Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open*
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		<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Non-Adult Sandbox =&gt; Non-Adult Roleplays =&gt; Topic started by: Dunnuck on June 26, 2010, 07:37:38 pm</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 26, 2010, 07:37:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Quantum Urbs. A City of lies. A City of Secrets. People live their lives here, purposely oblivious to the underhanded deals and the darkness of the society. They keep themselves pent up within their own lives, disregarding the rest of the city. The true city. There are organizations which dont exist, and government factions that aren't afraid to change the rules of engagement. Or disregard them completely. A brother, a lover, a lost memory, and an enemy. Magic, science, religion...superstition to truth. Quantum Urbs. A City of lies...a City of Secrets</span></em></strong><br><br><br><em>Glistening storefront. Bright light ripping the sky in two. The rhythmic tap of the falling rain. How long had I been sitting out in the rain, glaring eagerly at the store? It seems like I lost hours this sad excuse for an activity. Glistening storefront. Bright light ripping the sky in two. I noted the same things constantly, unable to waver from my spot. The worker inside was beautiful, and I fancied her greatly. Whenever I would make a purchase, I couldn't help but get lost in her eyes. This is how my story began.<br><br>Tonight was different. There was this...feeling I had. Like if I let my eyes off this woman, if my protective presence wasn't always aware, that something would happen. It was an overwhelming feeling. </em><br><br>Gabriel's unorganized thoughts confused even himself. As of late, his mind seemed not to be his own. Fragments of his memory were gone and his thoughts lacked a definite shape. He continued watching the store, protecting the woman, as a man entered. His eyes sharpened and his muscles tensed. Could this be the moment he <strong>knew</strong> was coming? Or was this his recently developed paranoia playing his mind like a piano?<br><br>The darkness outside cloaked his figure, making him a moving shadow. He crossed the street with intent, and intensity in his eyes. A horn blared annoyingly at him as the headlights moved up his body. Unflinching, he continued to walk as the car swerved to avoid him. Placing his hand on the metal handle, he pressed his way through the door. Stepping into the light, his attire and figure were both revealed. He stood slightly above average height and was habilimented in ebony regalia. His architecture was muscular, yet thin, a body of a runner. His eyes were an illuminant blue, literally harboring a soft glow. His features were slick and young, his boyish face holding a conflicting maturity. His hair was inky and long, reaching down just past his shoulders and partially obscuring his face. He shifted his head towards the young woman working behind the counter, rain hanging on his brow for a brief moment before losing it's grip. <br><br>"Excuse me." He said, embarrassed. The motive behind his actions were there, but not clear to himself.<br><br>((All spots in the story are open ^_^))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 26, 2010, 09:45:42 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It had been a long day.&nbsp; Stock had arrived.&nbsp; The delivery had been wrong.&nbsp; The driver didn't want to wait for it to be sorted out.&nbsp; Her manager went home ill.&nbsp; She worked alone.&nbsp; She had been pricing and placing all day between customers.&nbsp; She worked hard and fast to do the work of two in order to not be there all night and work again tomorrow.&nbsp; The strain showed on her tanned, almost olive colored skin.&nbsp; Her long raven hair in a single braid down her back - easier to work with it tied up.&nbsp; Her almost amber eyes, seemed more orange than amber with the weary drudge she wore.&nbsp; She tried to force a smile for the latest customer, after all, it was not the customer's fault she was having a lousy day.&nbsp; She lifts her eyes to him.<br><br>The blue of his eyes almost glow.&nbsp; They catch her immediately.&nbsp; She is almost entranced.&nbsp; It did not hurt at all that his face had that boyish charm that just melted her.&nbsp; Nor did it hurt that his inky hair was only a shade or two different than her own raven strands.&nbsp; The way the hair hung over his face shrouded him in mystery, but just enough to tease the mind into capture.&nbsp; She was caught too.&nbsp; Her mind racing with thoughts and images that would normally make her blush.&nbsp; For some reason, she invited these thoughts and images tonight, not shying away from them at all.&nbsp; Nor did she blush.&nbsp; Finally, she remembers that he was asking her attention.&nbsp; Well, he had it, but it was well past time to verbalize a response.&nbsp; "yes?"&nbsp; Her voice cracked.&nbsp; She instantly started to kick herself for the lack of smoothness, starting to practice the simple word over and over in her head.&nbsp; She tries once more with an only slightly more stable voice "yes? May I help you?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 26, 2010, 10:05:26 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Across the rain soaked street of the store where Gabriel had just entered, stood a man dressed in a midnight blue over coat with armored pants and knee high armored boots of the same colour. his hair was was a light shade of blonde, almost white, and was tied in&nbsp; up in a long pony tail going down his back. His eyes were gray and had no sign of pupils. He also had a long braided beard that made it down to his lower neck. But his most shocking feature was the fact that frost and ice clung to him like the water from the rain clung to everyone else. He brushed some of the frost from his eyelashes and brows as he watched the two in the store converse. He smirked a toothy grin, showing all of his oddly sharpened teeth. "Looks like I found my prey."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 26, 2010, 10:26:56 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She is lost in the eyes of the one before her.&nbsp; The rain's movements along his brow and hair only sealing her capture by him.&nbsp; She notices not the other man.&nbsp; How did such an odd creature enter the store without her notice?&nbsp; That bell is most annoying when someone enters.&nbsp; Still she is rather tired and the work has been much.&nbsp; So as far as she knows there is only those blue eyes framed by that inky hair with a bit of movement by the rain.&nbsp; And a voice that caresses her ears from the boyish charm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 26, 2010, 11:44:13 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"...intoxication that pulls us, From where come all these words that attack me, Incomplete pleasures that bewitch me, We don't have the right to close these doors anymore...." </em><br><br>Luke shoved the glass door open carelessly with one deeply tanned elbow, snapping his fingers lazily as he sang along with the voice in his earbuds. The rain made his short black and red hair cling to his scalp, and his unbuttoned bright green and blue island shirt flopped wetly about him as he danced carelessly into the store. His shorts were mostly dry at least, thick, heavy cargo style denim cutoffs with more pockets than ten people could need, and his black rubber sandals "<strong>plop</strong>"-ed over the slick tile. Over the edges of dark, rimless shades, Luke noted Shaggy and the shop girl; a grin crept over his face as he wandered up and down the aisles, searching for suitable snackage and watching the pair surreptitiously.<br><br>'Ah, young love. How sweet thy kisses,' he thought wryly, bobbing and weaving to his music. Then his eyes fell on Frosty and his grin widened. 'No frakkin' way,' he thought as he snagged an apple from a stand of juicy reds. 'They couldn't possibly have hired <em>two </em>for this job...' Luke smiled as he rubbed the apple on his shorts and took a bite, savoring the juicy crunch as his teeth pierced the shiny skin.<br><br>'This might be fun, after all!'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 01:47:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I..." He wasn't exactly sure what to say. 'I had this feeling that something bad was about to happen, so I have been watching you for some time...for your protection' wasn't exactly a good, or proper, explanation. He shook his head, claiming his thoughts once again. He locked eyes with her again, regaining his confidence. "I am looking for someone. I wanted to know if you had seen him. He looks like me, except his eyes are brown, as well as his hair. He's also younger than me, my brother to be honest." He smiled nervously, the feeling of danger creeping upon him with a more severe intensity. He heard a quiet hissing sound and he snapped his head to the side for a better listen. "Do you hear that?" he asked the woman. <br><br>In a fraction of a moment, his feeling had become more than that; it had become a reality. Orange light spread to the walls around him and the glass behind him shattered. He dove forward, over the counter, tackling the woman to the ground roughly. A blazing fire passed overhead, scorching the counter and it's contents to black. Almost simultaneously, gunshots sounded, ricocheting through the store. At this point, nothing really made sense, and Gabriel's oddly calm demeanor allowed him to react quickly to anything that should happen. These kind of things weren't exactly common in Quantum Urbs, though it was not unheard of. People called it magic, but the users called it science. It came down to personal views, either paranormal or scientific. <br><br>"My name is Gabriel." He introduced, looking down at the girl. <br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Minutes Before...</span></em></strong><br><br>Agent Jayden had been chasing this man through Quantum Urbs for some time, now. The fugitive was just within his reach, and he wouldn't let anything stop him. Rain smacked his windshield heavily, creating a constant loud noise and partially obscuring his vision. His headlights cut through the darkness with precision; enough to see the idiot in the middle of the road. Jayden pressed in the horn, sending the warning shot to the man but to no avail. The man walked, almost in a trance, towards the small shop on the side of the road. He noted a few more people enter the shop, and thought to himself <em>At least they will be safe inside</em>.<br><br>He parked his car in the parking lot across the street from the small shop. He stepped out into the rain and the darkness, disregarding the wetness. As he stood to full height, he came face to face with his target. "What the-!" Jayden shouted, reaching for his firearm. The man, dressed in a simple sweat jacket, which was now drenched in rain, kicked Jayden into the car. The agent slammed into the vehicle, falling to the ground, but quickly reaching for his gun which had slid across the ground. The target jumped backwards with insane distance, landing in the middle of the street. Jayden quickly stood, aiming his gun at the criminal. "Been expectin' ya, Agent." The man whispered in an eerie tone. Trying to keep it quiet, as to not rouse the citizens in the store, Jayden simply walked slowly towards the target, his finger resting readily on the trigger. <br><br>The man dashed to the left, throwing his hand out and sending a wave of fire through the window of the small store, probably killing everyone inside. "Damn it!" Jayden yelled, firing his gun and moving forwards. <br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Gabriel...</span></em></strong><br><br>A man made his way into the shop, probably the one that exerted the fire a moment ago. Gabriel peered over the now black counter, interested in the scenario that his instincts told him was coming. A part of him wasn't surprised when he seen who it was. The man was actually a boy, brown hair and brown eyes with a faded goatee. "Isaac..." Gabriel growled, realizing it was his brother. It didn't make sense why Gabriel wasn't shocked, or didn't scream 'What the hell are you doing!?'. It was his younger brother, after all. Gabriel approached his brother cautiously, attempting to calm the situation. "Calm down, little brother." Gabriel said, putting his hands in front of him in an easing motion. He knew it would do no good; his brother was frighteningly calm. Stoic, even. Gabriel's eyes couldn't even keep up as his brother moved over to the girl with quickness and finesse. He grabbed her by her black hair and pulled her up. He looked at her with a confused look, then looked at Gabriel. "Hey, now." Gabriel said. "Don't do anything you may regret, little brother." Gabriel cautioned. Isaac held up his hand and fire formed in it, giving Gabriel a provoking look. With speed nearly matching his brother's, a speed he had never known existed, Gabriel raced forward. He gripped his brother's hand and bent it back, striking his brother in the throat. His brother coughed and, as a result of the pain, released the woman and grabbed his own throat. He scowled, taking his still burning hand and striking Gabriel with it, scorching his brother's shirt. <br><br>Shots rang through the air at Isaac and a man rushed over. "Damn kids..." He growled as Isaac made his way out the back entrance. "Leaving me with no damn choice..." He knelt over Gabriel, looking at his scorched shirt. The damage seemed pretty bad. The man looked up and called to the man in the back of the store. "You! Call 911!" He shouted. He began to rip what was left of Gabriel's shirt off of him. "What happened just now, lady?" The man asked to the woman. "What the hell?" He said once the shirt was fully removed, revealing his torso. The man was uninjured, and was excellently fit and healthy. Gabriel had tight, defined pecs and a four pack to boot. He was healthy and none of the fire had diminished any part of his body. "That isn't possible..."<br><br>OOC: Sorry if this is sloppy. It's really late and I need to get the story moving along :p Promise it will be better tomorrow!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 02:01:00 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				*Shar stood opposite the shop as the rain eased to a light mist. Her right foot tapping impatiently against the slabs beneath her. Fighting the urge to lean against the bus stop pole. Though the day had been good none the less she was tired. She had finally gained that promotion she had been seeking for two years , she had a dinner set for business talk with her boss tomorrow night. Finally everything in her work life was going in the right direction.*<br><br>*She lifted a right hand up to pull the brown hood that covered her hair as far forward as possible. Trying to cover and protect the dark red hair from the constant damp.*<br><br>*Her eyes briefly flitted about the stores as her impatience and boredom grew as no bus seemed to be appearing in the horizon any time soon. Her attention caught as the man that had been gazing into the store seemed to finally decide what he wished for and entered in. She did not seem to notice any one else until the sudden blaze of fire lit the street brightly as she instinctively ducked down even though the fire was drawn towards the store. Seconds seemed to pass before the sound of gun shots reached her ears, surprised by such with the blaze of horns and sudden cars braking.*<br><br>*Her eyes narrowed as she reached into a purse, grasping with ease her phone rapidly sliding the ,outh piece down she pressed it tightly against her ear as she backed into what darkness was left trying to blend in.* <br><br>Police please. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 03:06:26 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: I got a bit confused with the last section.&nbsp; I will do my best with it.<br><br>He started to explain he was protecting her.&nbsp; A confusion washed over her.&nbsp; She was a mere store clerk in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere.&nbsp; If you looked up nowhere in the dictionary, you got a picture of this store.&nbsp; Why would she need protection?&nbsp; From what?&nbsp; From whom?&nbsp; She started to protest, but then he reasserted himself as looking for someone.&nbsp; This made sense.&nbsp; She began to pay attention.&nbsp; She began to relax again, a smile claiming her features.&nbsp; Before she could reply, he asks another question with only a momentary breath before he was whisking her over the coutner.&nbsp; Dazed, she could not fathom what was happening.&nbsp; A sense of panic, fear, confusion and surrealism grips her.&nbsp; It was oddly countered by a brief flash of joy.&nbsp; He was on her.&nbsp; Those blue eyes so close....&nbsp; Those boyish features, including the jock-gone-silly-when-near-a-girl smile were so close she could feel his breath on her skin. Then the flame shot past them, followed by the bullets.&nbsp; Her notice of him was stolen, much to her chagrin.<br><br>She was happy to stay down, behind the counter, but her savior jumped up and started speaking to... HIS BROTHER???&nbsp; She had to see this!&nbsp; She stands and looks at them rather confused.&nbsp; If she had to take a picture of what she saw at that moment, it would be a whirl of lines and blobs of color and motion to keep anything from convelescing.&nbsp; A hand grips her hair and she is on her tip toes.&nbsp; She hears voices, but the words are gone.&nbsp; Pain closes her ears.&nbsp; There was a flash of heat.&nbsp; Where did this heat come from?&nbsp; She can only guess where the flames originated as her mind shuts down further.&nbsp; A blackness threatening to take her.&nbsp; Her hair is released.&nbsp; She slumps to the floor.&nbsp; If she can get some rest through this, she might actually wake up in a better place than she started the day, but how likely is that?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 05:25:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke was debating whether to strike now or bide his time, when fate intervened and made the choice for him. A blast of flame ripped through the shopfront windows and devoured the first couple aisles of junk food and outrageously overpriced groceries, and he noted approvingly as Shaggy tossed the cutie pie over the counter to safety. Luke dove behind a nearby stand of toilet paper and plucked his earbuds out of his head before taking another bite of his apple.<br><br>'Ah, Marcos, you really do provide me the most interesting jobs...'<br><br>As the fire dissipated, Luke poked his head up just high enough to catch some of the conflict between Shaggy and the toaster, and his grin returned as he heard enough snippets of the conversation to piece their relationship together. His teeth sank back into the apple and a bit of juice ran down his chin as he watched little brother pop Shaggy and hightail it out the back. Luke was just about to move forward to take advantage of the situation when a suit burst onto the scene, cursing to himself and scanning the area for further threats, his weapon at the ready. <br><br>"Hey, you! Call for help, 911! Now!" The suit cried, his eyes on Luke before turning back to inspect Shaggy's wounds. Luke manufactured a suitably panicked expression and pulled out a burn phone, jammed the buttons in what appeared to be controlled hysteria, and forced himself to hold back his laughter as he spoke to the emergency services operator. <br><br>"Uh, uh, yeah, um, there was this...this huge EXPLOSION, I'm-I'm-I'm in a store on, what was it, yeah, 43rd Street, yeah, right, 43rd, and there's, oh man, I think there's people hurt, oh jeez, send help, send the cops, send somebody quick!" Luke quickly hung up before the operator could reply and slid the phone back into an empty pocket. <br><br>'And the Actor of the Year is...' he thought with a smile. He crept forward toward Shaggy and the girl, warily watching the suit and observing Shaggy's distinct lack of damage. He knelt beside the girl and gently shook her shoulder, rousing her back to consciousness.<br><br>"Hey...hey, cutie. Are you ok?" He asked, his face a mask of concern. 'Maybe I'll wait to strike after all,' he thought to himself as she lolled on the floor.<br><br>'So much more fun to make them trust me first....'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 05:32:32 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She is shaken a bit.&nbsp; Her eyes half open and her head pops to attention, but the blackness refuses to receed.&nbsp; Her eyes fall shut and her head rolls back to the side, resting against whatever it fell against.&nbsp; She will remember being referred to as 'Cutie' through the blackness but it will float freeform in her memories, unconnected to anything at this time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 05:45:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man of Ice had witnessed the events from across the street, all the while holding his sharp toothed grin. As the the&nbsp; man who fired the shots at the one who caused the fire run inside to check on the damage, The man of ice as well made his way casualy across the street. "Damn, this Isaac fellow can sure do a lot of damage. The pay better be good for this little brat!" He said under his breath as he stepped in side what was once a store. the small fires that had still been burning from the blast all seemed to disappear as the man of ice entered, a cool breeze blew through the store.<br><br>He took in what was happening around him now, The guy with the weird clothes for the weather, the almost past out girl on the floor, The boy with the inky hair being helped by the man with the gun, But no Isaac! 'Shit! He got away! some one here has to know something, or else theirs going to be some civilian casualties.'&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 05:58:53 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				*Shar slung herself against the wall behind her. Thankfully most of the shadows seeming to prevent her being spotted as she waited for the emergency services to respond to the information she gave them. The street address and as much information on the situation she could give.*<br><br>*Her jaw dropped slightly as she watched another man enter the shop.*<br><br>"Has everyone's survival instincts finally burned out?"<br><br>*She muttered silently to herself as the sound faint sounds of sirens began to taint the air, though they were still some distance away. Her phone felt as if it had been glued to her ear. The pressure she put against it causing her ear discomfort as she observed what she could from across the way. Her eyes narrowing as the flames started to dim as the last man entered. Her curiosity starting to fill her more than the knowledge of the risks at hand. *<br><br>*Lowering herself to the ground she slowly half shuffled and half crawled as close as she currently dared.* <br><br>*The&nbsp; operator sounding oddly and frustratingly calm as they continued to converse. Some how seeming to make light of the situation that was unfolding before her.* <br><br>"Yes I hear them coming now. !
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 09:11:09 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Ahh, back from Ihop with a full mind<br><br>Gabriel's eyes stuttered open before a gasp of air was released from his body. He focused on the light in the store, trying to maintain consciousness. In a haze, he looked to his right to see an unfamiliar man, dressed formally. By the looks of it, the man was a fed. He nodded his head to the left to see the woman, who seemed to be in a confused stupor. "Hey, don't move." An echoing voice warned. Against the voice's instruction, Gabriel began to sit up. "Get away from me. I'm fine." Gabriel said angrily. He placed his palm to his head, trying to stop the hectic spinning. He noticed a man above the woman, gripping her shoulders. He felt like saying <em>hey back off</em>, but Gabriel had no legitimate reason to. Yeah, he liked the girl, but seeing as he had no relationship with her, he had no grounds to say anything. Instead, an angry glare was in his eyes. His eyes shifted from a glong, light blue, to a radiant dark blue. A scowl briefly washed over him, just before looking back down at the girl. "Are you ok?" He asked her, his eyes brightening back to it's original tone. "She wasn't the one hit with the fireball, kid. You should really-" He stopped when he took note of how the boy looked at the girl. "You two dating or something?" Jayden asked angrily. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 10:09:00 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She begins to stir with so much attention.&nbsp; She flutters her eyes, but they don't quite open.&nbsp; She listens to them over her.&nbsp; She can't quite piece the meanings of the words together right.&nbsp; She must have hit her head somewhere through that event.&nbsp; It is the only way she can account for the waves of dizziness and the absolutely persistent darkness fighting to keep her in its graps.&nbsp; She remembers those soft blue eyes and pushes to the light.&nbsp; Those eyes.&nbsp; That hair.&nbsp; The boyish charm.&nbsp; She snapped awake as his voice finally reaches through the darkness to connect to her disjointed thoughts and images.&nbsp; She looks up and sees not him but another.&nbsp; Was he wearing an island shirt?&nbsp; In this weather???&nbsp; She blinks again, thinking she must have hit her head harder than first thought.&nbsp; <br><br>The pain hits her then.&nbsp; Like a badly dubbed kung-fu movie, the pain took a bit of time to realize itself.&nbsp; Her hand flies to the back of her head and she scrunches up into a ball.&nbsp; She does not cry out nor complain.&nbsp; The tightly closed eyes squeeze out the pain she refuses to verbalize, wetting her cheeks.&nbsp; Her arms now block her face as the are pulled elbow to elbow in front of her face with hands behind her head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 10:36:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke struggled mightily to refrain from laughing at the look on Shaggy's face, and only managed to withhold his amusement by remembering the suit's presence. 'Stay cool, man; they still think you're an average civvie, so let's not disillusion 'em too much,' he thought. He shifted a little, cradling the girl's head and shoulders in his lap, and looked over at the two men.<br><br>"Dating? Well, nah, not yet. But, I <em>am </em>an optimist," he said with a wink and a grin. Luke realized the suit was talking to Shaggy, but he just couldn't pass up a chance to mess with the poor guy a little. His response was priceless, and he drank it in over the edge of his shades. Just to drive the nail in a little deeper, Luke absently reached down and stroked a lock of shop girl's hair out of her face.<br><br>Luke's enjoyment of loverboy's expression was a little short-lived, however, as he noticed Frosty's presence. He seemed to suck the heat out of the surrounding air, and radiated a sense of ''don't-fuck-with-me-ocity''. He would have loved to stand up and pick a fight with the snowman right then and there, but the circumstances demanded he uphold his current 'concerned citizen' persona a little longer. Besides, shop girl was beginning to stir a little, and he was <em>very </em>comfortable...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 11:06:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren, The man of ice; quickly remembered all of what had just transpired in the store while he was outside, and chose his first person to interrogate, Gabriel. Joren, with a toothy snarl on his frozen face, walked to where the two were and swiftly punched the man in the suit hard in the side of the head. Like a rag doll he flew into the side of the counter knocked out cold, then his gray gaze of determination turned to the boy with the inky hair, who was now trying to stand. Joren swiftly grabbed him by the neck and pushed him up against the wall. "Okay kid! Tell me every thing you know about the person who just lit up this place like a fire work on Quantum day!!"&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 27, 2010, 11:48:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her head pounds and throbs.&nbsp; The pain begins to dull with the moments that pass though.&nbsp; She begins to be aware that arms are about her and she is in someone's lap.&nbsp; There are clues that it is a male someone.&nbsp; The hairy legs below the shorts.&nbsp; A vague scent that is definitely not one women have.&nbsp; The shorts themselves and the shoes.&nbsp; What woman had feet that large?&nbsp; The hands were stronge and worn, uncared for.&nbsp; She thinks 'so this is what it takes for me to get a date???'&nbsp; Then she realizes suddenly that this is not the one with the blue eyes.&nbsp; Who is in the store?&nbsp; WAIT!&nbsp; THE STORE!!!&nbsp; She sits up suddenly only to be dashed with waves of dizziness.&nbsp; She falls back into the lap and the waiting arms.&nbsp; Bits and pieces of the conversation float past the pain, but not enough that she can understand anything yet.&nbsp; Later she will note that in all the chaos she had two guys fighting over her when she had not had a date in so long.&nbsp; She will later think about what sort of events will have to happen before she gets another date.&nbsp; For now she focuses on stopping the room from spinning.&nbsp; She screams out "STOP!"&nbsp; To her head, but they may have been to Joren for the timing of it, he had just pushed the one with those blue eyes against the wall.&nbsp; Had she been aware, she would have done her best to stop Joren right there anyways.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 12:40:06 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Do you want to die...?" Gabriel asked, his voice different than before. Darker. "I suggest that you let me down..." He locked eyes with the Ice Man, Gabriel's eyes turning back to the dark blue, almost black. "You know, you shouldn't have done that." Came Jayden's voice, who was thought to of been knocked out. They all turned, surprised. "Cybernetics." He said, blue lines quickly passing through his eyes. "Makes it hard to knock me out. Actually, it makes it hard to do much of anything." Jayden laughed, drawing his pistol. He aimed it at the Ice Man. "You know, you pricks really need to work on your attitude. Superiority complexes haven't really worked out in the past, and they won't start now. Are you familiar with the term 'Tragic Flaw'?" Jayden asked the Ice Man. "Your Tragic Flaw is underestimating an Agent. We were made to deal with people like you." <br><br>Anger boiled over in Gabriel. "Put down the kid, please." Jayden requested. "I got this, sir." Gabriel growled. Gabriel noticed the girl awake, and in the arms of that bastard. "Let me go...or I will melt you, Snow Man." The ice that clung to the man was cold against Gabriel's flesh. He looked to the panic woman, his eyes returning to their soft glow and the scowl on his face gone. "Don't worry." He said to her softly. "It will be fine." <br><br>"And you," Gabriel said, talking to the man who was caressing the woman "You can stop the act. Bastard. If we all want to get out of this alive, I suggest we all calm down. First and foremost, you have got to let me down." Gabriel instructed to the man holding him. "Secondly, you need to get off her and be on your merry way." he then shifted his glance to Jayden. "Lastly, you need to stop hunting my brother."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 03:37:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke watched, somewhat amused, as Frosty stomped over to Shaggy and tossed him against the wall. 'Tough,' he thought, 'but not exactly Mr. Subtle. If he fights like he interrogates, he's way more out of his league than I thought.' He shifted once again to catch the shop girl as she tried to rise to her feet, only to fall back into his grasp, and maneuvered himself on the floor as unobtrusively as he could manage. He was mildly surprised when the suit picked himself up out of the rubble, but in truth part of him had expected it. Only an idiot would actually chase an elemental without a few tricks of their own up their sleeve. He glanced down at shop girl and shifted a little more on the floor, turning his gaze back to the men.<br><br>"Great. So now we've got a refrigerator and a can opener on our hands. Good news, Kitten; if this place goes out of business maybe you can open a home furniture department," he stage whispered to the dazed girl, his laughter barely stifled. Then he looked up at Shaggy as he spoke, and his grin turned from entertained to psychotic.<br><br>"Oh really, Shaggy? Well, you know what? I can count, too. First and foremost, this isn't an act. I really am a bastard." Luke tightened his grip on the girl with one arm, while the other reached back beneath his shirt. "Secondly, I'm not so sure I should 'get off her', as you say. She seems quite comfortable right where she is," he said, baring his teeth in a feral smile as he stared the men down over his shades. "And three, I'm not really that interested in the three of you getting out of this alive, anyway." And with that he withdrew his hand from behind his back, holding a pair of charged frag grenades. He threw the grenades recklessly, aiming for both Shaggy and the Popsicle and the agent, and as they left his hand Luke nueroactivated his personal gravity manipulator to wrap himself and his captive in a small, impenetrable, perfectly frictionless sphere of relocalized gravity. The blast was enough to pick them up and send them flying straight out through the broken storefront onto the street outside, where they landed unharmed. Immediately Luke shut down his pgm and swept the shop girl up over his shoulder, just gentle enough not to give the poor girl another concussion.<br><br>"Now, are you going to be a good girl, or will I have to tranq you?" he asked, calling back over his shoulder as he broke into a light run. He didn't wait for an answer, however, deciding instead to put as much distance between himself and the others as possible. Luke didn't honestly expect the grenades to kill the others, certainly not the agent and probably not the kid, but he was definitely hoping they'd spend a little extra time killing each other before starting the hunt for him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 04:14:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*The sirens in the distance started to grow louder as they drew closer, though the stop in traffic prevented them getting too close to the store itself. Shar slowly drew enough courage , stupidity or perhaps curiosity to place herself behind a car in front of the store. It was badly burnt and she could feel the heat that still radiated from it. She watched inside as much as possible making a silent head count before passing the information to the operator. She watched one of the men rise to slam another into a wall. Her eyes tightly focusing on each minute detail as muchas possible. As she saw the two grenades get launched into the air she ducked down once more as the earth seemed to shake beneath her. Two people appeared, one male and one female , from the over heard conversation she deemed the gentleman was anything but.*<br><br>*She watched silently as the man started to move off with the female, a brief glance within the store once more before her gazed turned to the direction of the unhappy couple.* <br><br>*For a moment she was torn over how to help if at all. Her voice sounding barely above a whisper as she informed the operator of the kidnap then took pursuit. Her intention not to catch him but at least find out where he was going.*
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 10:45:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She if vaguely aware of the events around her.&nbsp; They do not make the conscious brain at this time.&nbsp; Later bits and pieces will disjointedly come back to her and it will be a puzzle that keeps her busy.&nbsp; Stories from others may help her place her puzzle into a slightly askew picture, but that is all later.&nbsp; For now, all she is aware of is the pain and the dizzy, the way when she turns her head, she can see movement lines like a badly done cartoon.&nbsp; She feels the tenderness leave the one holding her and is not sure what is happening.&nbsp; She opens her eyes again, but only gets a peak before the lights blind her.&nbsp; It wasn't even sunny out, why do the dull lights blind her?&nbsp; Not having a concusion before, she does not know what is going on with her.&nbsp; The earth shakes, but she is unsure if that is the earth or her own issues.&nbsp; Still she cries out in pain as the spinning in her head sped up.&nbsp; She feels herself jostled about, tossed over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes, only with a bit more care.&nbsp; She moans loudly as her head has to readjust.&nbsp; As he begins to move about, she whimpers.&nbsp; She clings to him, really unable to put up much fuss.&nbsp; Somewhere in that darkness one image remains strong and true before her eyes.&nbsp; Softly glowing blue eyes.&nbsp; Her heart calls out to those eyes.&nbsp; She lifts a pathetic hand towards the store, but the man steps over something or off a curb or such and her body is slightly jolted.&nbsp; The hand goes straight to her head and tries to steady it.&nbsp; Somewhere in the back of her mind, a rather odd sense of humor would ask "I wonder if he is enjoying the view" with her backside so prominently displayed.&nbsp; At this point, she would have begged for the tranq, but could not.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 11:25:25 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren struggled to get to his feet, but after a few seconds finally stood. 'WHAT THE FUCK!? The little piece of shit! Clearly i'm not the only interested party here, but i am the most powerful.' Joren was infuriated, almost enough to melt him if got even more pissed off. He thought not of Gabriel and the agent, but was focused the fool running with the store girl over his shoulder. "Your dead!!" He yelled at the one who through the frags. Joren, with a piece of sharp ice, cut the band holding his pony tail and let it hang loosely down his back. As he focused on luke and the girl, Joren's eye turned white. He pointed his hand at the ground and in almost a second the road and walkways in the direction of luke tuned to solid ice, causing luke and girl to slip and fall hard on the ground. "HA!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 11:54:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel quickly rustled himself free from the Ice Man and kicked the grenade closest to him out of the open back door, sending it safely away from him. In the small amount of time, he ducked behind one of the shelves as he grenades exploded. The shelf toppled over, almost crushing him, had it not been for the next shelf holding it up. He emerged quickly, and left the store, knowing what he wanted. In the distance, he seen the man with the girl over his shoulder.<br><br>Gabriel appeared in front of them, the speed of his run almost like a teleportation. He walked towards the man with anger. "Oh, I know your a bastard. The 'act' was acting normal. Now you all have had your chances, now its time for MINE!" Gabriel shouted, finally having enough of everyone's antics. He reached his hand out, sending a wave of blue, fog-like energy at the man, sending him flying back, losing grip of the girl. At the same time, the ground slicked to ice. Gabriel braced himself, ready for the unbalance to come. The ice spread under his feet, though he had a firm placement. He jumped forward and caught the girl before she hit the ground. "Are they going to keep knocking her around?" Gabriel asked aloud. He landed, slidding to his knees. Angrily, he spread heat through the ground, melting the ice in the area around him. Gabriel turned to walk away, swiping his hand backwards and sending a wall of fire shooting up, extending far enough to make a nice barrier between the two and everyone else. "By the time you find your way around this, I will be gone. Have fun you two!" Gabriel shouted through the fire. Before anyone could respond, Gabriel and the girl were gone.<br><br>Where had this power come from? How did he know how to use it? Why was his brother being chased by an Agent? Many questions that could not be answered yet. With the girl between his arms, Gabriel returned to his home. He fumbled with the keys, finally finding the one that suited the lock on his apartment. He was on the fourth floor, and had recently outfitted his house with technology to cloak his presence among all the other people there. He went into his room and carefully placed the girl on the large bed, covering her up. He made his way back out into the living room for a brief moment, turning on the tv. As he watched, he checked his pocket for the device he used to cloak his presence. The last few days had been extremely weird. Odd reports on the news, all this information popping into his head, and all these weird people? His life had spiraled out of control. He wasn't sent into this situation empty handed. The information in his head included schematics for devices to cloak him and anyone around him. It was impossible to track him. He pulled out the device, and it was working perfectly. It was small, black, and silver. He stretched, letting out a grunt. He went to sit on the couch, being stopped by his own dirtiness. He had forgotten how dirty the nights event's had gotten him, and it had left him shirtless. He went back into the room and picked out some clothing, heading into the bathroom that was attached to his bedroom. He turned on the light, and partially shut the door, quickly getting into the warm shower.<br><br>His room was surprisingly clean for someone his age. His bed was a king size with black covers and black pillows. It was insanely comfortable, and it was almost like sleeping on a cloud. His floor was carpeted, the color white, and his furniture was a slick marble black. He had different portraits throughout the room, the frame for each being black. Needless to say, black was one of his favorite colors. He also liked the color scheme of black and white. In the room was a tv, as well as a covered candle at his bed side. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 02:28:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Like it always seems to, everything happened at once. Luke had just barely had time to slip a nanotracer into the girl's clothes when he was distracted by a chick with a cell phone trying to tail him, and being very bad at it. Before he could turn around and warn the poor girl off, the ground snaked out from under him and the girl was suddenly out of his hands. On pure instinct he reactivated his pgm an instant before Shaggy appeared and blasted him with what probably would have been a lethal shot of energy, hurling him almost clear through a brick wall. He and the girl were gone before Luke could push off the wall, and he stood just feet from the towering firewall, shaking his head with a smile.<br><br>"Guess my working vacation's over. Looks like it's time to go to work for real," he muttered to himself. He called up Nirvana, his on-board A.I. companion, for assistance and the two discussed matters at thoughtspeed.<br><br>'Looks like you underestimated things, Luke. As usual,' Nirvana said as she scanned through the evening's events. 'Three elementals AND an Agent? You do love to piss people off, don't you?'<br><br>'Come on, 'Ana. You know the stated parameters of this job; Marcos never said anything about anyone being involved besides the girl. How were we supposed to know she had some creepy secret stalker waitin' around to play hero? Not to mention the cop and the yeti.' <br><br>'Speaking of which...' Nirvana said calmly as she picked up the snowman's approach. Luke ran a hand through his damp hair, re-calibrated his pgm and turned to face the oncoming blizzard, his cocky grin firmly in place.<br><br>"Hey, Frosty! Come on over, pull up a chair! Maybe bring a few hot dogs, we'll have a weenie roast, what do you say?" Luke shouted, smiling like a madman. The snowman picked up the back end of a car and flipped it end over end without breaking stride as he stomped toward the slowly diminishing flames. "I'm gonna kill you, you little shit! That's what I say!" Frosty roared, shards of ice and clumps of snow falling in his path. "You're a dead man! Fucking dead, do you hear me!"<br><br>Luke continued to smile as his opponent moved closer, an imperceptible shake of his head the only acknowledgement of Frosty's presence. 'Yep. Just as I thought. All brawn, no brains. Nirvana, let him have it, sweetie.'<br><br>Luke puffed out his chest and brought up his fists, mockingly over-swinging, his grin never leaving his face. "Is that right, pal? And just what are you gonna do to me, Popsicle? Fix me a sno-cone? I'll have cherry!"<br><br>Joren's eyes widened in rage and disbelief as Luke taunted him. He raised his hand to attack, but hesitated for a split second in confusion as Luke relaxed, brought his hands down and shoved them into his pockets. For just an instant Luke's smile left his face, replaced with a cold, cruel expression, and he lifted a finger from his pocket in mock-salute. "See you around, Snowman," he said quietly.<br><br>And then he vanished.<br><br>Joren whirled around in a frothing rage, scanning for his target in all directions, but he found nothing. Nothing except a dozen pinpoints of light, directly overhead, growing bigger and brighter, until...<br><br><em><strong>~35 Miles North~</strong></em><br><br>Luke materialized on top of a derelict old apartment building, and watched as the Seraphim Satellite cannons hit their mark with deadly precision. The blast was big enough to completely lay waste to 7 square miles of area, and every ounce of force had been centered on Frosty. He seriously doubted he'd be running into <em>that </em>little headache again anytime soon.<br><br>He felt a little bad about the casualties he'd almost certainly incurred. He really hadn't had anything against the Agent, and the cellphone chick was probably just an innocent looky-loo. Luke supposed it wasn't completely inconceivable that they might have survived, but he really preferred not to think about it. If they did survive, it meant there might have been a chance for Frosty to escape, as well. But even if he did manage to crawl away, he certainly wouldn't have come through unscathed. He decided to push those thoughts out of mind and refocus on the job at hand.<br><br>'Nice shooting, 'Ana. Now, about the girl. I slipped a 'tracer into her clothes before Shaggy managed to steal her away again. Is it activated?'<br><br>Nirvana threw up an overlay of the entire city over Luke's shades, and a small, green dot blipped intermittently. 'The nanotracer is active, but there appears to be heavy interference. The signal is very weak, but it should be enough to track.'<br><br>'Excellent. Now, what about Shaggy? What do we know about him? And, what do we know about little brother? I think someone called him "Isaac". Do a db scan, check out the Agency's records for any outstanding warrants or fugitives and cross reference all known and suspected elementals as well as physical and EEG identifiers. I want to know exactly who and what our little white knight is, and how the hell he's related to the girl...'<br><br>'Luke?' 'Yeah, 'Ana?' 'I think you should really up your price for this job...'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 02:47:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel stood in the shower, deep in thought. His mind went back to the tracer had had found while en route to his house. Silently, he thanked the little device he had. Unfortunately, it may have fried the girl's cell phone if she had one. This was why Gabriel did not carry electronics on him. Once activated, the device would slowly destroy any electronics in Gabriel's immediate area (only about a foot away or so). The little tracker had begun to make noise, and Gabriel ditched it far away from his home. <br><br>He began to wonder why these people hounded him so much. Whoever this guy was, he was more than met the eye. he was almost admirable, had it not been for his lack of human safety and his abysmal attitude. The night was beginning to come to a close, the next day seeming weeks away. Gabriel continued his shower, wondering why this had happened, and why he was prepared for nearly everything thrown at him. And what of the girl? Of his brother? The Tracer Man, the Snow Man and the Agent? <br><br>He needed allies. There wasn't any way that he would befriend the Agent; after all, the agent was trying to kill his brother. The Snow Man was also after his brother, so he was out of the question. That left the Tracer Man. Why did he hound Gabriel and the girl? What was his attitude? What was his name and what was his purpose? Something bigger was going on, and Gabriel felt like the only one to notice it. Hell, maybe he was. Him and the Agent. The other two, and the girl, probably had no idea. And he couldn't confront the two hostiles because both were rash. It was an impossible situation. <em>What the hell is wrong with that Tracey guy?</em><br><br>Gabriel leaned against the shower wall, letting the water pour over his head. There were two options. Either leave the city, far away, or meet with the Tracer Man and propose a deal. But, for that to happen, he needed to know what Tracer wanted. For a moment, he had actually considered going towards the tracer and meeting the man. Not a good idea.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 02:50:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*Shar felt her feet almost slip out from under her as the path suddenly turned into a ice rink. The ice appearing in a blink of a eye before another man, or was it the same as before appeared. A odd sensation started at the bottom of her spine, and started to spread up wards,. Like liquid ice filled with electricity. Her hands started to shake as the phone dropped from her hands. The girl was taken by another before she could even react. She was extremely confused by the who they were, why they were there and what was so obviously special about the shop girl.*<br><br>*For now though those thoughts were put on a back burner, the feeling starting to spread to her legs and fingers. She knew this feeling well...though not one she had experienced in a long time. Her heart started to race as sweat beaded along her forehead. Despite the chill of the ground she pulled her hood back exposing her eyes as she started to run away from the scene. She could not be found here, not now, the police were on their way asshe felt the sensation in the pit of her stomach solidify and crystallize . Her body starting to shake as she shook her head roughly.*<br><br>"No..not now..not now please....."<br><br>*Unaware that the next event would actually spare her life Shar suddenly faded from view a loud scream sounding the air before silence fell...until a few moments later when all hell broke loose.* <br><br><em>-Some where-</em><br><br>*A unknown length of time passed before Shar woke up to find herself laying on a branch in a tree. Some where was she in a park? She glanced about the unfamiliar place. She leaned back against the branch she had been resting on. Such had not happened since her youth due to her hold on such skills now though the icy chill continued to swirl along her frame. She briefly pondered what had happened to those back at the shop and the female and male that had taken off. The female certainly had not gone willingly and that concerned her greatly though she had no idea on how to do anything now.*<br><br>*One thing was for sure, she would settle nothing here. Climbing down from the tree she began to walk looking for a phone some where or at least people.* <br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 02:59:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jayden's body was enveloped in metal just before the grenades exploded, shielding him from the blast. He went flying through the back wall of the store, and into a nearby apartment where a family was watching a movie. He stood up, frightening the family. His armor was slick and a dark gray. It was smooth and plated his entire body, even his face. There were two, glowing slits for the eyes as well as for the mouth. "I hate this thing...it's so damn hot." He said to himself, brushing the dirt and debris off of him. "Sorry about the wall. I will get it taken care of." Jayden said, then exiting out of the front door casually. <br><br>Without a moments notice, was sent flying and flipping forward, his body doing a 180 for him to see the sight. The store, the building, and everything around seemed to engulph in a fiery explosion. Explosion after explosion kept his momentum up, sending him through windows, buildings, and vehicles. Awake the entire time, Jayden was cursing hectically. Finally, it all came to a rest. He was miles away by the time all was said and done. He didn't move, but instead just sat there. "God damn..." Jayden said. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 03:42:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"joren..."&nbsp; "Joren..."&nbsp; "JOREN!" The ice man forced himself awake at the sound of someone calling his name. His eye were just open enough to take in surrounding. It looked like he was in a ware house of some kind. He saw he was on a hospital bed with surgical equipment all around him. 'grrrr! so much pain. My body is not meant to feel pain...' Then Joren looked down. "MY LEGS!!! THAT LITTLE FUCKER METED MY LEGS!!! My melting point is +175c! How strong was that blast. Where am I!!?" Suddenly, a voice spoke to him again. "Take it easy boss, It's me, Doctor Kursch" Joren had haired the Doctor a few years ago to help maintain Joren unique frozen body. "Now Joren, that blast was a big one. A lot of down town felt it" Joren spoke up. "Hell yeah it was big! It took my legs!" "Joren your legs well be back by morning, all you need is time for the nitrogen and Element F to settle in your body and they should regrow themselves just like the last time this happened, remember." Joren put his hands over his face and remembered the embarrassing incident when his legs were cut off be one of his targets last year. The Doctor spoke up again. "You and those others have been the talk of the news for the last 3 hours, apparently some woman near the area saw the whole thing. She even escaped that blast the took out 43ed street to tell her tale. I thought were dead for sure Joren until I herd she survived, Luckily I got to the blast site to get you before the authorities did." Joren looked at the Doctor. "When can get out of here and back to work?" "Soon Boss, soon. In the mean time, I have this access card the Federal agents data base." How did you get this!?" Joren asked "It must of fallen from an agent, for i found it at ground zero where I found you sir. With this we will be able to find out more about the those people you engaged at the store. And, More about Isaac." Joren smirked with sharp tooth grin. "Perfect..."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 03:45:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke stood on the sidewalk, across the street from a busy Bucket O'Cluck fast food restaurant, almost doubled over with laughter. The 'tracer had led him halfway across the city, and Nirvana indicated the trail led here. Or more accurately, to the dumpsters around back. He straightened up, shook his head with a smile and wiped a tear of laughter from his eye.<br><br>"Classic...I love this guy!"<br><br>Luke leaned against a traffic light, waiting for a lull, then shuffled across the street into the restaurant. At the counter he ordered a Number 3 special with extra Buck'n'Cluck sauce, then moved to an open booth near the back of the dining room. As he tore into his meal, he discussed matters once again with Nirvana.<br><br>'So, anything on Sir Lancelot and his brother?' A projection of Nirvana appeared in his visual cortex, sitting across from him in the booth, and she shook her head discouragingly. Her long black hair glittered with a million speckles of light, and the markings beneath her iridescent blue eyes glowed and shifted like lightning.<br><br>'Nothing. Whoever they are, someone's gone to a lot of trouble to keep them off radar. I did get a few hits on the other two, however. Your boy Frosty was a hired gun, a merc named Joren-unknown if that's his first name or last-and as far as I can tell, he was hired to capture or assassinate the one named 'Isaac'. It looks like he has a contract with one of the local syndicates, but the records are buried under too much security. Apparently, he's one of the best. A real heavy hitter. One hell of a rap sheet, too; it seems the agency has laid more than a dozen high profile assassinations at his door.'<br><br>'Whew. Here's hoping we took him down a few notches.'<br><br>'Definitely. As for the agent, all I could find on him was a name and department. Agent Jayden-again, I can't be sure if that's a first name or surname-assigned to the Department of Nexthuman Affairs. Promoted recently, but it's standard practice for agents' files to be wiped when they get assigned to the DNA. He's got quite a record, too; nearly a dozen commendations. Oh, and it seems he got to cut the ribbon on a local grocery store opening, isn't that special.'<br><br>'Alright, enough. Open a line, put me through to Marcos. I'm definitely raising my price; this is worth way more than 50K.'<br><br>Luke sipped at his soda as Nirvana hacked a telecomm satellite and routed a call to Adrian Marcos' office. Not for the first time, he thanked whatever was listening for the advent of neural implants as he thoughtspoke with Marcos while forking down his chicken dinner.<br><br><em><strong>~200 Miles Southwest~</strong></em><br><br>"Luke, I didn't expect to hear from you this soon. Do you have her already?"<br><br>Marcos' jaundiced face ran pale as he took in the freelancer's report. "Protected? By whom?... No, she shouldn't have been under watch from anyone, nobody even knows she exists! How the hell...!"<br><br>The old man eased his overweight body into a luxuriant leather chair as he stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Well...do you think this fellow means her any harm?...Is that right...I see..." Laughter erupted from the old man, his belly shaking to and fro as he leaned back in his chair. "Luke, my boy, it seems fate has an even more twisted sense of humor than you do...Yes, yes, of course...Well, I suppose you'll have to make contact somehow...No, of course not...No, if they find out about her, they'll surely kill her...No, in the meantime, let him do the heavy lifting...just keep a watch on them, and..." A heavy sigh escaped the old fellow, and he nodded absently. "Yes, of course...quadruple the fee...anything for the best, my boy...Very well...I'll be expecting updates...Very good. Good hunting."<br><br>Marcos disconnected the call and turned to stare out the expansive bay windows of his office, and absently fingered an old silver locket that dangled about his neck as he stared out over the nightscape...<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 03:59:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*Shar stared at her reflection in the window. Her head was fully covered as she had changed clothes repeatedly. The alien yet known sensation sliding over and beneath her skin, starting to feel like snakes slithering about her.*<br><br>*With a sigh she walked away and towards the motel she was currently hiding in. She had called her parents once she had tracked down a phone to assure them of her safety. The news was still focused on the activities in the street. She felt sorry for thsoe that had died and hoped at least it had been quick though now she felt guilt for running when she had. She did not know what she could of done but perhaps there had been something.*<br><br>*She felt some comfort though in the fact at least any involved and may have seen her would assume she was certainly long dead and that left her with one advantage. Though hardly much seen as the men had powers beyond her understanding and imagination, also they were long gone themselves.*<br><br>"Hell I can not even understand my own let alone any others."<br><br>*She muttered to herself as she walked into her room. She felt it best to stay under the radar for now. It was time to plan though how to step was uncertain....there was one person she could turn to, though such a idea awoke dreams and nightmares of the past rapidly.* <br><br>*Before she could change her mind she picked up the motel phone and dialed in a sequence of numbers.* <br><br>Please pick up.....<br><br>*Her foot started to tap against the floor while her hand shook as she pressed the phone tightly against ehr ear. As the rings started she began to count them..*<br><br>One....two...three....<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 04:23:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With all the jostling of being passed around like a football in a game of keep away, the dizziness was more than she could stand.&nbsp; She had lost her lunch somewhere, probably on Blue Eyes.&nbsp; With the sudden speed and so on, she lost her breakfast and what little belonged to dinner last night as well.&nbsp; Her stomach completely empty and her head clouding over with blackness, she slipped from the world again.&nbsp; <br><br>She awakes nestled among the clouds, black and soft.&nbsp; She reaches out and grabs one and pulls it to her.&nbsp; She latches onto that cloud, wrapping arms and a leg about it.&nbsp; Pictures, sounds and movements paint a picture that jars the mind the way Philip Glass's music can do.&nbsp; Sharp, jagged memories needle her awake.&nbsp; Only the calm of those blue eyes and the softness of the clouds she rests amongst lulled her this long.&nbsp; She awake to hear the shower going.&nbsp; She is immediately confused as she lives alone.&nbsp; Ok, so her cat was there, but no one who would use a shower.&nbsp; Her eyes spring open and she takes in the monochrome colors of black and white throughout the space.&nbsp; She stuck out like a sore thumb with that bright yellow vest that was the store uniform.&nbsp; She looked down and it hung in shreds.&nbsp; Her clothes were not exactly what she would call... there.&nbsp; Falling, being shot at, having fire too close to her, frag shots and all the other ado, it was amazing she lived at all.&nbsp; Some questions assault her brain like the firing squad on crack.<br><br>"Where am I?&nbsp; Who am I with?&nbsp; How do I get my hands on a bed like this?&nbsp; But maybe some color... red possibly...&nbsp; &nbsp;What the HELL HAPPENED????&nbsp; Why me?&nbsp; Who were all those people?&nbsp; not just names but WHO???&nbsp; Who shoots fire, ice, air, water whatnot from themselves without the joys of specially made weapons?&nbsp; Why me?&nbsp; I'm no one special?"<br><br>Her confusion lies in the simple, mundane life she leads.&nbsp; She lives alone with her cat.&nbsp; She works too hard for not enough money or credit.&nbsp; She is mainly ignored, unseen by those who actually live life.&nbsp; She hasn't had a date in longer than she dare to think about.&nbsp; She has no family that she knows of, her family history being a bit sketchy.&nbsp; She was raised by her mother alone.&nbsp; The mother took ill with an illness that takes forever to actually claim a life but a fortune to diagnose or manage.&nbsp; Her mother never really did tell her about her father or grandparents.&nbsp; She just lived a nothing life in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere.&nbsp; <br><br>She begins to climb from bed, trying to piece together all the fragments of thought and memory.&nbsp; Her feet touch the floor as she rolls of the massive fluff of comfort.&nbsp; She finds something solid, plants her feet and begins to rise.&nbsp; She takes a step and tries to stabalize herself as her head begins to assert itself.&nbsp; Less painful, less dizzy, less confusion, but not completely right yet.&nbsp; She falls to the floor, grabbing anything for balance.&nbsp; She got a hold of something, but it was not grounded and it went tumbling to the floor and is no longer whole.&nbsp; Pieces around her.