zan just gave him a look, then stuck her tongue out at him. Taking Eve into the den, she put the girl in her bounce chair then went to help unload the groceries. When finished, she started putting things away. That was when Will asked the question.
"Soo..... When were you going to tell me you and Jon were running for Govoner and Deputy Govoner of Bedlaman?" It was an innocent question.
"What do you want for.... huh? .....I'm what?!" it came out a bit louder then intended.
Will just shakes his head, grinning as he shows her the papers. She grabbed them and started to read. Every now and then either snorting in disgust at what was printed or laughting at it. "Oh lords above and below! This is just... just...."
"uh-oh" Will muttered softly. He knew that look on Zan's face. It ment she was planing something. And when that happened.... well.... watch out. Things got very.. Interesting. "Uh-uh. Wolfy.. Don't you dare.."
Zan just grined. "Aawww come on, it will be fun." She advanced on him, leaning against his larger frame and giving him a kiss. He knew he could not refuse when she did that, and so did she.
Re: A Gear in Politics
In the meantime, Sapphire was still trying to gather information on Quicksilver's former tormentor. It was difficult because she couldn't just walk up to Jonathan and ask him who the man with the silky voice was. And she certainly wasn't going to probe his mind. That would definitely be an invasion of privacy. And on top of all of that, she was trying to keep the nosey Chatterbox from finding out anything so he wouldn't blab it all over the known universe.
Speaking of motor-mouths, Zeek the Beak was busy making phone calls to all of the known and potential candidates he knew of. He was practically drooling all over himself over the prospect of getting an exclusive interview with the Dutchess and her rumored running mate, Quicksilver. A SilverHawk running for office was too exciting for words to Zeek. He always wanted an excuse to dig up dirt on a SilverHawk.
Edited by: Detia1 at: 8/9/03 9:42 pm
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