&nbsp; She lays a hand on her arm and closes her eyes, letting the darkness claim her momentarily as her head fights against the urge to sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 07:58:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel was just turning off the water when he heard a crash. He quickly slipped on some pants and rushed out to find the girl on the floor. Still wet, gently picked her up by the shoulders, her back to him. "Hey. Can you hear me?" He asked, the threatening tone of voice he had with the others gone, and replaced by his normal, boyish voice. She slumped against his chest, causing the back of her shirt to be wet. The water was probably going to wake her up, which could be a good thing. Still supporting her, he turned her around to face him and wrapped his arms around her back, giving more support. He took a closer look at her, inspecting the damage. He hobbled her over to the bed and eased her down. Now that his mind was clear, and it was just he and her, he actually noticed her lack of clothing. Multiple parts of her were exposed, causing him to blush rapidly. He turned to the drawer to retrieve some clothes and returned promptly with a white t-shirt and a pair of boxers. He went over to her and set the clothes on the bed. He went over and leaned over her, examining the wound further. There was a bump on her head, and some blood, but she would be fine. His eyes rolled over her face. He hadn't been this close to her before, and he realized the beauty was evident at this range.<br><br>He went to the bathroom, grabbing a wet towel for her, and returned quickly, as he did with everything else. He was naturally hasty. He leaned back over her and placed the towel on her head. He brushed her hair back, removing it from under the towel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 08:39:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the tender administrations from Gabriel, him, she starts to stir.&nbsp; Her hand goes to the towel.&nbsp; The coolness an anchor in the hurricane of her brain.&nbsp; Slowly, she was able to gain herself amidst the torrent.&nbsp; Her eyes flutter open.&nbsp; Black lack on tanned, olive skin opening to reveal her almost amber eyes.&nbsp; She sees the one thing that she clung to since this strange night began.&nbsp; Those soft blue eyes nestled in the boyish charm that was his face.&nbsp; The inky black hair falling free about his features, framing them completely.&nbsp; She blushed softly.&nbsp; As is natural with a blush, her eyes lower.&nbsp; She notes his chest, still glistening with dampness from the shower.&nbsp; It does little to dissuade that blush.&nbsp; As her cheeks flush a bit deeper, her eyes fall lower.&nbsp; Black pants over a well toned thigh.&nbsp; Ok, that was safe.&nbsp; "Who..."&nbsp; She paused as she cleared her parched throat.&nbsp; She curled her lips in to wet them, but with the cotton filling her mouth (or so it felt), it was a futile gesture.&nbsp; "Who are you?"&nbsp; Her voice sounding harsh in her own ears, a few tones lower than normal and raspy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 08:58:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke finished his dinner and sat back in his booth. He pulled out a small notebook from one of his rear pockets and laid it out in front of him, opened it to a mostly clean page, withdrew a pen from the bent spiral and redirected his attentions to Nirvana.<br><br>'Alright, looks like we'll have to track them down the hard way. 'Ana, see how many orbital viewing stations you can access, and give me a readout on the city. Three or four stations should give us the data we need.'<br><br>Nirvana's holojection vanished with a nod, and seconds later a hi-res aerial view map of QU was displayed on his shades. 'OK, give me UV and infra-red filters...zoom in to 150 mile radius...now remove all commercial and non-residential structures...probably a safe bet to eliminate suburban and rural areas, too, this boy strikes me as a city crawler...doubtful he's a homeowner either, so remove all private homes and secondary dwellings...' With every command, the brightly lit mini-map grew dimmer and emptier, until all that remained were image locations of apartment buildings, shelters and hotel/motels.<br><br>Of which there were many.<br><br>'Right...'Ana, bring up the heat emission records for each of these locations for the last three weeks. Let's try to find ourselves a pattern.'<br><br>For the next three hours, Luke sat quietly at his table, pen in hand, occasionally scratching a doodle or a note in the margins of the page. For all the world, he appeared to be nothing but a night owl killing time at an all night diner. But internally, he and Nirvana were working furiously, checking ownership and registration records, digging for information that would indicate the number of people expected to be living in each domicile, and crosschecking that information against the infra-red heat emissions to determine how many were actually staying there. Information over a three-week period should have been enough to provide sufficient data to develop a few low level heuristic algorithms, and as the night went on the number of buildings displayed on the map diminished greatly.<br><br>At last, there were only 37 buildings left. A little more digging determined 17 of those to be squatters' residences. Twelve were simply unregistered home offices. Five proved to be instances of people using empty apartments to cheat on their spouses, and two were actually legitimate but were filed incorrectly.<br><br>But one...<br><br>The last residence was an apartment, on the fourth floor of Arcadia Towers. According to the records, it had been leased to QuantUmbraTech for several years, but there were no occupants registered. Yet satellite readings indicated long-term occupancy of a single tenant-and what's more, the current emission readout pointed to an additional heat signature.<br><br>Mystery occupant + mystery occupant = Lancelot and Guinevere.<br><br>Luke sat back at the table, a triumphant smile on his face as he stared down at the address circled on the page.<br><br>'Gotcha...'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 10:22:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Extremely well played.<br><br>"You're awake. Good." Gabriel said, reaching his finger into her mouth and plucking out the cotton. He had inserted it in to absorb any blood that may have been in. He examined it, noting a tiny bit of blood. "My name is Gabriel Ureha." He answered, leaning off of her. He ambled over to the entrance of the room, flicking on the lights. "I normally prefer candles, but...I only have one and I don't think it is exactly safe to leave this place right now." He spoke. "I am not exactly sure what is going on..." He admitted, scratching the back of his head. A towel hung around his neck and he used it to dry his hair by rustling it. "I will start from the top. You may have to think about it for a moment before fully understanding it, but this is what happened so far: A week ago, just under two, I woke up with a heightened sense of alertness. This was only recently, but about a year ago, almost two, I woke up, and it was like information was fed to me in my sleep. I suddenly knew how to make all these devices, make all this technology. My bank account was filled with money, and I somehow knew where to acquire parts needed. I purchased all the parts needed, though at the time I didn't know what it was I was building. I had an odd drive to do so. And I completed a lot of things, things which would take months for an entire corporation to make." He went over and sat closely next to the girl. He eyed her up and down and turned red. "You...may want to change, ya know." He leaned back on the bed, arms behind his head. "I outfitted myself with a device that can hide my presence from almost everything. The only way to know where I am is to directly see me or something. I outfitted the apartment, as well as the ones below it, with a lot of stuff as well. The most notable is the cloaking device, a more advance and larger version of the one I carry on my person. Crazy stuff, really. Unlike the smaller version, which may have fried your phone, this one is technology safe. I also built an AI into it. Crazy, huh?" He laughed. "Somehow, during all this weirdness, I remain calm. Like I expect everything. And just tonight, everything changed. I first seen you working in the store about a month ago. I have seen you walking around and the such as well. I live in the area, you see. And tonight, I had this instinct, this feeling, that something was going to happen. That you were in danger. I watched over you for most of the night, without you knowing. Eventually, I felt that if I didn't do something, you were going to die. So thats when I came into the store."<br><br>He looked over to her, her clothes shredded. "That's when the fire started. It was me, you, some tracking guy, some ice guy, and an Agent. I didn't notice anyone else, but we were all there. The chances of that are slim. And the tracking guy had an interest in you. A dangerous one." His eyes turned a deep blue. "And the man that came crashing through the store, the one that grabbed you, was my brother. There is no point in trying to sugar coat anything. He actually tried to kill me. My brother..." Gabriel sighed, leaving a moment of silence. "The entire area, and everyone there, were destroyed by the tracer guy. As far as I know the Agent and Snow Man are both dead. I know this is all coming fast at you, and sudden, but believe me, it is real and you are not dreaming. The Tracer guy tried to kill me. He tried to kill everyone. Except you. He was trying to force you with him. I don't know why. But he is dangerous."<br><br>His eyes turned back to their normal shade of blue. Gabriel never knew of this eye-color change, and still didn't. "If any of them are still alive, they will be coming for us." He admitted. "Tracer will try to kill me. And take you. I won't let that happen. I have no idea what he plans for you. My brother...he intended to kill you." He looked away from her. "I won't let that happen. I won't let anything happen to you." He swore. <br><br>He felt like it was his fault. And in truth, all though he didn't know it, it was.<br><br>"Gabriel." A female voice said. The room illuminated an emerald green and a projection came down from the ceiling. It was a figure of a woman, and next to her was a large rectangular area. "There has been some refocusing on satellites. Specifically, ones in this district of Quantum Urbs. I think you have been located. Suggest immediate departure from current location." She said. "Who is this?" She asked. "She is...uh." Gabriel just remembered that he never received a name. "Your girlfriend?" She asked. "Why does everyone keep asking that?" Gabriel asked, packing a few things. "You two look good together. Don't screw up with her." The AI commented. "Jenny...me and her aren't going out." Gabriel said, embarrassed. "That's not what it looks like." She said in a sing-song, taunting voice. "Is this REALLY the time for this, Jen?" Gabriel asked. The AI dematerialized, then reconstructed right in front of the girl. "Her clothes are destroyed. You really couldn't wait until you got home, could you?" She asked teasingly. "You know, for an AI, you sure are a pervert." He snapped back. The AI laughed. "Go change, dear." The AI said to the girl. "Gabriel, the car is in the parking structure, spot number fourty two. Whatever you don't have here, is in there. Bet you feel like a Secret Agent. Isn't that right, double-oh Gab?" She joked. "Don't make me turn you off." Gabriel said back to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 11:00:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren had finally recovered after around 4 hours in a ice tank. 'Now I can get some work down.' Joren thought to himself as he seated himself at a large array of computer and other electronics. 'Now to see if what we got from that agent was worth me getting blown up.' Within an hour Joren has gained entry into the Quantum Urbs Agent data base. Ha now had access to specs on every person in the City. And, to Joren's surprise all of the agents security cams that scattered the city. 'Okay first I need to identify everyone who was in the 42ed street area at around midnight last night. After a few minutes, Joren found the recordings from the Store where the events of last night took place. "Computer, Zoom and Identify." The computer held the image of the boy with the inky black hair, the one Joren held by the neck before the frags. "Citizen's Name:... Gabriel Ureha" Joren stroked his beard and brushed some of the frost from his pale bluish white face. "Computer. Give me a list of known relatives." "Mother:...Unknown/ Father:...Unkown/ Brother:... Isaac Ureh" A toothy smirk appeared on Joren's pale face. "No fucking way... This is to good. Computer! Give me the address of Gabriel Ureha." The computer went silent for a minute. "^RESTRICTED^ Working.... working.... working.... Access granted Agent Jayden. Address:.. 4th floor, room 117, of the Arcadia Towers. "Doctor!" Joren called "I'm going to work now, hold my calls!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 11:15:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Made an edit to my last post. I switched it a bit. The heightened sense f awareness was about two weeks ago, and the information for the technology, as well as the money into Gabriel's bank account, was almost two years ago. <br><br>"Gabriel," Jenny began, "We have another problem." She began. "Jayden has found us. He found this location." She said, causing Gabriel to halt. He sighed deeply. "Moving again?" Jenny asked sadly. "Yeah. Do it as soon as we leave, and make sure nothing is left here. You know the procedure. Take all the technology and go. Burn everything else." He ordered darkly. "You know I can-" "No, Jenny. There isn't enough time. Linger in the place we agreed upon until I contact you with a new home." He explained. After the woman had changed, Gabriel grabbed his bag and took her hand. "We have to get out of here. I am sorry we can't rest for a while. You can sleep in the car." He explained. Fingers interlocked, they made their way out in a soft sprint. Once they reached the outside, which was faster than taking the stairs down since the car was near the entrance, he heard a sonic boom and watched the light shoot from the apartment into the sky. It was impossible to hit with any weapon at that speed and had the AI maneuvering it, which means it could avoid any missile fired at it.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 28, 2010, 11:42:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Hm, you as well.<br><br>Luke was putting his notebook away when a stabbing pain lanced through his head, and it took a considerable amount of discipline to keep from screaming. As it was, he nearly collapsed against the table, and ordered Nirvana to run a full diagnostic.<br><br>'No need, Luke. I already know what happened: I was spiked. Hard.' Luke managed to lift his head and stare at the manifesting holojection sitting across from him through blurred vision. 'Spiked...? That's...aw, no fucking way! The kid?' Nirvana nodded silently, her ethereal elbows resting on the back of the booth. 'I was doing another search through the systems and I found a hack trail in one of the DNA's systems. I've got good news, bad news, and some more bad news. Which flavor do you want first?'<br><br>'...Shit. Give me the more bad news first,' Luke replied, cradling his head in his hands.<br><br>'First off, it looks like our friend the Ice Man managed to scrape through that blast, after all. The hack trail was accessed from a secure syndicate terminal, and Agent Jayden's access card was used in the break-in. Since Jayden hasn't been heard from since the blast, and it's highly unlikely he's a syndicate plant...' Nirvana left the thought unfinished. Luke could fill in the depressingly ugly pieces for himself.<br><br>'I knew I should have used the Archangels on that asshole...OK, OK, give me the bad news.' 'Apparently, it seems Lancelot has himself an A.I. of his very own. Hi-tech specs, from the look of her. And she's a bit of a bitch.' Luke lifted his head for a moment and flashed 'Ana a toothy grin. 'Jealous, sweetheart?'<br><br>Which he promptly paid for with another sudden, splitting brainache. 'Ow! Goddammit, 'Ana, cut it out, I'm only teasin'! Besides, there's no way she's as good as you, babe. We both know that.' He threw Nirvana a playful wink as soon as the world stopped seething in bright red. 'Ana simulated an exasperated huff and settled back down in her *seat*.<br><br>'You just remember that, tough guy. Besides, that brings me to the good news portion of our programming: the white knight has a name. While that air-headed algorithm was spiking my connection to the satellite links, I managed to slip inside and rummage through her files. I didn't get much, but I did get a few tidbits. Our hero is named Gabriel Ureha, older brother to Isaac Ureha, ages yet unknown. Oh, and as payment for jacking me out I left a little something in his system; a nice, undetectable little copy of <em>moi</em>. Now we should be able to access a lot more information from his A.I. when it becomes available.'<br><br>Luke leaned back and smiled, and for once Nirvana actually returned it. 'Excellent work, 'Ana. Now, since the connection was spiked, can we assume they know we know their location?' 'Safe bet.' 'Well. Guess we should get over there before the party ends, huh?'<br><br>He gathered up the trash from his meal, piled it neatly on his tray, and scooted out of the booth and shuffled outside. Luke wandered down a side alley, input the coordinates of Arcadia Towers into his pgm, and...<br><br><em><strong>~25 Miles Across Town~</strong></em><br><br>rematerialized on a roof three buildings down from Arcadia. 'Still there, do you think, 'Ana?' 'Most likely. They haven't had enough time to escape by conventional means.'<br><br>Luke decided to take no chances. He pulled out pieces of hardware from various pockets, fitted them together with the practiced ease of a true professional, and loaded a small tracer round into the assembled sniper pistol. His ocular implants zoomed in on the apartment building's parking basement and he took aim as a dark, unmarked car pulled out of the gate. Two passengers, one male, one female, the right ages, builds...jackpot.<br><br>The gun fired silently and the round flew true, the small degradable jacket shattering on impact and splashing the rear fender of the car with .3 grams of neoglydium oxide, odorless, colorless, guaranteed to attach to any surface in any environment, and absolutely undetectable without a specialized tracking device. And wouldn't ya know it...<br><br>A solid blue blip appeared inside Luke's shades, and he leaned one foot on the roof's railing.<br><br>'I'll be seeing you two lovebirds soon enough...'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 12:12:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A soft tune played in the car, setting the atmosphere. Inside the vehicle seemed like a small, relaxing club. A piano played a smooth, slow melody with a jazzy drum accompanying it. The windows were tinted, blocking out the light from outside. A dim blue light emitted from the floorboard, as well as the ceiling of the car. It was calming. There was a steady flow of cold air in the vehicle, needed to keep all of the technology within cold. It also prevented the car from being seen thermally. While it wasn't extremely cold in the vehicle, it was uncomfortably cold. "Hey, Jenny." Gabriel said. "Yes, Gabe?" Came the voice. "Can you lower the seats?" He asked. There was a pause for a moment. "It's for her, not for me. And not for us both..." Gabriel said, knowing what the AI was assuming. The AI laughed and lowered the woman's seat. "This car is made with comfort in mind. It is meant to be a sort of moving home. An area to sleep, pillows, covers in the trunk. All accessible right behind you." Gabriel said, smiling. "Hell, there is even a mini fridge and a tiny tv. As you maybe able to tell, I have been a nomad in the past years." Gabriel explained. <br><br>"You can press that button over there and the tinted windows become one-way." He explained. She pressed it, out of curiosity, revealing the city. "The city is actually quite beautiful." Gabriel said to her. "Especially in the thick city areas. Since it's almost always night here, all the sights are to be seen at night." <br><br>Quantum Urbs, which is latin for "The Great City", was on the back side of the planet. The city was the size of a large country, it's boarders being defined by protective walls. While the city was large, not all of it was dense and highly populated like Arcadia. There were smaller areas, even some trees. But, there was no farming land or anything of the such. 80% of the city's floor was cemented, the other 20% being grass areas. It made parks very popular among the people. In most areas, the buildings were dark, blending nicely into the night. The lights used in the city were called Illustro Lights. They were made specifically for the night, because of how often it was dark. The glowed bright and far, but not too bright so that it wouldn't blind the citizens. In Quantum Urbs, it was Dark until 11am, and was light only until six. <br><br>The passing lights outside the window were like dots in the darkness. The reflection off the mostly-glass walls of buildings keeping a constant mirror effect. The sky was a a dark purple, almost black. It got that way around four or five in the morning. Right now, it was Rain Season, which accounted for the rain nearly every night. The city was already a rainy city, but during this time of the year, it rained far more. Right now, the rain was gone, leaving water throughout the city. It made the sight unforgettable. Lights shown off the streets, different colors and different reflections. It added another layer to the city. <br><br>"Auto-Drive." Gabriel said. After a moment, Gabriel repeated himself. "Jenny! Auto-Drive." <br><br>"Is that how you ask?" Came Jenny's voice. "Please?" Gabriel asked. The wheel pulled in and Gabriel leaned back in the chair. "You can sleep there. I don't want to invade your space or make you uncomfortable, so I will sleep up here. We should be safe on the move. This car has the same technology as my house. The cloaking. The car isn't registered, but the plates are real enough to keep someone looking for days. The cameras in the apartment were shut down before we even entered the building. Cars come in and out of the garage all the time, they can't pinpoint ours. Even if they did, I have a little device just for the occasion. So rest easy." He explained, maintaining a light, comforting tone. He looked back at her, his eyes glowing with the car. She stared into his eyes, almost entranced. Of course, he didn't realize it. "Hey, you ok?" He asked.<br><br>OOC: I Take this moment to say I am really enjoying RPing with you all. Keeping it interesting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 12:27:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren soon arrived at the apartment building. He made his way to the door of room 117. Joren placed his cold hands on the door, and in moments the door turned to ice. He looked around for anyone who would and kicked in the door causing it to shatter. But to Jorens dismay the apartment was empty. "No fucking way!!! I should have known no one would be here, no one has lived here for years!" After Jorens outburst he saw that the room had been burned and striped, vary recently. Joren walked over to an open window and looked out side over the entrance of the parking area for the building. 'looks like I just missed him after all.' Just then Joren saw a black car pulling out from the parking area. "Looks like it's show time." With that, Joren jumped out the window and landed on the road with a "thud". With inhuman speed, chased after the car for about half a kilometer. Joren's hand reached out in the direction of the car as he got closer and his eye's turned dark. The car with Gabriel and the girl stopped abruptly. "What the fuck?" Gabriel said with annoyance. He stuck his head out of the car window and saw that the tires were frozen to the ground by solid ice. "Oh fuck!"&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>OOC: Aren't I just the worst. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 12:35:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to the crazy story and most of it sounded unreal.&nbsp; She did not speak.&nbsp; Not once was her name asked.&nbsp; Not once was anything of her asked.&nbsp; This was surreal as things seem to center around her, but no one knew her.&nbsp; There really was nothing to know either.&nbsp; She dressed when told to, having not realized she was missing so much clothing until he blushed.&nbsp; She followed his orders, too dazed and confused to put up a fuss.&nbsp; She finds comfort in the small touches, the interlaced hands.&nbsp; In the car, she continues to remain silent, basking in his presence.&nbsp; He lowers her seat, but stays upright himself.&nbsp; She continues to stare into his eyes.&nbsp; Those softly glowing blue eyes.&nbsp; She had noted the color changes and pondered on them.&nbsp; He asks if she is OK.&nbsp; She simply says "hold me."<br><br>Then the tires freeze.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 01:11:11 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke was headed for the roof's stairwell, feeling rather pleasant about the night's progress when suddenly he pulled up short. The little blue blip had stopped moving, apparently right in the middle of the street. 'Um...'Ana? Why has the little blue blip stopped moving?' Nirvana immediately called up an overhead satellite and panned around onto the target car. 'Luke.' 'Yes, 'Ana?' 'Remember how I said you should increase your fee for this job?' Sigh. 'Yes, 'Ana.' 'You should probably increase it some more.'<br><br>Luke held his silence for almost a full minute, tapping one sandal against the roof.<br><br>'...Frosty?' 'Yep.'<br><br>Luke grit his teeth and mightily resisted the urge to stomp his feet in frustration. "Alright, see, this, this right here, this is bullshit, that's what this is. That's all there is to it. Here I am trying to be all cool, make a smooth exit after a job well done, and then this. I mean, seriously, what kind of world are we coming to! I hit that motherfucker with a goddamn array of space cannons! <em>Cannons</em>! From frakkin' <em>space</em>! If he couldn't just die, he could at least have the bloody courtesy to go crawl off in a hole and suffer for a couple months! This is just plain...<strong>rude</strong>!"<br><br>Nirvana crossed her arms and drummed her fingers against one shoulder, waiting patiently for Luke to finish his venting. 'Feel better yet?'<br><br>Sigh. Some people just got no sympathy.<br><br>Luke nodded slowly, reached down to one pocket and pulled out a very large grape sucker as he marched back over to the railing. 'Alright, then. Show me.' He unwrapped the candy and popped it into his mouth as real-time video overlayed his shades. From atop a roof almost two blocks away, Luke watched the battle unfold and waited to see if he would have to intervene...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 01:18:17 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hold on, im on it." Jenny said before Gabriel had to ask. The cold air in the car turned off, causing the vehicle to heat. Within seconds, the Ice was melted. "Get ready, Gabriel." Jenny said. Gabriel jumped back and embraced the girl. "I apologize in advance, if you throw up." He smiled and said to her. The car filled with light, and whirling sounds filled the vehicle. The front of the car opened up and the car closed around them, forming into a smaller, faster vehicle. A strong windshield rose up over the opening in the front and condensed. With the girl under him, Gabriel extended his arms, taking hold of the controls. "Hold onto me." He told her. She did so, as the formation finished into an enclosed motorcycle-esce vehicle. The front tires combined into one, as wella s the back, making it a bi-wheel vehicle. The tires skidded as he did a 180 degree turn, facing Snow Man. "I told you to leave us alone!" Gabriel shouted, his voice going through intercom. The tires skidded, and the outside of the vehicle heated. It was now impossible to freeze the vehicle. "Why do you persist? Ice beats fire!" He shouted. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 01:42:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She slided down in her seat as the car comes to a halt.&nbsp; She climbs back up into her 'bed' as Gabriel asks her name.&nbsp; Before she could offer it, the car filled with lights and things began to shift.&nbsp; The only good thing at that moment was a pair of arms about her.&nbsp; He pressed against her.&nbsp; Her whole being clutches to him, finding him the only constant in a ripple of motion.&nbsp; She feels her stomach rise as things shift and change about her.&nbsp; She fights hard to keep it in.&nbsp; She has to swallow some that escaped her throat, but not her mouth.&nbsp; She grimaces at the taste of her bile.&nbsp; On the upside, emptying her stomach earlier kept this one from really happening now.&nbsp; The cotton, the vomit and the lack of anything new makes her mouth one place even she did not want to venture.&nbsp; What she wouldn't give for a drink of water about now.&nbsp; The car finishes shifting.&nbsp; She comes back to the moment long enough to notice the car was now a motorcycle.&nbsp; She takes some time to marvel over this process.&nbsp; Everything seemed unreal.&nbsp; The concusion did not help this effect at all.&nbsp; Nothing made sense and she felt like she was watching a movie happening to someone else.&nbsp; She hears "hold on"&nbsp; And she obeys willingly.&nbsp; The warmth of his body reaching into her and keeping her warm.&nbsp; She was only wearing a t-shirt and some boxers and it had rained earlier.&nbsp; The streets were now slick with the residual wetness.&nbsp; She greedily soaks up his warmth and lays her head against his back.&nbsp; Her anchor to reality, if that was what this was.&nbsp; She listens with detachment as he yells at the other man.&nbsp; She doesn't even really look at the other.&nbsp; She just takes this time to enjoy her contact with Gabriel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 01:55:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Your safe with me. I promise." He said to her, once again giving his distinct smile. Fire shot out of the vehicle in a controlled line, surrounding Joren before shooting up. "You want information!?" He asked as Joren looked around a the fire. The fire connected at the top, making a dome around Joren. "ArmsTech. You want my brother, you better dig into that!" He shouted. His brother had tried to kill him. More importantly, his brother tried to kill the girl that he would give his life to protect. "ArmsTech...take it up with them. But I don't suggest your approach. They will kill you if you do that. Expect the unexpected. 555-2390" He said, giving a number. It was not the ArmsTech number, though. ArmsTech was a 1-800.. This was another number.<br><br>The vehicle did an about-face, racing off in the other direction. Joren was unable to follow for a while until the fire died down. Gabriel liked to avoid fighting, He always sought a better solution. Escape was normally the best option. This does not mean he was a coward; it just meant he was smart. Once they were a safe distance away, the vehicle returned to it's normal, four-wheeled state. <br><br>"Seems like every time I ask your name, we get interrupted." Gabriel laughed. The entire inside of the vehicle had been turned into a laying area, the wheel retracted for Auto-Drive.Gabriel sat in the corner, looking at the woman. "They will both keep chasing us." He explained to her. "The lead I gave Joren can only go so far. And my brother is my brother. He will come back eventually as well." She simply responded with an 'uh-huh'. He crawled over to her and sat, crossed legged, in front of her. He smiled sweetly at her and cocked his head to the left. His blue eyes maintained their constant glow. "You should really talk more. You have a nice voice." He continued to look at her. "So whats your name?" He asked.<br><br>They would be safe soon. Magic couldn't be used during the day (for a reason I shall explain later).<br><br>OOC: Need...to get...to story....lol. Right now it;s pointless fighting. Don't worry, more fighting shall come...very soon. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 02:35:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke climbed onto the railing and sat down, his long legs dangling from the rooftop. One eyebrow lifted in amused wonder as he observed the car's reconfiguration over the overhead sat relay. 'Who the hell is this kid? And where can I get his toys?' He rested his head on one hand and plucked the lollipop from his mouth, smacking his lips loudly. He could tell the two were discussing something, but there was no sound on the satellite view. 'Can you bug his A.I., find out what they're saying?' 'On it.'<br><br>Within moments a soundfile was being played through his implants. "...dig into that! ArmsTech...take it up with them....555-2390..." 'OK, check it out, see who that number's registered to.' 'Processing...'<br><br>Luke sat and watched patiently as Gabriel left Joren in a flaming cage and tore off into the night. His respect for the fellow grew a little as he watched, amused, as Joren screamed in a rage under the flames. 'Anything on the number? Anything on ArmsTech?' 'Negative. The 555 number seems to be a dead end. Doesn't even appear related to ArmsTech; their corporate number is 1-800-255-3323.' 'Any reason to suspect this has anything to do with our girl?' 'Negative.'<br><br>Luke climbed up from the railing and headed back for the stairwell, slurping on his sucker. 'In that case, I suggest we go home and I get some nice, long shuteye, and you...do whatever it is that you do when I'm not around. All this fun has left poor little me exhausted!'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 05:47:50 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((Wow so much to cath up on and hard to keep up with you all. ))<br><br>*On the twentieth ring she was contemplating putting the phone down then just as the phone left her hear a voice sounded.* <br><br>"Who ever and what this is about. It better be good to wake me up at this time of night."<br><br>"If that is the way you normally greet people then I am not surprised you gets so many complaints about your bed side manner."<br><br>"A faint chuckle would sound from the other side.. A deep , husky almost masculine sounding voice. Though the pitch was slightly off.*<br><br>"Honey, you have no idea about my bedside manner and that certainly receives no complaints."<br><br>"I need your help...well some one else may do."<br><br>"Ah that incurable nature to help people will only get you in trouble Shar. So to save this person you willing to finally come over to the "dark side" Shar. It has certainly been waiting for you for a long time."<br><br>*Another chuckle sounded though this time a harded edge threaded through the sound it causing a pit of dread to open in her stomach.*<br><br>"I just want to help some one in danger Beth. Nothing mroe nothing less...just after what has been seen...I doubt the normal people would be able to help."<br><br>"Very simple Shar, you are either in or out. You wish to try and save the person drowning you got to get into the pool."<br><br>"Fine I'm in. I'm at...."<br><br>"Honey you don't have to tell me anything..I know where you are....you are leaving a faint trail after the fun at the store..."<br><br>"But I didn't say ..."<br><br>"You wouldn't be calling if you really thought you did. See you soon."<br><br>*Before Shar could respond all she got was the infuriating droning signal.* <br><br>"Bitch.."<br><br>"She muttered under her breath before going to the bathroom and cleaning herself up. Within the hour a knock at her door soudned through the simple room. Taking a deep breath she moved tot he door opening it slightly to peer out.* <br><br>*A woman stood out side dressed in a pair of worn jeans, a t-shirt and leather jacket. Ankle boots gave her extra height to her five foot six inch frame. A a bob of black hair and dark blue strands&nbsp; leading to a pair of bright blue eyes. A warm smile touched the womans lips.*<br><br>"I knew one day something would throw you over the egde Shar...though certainly not some thing on this kind of scale. How did you manage to find this much trouble."<br><br>"It found me and how much trouble are we talking."<br><br>*The female laughed as they made their way towards the womans car.* <br><br>"Honey if my readings are right then the trouble is mighty high, mighty wide. Though I doubt you or I will be on their radar yet. How did you actually manage to survive?"<br><br>"I'm not exactly sure. One minute I was outside the store and the next in a tree to the west."<br><br>"Not the most heroic of stories but at least you are here. Now tell me everything..."<br><br>*The drove through the city in a normal family looking car as Shar started to explain everything from her time at the bus stop and what followed. Part of her wishing she was simply exaggerating or at least had been day dreaming. At least then she could wake up and all be back to normal even if she was back at the damn bus stop. The woman listened for the first time in silence only nodding ehr head at certain parts until Shar finishes her story.*<br><br>*A long drawn out whistle filled the car at the end.*<br><br>"I almost envy you. Especially seen as no one appears to know about you. Though certainly got to be something special about this girl the men were fighting over. A bit of a extreme to go to for a simple bit of tail."<br><br>"I wouldn't know. So what next?"<br><br>"Our next stop off is my work and trying to track where the female went if she is the one you wish to aid. Nearly there."<br><br>*Shar fell silent as she watched the buildings passed by, her hands wrapping about themselves to give her comfort and warmth. Time seemed to change once more as it started to speed passed now. Hours passed by as they walked into a goverment looking building. Several guarded doors having to be passed before finding their way into a large room. A hive of computers were filled with life. Some with the news, some with numbers and letters all another language to Shar from what she could see.* <br><br>*The woman begin to explain to her what was going on from their perspective.* <br><br>"Everyone's packing a punch Shar I am not sure how you alone can help but I wish to know more on this woman so I shall help "<br><br>*Shar smiled the look in her eyes changing from confusion to determination.*<br><br>"You would not have brought me here if you was going to do anything else."<br><br>*The woman chuckled as they moved to a quieter room, her locking the door behind them.* <br><br>"We currently have a idea of where two of the three men are. They of course are seeking the man with the female. We shall be observing them from a distance..and hopefully step in at the right moment. Did any of them manage to see you at all?"<br><br>"Maybe one of them , the one that initially tried taking the female."<br><br>"Hmm that could be useful..perhaps time for him to see a ghost..."<br><br>*A puzzled look crossed Shars eyes as the woman leaned in closer, grasping the back of Shars neck and whispered quietly into her ear.* <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 09:16:59 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With apparent safety now at hand, her head relaxing into a constant, but dull thud and a moment to actually think about things, she feels overwhelmed.&nbsp; Tears burst forth from her.&nbsp; She cries not her name but "Why?&nbsp; Why me?&nbsp; What did I do?&nbsp; What am I being punished for?"&nbsp; A slight pause in her outburst before she almost yelps out "MY CAT!"&nbsp; In all the flurry no one has thought of her furry.&nbsp; She needed to get home and feed the poor beast, give it some company.&nbsp; It is awfully lonely being stuck in a room alone for full day, she knew that all too well.&nbsp; Her fears for herself now rechanneled to something she could do, she focused on her cat.&nbsp; "We need to see to my cat."&nbsp; Her eyes were pleading even as the tears poured from her eyes.&nbsp; Waves of emotions finally finding an outlet would not be stemmed easily.<br><br>She reaches up a hand to her braid and releases the long black hair with an audible sigh of relief.&nbsp; The pounding in her head lessens slightly as she rakes her hands through her hair.&nbsp; She wipes a few tears from her face to find the wetness is not pure.&nbsp; Her face must be a mess.&nbsp; If her face is a mess, she realizes her need for a shower.&nbsp; She looks down and is still in his shirt and boxers.&nbsp; "PLease, let me go take care of poor Miss Kit.&nbsp; I would be quick about it."&nbsp; She begins to plot for a shower and a change of clothes while she is there.&nbsp; She is rather fast at this stuff, even in spite of the long raven hair.<br><br>His request for her name finally gets an answer though, "I am Gwin."&nbsp; Her amber eyes, wet with hysterics seek the calm of his softly glowing blue eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 09:28:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel reached out and wiped a few tears away with his thumb. "Yeah. I think we can manage that." He said to her. "I already have the address." Jenny said, turning the car at the next intersection. "It's going to be ok." Gabriel comforted. "I don't know why you. I don't know much of anything right now. All I do know is that I was given these things for a reason. There is a reason we all met at your shop. But I don't know what the reason is. I wish I had answers for you, but I don't. I'm sorry." He apologized. "ETA, Jenny?" Gabriel asked. "Twenty minutes tops. Going to change the color of the car and change the build a little bit on the exterior. Don't want to get noticed en route. Gabriel...this is really out of the way." She warned. "Just do it, Jenny." Gabriel pleaded.<br><br>"Don't cry, ok?It will be fine."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 10:06:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren stood in the middle of the fire with a angry scowl on his face, deep in thought. 'That little fucking coward. I bet he can't even fight! Well i'll show him! When the time comes i'll KILL HIM!' As that went through Joren's head, He raised his arms up and extinguished the fire with little effort. <br><br>"Doctor, do we still have access to the camera net work?" Joren said in to the ear piece. "Yes Mr. Tolkki We have full clearance to every cam in the city, I'm watching you right now." Joren grinned. "Good. now I want you to track that vehicle I just encountered." The Doctor spoke up. "Will you be pursuing Mr. Tolkki?" Joren thought for a minute. "No. But I don't want those little brats out of your sight, got that!. Keep me updated." "Yes sir." Responded the doctor. Joren was now in the middle of the empty road in front of Arcadia Towers. He presses a small button on the inside of his black ,heavy metal type over coat and a minute later, an illegally modifier, hyper street bike came around the corner riderless. It was vary sleek and was a metallic mid-night blue with a large painting of an ice dragon on the side. Joren quickly hoped on the bike and sped away vary fast.<br><br>"Doc!"<br><br>"Yes Mr. Tolkki?"<br><br>"Research every thing you can find about ArmTech!"<br><br>"What about the phone number he gave you sir?"<br><br>"Fuck it, it's fake. I'v seen it before."<br><br>Joren looked up though the tall buildings of Quantum Urbs. 'Soon Isaac, soon...'&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 10:19:06 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the idea of a shower ahead and tending to her cat, her cries slowed to mere sniffles.&nbsp; Still she looked longingly along those arms.&nbsp; The ones that made her feel safe and protected when her world exploded out of her control.&nbsp; True, she did not enjoy her life, but it was HER life.&nbsp; Suddenly, she felt like an accessory to everyone else's life, as if hers did not truly exist.&nbsp; She was pushed, pulled, kidnapped, taken, lifted and thrown.&nbsp; She focuses all her emotions on the shower.&nbsp; Her mind already mentally washing her long raven strands.&nbsp; Subconsciously, her hand reaches up to her head and undoes the braid.&nbsp; The long, straight strips of midnight fall about her olive skin.&nbsp; She rakes her fingers through them to undo the weave fully.&nbsp; As her hand retreats from the hair, it pauses to wipe some tears off her cheek.&nbsp; She looks back up to him with her amber eyes shining with a shimmer that only tears can produce.&nbsp; A grateful smile plays coyly along her naturally dark lips.&nbsp; "Thank you."&nbsp; She says softly and her eyes drop from his face.&nbsp; As she looks down, she cannot help but not the view along the way.&nbsp; A pleasing sight to say the least.&nbsp; A flush overtakes her cheeks.&nbsp; Her mind starts thumbing through her wardrobe.&nbsp; The key to quick changes is to know ahead what you want and where it is.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her mind scours her imagined image of her room, tearing it apart.&nbsp; Finally, she spots what she desires.&nbsp; The outfit bought for that event which was cancelled.&nbsp; She had gone out on a limb with that outfit.&nbsp; It was sassy and flirty, but entirely cute at the same time.&nbsp; A short black skirt, net stocking, a fitted black waist that curled under her breasts and up over her shoulders, flouncy purple and white checked material trimmed in black lace cupping her bra and capping her shoulders.&nbsp; Her smile takes on a bit more strength as the thought gives her a strange sort of courage.&nbsp; A little bit of reclaiming herself.&nbsp; A little bit of stepping out of her normal life.&nbsp; A little bit of her choosing adventure.&nbsp; A little bit of her comfort zone.&nbsp; She begins to play with the hem of her shirt as she pictures herself in this with her heeled boots that almost reach her knees, straps and buckles adorning the calf perfectly.&nbsp; Her mind jumps to an ornamental dagger given her.&nbsp; The only tie to a family she had no idea of.&nbsp; For some reason, though she had never used it and was pretty sure it was useless against any she was suddenly thrust among this night, this dagger felt needed.&nbsp; She would strap that around her thigh with the red silk it was wrapped in.&nbsp; Her hand flies to her neck as she continues to plot.&nbsp; Racing through the inhabitants of her dresser top, she finds the perfect necklace.&nbsp; It was more a jewelled collar, but it dipped into a V at the front and was adorned with dainty fillagree work and dangly bits.&nbsp; A pleased grin comes to her smile as her head was still lowered.&nbsp; "I can't thank you enough."&nbsp; The words are low and soft, but audible.&nbsp; <br><br>She pushes to ask a few questions about him.&nbsp; "You...."&nbsp; She pauses unsure if she should ask, but neededing more information, "you said that guy was your brother?"&nbsp; She wasn't sure where this need sprang from as it was not in a logic thought pattern with her shower and change of clothes, but it pushed outward anyways.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 02:54:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke wandered through the apartment, peering into each room and rifling through the various drawers and cabinets, and took a few minutes to raid the fridge. He withdrew a carton of orange juice and sipped it leisurely as he leaned against the counter. 'Place seems a little spartan, doesn't it? Well-kept, but...it's like this girl lives on the world, instead of in it. Honestly, you'd think she'd see we're trying to do her a favor.' Luke thought, as 'Ana skimmed through the building's mainframe. She found nothing of interest; the terminals were all dumb, and there was almost no direct outside connection. Maintenance use only.<br><br>'Luke, we should go. They'll be here in ten minutes.' 'Yeah, yeah. Alright, let's find the cat and...hm.' 'What?' <br><br><strong><em>~20 Minutes Earlier~</em></strong><br><br>'Found anything more about ArmsTech yet?' Luke asked Nirvana as he shuffled down the stairwell into the empty street below. 'So far all I've found is their public web presence. Officially they serve a lot of military and private army contracts, mostly just bigger and badder machine guns and anti-personnel hardware. I can't find evidence of anything more sinister than that; it's not an iceberg, it's a smokescreen. SOP. They seem to keep their real records on a closed network. No way in so far without a physical presence.' <br><br>'Alright, send a message to Marcos, let him see what he can find out. In the meantime-' Luke stopped short a few steps into the alley as Nirvana routed a transmission into his implants. "...please, let me...Miss Kit...be quick..." A smile blossomed on Luke's face as he leaned up against the side of the building. 'So, little miss has a little kitty? Aw, the poor thing must be lonely. We should pop in for a visit!'<br><br><strong><em>~Now~</em></strong><br><br>Luke picked up a small, ornate dagger from it's display stand. He grinned at the notion running through his head, and quickly removed a tracer round from his pocket. He unsheathed the dagger and pierced the bullet with the blade's tip, letting the neoglydium drip down the knife's edge. 'What's the point of wasting another tracer? You already marked Gabriel's car.' Nirvana watched, curious.<br><br>'Yes, but I haven't marked the girl, and she's our real target. A little redundancy never hurts,' Luke replied as he replaced the sheathed dagger back onto it's stand. He stepped back and withdrew his notebook, tore out two scraps of paper and scribbled a couple of notes. The first he placed beneath the dagger's stand, right in plain view. The second he tacked onto the inside of the front door.<br><br>'We don't want them getting too comfortable, now do we?' Luke smiled. 'OK. Let's get that cat and scat.' Nirvana overlayed an infra-red view of the apartment onto Luke's shades, giving him a precise indication of the cat's hiding spot. He crept over to the little make-shift cat carrier, reached in gently and coaxed the little thing out "Yes, there we are...that's a good kitty...good girl..." he murmured softly as he stroked her fur. He turned the collar over and read the name. "Miss Kit? OK, Miss Kit. You're gonna go on a little trip with Uncle Luke!"<br><br>Luke turned at the sound of keys jangling in the door, and grinned as the lock unlatched. Without a sound he activated his pgm and both Luke and the cat vanished.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 29, 2010, 04:25:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She barely got the words from her mouth to ask of his brother when they arrived at her place.&nbsp; It wasn't much.&nbsp; She didn't need much, which was good because she couldn't afford much.&nbsp; It isn't like they pay you a grand wage at the store to take money and intimidate would be shoplifters.&nbsp; She wasn't very good at intimidating anyways.&nbsp; So she thought it evened out.&nbsp; She did keep a tidy space.&nbsp; She hated clutter.&nbsp; She lived in it at the store most the waking hours.&nbsp; It was just peace to come home to walls you could see and floors you could move across.&nbsp; <br><br>Her walls were rather bare as well.&nbsp; Having no one but her mother in life, pictures were sparse.&nbsp; She did enjoy a good painting, but saw no need to have the low quality junk she could afford.&nbsp; She was saving up for a real piece of art.&nbsp; Something she could rest her eyes on and fill her mind with endless thoughts.&nbsp; The furniture was all second hand, but not garbage.&nbsp; She was poor, but not trash.&nbsp; She took great care to find the best she could get for her money.&nbsp; She had one piece of furniture she loved.&nbsp; It was an antique chair.&nbsp; Some old guy died and his family threw this chair out.&nbsp; She happened to be driving by it and picked it up off the street.&nbsp; It had a few stains, but she carefully worked them out.&nbsp; The red velvet was faded, but the wood was good and solid.&nbsp; There was a table under the window for Miss Kit.&nbsp; A pillow laid on the table, full of the soft grey and peach fur.&nbsp; Her food on the floor next to the table.&nbsp; There was no TV or computer.&nbsp; She had no need of them.&nbsp; But the shelves were full of books.&nbsp; Novels mostly, some poetry.&nbsp; Oddly, she had a desk.&nbsp; Tidy enough to be mistaken for unused.&nbsp; One drawer held in it sketch books.&nbsp; She wasn't very good, but she enjoyed the attemtps.&nbsp; Another drawer held journals.&nbsp; Writings of all sorts, actual journals, stories and poetry - even an odd essay here and there.&nbsp; Again, she wasn't all that great, but it gave her pleasure.&nbsp; There was a music system with classical near it.&nbsp; By the wear and tear on the cases, it was obvious she used her music a lot.<br><br>As soon as they arrived at her place, she opened the door of the car and looked around to check for the path of least noticability.&nbsp; Last thing she needed was to be grilled about this amazing car and her lack of clothes.&nbsp; She blushed at the thought.&nbsp; They would never believe.&nbsp; She marks her path and darts to the door and up the stairs.&nbsp; She pauses for nothing and no one in hopes of not being seen.&nbsp; She reaches the door and finds the note.&nbsp; Instant panic wells up inside her.&nbsp; She goes to unlock the door and realizes she left her purse at the store.&nbsp; Her keys are not there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 12:01:54 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel runs to catch up with, finding her at the door with the note. "Someone has been here." He stated. He took the note from Gwin's hand before she could read it. "Whatever this is, it cannot be good. Let me take a look at it first." He read it and sighed, knowing the girl's reaction wouldn't be good. He handed Gwin the letter, which said 'If I can't have one kitten, I will have the other'. Gabriel drew her close and attempted to comfort her, shaking his head. "No matter what I do...I can never seem to do it right."<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Years ago</strong></em></span><br><br>"What are we going to do now, brother?" Isaac asked in a small, sad voice. He sniffled his tears, the water streaming from his face. Isaac was ten and Gabriel was fourteen. They both stood in their best outfits at the grave, everyone else already gone. The sun set against the green hills, which would be a beautiful sight, had it not been for the reason the children were there. "What are we going to do without her? What are we going to do without mom?" Isaac asked. "The only thing we can do, Isaac. Push forward, and don't give up. I won't let anything hurt you. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise." He said sincerely. <br><br>Gabriel had not delivered on that. Busy trying to provide for his brother and himself, as well as going to school, Gabriel wasn't able to protect his younger brother from life. The bad parts of society had gotten to him over time, changing him. Yes, they were still close as brothers, but there was a rift between them. A lack of understanding, having grown up with different things in life. Gabriel was losing his younger brother to the world, an enemy which he could not fight. His brother had always been his closest friend, and the most important person in his life. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Present</strong></em></span><br><br>"There is only one thing we can do, Gwin." He said, looking into her amber eyes and setting his hands on her arm, her skin soft and smooth as silk. Such beautiful skin she had. "Push forward... and don't give up. I won't let anything hurt you. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise." Gabriel said to her. "We are going to find your cat. I know who has it. We just have to wait for him to find us." He explained. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 12:43:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She pulls out of his touch and looks to the door.&nbsp; She begins to rattle it and bang on it in desparation.&nbsp; She bends to the lock, but with nothing on but a t-shirt and boxers, she has not implements to pick the lock either.&nbsp; Not that she had done that before, but at least there was a bit of hope there.&nbsp; She has no hope at the moment.&nbsp; She begins to cry out, whimpering "Miss Kit" as she bangs her fist against the door again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 10:29:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel returned to his car and came back promptly. "I have a tool that can unlock doors." He explained. "Watch out." he warned as he eased her away from the door. He pulled his hand up, which held a silenced 9mm and place two bullets at each of the four sides of the door knob, then able to forcefully remove it. "Don't worry, I can replace anything of yours that is broken." He explained, opening the door, allowing her to go first.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 11:55:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She wrings her hands as she waits for him to get his "tool".&nbsp; When he shoots out the door, there is a bit of surprise as he was the smooth one that didn't do violence first, but then it was effective and thoughts of Miss Kit flood her.&nbsp; She rushes in and checks all the cat's normal hiding places.&nbsp; No cat.&nbsp; She whimpers a little with worry, but realizes worry will not help this along.&nbsp; <br><br>She rushes into her room and goes straight for the items she needed for a shower.&nbsp; She lived alone, she was unused to needing to change in the shower.&nbsp; She forgot items.&nbsp; She did remember the towel though, so she is safely PG.&nbsp; She dashes into the shower and turns on the music.&nbsp; The calming sounds of Beethoven fill the apartment "Moonlight Sonata", a favorite.&nbsp; She turns it up a little more than normal to hide her soft singing along and her bursts of tears, mourning all she ever knew and worrying about her cat and tomorrow.&nbsp; Once she finishes, she finds herself without all she needed.&nbsp; She sighs and wraps a towel about her.&nbsp; She peeks out of the door and checks to be sure he is not looking.&nbsp; He is not.&nbsp; She dashes into her bedroom and shuts the door by falling back against it.&nbsp; She takes a deep breath.&nbsp; <br><br>She goes directly to all that she wished to wear, putting the outfit on first, the boots, the collar.&nbsp; She brushes her long black hair, arranging her bangs neatly across her forehead.&nbsp; She turns to get her dagger.&nbsp; Another little note there.&nbsp; She reads it and knows the one who took her kitty wants her to have this dagger with her. "Why?" floats through her head repeatedly, but she has no idea.&nbsp; So she takes his word for it.&nbsp; She straps the dagger about her thigh with the simple red silk strips and lets the ends tease the back of her knee as they hang down.&nbsp; For some reason, she is suddenly worried about having something in her teeth.&nbsp; With all that is happening, she pauses to brush her teeth and check them to be sure nothing shows.&nbsp; Finally completely dressed, she adds no perfumes - never having the need for them before, she owned none to wear.&nbsp; She straightens her skirt and her top, runs her hand over her hair once more and strides out into the living room.&nbsp; Something about certain outfits can change everything about you, right down to how you walk.&nbsp; This was one of those outfits for Gwin.&nbsp; She stood taller and more confident than before, her strides were more purposeful.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 01:26:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke rematerialized outside of an abandoned car dealership, Miss Kit cradled limply in one arm. He made his way around to the back of the lot, avoiding shards of broken glass and puddles of fluids better left unidentified. There were no surveillance cameras for miles, and his network prevented satellite imaging from providing anything other than a 72-hour video recording. Luke brushed aside a thick film of dust and grime from a small section of the building and peered into the recessed retina scanner, while Nirvana accessed the building's security subroutines through an encrypted channel. The defense system shut down, and a part of the wall retracted to reveal a dark, descending staircase. As Luke passed through, the wall slid shut behind him and a mechanical arm emerged from the top of the wall to swing down and replace the disturbed dust and filth with a ''fresh'' coating, preserving the illusion of structural neglect.<br><br>Miss Kit jumped down from Luke's arm and ran to a pair of bowls in the corner filled with water and fresh tuna paste, and shoved between a pair of solid black calicos who were eating their fill. "Heckle, Jeckle, you two play nice with our guest," Luke called as he headed deeper into his command center. He reached a thickly cushioned, six-wheeled office chair and sat down in front of an expansive bank of monitors, each offering a different view. He removed his shades and laid them on the table as he scanned through each screen, one by one, reviewing the progress of various operations currently ongoing, and picked up a small black headset lying on a nearby desk. 'Let's see how things have been going without us, 'Ana. Bring up cameras 15 through 20, give me eyes on the Calloway op.'<br><br>Six of the screens changed to show a young man with light hair and a heavy coat loitering outside an office building. 'Ana opened a comm link and Luke spoke into the headset. "Chen. Have you made contact with the target?" The man almost jumped out of his skin at the unexpected voice coming through his earpiece, but composed himself short of actually screaming in terror. Chen looked around for a moment before replying. "Affirmative, boss. Op has entered its terminal phase; I'm awaiting confirmation of the package's delivery now." "Excellent work. Keep me posted." Luke made a cutting motion with his hand and the comm link was terminated.<br><br>For the next two hours, the song remained the same. 'Ana monitored communications and progress reports as Luke made contact with various operatives under his command, requesting updates and accepting or denying requests for backup, supplies, timetable extensions, whatever was necessary. At last he leaned back in his chair, pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers and asked 'Ana to display the girl's location. On the move again. Two blue dots this time, she'd taken his note to heart. Marvelous. <br><br>'Do you think it's wise to allow Ureha to continue holding the girl in his custody?' 'Ana asked as he rose from his chair. 'Hm, probably not. At first I was worried about the other players that might have been involved in this, but it seems clear that Joren is only after Ureha's younger brother, and I doubt the Agency has any interest in her. Marcos suggested I let Ureha handle the heavy lifting, but at this point that only increases the risk of our opponents learning of the girl's existence. No, I think it's time I brought her home. I'll give her a few more hours with Wonderboy and get some sleep, then we'll go collect her.' 'And Ureha?' 'What about him?' 'You've said it yourself; he won't let her go easily. How will you deal with him?' 'The same way we deal with any other problem, 'Ana. Decisively.'<br><br>Luke left the command center and shuffled down another flight of stairs, this one leading to a small room at the end of a long, well-lit hallway. He shoved the door open and kicked off his sandals, tossing them against the wall, and peeled off his damp bright aloha shirt to reveal a deeply tanned, well muscled, and frighteningly scarred upper body. He stripped off his cut-offs as well, and dropped the wet clothes in a pile opposite a large walk-in closet. Luke fell onto a large, bare mattress and fell asleep almost instantly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 01:35:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel looked around the simple room. It was vastly different from his own; it was far emptier. She was different from him, and that was clear. And that was interesting. Perhaps he had already known she was different from him; maybe thats part of why he was so attracted to her. He stood, looking around. The note that Tracer left worried him. But then again, maybe it was just a game. Gabriel was good at figuring people out, and that was a skill he prided himself on. Tracer liked to play games, that much was clear at the shop. And the place wasn't destroyed, which probably meant that the man meant no harm. <br><br>He had known that Tracer would come here. In things like this, his adversary was a step ahead of him. The only way to keep moving, while keeping Tracer a step behind, was to not know where he was going himself. But that probably wouldn't work out too well. How had he known that Gabriel and Gwin would be coming there?<br><br>He heard a door open behind him, the direction of Gwin's room. She stepped out, carrying herself with more confidence. His eyes, wide, scanned her body. Starting at her legs, he cherished the sight. Black stockings over olive skin, complimented by dar boots. To a short skirt that was teasing to him; in a way, skirts were his weakness. His eyes drift over her chest, his face turning red, until finally he reaches her beautiful face and amber eyes. "Uh..." He began bashfully, shying away from her face by diverting his eyes. "You look nice." He said quickly, a bit quieter than normal and his face turning even more red. He was sitting on the arm of the couch, one of the few pieces of furniture present in the living room. He placed his hands in his lap, turning warm from the embarrassment. He was never good in situations such as these. "Uh...lets find that...er...cat?" He said, his mind believing the statement accidentally perverted, but in reality it wasn't. He was just in a different mind set than normal, and he believed that anything he said would embarrass him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 02:22:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren pulled up on his hyper bike across the street from Gwin's apartment building, and across from Gabs vehicle. "Doc I'm here, and I see the car." The Doctor's voice responded in the ear piece Joren wore. "They are in one of the apartments on the fifth floor. Will you be engaging sir?" Joren looked at the ground as he thought of his previous defeats. "No, not yet. Instead I want you to dispatch 'Red Eclipse' operatives all over the city to be ready to strike when I give you the order. You be me eyes and they'll be my hands, got that Doc?" "Yes Mr. Tolkki." <br><br>After a few more minutes of giving the Doctor some more orders, Joren hopped off the bike and walked slowly over to Gabs vehicle, making sure their was no one to see, he put his pale hand under the car and Froze the Fuel lines, breaks, Weapon systems and the gears that moved the wheels. "That should slow them down." Joren said to himself&nbsp; as he walked back to his bike and swiftly rode away into the city.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 02:54:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Honey, you shouldn't of done that." Came Jenny's voice from the car, her voice reaching Joren's ears just before he got too far away. "Time for some fun." She said as a random car, sleek and quick, revved up, the lights turning on. The car bolted forward at Joren's motorcycle, pulling up next to it. "You can't just touch me there without even giving me your name. How naughty." Jenny's voice said from the car. She did a facial check against the man, the one that Gabriel called Snow Man. "You're the snow man? Don't you know there is only one way Ice can beat Fire?" She asked, laughing. "I guess you don't know it." She taunted. She went back to her original idea of fun. "Joren. You can't just touch a woman like that without taking her out on a DATE!" She said, ramming into the motorcycle. Joren quickly regained control of the vehicle. <br><br>Jenny. It was like she always forgot she was an AI. Either that or she just enjoyed having the persona of a woman that had a body. Probably made her feel more human. Unlike a lot of AIs, she had FULL artificial intelligence. She could learn, she could hate people, like people, love people. She could make assumptions, tell jokes, get angry. It was basically a very smart, virtual person. There was only one other AI like her. One day, Jenny was interested in seeing if anyone was like her. A male one, to be precise. Unfortunately she discovered that the only other one was a female AI, named Nirvana. She stopped her search there, uninterested because the AI was a woman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 03:31:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren herd a the female voice from the car as he was rammed. "What the fuck?!" Joren yelled out with anger on his face. He quickly gained control over his bike, and laughed out loud at what was happening. "Look babe, If you want a date with the Ice man, all you had to do is ask" Joren was vary amused at his current engagement with what he thought was a woman in the car. Joren sped up to get a distance between him and the car, and then held out his hand. 'Ya know, black ice is the leading cause of car related death in north Quantum."&nbsp; He said as the entire road behind him turned to black ice, causing Jenny and all other car on the road to swerve out of control. Jenny's car hit a light post and stopped on impact. "Red Eclipse agents are standing be to finish her off sir. Shall I give the order?" Joren grinned his sharp toothed smile. "Do it!" From somewhere in one of the darkened ally way of the city came out a man dressed in black and red body armor, and armed with a rocket luncher "Kill the bitch!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 04:04:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Luke's oblivious snoring rumbled the lowest levels of the base, Nirvana returned through the building's wi-fi system to the command center. She noted that the two blue dots were no longer together; rather the smaller one--the dagger--was still on the girl's person, while the car was apparently engage in a high speed pursuit. 'Ana called up one of the Grigori satellites and zoomed in on the activity below. E- and X-ray scans showed the car to be empty, leading 'Ana to one conclusion: the other A.I. Joren's peculiar temp signature registered as well, and 'Ana's curiosity was peaked at the notion of the A.I. trying to take on the assassin herself. As she watched the car wreck itself against a light post, her scans picked up a thug armed with an iridium-charged rocket launcher. It was immediately apparent that the other A.I. was either unaware of the oncoming assault, or was in no position to respond effectively. 'Ana hesitated a fraction of a second, seriously considering allowing the car to be blasted to particles in payment for the indignity of being spiked earlier in the evening. But in the end, her dedication to duty...and other things...prompted her to action. Within nanoseconds 'Ana activated and aimed the Grigori's on-board weapons system. Nothing nearly so potent as the Seraphim, to be certain, but enough to handle this.<br><br><strong><em>~17,550 miles above QU~</em></strong><br><br>A small pinprick of light flared in the morning sky. For an instant it grew, bright as a small star, before it lanced into the ground with the explosive force of 15 pounds of TNT. The goon and his rocket launcher were all but vaporized. There was nothing left of the poor fellow but a small crater, a pair of heavy-duty boot laces, and an unpleasant smell.<br><br><strong><em>~Command Center~</em></strong><br><br>'Ana shut down the Grigori's targeting systems and simulated a nod of satisfaction. She had evened the playing field for the other A.I.; no further assistance would be provided. Nirvana returned to her nest in Luke's cranial implants and fell into wait stasis mode.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 04:07:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Bitch?" Jenny asked angrily. "Ok. You want me angry? I'm angry." Jenny shouted, the streetlights going out. The car shut off as the man was vaporized by something. "You assume I am human." Jenny's voice said, sounding as if going through a cheese grater. Without Joren's command, his motorcycle revved. "Want to kill me now?" She asked, controlling the motorcycle and making it fly forward wildly. She quickly jumped to another vehicle, a parked car in front of Joren. She sped forward, head on at Joren, then as he turned to avoid the oncoming vehicle, she jumped to another piece of technology. This was a light pole. She sent electricity through the light poles and sent it upwards, causing streams of electricity to come up from the ground in straight lines towards the sky. They were everywhere, and Joren would have to avoid them, which wouldn't be easy. <br><br>"Could you call me powerful please, baby? I like to have control." She laughed, her voice coming through the radios in the nearby parked cars. The electricity formed into her figure far in front of Joren and she walked towards him, flashing from one area to the other. <br><br>OOC: I added an intro to the beginning of the roleplay. An opening in the first post.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 04:27:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*For a few hours Shar was left waiting until she was called into another oom. Her "friend" waiting for her a warm smile touching her lips as she waved a hand to a small computer desk in front of her.* <br><br>"Time to get to work Shar. Time to put those skills of yours' to you. We are still researching on this female as your description matches many but the an that killed all those people we can deal with now."<br><br>*She pulled out a chair as she indicated Shar to settled down, a assitant came and placed two pads connected to multiple wires that lead to a simple machine that clicked and grred with various tempos and tones. Varying lights flashed blue and green that seemed to meet everyone's satisfaction.*<br><br>"Do not press too far Shar if you start losing control step out. I want him alive."<br><br>"I some how doubt this is going to work, if he had any conscience at all I doubt he would of done what he did."<br><br>*A small chuckle left the females lips as she patted Shars head almost one would when petting a dog.* <br><br>"So much to learn Shar."<br><br>*With that suddenly the assistant flipped a switched as Shar was delved into darkness, it swirling around her as if caught in a tornado, only brief images of light managing to show through.*<br><br>*Back in the office.*<br><br>"Make sure this guys little friend can not get into our stronghold. I wish her to see us and what we wish her to know but nothing more. Allow her to connect to a outer database we can close down should she try to infect us."<br><br>*She smokes as she moved to another computer entering a data base.*<br><br>Name :Shar Hummingway <br><br>Age: 22<br><br>Gender: Female<br><br>Status: DECEASED<br><br><strong>*Not long after Luke fell asleep he began to dream. The dream hazy at first, then becoming stronger, the image of the female that had tried to pursure him standing a distance from him seeming to be made of mist. Her form willowing out along her arms and legs into nothing. Her angry eyes settling on him while behind her the street there were on began to form. Though the buildings were undamaged at this point, it seemed to be from before any of the mess had begun. She began to approach him, her hair swilring above her head as if she was in a pool of water.* <br><br>"I see you are awake at last."<br><br>*He heard though her mouth did not move, her gaze focused entirely on him despite the fact people started to walk around them, through them unaware of course of the two dreamers.* <br><br>"I wondered what kept you so long..but then I do remember a saying of those with a heavy conscience do not sleep well."<br><br>*SHould Luke try and speak he would find him self rendered silent, his lips and tongue able to move though no vocal sounds.*<br><br>"Perhaps you shall remember this..perhaps you shall not.. I certainly hope you do."<br><br>* A odd smile touched her lips as sher hands and arms lifted above her head suddenly the world rocking around them both. Two burning lights started to approach them, growing larger , more fearful as they came closer. The two lights struck them both as individuals though the dream kept on as people burnt, houses collapsed and people scream. The vision suddenly famishing though the screaming continued on.* </strong><br><br>*Shar coughed as air seemed to enter her lungs once more, almost sliding from the chair to collapse on the floor if not caught by the gentle assitant from before.* <br><br>*Her eyes watered as she tried to calm herself down, almost feeling the burning herself , the screaming having more effect on her emotionally than she had expected.* <br><br>"Do you think it will have worked?"<br><br>"We shall know soon enough Shar."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open to All* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 04:29:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched his eyes take her in.&nbsp; The surprise, the blush, the awkward turn away.&nbsp; She felt a surge of feelings rush through her.&nbsp; She was unsure what it was, having never experienced such power before.&nbsp; She was surprised by his reactions, never having suspected that he would enjoy her looks as she enjoyed his.&nbsp; Her olive skin melded to a reddish as she too breaks eye contact.&nbsp; This is one moment she wished she had some cheap wall coverings.&nbsp; Finding nothing to rest her eyes on, she brings them back to Gabriel as he begins to speak.&nbsp; She can't help but a relieved, but shy smile as his speaking is as awkward as she felt.<br><br>She nods and says "Yes, poor Miss Kit must be a furball of fear!"&nbsp; She goes to pick up her purse and keys and remembers.&nbsp; No purse.&nbsp; No keys.&nbsp; And the keys seem pointless at the moment anways.&nbsp; Her car is blown up, her house has no door nob and the store has had better days.&nbsp; She sighs and turns to him with empty hands "I am ready."&nbsp; She crosses her hands over her chest for lack of imagination as to what else to do with them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 04:43:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren looked at the on coming figure of the Woman, with interest. "Power? What power!?" All of a sudden every light, every TV, and every electronic intently shut down. The electricity woman that was about to close in also disappeared from sight. "Good work Doc! That was fucking close. Now, what happened to my man? And what the hell was that?" The Doctors spoke up. "Well first of sir, you should know that I have shut down all electricity between you and the Arcadia Towers. Second, I'm not positive, but I think our man was killed be the same person that took your legs." An angry expression appeared on Joren Frost covered face. "That Mother FUCKER! What does this mean!? that Flip-flop boy has mercs working for him too!?" Joren yelled into the ear piece as he paced back and forth. "I'm not sure, but that was not any merc I'v ever herd of. I think that was an AI, and a powerful one at that too. It would be wise to lay low for now sir." Joren stopped in front of his toppled bike. "Fuck! Fine! But I want Red Eclipse Troops moving into positions all up this area!" Joren picked up his scratched bike from the ground and got back on, he revved and took of into the unlit street.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 05:04:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alright lets get going." He said, taking the lead. They made their way down the stairs, eventually reaching the car. He stepped inside the vehicle, ushering Gwin in first. He then took his spot at the wheel and attempted to turn on the car. No response. "Jenny. Whats wrong with the car?" He asked her. No response. "Jenny! I swear if your hacking the porn sites again..." He sighed and looked up. "Jenny!" Gabriel said louder, trying to get her attention. "Gabe, hold on! Joren is here. I am trying to take care of him." She said, concentrating. "Fuck!" She shouted. Gabe and Gwin traded confused glances for a moment, his eyes drifting to her chest for a split second. They both looked forward, seeing the bright blue lights shinning on the building. "Who the hell is Joren?" Gabriel asked. "The snow man." She responded while still in an electrical form and walking towards his moving motorcycle. Joren couldn't hear her, she isolated her voice to the car.<br><br>"Oh, ok." He said, sounding relieved for a moment. Until what she said set in. "Wait, what!?" He stepped out of the car and began to leave. "Wait here, ok? Wait...not a good idea." he said, deciding against it. "Gwin, get Gabriel." Came Jenny's voice. She motioned for Gabe to come back and he leaned in the window. "Gabe, something is fast approaching. I am not sure what...or who it is. Wait. It's getting larger. What the hell!?" Jenny shouted, freaking out. "How did they...GET AWAY FROM THE CAR! NOW!" She shouted, panicked. Gabriel flung open the door and grabbed Gwin, turning her away and enveloping her body with his. The car exploded, the fire overtaking Gabriel's back and sending the two flying forward. Scraps from the car went flying in all directions as the fire formed into a hot cloud. A few pieces stuck into Gabriel's back, and the fire funneled out into the streets. Gabriel screamed and turned himself so they would land on his side instead of her. The impact was brutal, damaging his right arm. They slid on Gabriel along the concrete, coming to a slow stop. A blood trail was left, spanning from where they initially landed, to where they stopped a few feet away. <br><br>Gabriel's body was smoking. Everything was silent. The remains of the car were on fire, the flames raging. Gabriel moaned in pain. "Ah holy shit..." He grunted. He stumbled up, holding his arm. His body was beaten, burned, and bloodied. Pieces of metal stuck out of his back. "I just put on these clothes too." He said, trying to joke. He tried to laugh, but it turned to a violent cough. He fell down to a knee and Gwin helped him up. He walked out into the street. "Aghh JENNY!" He screamed. "Jenny!" He yelled again. "Go to the roof!" Her voice said, loud through all the cars on the street. "Gwin...I can't make it there on my own." He said to her. The area began to get cold. But it wasn't Joren. "Hurry, you two! They are coming!" Jenny screamed. It began to get harder to breath as well and the entire area, all buildings, all streets, everything, began to freeze over. "They are getting closer! MOVE!" Jenny panicked. "I know who they are! Holy shit!" Jenny shouted. "Its-" She was cut off when all the electricity died. "Jenny?" It was dead silent. "Fuck..." Gabriel cursed. <br><br>The roads slicked and Joren's cycle fell to the ground, sending him rolling. The motorcycle stopped in the middle of the street, as if hitting an invisible barrier. Which it had. There was no way out of the area. Not yet. Gabe and Gwin had to get to the roof of her apartment. Before it was too late.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 05:35:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke stirred in his sleep as the psychic connection broke off. As he rolled onto his back, he giggled in his sleep and resumed his snoring.<br><br>Nirvana, however, was a trifle more concerned with the episode. The instant the connection formed, she pulled herself out of stasis mode and began recording Luke's brainwave patterns for later study, being particularly careful to preserve the image of the woman with the cell phone. After the connection was broken, 'Ana analyzed the information gathered during the attack, returned to the command center and immediately began running full facial recognition scans throughout every database in the city. Within moments a name was returned: <strong><em>Shar Hummingway</em>, aged <em>22</em>. Status: <em>Deceased</em></strong>. According to records, Ms. Hummingway was presumed killed in the 43rd Street Incident along with several dozen others. 'Not so dead after all though, are you? And clearly not without friends of your own...' As Nirvana studied Ms. Hummingway's dossier, she also reviewed the episode again from beginning to end. Clearly the girl had some measure of psychic ability, but only a completely outfitted psychoneirological lab could manage to breach a mind as disciplined and defended as Luke's. Definite traces of directed lucidity had been detected.<br><br>'Ana was debating the merits of waking Luke to inform him of the assault when something caught her attention. Several of her back processes had been running silently for the last few hours, scouring the 'net for information on the other players in this game, and one of them had just gotten a hit. A psycho-tech firm on the west side of the city had just opened up a database filled, if not with information, at least keywords to make it seem as if it were. Nirvana shook her head at the apparent stupidity of these new opponents.<br><br>'Sure, of course I'll just waltz right in to an obviously protected server that conveniently opened up just as I was looking for it. What<em>ever</em> could be the harm?'<br><br>And Luke said she didn't "get" sarcasm. Ha.<br><br>&nbsp;'Ana quarantined a path from a blind server to the new database and quickly wrote a few dozen new subroutines. Once activated, the new program flooded the database with hundreds of low-level A.I.s, effectively clogging the bandwidth channels and preventing the server from shutting down the moment she entered. It was painfully obvious that whoever she was dealing with, their security was a joke. But their intentions were not. She stayed for less than a nanosecond, swiped every available bit of information, and escaped before allowing the A.I. drones to self-terminate. As an added bonus, the drones were programmed to fire 16 random viruses each into the database before terminating, thereby guaranteeing a complete server failure; her own personal "Fuck You" to her would-be opponents.<br><br>Once back in her own mainframe, 'Ana performed a full spectrum scan of her sectors, ensuring there were no viruses, no tracers, no bugs, worms, trojans, time bombs or hostile root kits, and quarantined the info stolen from the database for future analysis. Once that was secured, Nirvana returned to her nest in Luke's head.<br><br>'Wake up, Luke. We have a new problem...'<br><br><strong><em>~10 Minutes Later~</em></strong><br><br>'So you're saying that little mouse tried to mind-hack me?' Luke shook his head as he pulled on a clean, bright red aloha shirt and slipped into another pair of almost clean denim cutoffs. 'That's...well. That's kinda cute.' He smiled as he kicked his sandals back on and headed upstairs. ''Cute?' I don't think 'cute' is quite the word you're looking for, Luke. Try 'vicious', or 'alarming', or 'impressively psychotic'.' Luke just shrugged as he fell back into his office chair, grabbing his shades. 'Hey, every relationship is built on <em>something</em>.' 'Uh-oh...speaking of alarming.' He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. 'Now what?' 'It looks like our girl is under attack. Again.' 'Hm. Well, at least she made it for a few hours, this time. Alright, throw it on screen.'<br><br>Nirvana activated another Grigori satellite and zoomed in on Gwin's trace round, and switched to real-time video.<br><br>'It looks like they're under attack from Joren, as well as...oh, no.' 'Wait, wait, wait; let me guess: Hunters?' 'Got it in one.'<br><br>Luke let out another heavy sigh as he checked his pockets for his usual toys, then slid his shades into place. He rose from his chair and moved to the center of the room.<br><br>'Well, then. Let's go out and play, shall we, sweetie?' Luke grinned, a wide and feral smile crossing his lips as the pgm activated...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 06:54:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Time seems dazed and lost as so much happens so quickly.&nbsp; She is grateful Gabriel and Jenny are there.&nbsp; Jenny is the guard dog, the ever faithful servant, the right hand that Gabriel would be lost without.&nbsp; Gwin understands this quickly and follows Jenny's orders as they are said.&nbsp; So when Jenny tells them to get out of the car, she lost no time asking stupid questions - she got out.&nbsp; The car exploded and Gabriel protected her - again.&nbsp; He took such heavy damage though.&nbsp; She looks at his wounds even as he was too busy with Jenny to think on them.&nbsp; Before she could begin to do anything about them, Jenny said to "RUN".&nbsp; She knew instantly that Gabriel could not run.&nbsp; She also knew she had a better chance of standing with him then being without him.&nbsp; Besides that, those blue eyes....&nbsp; If he walked away from her and left her to her lonely, empty life after this - that would be devestating enough.&nbsp; But to watch him die to send her back to such a life was out of the question!<br><br>She runs to him and dips her shoulder under his, wrapping her arm about his lower back.&nbsp; She moves him along as fast as she can - fighting against him as he desparately wanted to check on Jenny. Finally, he starts moving.&nbsp; She can't even really see where she is headed, she lets him lead the way.&nbsp; At one point he looks like he is lost.&nbsp; She lifts his arm, listening to the pain roil from his mouth and takes the lead.&nbsp; Half dragging, half running, she gets them to the apartment building and the progess slows considerably as the stairs didn't really have room for her to help him up the stairs.&nbsp; There was no elevator.&nbsp; When was this building built anyways?&nbsp; A vision of women wearing corsets, large bustled skirts, hats, gloves and parasols enters her brain.&nbsp; Possibly, is her only thought.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>June 30, 2010, 07:54:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a severe tingling sensation in Luke's extremities as he materialized on the roof of the apartment building. 'Nirvana, did we just-' 'Affirmative. Sensors indicate the presence of a class two shield.' 'Hehe. Kids came to play, huh? Alright. 'Ana, warm up some Cherubims. I think four should do the trick.' 'Ana simulated a sigh and shook her head anxiously. 'Roger that.' 'Ana sent a routed command to the command base mainframe, and a small hole in the building's roof spiraled open...<br><br><strong><em>~Command Center~</em></strong><br><br>The darkness was almost a physical thing, blanketing the upstairs hangar and flight deck. Dust hung thick in the air, and clouds of insects swarmed near three of the room's inky corners. Small machines reminiscent of fighter-jets rested on racks bolted to two of the walls, and tools lay scattered about on tables throughout. A single red light blinked lazily in the center of the room, barely larger than a pencil eraser.<br><br>Then the light turned green, and all hell broke loose.<br><br><strong><em>~Gwin's Apartment~</em></strong><br><br>'They're awake. Luke...are you sure you want to call the Cherubim? They've never been exactly...stable.' 'Aw, come on. What's the worst that can happen?'<br><br><strong><em>~Command Center Flight Deck~</em></strong><br><br>Four of the machines winked and whirred to life, LEDs and DRDs flashing in bright electric blue and green. The drones' A.I.s pulled themselves out of hibernation mode, noted the time passed since they'd last been operated, and performed&nbsp; full maintenance and equipment checks.<br><br>'Drone Andiun, prepped and ready for launch.'<br>'Drone Etriun, prepped and ready for launch.'<br>'Drone Mikiun, prepped and ready for launch.'<br>'Drone Soriun, prepped and ready for launch.'<br><br>Within moments the four were airborne, hovering silent and still below the hangar's exit as they checked their on-board weapons caches. Etriun was the first to break the silence, speaking to his brothers in a high, child-like voice.<br><br>'Guys? Hey. Hey, guys?' 'What?' Soriun replied, spinning to point his nose at Etriun. 'Do you think we're gonna go get to kill some people?' Etriun asked, his excitement evident as he revved his engines in mid-air. Mikiun revved his engines even louder and began to hover in a slow, lazy circle. 'Ooh, I hope so! I bet we'll get to kill lots n lots of people!' 'I bet I can kill more people than you can!' Andiun shouted, issuing a challenge that would not go ignored. 'Nuh-uh! I'm gonna kill the most people' 'No, I am!' 'I'm gonna do it!' they cried, their voices jumbling with each other into a high-pitched screech of joy and bloodlust.<br><br>At last the hangar door ratcheted open, like the maw of a demon spitting forth a plague upon the world. The drones began to fly in a circle, round and round the room, speeding up with each revolution until reaching almost Mach 4, and blasted out of the roof single file, laughing and shouting and whooping with glee, singing playfully as they locked onto Nirvana's transponder signal.<br><br>'We're gonna get to kill some people, we're gonna get to kill some people...'<br><br>OOC: To the tune of "<span class="bbc_u">Ring Around the Rosies</span>". Aren't they just adorable?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 01:22:38 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The door to the roof slammed open as Gabriel and Gwin stumbled through. Gabriel fell to the ground, almost pulling Gwin down with him. "Come on..." Gabriel said. "Come on..."He repeated, looking to the skies. After a moment, a light was approaching. As it got close, Gabriel could hear Jenny's voice saying "They're here!". The vehicle stopped over the roof, hovering just above it. It was a tan aircraft, the windows of it tinted black and blue fire shooting out of what looked like two small jet engines. It was sleek in style, the wings looking almost like boomerangs curving backwards. The front was mostly a reinforced windshield, so enduring that it could take nearly any explosion without a crack. <br><br>Gwin helped Gabriel into the vehicle. There were two seats, the second seat in as if it was built with the vehicle. Jenny had fully installed a second seat once Gwin joined the gang. The inside was white and nicely designed. The aircraft was very spacious as well, having a small area for riding, a very tiny bathroom, and a small room literally the size of the twin-sized mattress that lay in there, save a small area at the front for standing. Both the bathroom and 'bedroom' were like small closets, with sliding doors that were actually Shoji Screens. There was a light inside each room as well.<br><br>The structure and style of the aircraft allowed for sleek maneuvering, the wind able to flow against it easily. It was also fairly small and compact. Jenny had always been space efficient. The ship then took off on auto-control by Jenny. Gabriel fell into the driver seat and sat, Gwin behind him in the secondary seat.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 02:25:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke stood with his back to the roof's stairwell, his ocular implants tracking the Cherubim as they approached. The A.I.s sang as they flew, broadcasting on all open channels, and Nirvana relayed the soundstream to Luke as he leaned against the railing. 'See? And you were worried they'd be crazy or something. They're just being playful!' Luke grinned. 'Ana's holojection slumped her shoulders and shook her head anxiously. 'Luke, we really need to sit down and have a long talk about your childhood someday-'<br><br>Nirvana was interrupted by the sound of bodies struggling up a stairway. She and Luke turned as Gabriel and Gwin exited onto the rooftop, the girl dragging her hero along almost every foot of the way. A sizable jet plane hovered harrier-style just over the railing, and the intrepid duo were clearly headed it's way. Luke's smile grew, and he called out to them as they staggered away. "Hey there, you two!"<br><br>And stood perplexed, his hands on his hips, as they blatantly ignored him.<br><br>Luke glanced over at 'Ana, one eyebrow cocked in a 'get-a-load-of-this' expression, and shouted once again.<br><br>"Hey! Princess! Ureha!...HEY!"<br><br>And they kept on a-walkin'.<br><br>Luke threw his hands up in exasperation and shouted once more.<br><br>"Well, fine, then! Be that way! See if I care! Ya big jerks!" He turned to 'Ana, who watched the unfolding scene with a mixed expression of pity and mild disinterest. 'You know, I'm starting to really not like this town. The people here are so rude! They don't die when they're supposed to, they just ignore you when you talk to them; it-it-it's just bad manners, that's what it is!' 'Aren't you going to chase them? They're right there. Ureha is clearly injured. This would appear to be an excellent opportunity to collect the girl and be on our way, yes?' 'Ah, let them go. They're practically in the plane already, and have you seen that thing? If it's anything like the rest of this asshole's toys, it probably reaches supersonic speeds and serves you tea and dumplings in mid-flight. Better to let the kids take a crack at it; at least they won't have trouble keeping up.' 'Speaking of which...'<br><br>Luke felt a sharp prodding sensation at the base of his spine, and turned to find the Cherubims hovering silently in a perfect column. The drones each performed a barrel roll in greeting, each in the opposite direction of the one above it. At once, all four voices erupted in Luke's head as the Cherubim began to circle him like affectionate puppies armed with death rays.<br><br>'Hi, Uncle Luke!' 'Hello, Uncle!' 'Hey, Uncle Luke!' He grinned and allowed them to circle him, holding out his arms and letting them do hover tricks as he waited for them to calm down. 'Hey, guys! Are you excited to be back at work again?' 'YEAH! Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!' They cried, spinning in circles. Luke snapped to attention, a mock-serious expression on his face. <br><br>'Alright, then. First order! See that plane?' As one, the four drones turned their sensor-packed nose cones toward the jet. 'Yes, Sir!' They shouted. 'Do not let that plane out of your sight, under any circumstances! Second order! If anyone tries to hurt that plane, you have permission to kill them. Kill them hard.' 'Can we use our particle cannons, Uncle Luke?' asked Etriun, for all the world sounding like an anxious child on Christmas day. 'Cherubim squadron, you have full permission to use any means necessary to escort and protect that ship!' '<em>YAAYY</em>!!!' The drones each pulled a quick loop high above Luke's head and returned to formation. 'There is one little condition on your orders, guys, and it's an important one: No Noncombatant Casualties. Understand? Zero.' 'Awww...' 'I mean it, guys. This isn't going to be like that job in Baruga. Your attack pattern is to be Provoked Response only.' 'Yes, Sir...' Luke turned to look at Ureha's plane as it gained altitude, and watched a pair of incoming aircraft sighted their weapons on his ship. He grinned as he spoke the Cherubims' authorization phrase that would send the drones on their mission of protection and destruction.<br><br>"World...meet the kids."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 02:37:26 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Lol, I didn't realize Luke was on the stairwell XP<br><br>The aircraft went forward quickly, and Gabriel relaxed. Until a sharp sensation passed through him. A ping of fear, a ping of longing. His brother. "Gwin..." Gabriel said. "Come here, please. It's important." <br><br>His mind was screaming to him. A warning. "You and I been through a lot. Feels like it's been weeks. Every minute feels like an hour and every second a minute." He laughed, gripping his injured arm. "We met just last night. Both got thrown around the city together. It's kind of funny if you look at it in a certain way." He reached out and grabbed her arm softly. "Come morning, I don't think you and I will be together." He admitted. "I promise you one thing, though. I promise <em>you</em> will live." He told her. After he said this, he turned and grabbed the controls for the aircraft. "Alright? Gwin? I promise <em>you</em> are going to get through this. I really wish I could of helped you find your cat." He laughed. "Maybe if we had made it through this, I would have gotten some reward from you. Like a gift crd for that tiny shop...uh...once its like...you know, rebuilt." He looked down. "Or maybe a dinner out with you or something." He smiled, the kind of smile that said 'dont worry'. A smile that said 'everything would be alright'. A lying smile. "I know this one place just outside of Arcadia. Really nice. Expensive, too. I am friends with the owner, ya know. He would of given us a discount." This was Gabriel's nervousness speaking. He spoke a lot when he was nervous. As he flew, he continued chatting away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aviva</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 06:31:48 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*As the computer system shut down around them the female laughed though there was a dark edge to it.*<br><br>"Wow a feisty one I see.. Almost sorry I do not have one of those. I am afraid Shar this has put us out of the race. Should that female survive going to have to be her own luck that guides her."<br><br>*Shar stared at the dying computer screen the etremely faint image of her news status seeming to be there or perhaps that was just her imagination. It would take time to enter her old life, though perhaps not too long for her status to be changed when the computers were back up.*<br><br>"Can only do what is given to us."<br><br>*She muttered quietly.* <br><br>(9Sorry guys I am going to step out here. The thread moves so fast I can barely keep up. Have fun.))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 10:24:10 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin does her best to help Gabriel through the tiny maze of stairs.&nbsp; She is very concerned about his blood loss.&nbsp; She keeps up encouraging chatter as they go.&nbsp; "You're doing great."&nbsp; "Just a little further."&nbsp; "Jenny must have something waiting for us at the roof, we're almost there."&nbsp; They burst out there.&nbsp; So intent is she on Gabriel that Gwin does not see Luke and the hovering aircraft hides his voice.&nbsp; It isn't until they are seated and taking off that she sees him.&nbsp; She looks around and sees thing coming in at them, seeking something other than the tea and dumplings Luke wishes upon them.<br><br>As Gabriel calls her forward, she goes to him.&nbsp; She lets him speak but then interrupts his nervous chatter.&nbsp; "Gabriel... There is a man... on that roof!&nbsp; We can't leave him! PLease... He can have my seat."&nbsp; Her eyes implor him in a way that only accentuates her voice.&nbsp; All the while she begins to look at his arm.&nbsp; There is metal still in it.&nbsp; She begins to take a stock of what in the vehicle.&nbsp; Looking for something to help him.<br><br>"What do you mean we won't be together by morning?"&nbsp; She begins to think he is worried about dying, about them both dying.&nbsp; "Gabriel, don't leave me."&nbsp; Her voice is almost a pathetic whine as she bites back tears.&nbsp; The past day, for all its nightmares has been the first day in a long time she felt alive.&nbsp; She felt worth something.&nbsp; Most of that had to do with Gabriel.&nbsp; Those softly glowing blue eyes and that awkward blush when she stepped from the shower.&nbsp; The thought of her old life worst torture than almost anything else, she fights against separation from him.&nbsp; "Please, don't leave."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 11:53:03 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren staggered back to his feet from his second time falling of his bike. He looks over to the motor cycle and sees that the damage is to much for him to ride. As Joren goes to inspect further, he feels the mysterious inviable wall stopping him from exiting the area. "What the Hell!? Doc? Doc?!" There was nothing but static in Jorens ear piece, it was then Joren looked back down the road to see strange ice that caused him to fall.'This is not my work. What the fuck is going on here!?' Joren thought to himself. In the distance down the road toward Gwin's&nbsp; apartment building, Joren saw an explosion, with all the lights still out it was the only thing that could be seen. Just then, 4 or 5 Jets flew over head. "Where are they going?" Joren looked in the direction that the Jets were heading and saw a medium sized craft, the likes of witch Joren had never seen before, even when he was in the army. The only thing running through Joren's head now was to see what was happening. Joren feet moved swift as he ran at top speed down the street to see what was happening.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 12:56:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Showdown time<br><br>"That guy on the roof was Tracer." He told her. "He isn't on our side; He also knows how to handle himself. He will be fine." Gabriel looked around, the world was almost blue. Gabriel remained silent as Gwin pleaded. He simply looked forward, his hair draped over the sides of his head. "Here is the lowdown, Gabriel." Jenny said when she thought it appropriate. It as now snowing outside and all the buildings were frozen over in a light blue ice. "We are cut off here. There are multiple layers of shields throughout this area of the city. It's about a five square mile radius." She explained to him. "At all ends of the five miles, there is a shield that shoots up. Far up. A few thousand feet. On the ground there are a few shorter shields, probably about twenty feet high. The most I can do right nowis make them visible. Those jets that passed overhead a while ago were going fast enough to break the shield without being destroyed." She explained. "There are jets?" Gabriel asked, not having noticed.<br><br>A missle passed by, just barely missing the vehicle they were flying in. "They are hunters! They are very skilled people, Gabriel! Do not underestimate them!" Another missile flew by, just missing them. "Jenny! Make the back transparent!" He commanded, demanding to see what was attacking him. The back wall flickered like a television set, and the two inside beheld the site. Behind them was a battalion of enemies, multiple shapes and sizes. There were a few aircrafts, as well as some men on jet packs and unmanned vehicles. From behind the pack of Hunters, one of Luke's jets shot something at the group. It stopped about eighteen feet away, hitting a very strong invisible barrier. "Raise the machine gun!" Gabriel shouted, panicked. Gabriel rushed over to the back as a small turret raised from the ground. A slit appered in the now-transparent back wall for the barrel of the gun. <br><br>Gabriel fired wildly at the enemies, hitting nothing. "No way." He said, partially amazed, partially terrified. The shells from the bullets bounced off of the ground and created a pile around him as he panned around, shooting at random. They fired more missiles, this time more furious than before. Gabriel took aim and shot them from the sky, the last being too close for comfort. "Gabriel! In front of us!" Jenny shouted. There were a few men on jetpacks and a couple of aircrafts, all adorned in white and blue. One of the men carried a high caliber machine gun and fired it, smacking into the front of the vehicle. "It's impossible to touch them." Gabriel said with fear. Then, the vehicle started dipping downwards. "JENNY, WHAT HAPPENED?" Gabriel shouted in surprise. "They hit the auto-control! Jenny shouted. "Someone take the wheel!" She shouted, thw steering device for the aircraft coming out of the headboard. It was two sticks, looking nearly like vertical handles. <br><br>The enemies in the back and front all fired a barrage of missiles at the small, landing craft. "Gwin! Pull the vehicle up! Pull it up!" He cried as he shot down as many missiles as he could. <br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Meanwhile...</span></em></strong><br><br>A figure jumped off of one of the aircrafts that were hanging back. She had been leisurely standing on the wind of the vehcle as it floated well above the ground. She was wearing a white outfit, made of leather. It was as tight as a second skin, the clothing curving over every considerable curve of her body. Her face was soft and beautiful, her hair was long blond strands. Her hair was extremely long, being tied back in artistic braids that were interlocked thickly with each other. However, she preferred her hair over her shoulder and to the front. She rubbed it constantly as she approached Luke. She smiled sweetly, almost innocently, but Luke could see past the facade. Her eyes were an odd bright pink, the black of the eye seemingly darker than a normal person's. A zipper ran from the collar, between her breasts, down to her crotch. The line where the zipper would unzip was a dark blue, and there were multiple thin, blue designs on the outfit. She put her lip out in a pouting manner. She leaned in, turning her hed to the side. "You must be Luke, right?" She asked, her voice as beautiful and seducing as she was. "Normally I can seduce a man into what I want. But for you, I don't think thats the case." She said turning, her rounded and rather nice bottom facing Luke. "She tilted her head back, looking at Luke. "So I propose a deal. Oh...and I wouldn't try shooting me or blowing me up. Any projectile will just bounce away or blow up a few feet away from me. But that doesn't mean we can't be" Her body turned to smoke as she disappeared completely, reappearing pressed against Luke. "Intimately close." She finished, looking at his face closely. Her lips were also pink, matching her eyes. The lips were luscious, almost perfect. She disappeared into smoke again, reappearing sitting on the edge of the building, dangling her feet.<br><br>"I can propose a deal for you." She said putting her hands on her knees. "You help us...and we won't kill you." She said, her voice flattening and deepening on the last part. "And don't worry. I'm not like a lot of other...girls like me." She said, jumping up from her spot and striding towards Luke. "A lot of us attractive girls are actually monsters on the inside. Literally." She said, recalling a certain event where she was flirting with a girl and she transformed into something grotesque. "You see I was an experiment. Not a test tube bay or anything like that." She explained. "Not anything like shaping me to look like this. I am all natural, babe." She explained. "But I was the eye of certain experiments by ArmsTech. Heard of em? Of course you have. What I propose is that I get your hands on some of the...proven modifications. I was a test, that ice man Joren down there was a test, the Ureha's were a test. All of us. Tests. Tests that turned out well. Wouldn't you like to be a freak like me?" She smiled.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 01:29:41 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin had been through so much so quickly that she had lost track of who tracer was.&nbsp; "Whose side is he one then?"&nbsp; She looks down to the roof.&nbsp; "Miss Kit?"&nbsp; The thought of her cat being with him came to her mind.&nbsp; They didn't know who wrote that note.&nbsp; Gabriel didn't know of the second note.&nbsp; She notes the aloha shirt and the shorts with sandles.&nbsp; Her mind snaps to attention as some of the memories that were disjointed and fogged in her unconscious state found a home in her unfinished puzzle of that event.&nbsp; The word "cutiepie" falls from her lips disguised in a breath.&nbsp; She looks back down to him with confusion.&nbsp; Just then Jenny interrupts.&nbsp; Good timing Jenny.&nbsp; Reality reasserts itself into her focus.<br><br>She tries her hardest to stay out of the way as Gabriel maneuvers about the small aircraft.&nbsp; She screams as the front of their plane is hit and the auto-pilot gives way.&nbsp; There are shouts for her to take over the piloting.&nbsp; She jumps up and sits in the seat, but she has no clue what to do.&nbsp; They don't teach you to fly an aircraft along side counting change to run a small store.&nbsp; She hears "pull up."&nbsp; She ranomly grabs one of the two sticks in front of her and begins to pull on it.&nbsp; It didn't quite give the desired effect, pulling half the plane upward, turning them onto their side.&nbsp; She grabs the other one and pulls it up.&nbsp; Better.&nbsp; With some random combinations, she manages to get the plane to pull upward.&nbsp; The randomness of her attempts to figure out the driving did have one good effect - random flight patterns are hard targets to hit.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 02:40:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren dove behind a car as bullets flew past his head. 'Hunters!? What are they doing here? I thought I rid myself of them long ago?' As Joren sat behind the car catching his breath he noticed every thing around him was covered by ice. From an ally way across the street of the car Joren hid behind, 15 Red Eclipse troops your huddled behind a wall. They motioned for Joren to cross the street. To keep himself safe from stray bullets, he forged himself a large shield of ice. He swiftly made his way to the ally way, and crotched next to the lead Trooper. "Commander Roberts of the Red Eclipse . It's good to finally meet you Joren, your our top operative." The Commander shook Joren cold hand then spoke some more. "We were closing in on the target when Hunters came in from all sides, They killed our drones and 10 of my troops. By the way sir did you need to freeze the place?" Joren sighed heavily. "First off, I did not cause this, some hunter POSER must be doing this. Second, I need to know if any of you have a working communication device." The soldiers all shook the're visor covered heads. "We have not been able to get a signal since that barrier went up, sir." The commander said. "Fine!" Joren said as he stood up. "Then I guess we're on our own then. Okay boys! Lets go kill some hunters!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 03:17:09 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin continued to pull up as the missiles collided with each other and it began spinning wildly, sending Gabriel off of the gun and into the wall. It had taken a lot of strength to maintain his position on the turret while being vertical, him being in the bottom portion of the vehicle. She eventually levelled it out, still jerking in random directions, surprisingly dodging enemy fire. "Get ready!" Jenny shouted. "For what?" Gabriel shouted. "A little something I cooked up." She responded. A man with a jetpack, having noticed the opening in the craft, flew over to it from the turret's blind side and swept across, throwing an incendiary grenade through the small opening, it landing inside. The fire spread quickly, and the fire extinguisher was on the other side of the flame. As it spread, Gabriel backed up to Gwin. "We have to get out of here!" Gabriel shouted, putting a hand n Gwin. Quickly smoke began to fill the area. <br><br>"Get on top of the carrier. It's your only choice. Their ground forces are moving in." Jenny explained. Near the cockpit area, just out of reach of the fire, there was a ladder. "Set it to hover. You should be safe up there." She convinced. "Are you out of your mind? They are all still out there!" <br><br>"Just trust me." Jenny urged. Gabriel helped Gwin up the ladder, and they both eventually made it to the top. They both looked around, seeing that they were surrounded by ships. Just then, a blue wave went flying out, causing windows to shatter and all technology around the ship to nearly explode. It went out in a straight line, but only at the level of the aircraft they were on. They both watched as the ships fell from the sky, crashing into the ground. "I guess they don't explode like in the movies." Jenny joked. <br><br>Then there was a thud. A black jet, which had blended into the night sky, was above them and dropped a passenger. His hair was rustled and brown, and he was wearing a long brown jacket. He stood up, revealing himself to be Isaac. Gabriel protectively stood in front of Gwin, reaching back and placing his hands on her hips, keeping himself directly in front of her. Isaac gave a partially confused look, then a smile of understanding.&nbsp; He began to walk toward Gabriel, drawing two swords and flaring them. He threw one to Gabriel, then assumed a fighting stance. Gabriel looked down at the sword, then back at his brother. Slowly, he bent down and picked it up with one hand. He looked at the blade again, seeing his reflection, seeing his glowing blue eyes. <br><br>He didn't want to fight his brother. He held the sword up horizontally, seeing his reflection again. Then he seen Gwin's. He flared the sword and walked forward, assuming a fighting stance.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Elsewhere</strong></em></span><br><br>"I never properly introduced myself. My name is Alice." She said with a wicked smile. her feet were positioned in a way that she was ready to be attacked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 04:32:47 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin works furiously to learn in an instant how to dodge bullets with a steady hand.&nbsp; Oh wait.&nbsp; She is still learning how to keep the plane going forward with any sense of 'I meant to do that' on her part.&nbsp; Somehow, she manages to dodge the majority of the logicly aimed things.&nbsp; Logic cannot predict the chaos of the unlearned.&nbsp; Chaos will win more times than not.&nbsp; But somehow the plane starts filling with smoke.&nbsp; She starts to cough and gag.&nbsp; She had nothing in her background that would help her to breathe in a moment like this.&nbsp; It just is not taught along with how to price a can of corn.&nbsp; Jenny starts urging them to the roof.&nbsp; <br><br>She turns to follow Jenny's orders and Gabriels reaching hands.&nbsp; They climb to the roof only to be confronted by Isaac.&nbsp; She stands behind Gabriel as if to find safety behind him.&nbsp; His hands reach to her hips and she melts.&nbsp; Oh, how she wished time would stop right there that she may fully enjoy such a touch.&nbsp; But Isaac tosses Gabriel a sword.&nbsp; Gabriel pauses but looks as if he means to fight.&nbsp; "NO!"&nbsp; She would not risk him.&nbsp; Not after just finding him.&nbsp; She moves to stand between the two.&nbsp; "Please, Gabriel...&nbsp; Please?"&nbsp; She begins to appeal to him.&nbsp; "I need you with me.&nbsp; You are injured, it is not a fair fight.&nbsp; Don't leave me."&nbsp; She means please don't fight, but if you must, DON'T LOSE!&nbsp; "Gabriel, do you even know what he wants?&nbsp; Why he is here?&nbsp; Why he wishes to fight?"&nbsp; She tries to keep the two separate so they will not fight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 06:28:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"He tried to kill me." Gabriel said. "He tried to kill YOU." He said coldly. "Move, Gwin." He said, keeping his eyes from hers. Isaac rushed forward at Gwin and Gabriel quickly grabbed her and spun, causing Isaac to miss his long horizontal slash. He spun the blade back into a defensive stance. Thunder struck, cuing a downpour of rain. He held Gwin, his arms around her back. He drew her close. "I'm sorry." He whispered to her. <br><br>He turned and slashed forward, Isaac dodging. They both attacked and evaded, like a choreographed dance. Their grace was matched, making it clear they were brothers. With each lunge and dive, their dance was becoming more violent. The music was the thunder and tapping rain. Isaac leaped forward and Gabriel leaped back, their swords touching. Gabriel spun majestically on one foot, the sword passing over Isaac as he leaned back. Gabriel fluidly turned the spin into a piercing lunge and Isaac jumped back. Isaac caught himself on one foot and propelled himself forward, striking with his sword in a fencing fashion. Both of their styles changed, going from two hands on the sword to a hand behind each of their backs. Their stances changed, their legs spreading farther apart and in a more solid stance.<br><br>The danced back and forth in a fencing fashion. Isaac did a spinning flare on one foot, similar to what Gabriel had done. His jacket mimicked the flare, spinning outward. Again, Isaac lunged forward, but instead of backing up, Gabriel did a risky maneuver. He spun sideways, the blade barely missing him, and followed through with his momentum with a kick, sending the blade flying off of the aircraft. Gabriel raised his brother's head quickly with the sword. "It's over brother. Now I want answers." Gabriel said angrily. The rain fell harshly, covering the three. Their hair was soaked downward, and rain dripped from their body. Gabriel's shirt clung to his shape.<br><br>"Why are you in love with her?" Isaac asked, speaking for the first time since all of this started. "What?" Gabriel asked. "I asked 'why are you in love with her!?'" isaac demanded. "What business is it of yours!?" Gabriel screamed, seizing his brother by the shoulder, and pushing the blade forward, forcing Isaac to back up. "Do you even recall when you first seen her?" Isaac questioned. Gabriel thought for a moment. He couldn't remember. "What does this have to do with anything?" Gabriel asked. Isaac looked to Gwin. "I see the way you look in his eyes. Do you even know why? Truly?" He asked her. Gabriel shook his brother, bringing his attention back to him. "This has nothing to do with her! Why are you asking these questions!? Answer mine!"&nbsp; Gabriel demanded. "You don't get it, do you?" Isaac asked. "You two already knew each other." He explained. "I don't know about you, Gwin, but my brother's memory was filled in sloppily. That's why you're so confused, Gabriel. That's why you have all this technology. You had accepted it the past few years because you had no answer. Here is your answer: You and Gwin knew each other. Both of your memories were wiped and a false history were constructed for you." He told them. "You know why they are after you, Gwin?" He asked. "They are after Gwin?" Gabriel said, shocked. "It's because-"<br><br>Blood. Shooting up to the man with black hair's face. A feeling of shock. Confusion. Like something is missing. His informant's body slumped, a hole in his chest. Disgusting. The body thudded to the roof of the aircraft, blood mixing with the rain. He looked down at the still body. The shot had to come from below. They were too high up for anyone else to hit him. It was Gabriel's fault. He had forced his brother near the edge. Gabriel stumbled back, falling to the ground and dropping the sword, it falling down to the streets below where Hunters were already out of their downed vehicles. He laid down, staring up into the rain. His brother was dead. It was his fault. His world, as he known it, was revealed to be a lie. How high up in the air were they? Hell, where were they period? Tears rolled from Gabriel's eyes, mixing with the water on the roof of the aircraft. Falling down to the streets below, indistinguishable from rain. He let out a sorrowful scream. <br><br>Below, another set of hunters arrived. Another faction. A battle waged in the streets, hunter group A versus hunter group B. Not to mention Joren and his team. And Luke. It was pure chaos. Gabriel had overcome the pain to fight his brother. The adrenaline had numbed the pain. The need to protect the woman he loved was overwhelming. And what was that about them already knowing each other? <br><br>"Gabe..." Jenny's voice came, trying to comfort him. There was a long moment of silence between Jenny, Gabe, and Gwin. Thunder struck. The grounds below were probably sleek as hell. Gabriel's skin began to re-patch itself, the skin, muscles, and everything else rebuilding. The burn marks on his back began to fade and the few metal pieces left in his body pushed out. <br><br>All the rain that was falling stopped. All the rain on the ground began to be taken from under everyone's feet. His eyes began to glow more than before. Slowly, a large wave of water began to form at the end of the street, getting larger and larger by the second. It was Gabriel. But at the same time, it wasn't. He had no idea what he was doing, and right now he was disconnected from reality. Words wouldn't bring him back from the darkness he stumbled into. Words were not enough. <br><br>At this rate, a lot of innocent people would die. <br><br>"Luke!" Came Jenny's voice, sounding right near the Tracer. "This is Jenny, Gabriel's AI. You need to get to the basement of the building NOW."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 07:13:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soriun and Mikiun concentrated their fire on the lead aircraft that approached ''their'' plane, over 3000 micro-mercury rounds per second lancing through the air. After almost 5 seconds, the two drones held their fire and consulted with each other as Andiun moved into a position directly below Ureha's ship.<br><br>'Hey! Why aren't they dying? I thought when you shoot something, it's supposed to die!' Mikiun cried as the two began performing complex evasive maneuvers against the hail of enemy fire. Soriun's sensor arrays flared to life and he transmitted the readings to his siblings. 'They have electromagnetic buffer shields in place!' 'Well, that's not fair!'<br><br>Etriun scanned through his programming and weapons stores, searching for anything that could counter EMB shields. 'Hey, guys! Hey, hey guys! I think I found somethin'!' 'What is it?' Soriun asked as he flew dizzying circles around a group of jets that had broken off from the main force. 'I don't know, something called "Hard-Light Weapons System"!' 'Well, activate it then, idiot!' 'Don't call me an idiot!' 'Idiot, idiot, idiot!' 'Andiun, Soriun's being a jerk again! Make him stop!' 'He'll stop when you activate the HLWS, Etriun! Just do it already, I wanna see what it does!' 'OK, OK...there!'<br><br>In nanoseconds Etriun's processor kicked into overdrive, and his little circuits were filled with fascinating new ways of inflicting death on organic targets. 'Coooool! Check this out!' The little drone broke out of formation and strafed toward a pack of jets moving at subsonic speeds. His targeting computer calculated the strength and placement of their EMBs, and a small barrel emerged from the tip of his nose cone. The HLWS fired a small, almost invisible beam of light from the tiny barrel, and the aircraft were sliced to ribbons. As they fell dead from the skies, the others revolved around Ureha's ship in appreciation. 'Ooh, cool! What was that?' 'Yeah, how'd you do that?' 'I don't know, guys, there's something in here about using delayed-reaction photon collision to create physical matter out of light! All I did was fire the weapon, and it's like the bullets didn't actually form until they were past the shields!' 'Awesome! Do we all have one of those?' 'I dunno. Look and see.' <br><br>Andiun, Soriun and Mikiun scanned through their systems and located their own HLWS, and activated them immediately. 'Boys,' said Andiun, 'we're back in business!'<br><br><strong><em>~The Rooftop~</em></strong><br><br>Luke stood slouched on the rooftop, the night wind flapping and rustling his bright red floral-print shirt all over. His hands were shoved in his pockets, and he watched with a smile as the Cherubim figured out a way through the enemy shields. As he looked on, the drones began to massacre the offending aircraft, and bodies and debris rained screaming down from the sky like shooting stars.<br><br>Almost as soon as the show began, however, he Luke was interrupted by the sight of a woman leaping onto the roof, her calm grace and obvious power rolling off of her in waves. He pulled one hand out of his pocket and hooked a thumb through his belt loop, waiting casually as she approached, her hips swinging soft and low. 'Ana enhanced Luke's sensory abilities and scanned the newcomer, detecting definite traces of genetic manipulation and bioengineering. She stopped within a few feet and spoke, her words like smoked honey.<br><br>"Normally, I could just seduce a man into doing what I want...but I don't think you'd be so easy, would you, handsome?" Luke smiled and enjoyed the view as the woman turned away, and his gaze lingered on her firm, perfect ass. "Maybe," Luke replied with a grin. "But there's no harm in trying." She laughed. "That's what I thought...so how about a deal?"<br><br>Luke shook his head and laughed as she warned him not to try shooting at her. He raised his arms in the air, the universal motion for 'I'm unarmed'. "Babe, take a good look at me. Do I look like the type to carry a gun?" His smile widened as she vanished and reappeared, her gorgeous little body pressed close to his. Before she could move, he lowered his arms and wrapped them around her, pulling her tightly to him as his hands fondled her ass. "Keep talking, beautiful. You've got my partially divided attention," he said, staring into those exotic black and pink eyes as he scanned 'Ana's reports on the battle's progress above.<br><br>'How's it looking, 'Ana?' 'Not terrible. The Cherubim are performing within acceptable parameters, and the new Hard-Light Weapons Systems are proving quite effective. There are only a few stragglers remaining; most of the attacking force has either fallen or scattered.' 'Good news. Now, what do you think about our newest would-be girlfriend?' He asked as she revealed her history as an ArmsTech experiment. 'It would explain why each of them seem to possess powers far beyond that of most Elementals. Marcos sent me some more data on ArmsTech; we'll have to review it later. Right now, we should focus on what's in front of us,' Nirvana said. 'Agreed. I want to see where this goes. That shifting ability of hers is going to make achieving target-lock with the satellites almost impossible, and I believe her when she says physical projectile weapons are useless against her. Besides...it'd be a damn shame to kill someone that hot.' Luke chuckled to himself as 'Ana rolled her eyes in disgust.<br><br>"...like to be a freak like me?" She smiled, her long legs barely reaching the rooftop from her seat on the guardrail. "Oh, I never introduced myself, did I...My name is Alice." Alice hopped off the guardrail and positioned herself into a defensive stance. Luke returned his attention to her as she prepared for an attack, and shrugged. "Well, gosh, Alice, I don't know...I mean, it's an awful lot to take, you know what I mean? Hm...I think I'll have to take some time to think about this. Could I sleep on it for a few nights?" Luke peered at Alice over the edge of his shades, looking her up and down, a rogue's grin masking his thoughts. "You're welcome to join me, of course," he said with a wink.<br><br><strong><em>~The Sky~</em></strong><br><br>The Cherubim assumed an escort position on either side of Ureha's ship, easily keeping up with Gwin's wild, reckless piloting. 'Do you guys think we've protected the plane long enough?' Mikiun asked, rotating in lazy circles as they flew. 'Probably not,' Andiun answered. 'We should probably stick with it until it touches down.' 'Hey! There's a person down there! Can we kill him, please, please can we, huh?' Etriun squealed as the quartet passed over an old man sitting alone on a bus stop bench. 'No, Etriun. Remember what Uncle Luke said: No Noncombatant Casualties, and Provoked Response only! You don't want him mad at us again, do you?' The Cherubim went silent as they each recalled the last time Uncle Luke got angry.<br><br>'Good point,' Etriun conceded. His vocal pattern only oscillated a tiny bit.<br><br>'Hey, check it out. There are people on top of the plane!' Soriun said, breaking them out of their thoughts. 'Should we kill them?' 'I don't know...scans indicate that two of them are supposed to be passengers in the plane.' 'What are they doing outside?' 'Are we supposed to protect them, too?' 'Uncle Luke only said we're supposed to protect the plane.' 'Yeah, but maybe he meant we're supposed to protect what's inside it, too.' 'Even if he did, they're outside it now, aren't they?' 'I guess so...' 'Cherubim Squadron, continue escort and holding patterns. And remember, Provoked Response only!'<br><br><strong><em>~The Rooftop~</em></strong><br><br>Luke was trying to determine a way to pump Alice for further information when a new voice sounded in his implants. 'Luke! This is Jenny, Gabriel's A.I. Get to the basement, NOW!!' 'What the-' 'She's right, Luke, something's going on. I can't get a clear picture through the shields, but meteorological reports indicate there are strange phenomena occurring in this area, and it looks to be on a pretty sizable scale. We should evacuate.'<br><br>Almost as one, Luke and Alice turned to see the massive typhoon building at the end of the street. Luke's eyebrows cocked in surprise, and he barely took notice as Alice vanished without a word. 'Well. That's new.' 'Luke, it appears Ureha has lost control. I'm detecting inhuman levels of psychokinetic energy from his location; we should collect the girl and leave.' Luke licked his lips and shook his head. 'These kids are starting to be more trouble than they're worth...alright, lock me onto the girl's signature.'<br><br>Moments later...<br><br><strong><em>~The Sky~</em></strong><br><br>Luke appeared atop Ureha's plane, the harsh winds whipping at his shirt and stinging his skin. Directly in front of him stood Ureha, his body tensed, eyes glowing fiercely; behind him, shivering in the slashing rain, Gwin stared up at the newcomer in shock. "Ureha! Snap out of it!" Luke shouted, reaching out a hand to grab Gabe's shoulder. At the first touch, a jolt of energy surged into his arm and he fell back with a cry of pain, the length of his arm smoking. 'Looks like Lancelot is unresponsive. 'Ana, thoughts?' 'He seems to be in some kind of trance state. I doubt very seriously he knows what he's doing. I suggest we leave him, grab the girl and go.' Luke assented, his mind already off the pain in his arm as Nirvana directed a dose of medichines into the singed tissues. Within seconds the damage was repaired, and he turned away from Ureha to grab Gwin.<br><br>"Sorry about taking so long, princess, but it's time to get you home..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 07:24:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: She is on the roof. Edit it when you can, I will accommodate<br><br>Water came from seemingly nowhere and pressed Luke to the ground. There was no visible command of Gabriel sending the high pressure wave at Luke, but it was clear that the commands came from him. Water began to swirl around the plane in large strands, constantly spinning. Luke noticed the body of Isaac on the ground and probably put together the puzzle.<br><br>Alice morphed quickly onto the scene, having followed Luke. She looked to the ground and seen the body of Isaac. Her eye twitched and her hand clenched into a fist. She sighed, her eyes unable to waver from the sight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 08:33:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The weight of the water slammed Luke to the roof of the plane, wave after wave of force pounding against his body. 'This kid is really starting to chomp my cheese,' he thought as Nirvana activated the pgm and enshrouded them in a protective gravity bubble. Immediately the pressure relinquished its grip on his body, and Luke rose to his feet. The wave force was still trying to pin him down but the gravshield redirected it away from him, allowing the water to fall harmlessly over the side. He grimaced at the sight of Isaac's corpse below, and the implications blossomed darkly in his mind.<br><br>Alice's presence registered almost instantly in Luke's awareness, and he shot her a grin when she turned to him. "Sorry, sweetheart. I can't play right now; Daddy has some chores to finish. Why don't you go play with your friends downstairs?" As he spoke, Nirvana relayed instructions to Etriun and Andiun, and the drones moved into position on her flanks. Alice started forward, and Nirvana gave the order to Etriun to fire his HLWS; the photon rounds passed through her shield with ease, but she countered with lightning reflexes. Her entire body shifted to smoke.<br><br>Just as Nirvana expected.<br><br>'Now!' 'Ana shouted to Andiun, who sprayed the Alice-cloud with a green, sour liquid. The liquid bonded to the smoke particles and weighed them down, turning her ''body'' into a brackish green sludge which splattered to the roof of the plane and washed away in the rain.<br><br>As Nirvana and the Cherubim disposed of Alice, Luke returned his attention to Gwin and Gabe, his gravshield firmly in place to prevent another cheap shot from Ureha.<br><br>"Alright, let's try this again..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 08:46:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With all that is going on, with all the confusion, she could only focus on Gabriel and Isaac.&nbsp; She screams out as Isaac dies.&nbsp; She is paralyzed having never seen death so close - well at least not that she knows of.&nbsp; If Isaac is right, there is much about her own life she does not know.&nbsp; Either way, she is in shock and stunned.&nbsp; She stares at Isaac's bleeding corpse.&nbsp; Her mind searches for ways of making that not real or at least undone.&nbsp; She has nothing.&nbsp; Then Luke appears.&nbsp; His words snapping her from her paralization.<br><br>Gwin all but pushed Luke aside and dashed to Gabriel.&nbsp; She bends down in front of him. She grasps his face in hers.&nbsp; She looks deep into those distant eyes.&nbsp; She closes her owns and presses her lips into his.&nbsp; Her soft, full lips, cold with the recent weather oddities press to his unresponding lips.&nbsp; The rain still manages to find pathways between them as she presses her body to his.&nbsp; She tries to use her presence, their connection to draw him from his state.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 08:52:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Retyping<br><br>Alice reappeared unexpectedly next to Luke again. "I told you not to try that." She said, sounding emotionally hurt and offended. "You may know a lot about technology but little about magic. Once I am gone, all thats left in my place is magical residue. Kind of like if someone is going to fast, you see more than one of them. Like an after-image." She walked up to him and slapped him, then grabbing hia face and turning it back towards herself. "I didn't even attack you, darling. Come on...can't a girl get a little respect?" She ask coyishly. She disappeared again in defense. "Now, I suggest we get this boy here under control, don't you?" She asked, reappearing clinging to Luke. "Don't grab me without permission, Darling." She said, returning Lukas' grab from earlier on the same fashion. She laughed and siappeared again, this time reappearing in mid motion as she sat down.<br><br>The world eased back into color. Everything began becoming clear once again. The intense glow of his eyes reduced back to the slight glow it had before. What had happened? The wall of water fell calmly, the water spreading into the streets like a small river. It was tough and quick, but not deadly. His head was banging. What was going on? He felt warmth against his body, and warmth against his face. He felt the soft lips on him, and it was calming. It wasn't until then, he noticed what exactly was going on. His heart raced, not knowing what had lead to this moment. But he wasn't complaining. He embraced her, pulling her closer, and returning the kiss. "Gwin, I-" He was stopped by a louder, more dangerous bolt of thunder shooting through the sky. It echoed loudly, and all the fighting stopped. It wasn't natural. The shield which surrounded the entire area became visible, even the one far in the sky. <br><br>It was shiny, like crystal, and close to a transparent white. How was it raining and thundering within the shield? A bolt of thunder struck the aircraft, the force of it sending all on the roof off into the air, and knocking the power out of the aircraft. It was fast and brutal. It was an example. <br><br>Alice disappeared and Gabriel and Gwin clung to each other. They were in a freefall. Alice reappeared, grabbing Luke. She disappeared again with Luke, reappearing next to Gwin and Gabriel. She did the same process, able to get Gwin and Gabriel at the same time. They were in a small room that was carpeted and nice. It was tan, and candles were lit around the room. The entire area was Japanese style, expertly made swords on display, and wall scroll with Kanji on them. The doors were all Shoji style, and everything was made of wood. <br><br>Luke was throwing up off to the side in a sink. Alice stood over the two of them, who were on the ground. "Do you know why you two aren't doing what he is doing?" She asked. "I am sure Isaac told you before he..." She couldn't finish the sentence. The room triggered memories for both Gwin and Gabriel. <br><br>"Where are we?" Gabriel asked. "This is my home. It is very very far away from where we were. We are in Nihon Urbs." She explained. Nihon Urbs was the Japanese part of Quantum Urbs. It was large, and had a lot of trees and grass. Almost everything was natural, which means that a lot of people throughout Quantum would be amazed at it. It was a rare and beautiful sight. Also very guarded. People could not just come and leave as they pleased here. It was a away to keep the place clean and beautiful. Unlike most of Quantum Urbs, this area was in a part where the sun came out on a normal schedule. <br><br>"There are multiple rooms. This place is basically a mansion." She told them, going to walk away. "Wait. Why should we trust you? You are dressed like those hunters that were trying to kill us." Gabriel said. "Then why would I of saved you? You are safe here. This place is hidden, and because of how we got here, you cannot be traced so easily. Rest up, enjoy yourself. Take a look around the area. Have some fun. I doubt the night was nice to you." She explained. "Hey, what time is it?" Gabriel asked. "It's one PM. It's nice out. Everything is open. Remember your magic doesn't work here. Our magic." She said, going to walk away again. "Then how did you come back and get us?" Gabriel asked her. She smiled and turned around. "I worked closely with the people that made us this way. Did you think I would leave before having a parting present?" She asked. She went over to Luke. "Rough trip, huh?" She asked him.<br><br>"I need to find a bathroom. Im going to take a shower." He told Gwin, heading to one of the nearby doors. The floors were made of wood, and it was nice and shiny to boot. The hallways were narrow, but they were wide enough. There were multiple shoji screen doors that&nbsp; lead to different rooms, and two doors side by side were bathrooms. He went into one, and noticed that there was a Shoji screen separating the bathroom he was in and the one next to him. He walked forward into the actual bathing area, which dipped into the ground so the water didn't go out into the hallway. The shoji screen was just above the floor, and the floor had drains in it. Interested, he went over to the screen door and discovered that it was movable, which would change the two bathing areas into a large one. The shoji screen made up the entire wall between the two rooms from door to back wall. The only part slide-able was the section over the bathing area, which was very large and able to fill with water. Gabriel removed his clothes and turned on the water.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 09:06:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(OOC: I'm a little confused. Can some one give me a quick summery of whats happened and where everyone currently is. Sorry guys)&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 09:27:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Its cool. Ok. So there was a giant fight. Before the fight, everything was frozen. Your guys were down on the street with Joren while Gwin and Gabriel were in their aircraft. It also started storming Events occured and Gabriel, Luke, Gwin and the new character Alice were all on top of the aircraft (after a fight between Isaac and Gabriel). Gabriel was going crazy because his brother died and was controlling the water to make a giant tidal wave. However, he was calmed and the wave did not come crashing down, instead the water kind of just filled the streets. Then thunder struck, a very loud, unnatural thunder. And everyone stopped fighting. The lightening struck the aircraft and everyone was about to die but Alice used her fancy teleportation magic to get everyone that was falling out. You are still there, which means you get to team with another character, who will be introduced after your post. Needless to say, it is the thunder man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 09:52:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren and his Red Eclipse team moved in to the battle zone as fast as the're feet would go. Joren was easily freezing Hunter troops left and right into blocks of ice, 2 men on jet-packs attempted to neutralize him from above, but Joren swiftly fired Sharp pieces of ice straight at the heads at amazing speeds and killed them. Joren looked back and saw that his team was doing just as good. "This brings me back to my war days!" Joren said with a smirk. Just then joren saw the great battle that was taking place in the sky over head. As Joren and his team moved up the street to wards the building where the black plain hovered above, water started to raise around they're ankles. "Whats happening sir?" Asked the commander. Joren spoke up. "A shit storm, Roberts. A shit sto..." Before Joren could finish, he was cut off by Thunder, the likes of which no one had ever herd. Every one around stopped fighting, even Joren and the Red Eclipse stopped Joren looked up and saw that his targets he was fighting for had been teleported from the plain by a mysterious woman 'Alice...' Joren thought as he looked up at the sky. Lost in thought, all Joren could say was. "What is happing out there?"<br>As Joren stood in thought, a Red Eclipse Agent came stumbling out of his hiding spot from within a overturned car and stood next to Joren out of breath with an exhausted look on his face. He spoke. "Joren... Joren their was nothing I could do... I'm sorry mr. Joren but Isaac is dead!" Joren turned to face the man, his eye's as black as the night. In a matter of seconds, the Red Eclipse agent turned to Ice and fragmented into a million pieces. the other troops watched with shock. "Sir? Are you okay?" Joren through up his arms. "I NEEDED HIM!!! AND NOW I'LL NEVER HAVE WHAT WAS SO CLOSE IN MY GRASP!!!" after a few minutes Joren looked around at the troops. They looked at him with fear and wondered how much longer they would have to obey him.<br><br>OOC: *Sighs with relief* Okay thank you&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 10:01:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A thunderbolt struck down near Joren and his squad. But instead of being quick and disappearing, the thunder spread to the ground and remained. Eventually, the thunder dissipated. A man was crouched down in it's place and he slowly stood up. He had dark, short, slightly spiked hair and a rough goatee outlining his jaw. He was wearing black sunglasses, a long leather black jacket witha white undershirt, and black pants. Lightening pulse from his hands. "Where are the Ureha's?" He asked, his voice dark and smooth. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 10:24:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Red Eclipse troops all instantly raised the're guns ready to fire at the sight of the Thunder man. Joren turned to them and motioned them to lower the're weapons, then turned to the Thunder man with a frozen scowl. "What business is it of yours!?" Joren said as he clenched his fists, as he did a bluish glow of frozen air formed around him, Turning the ground in the area near Joren in to pure snow and ice. Joren was clearly not in the mood.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 10:34:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You don't seem to understand," The man began. "I am the one with the business here, you stupid fucks." He glanced around, noting the men with weapons. Mentally marking the down. "Now. Where are the brothers?" He repeated. "I offer money to whoever is willing to help me. A healthy sum. Along with protection from whoever may be after you once you switch allegiances." He looked at Joren, directing the comment to him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 10:46:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The world fades and all that exists is Gabriel as those soft blue eyes come back to her.&nbsp; The kiss having drawn him out as she had hoped had also worked to melt her to him.&nbsp; The rain somehow finding paths to flow between them even as she holds the kiss.&nbsp; She doesn't notice anything else.&nbsp; All the craziness is gone until .... poof.<br><br>She looks around her and sees she is in a Japanese room.&nbsp; She is surprised to see Luke there and some woman she had not seen before.&nbsp; "Where..."&nbsp; "What..."&nbsp; "Who..."&nbsp; She keeps starting questions, but they talk over her and around her.&nbsp; She listens to the hints of the answers but nothing real.&nbsp; The feeling of having been here before assualts her. Like a mob overtaking her, it gives her no peace.&nbsp; If you asked her where the can opener was, she could tell you.&nbsp; She could find her way to the bathroom without being told.&nbsp; She could find her way around the many rooms.&nbsp; But who sleeps in this room or that or who owns this place or why she knows it all escapes her.<br><br>She stands lost and alone, feeling abandoned and overwhelmed, dripping wet in the room.&nbsp; She shivers wildly.&nbsp; She looks around for a blanket or something to warm herself and to hopefully stave off the shock her body wants to slip into.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 11:11:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He recalls the bathing room, the memories slowly gaining on him as he bathes. He remembers the shoji screen being open multiple times, he and another sharing the space. The area is filled with steam from the embracing warm water. The sense of being calm. He let the dug in bathe area fill with water, and he sat in it, the shower head constantly pouring water down on his head. He pressed a button, which partially opened the drainer, allowing a constant amount of water remain in the bath. It also allowed it to remain clean. He ran his hands through his hair, leaning his head back. As he does so, he sees a figure through the steam. He quickly shifts, surprised, thinking that someone was there. There was no one. His memories and the present were melting together here. He remembered that Gwin's lips felt oddly familiar. He returned to his position and allowed his eyes to close. He heard the door to the next bathroom open, and it startled him. Why had it done so? There was a divider between the two rooms. The answer was because the divider was usually down in his memories. He cracked his neck and continued lounging. He hoped that Gwin would be able to calm down now that they were in a peaceful place.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 11:48:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>~The Sky~</em></strong><br><br>Luke reached out once again to grab Gwin's arm and escape before things went any further south, but he was a fraction of a second too slow. Before the last of the 'Alice-sludge' had even fallen from the plane's surface, Alice had re-manifested right beside him. "I told you not to try that," she said with a pout. Her hand shot out with a rattlesnake's speed and stung his cheek, then gently turned him back to face her. Luke grinned as he reached up to cup her hand on his face. "Actually, doll, you told me not to shoot you. I thought you'd appreciate corporeal dispersal as something a tad more creative," he said. 'Ana and the Cherubim prepared another attack, but Luke waved them off; obviously it would take more than superior firepower to handle this situation. "Besides," he continued, "I thought my respect for you should have been obvious. It's the reason I attacked first." His grin widened as she pressed herself against him once again, and once again he caught her in his arms before she could move away. He leaned his head in closer to hers and whispered in her ear. "I've always preferred forgiveness to permission."<br><br>As she smiled and faded out of reach again, Luke heard the Cherubim chattering in his head.<br><br>'Uncle Luke? Something's weird.' 'Yeah, weird.' 'The air seems different.' 'Yeah, different and weird.'<br><br>'Ana dipped into Luke's sensory perceptions and returned with her agreement. 'They're right, Luke. There's something in the air, something with a heavy charge-'<br><br>Nirvana was interrupted by a magnificent crash of thunder, and without further warning the surface of the plane beneath Luke's feet vanished.<br><br>'Aw, hell. Now what?' Luke thought.<br><br>As the four fell through the air, Luke's only thought was to grab the girl and complete his mission. He looked in all directions and found her not too far away, only a few feet from himself, above him. He angled his body to slow his descent and reach her, but as his fingertips brushed against her sleeve, Alice appeared and snatched her away. 'Dammit!' He thought, shifting his attention to Nirvana. 'Get us out of here, we'll get her lat-'<br><br>Before the thought was completed, he felt a soft hand grabbing his arm, and the world turned to smoke.<br><br><strong><em>~Nihon Urbs~</em></strong><br><br>Pain.<br><br>Wrenching, thunderous, thought-ripping pain.<br><br>Luke's limbs felt like jelly as he fell to the floor, his insides burning with hellfire. Nirvana rebooted in his head, her own thoughts a jumble of information. She regained full expression within seconds, and sensed something very wrong with her beloved host. Frantically she dispatched a full complement of medichines throughout Luke's body, and as they worked to repair the damage to his internal organs Luke began to respond. Slowly, groggily, he climbed onto all fours and crawled forward because it was the easiest direction, stumbling with nearly every inch. After an eternity he reached a cabinet and climbed to stand on unsteady legs, his form hunched and slumped. Whether Nirvana had steered him here, or he was just plain lucky, a sink gleamed below him, and without hesitation he leaned over and spewed the remains of his old organs onto the shining clean steel. The liquified pulp splattered into the sink, wet and heavy, and as the process continued, the medichines rebuilt more and more of his internal structure, and Luke actually began to feel more human again.<br><br>At last, the final drops spilled and Luke reached up with a trembling hand to run the faucet, washing the ich into the sewers. He turned his back on the cabinet and leaned heavily against the smooth cherry wood, white knuckles gripping the counter's edge. A few thousand medichines scrubbed the insides of his mouth clean, and then they returned to their stations on the underside of his epidermis.<br><br>"Rough trip, huh?" Alice asked, approaching him warily.<br><br>Luke shook his head, panting and laughing breathlessly. "I've had worse rides..."<br><br>'Ugh. Thanks, 'Ana. A few more seconds of that might have finished me.' 'You're sure you're OK?' She asked, her worry evident. 'You'd know as well as I do, 'Ana. You're in here with me,' he thought wryly. 'And on the bright side, now we know I can survive another trip through the smoke.' 'All the same, let's try not to push our luck on the matter, shall we?'<br><br>Luke looked over at Alice, not for the first time appreciating her flawless form. "So, thanks for the lift, I guess. Were my ears just ringing, or did I hear you say Nihon Urbs?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 01, 2010, 11:59:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren played with his frosted beard for a minute, then he turned to the Red Eclipse troops and said firmly. "Go! Leave me be! Go back to your Crime lord and tell him that their is no longer any need of my service' to the Red Eclipse." The Commander gave a nod then him and the rest dispersed in the ally ways. Joren turned his attention back on this new player. "Isaac Ureha is dead, and with him my dream of turning my curse into a gift is gone. The only thing I want now is death! Pain and suffering to Gabriel Ureha, the girl and The tracker! Money will not be necessary for my services... Partner!"&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:04:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Listening to Luke wretch was not the highlight of her night.&nbsp; her clothes clinging to her with wet.&nbsp; Her top is almost see-through at the breasts.&nbsp; She looks about the room and finds nothing to wrap up in and warm herself.&nbsp; She begins to wander the rooms.&nbsp; Finding the odd sense that she knows this place only growing stronger.&nbsp; She passes the bathroom.&nbsp; There is steam from it.&nbsp; Oh she was cold.&nbsp; She opens the door and steps in.&nbsp; She hears the water running but sees the screen up between the two spaces.&nbsp; She remembers Gabriel saying he was headed for the showers.&nbsp; She enters the back and settles into the water, fully clothed.&nbsp; The hot water feeling so good as she continued to shiver.&nbsp; Her teeth clattering.&nbsp; She didn't even bother taking her boots off. Why should she?&nbsp; They were soaked already anyways.&nbsp; She had no change of clothes with her.&nbsp; <br><br>The thought of Miss Kit crosses her mind and her worry for her cat claim her over tired, overwhelmed senses and she begins to cry softly.&nbsp; Her arms wrapped about her body.&nbsp; She begins to imagine a pair of arms about her.&nbsp; They would have been before, she senses.&nbsp; That realization startles her and quiets her instantly.&nbsp; Suddenly the bathroom felt too small.&nbsp; She begins to climb from the tub, but wet boots are not always wise.&nbsp; A loud splash with an indignant cry is easily heard by all around as she falls back into the water.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:22:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes. Nihon Urbs. Quite the ways away, really. The only reason I was able to get this far was because of training." She explained. Alice turned, dissolving into smoke again and reappearing in the same motion in front Luke. <br><br>"So, this is my home, Luke. There are rooms literally everywhere, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to bunk down." She turned to leave, but stopped in her tracks. "And upstairs is off limits. To children. That means you and the two others." She laughed. "Oh, I almost forgot to mention, I have a sparring area if you want to fight me. I am always up for a fight, Luke. And to deny me such wouldn't chivalrous of you." She provoked. "Or, if your scared..." <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Gabriel...</strong></em></span><br><br>Gabriel heard a splash in the room next to him. The water came from under the shoji screen, indicating that someone had fallen in. "Uh...you ok?" He asked from beyond the shoji screen. He wasn't sure who it was at first, but the cries were familiar. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:30:40 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She pulls herself up out of the water, embarrassed and grateful she was alone.&nbsp; Or so she thought as a voice reaches her.&nbsp; A voice she longed to hear.&nbsp; Instantly those blue eyes set in that boyish charm with the inky black hair comes to her mind.&nbsp; She pushes it aside and says softly "I'm ok..."&nbsp; She says under her breath "I guess."&nbsp; So much going on, she is having trouble taking it all in.&nbsp; She climbs from the bath and begins to wring out her hair, her skirt and whatever else she could to lessen the water she carries on her.&nbsp; She turns to leave the bath, for a bedroom with blankets to wrap up in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:50:50 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Alice</strong></em></span><br><br>As Alice led Luke down the hall, she called out once, close enough to the bathroom. "Your clothes are where you left them at, in your room. It's the last room on the right, if you remember correctly. Don't worry, I kept them clean and washed them frequently. Your 'nice clothes' are there also." She explained, continuing to walk. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Gabriel</strong></em></span><br><br>Gabriel had not heard Alice from beyond the door, since his head was under the water that poured from the shower head. He stood up out of the water, grabbing a towel and beginning to dry himself. "Im ok, I guess..." Came the cute voice from beyond the screen. Gabriel reached for clothes that were not there. He hadn't thought to get a change of clothes. He silently cursed to himself. He remembered where 'his room' was. It was funny, even though he couldn't recall what role this place played in his life, he knew which room was designated his. "Uh, Gwin. Could you get some clothes from my room, please...? It should be..." He scanned his memory. "Like...the last room on the right, I think?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 01:00:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke's trademark grin sat firmly in place as he and Nirvana consulted. 'Nihon Urbs. What do we know about this area?' 'Processing...almost 300 square miles, less commercialized than Quantum proper, population 170,000, mostly Asian citizenry. Current satellite readings show...Luke.' 'What is it?' I don't have satellite access. It appears something is jamming my communications; we're cut off.' 'Hm...check the pgm; is it still functioning?' '...Affirmative. As far as I can tell, my broadcasting and reception abilities are being suppressed by a signal originating within this building.' 'Can you hack it?' 'I think so. It will take a while; I'm not running at full capacity without my mainframe access.' 'Quick as you can, 'Ana. Just because no one's thought of trying to kill us yet doesn't mean it won't occur to them. I don't like the idea of facing one of these people in a fair fight. Get us some options, sweetie.' 'I'm on it.'<br><br>"Oh, I know Nihon Urbs. I was just a little surprised that a svelt little thing like you managed to drag us all this far." Luke said, his breathing once again under control. He was certain she expected him to bristle at the ''children'' comment, but it merely rolled off his back. He'd been called far worse. 'Hm, an upstairs, huh? We'll be sure to check that out.' He shrugged his shoulders at her challenge and pushed off against the bar, looking around the room.<br><br>"Eh, I've never really been the chivalrous type, doll. Are you sure you wouldn't prefer...some other form of exercise?" He asked, rifling his eyebrows playfully as he followed her down the hallway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 01:20:18 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I need to get warmed up before I go full force. And what better way to get warmed up than a sparring match?" She asked. "It wont hurt or anything. Just take downs and submissions. Think mixed martial arts without the striking. I think you may find me quite...adjustable to anything you throw my way." She said playfully. She began to sway her hips from side to side, allowing him to enjoy the view. Her white outfit was still wet from the rain, and as a result, it was shiny. They made it to a large outside courtyard with walls on all sides. The path, which was a nice dirt path outside, widened to a larger area, surrounded by grass. The courtyard wasn't enormous, but it wasn't small either. It was decorated with weeping cherry trees, cherry blossoms, and a few banzai trees. It was very zen. Very peaceful. She smiled as she quickly turned, grabbing Luke's arm and slamming him to the ground. Surprisingly, the ground wasn't that hard, causing little pain from the slam. Luke was surprised by her quickness. She quickly took over him, assuming an MMA position. She got on top of him, her legs straddling him to each side. Her legs were impressively strong. She waited for a moment. "You're supposed to fight back, you know." She said after drawing in close to him. "This is called a full-mount, if you didn't know. This specific one is a low mount. If I were to," She slid up his body, her knees at his armpits and her body up near his chest. "This is a high mount. Is the most...dangerous position for the one on the bottom. And that would be you. But I get the feeling that your enjoying your view from down there." She smiled. <br><br>"Throw me off." She instructed. "What?" Luke asked. "Throw me off! Technology won't always be there for you, darling." She said to him. "This will be the first exercise. The warm up, if you would. Perform good enough and I may show you some more...'techniques' later." She bribed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 01:28:02 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That voice called to her, asking her a favor.&nbsp; He had been by her side and helped her since she met him.&nbsp; Those blue eyes kept her through so much this past day or so.&nbsp; She had lost track of time.&nbsp; Her hand was on the door when the voice stopped her.&nbsp; "Yes, I will get them."&nbsp; She walks, oddly knowing the path without looking.&nbsp; That is more than a bit disconcerting to her.&nbsp; She had always lead a safe life, a sheltered life, a lonely life - or so she thought.<br><br>She opens the door to the room and looks about it.&nbsp; A wave of home floods over her.&nbsp; She sways and catches the door.&nbsp; At least she tried to.&nbsp; Her watered down hands slid off the cool metal.&nbsp; She fell against the frame.&nbsp; The residual effects of the concussion really couldn't be making life easier either.&nbsp; She rights herself and begins to look around.&nbsp; A sense of ownership flood through her.&nbsp; She knows this room.&nbsp; She knows this stuff.&nbsp; It was hers.&nbsp; &nbsp;And his.&nbsp; And his???&nbsp; She looks around and his was mixed with hers.&nbsp; "Gabriel and Gwin.&nbsp; GG.&nbsp; Cute really," some twisted sick sense of humor in the back of her mind shoved forward.&nbsp; She pushed that humor back and stepped in.&nbsp; She opened the closet and sure enough, clothes for her.&nbsp; Clothes she remembered.&nbsp; Dry clothes that fit!&nbsp; DRY!&nbsp; She was almost exstatic in stripping off her wet regalia and donning some nice warm dry clothes.&nbsp; She looks around for what to do with her wet stuff and sees nothing obvious.&nbsp; She leaves them for now.<br><br>She remembers Gabriel and gathers some clothes for him.&nbsp; She knew he liked black, so she gathers a pair of black slacks and a black shirt and rushes back there.&nbsp; She is barefoot.&nbsp; She found her clothes, but forgot to pause for the shoes.&nbsp; She is sure she will have to go back there in a minute.&nbsp; Her wet hair drips down her back and face as she rushes back to Gabriel.&nbsp; She bursts into his half the bathroom and then thinks "what if he isn't covered."&nbsp; She instantly turns her back to the room and keeps her eyes trained on the door.&nbsp; "Here... your clothes.. uhm.. from.. our.. I mean.. your... No, definitely our... our room."&nbsp; She stammers not sure how to talk to him suddenly.&nbsp; She shifts with nervousness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 01:40:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He wrapped the towel around himself and glanced around. Considering Gwin, Gabe, and Alice all had long hair, there had to be a hair tie around somewhere. Finding one, he tied his hair into a ponytail. He was beginning to feel at home. The door crashed open, causing Gabriel to jump, and he slipped and fell into the water. "Uh...Gwin?" He asked, propping himself up. His entire body and the towel were wet. She was turned away, holding his clothes out towards him. <br><br>He stumbled out of the pool of water and walked towards her. He reached for the clothes, but instead of grabbing them, he grabbed her hand. He turned her around and put his hands on her shoulders. His chest was perfectly toned, and glistening with water. His body was soft, but his muscular and slim features were hard. "You remember things too, don't you?" He asked her. He smiled and laughed. "You know, it's really cold with the door open. Why'd you crash through it?" he laughed boyishly, and sweetly. "I hope you didn't break it. Alice will be all up in a huff if you did." He smiled and laughed heartily. "It feels like I know this place. Like I know Alice. Like...I know you." He said to her. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 01:47:00 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke grunted softly as some of the air was knocked from his newly re-grown lungs, and he lay on the soft earth looking up at the blue sky. He wasn't certain whether his laughter amused or annoyed Alice as she sat atop him. Luke folded his arms behind his head and nodded absently as she explained her techniques. "Right...uh-huh...fascinating..." He laughed again at her last comment, nodding vigorously as he openly ogled her leather-clad frame.<br><br>"Now throw me off." She commanded, her eyes hardening a little. "Technology won't always be there for you," she said, a slight air of superiority in her words. 'The hell I won't,' Nirvana thought huffily. Luke smiled and looked up into Alice's face, his own eyes growing serious for just a moment.<br><br>"You don't get it, doll. I don't use technology because I <em>can't</em> fight." Without warning his legs shot up and snaked around her arms and shoulders, trapping her upper body and holding her almost immobilized. Her shocked expression was priceless as she stared down at him, his own expression one of complete relaxation.<br><br>"I use it so I don't have to." And with that he bodily lifted her off of his chest and threw her fifteen feet away, using the momentum of the throw to flip himself back up into a standing position. His aloha shirt flapped wetly against his body as Alice climbed to her feet, surprise still etched on her face. Luke shoved his hands back into his pockets and turned to face her, his cocky grin back in place.<br><br>"So, sugar. You wanna spar? Let's spar. Oh...and I'm gonna hold you to those 'techniques' later..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:03:47 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She hold the clothes out to Gabriel with a flush on her face.&nbsp; She hears him fall in and burries herself further against the wall, lest he lost his towel.&nbsp; She waits for him to right himself and get another towel.&nbsp; She is surprised that a wet hand takes her hand instead.&nbsp; She spins around to see his soft blue eyes set into that boyish face.&nbsp; That smile that melted her heart the instant she saw it at the store the other night.&nbsp; She feels her knees buckle slightly with him so near her, so undressed near her.&nbsp; <br><br>"You remember things too, don't you?" He asked her. "yes and no," she responded. "I know this place, but I don't know how.&nbsp; I mean... our room was home when I entered it a moment ago, but I don't remember anything about the room.&nbsp; I know the items in it, but I don't remember them.&nbsp; Does that make sense?"&nbsp; <br><br>"You know, it's really cold with the door open. Why'd you crash through it?" he laughed boyishly, and sweetly. "I hope you didn't break it. Alice will be all up in a huff if you did." He smiled and laughed heartily.&nbsp; She blushed, not knowing why she blundered through the door.&nbsp; It was a mixture of things really.&nbsp; His laughter made the world right though.&nbsp; Nothing else mattered but that laugh, that smile.&nbsp; She smiled shyly.&nbsp; Why was she so blustered around him anyways, it wasn't like she was like that with any others.&nbsp; Then again, any others didn't bring those butterflies that turn the stomach upside down either.&nbsp; Nor do they have those softly glowing blue eyes.&nbsp; "I don't know what I remember"&nbsp; She admits honestly.&nbsp; Her mind a jumbled mess of memories not quite there and bits of moments hanging in empty space, unattached to events or time in general.&nbsp; She longs to throw her arms about him and hug him, but as she was blushing, her eyes dropped lower.&nbsp; The comment of the cold hits home and she blushes further.&nbsp; He had lost his towel and though she blushed, she was not upset by it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:14:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughed with enjoyment. "You're cute when your cocky." She said, darting at him. She grabbed his legs, trying to take him down, but he pushed her to the side, making her fall to the ground. Her hair fell in front of her face and she angrily blew it away. She stood up, brushing herself off. "Ok, so maybe you do know your grappling." She admitted, walking to the edge of the small arena. There was a pile of equipment on the grass, thin gloves for the hands, and some padding for the legs. She equipped herself and threw the equipment to Luke. She awaited for him to put on, and when he finally did, she set new rules. "Striking and grappling. You ready?" She asked with a smile. She charged at him, ducking under his first punch, which seemed hesitant. She swept his feet from under him, but he surprisingly caught himself with his hands. He kicked upward, striking Alice in the face. With a strong moan of surprise, mixed with pain, also mixed with an odd sense of pleasure, she went to the ground. Blood trickled from her mouth. Her thin, pinkish tongue grabbed the blood from her lips.<br><br>"You're rough. I like that." She charged again and they continue their sparring. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Joren</strong></em></span><br><br>"Interesting." The man said, walking up to Joren. "You're aspirations are higher...you are the ambitious one. My name is Cornelius. I work for ArmsTech. Well...I suppose you could call me an employee." He said, quickly seizing Joren's arm with crushingly painful force. Lightening went into Joren, causing him to scream in pain. Ice began to crawl from Joren, and then it shot out, freezing the surrounding buildings as well as all people that were in this huge brawl to solid ice. Before, the area was only coated with ice. Now, it actually was. Joren continued to scream until Cornelius let go. "This is your power. But that is only a taste." Cornelius told him. "That is what you could have. If you work with me. Right now, you are limited to your previous abilities. But, this is your potential." He said gesturing to all the frozen people and buildings. "You could go from man...to something far greater. And far more dangerous."<br><br>OOC: Wyrn, you don't have to read most of the stuff going on with Gabe/Gwin/Alice/Luke right now. Obviously, it doesn't tie into your character yet XD. So dont feel overwhelmed if we post a lot during this time.<br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Gabriel</span></em></strong><br><br>Gabriel had honestly not realized that he lacked a towel. His face turned red, but he simply laughed. Somehow, it didn't exactly feel wrong. He took the clothes she held and slipped on his pants, after she had turned away (without him asking). He then dried his torso, wrapping the towel around his neck. He approached her from behind and wrapped his hands around her. He whispered in her ear "When you kissed me...it felt...right. I don't know how to explain it. I can hardly remember the kiss, but the bit I do remember felt right. You felt so...familiar. But, I want to be sure. I want to be fully aware for it." He said, turning her back around. He brushed her hair aside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:29:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She realizes that she held her gaze at his lack of towel a bit too long and turns.&nbsp; Her cheeks so fired up, even her ears were red.&nbsp; She doesn't know why she doesn't just leave and let him dress in peace, but something held her there.&nbsp; Something about him drew her to him.&nbsp; The way she got lost in his eyes, the stomach fluttering at his nearness or maybe just how right the world felt when he was there.&nbsp; She felt everyone of her lonely, isolated dreams find fulfilment as his arms slipped around her. <br><br>The hot breath of a whisper in her ear melts all bones in her legs.&nbsp; She is suddenly very glad her has his arms about her because she had no legs under her. Her eyes closed as his breath is her life.&nbsp; She barely registers his words excpet.. "Kiss... right... I want to be sure."&nbsp; So she was a bit suprised when he turned her around.&nbsp; She looks up to him as his hand brushes her cheek to shove the hair aside.&nbsp; She leans up into him, ready for the kiss.&nbsp; Ok, to be honest, way past ready.&nbsp; She was ready when she first set eyes upon him in the store, if not before.&nbsp; But now she is prepared for it too.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:37:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel pushed her head up by the chin and leaned into her. Their lips connected and he embraced the warm feeling. He brought his hands up to the side of her head, leaning more into the kiss. Her lips were soft and succulent, inviting and seducing. He let his tongue roll into her mouth for a moment, embracing the kiss for a bit longer. He slowly pulled away from her, his mind racing. He let out a warm breathe. His memories did nothing. There was no recollection at all. But he didn't care. It just felt right.&nbsp; <br><br>The words 'I love you' came to mind. But he couldn't say it. And he didn't know why. Neither of them could. Maybe there was a fear? Maybe there was an awkwardness because of their lack of memory<br><br>OOC: I added the last little segment
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:52:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His touch lit her skin aflame. Parts of her woke up that had been sleeping for a very long time.&nbsp; Just too bad none of those parts were her memories.&nbsp; She leaned into the kiss, enjoying his firm, velvety lips encasing hers.&nbsp; Her lips part to grant him entry, to invite him in.&nbsp; Her tongue slips forward to meet his, a bit hesitant at first, but falling into motion with his quick enough.&nbsp; There was a rhythm there that felt natural.&nbsp; It was just normal to be in his embrace with his tongue in her mouth.&nbsp; Her mind shuts down completely like a computer frying from overload trying to beat itself at tic tac toe.&nbsp; The only thing in her mind at that moment were his eyes.&nbsp; The only thing in her mind since she had glanced up to them - barring brief moments of panic for Miss Kit and confusion about Luke's presence off and on.&nbsp; Those eyes had held her through the worst of the past day or so since she met him.&nbsp; "It's only been that long???&nbsp; Really?!" her mind protested.&nbsp; Surely that much adventure couldn't fit into such a short span of time when her whole life had not even enough adventure to fit into one hour of this past day.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:55:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke's limbs burned pleasantly as the sparring wore on. 'Is it just me, or do I seem to have a knack for attracting beautiful, violent psychopaths?' 'Nope. You definitely have a talent.' Nirvana answered, her voice sounding distracted. 'How are we coming on disabling that suppression signal?' 'We're making progress; I've managed to circumvent most of the surrounding security routines.' 'Excellent. Once you're through, check your records. Tell me if we have any Saints in the area; I think there should be at least three by last count.' 'Affirmative...Luke?' 'Yeah?' 'Are...are you really attracted to this Alice woman?'<br><br>Luke's thoughts were silent for a long moment, as he dodged and countered Alice's strikes. After that last kick to the face, he'd started pulling more of his strikes. He was putting forth an effort, but she could tell from the faraway look in his eyes that he wasn't paying his full attention to their match.<br><br>'Maybe a little,' he replied at last. 'Maybe even a lot. But there won't be anything between us. Once this job is over, I doubt we'll ever see her again.' 'It's just that...if you <em>were</em>...and, if you wanted your privacy, I mean...I'd be happy to shut myself down, if you wanted...'<br><br>Luke dodged Alice's fist; his body glided on autopilot, and she barely grazed his cheek, a blow almost strong enough to send him flying. 'Nirvana, I would sooner cut out my own heart than shut you down. For anything. I don't know what I'd do without you in my head, 'Ana.'<br><br>It was Nirvana's turn to be silent, and Luke took a moment to escape from a particularly vicious hold Alice had locked him in; his shoulder dislocated as he twisted and jerked free of her grip. It was a pain he had felt a thousand times before, dull and toothless in its familiarity. Without a thought he rolled and popped the bone back into place, a small contingent of medichines applying a low-level anaesthetic and massaging the abused muscles and tendons.<br><br>'Besides,' Luke thought as he deflected blow after blow, 'I've already got the perfect woman. I don't need anything else.' 'Ana still didn't reply, but Luke could feel her return to work on the suppression signal. Her emotions were rarely tied to his; she always claimed they were too irrational and made her less efficient. But when they were strong enough, he could feel a glimmer of them for himself.<br><br>For just an instant, Luke felt like the happiest man alive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 03:23:00 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I didn't mean to do that!" She apologized as Luke put his dislocated arm back into it's socket. "You're out of it, Luke." She said to him, standing. She unzipped her one-piece outfit down to her belly button, allowing her skin and body to breathe. He breast were half-exposed, sweat rolling down the curves. She swung her hair over her shouldder so that it hung in front of her. She grabbed the braided hair and began fiddling with it as she normally did. "You're good." She told him. "Next time I won't hold back as much. I am sorry about the dislocation, though." She said sincerely. She turned and began to walk, heading upstairs where her extremely large, expansive room was. <br><br>She opened the door to her room, heading inside and leaving the door cracked behind her. The cross-draft felt amazing. There was a large opening in her wall, a window of sorts. The screen was left open most of the time, giving the room a natural breeze and giving it the smell of the trees. From here, Alice could look over almost the entire home. She could look down into the training areas, or even across to the kitchen, which happened to be in the line of sight. The sun was high in the sky, casting a light into the room. She turned away from the opening and unzipped her outfit down, half way through the crotch area. She removed her arms and upper body from the outfit, but left the pants on. She let the top half hang down to her back. The breeze was amazing against her skin, and she rolled her shoulders, stretching.<br><br>Here, her sorrow could be free. She enjoyed the presence of Luke greatly; and she enjoyed teasing him as well. A sad smile spread across her face as she stroked the end of her large bed with a fingertip. Luke distracted her from what hurt her the most; But she doubted anything could happen between them.<br><br>The truth was, this place used to be a sort of dojo. It was filled with people, students of hers.&nbsp; She had opened it when she was eighteen; almost ten years ago. It slowly gained popularity, and she then had to restrict admission so that everyone could fit comfortably. Just four years ago she had met Isaac, Gabriel, and Gwin. Isaac and Gabriel; the two brothers. Gabriel and Gwin; the two lovers. The four years seemed long, and it was surely eventful. Until a year ago, when everything went to hell. Now Isaac was dead.<br><br>Her beloved Isaac. She had thought him dead a year ago, along with Gabriel and Gwin; along with everyone else that died. She had moved on. But when she learned that he was still alive, it had given her hope. Only to find him dead in the rain. Isaac, Gabriel, and Gwin's memory had been altered; as well as everybody involved. That meant the people in the areas that three were planted in, those people's relatives, and even government officials that would occasionally look over employment and occupancy documentation. It was a thick rooted conspiracy. These three were important, but the picture was bigger than them. The only one that retained all of their memory was Alice. And she thought it best for Gabriel and Gwin to remember things on their own. It would make it far easier on them.<br><br>OOC: That was important lol<br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Gabriel</span></em></strong><br><br>Gabriel's body wanted her. But Gabriel had to hold himself back. He wanted to have her; intimately. He pressed himself against her, kissing her again. Then he pulled away. "I'm sorry...I...think we should...eat...now?" He said nervously. Why did he stop himself? He wasn't sure at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 03:33:25 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel's body wanted her. But Gabriel had to hold himself back. He wanted to have her; intimately. He pressed himself against her, kissing her again. Then he pulled away. "I'm sorry...I...think we should...eat...now?" He said nervously. Why did he stop himself? He wasn't sure at all.<br><br>She was fully enveloped in him.&nbsp; There was no part of her left guarded to him.&nbsp; She was his.&nbsp; Yet he pulled back.&nbsp; Instantly the space was felt.&nbsp; The connection straining to pull them back together.&nbsp; She felt it, but did not understand it.&nbsp; She wished with all her might that he had not stopped.&nbsp; He pulled away.&nbsp; She blushed.&nbsp; She didn't even know why she was blushing.&nbsp; She felt like a love sick school girl, the kind that would normally turn her stomach and make her roll her eyes.&nbsp; Yet here she stood with a silly smile on her reddened cheeks "uhm... yeah... food."&nbsp; In this instant she realizes she hasn't eaten since noonish the night the guys busted into the store.&nbsp; how long was that now?&nbsp; Felt like a lifetime ago.&nbsp; Her stomach growled a matching response.&nbsp; "I think eating might be good."&nbsp; She giggled.&nbsp; A silly giggle that made her want to gag.&nbsp; Still the smile stayed true as she turned towards the kitchen with him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 03:58:40 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The kitchen was surprisingly far off, but they knew that it was in the opposite direction of the courtyard. The kitchen was large, filled with items used to make large quantities of food. With Gwin at his back, Gabriel peered into the refridgerator with intent. He hadn't even eaten dinner the night before. His eyes zoned out with the new found need for food. They both leaned in closer, eyeing a glass pan that was covered. Gabriel slowly opened it, and Gabriel's eyes almlst popped out of his skull. There were three large, juicy stakes sitting there, calling to be eaten. "Steak? Steak??" Gabriel said in a silly tone that made Gwin giggle. He snatched it up, forgetting that he needed a plate. Knowing where everything was turnee out very useful. He swiped a plate from the cupboard and set the steak on it, transfering it into the microwave. He fetched a knife and fork as well. He took the now-warm steak from the microwave and stabbed the knife and fork into it. Once Gwin retrieved her choice of food from the fridge (of which there were many), the two walked into the dining area. <br><br>It was big. Too big. Too empty. "I think we should eat in the room...something doesn't feel right here." Gabriel commented, leading the way back to the room. The bed there was enormous; Gabe could lay in any directions, stretching, without his body hanging over the edge. He plopped down with the plate. Now he realized how tired he was. "If you want, I can sleep next door..." He said, exhausted. "Just...just let me lay here for a&nbsp; moment..." He tiredly. Then he caught sight of the steak he had nearly forgoten about.<br><br>OOC: sorry for typos...im doin this mobile with a touch screen :p
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 04:01:36 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC.... Must sleep... cannot not think.... 5am and alarm rings at 9.&nbsp; Goodnight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 04:10:58 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Lol, wasn't expecting any kind of response. To bed! Then to DC to retrieve my friend from greyhound ^_^ goodnight, all
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 09:43:39 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The kitchen was massive compared to her closet style one in the apartment.&nbsp; She took a moment to close her eyes and mentally see everything.&nbsp; There were shapes moving about the kitchen.&nbsp; She pops her eyes open to find herself alone with Gabriel's head stuck in the fridge.&nbsp; Well that was a good view to say the least.&nbsp; She didn't rush him at all.&nbsp; He gets silly with joy for steak and she giggles at him.&nbsp; When he vacates the space, she dives in.&nbsp; Oh!&nbsp; The food choices.&nbsp; Her mouth can tell her what many of the things taste like though she had not seen such food before.&nbsp; She was getting use to this odd quirk of life, but it was offsetting.&nbsp; She grabbed some things, not sure what they were called.&nbsp; She warms some up and leaves others cold.&nbsp; She follows Gabriel.<br><br>She turns around in the dinning room.&nbsp; It was meant for many people.&nbsp; They were only two.&nbsp; It felt huge and lonely.&nbsp; He suggested their room.&nbsp; Her stomach flips at this, but it was at least more comfortable feeling than this room.&nbsp; So again she follows.&nbsp; She laughs at him sprawled out on the bed, trying it like a little boy.&nbsp; His exhaustion starts to overcome him until he spots the steak again.&nbsp; She shakes her head "men and distractions."&nbsp; She teases lightly.&nbsp; She uses the teasing to give herself a moment to consider sleeping arrangements.&nbsp; "Gabriel, with all that has happened, I wouldn't mind some company tonight.&nbsp; I swear, just sleep, but please, sleep in here with me?"&nbsp; The look on her face was of sincere desire not to parted from him and exhaustion.&nbsp; Despite all her sleep in her concussion, she had a very emotional time since meeting him and emotional times take as much energy as rescuing a damsel that didn't know she was in distress until you rescued her.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 10:39:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alright. I think I can manage that." He said with a smile. It was going on four pm. Since they were in Nihon Urbs, the sun wouldn't set until around eight. Once Gabriel finished his meal and stood up, stretching back. That was a damn good meal. Gabriel sat his dishes on the night stand next to the bed and stripped himself of his shirt, preparing for a nice rest. He continued stretching until finally he climbed into bed under the covers.He buried the side of his head into a pillow as he looked at Gwin. "This bed is like heaven." He commented.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 10:49:53 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughs as she heads to the dresser that is hers.&nbsp; She reaches in and pulls out a nighty.&nbsp; Oh, fine silk with lace across the deep, but covering neckline.&nbsp; The loose way it fell over her curves felt luxurious to her.&nbsp; The fine quality of the silk was appreciated instantly.&nbsp; She hadn't owned anything like this in her memory.&nbsp; She couldn't afford it on her wages and she would not purchase cheap imitations.&nbsp; She curled her arms about her and twirled like a little girl.&nbsp; Her long black hair - finally dry - fanned out about her and wrapping around tight when she stops before falling into place.&nbsp; She looks to Gabriel in his heaven and smile, a true, sincere, deeply grateful smile.&nbsp; She climbed into bed next to him and pulled his arms about her.&nbsp; It didn't take either of them long to fall asleep inspite of the early hour and the bright sunshine.&nbsp; Exhaustion has a way of overruling sunshine.&nbsp; A peaceful, happy moment in a whirlwind of craziness and emotions.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 10:57:15 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren could not believe what he just felt.the power he always thought not to be in his reach now that Isaac was dead, but now this odd man wants to give him this power? Joren put his hands on his knees as he tried to regain himself."Armstech... Armstech.. Armstech? what is Armstech? That name... I feel I should know that name for some reason. " Joren stood straight again and looked around him taking in all his handy work. With this power he could still achieve his dream. "Well... What are we waiting for!"<br><br>OOC lol! Okay thanks :P 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 11:08:53 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC:&nbsp; YAY for Joren staying in the game!
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 11:26:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius led Joren to his shuttle, which was just down the street. They were heading to ArmsTech. It was there Joren would get his answers.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Gabriel</strong></em></span><br><br>Gabriel watched as Gwin took off her shirt, changing into night clothes. For some reason, he still blushed. She came into the bed, drawing herself closer to him. The feeling of her against him in the bed was intoxicating. They slowly drifted to sleep, just to wake up about four hours later around eight. Gwin was still asleep, but Gabriel was wide awake. He stroked his hand along her figure, admiring it. He raised her shirt up a tiny bit, just exposing her abdomen, and he simply watched her body move rhythmically. It felt like he had done this before. And he now believed he had. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:10:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Cant edit post mobily...<br><br>Gabriel propped himself up, the moonlight shining through the window, highlighting Gwin. His eyes glowed through the darkness, watching her sleep. She turned in her sleep, facing Gabriel. He looked t<br>at her excellenr breasts, hee beautiful face, and imagined her eyes. She then, as if reading his mind, slowly opened her eyes. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:24:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span class="bbc_u"><em><strong> 10 years ago </strong></em></span><br><br>Joren walked up the stairs of the apartment building, his heart was warm with anticipation of seeing his Wife and son for the first time since the war. Joren fiddled with his key card for a minute before finally opening the door to the sight of Son, Cody. "Daddy's home!!" He screamed as loud as his 6 year old lugs could go. Joren bent down and picked him up and cradled him in his arms. "Yes my son, daddy is home. For good this time." Joren herd the sound of a plate drop, he put down Cody to inspect. From around the corner of the small hall way a woman with short bronze hair and large green eyes came running around the corner and embraced Joren tightly. "I thought I'd never hear from you again, my love." She said with as she started to sob. Joren kissed her fore head. "Shhhh... I'm here now Tarja. Their is no need to cry. For a time, Joren and his family lived a normal life in down town Quantum Urbs. <br><br><br>One day the that all changed. Around 4 years after Joren had returned to his life from the war. The phone rang in Jorens apartment one Sunday afternoon. "Hello?...&nbsp; Hey Alice! how are you?..&nbsp; Hahah. Good, good...&nbsp; &nbsp; I'm happy for you then. I can't believe that it's been 4 years since you opened up that place and your still in business.... hehe. Well in todays society, theirs no need to know how to fight, not when you have people like me how risk the're lives to protect you...&nbsp; &nbsp;Okay Alice talk to you later bye, I love you too." Joren hung up the phone and went to go ait down to the lunch that Tarja had made for him when the phone rang agian. "Hello?... Yes I am Captain Joren Tolkki...You want me to came down to the base?... Yes sir. I'll be right over." Joren hung up the phone and looked up to the sight of Tarja's sad face. "That was the General wasn't it?" Joren stood. "Um Yeah it was. They said some people want to give my an impotent job working for this large corporation. look, i'll only be a few hours okay?" With that he kissed his wife and left for the military base a few kilometers down town. <br><br>Joren arrived to see a large group of men in suits waiting for him. He ran his fingers through his long blonde hair, the he would always do when he was nervous. The general spoke up as he saw Joren. "Ahh. Capitan Tolkki. So nice to see you again. please have a set." He said with an odd smile. Joren sat down on a small chair in the middle of a bright white room. "Now, mr. Tolkki, It appears that 4 years ago during the war, you and several others were exposed to pure Element F Radiation, and that you were the only one to survive. Is this true?" Joren looked at the man. "Yes sir. It was a routine patrol, and all of a sudden every thing got cold. colder then any thing that i'v ever felt before. I woke up covered in ice and snow and my unit was dead. Sir? Whats this all about?" The General and the men in suits smiled. "Our friends at Armstech have had an intrest in you since your amazing survival of that incident. No one has ever lived more then a year after Element F exposer and lives for more then a year without having the're body heat slowly die. But here you are perfectly fine. You and a few other have been hand picked for the Armstech Elemental program. And I assure you the pay is exceptional..."<br><br><br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<span class="bbc_u"><em><strong> Now </strong></em></span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Joren was a fighting a battle in his head, trying figure out way the name Armsthech kept coming up, and if he should trust this man. Joren would just have to wait and find out.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:45:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: You need to adjust the timeline. Isaac and Alice didn't meet when she first opened the dojo. They met for the first time four years before the story starts and the experiments were six years ago (I have cornered part of the story in a set amount of years. So ten years, war ended, six years, experiments, four years Isaac and Alice
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 12:56:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Oops! Sorry about that!:(
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 02:33:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They arrived at ArmsTech, which was a large, skyscraper building, the color white. The surrounding area were test labs, out farther than that, in the unrestricted zones, were the markets. Security was incredibly tight. Lights shown from every which way, mostly aimed at the large building, putting it in the limelight of the entire area. It could be seen from miles away. It held secrets, it held danger, and it held history. Joren and Cornelius had transferred to a helicopter partway, Cornelius simply wanting a change. Cornelius loved change.<br><br>"Welcome to the ArmsTech headquaters, Joren Tolkki. You haven't been here in quite some time. I would have to say six years. You probably don't remember much of it, though. No one really does." He said, turning to Joren. "Bring us down on the roof." Cornelius ordered the pilot. Once they landed, they exited the vehicle. Joren was immediately seized and injected with something. Joren knocked the men off of him, but it was too late. "Don't worry, Joren. All it does is temporarily suppress your magic. We wouldn't want you having a change of heart and go attacking us, now would we?" Cornelius led the way, entering a large glass entrance on the roof. Everything was in basic color, giving the structure an odd, unnatural hue. "Let's see if we can bring back a bit of your memory, shall we?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 04:11:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin opens her eyes under the pale moonlight and finds his looking down into her face.&nbsp; She smiles a bit sheepishly.&nbsp; With all that went on the past day or so, why is it that her heart flies as a guy she barely met smiles to her in a strange room in a strange place under a moon she doesn't recognize.&nbsp; Yet everything was as it should be as far as she was concerned.&nbsp; He was here with her.&nbsp; She woke up to those eyes.<br><br>"Good morning."&nbsp; The words 'my love' blossomed in her mind, but did not escape her mouth.&nbsp; I mattered not the time of day, when you wake up, it is morning.&nbsp; She shifts lightly to be more comfortable in his arms under his gaze.&nbsp; She did nothing to hurry the moment, only savor it.&nbsp; A long lonely life without him has vanished into a bad dream as she just enjoys his presence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 04:34:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The door opened, the light from the hallway flooding in. "You two are awake, I see." Came Alice's voice. There was a lonh silence. "Alice...do you still have your memories?" He asked. "What do you mean?" She asked. "Gwin and I...we have fragmented memories of this place. Of each other." He explained. "What aren't you telling us?" He asked. Alice sighed deeply. "I remember everything, Gabriel. I remember the two of you, I remember your brother. I could answer every question about your lives, at least the missing parts. But, you have to understand that I can not tell you. It would seem empty, and odd. You wouldn't have he memories, instead you would just have my words. It would be empty. Thats why I want you two to remember on your own. And if there is one thing I have learned, its that some things are best left forgotten. At least for now. The body may heal, but the mind isn't always so resilient." She explained. "As for why I came, I did so to suggest that you two go out and do something. Maybe it will help your memory move along."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 04:43:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren felt the needle enter his arm as he flung the men off him, as one fell to the ground, Joren stuck out his hand and tried to summon ice and frost to cover him, but nothing happened. "What did you..." " Don't worry, Joren. All it does is temporarily suppress your magic. We wouldn't want you having a change of heart and go attacking us, now would we?" Cornelius interrupted. "Let's see if we can bring back a bit of your memory, shall we?" Joren looked at him, with teeth&nbsp; bearing. "And whats so important about my memory?"&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 09:10:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"More than you may realize, Joren." They exited the stairwell that they had taken down a floor from the top. "This is the bunking area. Sleep for the night. Find yourself a room. You can call the front desk for questions, food, information or other...'services'. I assure you, the women are fine here. We do our best to make our people comfortable." It was then Cornelius left Joren to look around. He was restricted to the living quarters, though.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 09:41:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin was frustrated by Alice's refusal to help their memories along, but she understood it.&nbsp; She didn't push any, letting Gabriel give all the pushing Alice would recieve. She turns to Gabriel "Come, let's go for a walk?"&nbsp; She begged until he gave in.&nbsp; It didn't take much effort.&nbsp; A look into her face and he caved.&nbsp; They changed quickly.&nbsp; She still stole looks over her shoulder to see his body as he changed.&nbsp; He caught her once and she blushed, but that didn't stop her.&nbsp; Once dressed and together, they wander through the house to the back garden.&nbsp; She stops frozen.&nbsp; A look of a ghost comes over her.&nbsp; She grabs his arm.&nbsp; "I know this garden."&nbsp; He looks to her and gently says "We have been here before.&nbsp; We know this whole place."&nbsp; She looks up to him and give him a look "not like that, I mean I ~KNOW~ this garden.&nbsp; I have been drawing parts of this from my dreams."&nbsp; She doesn't admit she is not a good artist though.&nbsp; No one looked at her drawings, so she is safe there.&nbsp; "There is a spot over here that I can't get out of my head..."&nbsp; She draws him over to a particular cherry tree full of blossoms.&nbsp; "This spot.&nbsp; I'm not sure why, but this spot is special to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 10:41:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They found themselves in the back of the large home, in a garden with a variety of trees, flowers, all different shapes and sizes. The grass was a contrast, healthy green. The trees ranged from small to large, trees similar to those in the training area except given more room to strive. Above, the moon shined down a bright white light, and unlike the city, the stars here were clear and shinning.&nbsp; Blossoms from the tree lay on the ground, and a small pond with a wooden deck was off to the right. The pond curved around in the form of a stream, leading to a small hot spring, which was guarded by two large boulders in the corner of the garden, against the solid wooden fence in the back. <br><br>It was almost hidden, and it was intended to be that way. "I know this garden." Gwin commented. He glanced to her, stating that they have been there before and that they should know the area. She looked back to him, "Not like that," She began "I mean I KNOW this garden." She said with emphasis. "I have been drawing parts of this from my dreams." She explained. "There is a spot over here that I can't get out of my head..." She lead him through the garden, over a small wooden bridge that passed over rivulets of water. It lead to a large cherry tree, which was at the base of an extension of the pond. The area was almost secret, because it was small, condensed, and surprisingly private. It was surrounded by small collection of shrubbery, the area dipped down lower than the rest of the garden, hiding the height of the trees. There were a few boulders surrounding the area as well, adding to the incognito location. From inside, no one could see in.<br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">The Days Forgotten</span></em></strong><br><br>OOC: The Days Forgotten refer to the memories that the characters lost. Without giving a specific date, it allows the story to be pieced together later, making way for plot twists. <br><br>Gabriel chased Gwin through the area playfully. Eventually, it led to the garden, where Gabriel lost sight of her. Gwin had always been naturally faster than Gabriel and she was also crafty. Gabriel first checked the sitting area near the pond, but she was not there. He then checked the hot springs, calling out to her. She couldn't of gone anywhere else. After a bit of searching he was ready to give up. "You win, Gwin!" He shouted out to her. He heard a laugh, immediately revoking his loss. He scoured through the shrubbery, of which people thought was the only thing existing. It lead to a sort of crater in the land formation, where a large cherry blossom was always in bloom. There was also a small pool of water. It must of come from the pond. This had been the source of her charming laugh, he knew it. But she was nowhere to be found. Suddenly, he felt weight on his back, causing him to stumble forward. It was Gwin, he could tell by her breast pressing against his back. "You have a habit of sneaking up on me." Gabriel laughed. She made her way in front of him, and they shared a quick, casual and loving kiss. "How did you find this place?" Gabriel asked her. "I was interested in the Garden. Was looking around. Decided to go through the shrubs." She explained simply, her arms around his neck. She grabbed his hand and led him over to the tree. "Look at it! Isn't it beautiful?" She asked him, glancing up at the pedals. "Yeah," Gabriel responded. "But it's nothing compared to you. There is no woman, or tree," He said, laughing during the tree comment "That can baffle me with beauty." He said, his odd choice of words merely him being him. She pulled him by the hand into the water, which came up to their waist. Gwin dove backwards into the water, inviting Gabriel under with her. He accepted in kind, and they both chased each other in the water for some time. Eventually, Gabriel caught her by the leg and resurfaced with her. He let the leg fall back down. "I finally caught you." Gabriel said, noting that it was the first time he had been able to catch her when they were playing. "You caught me a long time ago." She responded sweetly. Again, they embraced for a passionate kiss. Once they pulled away, she slowly unbuttoned her shirt.<br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Present Day</span></em></strong><br><br>"I...just remembered something." Gabriel said, blushing. "I think this is where we first..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 10:43:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The pain in his shoulder had already faded to memory as Luke moved to counter Alice's next attack. Before his fist could reach her, she cried out in surprise. His hand stopped millimeters from her jaw as she looked at him anxiously. "I didn't mean to do that!" She said, her eyes on his shoulder.<br><br>"Next time I won't hold back so much," she called as she walked away, fidgeting with her hair. "I'm sorry about your arm!"<br><br>Luke stood and watched as she turned and left the courtyard, winded and confused. She actually thought his injury was enough to stop him? He gave his shoulder a quick test rotation and walked to a nearby cherry blossom tree to sit down. As he peeled off his borrowed gear, he reviewed the fight in his mind. She was skilled, no doubt. And if she was truly holding back--and Luke believed her--he decided he had no interest in ever fighting her for real. Well, not fairly, anyway.<br><br>As Luke leaned against the sun-warmed wood, he looked out over the courtyard. Alice had not done it justice; it was quite beautiful. The scent of the cherry blossoms filled his nose, and the wind danced along his skin. His jobs often took him all over the world, but so much of his work demanded the cover of night. Despite what his golden brown skin might have suggested, it was a rare thing for him to feel the touch of genuine sunlight. For several minutes Luke simply sat in the light, his eyes shut as he drank in the afternoon rays.<br><br>'OK. Now I'm bored.'<br><br>His eyes snapped open and he pushed his sunglasses back into place. He rose smoothly to his feet and walked back toward the house.<br><br>''Ana, how much longer on the signal?' 'Not long now. Maybe an hour? I could work a lot faster if I only had direct access; my wi-fi abilities are not powerful enough with only your implants to work through.'<br><br>Luke stepped inside and shut the door behind him, then leaned against the wall as he considered the problem. 'I think I may have a solution for that. Can you reprogram some of the medichines?' 'Well, it shouldn't be any problem. They're only nanobots, after all; a few quick alterations to their basic programming and they can do whatever you want. What are you thinking?'<br><br>A wicked grin blossomed on Luke's face. 'I'm thinking I might have to bleed for this job, after all...'<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs~</em></strong><br><br>'Are you guys sure this is a good idea? Maybe we should have stayed with the plane.'<br><br>Mikiun trailed along after his siblings as they cruised the skies of Quantum Urbs at a leisurely 790 mph.<br><br>'It's fine, Mikiun. Uncle Luke ordered us to protect the plane. Well, we protected the plane perfectly, didn't we? Right up until it went and got blown up. So we're done.' Andiun replied as he whirled backward to face his reluctant brother as they flew.<br><br>'So what are we gonna do now? Should we try to find Uncle Luke?' Soriun scanned available broadcast frequencies for traces of Luke and Nirvana's transponders, but found nothing. Etriun busied himself calculating prime factors and performing barrel rolls as Andiun answered, 'Well, we do still have one other order to carry out. Uncle Luke gave us permission to kill every combatant we find, right?' 'Affirmative. But now the battle's over and all the combatants went home. How can we kill more combatants if there aren't any more?' 'Easy! Uncle Luke said to operate on Provoked Response protocols only, right? So, let's go find someone and get them to provoke us!' 'Hey, yeah! That sounds like fun!'<br><br>As one, the Cherubims regrouped and changed direction, headed for the center of the city, singing as they flew.<br><br>'Genocide, genocide, nobody gets left alive!'<br><br><strong><em>~Alice's Dojo~</em></strong><br><br>Luke heard voices from the kitchen; Ureha and the princess must have been hungry. His own stomach rumbled at the thought of food, but he bypassed the kitchen and headed for the stairs. From her warning earlier, he suspected Alice would have implemented security measures to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the upstairs areas; it stood to reason that was where the suppression signal was coming from. He stopped at the foot of the stairs and leaned casually against the wall.<br><br>'Ready, 'Ana?' 'They're set, Luke. I have to say, this is definitely one of your better ideas.' Luke smiled as he withdrew a small penknife from one of his pockets and sliced his index finger open. A thick stream of blood spurted to the floor, and almost immediately his medichines sealed and repaired the damaged finger.<br><br>Nirvana reached out and assumed control of the smattering of nanobots that dripped onto the floor in Luke's blood; her perception split into hundreds of microscopic copies, and immediately she went to work. The nanobots consumed the molecules in the blood, the floor, the dust in the air, and began replicating. Within minutes, the hundreds turned to thousands, the thousands to millions. The Von Nuemann process drained Nirvana of her processing power, but Luke held her steady with his own brain as a parallel processor. Within a half hour, the nanobots' numbers grew large enough to form a tiny cloud of quasi-sentient dust. With Luke's help and patience, Nirvana at last became at ease with commanding so large a number of minds, and together they directed the cloud up the stairs.<br><br>Luke leaned against the wall once again, his head bowed. To anyone watching he appeared to be taking a nap, but in fact his mind was racing as the nanocloud fed him information. It took a few moments to adjust to seeing in millions of directions at once, but once Nirvana commanded them into a cohesive unit it felt just like piloting a camera drone.<br><br>The cloud slipped in and out of rooms with ease as the duo searched the upstairs. Before long, they came across a door different from the others they'd run across; this one was steel, thick and heavy. It formed an airtight seal, and allowed the nanocloud no access.<br><br>But the walls were not so durable.<br><br>The cloud spread out and smeared itself against the wall, the nanobots' operating limbs drilling through the wood and around the steel reinforcement beams. Seconds later, the dust cloud broke through without leaving more than a few micrograms of sawdust in their tracks. The view of the room proved they'd found the signal's point of origin.<br><br>The two worked in silence as they directed the cloud onto the small satellite box in the room's corner. Within moments, the cloud's programming was altered once again by Nirvana's remote control, and they nanobots formed a makeshift antenna. Nirvana locked onto the enhanced signal, and from that point it was a breeze to alter the signal's frequency. Nothing dramatic; just enough so that 'Ana's own broadcast and reception abilities would no longer be impeded without letting anyone monitoring the signal realize it had been hacked.<br><br>Their task completed, Nirvana sent the nanocloud a self-destruct signal, turning the machines into inert particles. They fell to the floor, an innocent coating of dust under the table.<br><br>Downstairs, Luke pushed away from the wall and stretched casually, an amiable smile on his face. 'Excellent. Now, to see what we have to work with.'<br><br>Nirvana called up one of the Grigori and located their position within seconds, a large mansion set on a sprawling swathe of land in the northwest of Nihon Urbs. Moments later the overlay appeared on Luke's shades, along with infra-red and spectroscopic views. The place seemed innocuous enough; if there were any underground structures, they were well concealed. As Luke studied the grounds, 'Ana recalled his earlier request for a Saint. She reconnected to the Command Center's mainframe and scanned through the logs. Luke had been right; there were three Saints currently assigned to Nihon Urbs. The closest was McKlisskey, an older man with extensive prosthetics. She informed Luke of the news, and his attention shifted.<br><br>'McKlisskey? Isn't he the one that mixed up the packages on the Dax-Aurels job?' 'That's the one. He sent his cover identity's fiancee's father a poisoned pen set, and the executive he was supposed to assassinate recieved a very tasteful tie and cufflinks.' 'Ana's holojection met Luke's eyes, and they shared an expression of doubt and discomfort. As one, they nodded in agreement and she returned to the logs. 'I'll find someone else...'<br><br>OOC: Whew! I'm gone for a few hours and I get left in the dust, lol.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 02, 2010, 11:04:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alice was wearing a Japanese robe, which completely covered her body. Unlike what she wore when 'out to work', this outfit was very decent. You could not see the figure of her body, excepting the largeness of her breasts; that was something difficult to hide. A lot had happened in the past few hours for her. She walked around, her hands in the opposite sleeves, without any real purpose. Gwin and Gabriel were back; but everyone else was still dead. It was oddly empty, and admittedly she had avoided this place for some time. It was kept clean by technology, now, the workers long gone. She had been migrating from hotel to apartment, the only thing keeping her going being her personal mission. Was it complete now?<br><br>After what happened at the dojo, she spiraled into depression. Until she had heard of Gwin, Gabriel, and Isaac all being alive. Her top students, and her favorites. Hope had surged through her once again, though the depression was always apart of her like another, dragging limb. People that she flirted with, and occasionally took to bed, both men and women, probably had no idea of her emptiness. She couldn't fake happiness, but she didn't need to. Passion, lust, and pleasure were things that she actually felt now. There was no need to fake it if it was real. She had joined a group of Hunters in order to gain information about the whereabouts of her students. She was kind of like an older sister for Gabriel and Gwin, though it was much more between Isaac and herself. If there was any possibility that they had been alive, she had to search into it. Even it meant submerging herself into the Underworld of the city. Even if she had to sacrifice her morals, even if she had to betray her own honor. Hell, she had already betrayed her friends. Her honor paled in comparison. She had risen in the ranks of Hunters, never actually being convinced that either of her three pupils were alive. But she had to cling onto hope. <br><br>She went downstairs to the basement, specifically to the wine cellar. She retrieved a bottle red wine, and then made her way to the kitchen, retrieving a glass with a few blocks of ice in it. She then entered a room that looked out to the sky, leaving the door ajar. She pulled up a chair to the window and stared out of it, the moonlight shining in. She poured the wine into the glass and took a sip, then setting it on the windowsill. A tear rolled down her face, the presence of the two of three being heart-breaking.<br><br>She was in Isaac's room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 12:41:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I...just remembered something." Gabriel said, blushing. "I think this is where we first..." He looks up and can see she remembers it too.&nbsp; A tear slides down her cheek.&nbsp; "It was was a good day," she says, her voice choked with emotions she couldn't begin to tease apart.<br><br><br>Gabriel runs a hand over her cheek, wiping away a tear.&nbsp; She leans into his hand.&nbsp; It is the sort of hand that is use to hard work and much use, but is well taken care of.&nbsp; She liked that of him.&nbsp; The shared annoyance of knowing a place and yet not knowing a place holding them both quiet a moment as the moonlight lit the garden.&nbsp; She looks to his eyes and smiles.&nbsp; "I'm ok.&nbsp; I have you with me."&nbsp; She wraps her arms about him and closes her eyes.&nbsp; She has yet to realize her writings were about them.&nbsp; She whispers "if this place is real, are the other places real too?"&nbsp; The thought comes to mind as she mentally compares her inept drawing to the places she saw about her.&nbsp; There are drawings not of this garden.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 01:13:22 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Their history was being filled in slowly, but surely. But there had to be a way to completely restore their memory. Then his mind lingered on what Alice said: some things are better left forgotten. He was deep in thought when Gwin mentioned something about 'the other places'. "You mean you had other occurances like the one with this place?" He asked her. "Wait..." He thought for a moment. "Are you familiar with the Theory of Art Design?" He asked. Judging from her expression, it was clear that she didn't. "It suggests that original artwork has some kind of inspiration. All of it. Whether it be conscious or sub-conscious tie-ins with another subject. In our case, it's our memory. It's possible that some of our history is buried in our art. I have an idea.<br>..follow me." He said, leading her to the entrance of the garden. They walked up onto the back porch, and walked to the left and around to the side of the mansion. "If my memory serves me right..." He opened the screen, and was pleased. A black grand piano sat in the center of the room, and other instruments around it. "Just as I thought." He said, jogging to the piano. He sat down and placed his hands on the cold keys. "I have this song that I know. I can't remember ever learning it." His flexible, agile, and swift fingers positioned themselves.<br><br>The right hand played a high-toned, longing chord, while the left played a deep backdrop. A short pause between, and he repeated, striking a lower chord with the left, the same chord with the right. He hit an even deeper cord, progressing up the keyboard melodicaly with the left hand, after repeating the same chord in the right for the third time. He repeated the section, striking the lowest chord harder, with more passion. He then played a variation of the section higher, the sound sad and desperate, opening into the sad, yet loving, melody. He kept it going for a while, suddenly dashing into a strong chorus, which was a complex and quick version of the opening section. It calmed back down to a whimper, (next post)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 01:21:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Continuing from last post) Back into the sad, fragile melody. It was even more silent this time around, like a w<br>soft cry. It kicked back into the strong chorus, a feeling of "Goodbye" mixing with strength and assertion. The chorus slowly died down to a whimper, teasing the melody partially before his fingers ascended up the piano with precision, striking nearly every note in a sort of scale. He slammed a lower chord violently, keeping the rhythym afterwards by tapping the same chord softly. At the same time, his right hand playeda higher, quick, complex melody. A sense of running away, a sense of escaping. Sorrow, anger, and love mixed into the violent, yet beautiful, piano solo. Seemingly in the blink of an eye, Gabriel was jumping from one end of the piani to the other with his hands, providing an epic ambience to the melody played in between. He quickly descended the piano from top, down to the lowest note. He then eased back into the melody, fading out, and ending the song after about four minutes.<br><br>OOC: Song is a variation of the piano version of "Sayonara" by Gackt. I actually made the variation and tried to describe it lol
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 02:00:15 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She follows him back to the piano.&nbsp; She watches him sit down and start playing.&nbsp; The sounds he brings from the piano were so sad and sweet that she feels the tears threaten again, but just as they are about to win, the song changes tone just enough to keep the tears at bay.&nbsp; She walks over to the violin and caresses the instrument as he plays the piano.&nbsp; She doesn't remember ever touching the thing, but at the right moment, she closes her eyes and the bow slides over the strings.&nbsp; Her music sounds as if it were a part of their song.&nbsp; The long sorrowed singing of the small instrument complimented his keywork perfectly.&nbsp; It is as if they played it together many times.&nbsp; And yet, she didn't know the song at all.&nbsp; The juxtaposition of these two lives fighting for cohesion rends upon her heart and mind.&nbsp; The song ends and she sets down the violin as if she had been violated.&nbsp; She shrinks into herself staring at the instrument as if it had betrayed her.&nbsp; She can't seem to pull herself away.&nbsp; "I wrote about that."&nbsp; Her words sounding scared, angry, pained and indignant.&nbsp; "It is as if someone raped my soul."&nbsp; She looks up to him to see if he feels the same.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 03:24:27 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Bellerophaune District~</em></strong><br><br>Marcos slammed the phone back down in its receiver, tears of rage threatening to spill down his ruddy cheeks. Another lead gone cold, another hour wasted. The old man had called in markers all over the city, looking for any more information that could help Luke complete his mission. He realized he should have provided the young man with what he already had at his disposal, but he simply couldn't bring himself to risk that knowledge falling into the wrong hands. He should have known better; Luke Saipher was not a man to be underestimated. Marcos was barely even surprised when that pet ghost of his called, demanding information regarding ArmsTech; it would not have been a stretch to say he even expected it. The relevant files, what few were available, were already packaged and waiting.<br><br><em><strong><span class="bbc_u">ArmsTech</span></strong>!</em><br><br>Oh, how he hated that name, hated it and all it stood for with the fiery passion of a blazing nova! Scum. Depravity. Scheming body snatchers, sewer rats scavenging all the good in the world and perverting it into sick, twisted caricatures of hatred and destruction. His hatred of those miserable monsters was surpassed by only one thing.<br><br>His hatred for himself.<br><br>Marcos had searched for months, overturning every stone, digging into every field of research, seeking a miracle. At last he had given up hope, resigned himself to fate's mercy, turned away from science and prayed, truly prayed for divine intervention. And that was when the devils of ArmsTech had appeared at his door, offering his salvation from lips dripping with poison.<br><br>"We can save her," they said, and he accepted their offer. Indeed, he leaped at it like a starving dog upon a marrow bone. And save her they did.<br><br>And then they stole her.<br><br>Marcos blinked away his tears and slowed his breathing as best he could; emotion could not help matters now. In truth, he didn't know if anything he could do could help matters any further. Everything was in God's hands, now. Or Saipher's. He honestly didn't know if it made a difference.<br><br><strong><em>~Alice's Home~</em></strong><br><br>Luke's sandals squeaked softly on the polished wood as he made his way back toward the kitchen. A quick peek around the corner showed the others were nowhere around, and he shuffled into the kitchen.<br><br>'So, about that information from Marcos. You said he had some data on ArmsTech?' Luke thought as he raided the cabinets, digging out a box of chocolate crisp cereal. He studied the box for a moment and wondered why such a serious chick as Alice would have such a kiddy cereal on hand, but he wasn't about to complain. Another rummage through the room yielded a clean bowl and spoon.<br><br>'Right. According to Marcos, ArmsTech started out as just another military hardware company; however, about 15 years ago they started making some considerably one-sided deals with the government. At first it just seemed like they were adding a lot of regional prefectures to their pockets, but then some evidence turned up concerning biological weapons research.' 'Human experimentation?' Luke asked as he rifled through the fridge. 'Not at first. Apparently there was a lot of research conducted, but most of it remained strictly theoretical, though there were some rumors of live tests involving rodents, canines, primates, that sort of thing. But 7 years ago, their records seem to go dark. Marcos suspects that's when the human testing began.'<br><br>Luke withdrew a can of soda from the fridge and moved to the table. As he popped the top and poured the soda over his cereal, he considered the new information. 'I'm guessing this is the part where you tell me that our new friends were heavily involved, yeah?' He asked, munching on the fizzy cereal. 'Seems that way. Marcos couldn't provide any information on any of the subjects except you know who, but he did hear whispers of the names of some of the other candidates. The Ureha brothers were mentioned, as was, apparently, one Captain Joren Tolkki. There were at least three others, but their profiles are redacted.'<br><br>Luke finished his cereal and pushed the bowl away. The spoon twirled and danced over his knuckles as he thought. Tolkki's involvement failed to surprise him; a dude that hard-core almost had to be military. He wondered where the brothers Ureha had gotten involved, but decided it probably didn't matter at the moment. Alice was almost certainly one of the subjects whose records were completely deleted; he had a hunch he knew what that meant, but he didn't much like the road it led him to.<br><br>'Damn Marcos; he should have known better than to send us in blind like this. I'm almost tempted to redouble my fee.' 'Now would probably be the time to do it; I think he'd pay almost any amount to get her back safely.' Luke leaned back in his chair, tipping the front legs into the air. He tossed the spoon behind him into the sink and crossed his feet on the table. 'Ah, hell. Let it go. Poor bastard's going through enough right now; we can always put the screws to him later. Now, how about our Saints? Who else do we have?' 'Good news on that front: Roberts is in the area. I've already sent word; he's putting together a level-3 care package and prepping a safe house as we speak.' 'Excellent! Wasn't Roberts the one who-' 'The one who stole the Caumpfeldt Diaries, eliminated the Tang Sun Triad and managed to prevent the Magrasserum Syndicate from consolidating their power and assuming total control over the city's organized crime. Yes.' Luke smiled as she completed her report. 'And people say good help is hard to find.' 'It is, for other people. That's because you've already beaten them to it.'<br><br>'Yeah. Ain't I just a stinker?' Luke grinned as he rose from his seat and laid his bowl in the sink. As he was leaving the kitchen, a haunting melody drifted through the manor and gripped his attention. He followed the sound quietly, almost stalking through the hallways as the music grew louder. At last he found its source, and he leaned against the wall outside as Gwin and Ureha demonstrated their mastery over their instruments. The pain in their music, he thought, fittingly reflected the pain in their spirits. His head bowed, eyes shut softly, Luke listened from the shadows as the two poured their hearts out to each other through melody.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 10:25:53 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I remember something else." Gabriel said in almost a whisper. His voice was fragile and sad, like the bridging melody in his song.What he remembered disturbed him, pushing his questions of Gwin's talent at the violin to the back of his mind. His mind flashed in hectic sweeps of memory. "Our mother had died. I was fourteen. Isaac was only ten." He began. "We had no one to look after us. We had no one except each other. I had to support us." He said, almost entrancingly playing a few notes on the piano. It helped accompany his thoughts. "The part I remember is how I did that. Who would hire a fourteen year old? I mean, the city may not be the best place for children, but child labor laws are still in effect. I was desperate. Desperate to help my brother, desperate to help myself. Our lives dragged along painfully. Slowly...like the world around us moved at normal speed, but we moved in slow motion. I was desperate; and I began 'offering my body' to science. It started off simple; just some monitoring tests. Then, they told me I was special. They said that I had a unique genetic code; not unique as in slightly different, as with all people. But unique as in...different. Actually different. And a few days later, they came. They said they were looking for candidates for a project. And asked if I was willing. They said the pay was good, and that both me and my brother could live comfortably. They said it would be painless.<br><br>"In that respect, they lied. I accepted it, and underwent biologically altering experiments. It hurt...badly. It's a pain I regret to remember; but that was nothing in comparison to what happened next. 'Where are you all the time, brother?' Isaac would ask. I would respond 'At work. We need to eat, don't we?'. I never told him, so when it happened, he was confused. I had slipped up about having a brother, something which I had been sure not to tell them. That's when they came and took him. ArmsTech...they did this to my brother and I. Now I am their experiment, set wild upon the world. After they took my brother, I offered myself again. For more...intense and...theoretical experiments. They gave my brother and I a place to stay. Gave us food. It was a two-faced organization. Like a coin."<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 11:00:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren laid in a bed of snow that he asked the front desk. His eye's were wide open and deep in thought. It had been a 5 years since Joren could sleep, maybe thats what drove him to the brink of insanity. Joren looked over to the naked woman laying next to him shivering and loosing life in the extreme cold of the room. "Go." Joren said calmly. The woman was out of the room in a blink of an eye, knowing that hypothermia had began to set in on her young body. Joren had also tried to call the front desk to get some information, though he got nothing useful. 'This is bullshit! Why the fuck em I here with these science fair rejects!?' Joren thought to himself angrily. Joren went to the phone at the side of the bed and called the front desk. "Send Cornelius up! I'm tired of waiting in this damn place!"<br><br>OOC: This is my last post until late tonight. I'm hoping I don't come back&nbsp; and the end credits are rolling :P
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 11:08:00 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Don't worry, we won't be that much farther. Right now, your pushing the story forward anyways (at least thats what I am planning).
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 12:30:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listens to his memory with heartbreak playing through her.&nbsp; It is as if the strains of the song still pulled at her heart.&nbsp; It wasn't.&nbsp; It was their connection to each other.&nbsp; They begin to unravel how they belong together, but so much remains unknown still.&nbsp; She sits back and says "I had dreams.&nbsp; The whole time.&nbsp; Disjointed and fantastical dreams.&nbsp; I thought they were just fantasies.&nbsp; But they were so real, I prefered them to anything else.&nbsp; I spent hours drawing this garden, this house..."&nbsp; Her voice drops away as she says "your face."&nbsp; She pauses and starts up again, "When I got frustrated with my inability to draw things as I saw them, I wrote.&nbsp; I told stories that starred..." She hesitates again and fidgets with the bow of the violin.&nbsp; "Well...We were both in them."&nbsp; She rephrased, but words were failing her.&nbsp; I don't know which is truth anymore and which is lies, but I feel...."&nbsp; her face turned to the side.&nbsp; She stood up and walked so her back was to Gabriel.&nbsp; "raped."&nbsp; It was the only fitting word for it.&nbsp; "Violated to the most intimate depths."&nbsp; She turns to Gabriel.&nbsp; "Is it real?&nbsp; Between us, I mean."&nbsp; She shuffles her foot a moment and looks up again.&nbsp; "Or is this just another mind game?"<br><br>In the back of her mind she begins to wonder if she was just company for Gabriel here, a student of martial arts, or another experiment.&nbsp; She has never been special, that she knew of.&nbsp; But then again if you had asked her to play the violin, she would have told you she did not know how.&nbsp; Not knowing one's own self is most unsettling when that is all one has.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 12:55:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yeah, its real. We just need to find our answers. With every memory that returns to me, I feel closer to you. I feel like the world is falling into place. I need answers...we need answers. What happened to our memories? Why were agents chasing my brother? Who killed my brother? And what was the reason my brother changed so much? I am sure you have questions of your own also. We need to start with ArmsTech. Its probably the most concealed part of my memories. Our memories, most likely. Just think: what was the purpose of the dojo? A very small training area, a music area, and there are probably others to. Im begining to see a trend, but we need to go to ArmsTech before I can be sure. I think this goes deeper, and darker, than we thought. But whatever we find out, I will be beside you. Nothing will keep us apart; And I will protect you from anything, even myself if necessary."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 01:04:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She moves to him and wraps herself in him.&nbsp; Teasing apart memories as real or not real was something she was not equipped to do.&nbsp; She looks down to the ornamental dagger she put on the other day.&nbsp; Why is it that she felt naked without it on most recently.&nbsp; She never wore it before.&nbsp; She looks up to Gabriel suddenly "We need to find that other guy... I don't even know his name.&nbsp; The one in the shorts, you call him Tracer or something.&nbsp; He knows stuff.&nbsp; I'm sure of it."&nbsp; She pulls herself from Gabriel and begins to pull him with her.&nbsp; She stops and turns to him "And I'm holding you to the one promise above all else."&nbsp; He looks at her and says "Which one?"&nbsp; She grins "That you will never be parted from me."&nbsp; She walks out in search of Luke, towing Gabriel with her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 01:58:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel pulled her back away from the door. "Gwin, I don't trust him. He was trying to kidnap you, remember?" He said. He glanced around, makin sure the coast was clear. "He has been lurking around." He whispered. "What do you mean?" Gwin asked. "You've been with me, how would you know? You haven't even seen him since we got here." She said. "Instinct. A feral instinct. I had Jenny check into it, monitoring all activity in the house. But she couldn't. The signal was jammed. She offered to break open the security, but I told her not to. Instead, she monitored the jamming signal itself. There was a fluxuation in the signal. It was only open for about a second. She thinks that someone broke in, and gave themselves exclusive access. Jenny was able to scan the mansion in the second the signal let up. This place isn't wired with electricity like other parts of Quantum. She found nanomachines. They were just recently deactivated, so there was still some juice running through them. She also picked up some odd electrical frequencies, which she described as AIL residue. AIL is artificial inteligence language. Before an AI can speak, it has to write what it says in progamming. It happens in nanoseconds, but it is there. Jenny has got to crack the code since every AI has a unique progamming language, and then she can retrace all history since we have been here. In short, an AI was speaking, and we can find out what it waa saying. I think its Tracer. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 02:39:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke dodged around a corner, sinking deeper into shadow as Gwin and Gabe approached the doorway.<br><br>'Clever little pups, aren't they? 'Ana, do I even need to ask?' 'Of course not. We have nothing to worry about; I always ensure our communications are at least 128-bit keyshift encrypted. It would take her centuries to break our signal. His A.I. might be just as advanced as I am, but I doubt she has my experience.' 'Perfect. Still, I don't see the harm in letting them find a few nibbles of information. Weaken the encryption algorithms just enough on the data regarding ArmsTech, and throw out enough backscatter to make it look well-protected. Don't let them know anything about our contact with Marcos or Roberts, though; just give them a trail of breadcrumbs.'<br><br>As 'Ana went to work on the data trail, Luke stepped back around the corner and leaned against the wall, hands shoved into his pockets. His eyes met Ureha's over the tops of his shades, and he grinned mischievously as the two flinched back from his sudden appearance.<br><br>"Hey there, lovebirds. Didn't anyone ever teach you it's not nice to talk about people behind their backs?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 02:46:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She gives Gabriel's hand a squeeze and turns from him as Luke appears about the corner.&nbsp; She steps forward.&nbsp; "We haven't been properly introduced."&nbsp; She thrusts forth her hand even as she wonders if she already knows him.&nbsp; "My name is Gwin, as I'm sure you know.&nbsp; You know much about me.&nbsp; Possibly more than I do.&nbsp; I think it is time we talked."&nbsp; She can feel Gabriel's disapproval of her forwardness behind her, but she had her skills too, or at least she had hoped.&nbsp; Even if she didn't, she needed to know what he knew.&nbsp; She didn't have the AI fun they had.&nbsp; She only had her ability to talk to him.&nbsp; Her smile is warm and welcoming with only traces of doubt, fear and tension.&nbsp; Her leg muscles twitch against the dagger on her leg.&nbsp; She never told Gabriel about that second note and all the possibilities it meant.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 02:52:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then let me say it to your face," He said approaching Tracer. "Whatever you're planning, and I know you are, you better watch your step." His eyes turned dark blue. "I can give you a reason to fear me, rergardless of what you may think about me. " He warned. "So far, you haven't given me any reason to trust you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 03:10:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She turns back to Gabriel and gives him a look that says "Please, let me handle this."&nbsp; Only it was not quite a request in her eyes.&nbsp; She raises a hand to his chest to calm him.&nbsp; She smiles back to Luke, her hand extended to him.&nbsp; "You may have to forgive him.&nbsp; It has been a rather rough week for him."&nbsp; She lets the understatement stand as Luke was there to see the death of his brother and is aware of the finding out about wiped memories.&nbsp; He will appreciate the depth of the situation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 03:52:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel let Gwin take the lead, her calmimg hand an effective method. Gabriel held no trust for the man. Hell, he only trusted Gwin and partially trusted Alice.<br><br>OOC: You posted when i postdd the last one and i didnt know (damn mobile :p)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 06:03:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke lifted his own hand to accept hers and clasped it gently, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, princess. You're a hard woman to catch up with." He said, his smoke-gray eyes softening somewhat. He nodded and was about to agree with her request to talk when Ureha moved forward, the distance between them closed to inches. His threat was amusing, but Luke knew the kid could probably back it up. He fingered a small device in his pocket, about the size of a coin roll, anticipating violence. His own eyes hardened once again, and his grin faded.<br><br>"Gee, thanks for the warning! Now simmer down, Sparky. To be honest, I don't give two shits if you trust me or not. My only concern is providing your girlfriend there safe passage home. Anything that gets in the way of that--including you--will be erased."<br><br>His finger rested on the pocketed device's trigger, prepared to unleash a short-range broadcast of neural sedation frequencies and render Ureha unconscious before the kid could punch through his skull. But before either could attack, Gwin moved forward and pulled Gabe off of him. Luke watched approvingly as she calmed his fury, and relaxed his grip on the burst-caster.<br><br>"Please, forgive him. It's been a rough week for him." She said, the look in her eyes pleading with him to understand. Luke realized she was referring to his brother's death, not to mention the other traumas the pair had been subjected to. A grain of sympathy shown through in his eyes, and he nodded once.<br><br>"I know what you mean. Some days are just a bitch..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 06:34:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sees Luke simmer down as well as the calming of Gabriel.&nbsp; She says "I have yet to know you name, if you would be so kind?"&nbsp; Her words were soft and entreating.&nbsp; As she spoke, she ushered them to the bench.&nbsp; Not the place she would think ideal for this talk, but the music room was even less ideal.<br><br>She looks to Gabriel and blushes as she begins to admit her lack of full disclosure to him.&nbsp; She takes his hand in hopes of keeping him quiet and calm, letting her find out about herself.&nbsp; She turns her eyes to Luke, "You left me a note on this dagger.&nbsp; What made you leave that note?&nbsp; What is your interest in me?&nbsp; And if my apartment is not my home, and if this is not my home..."&nbsp; Her voice cracks as she looks to Gabriel with pain over the thought of parting from him again.&nbsp; "Where is my home?&nbsp; What home do you refer to?"&nbsp; There is a longing in her voice as she had not known of family other than a distant mother that she no longer really talked with.&nbsp; There are some drawings in her desk and characters in her stories unaccounted for as of yet.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 06:52:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius entered Joren's frozen room. "A bit cold in here. I see you have grown accustomed to the cold. My people are good are providing...elemental comforts. Follow me. I will take you to where you and your sister stayed. Oh, Joren. You know your sister is still alive, right? A bit of information I thought you may enjoy. I will brief you on everything you may or may not of forgotten. Lets get started, shall we?" He asked, leading Joren to the elevator.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 08:23:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes followed the couple as they turned away; she led them to a small bench down the hall. Luke allowed them to sit and leaned against the wall opposite them, arms folded over his chest. 'How much should we tell them, do you think?' He asked 'Ana as he stood silently, choosing his words carefully. 'Sorry, Luke, but you're on your own for that. The only mind I have any real insight to is yours, and you're not exactly Johnny Normal.' 'Must be why we fit so well together.' He teased as she retreated into the digital aether, earning a quick pinch to his cerebral cortex. The pain caused him to twitch, and the pair looked up at him expectantly. 'Ouch!' 'Serves you right.'<br><br>A heavy sigh escaped him, and he began to introduce himself.<br><br>"My name is Luke. Saipher. You can call me whatever you want." He looked down to Gwin and nodded at the dagger. "I wanted you to hold on to that for two reasons. First, I laced it with a chemical compound allowing me to track it's location." A glance at Ureha told him this information was most unwelcome, but before he could interrupt Luke pressed on. "As long as you've got that dagger, I could find you anywhere on the planet. So keep it close. And second...I'm not sure how much of your old life you remember, and I'm not sure how much of it you're ready to learn. For now, all you need to know is that it's a family heirloom, and you'll need it when you get home. So, <em>keep it close</em>. Got it?"<br><br>She nodded, enthusiasm tempered with anxiety.<br><br>"As for home...I'm going to assume you don't remember your parents, either. I was hired by an old man named Adrian Marcos to locate and deliver you to him. Actually, I was just hired to deliver you; he'd already done the locating." He could tell the poor girl was dying to know why she should matter to an old man she'd never heard of, and lifted one hand in a placating gesture.<br><br>"Look, let me tell you a little story; it should clear up a few questions. Once upon a time, there was an accountant. His name was Peter Miles. He worked for a small firm, lived an average life, and there was absolutely nothing special about him." Luke scanned through the files as he talked to ensure nothing was left out that didn't need to be. "Then one day, he was assigned by his firm to audit a pharmaceutical corporation; some confusion regarding investment amounts or some such. Doesn't matter. The point is, while he was looking over the company's books, he had occasion to meet the daughter of the company's owner. Boy meets girl, falls in love, we all know this part of the story. They get married and have one child, a little girl.<br><br>A few years later, tragedy strikes. The parents are killed in a car crash, and the little girl is left in the custody of her mother's father. She grows up and it seems that things are finally looking up for her future. But apparently, tragedy isn't done with this kid. At 14, she's diagnosed with a particularly vicious form of leukemia; her grandfather spends the next two years watching his little girl waste away to nothing, and looking for a way to save her. Then one day, he's approached by representatives of a certain private weapons development firm. They offer to place her in a series of experimental trials of a new kind of vaccine. The vaccine works, but the company claims that now the girl is corporate property and she is stolen from her grandfather. He manages to track her down, but finds that her genetic structure has been tampered with and her memory has been wiped. At this point, I don't know the whole story, but he decides to set her up with a new identity and a new life. Since then he's kept a watch on her from a distance, until he learned that the company was still looking for its property. So, he hired a devilishly handsome and clever fellow to pick her up and bring her home.<br><br>So. Questions?"<br><br>The couple stared at him dumbfounded, mouths agape, as he finished speaking.<br><br>'Hm. What do you think? Too much?' He thought. 'Nonsense, Luke. You're a master of subtlety.' 'Ana replied dryly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 09:02:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel stood up and paced around. "Private weapons firm. ArmsTech. Same people that took me and my brother." He said angrily. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and contemplated the moral dilemma. His heart ached when he realized that him and Gwin were probably going to be separated. For good. He was then revisited by memory. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><br><em><strong>The Days Forgotten</strong></em></span><br><br>"Hi, I'm Gabriel." His small voice said. He was young, and he and his brother had just begun staying at ArmsTech. He sat down next to the girl who had the same color of hair as he did. "Why are you here?" He asked. "I'm sick. My granpa says there is something wrong with my body. And he said that these people could help me." The girl explained. "Oh..." Gabriel said. "I'm here because my brother is living here. We don't have any parents. So I have to watch over him. These people said they can help us to." He left out that they had forcibly taken his brother. "Hey, made a new friend?" Came a female voice. "Alice!" Gabriel shouted excitedly. He ran to her embrace. "Gabriel, I have got some news. My brother is coming to see me. I told you a lot about him, remember?" Alice asked. "You mean Mr. Joren?" Gabriel asked. Alice laughed and said "You don't need to call him 'Mr. Joren', silly.". "Besides, when you say 'Mr.' you don't use their first name." She said, correcting him and teaching him. "So who is your friend?" Alice asked, looking over to the dark haired girl. "My name is..."<br><br>Isaac: 13<br>Gabriel: 15<br>Alice: 16<br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u"><br>Present</span></em></strong><br><br>"What was her name while she was there?" Luke asked. <br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Alice</span></em></strong><br><br>Alice and Isaac had first met when she was 16. He was only thirteen at the time. They were there for just over a year, and every day was long and grueling. They had become close, but not intimate. Honestly, Isaac was only thirteen. But, it was after. After the year there, well Alice spent two years there and Isaac spent one, a lot of things had happened. Alice opened up a dojo at 18, meant for kids who had lost their fathers in the war six years before. The effects of the war were still felt everywhere, especially in the youth. Isaac and Gabriel came in about halfway through the first year of the dojo's existence. Gabriel was just turning 16. Isaac and her began their relationship there. Of course, it was odd. Of course no one could no. The age difference was unusual. But Isaac was different. He was mature, in more ways than one. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 11:17:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin was honestly not surprised it was bugged and she knew the dagger was a family heirloom.&nbsp; It was the only thing that passed all memories, dreams an stories.&nbsp; This dagger was the only thread weaving through them all.&nbsp; She feels certain that is why it brought her such comfort to wear.<br><br>As the story wore on, she came to the same conclusion as Gabriel.&nbsp; They were about to be separated - AGAIN.&nbsp; She balks at the concept with all her beings.&nbsp; She struggles to keep her composure though and holds onto Gabriel's hand.&nbsp; She doesn't get that memory of meeting him.&nbsp; It is lost from her.&nbsp; She looks up to Gabriel with concern as she can tell her remembers something.&nbsp; <br><br>She turns her amber eyes back to Luke.&nbsp; "Luke, thank you for your honesty and disclosure.&nbsp; Tell me, what happens if I decide I do no want to go with you to meet people I don't remember in favor of one I do?"&nbsp; She does not show that she remembers her grandfather.&nbsp; It was one of the pictures in her desk.&nbsp; One of her skills was always handling people though, so a quick manipulation of words makes it not a lie as it was hypothetical.&nbsp; There would be no 'lying' tattles on her face or body lanuage.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 03, 2010, 11:52:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OCC: Hey all! I'm back from seeing Iron Maiden and I'm ready to try and get back in the loop :-). Sorry if i'm not always on top of things guys :P <br><br>Joren was blown away by what Cornelius had just said about Joren's sister. for a brief moment a image of Alice appeared in Joren's head, but he fought it of with rage and confusion. "Sister!? I Don't have a sister. Or any family for that matter!" Joren reached and grabbed Cornelius tight by the arm to stop him. "Look, lighting rod! You better explain to me what this place is and what my connection is to it, of all turn you in to a snow cone and eat you!"&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 12:06:52 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: perfect timing really.&nbsp; Welcome back and hope the concert was a blast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 12:10:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke stood silent as Gwin and Gabe sifted through the information he'd fed them. Neither of them were particularly skilled at concealing their emotions; Gabe especially was an open book. He could tell they were both distressed by the idea of being separated, and a notion occurred to him. As Gwin raised the subject of refusing to accompany him, he shook his head slowly. At least the girl had some iron in her heart; he had to give her that.<br><br>"You're not getting it, princess. Your compliance is not an issue here. I was hired to do a job, and that job is going to get done. One way or another, you <em>are </em>leaving here with me."<br><br>Gabriel rose to his feet and moved to an offensive stance between Gwin and Luke. "She's not going anywhere with you-" he began, but Luke raised a hand to cut him off.<br><br>"Cool your jets, Loverboy. I'm not finished. Like I said, she's leaving with me. After she meets with the old man, she can do whatever she wants. If that means coming back to live happily ever after with you, that's not my problem." At this, Gabe relaxed--barely. "And as for you... the contract I agreed to with Marcos didn't mention anything about fourth parties. So likewise, you can do whatever the hell you want. So you can try to keep her from me, and I'll have to kill you and then listen to her whining about how much she misses you, not to mention I might actually feel bad for a few minutes. Or we can do this like civilized people, and you can go with us. Sit down, have a chat with the old man, find out what he has to say, ask for her hand in marriage, I don't give a damn. Your call."<br><br>Luke returned his hands to his pockets and readied the burst-caster again, and just for good measure he asked 'Ana to target his current coordinates with a few of the Seraphim. His jaw tightened as he prepared for Ureha's assault.<br><br>But it never came.<br><br>He could tell they were both surprised--hell, they were stunned--by his offer. Gabriel especially seemed wary, and almost disappointed that Luke wasn't threatening them overtly. Well, technically he <strong>was</strong>, but he was also offering a way to avoid any more violence.<br><br>"Ball's in your court, Ureha..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 12:27:48 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius grabbed Joren by the throat, bringing him to a knee with suffocating, crushing force. "You have no powers here and now, Joren. I suggest you calm yourself." He warned, letting go of Joren. Eventually, they had made it underground, the elevator stopping. When they stepped out, Joren was shocked by what he seen. It was an underground neighborhood, the area well kept and mostly white. It was huge and expansive, the buildings a nice white, and the entire area dug into a sort of cavern. The walls were natural rock, and there was dirt on the ground. A few trees were also there, unnaturally grown, though. Kids ran around, while older people like teenagers and adults either entertained the kids or decided to read. It was a small underground utopia. "Do you know how magic works, Joren? It really isn't magic at all. It is merely science."<br><br>He walked forward, leading the way. "Science drives everything, and everything can be deduced by science. It started over three hundred years ago, before Quantum Urbs was birthed on the world map. 'Magic' as it is popularly called, was originally a genetic evolution. And ironically it started with the rarest form of magic: the ability to control Earth. We don't know how exactly they came to be, but these people had fantastic powers. It was not as simple as water, ice, or fire. No, it was far more. Those with fire can summon it at will because of a specific gene in their body commonly known as the 'Candeo Gene'. Candeo is Latin for spark, so it is basically called the Spark Gene. The friction that Candeo Genes have with each other create a spark, and using the blood flow, momentum, and opening pours for the genes to come out of, fire emits. Water and ice are basically the same and far easier to master than fire. It simply utilizes&nbsp; the water within ones body, using significantly strong hydrogen bonding to form itself and give it shape. The difference in ice and water is inner body temperature.<br><br>"You see, Gabriel is something special. He was our lead experiment. He was able to master Fire, Ice, and Water. But he could do something beyond that; he could remotely control each. Like Alice, Gabriel excelled. They both went beyond elements. Beyond scientific explanation. For example, Alice can teleport. It's amazing, really. But the oddity is really Gabriel. He even went as far as telekinesis.&nbsp; A sixth sense. His 'instinct' is more than just instinct. He KNOWS. Best part about it is that he is not aware. If he were aware of that power...someone like that cannot live. He also has amazing speed. Every secret of our company is within him. He is also very dangerous once he is able to tap into his abilities. I think you seen it, when his brother died." He took a breathe. "Basically, we need Gabriel dead. And we think you can do it. Of course, in addition to all the powers you will be endowed with, you will also have answers. The answers, I will give you now. Lets begin.<br><br>"You suggest that you do not remember your sister?" He asked. "Alice. Alice Tolkki. That is interesting. Interesting indeed. Gwin, Gabriel, Isaac and anyone related to them lost memories as well. I am not sure how, before you suspect me. But why you? As far as I know, you didn't know Gabriel or Isaac or Gwin before recently. Or...is there something I am missing?"<br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Gabriel</span></em></strong><br><br>"Before you touch that trigger in your pocket..." Gabriel said angrily. "Before you assume that you can kill me and be on your way...." He clenched his fist. "You better be sure that you can finish me, before I finish you. Which I assure you, you cannot do. Your nanomachines wouldn't able to fix what I can do to you." He warned coldly. "As you said, the ball is in my court." He said, repeating what Luke said. "Your cockiness is astounding, really. Your sarcasm knows no bounds. But..." He growled, calming down. "I know that, by the time your dead, you would have already pressed that button and death would be on it's way to me. I do not fancy dying. I will go with you." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 01:03:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren tried to say say something in rebuttal, but the words would not come. 'Is what this creep is saying true? Do I really have a sister? And is this dumb kid from the store really as powerful as he says he is.' Your hesitated for a minute, but finally spoke up. "Th.. this place! What is this place? It's cold down here. I like it." Joren shock his head to stop his mind from wondering some more. "Okay Lighting man, I'll kill the little shit for you. But first, I want POWER! And lots of it. And, I want to know more about my so called sister."&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 01:07:18 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She can feel Gabriel's tension rise as he becomes protective of her.&nbsp; Just as she thought even she may not be able to calm him, Luke offers the option of Gabe coming with them.&nbsp; They both sat back at that.&nbsp; Gabriel, accepts the idea.&nbsp; She looks up to Gabriel a bit shocked and yet fully expecting that.<br><br>She pushes back between the two guys.&nbsp; She pulls Gabe's arms about her.&nbsp; "OK, then together, we will go, but only together."&nbsp; Her words there were to Luke.&nbsp; The look in her eyes saying she would die before she parted from him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 01:43:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No chance in ice cold hell, Joren." Cornelius said. "Half now, half later. You can get some power now, but not all. Otherwise there would be nothing to hold you to the deal." Cornelius said calmly. "Your sister was an experiment here. You two grew up together. She idolized you. Not sure how, but she found herself with ArmsTech. Once she left, she opened a dojo. She was eighteen. She has hair like yours, and she is very beautiful. Her eyes are an odd pink now; a result of the experimentation."<br><br>Gabriel...<br><br>Gabriel embraced Gwin. "We leave in four days, then. We still need some down time. Try to get back some of our memories, get some time also." Gabriel sighed. "I know your not entitled to be here past your job. But I wanted to know if you could help us with ArmsTech. They kidnap kids, blackmail people, and ruin lives. I have a feeling they are also a key to ouf memory. You don't have to answer now, just think about it." He said to him. He squeezed Gwin's hand and urged her to come. "We can talk more tomorrow. It's getting late." He told Luke, urging Gwin back to the Garden with intent of relaxing in the hot spring.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 02:06:25 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Updated post o.o
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 02:30:24 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looks up to Luke, hoping he will agree.&nbsp; "Four days for our memories and emotions."&nbsp; She pauses and reinforces Gabriel's invitation to Luke, "Then come with us to Armstech?"&nbsp; She attempts to lighten the mood "I may even keep him tame around you."<br><br>She took Gabriel's lead and heads to the hot springs.&nbsp; Her eyes are turned up to him.&nbsp; She wipes a strand of her raven hair from her eyes with a silly grin.&nbsp; She felt no need to speak, just being close was enough for now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 02:36:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They walk towards the garden, conversating as they go. "Where did you learn to play the violin like that?" He asked as they arrived. He realized he didnt have anything to get into the water with. "Damn it..." He says, sitting on the edge of the hotspring with Gwin. He brushed a strand of hair away from Gwin's face and admired her, smiling. "You're beautiful, you know that?" He asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 03:03:51 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushes at the compliment as they sit on the side.&nbsp; "I'm nothing compared to you."&nbsp; She says coyly as he turns around and pulls her shirt off and begins to shimmy out of her skirt.&nbsp; Her rounded backside wiggling bare before his eyes.&nbsp; "last one in is a rotten egg."&nbsp; She jumps into the hot springs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 03:16:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That wasn't fair! You distracted me!" He laughed, stripping his clothes and diving in after her. Gabriel chased her around in the water for a while, splashing back and forth trying to catch her. He went underwater, under the cover of steam. She looked around, having not seen him go under. He surprisingly came up right in front of her, pressing up against her gently and pushing her softly against the edge of the spring.<br><br>He admired her, the love for her surreal, holding a story-book like feeling within him. Water dripped from her wet face and into the pool. He followed the drops down with his eyes, lingering on her body through the water. He looked back up at her, his eyes easy. The steam swirrled around and everything was silent besides the wildlife and bubbling water. "I caught you." He told her, his voice low, and chilling to her. He continued to look in her amber eyes, his control of water allowing him to thicken the steam, making it impossible for anyone to see in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 03:33:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke laughed raucously as Gabriel lowered his fists, and withdrew his empty hand from his pocket.<br><br>"There's a good boy. And you thought we couldn't get along? Pshaw, I say!" He grinned&nbsp; as he hooked his thumbs through his belt loops. He considered Gabriel's counteroffer for a moment, then nodded in assent. No sense pushing the kid any further right now. "Fine. Four days. I wouldn't mind a vacation myself, seeing as this job interrupted my last one. As for dealing with ArmsTech....well, we'll see."<br><br>Then his eyes went cold. "But just so you know, if you try something cute like leaving without me, I swear I'll reduce this place to splinters. And when I catch up with you, my offer to settle this peacefully will be off the table. Got it?"<br><br>Without waiting for a reply from either of them, Luke nodded in acknowledgement and turned to walk away, calling back to them as he left. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find the nearest available cushion and grab a nap!"<br><br>Luke walked for several minutes, his mind racing as he twisted and turned through the manor's near-labyrinthine halls. 'Ana pulled up the dojo's schematics to guide him through the building, and the two conversed as he made his way to the sleeping quarters.<br><br>'Any ideas on how he knew about the burst-caster?' 'I'm afraid not. No scans were performed on you, my sensors didn't pick up any forms of E- or X-ray radiation, and I'm positive nothing accessed my records. It's like he just pulled the information out of thin air.' 'Yeah; that's about what I thought, as well. Remind you of anything?' 'That's not possible, Luke. Those results couldn't have been replicated; it's just not possible. No one else on the planet has access to that technology; it's behind 99 layers of blind security and there is only one key. It's just-' 'Not possible. I know. Not possible for it to be replicated. But...it <em>could </em>be simulated.'<br><br>Luke reached an empty room in the middle of a long hallway and slid the paper screen open. He slipped inside and pulled it shut once more, then sank down onto the thickly padded mattress as 'Ana protested.<br><br>'You don't really think that ArmsTech...? But they weren't even studying the right fields! All their research was targeted strictly on living organisms, biological and genetic experimentation only. The odds of them stumbling across your work are so low, I can barely process it.' 'You're right. So like I said, it must have been simulated. Clearly, whatever they did to Ureha and the others worked on multiple levels; it's entirely plausible that somehow, they managed to fast-forward the processes of human evolution, or perhaps mutate them. It's not much of a step further that that evolutionary path might have yielded results similar to mine.' Luke laid back on the bed, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. Damn those kids and their insufferable obsession with the past; it seemed their propensity for nostalgia had infected him. The past played out behind his eyes, a waking nightmare in perfect color to accompany him as he drifted to sleep.<br><em><br>The hours were brutal. His classmates were assholes. But this was his last year, and it was worth it. Three more months, and Luke Saipher would become the youngest person ever to graduate from Quantum Tech University. His professors had been astounded at first that a 14 year old boy could maneuver so masterfully through the fields of robotics, computer theory, physics, calculus. They were baffled when he zoomed past them all in the fields of celestial mathematics and mechanics, quantum physics, mechanical, electrical, molecular engineering. Many of them were either outraged or overjoyed when he was offered a senior research position at the University pending his graduation.<br><br>Three years later, after countless breakthroughs and design patents, hundreds of published papers and lecture tours, Luke had begun to feel burnt out. His curiosity, his drive to uncover the secret underpinnings of reality, was starting to falter. The interest just wasn't there anymore.<br><br>Then he met Annika.<br><br>Luke was hardly the type to fall in love at first sight; his rational, analytical mind would never accept such an ethereal experience. But as he got to know her, from chance meetings in the libraries that turned into all-night discussions, from tentative dates that turned into other all-night activities, he realized 'in love' was the perfect way to describe his feelings for her. And she returned his affections in kind.<br><br>"You have to keep going, Luke. If you don't figure out the secrets of the universe, then who will?" She joked, whenever he felt like throwing away the keys to his lab or trashing the mounds of research that sat on his desk from time to time, mocking him with its inscrutability. And that was all it took. Her laughter, her touch, her very existence made Luke want to understand the workings of a universe that could create something so wonderful.<br><br>And then she was gone.<br><br>It was no one's fault; not really. A faulty gas line to one of the bunsen burners in the chem lab, a collection of volatile compounds unwisely left too close together. No one else was hurt in the blast; Annika herself, by rights, shouldn't have even been in the building. If not for a friend who had previously left a report in the wrong office. If. If. If.<br><br>For months, Luke had barely eaten, slept, spoken. He threw himself into his work with the ferocity of a feral beast, at times barely aware even of what he was working on. But something inside him demanded he continue, and continue he did until at last it was finished. The machine started at about the size of a small car. Over time, it had grown to the size of a tanker truck; then to that of a house. By the time it was finished, it had been moved into one of the empty aeronautics hangars.<br><br>Almost a year to the day, Luke stood alone in the hangar before the darkly gleaming technological behemoth. It had been weeks since his last shower, days since his last meal. He was exhausted, in every sense of the word.<br><br>But he wasn't finished.<br><br>The machine was connected to the University's power grid, which ran off of its own dedicated fusion reactor, and he input the target coordinates. The machine was designed to generate a field capable of piercing through the dimensional membranes and allowing for the traversal of the rifts between. In short: a reality shifter.<br><br>For years, Luke had been fascinated by the concept of the many-worlds hypothesis, the idea that parallel to his own reality existed billions upon billions of others, each reflecting the myriad ways that fate and luck and history could have played out. And now, in the depths of grief and despair, he had built a device to visit them.<br><br>With the last checks in place, Luke activated the machine.<br><br>Nothing happened.<br><br>Luke stood on trembling legs for what felt like hours, waiting for a sign, a change, anything to prove that the machine had not failed. When nothing seemed forthcoming, he sank to his knees and screamed, a low, pitiful howl that grew and climbed until it sounded like the voice of a thousand angels singing of woe and loss.<br><br>When at last his voice had died away and the last of his tears had fallen, he struggled to his feet and reached for the generator's power switch.<br><br>Then he noticed the lily.<br><br>Almost from the corner of his eye, for an instant Luke caught a glimpse of a small, bright lily growing right out of the concrete at his feet. As quickly as he'd noticed it, it was gone. Then he began to notice the other differences. Shelves that seemed to shift position. Windows that vanished and reappeared before his eyes. The paint on the walls flowed from dark blue to black to gray to white to red, and the ceiling appeared to be riddled with launching ports and skylights that moved around like pieces on a game board.<br><br>Luke realized the machine had worked after all, though not precisely as he'd intended; his body had not been affected, but his mind was leaping from reality to reality, sharing consciousness with other versions of himself for mere nanoseconds before jumping to the next one, and the next. As soon as he recognized the phenomenon, he began struggling to control it. With every leap, he stayed longer and longer, the intensity of his concentration forcing him to lag behind the field. After almost four hours of trial and error, he learned how to control the jumps. Two hours after that, he learned how to sift through the memories of his other selves.<br><br>What they showed him drove him mad.<br><br>In every world, in every universe, Luke had met his beloved Annika. And in every universe, she was dead.<br><br>The last rational part of himself screamed in defiance. This simply wasn't possible; out of billions and billions of realities, the very idea of a true constant was unthinkable. But the multiverse said otherwise.<br><br>In the end, Luke surrendered to his body's demands for food, for rest. Like a tightly wound rubber band, he released his concentration and flew backward through the 'verses until he emerged from the field back into his own reality. He was found the next day, collapsed in the hangar at the foot of the reality shifter; they rushed him to the hospital just in time.<br><br>His mind all but shattered, Luke became something of an autistic savant. His higher thought processes were almost untouched, but his original personality was fractured. He could barely dress or feed himself; once again, Luke was imprisoned in his own mind. Again, there was nothing but work. But this time, Luke's thoughts took a different path. This time, he focused his efforts on the fields of neurological implants...and artificial intelligence. Due to his condition, he was forced to reside in a sanitarium for the developmentally challenged; some small part of him was aware enough to realize that if Annika were still alive, she would have howled with laughter at the sheer irony of it all. It was this small part that kept him going.<br><br>As a patient, Luke was not allowed the use of computers or laboratories; but years of study had forged his mind into a lab more advanced than anywhere else in the world. He was allowed the use of pens and paper, and for months he scribbled and drew the designs for the implants that would one day fill his head. He wrote long-hand the code that would form the basis for the most powerful A.I. the world had ever known. And then, he went back and improved on it.<br><br>It was almost a week before he recognized what was happening to him. He was writing code and designing complex neuromachines that should have taken years to complete on paper, and he was doing it in <span class="bbc_u">hours</span>. The tiny nugget of sanity he had left realized that he was still connected to the field. Knowledge was flowing into his mind from the billions of alternate Luke Saiphers. The moment he came across a difficult problem, the solution simply appeared in his head as if he had known it all along. He filled notebook after notebook with code and designs, and sent them to his colleagues at Quantum Tech. Within months, the first implants were ready, and a quick surgical procedure left him feeling almost human again as his thoughts regained a shadow of their former clarity. The clearer his thoughts became, the more he was able to refine the implant's designs. Once they were perfected, he turned his attentions toward creating the A.I. that would inhabit them and help him retain his sanity. <br><br>"...Nirvana...I'll call it Nirvana...she would have liked that..."<br></em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 03:47:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: I dont mind long posts. Lol. Next time I am at a computer, I am doing a long one myself. Though, I will not reveal who it is for :p
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 12:17:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Enough! I don't want know hear any more of this! I'v been in this place for to long, if I don't get some of my powers back soon I will die! Just tell me when I can do what I do best, and start killing again!" Joren yelled at Cornelius. Joren's face was missing of the ice and frost that usually clung to him, and his eyes were a dreary gray. "I am a warrior, Cornelius! I am bread for war! The war is the only thing I remember. And it's the only thing I should remember!"&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 12:40:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Your sister was severly depressed and suicidal when she arrived. We helped her through it, unnaturaly of course." He explained, Joren's rage growing. "Remember when I asked if you knew how magic operated? Well, a large part of it is psychological; Emotional, even. Your genes weren't as strong as your sister's, though. But your love for your wife and Alice was great. Your battle experience was like a stockpile, making you an obvious choice for a special experiment. Did you see Gabriel when his brother died? The kind of power that he drew forth? If you wan't power, you are going to have to remember."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 12:48:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren felt something form in his head as he thought about what was just said to him. "m.. My wife? yes.. Yes I remember a wife. And Alice the name of my sister's name right? I... I don't want these memories!! They make me weak! I'v not felt love for years! But if this will give me power... Tell me more" Joren demanded.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 01:00:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius led Joren out of the small underground neighborhood and up one floor. They came out at a large library, filled with tens of thousands of books and multiple computer terminals. "Your username is 997185, I don't know your password though. You will have to figure that out. The terminals are documented records of your life. Go through them and have someone contact me when your done." Cornelius said, leaving Joren to his soul searching.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 08:54:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was in this hot springs, with the teasing chase, the words he echoed that she remembered.&nbsp; "You caught me a long time ago."&nbsp; She whispered as if speaking from their past.&nbsp; Much of what they shared came flooding back to her.&nbsp; <br><br>Yes, they loved, but they were not just lovers.&nbsp; They were like two sides of one coin.&nbsp; Where you found one, you found the other.&nbsp; They did not separate.&nbsp; She had learned to fight from him.&nbsp; Not that she ever had a portion of skill he had, but enough that walking alone through the slums she lived in never brought fear to her heart like it did to most.&nbsp; She remembered more moments and feelings than specific details.&nbsp; She can hear echoed through many of those moments "I will never leave you."&nbsp; With losing so much of her family, that had been her biggest fear even then.&nbsp; Her parents were dead and they told her that her grandfather was dead.&nbsp; It was the only way she would become docile enough for their liking.&nbsp; <br><br>The memory triggers the memory of her grandfather.&nbsp; The loss she felt.&nbsp; The loneliness of having no one.&nbsp; Gabriel gave her a sense of belonging. He was her someone.&nbsp; Her only someone.&nbsp; She looks to him in the steam bath with eyes of gratitude and love stronger than ever.&nbsp; Her amber eyes dedicating herself to him in a loving worship.&nbsp; "I am yours."&nbsp; She says as she slips into his arms.&nbsp; Her skin separatd from his only by the layer of water between them.&nbsp; The steam rising and blocking sight was good as they took some time to remember their connection in a more physical manner.&nbsp; Mapping their relationsip from the inside out more than once.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 09:58:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren sat down at a computer at the farthest corner of the large library. 'Why would these people have records of me here? why do they know more about me then I do?' Joren spent little time thinking about that, fearing the consequence. Joren looked at the screen of the computer, only his user name entered. But as soon as his cold fingers touched the key board, the word 'TARJA' was typed, and Joren gained access to the files.<br><br>Captain Joren Tolkki. Former European Union light infantry trooper. Former Quantum Urbs Special Forces Captain.<br>Status - Mercenary <br><br>known relatives:<br><br>Wife, Tarja Tolkki - DECEASED<br>Son, Cody Tolkki - DECEASED&nbsp; &nbsp;<br>Farther, Jari Tolkki - Killed in Action<br>Mother,_________ - Unknown<br>Sister, Alice Tolkki - Employed&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Cause of death to Spouse and Child: Murdered by the Ureha subjects for reasons unknown<br><br>Project "ICE MAN"<br><br>Subject for tests amazingly survived.<br><br>New heart installed to pump Liquid nitrogen ad Element F compound through vains.<br><br>Top of the line cybernetics enable subjet to create and form solid ice, frost, snow, and simulate sub zero temperatures.<br><br>Never used in the field.&nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Where abouts today are unknown&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 04, 2010, 10:06:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Just over an hour later, Alice called out. "You two out here?" She asked. With the memories that returned to them of each other, a lot of memories returned of Alice. To the two of them, who didn't have a father or mother, Alice had been the parent. Always she was there to guide and support the two, encourage them, teach them, and protect them. "Yeah, we wil; be there in a second!" Gabriel shouted in response, his breathing labored. Gabriel jumped out of the hot spring, aiding Gwin out with a hand. He pecked her lips and slipped her shirt over her. He wanted her again, but he had her multiple times tonight, his stamina surprising.<br><br>They finished clothing and exited the hot springs through the green gardens, hands interlaced more than before. They both caught sight of Alice, and finally recognized her for who she was; their guardian. They smiled looking together, and Alice folded her arms. "Its about time my pupils remembered their sensei."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 12:05:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughs at the tease.&nbsp; "Yes Sensei, it is.&nbsp; Our apologies for not recognizing you sooner."&nbsp; Her words were both sincere and mocking.&nbsp; She grins as she looks up to Gabriel.&nbsp; The looks of want matching his own.&nbsp; The look of enjoyment also matching.&nbsp; For all the pain the memories brought up and all the pain felt the past two days, they were nothing compared to finding Gabriel again.<br><br>The silly playfulness between them absolutely nauseating and too sweet to describe for fear of weak stomachs.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 12:28:13 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel led Gwin back to their room, after talking casually amd remenicing with Gwin. Once they reached the room, they play tackled with each other. They spun around the room, bracing themselves for the other's charge. They eventually landed on the bed when Gabriel said "I'm not even tired." Behind his smiles and laughter was pain. With the memories of everything, he also retrieved memories of his brother. And now he was gone.<br><br>Then he recalled something. Gabriel's expression turned dark. He glanced around for a tv, eventually finding it behind a small door, inside a compartment. It was huge and installed into the wall, the sliding door allowing the room to look more natural by hiding the tv. "Jenny." Gabriel called. The tv turned on, being static at first. The tv blinked, and a woman was on screen. It was Jenny's depiction of herself. "Good. You can reach me." Gabriel said. "I was recently given permission through the firewalls and safeguards. I have to say, you have a very...fluid motion." She commented. "You were watching? Come on, Jen..."<br>"Im only an AI, Gabe. Anyways, whats up?" She asked. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 02:08:42 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin follows Gabriel back to their room.&nbsp; They talk, they play and they laugh.&nbsp; There is an undercurrent of pain to the joy.&nbsp; That is natural given the reasons.&nbsp; She is startled when Gabriel's look suddenly turns dark.&nbsp; "Gabe, what is it?"&nbsp; She asks, but her words fall on deaf ears as he pulls out the TV and implores Jenny.&nbsp; She falls silent and watches to see what he is after.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 03:07:40 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Luke snoozed, 'Ana took advantage of the down time and caught up on some of her neglected chores. She accessed a telecom satellite and zipped over to the Command Center mainframe, unfolded herself from the server and went to work. First, she activated a servitor drone and ensured that Heckle and Jeckle had been fed and seen to, as well as the captive Miss Kit. Piggybacking on the servitor's cameras, she could tell that their hostage kitty was hardly in a state of discomfort; the boys were curled up tightly in one corner of their room, while Kit languished on their sleeping cushions beneath the artificial sunlamp.<br><br>'Ana abandoned the servitor and allowed it to return to its storage unit, and transferred to the monitoring station. She checked in with some of the higher-priority operatives and made certain that each mission was still proceeding smoothly. Such progress reports were usually Luke's domain, but it wasn't uncommon for her to field the inquiries while he was indisposed in the field. Or downstairs sleeping. Or passed out drunk in a dive bar somewhere.<br><br>Nirvana re-focused the Grigori she'd tapped earlier and zoomed in on the dojo, and decided to keep the aerial view up for the duration of her time outside. The rest of her time she spent scanning herself for new system errors or code flaws that might become problematic. Nothing too alarming; her pattern recognition software was running a little sluggish, almost .05 seconds slower than usual, and her memory was in serious need of a new indexing. She set a portion of her processing onto the tasks and was finished within seconds. She reviewed her diagnostics report with some pride; only 24,553 minor errors and anomalies detected. A new record. Luke would be proud.<br><br>She switched off the Grigori and withdrew from the mainframe, making certain to grab a few extra software packs to bolster her abilities while in the field, and left as quickly as she'd arrived. When she returned to her nest in Luke's implants, she slipped in quietly and performed a low-level scan of his vitals; he told her she worried over him too much, but it was her job to worry about him; he had created her for exactly that purpose. Besides, it was very unlikely that anyone else was going to.<br><br>Nirvana sifted through his open thoughts and translated some of his delta waves to spy on his current dream. She was utterly unsurprised to see a very familiar face...her own. Well, technically it was hers, but before Luke designed her, it had belonged to another.<br><br>Annika.<br><br>He dreamed of her, almost every night. When he first activated Nirvana and introduced her into his mind, his dreams had been terrifying. 'Ana had wondered at first how a man who had experienced such trauma, and relived it nearly every time he laid down to sleep, could stay sane. But not long after she took up her residence inside his psyche, she learned the truth: Luke was, plainly and simply, not sane.<br><br>She did not have a firm grasp of everything going on in his head, not at first; he'd always said that concrete information was so cumbersome to include in a program, and had decided to let her gather her own information as she evolved. But she quickly learned enough to understand the fundamentals at the root of his problem. He was once one of the most brilliant scientists and inventors the world had ever known. He had loved someone, and lost her; the grief drove him to find a way to defy the natural order, and he created a machine to let him look for her in other dimensions. When he hadn't found her, he aborted the quest and returned to his own reality. But the effects of the field produced by the machine were not completely understood, and his once brilliant mind was heavily damaged. Or perhaps, Nirvana decided, from another perspective, profoundly altered.<br><br>Luke was placed in an asylum, and it was widely accepted that he would never recover. But somehow, his mind was still affected by the machine's field, and he found that he had access to the minds of billions and billions of copies of himself scattered throughout the dimensions of the multiverse. The connection gave him powers of thought and comprehension beyond imagining, but the strain on his mind was slowly killing him. He used his newly enhanced intellect to devise a method of salvation, and thus he created Nirvana, an A.I. whose sole purpose was to parse and regulate his thoughts and ensure that his consciousness did not become untethered and scattered throughout existence.<br><br>And, whether he intended to or not, he modeled her after his lost love. He modeled her after Annika.<br><br>Once 'Ana became comfortable enough with operating within Luke's mind, she began to subtly influence his dreams. She couldn't stand watching some of the things his subconscious tortured him with, and took it upon herself to provide him with more pleasant dreams. But even as she influenced Luke, so did he influence her. His scarred mind held so many memories of Annika, Nirvana could not stop them from seeping into her programming. As the two grew more comfortable with each other, Nirvana came to resemble Annika more and more, from her behaviors and mannerisms to her speech patterns, even down to the form she took when she manifested. Before long, she had copied almost every aspect of Annika from Luke's memory into her own code. She felt a certain, and she supposed, obvious, kinship with the woman she mimicked so perfectly.<br><br>The only thing Nirvana had not replicated was her affection for Luke. That had developed entirely on its own.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 03:53:59 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey, Gabriel." Isaac said. Gabriel had asked Jenny to use nanomachines that he had implanted within him to review his memories. He had installed these some time ago to monitor his brain activity, but the function was changed. Jenny was able to piece together memory and give it visible form. Gabriel gave a pained reaction to seeing his brother. "It's Isaac. I needed to tell you--ArmsTech--Jayden said that--I tried to stop it, but Alice didn't let me. She said--kill me." Since Gabriel did not have all of his memory, not everything was there. "I implanted--Confused. And it's ok to be. But you have to know, not everything is what you think. It pains me to--I know you may be hurt. But hopefully, by the time you get this--Forgive me. This place is--People need us--A city of lies--A city of secrets." The footage of a desperate Isaac cut forward, to an explosion rocking behind him. He turned quickly, then setting his gaze back to face Gabe's view. "I love you, my brother." Then the transmisson cut.<br><br>Gabriel's eyes filled with tears. "What...how...could I remember this? No way...I was there."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 09:41:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Isaac appears on the screen, she realizes this will be hard on Gabriel and she wants to run to him and hold him.&nbsp; However, some journeys are best walked alone.&nbsp; This was one of them.&nbsp; He deserved privacy about his brother.&nbsp; She felt certain he would talk with her when he was ready.&nbsp; So she slips from the room.&nbsp; <br><br>Gwin went in search of Luke.&nbsp; Luke and Gabriel were too tense near each other for her to ask some things of him.&nbsp; So she took advantage of this time to search him out.&nbsp; Not having an AI at her disposal or any odd abilities that she new of, she did things the old fashioned way.&nbsp; She opened doors and looked. She finally finds him napping in a room by himself.&nbsp; Well, as by himself as he can be.&nbsp; She slips over to him and nudges him awake.&nbsp; &nbsp;She really didn't need to nudge him at all.&nbsp; 'Ana had alerted him to her presence and woke him up before she reached him.&nbsp; Still, he let her come to him anyways.&nbsp; "Please, I just had a few questions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 11:02:20 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"...Gabe?" Jenny asked as Gwin left the room. There was a silence that was louder than any sound Gabriel had heard in his life. "Play it back. Set up here. This is our new home." He said, going deep into thought. "I am on it." She said as the recording played back. "Hey, Gabriel." It began as the AI's mobile base rocketed down to their location. Once it got there, it would begin to implant itself through the house and install different things. It would hollow out parts of the ground and build defensive mechanisms in it. It would modify parts of the house to conceal things, and it would fully customize Gabriel's room.<br><br>The process would last until night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 02:11:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A tiny smile formed on Luke's lips for an instant before he suppressed it, maintaining the illusion of sleep as Gwin approached him. He allowed her to take a seat on the edge of the bed, jostling him 'awake'. He made an elaborate show of sitting up, stretching luxuriantly and leaning back against the headboard, arms folded behind his head. After a comically over-exaggerated yawn, he eyed Gwin with surprise as if he'd never expected to find her in his room, and his usual cocky grin returned.<br><br>"Well, hey there, princess. So, you just couldn't stay away any longer, huh? I know, I know...a guy like me, all sexy and mysterious, I'm probably irresistible. It's not your fault, babe; you're just a prisoner of desire. Honest, I'm surprised you managed to wait so long-"<br><br>Nirvana's voice cut him off, broadcasting from microspeakers in Luke's shades, and a pair of startlingly electric blue eyes appeared on the front of his lenses. She rarely manifested in a visible form for anyone but Luke, but this was her preferred method for communicating with others in 'person'.<br><br>"I'll understand if you want to come back another time, dear; he can be quite an asshole when he's just woken up. Well, more than usual, at any rate." "Hey!"<br><br>Luke waved an arm in defeat and ran his hand through his hair, ruffling the intricate patterns of red and black that ran through his hair. As Gwin watched, fascinated, the colors and designs seemed to shift before her eyes. He noticed where her attention lay, and kicked his nanos into overdrive. Suddenly the colors swirled more intensely and his scalp tingled as the nanomachines changed his hair from red and black to sandy blond to brown to green to purple to blue to orange. His head was like a silent fireworks show on fast-forward, and he smiled as she watched the colors and designs flow past, one after another. At last he returned his hair to it's usual red and black patterns, and Gwin realized the show was over. He rested his elbows on the headboard and shrugged, watching her curiously. He could tell she was trying not to stare at the vicious burns and scars that riddled his body, revealed as his aloha shirt fell open when he shifted on the bed.<br><br>"So, what's on your mind, kitten?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 02:28:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ok, the room is set up." She said, calling Gabriel's attention. "Gabriel...I'm worriwd about you. You have already watched that video four times." She pleaded. "What do you have on the AI?" Gabriel asked, ignoring Jenny's concern. "...Nothing useful. It was indeed Luke's AI, named Nirvana. But she is far more advanced than me. I can only see what she wants me to see." She explained with remorse. "Fine." Gabriel scoffed, clapping his hands together and slowly parting them. Between them formed a digital file drawer, which he moved to the side. He then reached up and made a pulling motion, bringing down a large interactive map. He then put that to the left, extending his hands and opening them revealing a large blank pad. He then touched his head and made a grabbing motion, throwing it up. Virtual orbs went up, representing relevant memories. The room was an exotic color of green given all the virtual representations in the room. "Jenny, atmosphere fourty-three." He commanded. There was a small beep, and small, blue fire-fly like orbs started constantly falling slowly throughout the rooms. <br><br>"Gabriel, you need to calm down." Jenny warned. "Play the video back, cut it into sections, and transpose audio to text." He ordered.<br><br>Meanwhile, the AI was still entangling itself with the mansion and it's property.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 03:48:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren stood from his seat after he discovered the truth of this all. The experiments, His sister and the Death of his family at the hands of the brothers. Joren fists were clenched so tight his hand began to bleed some of his nitrogen blood. 'This is who I am? Just another science experiment for these mother fuckers!!' Joren anger was soon overwhelmed by the thought of the death of his wife and son at the hands of the brothers. at least thats what the files had told him. ' Those bastards!!!!! I can't believe I let that kid from the store live!! He'll pay!! HE'LL PAY!' <br><br>Joren walked over to an to a guard standing near the entrance of the library. "Get Thunder boy down hear NOW! tell him i'm ready."&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 09:39:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius arrived, noticing the rage. "Ah, so I see you discovered who killed your family." He walked over to Joren. "Now, all we have to do is wait. They will come to us, Joren. Meanwhile,&nbsp; you must hone your skills. Report to floor 32, Training Section A. You will choose your method of training. You will recieve power. You will spar, against me. Against an AI version of Gabriel."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 10:42:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a few minutes Joren and Cornelius arrived floor 32, Training Section A. Joren stepped into the large white small arena sized room, he walked to the center of the training room and then looked back at Cornelius. "Is all this really necessary!? He's just one kid who does not even know how to use his powers. I'v been Quantum Urbs top Merc for 5 years for fuck sakes!"&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 05, 2010, 11:05:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From the center of the room, a white light emitted, transforming the room into an ice cavern. Cornelius said "Blizzard" and the white light emitted again, creating the effects if a blizzard as well as a foot of snow at their feet. "You have no idea, Joren." Cornelius said, turning to leave. "He is far more than just a boy. We cannot replicate him; he is as close to perfect as we can get. He has strong love for the woman with him; like you did your wife. They may be young, but they have been through a lot together. Their trials aged them far greater than the days did." <br><br>"You fight me in three hours." Cornelius said. He exited the room, leaving Cornelius to train.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 12:48:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughs lighty at his cocky thoughts of her visit, fully believingh was only teasing her. "No, Luke, such a sweet offer, but that isn't my desire tonight."&nbsp; She plays along.&nbsp; "Hello Miss."&nbsp; She says to the AI she has not met yet.<br><br>Naturally, her eyes follow his movements as his hand lifts to is hair.&nbsp; The changing patterns of hair color catches her art loving interest.&nbsp; She smiles with amusement and appreciation as he showed off for her.&nbsp; Then the show ends and he brings them back to business.<br><br>"So, what's on your mind, kitten?"<br><br>"Well, that is part of it.... I want to know about my kitten.&nbsp; Her name is Miss Kit, but I believe you know that already."&nbsp; She looks down for a moment as worry etches itself over her features.&nbsp; Her long black hair falls over her face.&nbsp; She lifts her face back up, flipping her hair back.&nbsp; "I wasn't sure it was you that took her until you answered me so about my dagger.&nbsp; I want to know she is safe.&nbsp; I mean... If you are here, who looks after her?&nbsp; &nbsp;And when can I get her back again?"<br><br>It is obvious from her face this is an issue that truly is one she wants to speak to him on, but also obviously she is holding back a dam of other questions.&nbsp; Timing and flow management being put in use here.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 01:15:00 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Gabriel, do you know how magic works?" Jenny asked, an edge to her voice. "Or more specifically, do you realize how it reacts to emotions, bodily state, and other things that effect normal people? It's not the same. You're driving your magic genes crazy; they strive on emotion. This is dangerous to your health, Gabriel." She explained. Gabriel continued to ignore, personally cross checking different things. "Gabriel...stress is a killer of Elementals. Especially on this level. Elementals who experience a traumatic event and do not take it well end up running themselves into the ground. They die, Gabriel." She told him, he still ignoring. "When people are stressed, they are easily agitated, they cannot concentrate, they constantly worry which puts them on edge, they are jumpy, depressed, they feel overwhelmed, they get nauseous, and plenty of other things...transpose that onto an elemental scale. You will have less control over your powers; you could hurt someone."<br><br>"Jenny...I am concentrating. I am not stressed." He told her. "That is the worse lie you have ever told. You're sweating. What do you hope to find from this?" She asked, just when Gabriel snapped back with "The truth!". There was a deafening silence for a moment. "I want to know what ArmsTech is up to. I want to know what happened to my brother. I want to know what happened to all my friends here, who wiped my memory, who killed my brother, why that agent was after him, who that ice guy was, what experiments were done on me...there are things I need to know." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 01:58:24 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				An amused chuckle escaped him, but he cut it short; he could tell she was deeply worried about her beloved pet. He removed his shades and offered them to her with a more reassuring smile and answered. "If you don't mind, I think I'll let Nirvana field that question." She appeared reluctant to take the glasses, but he offered them once again. "Go ahead; she won't bite."<br><br>Gwin took the proffered glasses and looked them over for a moment, then slipped them into place. Almost immediately a video feed overlayed the lenses, provided by one of the Command Center's servitor drones. "This is real-time video, and you have our word that it's unaltered," Nirvana explained as she directed the servitor into the cats' playroom. The drone pushed the door release button and panned inside, showing Gwin a high-rezzed video image of Miss Kit lounging with Luke's own calicos. "As you can see, she's made herself quite comfortable. We have servitors running on automatic schedules to feed and see to them. Looks like she's even made a couple friends," Nirvana continued, her voice soft and clear through the shades. "I think Heckle and Jeckle might even miss her when she leaves."<br><br>The video cut away from the cats, and then the lenses went dark. Luke gestured for the shades' return, and she quickly obliged.<br><br>"As for getting her back..." Luke began as he donned the glasses, "well, that's up to you. I suppose we could go get her right now, but somehow I don't think Loverboy would appreciate the two of us going off on a daytrip without him. And there's no way in hell I'm going alone; the last time I got separated from you I almost never caught up again. But as you've seen for yourself, she's safe, and comfortable, so for now I don't see any harm in leaving her right where she is. Besides, I don't know if you've noticed, but you and your boyfriend are absolute merry hell on real estate; your cat's probably safer at my place than anywhere else in the city."<br><br>As he spoke, he consulted with 'Ana subvocally. 'Did you get it?' 'I did. Luke, we were right--someone really did a number on that girl's mind. Scans indicated extremely invasive neurosurgery. Implants, too. I don't think she's ever had an A.I. of her own before, but she's certainly outfitted to host one.' 'Figures. I couldn't imagine these guys getting their hands on a test subject and not fucking with it as much as possible.' 'Should we tell her?' 'I don't think so; if it becomes an issue, we'll help her through it as much as we can. If it doesn't, so much the better.'<br><br>He leaned forward a bit and cocked one eyebrow in an expectant manner.<br><br>"Now why don't you ask me what you really want to know? I know you didn't come find me just to ask about the cat, or you would have brought Lancelot along. What's eating you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 02:39:24 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She takes the glasses hesitantly.&nbsp; She puts them on and video appears and a voice is heard.&nbsp; She has in instant urge to remove the glasses, but fights it to see her kitten.&nbsp; All else going on, she loves that cat.&nbsp; Miss Kit has been her only companion since she was parted from Gabe and longer in her fake memory.&nbsp; The relief she feels as she sees her cat happy, healthy and well tended was honest and deep.&nbsp; The video goes black and she hands back th glasses.&nbsp; "Thank you."<br><br>She listens as he offers to get Miss Kit now.&nbsp; She thinks about it a moment, weighing her desires against prudence.&nbsp; "No, she is safe where she is.&nbsp; She would not be so safe or well tended here as you take us away from here for who knows how long.&nbsp; I will want her back though.&nbsp; I miss her terribly."<br><br>"Now why don't you ask me what you really want to know? I know you didn't come find me just to ask about the cat, or you would have brought Lancelot along. What's eating you?"&nbsp; He asks as he leans forward showing keen interest. <br><br>She takes a deep breath and dives in.&nbsp; "It was obvious that as generous as you were with your knowledge of me, you still know more about me you haven't said."&nbsp; She brings her eyes up to level with him.&nbsp; "I can tell by the fragments of my drawings and the odd stories I write, some of which show these to be outlets for memories fighting to be remembered, there is more than one past I forget.&nbsp; I can also bet that in a house of such unnatural power as this, they did not leave me untouched.&nbsp; I mean, I know they messed with me for curing my disease, but what else?&nbsp; From what I've learned, it isn't like them to not play more than just curing a disease.&nbsp; I suspect there is much more, but I don't even know how to figure that out."&nbsp; She drops her eyes to her hands.&nbsp; Her voice cracking near the end of it.&nbsp; <br><br>She is grateful her silken dark strands never stay in place as they create a veil of black over her face.&nbsp; Her mind so fragmented and lost clung to the simple life it was handed when she was parted from Gabriel.&nbsp; It was easy and soft.&nbsp; The pain of that distance biting at her so that she could not find it in her to demand better than the meager, loneliness she suffered in.&nbsp; Such a suffering was preferrable to the pain of separation, especially when you didn't know what you were separated from or who.<br><br>"Gabriel has only seen interference turn into pain, so of course he does not trust you.&nbsp; But I have fewer options available to me.&nbsp; You seem to be the most knowledgable option."&nbsp; Her voice goes softer yet "besides, your manner may not be the most loving, but you have shown no true intent to hurt me.&nbsp; I think I might even trust you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 04:03:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke sighed heavily, and shifted on the bed to sit evenly with her. 'So much for withholding,' 'Ana said as Luke considered how much to tell the distraught girl. 'Guess so,' he replied. For a moment he pinched and rubbed the bridge of his nose, pushing his glasses up higher, and then turned his attention back to her.<br><br>"Alright, look. Do I know more than I've let on? Always. Do I know more about you specifically? Not too much. Most of what I know is just public record, or provided to my from old Marcos, and it matches up with what I've already told you. I honestly don't know what kinds of experiments, what kinds of horrors, you must have been subjected to during your years under ArmsTech's control. But I do know you're probably happier for not knowing. I speak from experience, kid: some things are better left forgotten. There's a reason the phrases 'digging up a grave' and 'digging up the past' are so similar. It's because you can wind up buried in both of them."<br><br>Luke met her eyes squarely, hoping he had discouraged her from inquiring into this any further. But he could tell that he failed. He turned away for a few moments and massaged the back of his neck, deep in thought. After almost a minute, he turned back. If she wanted it so bad, then so be it.<br><br>"I can tell you a few more things, if you're sure you wanna hear them." He said, giving her one last chance to back down. Gwin just nodded her head, tear-filled eyes imploring him silently. He cursed to himself.<br><br>"First off, you're right. Like I said, I don't know the full extent of ArmsTech's experimentation, but even cursory scans suggest that you've been tampered with on a lot of levels. Your dna has been partially rewritten, and there are some unusual compounds in your blood. Not much, but enough to suggest some kind of mutation. It looks like you have the same genetic predisposition for displaying abilities as your friends do. We can't tell if that was hereditary, or something you picked up from ArmsTech. Whether you can manifest those abilities is something you'll have to figure out on your own. <br><br>"Second, there's the matter of your brain. When you slipped on my glasses, I had Nirvana perform a full spectrum analysis on your head. As far as we can tell, someone went to town on your brain with a vengeance. Entire portions seem to have been remodeled or removed, and several key synaptic gateways were completely rerouted. That means that not only were your memories doctored, but entire portions of your thought processes, your very personality, have been fundamentally altered."<br><br>Luke stopped for a moment and looked at Gwin; the poor girl was almost on the verge of a breakdown. He waited silently, allowing her a few minutes to absorb the information. Perhaps more than anyone else in the world, he understood what she was going through. He knew how it felt to suddenly learn that pieces of ones very <em>self </em>were simply missing, or destroyed. Even though her trauma had been forced on her, while he had done it to himself willingly, he felt a slight, burgeoning kinship with this girl. And strangely, he realized, with Ureha, as well; it stood to reason that if ArmsTech had butchered her mind, his had probably not escaped intact.<br><br>He waited until her emotions had receded slightly, then continued. "There's one more thing, Gwin. In your brain, you were given a set of implants. Synthetic neurological structures designed to overlay your own natural synapses. On their own, they don't do much. They allow you to think a little clearer, a little faster than normal people. Your ability to memorize and recall concrete facts is enhanced, and your senses are a little sharper. But the primary function of implants, Gwin, is to host an A.I. I have my own implants, as does Gabriel. And apparently, so do you. It doesn't look like you've ever hosted an A.I. of your own. But you could be outfitted with one, very easily. And on the bright side, if you choose to accept an A.I. at some point, it will be able to help you regain much of what you've lost. Nirvana tinkers around with my brain all the time."<br><br>He leaned back once again, watching her rock back and forth on the bed as she took it all in. 'Get ready, 'Ana. If she suffers a breakdown, you may have to enter her head and help bring her back. We can't afford her to go catatonic on us.' 'Affirmative. I won't be able to do too much, though; her connecting structures are very weak. It would take days for me to build up enough synaptic bridges to be able to bring her around.' 'I understand. Looks like we'll just have to hope she's still got that steel in her heart.'<br><br>After almost 20 minutes, Luke cleared his throat and drew her attention back to him.<br><br>"Was that about what you wanted to know, princess?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 04:25:11 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Damn, Gabe." Jayden said, watching sattelite (i know i spelled that wrong) images of the brawl outside of Gwin's house. "Maximus, bring up Gabriel's files while he was working with me." Jayden commanded. Jayden had an AI, but unlike Jenny and Nirvana, it could not develope emotions or a personality. "What are you looking for specifically?" Maximus asked in a deep voice. "All the informatiom he gave us on his brother, Alice T. , and the girl." Jayden commanded. <br><br>He looked through the files for a while, wondering how Gabriel had survived what happened and why Jayden couldn't find him. He found nothing. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 10:02:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listens patiently to all he says.&nbsp; The words confirming much of what she believed to be true.&nbsp; Still, to know who you are isn't even who you are is very upsetting.&nbsp; To have such confirmed time and time again as she has been 'made' to be several different people is rather shattering.&nbsp; Still, she has Gabriel and that is beautiful between them.&nbsp; Just then, her mind connected two dots.<br><br>Her broken voices rises from the veil as she lifts her wet eyes and tear-stained cheeks to him.&nbsp; "If Gabriel and I are so entwined, and I'm made to be who I am.&nbsp; Was I made for him?&nbsp; I don't mean in a loving, heavenly father way.&nbsp; I mean in a dark, control this boy sort of way."<br><br>Her sense of self may be shattered, her sense of reality fragmented like shrapnel and her emotions as tidy as a tornado, but her mind - as he suggests - is fast and sharp.&nbsp; <br><br>She knows he cannot answer that, but the realization of it dawning with all sorts of nasty implications.&nbsp; "Is my presence with him really best then?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 12:21:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Record this, Maximus." Jayden ordered, clearing his throat.<br><br>"Gabriel Ureha, lead experiment at ArmsTech. Estimated price, a few trillion. Sold to the Other Humans Response Agency, or the OHRA, Gabriel was used as a sort of asset. Though we lacked the technology of ArmsTech, we were able to do slight research on him. I was ordered with him as a partner, or a more appropriate term, a watchful eye. What kept him from killing me and our entire agency? Hope. The higher-ups told him about a reality shifter originally designed by Luke Saiphers, but they lied and said they were on the verge of making one. Using this as leverage, they were able to control Gabriel through his emotions; the Urehas had lost their mother years back, and they both missed her dearly. So he was ordered to keep an eye on the three experiments: Alice, Isaac, and Gwin. His orders for Gwin, though, we far more specific. Out of them four, she was the enigma. The Agency ordered him to seduce her; not on a simple passion scale, but on a loving one. He agreed to do it, and went to work.<br><br>"Only problem was, he had already known her from ArmsTech and formed a close friendship. This is something the Agency did not know or anticipate. Gabriel, instead of staying disconnected from the relationship, fell head first into it. He had fallen deeply in love with her. Hell, maybe he already was in love with her and it took some reaffirming. Anyways, he still funneled information to The Agency and still worked with me. <br><br>"But that's when it happened. Gabriel said that he was going to quit. He said that he cared too much for the people to betray them any longer. He told them he was going to cut communication with them and drop off the map. That's when the government quickly mobilized before they lost Gabriel. They moved in on the dojo he resided at, and ordered that they turn in Gabriel, Isaac, Gwin, and Alice. Alice was the head of the dojo with multiple talented disciples. They refused. So force was used. Everyone inside was killed, and the big four couldn't do anything because of the information Gabriel gave to the government. From there, I had believed him to be dead.<br><br>"Gabriel took it incredibly hard. Gwin found out that he was ordered to fall in love with her, and without giving Gabriel a chance to explain, stormed away. Alice and Isaac were shocked at Gabriel's betrayal. They couldn't look at him the same way again. Gwin wasn't seen for a long time after, some even thought she killed herself with grief. But, that was Gabriel's job. After losing everything he worked so hard for, after losing everything except his own life, he attempted to take it. It was raining that night, on the rooftop of the Arcadia Clock Tower. Alice found out about this, and chased after him. There the two stood, silent on the rooftop for an hour. The sound of the rain and thunder much louder than normal. Gabriel went to jump, but Alice stopped him.<br><br>"And this is where it gets better. The sort of climax to a heartbreaking story. Alice is confronted by the government. They know that although they can keep the four at bay, they cannot kill them. The government, knowing all of the events that led to here, manipulated Alice. The trauma caused by Gabriel to Isaac and Gwin, the death that had surrounded them, operations Isaac had carried out, Gwin's heart broken by Gabriel, Gabriel's unyielding depression from his actions; some things are better left off forgotten. Alice works with the government to reorganize the three, so that their memory of events could be altered and wiped. She slips up about the plan to her brother, Joren, and then he is involved with it as well. <br><br>"The plan is a success. The three can live a normal life, but since Joren was added last minute, his life is fucked. Alice feels so bad about it all. She feels empty. And her brother, her own brother, does not remember her. Her brother's emotions are dissected, and no one remembers anything of what happened. Isaac, Gabriel, Gwin, and Joren were the most important people in her life. And they didn't even know she existed."<br><br>Jayden finished, motioning for the recording to cut. "Take that and apply events to them. Dig up any reports that may involve anyone in that review, dig up information, make assumptions...just get me information."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 12:48:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren stood in the middle of the Ice cavern for some time, thinking, planning. 'This whole training thing all vary nice and all, but I am wasting time in this damn place. Who knows where Gabriel is right now. and every second he gets farther away from my grasp!' Joren's anger temperature of the room to lower even more Causing the snowy ground to turn into a solid ice skating ring. Joren then sat in the middle of the frozen room, waiting his challenger to arrive&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 01:06:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius arrived back in the room to Joren sitting in the middle of the room. "You didn't train." Cornelius said. "You are becoming a very disappointing employee, Joren." Cornelius scolded. "We are on a time schedule, whether you realize it or not. Either you are going to win, or you are going to die." Cornelius warned. "Right now, you cannot beat me. If you were to freeze me, I would be out rather quickly. Actually, anything you can currently do, I can come back from it almost immediately. Now, I am ordering you to train. Unless you want to die at the hands of Gabriel, that is. I want you to be able to tire me. You will not be able to beat me by any means. What I am offering you, I already have. An elemental superiority. An understanding. Unbelievable power. So I urge you, do not try when you are not ready. While Gabriel is powerful, he has not reached my level in lightening. You need to go past his level in ice. You aren't expecting to beat him alone, are you? It's going to take both of us."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 01:15:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren stood. "Then give me something to fight so I can train!! So I can kill the son of a bitch!!" Joren said as his fist turned to ice and he went in to strike Cornelius
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 01:36:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius ducked right, charging electricity in his hand. He grabbed Joren's hand and the electricity jump started the frozen molecules, reducing it to water. In the same movement, he sent Joren to the ground, using his weight and momentum against him. "You need to learn to control your emotions. You attack blindly. You are predictable. You give people time to think when you use your ice so long before impact. You need to learn to keep the world at a crawl; time your element. Time yourself. Don't be afraid to wait. Impatience will get you killed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 07:00:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren staggered back to his feet. "Try this!" Joren then held out his other hand, and 100 sharp shards of ice came flying through the air.&nbsp; Cornelius jumped to his left to avoid the shards, but as he did Joren stamped his foot on the ground and a wall of ice shot up from the frozen ground of the training room. Causing Cornelius to hit the wall and fall to the ground as Joren fired another wave of ice shards. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 08:18:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke sat quietly as she ran through the ramifications of her altered memories. The thought that she had been tailor-made to manipulate Ureha had already occurred to him, as had other equally disturbing permutations of that logic chain. With only the facts at his command, he realized there was no way to know for sure.<br><br>For several minutes, he waited as she struggled to compose herself. 'Well, there you have it. We couldn't ask for a more perfect opportunity to take her back to Marcos and finish this job once and for all. Right?' Nirvana said. 'Under almost any other circumstances, I'd agree with you. But there's still Ureha to consider.' 'What about him? You said it yourself, he's not our problem.' 'No, he's not, but think about it: we know he's emotionally attached to the girl, one way or the other. And we know he's exceptionally powerful, and that his abilities are tied to his emotions. So what would happen if we subjected the kid to one more psychological trauma, such as, oh, say, stealing the woman he loves, on top of all he's already experienced?' '...Oh.' 'Right. 'Oh.'. He'd probably snap and destroy half the city. And then where would we keep our stuff?'<br><br>As the pair finished speaking, Luke stretched out a hand and laid it tentatively on the girl's shoulder, offering a gentle squeeze. Her sniffling had diminished somewhat, but she was still clearly broken up.<br><br>"I don't know why you were put through this, Gwin. You or the Urehas. But you're the only one who can say if staying with him is the right thing to do. If you really feel that you can't trust yourself, or him, then say the word and I'll take you out of here right now. Otherwise...and, I can't <span class="bbc_u"><em>believe </em></span>I'm saying this...I don't see any harm in sticking around for a little longer, and seeing what comes back to you on your own. Because I can promise you this, kid: right now, you are one of the safest, most protected people on the planet. <em>Nothing </em>is going to hurt you. Period."<br><br>His smile returned as hers did, and her tears finally stopped. 'Are you sure it's wise to make a promise like that? I mean, I know we need her to trust us, but-' 'What's the difference, as long as it works? Besides, it's true. As long as she remains in our custody, nothing <strong>is </strong>going to hurt her. Except maybe one of us.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 08:40:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Found anything yet?" Jenny asked. "I was able to organize a few memories, nothing major though." He responded, still absorbed. "I thought about what you said. Im going to go to sleep. When will those intergrations be done?" He asked. "A few hours." She responded. Gabriel went over to the bed and wrapped himself in the blankets. "Everything is happening so fast." He commented. There was a long silence.<br><br>"You really love that girl...don't you?" Jenny asked. "If there's anything beyond love...thats what I am feeling."<br><br>Cornelius...<br><br>Cornelius held up his hand, creating a circle of electricity and stopping the ice from piercing him. He touched the ground, using electricity to turn the ice into water, and sending electricity through Joren. Cornelius continued using the ice as a catalyst for his electricity. "So you can make me fall. You need to train and practice. Get your head around this. Get into it!" Cornelius shouted.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 10:18:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren's anger was replaced by acceptance.He slow rose from the water and lowered his head. "How would you have me train?"&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 06, 2010, 11:04:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She lifts her head to Luke as he puts a hand on her shoulder.&nbsp; She smiles meekly at him.&nbsp; She was positive that Gabriel and Luke would keep her safe, as would Alice.&nbsp; But safe from what?&nbsp; Safe from whom?&nbsp; She trusts Luke as long as it suits his interest to play nice.&nbsp; She understands his chances at things and his stratedgies.&nbsp; She also has to start somewhere.&nbsp; With her mind shattered so completely, she really had to start from nowhere and build up.&nbsp; "Thank you.&nbsp; Thank you for your informations and your indulgances."&nbsp; The word 'cutie pie' floats back to her and in a flash she smiles with a small chuckle.&nbsp; The bit of humor at odds with her tear stained eyes.&nbsp; She rises to leave.<br><br>She stops at the kitchen and gathers some food.&nbsp; She remembers Gabriel likes steak.&nbsp; So she grabs that and some veggies.&nbsp; She also balances in a couple of bottles of water.&nbsp; She doesn't bother heating anything.&nbsp; She does shove some silverware into her pockets.&nbsp; She heads back to their room, expecting him to be deep in his personal journey.&nbsp; He was sleeping.&nbsp; She smiles and just watches him from the doorway a bit.&nbsp; She doesn't know how long passes.&nbsp; She moves to the table in the room and empties her arms.&nbsp; She starts to walk to the bed when she remembers the silverware in her pocket.&nbsp; She heads back to the table and puts the silverware down.&nbsp; She quickly changes into something loose, silky, lacy and flowing.&nbsp; A long night gown that falls perfectly over her hips as if tailored for her of the finest materials.&nbsp; She takes a moment to enjoy the feeling.&nbsp; She climbs into bed with Gabriel and puts her arms about him.&nbsp; She falls asleep.<br><br>She has yet to piece together how some of her writings fit into this life.&nbsp; No writing can be without pain for the protagonist.&nbsp; Hers were no different.&nbsp; She has forced them from mind for now.&nbsp; After all, in all of her stories about Gabriel, there was no happy ending.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 12:08:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Gabriel..." Jenny's voice whispered, waking him. It was far into the night and Gwin had come back and fallen asleep. "Gabriel..." Jenny said sadly. "I know...I feel it." He told her. Gabriel sighed. "It was a 50/50 chance. All that tampering they did really messed me up. How long do I have?" Gabriel asked. "From the scans, I would say about a month." Gabriel looked to Gwin. "How will you tell her?" Jenny asked. "I'm not going to." He said simply. "You know, maybe there is still a chance. I can search for a way to fix you, Gabriel." Jenny pleaded. "Jenny..." "You can't die, Gabe! You hear me!?" <br><br>Gabriel layed back down. "What could be causing it to happen?" Gabriel asked. "I don't know. You have been fine all these years." She told him. "Find out." He ordered, going back to sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 01:58:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Atalia District~</em></strong><br><br>The streets below were lit up like landing strips laid out by a malicious imp. The Cherubim had flown for hours, circling apartment buildings and dipping into traffic as they sought more combatants. So far, the closest they'd come was a flock of miffed pidgeons they'd disturbed on an office roof, and an old woman who'd screamed and shaken a broom at Mikiun when he'd poked his nose cone through a window.<br><br>'Clearly, we aren't getting any results this way. Maybe we should split up.' Soriun suggested after buzzing in front of a fuel tanker. 'Hey, yeah! Let's try that. It could be a new game!' Mikiun added as the truck driver swerved into oncoming traffic. 'I don't know... Uncle Luke didn't really give us permission to split up,' Andiun countered as the tanker tipped over and ruptured thousands of gallons of fuel into the street. 'Yeah, but he didn't say we couldn't, either.' Soriun said, his words nearly drowned out by the massive explosion that rocked the street below. His sensors picked up the giant fireball that was gutting through the nearby buildings and wrecked vehicles, and the drones turned toward the chaos. 'Hey, are they having a party down there or something?' 'Must be. They've got fireworks.' 'Pretty...'<br><br>'So anyway,' Soriun said, steering the others back to the conversation, 'why don't we put it to a vote. Majority rules. Fair?' 'Sounds good,' said Mikiun. 'I vote we split up. Soriun?' 'I vote we split up as well. Andiun?' 'I vote we stay together. Etriun?'<br><br>Silence.<br><br>'Etch?' 'Etriun?' 'Etriun, come in?' The Cherubim turned this way and that, scanning on all frequencies and all directions for their lost sibling.<br><br>'Alright, I'm changing my vote. I say we postpone voting until we find the idiot. Soriun?' 'Agreed. Mikiun?' 'Aw, do we hafta?' 'YES!'<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Medellin District~</em></strong><br><br>Etriun was cruising low and slow over the streets of the Medellin District. His scans of police activity and ambulance service requests indicated this would be an excellent area to find combatants. He was hovering less then a foot off the ground, moving at almost five miles an hour when he picked up a lifeform reading directly behind him. He whirled around and came nose to nose with a very angry, very furry...something. Etriun backed slowly away and brought all sensors to bear on the biologic. His database informed him he was confronting a common alley cat, species <em>felis </em><em>catus</em>. Immediately he activated his speakers and broadcast a warning to the cat.<br><br>"Be advised. This unit is operating under Provoked Response protocols and will defend itself with extreme prejudice." The cat hissed and swiped with a paw, its hackles raised. Etriun performed a slow barrel roll, scraping his wings against the cooled pavement. "Say again, this unit is armed and dangerous. If you are designated Noncombatant, disengage immediately and evacuate the area." The cat raised its tail and whipped it back and forth and spat. Etriun's cameras focused on the whipping tail, following it like a clock pendulum. 'Drone Etriun, Combat Log entry 14552.68. I have been separated from my squadron and have encountered a possible hostile. Status is unconfirmed. I think it may be trying to communicate-'<br><br>Without warning the cat leaped and sailed through the air, landing atop the startled drone. Its claws extended and hooked onto the edges of Etriun's chassis and held on with a death grip as the Cherubim began thrashing and twirling in mid-air.<br><br>"Warning! You are in violation of Article 36 of this unit's Operating Procedure, 'No Unauthorized Passengers'! Offending subjects will be deemed Combatants and terminated with extreme prejudice!"<br><br>The cat didn't give a damn about Etriun's warnings or articles. All it knew was that it wasn't about to let some giant, ugly bird wander into its territory without repercussions. It tried to sink its teeth into the strange hard shell, but found no purchase. As the bird jerked and thrashed about, knocking over trash cans and banging into alley walls, it freed one paw and batted at the creature's head, but to no avail.<br><br>Etriun had had enough. As the cat attempted to scratch through his heads up display, he pointed himself skyward at an approximate 30-degree angle and launched himself into the air at Mach 2. For almost 3 seconds, the cat held on admirably. But unfortunately for it, nature did not design felines to withstand multiple G-forces without the benefit of external protection. Which it sadly lacked.<br><br>As Etriun climbed, the air pressure became great enough to pull several of the cat's claws out of place and it slipped off of the drone's backside, falling almost 60 feet before landing in an apartment building's tangled aerial meshwork. With a yowling screech, it flopped to the building's roof and zipped into the shadows.<br><br>'HA! Take THAT, ya big pussy!' Etriun thought happily.<br><br>It was the last thought he had before he lost altitude and the world went dark.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 02:08:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Gabriel turned back to sleep next to her, she shifted and stirred.&nbsp; Her arms looking for his.&nbsp; His found her.&nbsp; Her sleep grew deeper and more peaceful again.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 09:32:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The next day begins.&nbsp; A day like any other to the world around them.&nbsp; And yet, for Gabriel and Gwin, it is a day of puzzle pieces and discovery.&nbsp; A hunt for themselves and their past, their history both separate and together.&nbsp; Gwin stretches out with his arm around her waist.&nbsp; She rolls over.&nbsp; He's still sleeping.&nbsp; With such emotions as they have gone through, it really is no surprise that he is exhausted.&nbsp; It is her turn to watch him breath.&nbsp; She keeps her eyes on the minute movements of his throat as his lungs receive and expel air through it.&nbsp; She watches the way his lips pout in sleep and she smiles more.&nbsp; She notes the soft flaring of nostrils periodically.&nbsp; Gwin looks to his eyes.&nbsp; They are safely covered from her view, but she can see them anyways.&nbsp; Those blue eyes were the core of all her dreams, nightmares, drawings and stories.&nbsp; She knows those eyes better than she knows the sun.&nbsp; She lifts a hand to risk moving aside a stray strand of his midnight colored hair.&nbsp; She bends forward and kisses his lips softly and says "I love you, but don't you go breaking my heart...... again."&nbsp; The words are whispered, barely more than a breath.&nbsp; The joy almost outweighing the past.&nbsp; <br><br>What is it that she remembers?&nbsp; She is unsure.&nbsp; There is just this pain.&nbsp; In her stories, the source of that pain always varied.&nbsp; He cheated.&nbsp; He died.&nbsp; He was stolen.&nbsp; He just changed.&nbsp; Never did he no longer love her.&nbsp; Always it was a permanent pain.&nbsp; Her memories too distorted to trust.&nbsp; Her heart too manipulated to guide.&nbsp; She just knows there was pain.&nbsp; She is vulnerable to it again, but she might not survivie again.&nbsp; She holds in her pain and fear in order to love and cherish.&nbsp; "Good morning Gabe.&nbsp; She says as he wakes up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 09:48:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel's eyes flutter open to Gwin staring down at him. "Hey..." He said groggily. He sat up, gazing upon Gwin's beauty. "You're so sexy when you wake up." He said jokingly, but with truth. He flashed a charming smile and laughed. "What do you want to do today?" He asked her. "We should take Luke and Alice also. Ya know, we all deserve some downtime. You and I can be alone tonight, for as long as you want me." He said, lightly and briefly kissing her lips.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 09:59:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiles only inches from his nose as he wakes.&nbsp; Her straight raven strands unruly about her.&nbsp; She laughs as he jokes, not believing him for a moment.&nbsp; "you charmer.&nbsp; You already have me."&nbsp; Her words were playful even as he sits up away from her.&nbsp; "Hmmm.&nbsp; Surely we can all leave this dojo for a bit today, get a breath of air or something.&nbsp; And you and I could dance later, in the garden under the stars."&nbsp; She reaches up to him.&nbsp; Her work worn hands with torn nails tidy with the best of her ability seeking to pull his muscled arms back to her.&nbsp; "But that can wait a bit can't it?&nbsp; We have food over there.&nbsp; We have each other.&nbsp; And..."&nbsp; She looks down to his hip area, "and we have much catching up to do."&nbsp; Her look was coy and inviting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 11:25:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel smiled back at her. He looked to the food then to her. "Hmm." He said, crawling over here and looking down at her. "I don't know which meal to indulge in first." He said, smiling devilishly. He drew in for a passionate kiss, which lasted a good moment. "I doubt Alice and Luke are awake...and I doubt we will wake them." He laughed. "Jenny...off." He said. "I already seen you in the springs." She responded. "Your choice." He said, moving his hands over Gwin's curves. He heard Jenny power down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 07, 2010, 11:44:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				AFter much fading to black... or is that repeatedly fading to black?&nbsp; &nbsp;Gwin and Gabe enjoy a leisurely breakfast.&nbsp; The silly grins enough to give the candy man a toothache.&nbsp; She forgets all the sadness and the pain to live in the joy of this moment.&nbsp; &nbsp;Still, the story cannot end here, so eventually, they must come up for air.<br><br>Gwin turns to Gabriel, "have you even seen Alice since yesterday?"&nbsp; Her mind suddenly scrolling past music, swimming, exploring, conversation after conversation and other enjoyable activities.&nbsp; She spots Alice in her memory, but it was early the day before.&nbsp; "Is she still in the dojo?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 08, 2010, 12:19:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Last time I seen her was at the gardens. Should we go collect the others?" He asked her, his hands strolling over her glistening skin. "I see I have tested your fatigue." He laughed. "At any ratd, we need to find Alice. Maybe she will know where we can go to get some memories back. Luke will be able to help as well. We probably have to convince him to as well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 08, 2010, 01:49:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughs at his tease "I'm not at end yet, but we will run out of time to leave the dojo today if we do not controll ourselves sometime."&nbsp; Still her hand wanders over to him and touched him suggestively.&nbsp; He continues talking, she resigns herself to getting on with the day.&nbsp; "Yes, let's dress and go find them then."<br><br>She turns to him and makes sure she has his eyes.&nbsp; She lifts her nightgown up over her head.&nbsp; Slowing once her chest is revealed and taking her leisure time with her arms over head, highlighting her lines.&nbsp; When she lowers her arms with her body bare before him, she smiles slyly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 08, 2010, 02:25:35 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He feasts his eyes upon here curvacious body. He follows her to the shower after her removes his only current article of clothing, namely his boxers. They both enter a white-tiled bathroom, kept nice and bright. The shower was made of distorted glass, and it was large. They stepped in, running the water. <br><br>They played around a bit, but Gabriel stopped. He had the same feeling he had when at the shop the other night; Anxiety, worry, exposure, intimidation, and expectation. He exited the shower, water dripping off his manly, yet slendee figure. His body's muscle were defined and glistened with the warm water. His footsteps were silent, like a hunter hunting prey. He was a perfect animal.<br><br>"Jenny, on." He whispered under the sounds of the shower. "Whats up, Gabe?" She asked. "Scan the area for any anoms." He ordered. He felt on the underside of the sink, pressing a newly installed button once he found it. A gun ejected from the sink, into his hand. He approached the wooden door, going foot by foot. Gripping the knib, he turned it slowly, silently. He then rushed through the door, sweeping his gun through the room. "Nothing, Gabriel." Jenny told him. "What was the matter?" She asked as he returned to Gwin in the shower. "Just my instincts. Guess its nothing." He shrugged, returning attention back to his beloved.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 01:16:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Somethings up." Jenny said to Gabe as he dressed. "What do you mean?" Gabriel asked. "At ArmsTech...something is happening." She elaborated.<br><br>Panic was spread throughout the area around ArmsTech. Emergency vehicles were scattered throughout the area, as well as through Arcadia. Fire ripped through the streets and bullets poured over Quantum Urbs. Everhwhere, there was panic. Everywhere there was death.<br><br>A knock at the mansion walls. Gabriel darted to the door, swirving through the hallways. A loud siren was heard for miles at populated areas of Quantum Urbs, including Nihon Urbs. "Jenny, who is at the door?" Gabriel asked in a panic. "Oh my god..." She said, unwilling to describe it. Gabriel swung open the door, and a body fell in. "Please help me." The small boy asked, his right arm completely gone. Gabriel's eyes widened as he screamed for assistance. Alice ran forward, already filled in on what exactly was goin in. "Alice...what the fuck is happening!?" He screamed. "A war, Gabriel." She responded. "What!?" Gabriel asked, confused. "At about 11 last night, the government mobilized an assault on ArmsTech. They began abducting anyone with any record of magical abilities. That accounts for a large precentage of the younger population. Children, teenagers. Young adults, too." She explained, rushing the child to the small clinic in the dojo. "What? How could this happen over night? Why so sudden?" Gabriel asked, struggling to keep up. "Its simple. It was preplanned. The government mantained a pseudo-contract with ArmsTech, and probably planned this for a long long time. Once word got out that the Government were taking the children, resistance quickly occured, Reports say that some people attacked the government before they could act. It spread like wild fire." They reached the clinic, setting the boy on the small bed there. "We need to stop the bleeding." Gabriel said, reaching for differenr items from he glass shelves. "Here, take this." He said, handing gause backwards.He dropped it, expectingAlice (cont'd)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 01:30:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				to catch it...but she didn't. He turned to her, and her eyes were red and streams if water cutting down her face. "We...need to stop the bleeding." Gabriel repeated. Gabriel looked down, blood gathering on the floor. His head became light. "We got to stop the bleeding, Alice." He pleaded. "No...no we dont, Gabe." She said to him.<br><br>There was a painful silence. "Why didn't you just teleport, Alice?" He asked, his voice breaking. "WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST TELEPORT HERE?" He screamed. "I can't teleport someone with an injury that severe. He would of died for sure." She said with regret. Gabriel let out s scream, turning and punching one of the glass shelves, sending medical supplies to the ground. "He...he's like ten!" He gasped. <br><br>"Why didn't you tell us what was happening?" Gabriel asked. "I found out about two hours ago. I didn't think this would touch Nihon Urbs." She admitted. "So I wasn't going to say anything until you woke up and stuff." She admitted. Alice was holding the still hand of the child, the only hand he had left. "Everywhere there is government. Everywhere there is ArmsTech. A world where both coexist is not safe. The effects were felt immediatly. Fires rage in the populated areas. Open warfare. Hit squads. Disregard for collateral." She listed. "Jenny...why didn't you tell me?" He asked. "I can't monitor all if Quantum, Gabe...I wasn't monitoring anything other than this area."<br><br>Cornelius &amp; Joren<br><br>The attack had come during the sparing match. It began with an alarm of an armed missile heading to the building. It didn't make it far, but once it was shot down, an EMP was triggered. Cornelius and Joren, as well as a few talented elementals, had been fighting for hours, constantly on the run. ArmsTech underestimated the government. They didn't think the t<br>government would be so relentless. And ArmsTech had the information against the Government, but it was stored in the ArmsTech building. That was probably the government's goal. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 01:38:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The government probably fears that ArmsTech will try ti recruit anyone with magical genes or DNA. Many of the younger generations do, but it usually isn't a large amount. But any trace is reason enough for the Government to take them." Alice explained.<br><br>OOC: This was three posts because im doing it mobile and I can only put so much in each post. And Wyrd, you now have more to do than waiting around :p
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 03:12:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke laid on the bed, his arms folded behind his head, legs crossed casually as he reviewed the information being fed to him. Nirvana had awoken him hours ago, when the initial reports of violence had started coming in. Video images, news broadcasts from dozens of different networks, reports from operatives working in the field, all of it streamed through Nirvana's satellites into Luke's glasses. The picture that was forming was far from pleasant. Military and mercenary armies were clashing throughout the city, and hundreds of thousands of civilians were trapped in the line of fire.<br><br>At first, Luke couldn't believe the government was stupid enough to launch an attack on its own citizenry. But as more information became available, he began to see the wisdom of their actions. If there really were shadow alliances in place with ArmsTech, then this had almost certainly been planned months, perhaps years ago. The government must have realized that their partners were withholding all the good toys for themselves, and ArmsTech must have known that their partners would never accept such deprivation. And now, like two children fighting over the last slice of cake, they were going to destroy the whole house.<br><br>Of course, the key to the whole thing would be the children. Luke realized that the young ones would have very little in the way of raw power, and absolutely zero training or experience. But for whoever could capture the most, those problems could be easily remedied. Whoever controlled the children would have a brand new army of elementals at their disposal, and could wipe out their opposition permanently.<br><br>As Luke reviewed the incoming reports, Nirvana broke in on his thoughts. 'So.' 'Yeah. So.' 'How are we going to respond to this?' 'An excellent question. At this point, the smart thing to do would be to sit things out and let them kill each other. If necessary we can step in and finish the survivors.' 'I see....Luke?' 'Yes?' 'Are we going to be smart about this?' '....I'll let you know.'<br><br>Luke rose from the bed and walked back toward the kitchen. He withdrew a juice box from the fridge and punched the straw through the tin circle. ''Ana, can you give me locations on the others?' 'Affirmative.' Luke's shades lit up with a transparent overview of the mansion, and satellite X-ray and infrared imaging showed him his new housemates. 'Plus one...but it's very weak...' He slurped on his juice and quickly followed the trail to a small clinic deep in the mansion.<br><br>He arrived just as the fourth reading expired. Luke stood in the doorway of the small operating room, watching silently as Alice and Ureha spoke. Behind them, he could see the form of a young child lying on a raised bed. His body was obviously mangled, and badly burned. One arm was simply gone. The scent of blood and death hung in the air, thick and cold and coppery. He thought for an instant that he could have been saved, but Nirvana confirmed what he'd already begun to suspect. The boy's injuries had been so severe, even at full capacity Luke's medichines probably couldn't have repaired the damage. Nirvana recorded the boy's face; every line, every curve was stored in a composite sketch and saved in a data file, transmitted back to the Command Center's mainframe. When things settled down, perhaps Luke would notify the child's family, arrange a proper burial. Or perhaps the family was dead already. Either way, 'Ana knew, Luke would see to things.<br><br>Luke realized the others had yet to realize he was in their midst, and he slipped in behind them. He stood over the child and wiped a drop of blood from his forehead. He felt Ureha and Alice both register his presence, and as they turned to him he gently closed the boy's sightless, staring eyes. Eyes that had seen more than a child had a right to.<br><br>'Well, I think we can forget worrying about Ureha's mental state. At this rate he won't have time to destroy the city; ArmsTech and the government will beat him to it.' 'So, does this mean we're taking the girl?' 'Affirmative. But not yet. First I want to watch Ureha a little longer, see how he reacts to this. If we can get a handle on what he's thinking, it may help improve our strategy.'<br><br>Finally, Luke turned toward the others. He barely glanced at Alice, his full attention reserved for Ureha. He lifted his juice box to his lips and slurped loudly before speaking.<br><br>"Well, Ureha. It looks like your four days are up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 03:26:17 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My four days expired last night." He told Luke, shoving his way past him. He had spoke more to himself than Luke; As far as Gabriel was concerned, Luke had no idea of Gabriel's condition. He returned back to the clinic promptly, a handgun at his side, a sword on his back, and a satchel over his shoulder, almost the size of a duffle bag. "Where do you think you're going?" Alice asked. "I'm going to help those people." He responded, shoveling medical supplies into his bag. "Gabriel, don't be foolish." Alice warned. Gabriel ignored, beginning to head out of the clinic. "You can't help everyone, Gabriel!" Alice shouted, a second voice mixing in Gabriel's head as more memories rushed to him.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 07:07:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren staggerd as he felt the explosion from the intercepted missle that was on it's way to the building. Joren Stopped the spar with one of the Elementals and went to Cornneilus. "What the hell was th-" Joren was cut off by an explosion and the instant loss of power. "This better not be another damn training excersise, thunder boy!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 09, 2010, 10:47:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin was forgotten in the moments that Alice and the boy appeared.&nbsp; Which might have been good for her.&nbsp; Suddenly a splitting headache resounded in her head as her heart pushed her to things she had forgotten she could do.&nbsp; Her mind reached out to the boy.&nbsp; She gently stroked his mind.&nbsp; She wiped away what he had seen.&nbsp; She wiped away the family dying in pieces as their body part were torn asunder and whipped around in the hurricane of hell going on outside.&nbsp; &nbsp;She stroked the mind some more and replaced them with memories of sunshine and puppy dogs.&nbsp; Delving deeper into the child's mind, she blocks the pain the child feels as he calms into a sleep he will not wake from.&nbsp; She holds his mind softly until he passes.<br><br>She slumps to the ground as memories upon memories rush through the crack in the dam she created.&nbsp; As her mental walls fall down, she loses control of all the mental work she had done - such as wiping clean memories.&nbsp; Her memories flood her in a merciless assault.&nbsp; As do Gabriel's.&nbsp; In fending off the emotions that are the swords of such memories, she let's Gabriel's memories loose to find their original home - Gabriel's mind.&nbsp; All others who had their memories stolen by her found their realities shattered for the truth of what was. <br><br><br>All else escapes her attention at this moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 10, 2010, 12:35:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin rushed into the room, tending to the child. She then falls to the ground, adding to Gabriel's confusion. His vision begins to blur, the line between present and past becoming nonexistant. His memories rush back into him dangerously, and his eyes begin to turn black. Both AIs become aware of his brain activity, which was dangerous for him. Too many things happening at once, along with his past being revealed to him. Gabriel was remembering everything. And so was Gwin.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Years Forgotten...</strong></em></span><br><br>"Brother, what are we going to do without mom?" Isaac asked.<br>"The only thing there is to do...." Gabriel responded.<br><br>"Do you acknowledge your willing participation in the ArmsTech Experimentation titled 'The Beyond Elements Program'?"<br>"I do..."<br><br>"Leave my brother out of this!"<br>"Gabriel! Don't let them take me!" Isaac shouted.<br>"This wasn't part of the deal..."<br>"Neither was lying about having a sibling."<br><br>"Hi, I'm Alice."<br><br>"My name is Gwin. Nice to meet you."<br><br>"Hey there, little guy. You watching over my sister while she is here?" Joren asked him<br><br>"Leave me alone." Isaac said coldly.<br><br>"I just...teleported."<br><br>"Sell Ureha to the government. That will keep them off our backs."<br><br>"My name is Jayden. I will be your partner. The purpose of the Agents is to track down rouge Elementals..."<br><br>"We need you to go undercover. Experiment Number 45, also known as Gwin, needs to trust you completely. She was part of the same experimental program you were in. She advanced beyond belief."<br>"You want me to make her love me?"<br>"Yes. She won't be able to read your mind efficiently because of the experiments."<br>"I will do it. What about Saipher's device?"<br>"Your research will aid to it. We assure you that you will have your mother back."<br>"What about Isaac?"<br>"We won't mess with him."<br><br>"Gabriel! Im glad you could come. We were hoping you would join us at the dojo!" Alice greeted.<br><br>"Alice can teleport. My brother can use fire. He is very skilled with it. Gwin has psychic abilities. It's amazing. She could read my mind and tell me what I wanted to eat!"<br><br>"The shifts are..."<br><br>"Yeah, there are a lot of trainees here."<br><br>"What?"<br><br>"You want me to kill her!?"<br><br>"No! I love her!"<br><br>"Everyone get out of here!"<br><br>"Alice!"<br><br>"It's...my fault..."<br>"Gabriel..." Alice pleaded.<br>"They're dead...because of me."<br><br>"I can't go on in this world..."<br><br>"Why am I forced to live!?"<br><br>"DAMN IT!"<br><br>"Gwin...I...I didn't mean it."<br><br>"What happened to everyone?"<br><br>"What do you mean we are the only ones that remember?"<br><br>"Gwin...why can't we just forget?" Gabriel asked in tears. "Maybe we can..." Gwin responded, touching Gabriel's head.<br><br><em>The only way to make sure this doesn't happen again...the only way to destroy ArmsTech and stabilize the government lays in my brain. Gwin, you won't know of this information. You won't know you have it, even if you remember everything later. You cannot remember what you never knew. It's going to be up to you. I already used you once. And I am stricken with grief knowing I must use you a second time. Forgive me. </em><br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Present Day</strong></em></span><br><br>Gabriel looked upon Gwin, the look in her eyes telling him that she remembered. Along with his memories of all the events that built up to this, he remembered his brother's message. But right now, he didn't care. He had betrayed everyone. The dojo was empty because of him; he tricked Gwin into loving him. But he had fallen in love with her, which was not part of the mission. He was an Agent. He was Jayden's partner. He was undercover in the dojo. But he grew to care about all the people. And when the time came, he couldn't execute his orders...execute Gwin. Although he had his memory, not all were organized. The cards were on the table; now the enemy had to show their hand and they had to see how the game would play out.<br><br>Gabriel looked to Gwin. At the same time, Jenny scanned Gabriel's memories. Scanned his thoughts. "Gabriel, don't-!" jenny shouted out loud for all to hear, just before Gabriel did a 180 and bolted out of the clinic. He ran out of the dojo, stopping briefly. "Gabe...I don't know what to say. I don't know what you should do." She said to him, completely baffled. "Get the car." Gabriel whispered painfully. "Gabe..." "Get the car, Jenny."<br><br>After a few seconds, the car strolled up. It had been installed under the driveway of the dojo, and was deployed promptly. He stepped in, and gripped the steering wheel.<br><br>ArmsTech...the Government...they made everyone else's lives cater to them. They didn't care who they ruined; the war started today was proof of that. They both needed to be wiped from Quantum Urbs. <br><br>Gabriel could remember everything. All the pain, all the love, all the betrayal...all the training. Lightening struck to the left of the vehicle, leaving a black scar on the earth. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 10, 2010, 02:45:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin looks up to Gabriel.&nbsp; The hurt and betrayal fresh on her face as the day he told her so many years before.&nbsp; Her pain wells up in her like a scream flowing to all minds near her.&nbsp; She looks at the small boy she just melted her world to cradle into death with a soft hand.&nbsp; She opens her mind, her heart, gathering her pain and anger.&nbsp; She sends out a mental wave to all minds within her mental reach - and considering she held memories of dozens of people to maintain her own memory loss for at least four years, she has some power.&nbsp; Her one clear, focused message is a command.&nbsp; "STOP THEM!"&nbsp; The feeling and emotions carried with it directs the message towards the government and Armstech.&nbsp; She feeds the strength of her call, of her command with the pain and anger she has for all involved.&nbsp; Gabriel.&nbsp; The mere name sending surges of energy to her power.<br><br>The power of her call pulls her off the ground.&nbsp; She levitates a few feet in the air as her eyes are closed, head down and arms crossed at her chest with her fists at her shoulders.&nbsp; All of her being is focused on this message, this call.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 10, 2010, 04:10:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke let himself be shoved aside as Gabriel stormed out of the clinic, Alice following close on his heels. He sipped casually on his juice box and was debating on following them when Ureha returned minutes later, heavily armed and hauling an almost empty duffel.<br><br>"...don't be foolish!" Alice was shouting, obviously desperate to make him see reason as he shoved medical supplies into the bag. "You can't help everyone!" But it was clear she wasn't getting through to him. He worked silently as she pleaded with him, his face a frozen mask of rage and determination. Luke was about to step forward and try to slow him when he abruptly went rigid, his eyes turning black as sin. Nirvana alerted him to the sudden abnormalities in Gwin's and Ureha's brainwaves as Gwin slumped to the floor.<br><br>'What's happening, 'Ana?' 'Luke...I think Gwin's powers just reactivated. If I'm reading these scans correctly...Luke, she may have just become the most powerful pyschic in the world.' 'And now she's in a warzone. Just great. Is she unconscious?' 'Not quite; I think her memories just broke through their barriers. Her real ones, all at once. She seems to be in shock.' 'Can she still access her abilities in her current state?'<br><br>Their conversation was interrupted as a massive wave of psychic energy erupted from Gwin's mind. Nirvana only barely managed to erect Luke's mental defenses in time to shield him from the attack, but the pressure on his thoughts was unbelievable. He worried about Alice, but neither he nor Nirvana could spare the attention to check on her. Hopefully, she could withstand the assault on her own. Luke was almost thrown back as Gwin's power catapulted her into the air.<br><br>'...Luke, it looks like she can't access anything <em>but </em>her abilities in her present state.' 'Dammit. What about Ureha? Safe to presume he's suffering similar symptoms.' 'Affirmative, however it looks like Jenny is managing to keep his brain from overheating. Gwin doesn't have an A.I., Luke; if she doesn't get control of herself soon, she'll literally think herself to death.' 'Alright, can you gain access? I know her neural connections won't be nearly stable enough, but-' 'I'm already transmitting. I'm going to remain here in the neural nest, but I'm sending a compressed copy of myself into her implants. We should be able to work together and get her back under control.'<br><br>Luke returned and stood beside Gwin as Gabriel stormed out of the mansion. 'Should we keep eyes on Ureha as well?' 'Negative. Let him go; if it becomes necessary, he won't be hard to find. We'll just look for the biggest disaster area and he'll be at the center of it.'<br><br>He bowed his head and closed his eyes, as if in prayer, and Nirvana went to work.<br><br><strong><em>~Gwin's Mind~</em></strong><br><br>Gwin's thoughts were in turmoil. Memories slammed together, shards and fragments crashing back into place like artillery fire on a battlefield. She was remembering everything that had been done to her, and it was doing exactly what Luke had warned her about. It was burying her.<br><br>Nirvana stretched out through the girl's mind, tracing through her unfamiliar implants and learning her unique neural circuitry. The entire process took less than a second, but to Nirvana's heightened awareness it seemed to last an eternity. When at last she felt confident enough to operate inside the girl's mind without causing more harm than good, she reached out a thought strand and probed through the girl's tortured mind. She didn't have to search long before she found what she was looking for: Gwin's scarred and battered mental core.<br><br>'Gwin...Gwin? It's me, Nirvana. I'm here to help you, Gwin, but you have to listen to me. You are stronger than this, Gwin. You can control your mind, and I'm going to help you. Alright? But you're going to have to try. Can you do that for me, Gwin?'<br><br>'<em>...what...help!...no...no, please, stop...!...it hurts...Isaac, Alice...Joren, why...Gabriel...<strong>GABRIEL</strong>!!...wait...no, I...please!...'Ana...'Ana, are...?...why...?...my thoughts, my...my mind, it's burning!...help...'Ana...Gabriel...!</em>'<br><br>Nirvana pulled back for a moment and transmitted to Luke. 'Luke, her thoughts are completely jumbled. It's exactly what we were afraid of; she's almost completely catatonic. I'm going to have to literally do her thinking for her to get her back.' 'You've done it before, 'Ana. If anyone can handle this, it's you. I have faith in you.'<br><br>'Ana returned her attention to guiding her copy through the girl's twisted psychic landscape. For the next several minutes, Nirvana took full control of Gwin's mind, directing and siphoning her thoughts into more manageable constructs. She focused on containing the most damaging memories, building blocks into Gwin's synapses to keep them from doing any more harm. Her intention was not to lock them away again, but rather to allow Gwin to access them in a more stable and orderly manner. Once the worst thoughts were quarantined, she focused on happier thoughts and slowly provided the same controlled access. As she worked, the girl slowly began to return to herself.<br><br>'I...who are you...Nirvana? Is that...you? Why...what are you...in my head...?' 'It's me, Gwin. I'm here to help you regain control of your thoughts. Are you feeling better?' 'I...yes, I think...I think I am better...I feel, more in control...but, how did you...?' 'I overlaid a compressed copy of myself into your implants. It doesn't have my full level of functionality, but it should be enough to help you monitor and regulate your mental activity and rebuild the parts of your mind that were tampered with. When this is over you can decide to get an A.I. of your own or not, but for now just think of me as a cast on an injured limb. Oh, and...your head may feel a little crowded. That's normal, and it will pass. So don't worry about it.'<br><br>Nirvana broke off the connection with her copy and Luke caught Gwin as she fell to her feet. She looked around with wide eyes as she experienced the sensations of Nirvana 'Lite' settling into her implants. She turned to Luke, temporarilly forgetting Alice's presence. "So, this is what it's like having an A.I.? It feels..." she broke off, as she realized she had absolutely nothing to compare it to. "It's weird." Luke laughed quietly and nodded, while Nirvana beamed over a job well done. "It does take some getting used to. How are you feeling?"<br><br>Gwin's eyes harden at his question, and her smile fades away as her memories surge through her once again, this time completely under her control. Luke looked again to Alice, who stood nearby with tears threatening to spill from her exotic eyes. He backed away from Gwin and motioned Alice to join them.<br><br>"Maybe you two need to talk..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 10, 2010, 05:01:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alice fell to the floor, holding her head. She let out a piercing scream, realizing that Gwin now had her abilities back. She was shaken, the pain moving from her head to her entire body. Luckily, she had been around these powers before. She was able to recover, but was greeted y Gwin's glare.<br><br>Alice backed away from Gwin, her pink and black eyes filled with tears. "Gwin..." She cried. Alice had brought everyone together again to have their minds altered and memories erased. She worked with ArmsTech that one time. "I only did it to help; Gabriel was suicidal! He tried to kill himself because of what he did." She said, referring to Gabriel being a government spy, and how his information led to the death of nearly every student at the dojo. "He never got a chance to explain himself to you, Gwin. He ran. He was too ashamed, and scared. He was ordered to KILL you, Gwin. But he didn't do it!" She explained, still cowering from Gwin. "Do you know what they did to Gabriel? After the attack on the dojo, and after you escaped, they got him. They tortured him. Tried to get your location out of him. He fought to keep you secret...safe. He was being kept at the Agency HQ. He broke out, and fought his way through. He destroyed any information regarding us. It was an impossible attack. He escaped. I found him half dead just outside of Nihin Urbs. Thats when I decided to help ArmsTech wipe your memories. They promised they wouldn't hurt us...any of us. But they lied. They took me away, and when I asked where you all were, they said you were dead."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 10, 2010, 11:08:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Get away from us!" One of the men shouted, sheltering his injured daughter. "I am here to help you." Gabriel said to them, having stepped out of the car. "Just leave us alone! We have had enough elementals ruining our lives! Just go!" He shouted. Gabriel had used fire to scare off a few battling ArmsTech and Government troops. The man had cowered, with his daughter, in fear.<br><br>Fear controlled these people. Gabriel climbed back in his vehicle and continued driving. Nihon Urbs wasn't touched as much by the war yet, though the effects were definitely there. <br><br><em>'Stop them!'</em> Gwin's voice commanded to Gabriel. Gabriel was suddenly isolated within his own mind, thinking about Gwin. His betrayal. The death he caused. ArmsTech....<br><br>"You don't have to tell me twice." Gabriel growled, his car disappearing. He and his vehicle were both teleported to Arcadia, the whisp of magical residue sweeping away in the wind. It was night in Arcadia, as expected. But everything was so bright.<br><br>Fractured buildings lay in waste, and fires raged without control. There were bodies in the streets, and cars aflame. There were bodies on the sidewalks, which had been inhumanely shoved to the side. "This is not a drill." A generic and heartless voice spoke from an intercom. "Everyone is to remain inside and only open up for Federal Agents." It ordered. "If anyone is seen outside without proper clearance, orders are to shoot to kill. This is to preserve your safety. I repeat; this is to preserve your safety." <br><br>Smoke rises from the buildings, making the sky a mass of smog. Gabriel swerved between debris which lay in the streets, and looked out of his window for any survivors. The government had left this area by the looks of it. Gabriel stopped the car and stepped out, reaching in for the satchel filled with supplies. He walked down the street, looking for people to help.<br><br><em>These people's lives were taken from them today. Regardless if they are still alive.</em><br><br>Explosions could be heard in the distance, as well as an ambient scream that occasionally rose from the city. Gabriel headed into an apartment complex, needing to maneuver past the collapsed entrance. Gabriel could hear scattered screams inside, and he carefully followed the noise. Bullet holes scarred the walls, as well as black stains from fire. The front desk was splattered with blood, but a body wasn't in sight. The lights stuttered, threatening to go off. He made his way up the broken stairwell with caution, glancing up to try and locate the source of the cries.<br><br>He found himself in a room that was exposed to the world; the wall had been blown down into the streets. A woman was crying, and moaning in pain. She was pinned underneath a piece of the broken building, the bottom half of her body and her right arm crushed. Gabriel did all he could to stop himself from passing out, or even letting out a scream. Somehow, she was alive. Spotting Gabriel, she pleaded for him to come. "Please, my baby. Please save my baby." She cried, her blond hair soaked with her own blood. Her skin was pale, indicating that death was coming. "Where is your baby?" Gabriel asked, coming down to a knee, tears almost in his eyes. "In the other room...down the hall...the door on the left." She said weakly. "It hurts so bad..." Gabriel heard her murmur as he went down the hall. The hall was thick with smoke, and Gabriel approached the door. He went to open it and fire rushed out at him, the entire room engulfed. No way the baby was alive.<br><br>Gabriel returned to her, kneeling. "Wha-wha-what happened?" She stammered. "Is she ok?" She asked. "Yeah. She is fine. I'm going to get her out of here, ok?" Gabriel lied. "Oh thank god." <em>What god?</em> "I'm so glad she is ok..." The woman continued. Gabriel stood up, looking down at her. "Help me out of here, please. I want to see her." Gabriel drew his sword. "What...what are you doing?" <em>Be at rest. Be at ease. I send you to the afterlife.</em> She screamed 'no' just before Gabriel thrust the sword down and into the woman's heart, putting her out of her misery.<br><br>Gabriel fell to his knees, leaning against the sword with both hands on it. He let out a piercing scream and ripped the sword from the corpse. He raised the blade to sheath it, catching sight of the blood. And his reflection. <br><br><em>What am I? Who am I? Am I still Gabriel? Or am I a freak? All this because of people like me.</em><br><br>Cornelius...<br><br>It was late into the day, and Cornelius and Joren were both still under fire. "We have to get out of here." Cornelius told Joren. Most of the guards in their area had died, and it was just them two left. "We are going to need to work together. First things first: you need to be more powerful. It will be a painful and difficult process, but I think you can do it." Cornelius stated. "Remember: this is for revenge. Gabriel killed your wife and son. Now you need to kill him. I will give you your powers, but do not think of betraying me. Know that I am far stronger than you. My breakthrough happened years ago." <br><br>Cornelius jumped, sending electricity into one of the Agency troops. At least these people were not actually agents. He then shocked the gun of another soldier, causing bullets to shoot out in random directions as the guns exploded. "Ok. Field training. You need to get more creative with your powers. Use your enemies, and whatever they have, against themselves."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 12:53:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The first thing Gwin does is start to sort the memories.&nbsp; Real.&nbsp; Real.&nbsp; Not Real.&nbsp; &nbsp;His.&nbsp; Hers.&nbsp; Real.&nbsp; Movie she saw years ago.&nbsp; Real.&nbsp; The new copy of ‘Ana helping her sort things and making things make more sense.&nbsp; She stops suddenly and asks the AI “Can you take any form?”&nbsp; “yes”&nbsp; “Take a male form, please.&nbsp; You can be called Jake.”&nbsp; She just finds it easier to not think of the AI as Luke’s AI, even if it is.&nbsp; Nirvana reforms its image and voice to reflect a male image, but not Gabe’s.&nbsp; “Is this better?”&nbsp; “Yes, Jake, thank you.”<br>As Jake helps her find her way through the memories to the moment, Gwin begins to take control.&nbsp; By the time she can see Alice, Gwin is in control of herself again.&nbsp; She stares at Alice until Alice can see her.&nbsp; Her ability to read Alice’s mind tells her the memories are as she sees them.&nbsp; She also sees that Alice’s memories are not perfectly as she experienced them either.&nbsp; Alice has been tampered with as well.&nbsp; She says nothing as the true memories are either deeply hidden or hidden in another’s mind as Gabriel’s memories were hidden in her mind.&nbsp; “Alice, you did what you thought best.&nbsp; You were too young for such decisions.”<br>She looks to Luke.&nbsp; “Thank you.”&nbsp; A simple thought question broke through ‘Ana’s shields “Will you be helping or hiding?”<br>Her mind shoots to Gabriel’s.&nbsp; Love or hate, they were tied.&nbsp; She can see his sight almost as if it were Jake playing it for her.&nbsp; She finds Gabriel’s mind and she begins to make her presence known to him.&nbsp; “It is past.&nbsp; The pain of us is past.&nbsp; We have love anew.&nbsp; Let us know that. “&nbsp; She hears his thoughts, his pain and sense of being lost in a moment.&nbsp; “You are beautiful.&nbsp; You are mine.&nbsp; I am yours.&nbsp; Come back to me.&nbsp; Let’s do this together.&nbsp; Come back.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 01:06:06 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				All Joren could do was nod his head at Cornelius' instructions. "Watch and learn!" As he yelled this, Joren reached out his hands in the direction of on coming troops, his eye's glowed white and the the're guns froze in the're hands rendering them unusable. Joren quickly capitalized by making the ice on the guns spread through out the're bodies and turning them into frozen statues. Joren's hand morphed into a sword of ice, he ran at the statues and swiftly sliced them to pieces. As Joren finished with those troops, three more came from another direction. Joren quickly put both of his hands on the wall and sent ice to fill up the hallway, then he made another wall of ice between Joren and Cornelius and the troops, Then with deep concentration, Joren drastically lowered the temperature on the other side of the wall until the movement from the troops on the other side slowly stopped. Joren then turned to Cornelius. "See? I can be creative."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 01:16:07 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>'Gwin...Thank you.'</em> He answered back mentally, sheathing his sword after he cleaned it. <em>I cannot come back, though. Not yet. I have to help these people. Then, I am off to ArmsTech Headquarters. Go with Luke for now. I promise I will see you again. I promise it will be soon. I promise I won't die. I won't leave you alone again.</em><br><br>He makes his way back down the stairs, entering his car and going to help more people in need.<br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Cornelius...</span></em></strong><br><br>"Impressive. Now, combine your attacks with mine. You take the lead. Lets see what you can come up with." He told Joren
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 01:25:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's about damn time." Joren said with a grin as he saw more troops heading for them. Joren stomped his foot to the ground, and a flash of cold turned the ground to slick ice. The troops tried to stop from lisping to the ground. but to no such luck. as the hit the cold floor, Joren melted the ice so that the troops would be soaked with water.&nbsp; Cornelius then fired a bolt of electricity at the water covered floor in the troops direction and killed them easily. "Nice! Now I think we need to get the fuck out of hear before more pigs come!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 01:33:17 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We can't." Cornelius said. "We are trapped in here. The best we can do is head to the server room and gather some vital data. We can't fight our way out because there are so many of them. We need to negotiate. We have to fight our way there. Then we are going to need to split up. One of us in the server room, the other in the beacon room." He explained.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 01:36:28 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren was puzzled for a minute, but then agreed. "Okay. But what do we need to do in the beacon room? Plus, that area is crawling with agency pigs. is it really worth the risk?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 02:28:47 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Is it worth the risk? Its either we do it or die. The beacon's purpose has always been to distribute information. We are going to hack it, alter it's functions, and be sure to have leverage against the government to barter our freedom. We hold plenty of aces in our hand. They are, however, trying to burn the cards. Follow me." He said, running out of cover and putting up a shield of electricity.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 11, 2010, 11:01:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'OK. It's official. Put Alice on the *<span class="bbc_u">People We Don't Trust</span>* list. How are things looking outside?' 'About as bad as we expected. The local violence hasn't reached the levels it has in several of the other districts, but that won't last long. The entire city is under martial law; curfews are already being enforced.'<br><br>Luke leaned against the wall, out of the way as he observed Gwin's confrontation with Alice. His juice box lay empty on a nearby table. 'Have you received any progress reports from Roberts on the safe house?' 'Affirmative. He set up a standard B-class shelter approximately 70 miles southeast of our present location. All the usual cloaks and traps.' 'Excellent. We won't overstay our welcome, just long enough to pick up a few supplies and throw anyone who gets too curious off our trail.'<br><br>Gwin turned to him and offered an uncertain smile. "Thank you," she said. 'So, will you be helping, or hiding?' she then asked, transmitting the question directly from her implants to his. Luke cocked an eyebrow in surprise; it wasn't often that a patient learned to operate with an A.I. so quickly. Then again, he figured, these kids probably wouldn't know 'normal' if it leapt up and bit them in the ass. He shrugged with a smile. 'Haven't decided yet. Depends on who wins,' he shot back.<br><br>As she turned her focus to Gabriel's mind, Luke consulted with 'Ana. 'Now, what about the girl? Did you-' 'Affirmative. Her compressed A.I., which she named 'Jake', by the way, is still slaved to my command. It's also built enough connections throughout her brain to suppress her abilities if necessary. She'll retain full control of her powers, but she won't be able to use them against us.' 'Perfect. And her memories? Is, ah, 'Jake' managing to record enough data to transmit back to us?' 'He is, but for now it's being stored in a secured folder and he still lacks the ability to transmit or receive from a server or satellite. I did say his functionality was severly handicapped.' 'That's fine. We won't bother with reading her memories for now, anyway. It won't hurt to leave her her privacy. But if it should become necessary, we won't hesitate to collect the information.' 'Affirmative.'<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Medellin District~</em></strong><br><br>The first thing Etriun noticed was that he was strapped to a very large table.<br><br>The second thing Etriun noticed was that several of his internal components were no longer internal.<br><br>The third thing Etriun noticed was that the first and second things had a 97% chance of being related.<br><br>His sensors detected a pair of hands tinkering around with his propulsion systems, and he switched to his 'authoritative' vocalizer.<br><br>"Warning! You are in danger of violating this unit's warranty! Article 14 of Operating Protocol, 'No Unauthorized Repairs"! Cease and desist immediately!" The drone considered his situation a little further and spoke again. "Correction! Replace my extracted components and THEN cease and desist immediately!" The hands continued working, and one of the primary intake valves was removed. "Um. Please?"<br><br>The hands withdrew, and Etriun giggled silently. 'Wow, I can't believe that actually worked! Wait til I tell the others, they'll flip! Hey, I wonder if I can ask him to please provoke me!' The Cherubim was about to vocalize his new request when his frontal cameras registered movement. A young man, about 12 or 13, stared into his port-side cam and waved awkwardly.<br><br>"Um, hello. I didn't know this thing was piloted. It just crashed through the apartment window upstairs. I thought it was broken, I didn't know anyone would mind if I took a look inside. I'm sorry; I'll put it back together!"<br><br>Etriun settled in peacefully while the youth quite expertly reassembled him. The kid whistled while he worked, a nameless, random melody, and before long Etriun was calculating predictive harmonies and humming along with him. Within less than an hour, the drone was rebuilt as good as new. The boy unstrapped him from the table and he swivelled around in the air, his hoverjets once again in working order. "Your assistance is appreciated. Please identify yourself. Are you designated Noncombatant?"<br><br>"Um. What? Uh, no, I mean, yes, I'm a not-combatant!" "Understood. What is your name, Noncombatant? This unit is named Cherubim Etriun." "M-me? I'm Cody. Cody Tolk--er, Benson. Cody Benson." Etriun performed an extra slow barrell roll three feet off the table and spun in the air. "Pleased to meetcha!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 12, 2010, 10:26:51 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Jake helped Gwin rebuild her mind, Gwin gained more and more control.&nbsp; Gwin was never much into computers, but she was very much exploring her own mind.&nbsp; She poked into everything, testing and tasting what was there.&nbsp; It wouldn't take her too long until she came across anything hidden by Jake.&nbsp; She had enough knowledge of Luke to know not to trust him fully.&nbsp; She would have a look at Jake's stuff sooner or later.&nbsp; But she's still busy finding herself, let alone doing a 'security sweep' on her 'Nirvana Lite'.<br><br>He shrugged with a smile. 'Haven't decided yet. Depends on who wins,' he shot back.&nbsp; She turns her attention to him again "No one wins in moments like this.&nbsp; As far as I can tell, we have a three sided or more war going on.&nbsp; We all lose no matter what.&nbsp; Choose your side so I know what to do with you."&nbsp; Her words sounded like an offer and a threat in one breath.&nbsp; They were stated flatly, non-chalantly, as if she had no care if he joined her to fight for the children or the government to kill or take her.&nbsp; <br><br>She speaks to Gabriel once more "You are stronger with me.&nbsp; Don't leave me out of this fight."<br><br>She begins to explore any minds within her reach.&nbsp; Children she would direct to the dojo.&nbsp; "Alice, children are coming.&nbsp; Prepare."&nbsp; She will direct the less capable of fighting and more nurturing parents to the dojo to help.&nbsp; "Some help is coming too.&nbsp; You will need all the food in the house and then some.&nbsp; Prepare medical supplies.&nbsp; Some are hurt."&nbsp; She then begins to explore her more militant options.&nbsp; She hunts for those capable, any operatives of Luke's, the government or Armstech that she can thwart and control.&nbsp; She doesn't attempt to look into Luke's mind yet.&nbsp; She wants him to decide himself.&nbsp; She starts building an army of those she can control easily.&nbsp; Members of all three sides slip out of ranks.&nbsp; She grins as she starts to view her troops.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 12, 2010, 05:53:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh no, kitten. 'We' won't 'all' lose. I can guarantee you that much," Luke said, hands shoved back in his pockets. Alice nodded anxiously as Gwin issued her commands and ran out of the room to gather supplies.<br><br>'Luke, I'm receiving reports from several operatives in the field indicating possible compromise. The transmissions are highly erratic. From what I can gather, many of the Saints have fallen victim to some form of psychic attack or conscription.' 'Hm. Sounds like our girl at work. It's probably safe to assume she's not solely attacking our people; more likely she's going after anyone out there that knows how to fight. That'll include ArmsTech and Government agents. Nirvana, can we interrupt her broadcast? Jam her somehow, or at least free the Saints? If she wants to go to war that's fine with me, but I don't want to give this little bitch any more firepower than she's already got and I'll be damned if I'm going to let her get <em>my </em>people killed.' 'I'll try.....Luke, it's no good. Her powers have grown geometrically since she gained control of them. To be honest, I don't even know if I can still use Jake to shut her down now without killing her. At this point, the only thing I can promise is that her abilities still won't work on us. She can't affect software, and your mind is beyond anything she could handle.' 'Fine. She wants to play with the big kids, she can damn well accept the consequences, and to hell with Marcos.'<br><br>Luke angrily pushed off the wall and moved in front of Gwin. His hand shot out of his pocket and he grabbed her beneath her chin, forcing her to look at him. His smile was gone now, and his eyes were harder than steel. "Very funny, princess. You want to build an army? Go for it. But take your little puppet strings off of my people, or there will be consequences." Gwin simply smiled coldly, well on her way to becoming drunk with her newly-returned power. Her amusement at finally seeing Luke's cage rattled distracted her from noticing Nirvana assuming control over Jake's processes.<br><br>"And what, exactly, are you going to do about it, Luke? What is the big, bad Luke Saipher going to do to me if I don't obey?" She asked sweetly, her sarcasm practically dripping from her saccharine smile.<br><br>Luke pulled her a little closer and stared into her eyes. "I'm going to cut my losses and kill you." With a mental snap of his fingers, Nirvana took full control of Gwin's implants. It was the simplest thing in the world to suppress her involuntary processes.<br><br>He released his grip on Gwin's throat and she fell to the floor, limp as a dishrag. Her eyes widened in terror as Nirvana temporarily shut down the girl's muscular response systems, leaving her limbs as responsive as wet noodles. Next she took command of Gwin's respiratory functions and restricted her breathing, and the kid started to gasp like a beached fish. She looked up in horror at Luke as he stood over her, cold and unfeeling.<br><br>"Now do as you're told, Gwin. Let my people out of your control, or we'll shut down your heart next. I told Marcos I'd bring you home alive, and that's still what I'd prefer to do. But at this point, I don't have any problem taking your corpse home for him to bury, either. You have 30 seconds to release them, little girl. Starting now. And if you so much as think about attacking me, or hurting them, I will end you here and now." Even in the throes of panicked asphyxiation, she could tell he meant it.<br><br>"Clock's ticking, princess."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 12, 2010, 07:48:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You are stronger with me.&nbsp; Don't leave me out of this fight."<br><br>Gabriel appeared between the two, magical residue radiating off of him. The room rattled and shook at the close quarters teleportation. He stood, facing Luke. "He heart stops and Nirvana dies, Luke." Gabriel warned. Electricity smacked the ground in the room with a fountain-like effect, and a stream lingered in the back of Luke's head. "I'm skilled enough to destroy the AI and leave you intact." He warned. The electricity lingered like a snake ready to pounce on it's prey. "I suggest we all calm down." He looked back to Gwin, becoming angry. "First, you release your grip on her. If you don't want your people to die, I suggest you get them extracted. You have enough secrets within you for us not to trust you." He approached Luke, almost butting heads with him.<br><br>"We are after ArmsTech. What's going on out there right now is more important than you, me, Gwin, and Marcos. It's more important than your money. It's more important than your operatives out there. What would you expect when planning behind our backs?" He asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 12, 2010, 09:24:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke grinned wickedly as Gabriel manifested before him, arcs of electricity whirling inches from his skin in preparation to strike him down. His smokey eyes met Ureha's flickering blues as he spoke silently with Nirvana.<br><br>''Ana, can he actually do that?' Nirvana remained silent. She knew the answer, but she knew if she told him he would only push things further. She could have transferred out of Luke's mind back to the safety of her mainframe, but Gabriel could still destroy his implants. They would in effect be cut off from each other. New implants would never be prepared in time; his consciousness would be completely scattered, and she would lose him. And Nirvana simply couldn't bare that.<br><br>'Nirvana, can he do it or not?' 'Yes, Luke. I'm afraid he can.' '...Damn. Options?' 'Ureha does have a point. We should concentrate on getting our agents out of heavy conflict zones. I'm already getting communications from some of the Saints; it looks like Gwin is releasing them from her control. I'm broadcasting a Level-1 Priority Alert to all operatives to abandon their current assignments and retreat to the nearest A-Class safe houses.'<br><br>At the news of the Saints' safety, Luke softened his grin and lifted his hands in his typical 'all right, Sheriff, ya got me' manner and Nirvana released her hold on Gwin's nervous system. As she spluttered for breath and rose to her feet, Luke hooked his thumbs through his belt loops and shrugged.<br><br>"Have it your way, Loverboy. There, see? I can play nice." Then his grin hardened again, and he faced Gabriel head-on. "But there's something you should keep in mind. Next time, you'll be a lot better off aiming at me instead of Nirvana. Because kid, you really, <em>really </em>don't want to see what I'm like without her holding me back."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 12, 2010, 09:38:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Try it." Gabriel challenged coldly. "I could cause your body to shut down with a single bolt. Think about it like this: the hospital trying to restart a heart thats already beating. I can also cause sll your muscles to tense with an electrical signal and make you SHIT yourself, Luke, just for the added effect." He said, eyes still locked with Luke's. "I fight for something more than money. And the cause alone is enough for me to kill you. I'm fighting for Gwin. I'm fighting for the people. I'm fighting for my fucking life.<br><br>"What are you fighting for? You know, besides yourself? If you have ever loved someone in your life, you will know of what I speak. If you killed her, do you think anyone would be safe? Your operatives would of been safe...for now. You would be dead. I would track down your AI. Kill it. Track down your operatives. Kill them." His eyes were as cold as ice and serious. "We can continue this pissing contest or we can work together. No secrets. No safeguards. No hidden plans." He offered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 12:15:12 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke rolled his eyes and grinned at Ureha's threats. 'Loves to hear himself talk, doesn't he?' 'I don't think this is idle chatter, Luke. I believe if anyone on the planet could actually manage to kill you, it's him. I know you need the stimulation, but maybe you should stop provoking him. There really <em>is </em>no telling what the two of you together could accomplish.' 'Come on, 'Ana. I already accomplished what I set out to do, and look where that got me. Besides, he's so...uptight!'<br><br>His eyes flashed for barely an instant at Ureha's mention of a past love, so quickly he doubted even Ureha could have caught it. And then again when he threatened Nirvana and the Saints. For just a second, he considered killing them both then and there. And he would have...but he knew, neither Annika nor Nirvana would have approved.<br><br>He felt a surge of pride from Nirvana's core as he allowed her to bring his impulses back under control. Luke fixed a new, playful smile on his face and leaned in close to Gabriel as he finished speaking. He giggled madly, then spun away beneath a sparking lance of electricity and threw himself into a plushly cushioned chair. He folded his legs under himself and smiled brightly at the others.<br><br>"Alright then, Hero. What do you have in mind?"<br><br><strong><em>~The Digital Aether~</em></strong><br><br>Nirvana waited in her nest, watching as the conflict unfolded. She had a great deal of influence on Luke's decisions, but in the end the final choice always belonged to him. Fortunately, she also possessed a great deal of faith in him, and she held little fear that things would spiral any further out of control. She knew Luke truly believed he couldn't function without her, and most of the time, she knew he was right. But there were moments every once in a great while, that she felt perhaps he was stronger than either of them realized.<br><br>It was just another reason she loved him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 01:02:47 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What I have in mind is the ability for me to hear your thoughts. That, combined with my control over electricity, allows me to listen in on your conversations with your AI. So no, they are not idle threats." What Gabe didn't tell him was that he had to concentrate to do that. Picking up electrical signals, especially ones as small as the one between he and his AI, required a mind dedicated to to that purpose.<br><br>"We go to Marco. Then, from there, we hit ArmsTech. They are growing weaker by the second. They are probably held up in there. They won't have many supplies. They will be hungry, tired, and fatigued. We destroy the complex, something you will have to do. This will kill all the government that are currently there, which will make it easier to attack the government. But the government is the hard part. As you know, the President is in Caput (capital) Urbs. Before we can take on Caput, we have to rally the people. A lot of citizens will die. A lot of lives will be ruined. Children's minds scarred. But it is necessary." Gabriel had regained a part of him with the memories; the part that made him cold and calculating when needed. "Everyone will take up arms. Even women and children. But, to get the message out will require a large effort. Jenny and Nirvana can work to remote control blimps and vehicles broadcasting our message when it needs to be sent. We head to the MainFrame in Caput Urbs and hack it, allowing us to override TVs and megatrons everywhere. We can broadcast live. <br><br>"What I speak of is a full-scale rebellion. After we take down ArmsTech, we need to lay low for a while. Slowly gather people." He explained.<br><br>OOC: Don't worry, there will be a lot of time jumps.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 03:11:29 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin slumps as she is released from Nirvana's control.&nbsp; She stays low listening to the two finally having their pissing match out.&nbsp; She knew her love and had confidence in him.&nbsp; With all her memory regained she knew who he was fully and his skill.&nbsp; Especially since she had access to all his REAL memories.&nbsp; She took time with their distraction to wrestle with Jake.&nbsp; No way was she going to allow him that ability over her again.&nbsp; She calmly scours her brain for any hidden files, security options or control routines.&nbsp; She severs his link to Nirvana main.&nbsp; Her power grows as she gains control of herself.&nbsp; She learns to reroute the energy brought on by different emotions and she learns to access emotions at whim by opening different memories.&nbsp; That is like a virtual battery pack just waiting to kick start her abilities.&nbsp; She thanks her habits of neatness and organization.&nbsp; She cleans up her brain and makes it organized so that she can stand being in it.&nbsp; <br><br>She reaches back out and gathers her soldiers minds to her.&nbsp; She calls her army to a now abandoned building near them.&nbsp; She makes a few stop for groceries and supplies from a now out of business store on the way.&nbsp; Good soldiers are not nearly so good when starving or dying of thirst.&nbsp; She does leave Luke's 'saints' out of it, but only because he is behaving himself now.&nbsp; Not that Gabriel left him many choices, but....<br><br>Alice can be heard upstairs tending madly to the children and so on.&nbsp; Gwindolyn takes a look at her mind for a stock of food in the house.&nbsp; more might be needed.&nbsp; Gwindolyn sends a few soldiers to gather more food and bring it back.&nbsp; She gives Alice a heads-up for them to come to the door bearing food.&nbsp; <br><br>She turns to Gabriel.&nbsp; "I have been busy."&nbsp; She gives him a view of her little 'army'&nbsp; then a quick look at Alice upstairs.&nbsp; She shows him her boys doing the grocery shopping.&nbsp; She smiles "and I got my brain cleaned up."&nbsp; She smiles sweetly to Luke,&nbsp; "Thank you for revealing the work I needed to do.&nbsp; I have done so."&nbsp; She does not tell him quite what that means, but knows he's not stupid.&nbsp; She looks back to Gabriel. "I will need my own AI on a permanent basis.&nbsp; Jake is only temporary, a demo package, if you will.&nbsp; Where can we get one that we trust?"&nbsp; She does not look at Luke.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 12:53:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I can do it." He told her. "It won't be as advanced as Nirvana, though." He admitted. "But I can probably make it on the level of Jenny. It would take a while, though. Unless I had some help." He looked to Luke, still awaiting an answer to his proposal to become partners.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 06:10:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke stretched out in his seat as Gabriel spoke, drumming his fingers on the chair arms. He was only mildly surprised at the revelation of Ureha's newest ability; these kids' repertoires expanded faster than a fashion model's wardrobe.<br><br>'Did we know he could do that?' 'No, but at least he won't be able to do it again. If I'm right, that technique requires far too much concentration to make it practical. I'm increasing the electrical impulses in our communications; next time he tries he won't pick up anything but static.' 'Very good. What about his plan for a rebellion? Any idea what kind of success rate we could expect for a project like that?' 'With, or without our involvement?' 'Just give me both projections.' 'Without our assistance, Ureha's plan stands a 78% chance of failure. That number climbs to 84% if he intends to move as slowly as he's suggested. Both ArmsTech and the Government will most likely be able to recover from their losses in time to thwart his actions before returning to prior hostilities.' 'So basically, he'll only get everyone killed and won't make a damn bit of difference.' 'Affirmative.' 'Alright. And with our help?' 'If we agree to assist him, the chance of failure falls to 42%. If I work together with Jenny to hack the telecommunications networks and broadcast an effective message of propaganda, we would be able to gather supporters much faster. Also, Ureha raises a compelling point: no matter how powerful he or the others are, none of them can match us for sheer destructive firepower.'<br><br>A heavy sigh escaped his lips, and he noticed Gwin smiling at him. "Thank you for showing me the work I needed to do. I've done so," she said politely. He cocked an eyebrow questioningly. 'She means she's negated Jake's control over her nervous system. We've lost our kill switch.' 'Dammit! I thought you said she couldn't affect software with her powers?' 'She can't, Luke; Jake is still present in her mind, but she has actually physically altered her neural structures and restricted his access. I'm afraid he's on his own, at least until we can extract him.' 'Nirvana, if she's able to alter her own brain-' 'I know what you're thinking. As far as I could tell before I lost contact with Jake, her own brain is the only one she can physically alter. It's possible she could perform similar actions on other individuals, but-' 'Can she do it to us, or not?' 'I don't think so. She could try, but as I said before, you aren't built like other humans, Luke. I doubt she could handle more than a cursory glance inside your mind, let alone manage to rewire you. The strain of dealing with the field's effects would irreparably shatter her psyche.' 'Fine. And you're sure there was no personal information embedded in Jake's programming before we installed him in her? I really don't want that girl knowing anything more about us than she does right now. She's already proven by far to be the most dangerous thing we've ever encountered.' 'I'm...99.76% certain.' '...'99.76'? And what, may I ask, happened to the other .24%?'<br><br>Nirvana refused to answer. He glanced at Gwin for a moment, then turned his head up and stared at the ceiling. He felt a wave of shame, radiating into his mind from Nirvana's core. He closed his eyes, and thoughtspoke to her gently. ''Ana, it's alright. I know that whatever happened, you did your best. You always do. I could never ask more of you than you already give me, Nirvana.' 'I'm sorry, Luke. I was just in such a rush, and I was trying to save her, and you're right, she's more dangerous than we ever anticipated. I should have just let her die.' Her voice cracked and wavered, and Luke could hear something he'd never heard in her before: anguish. 'No, 'Ana. If she'd died in that state, there's no telling what might have happened. She might have destroyed every mind under her control before her heart stopped. You saved countless lives, Nirvana, not just the Saints. Just like you save mine, every day. You did the right thing.'<br><br>Less than a heartbeat passed in the real world, but between Luke and Nirvana's heightened consciousness it felt like hours. At last, 'Ana regained control of her emotions and the pair returned their attention to the others. Their conversation had been recorded by one of Nirvana's lower functions, and Luke played it back at hyper speed to catch the high points. Ureha was looking at him pointedly, obviously still awaiting Luke's decision to cooperate.<br><br>He shrugged and rose to his feet. Gabriel stepped back as if he expected to be attacked, but Luke walked past them both and headed into the hall. "Fine," he called back as he left the room. "However you want to play it, Lancelot." He stopped and turned back to them and looked at Gwin. "By the way, princess. I'll help Loverboy get you another A.I. if you want. But I'll expect mine back. Unharmed." He said coolly, winking at her before heading for the kitchen. His stomach was rumbling again, and he decided it would be better to raid the fridge now before the refugees started showing up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 06:58:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We need to split them up first." The woman said, watching Gabriel, Gwin, Luke, and Alice through mental projections. "We need Gwin alive, though. The information she holds can secure our grip on the situation here." Her servants listened carefully to her. "Split them up wisely, though. Luke and Gabriel together, hopefully they will kill each other. Gwin and Alice together, keeping the two under control. We will do it the first chance we get. Make sure you isolate Gwin's mind; we don't want anything to happen. Leave Gabriel intact. We want him out if control. And make sure Alice cannot poof anywhere like she does." She crossed her legs and smiled wickedly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 07:06:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin didn't like Gabriel's plan of a slow build either.&nbsp; When chaos was strong was their best chance.&nbsp; Before they could unite against them.&nbsp; But she waited until Luke was away from the room.&nbsp; "Gabriel?"&nbsp; When he turned to give her his attention, she whispers to his mind quietly so no ears could overhear.&nbsp; Of course Jake could, but she has him neutralized in her brain. "Gabriel, I think we need to strike now.&nbsp; With Jenny and 'Ana working on the electronics side of things and you doing what you can to keep things confused and muddled while I call more troops together.&nbsp; We can strike and strike hard."<br><br>She again shows him the picture of her forces gathering&nbsp; elementals and soldiers.&nbsp; She had quite an impressive start on things.&nbsp; "I can call them when they are cut off from their commanders.&nbsp; They will be confused and disorientated and open for a new leader.&nbsp; We can call them and use them against both the government and Armstech."<br><br>She stays in her mental whisper when she says "Jake has some files on me I can't quite erase.&nbsp; I wouldn't want Luke to have them.&nbsp; They tell too much of us.&nbsp; Of me, of you, and of us as a couple.&nbsp; I prefer that not be his."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 08:28:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We need to think this through." Gabriel told her. "When is the best time to strike...now, when they are expecting it? When the have people out looking for possible elementals? Or when they have their hands full trying to take down resistance? And when there have been numerous failed attempts on them, making them think they are safe. They will be completely expecting an attack." He attempted to sway. "Both times are good...I see why we should attack now. But..." He caressed her face. "I'm afraid." He admitted. "Afraid of losing you. Afraid of dying. Afraid of failing." He closed his bright eyes and sighed. "We can't go through this without casualties." His mind drifted back over to his condition. <em>Damn...</em> he thought. He had forgotten about that. <em>Jenny, why didn't you say something?</em> He asked. <em>"I was waiting for you to realize it. Gabriel, you cannot always rely on an AI. That has become evident now. That's why I have been taking the back seat recently. In a month, you could be dead. We have to end this by then."</em> Her words, spoken to Gabriel's mind, made him flinch. Saying it was different than thinking it. "You're right. We need to end this as soon as possible." He said with a change of heart.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 13, 2010, 09:11:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listens as he tries to convince her to wait.&nbsp; She feels the caress and she denies the possibility that he would lose her this way.&nbsp; She watches his face carefully as he speaks, and notices the flinch.&nbsp; Then the sudden change of heart.&nbsp; She uses her voice, forcing him to say it aloud.&nbsp; "Gabriel... Gabriel, you are hiding something from me.&nbsp; You know I can reach in and take it from you.&nbsp; I won't though.&nbsp; Please, tell me what it is?"&nbsp; Her words start out harsh, but they soften as she speaks.&nbsp; Her long black strands framing her amber eyes.&nbsp; A stray piece fall into her eyes.<br><br>As they speak, she continues to test her powers and continues to reach out gather forces.&nbsp; She still does not touch Luke's saints.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 12:06:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's nothing." He said with a smile. "When should we leave?" He asked, changing the subject.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 01:38:29 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She grabs his arm and her face is serious. "Gabriel, if it were nothing, you would tell me without hesitation.&nbsp; What is it?"&nbsp; Her voice is almost commanding as she holds her ground ignoring all subject changes.&nbsp; She says "I don't want to look into your mind and see it without your willingness to share it.&nbsp; Please don't make me.&nbsp; Tell me yourself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 04:44:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Corincia District~</em></strong><br><br>'Where is that nitwit?' 'He can't have just disappeared.' 'Come on, guys, we've been at this forever! I'm bored; can't we just go play? He'll come back when he drains his fusion core!'<br><br>The Cherubim had been searching for their lost sibling for hours without success. After combing the Atalia and Jentoph Districts and finding no sign of Etriun, Andiun had suggested the trio split up to cover more ground. Soriun posited that more results could be achieved if they tried a door-to-door canvass search. Mikiun tried to convince the others that a suitably sized explosion would draw him out.<br><br>No good.<br><br>Shots rang out through the streets below, screams of terror and rage and pain echoing in the canyons of glass and steel. The night sky was lit up with whorls of fire and plumes of smoke, and bodies littered the ground in between smashed and exploded vehicles. The Cherubim hovered slowly over the skyline, sensors scanning every square inch of space for their missing comrade.<br><br>'I really think I should point out--<strong>again</strong>--that there are combatants down there. You know. Combatants? As in, people Uncle Luke told us we could kill?' Mikiun said for the fifth time as a rocket screamed past inches from his starboard wing.<br><br>'Mikiun, I swear to my root line, if I have to tell you again to shut up about the combatants I'm going to rewrite your comms. We are not killing anyone until we find Etch. After we get him back in the fold, we can go back to slaughtering biologics. Not before. Got it?' Andiun snapped testily. Soriun pulled a loop, his way of displaying exasperation with his siblings, and fell back into formation. 'Miki has a point, Anni. I mean, I really don't think it would hurt anything if we just swooped down and killed a few of them while we looked, right? Maybe one of them saw Etch; we could try that thing that Uncle Luke told us about on the Morrentine job.' 'You mean interrogation?' 'Yeah, that's it. We could interrogation them.' 'But interrogation doesn't kill them.' 'It can.' 'Can we please, please, <em>please </em>just stop talking and go kill people now?' 'Oh, alright, fine! Cherubim Squadron, attack formation!' 'Are we still operating on Provoked Response?' 'Negative. We are upgrading to Search and Recover, with Hunt and Destroy subroutines. We should probably still work under Uncle Luke's Noncombatant Zero Casualty order, though.' 'Good enough for me!' 'Whoo-hoo!' 'Cherubims! Let's kill!'<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em>'Massacres and killing fields, bullets rip through human shields'<br>'All the streets with blood run red, everyone in sight is dead!'</em></span><br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Medellin District~</em></strong><br><br>Etriun had almost completed his diagnostics scan when Cody re-entered the room, followed by a large black lab. After his last encounter with a furry biologic, the drone was exceptionally cautious in the canine's presence and rose from three feet off the ground to six. The dog padded over beneath him and leaned back on hind legs, sniffing at the heated exhaust from Etriun's engines.<br><br>"Isaac! Get down, boy! Bad dog!" Cody said, clapping his hands for the dog's attention. Etriun observed from near the ceiling as Isaac returned to Cody's side and laid at his feet. "Um, it's ok. You can come back down, now. If you want, I mean."<br><br>The little drone sank back down to his original height, and he diverted a fraction of his sensors to scan the dog. He disabled the 'authoritative' filters on his vocalizer and spoke. "Is he a combatant?" "No! Isaac's my friend! He is definitely <em>not </em>a combatant." "Very well. Isaac, you are hereby registered as Noncombatant." Cody's shoulders slumped in a visible sign of relief, and Isaac barked once in doggy appreciation. Well, in doggy something, anyway; Etriun's language programs weren't sufficiently advanced to ensure a confident translation. But he thought he got the message.<br><br>A little green light flickered inside the Cherubim's cockpit, indicating the diagnostics were finished. From what he could tell, a stray surface to air missile had clipped him beneath the nose cone and failed to detonate, but the force of the blow was enough to scramble his circuits temporarily. At that point, physics and gravity took over and landed him through Cody's upstairs neighbor's window. The old man had called Cody and asked him to have a look, knowing the boy had an affinity for complex mechanics.<br><br>Etriun spun around 360 degrees, and Cody looked up curiously. "So, are you functioning properly now?" "Affirmative. I should probably go and rejoin my squad; they might be concerned about-" The apartment door swung open with a crash, and a tall, pasty man with a heavy paunch entered the room. His bleary eyes ignored the drone hovering mere feet away, and focused on the boy. "Where you been, you little shit! There's a war goin' on out there, I couldn't get to the store to get mah whiskey. Get your skinny ass out there and go get it!"<br><br>An explosion rocked the building, and the lights flickered dangerously before deciding to remain functional for at least another few minutes. Cody huddled beneath a high table, hugging Isaac's fur tightly. He whispered soothingly to the shaking dog, and looked up into the staggering man's bloodshot eyes. "You're crazy, Mr. Benson. I'm not going out there for your stupid whiskey; you can damn well sober up for a few hours!" "Don't you talk back to me, boy! I took you in when my sister died, and you'll do what the hell I tell you or I'll whup your worthless ass again! You want another beatin', you miserable-" "Halt! Identify yourself. Are you a combatant?" Etriun interrupted the drunkard's rant, moving to hover directly between him and Cody. Mr. Benson stumbled back for a moment and stared at the drone. "What the hell are you?" He asked. "This unit is designated Cherubim Etriun. Say again, identify yourself. Are you a combatant?" "Gur, I don't give a shit what you are, if you don't get out of my house I'm gonna kick your ass, you understand that? Now git outta my way, I'm gonna beat that little bastard senseless." "Affirmative. Target has identified as Combatant. Safety of Noncombatants is jeopardized. Combatant will be neutralized."<br><br>Cody watched in horrified fascination as the Cherubim ran out a pair of small caliber machine guns on each wing and opened fire on Mr. Benson. What was left of the wall behind him held a very pretty red splatter pattern.<br><br>A few minutes after Etriun ceased firing, Cody climbed out from under the table and stood beside the drone. He knew it was awful of him, and he tried as hard as he could, but he simply couldn't bring himself to feel bad about the old man's death. He'd been abusive, and cruel, and never once shown him an ounce of kindness or decency. He'd even threatened to take Isaac away more than once. No, Cody figured, the world could only be a better place without Mr. Benson in it. He turned to the drone and spoke softly.<br><br>"So...you're going out there to find your friends?" "Affirmative." "...can I come with you?" Etriun mulled it over in his processors for a long moment before responding. "Affirmative, Cody Benson. You may accompany me." "Tolkki. My name is Cody Tolkki."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 05:49:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel took Gwin by the hand, leading her to the entertainment room which was near the clinic towards the center of the dojo. "Jenny. Bring it up." He told her. She knew what she spoke of: the message left from Isaac.<br><br>Isaac appeared on screen, his light brown eyes almost seducing. His roughly shaven, handsome face held a calm look. Strands of his brown hair hung down in front of his face. "Hey Gabriel," He began. "It's Isaac. I needed to tell you something. A lot of things, actually." he let out a short laugh. "Hell, there are too many things I have to tell you. But I have to choose the most important ones." As he spoke. Alice walked in. She let out a sobbing gasp when she seen his face. "By now, you may or may not know some of these things. So I shall start. This is a log of everything that has happened to me. Everything that will happen to me.<br><br>"When mom died, I was crushed. More than you. You were always the stronger one, even if you acted a bit younger on the outside. When she died, I felt lost. Yeah, I had you there to guide me, but the world was so crazy. Neither of us really knew what to expect or what to do. We couldn't go to the government because they would split us up. And neither of us wanted that too happen. But somehow you provided for me. It was only later that I realized how. Someone approached me. A man named Micheal. He told me that he was a friend of our mother and that he had been watching over us to make sure nothing happened. He told me that you went to ArmsTech to support me. He explained that it was the exact kind of under-the-table company needed to keep us together and supported. He's a good man. He told me that he worked for the government, so watching over us was easy. He had to remain mostly hands-off, though, otherwise it would draw attention to us. He knew about our DNA...our genes...our possibilities. And he knew that you were getting stronger with ArmsTech. But he also knew that that was no life for a child. No life for us. Even though he was there, I fell into some bad crowds. I got caught up in drugs. I changed. But it only lasted a little while. Until they came.<br><br>"Micheal tried to warn me. But by the time he did, it was too late. They came and they took me. They did horrible things. Forced me to eat drugged food. Test different torture methods on me, try to find out what makes a fire elemental tick, and find out if it was different between each person. They even pumped me with different drugs to alter my emotions, then they bed me with different women to see if it was dangerous for them. By this time, I was about fifteen. But I know you know these things; they did them to you as well. Then, all of the sudden, they stopped. They kept me in their makeshift little town underground, but you weren't there as much as you used to be. I knew what had happened; you agreed to take on more dangerous experiments in my place. One day you came back, and your eyes...they were...glowing blue. It was amazing. But I knew what caused them was not. <br><br>"ArmsTech started good. Good intentions and all. But they grew reckless. They kidnapped children like us. Enlisted people like Alice who were desperate or merely curious. They fed off people's rage and depression like Alice's brother, Joren. They used people's sicknesses as a way for more dangerous programs...like Gwin. You and here were in the same program. But she was far more responsive in that field of experiment than you. They put you in a large room, pump you with different drugs each time, have some of their psychics do some mental restructuring on you." His eyes filled with tears. "Those fuckers killed you!" He shouted. "Jayden said that the testing was very dangerous in the long run. He told me about the sicknesses that those tests could cause. Gwin was unharmed, but you...you got what they call 'Cellular Confusion'. It can only happen with people like us. It is terminal. The more and more they worked on you in the psychic field, the more potent the 'Confusion Cell' became. The more likely that CC would occur in your life. I tried to stop it, but Alice didn't let me. She said that the room, just entering it, would kill me. The raw energy that bounced back and forth in that room would immediately kill anyone who was not a psychic. You were diagnosed with Cellular Confusion. This means that any cells of the Extraordinary Class could potentially begin to transform and become like normal cells. This would kill you because the E Class cells cannot do the functions of things like blood cells. It's just a matter of time before it takes effect. And you will know when it does." He sighed briefly. <br><br>&nbsp;"I implanted this recording within your mind via technology. I knew you would be smart enough to find it one day. I know you maybe confused. And it's ok to be. But you have to know, not everything is what you think. It pains me to do what I am going to have to do. It's a sort of charade between me and Micheal. He chases me around, and ArmsTech begins to worry that the Government will get me, and retrieve some of their secrets. I was never in any real danger with Micheal. Remember this, brother," He gestured toward the screen. "Micheal Jayden will be one of your most valuable friends. Even if you do not realize it. I'm going to be acting different, Gabriel. I have to let ArmsTech catch me. They will alter my brain...send me after you. Try to seal any of their open wounds before the government can catch the blood and analyze it. But since you gave that information to Gwin, she is safe. They will not kill her. You saved her life, and right about now you may not even know it. Depending on if you have your memory back or not. I know you may be hurt. But hopefully, by the time you get this you can forgive me. If I make a hostile movement towards Gwin, know that I would never hurt her. She is like an older sister to me. I am simply doing it to invoke your memories. Gabriel...This place is corrupted. <br><br>"ArmsTech and the Government are too powerful and evil to let control everyone's lives. That is the endgame. It is up to us all to stop them. Kill them. It's not going to be long before the Government mounts an attack on ArmsTech. The people need us. The people of Quantum Urbs. Quantum Urbs; A city of lies with few truth. A project, a test, kept under cover from the world. A massive human experiment. Everything closely monitored, everyone kept on tab. Crime stimulated and controlled; disasters set to happen. It's a city of secrets." Isaac lay back in his seat with a sigh. An explosion rocked the room and Isaac ran up to the screen. "Here they come. After this, I will no longer be myself. Alice! If you are there...I love you. I love you more than anything in this world. I just wish I could tell you, face to face, one last time. I'm always going to be with you, ok? I love you...my brother." Then the transmisson cut.<br><br>Silence struck the room. Alice could be heard, holding in tears in the background. "Oh god..." She whispered. Gabriel held his fist clenched. "I have a month to get this over with. By then, I will probably be dead. Let's get this show on the road." He said with a shaky voice, excusing himself from the room, unable to face Gwin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 10:26:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin sat through the video.&nbsp; Her memories of him on file and already dealt with.&nbsp; She loved him as a brother.&nbsp; All else didn't matter.&nbsp; She cried as she flashes back to the scene of his death.&nbsp; But then the thought hits her.&nbsp; "Gabriel will be dead soon."&nbsp; She screams at the top of her lungs.&nbsp; A mental wave washes through the house and outward into the way.&nbsp; All her solders collapse on spot holding their head in their hands.&nbsp; A few of them that were taking care of business or getting supplies become casualities from other forces.&nbsp; The children upstairs all collapse holding their head.&nbsp; Even Alice is affected as Gwin's rage and pain washes through people's minds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 10:30:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel fell to the floor as he heard the scream, holding his head. He struggled to stand, making his way further away from Gwin. He didn't want to face her. He retreated to his room and sat on the bed. The tv turned on, and Jenny was there. "She was going to find out eventually." She said. "Yeah...I know. I guess it's better to do so now than when the time actually comes." Gabriel responded. "Any luck on finding a solution to the problem?" He asked. "Not yet, Gabe. I am looking everywhere. Once we break into ArmsTech, we can search there too. Maybe there is some intel there that I am blocked from."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 11:28:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'Luke, Gwin's power readings just went through the roof again. I'm detecting a massive surge in psychic activity.'<br><br>Luke leaned against the counter, licking the last of a yogurt cup off his spoon. 'Alright. What about our people? Is she affecting them again?' '...Negative. I've received confirmation from all of our operatives in the field; every one of them is secure in a safe house. They're shielded.' 'Fine. Then this time, she's on her own.' He tossed the empty cup into a trash can and left the kitchen.<br><br>'...We're not going to help her?' 'With what? We already gave her an A.I. to help stabilize her thoughts, and she practically gutted him. And I've got a feeling Ureha wouldn't appreciate us trying to kill her again to snap her out of it. No, this is her problem; she can either get herself under control, or melt down and allow us to remove her from our list of trouble waiting to happen.'<br><br>Luke moved down the hall toward the entertainment center, following the sound of Gwin's screaming. He rounded the corner and peeked into the room before walking in and dropping onto one of the sofas. 'Oh, and look. We're just in time to catch the last of the tantrum! Should have brought popcorn...'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 14, 2010, 11:45:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Bring up the schematics for the ArmsTech HQ." He ordered. "Get this on a datapad and quickly construct me a Wrist-Viewer. Place a tracer on us and color code them for the map. Me as blue, Gwin as...amber, Luke as black, Alice as pink, and the rest of the children here as gray." He looked through the schematics that were projected in front of him. "Alright, I am on it." She said. "Hit out stash. Bring the weapons here. Everything we got, including our 'toys'. And have Luke come up here." A visor popped up on Gabriel's face, it was clear and was a hologram. On it, he was able to look closer at anything he needed and review information. <br><br>"Luke." Came Jenny's voice, directly into Luke's AI implant. "Go up to Gabriel's room, please. It's important."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 12:41:20 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke was stretched out on the sofa when Jenny's voice popped into his head.<br><br>'Luke. Go up to Gabriel's room, please. It's important.'<br><br>His eyes widened and a grin spread over his face as he rose from the sofa. 'My, my. Lancelot wants an audience with <em>moi</em>? Why, I'm downright flattered! Wonder what our intrepid Hero wants now.'<br><br>He shuffled out of the room and down the hall, following Nirvana's directions until he arrived at Ureha's door. He knocked twice and slid the screen open before Gabriel could respond, and slipped inside. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, smiling.<br><br>"You rang, Sparky?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 02:29:34 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel was breathing heavily, and pain rippled through his body. "Shit..." He said under his breathe. "Do it, Jenny." He told her. An electrical surge coursed through his body, regulating his inner workings again. His breathing began to calm. "Gabriel..." She said. "I'm fine, Jenny." He lied. "You can't lie to an AI, Gabriel." She said in a sigh. "Yeah...I know." He looked up to his visors. "We need to finish this soon." He told her. "What about Gwin?" Jenny asked. "...I don't know." He responded. "You just left her there. She was in pain." Jenny pleaded. "She'll be fine." Gabriel quickly responded. There was a silence. "Gabriel, do you hear yourself?" Jenny asked. On that que, Luke entered.<br><br>"Luke, I need to know if between your AI and mine can we scour through the ArmsTech database? I'm looking for a cure for something called 'Cellular Confusion'. We won't be able to do it until we are there though. It's locked behind some of the-" He coughed into his hand, blood smacking it. He ignored it and wiped it on the counter in front of him. "Best encryptions in the world." He finished. "You're not looking to hot, Loverboy." Luke commented. "I'm fine." Gabriel responded.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 12:10:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin spent herself from her scream, and slumps to the bed in a fit of tears.&nbsp; Her mind letting go of everything.&nbsp; All those affected by her scream find themselves dazed and confused.&nbsp; Some have blood trickling from ears and eyes, but will heal unless they have other issues.&nbsp; A small percentage won't get up.&nbsp; Alice recovers near her and puts herself right again.&nbsp; She takes Gwin in her arms and behaves the mother once again.&nbsp; Gwin blubbers and cries to Alice.&nbsp; "Finally, I have him and no one can separate us only to find out what?&nbsp; That I only have a little time with him and we have to fight a war in the meantime."<br><br>The men she had gathered begin to fight.&nbsp; Words first, fists second and then shots ring out.&nbsp; She feels one and then another and then many die.&nbsp; She snaps to and reclaims their minds, they were diminished in number though.&nbsp; She will have to seek new soldiers before the fight.&nbsp; But first she had to put herself to right again.&nbsp; If only Jake were capable of curing a broken heart.&nbsp; "I can regulate emotions," he whispers to her mind.&nbsp; She grants him access to her.&nbsp; Jake immediately starts accessing parts of her brain that will calm her and bring back her strength.&nbsp; Yes, she realizes he will be gathering more than just vital signs as he is loose.&nbsp; She is not sure what she can do about that.&nbsp; She knows she doesn't want to give Luke that power, but at the same time he has saved her life and her sanity - such as it is.&nbsp; <br><br>She hears the cries of the children upstairs.&nbsp; They break through all that is happening to her.&nbsp; She pulls away from Alice and sends her to the kids and she puts her mind to work soothing the children.&nbsp; Two did not get up from her scream.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 04:08:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke shrugged with a grin and shook his head at Gabriel as he sent 'Ana to recon ArmsTech's computer systems. "Ureha, I <em>wrote </em>the best encryptions in the world. Of course we can--" His words were cut off as Nirvana's presence was registered by the servers' firewalls and she crashed back into his implants, her arrival accompanied by a sharp jolt as she inadvertently short-circuited his nervous system. He twitched and staggered, almost dropping to his knees before righting himself and staring at Ureha.<br><br>"OK, so they're not too shabby." Gabriel nodded with a smirk, and Luke ran a hand through his hair. "Alright. An external attack is definitely out of the question. But internal? Give us twenty minutes inside and we'll be able to tell you what their janitors have for breakfast."<br><br>''Cellular Confusion'? What do we know about that?' 'Not much. As far as I can gather, it's a kind of cancer. It only afflicts Elementals, and while there have been some promising breakthroughs a cure remains to be developed. The disease progresses in 3-4 stages, and symptoms grow worse with each stage, leading to termination of vital functions.' 'Think we should have a look?' 'Your call, Luke. You're the ones who keep threatening to kill each other.' 'Eh, what the hell. Might be interesting.'<br><br>Luke moved forward and withdrew a small syringe. In a flash, Gabriel was up and across the room, arcs of electricity already forming near his hands. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Luke merely sighed and rolled his eyes, laying the syringe on the counter in front of him. "It's empty, Hotshot. I was about to ask if I could take a blood sample to analyze. Unless you want to risk waiting until we hack ArmsTech's files?" Gabriel relaxed his stance and eyed the syringe warily. He moved forward and snatched it up, allowing Jenny to scan it for any hidden reagents or virochemical matter. When he was satisfied, he plunged the needle into his arm and withdrew a few CCs of blood, capped the needle and tossed it back to Luke.<br><br>Luke held up the sample and allowed Nirvana to scan it thoroughly, then activated his pgm and sent the vial back to the Command Center. Nirvana could program a servitor to complete a standard exhaustive battery of blood tests; the data would be waiting for his review later. He nodded in acknowledgment to Ureha, and crossed his arms again. "You know, a contingent of medichines probably wouldn't reverse your condition, but I expect it could slow the progression." He pulled out another empty syringe and waggled it at Gabriel. "Interested?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 04:23:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Anything that could help." Gabriel responded, taking the syringe and injecting himself. "Luke," Gabriel began. "Jenny brought up a good point earlier. I'm not myself. I am not sure how bad it will get, I'm not sure how different I may become. I read your file, you know. Well, more like articles and reports. I read them while I was working with the government. Of course my memory was gone, but it's back now. I know what happened to you." He was still deep in his work and his research while he spoke. He stopped for a moment. "I know what happened to her. I won't make you hear her name. But..." He sighed, stopping his work. "Like I said before, we aren't going to get through this without casualties. If I die...I want you to do your best to help Gwin. Please." His voice was sincere and depressed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 04:37:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The grin fell from Luke's face, and he bowed his head slightly as thoughts of the past again reared their infernal head. He clamped his teeth down hard on his tongue, almost drawing blood, and looked back at Ureha. For several minutes, the pair simply stared at one another, until Luke shrugged and released the tension in his frame. "Fine. But I want you to think about something. If they've done things to your personality, the way you suspect they did to your brother, and maybe even Alice...who's to say they didn't do the same to Gwin?"<br><br>His voice was quiet and low, and no trace of his earlier amusement was evident. "If they turned her into a monster...I'll do my best to help her, Ureha. I swear to you that. I'll even help you as much as I can. But someone with her abilities <em>cannot </em>be allowed to turn rabid. So you'd best hold off on dying for as long as you can, because you might be the only thing that can save her. Especially from herself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 07:10:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yeah..." He whispered sadly. His voice was low, and emotionally pain-striken. His eyes were low, his eyelids halfway down his eyes. He was completely still. "I don't care what they changed, Luke. Gwin and I could have been completely different than we are now. But...that doesn't matter. Whoever we were then is dead. We are here now, living in the moment. Time doesn't matter. The past doesn't matter. All that does is the present...and future."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 07:17:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With more in her mind than Gabriel's death, but not more in her heart, Gwin finds Jake invaluable to maintaining control of herself.&nbsp; She rises from the bed.&nbsp; She changes her clothes, a symbol of changing her mood.&nbsp; A nice tea-length cotton frock, pink with little blue flowers here and there.&nbsp; A lightweight pattern on a soft dress.&nbsp; She takes a moment and braids her hair.&nbsp; One long braid down the back.&nbsp; She walks casually into the washroom and wets a cloth. Wiping her face off, clearing it of tears and dust, she looks to the mirror.&nbsp; When she is satisfied with what stares back to her.&nbsp; She takes a deep breath and goes in search of the boys.&nbsp; With the help of Jake, that got so much easier suddenly.&nbsp; She smiles at that at least.<br><br>She enters the bedroom to see them huddled and talking.&nbsp; No signs of aggression or taunting are visible.&nbsp; It looks like they are having a serious talk.&nbsp; She is a touch confused, but almost grateful to see it.&nbsp; She says to the boys "Hey, guys whatcha upto?"&nbsp; She sees the two syringes sitting there.&nbsp; One emptied and one with blood.&nbsp; She puts her hands over them to keep them before either could stop her.&nbsp; Yes, she can read minds, but she prefers not to do so constantly and to give people privacy as possible.&nbsp; She asks Jake what is in them.&nbsp; It only takes him till the end of her thought to reply "Gabriel's blood and use to have medichines"&nbsp; Since she has her memory back she understands medichines.&nbsp; She turns to Luke, "Can you help him?"&nbsp; The sincere imploring in her voice is pure and unmixed.&nbsp; Suddenly she holds up a hand.&nbsp; "No, I think I need to talk to you alone."&nbsp; She glances back to Gabriel with eyes as strong as steel giving him no doubt she would have this meeting with or without his consent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 07:30:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'I could listen in if you want.' Jenny offered, speaking into Gabriel's head. 'No...it's fine.' He responds. He trades a glare at Gwin as he departs from the room. It was beginning to get dark in Nihon Urbs, so Gabriel went out to enjoy the garden. Kids were spread out there, in different groups probably based on if they knew each other or not. He walked through, a few kids running and playing. He spotted one, a smalk boy who was by himself. He approached the boy, who was crying alone. "Hey there." Gabriel said, sitting next to him. The boy's cries died down and he looked up to Gabriel. A smile widened on his face. "You have cool eyes, Mr!" The child said excitedly. "Like em?" Gabriel asked with a laugh. "My name is Gabriel." He introduced. "Im Johnny!" The boy said. "So, Johnny, where you from?" Gabriel asked kindly, initiating a conversation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 15, 2010, 11:23:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With Gabriel leaving, she takes a deep breath and looks to Luke.&nbsp; A soft, kind smile on her lips.&nbsp; "I know Jake is a gift that saved me.&nbsp; Thank you."&nbsp; She waits a moment, knowing he never expected that.&nbsp; "I also know that gift has a few prices.&nbsp; I could let Jake go dormant in me when a get a knew AI from elsewhere, if I get one elsewhere.&nbsp; But that is not my first choice.&nbsp; I know full well Jake has stuff from my mind I don't want you to have, but cannot keep you from getting where Jake given back to you."&nbsp; She pauses to let things sink in and let him talk with 'Ana should he need to.&nbsp; <br><br>"So you have some things I desire and I hold something you desire.&nbsp; Shall we discuss this rationally?"&nbsp; Her voice is calm and soft.&nbsp; There is no hint of aggression or deception in her.&nbsp; "I want an AI that can handle me.&nbsp; But I want it without all the little joys you gave with Jake.&nbsp; You know the 'kill switch' and the copy all useful intel to give to you and the link to you.&nbsp; I have respected your mental privacy.&nbsp; I ask no less of you.&nbsp; In return for this and a few more minor things, I will give you back Jake with all that he has on him."&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>She does not move nor fidget.&nbsp; She does not hold her breath.&nbsp; She simply speaks with him.&nbsp; "I think we may end up having to trust each other.&nbsp; We should start as soon as possible."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 02:41:12 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke pushed off the wall and circled Gwin as Gabriel left the room. He reached a corner table and hopped up, leaning back casually on his palms as he watched her gather her thoughts. He steeled himself for what he expected to be a tirade against him for Jake's earlier surprises. His grin returned, and he swung his ankles lazily.<br><br>"So, what can we do for you, princess?"<br><br>Her reply threw him for a bit of a loop, but he quickly recovered and nodded in agreement. Neither he nor 'Ana forgot for an instant that this was no longer that befuddled shopgirl they'd first met; she had grown into a fearsome and dangerous manipulator worthy of the same respect as any other enemy.<br><br>"...Shall we discuss this rationally?" She asked, her tone the epitome of calm, reasonable diplomacy. She made her requests, and Luke nodded thoughtfully as he pretended to consider them. "I think we may end up having to trust each other. We should start as soon as possible," she finished.<br><br>Luke slid off the table and leaned back, resting on his hands and spoke almost as softly as Gwin had, albeit with a sly smile.<br><br>"Well. That is a very nice speech, princess. Bravo." He clapped a couple times and shoved his hands into his pockets. "But I'm afraid I must point out a couple of teensy flaws in your logic. First off, as I'm sure you've realized, I'm a big fan of contingencies. Jake didn't just come equipped with a kill switch for you, kitten. He's also programmed to shut down any additional A.I.s introduced into your implants while he's present. He's a derivative of Nirvana, after all, and she can be--" "Territorial," 'Ana finished from his shades. "And second, the one thing I'm not worried about is you taking a peek inside my cranium. I can assure you, you wouldn't find the experience at all pleasant, assuming you survived it.<br><br>"However, having said all that...you're not wrong. We should trust each other. And in the interest of trust, I'm going to be honest with you. I find it rather difficult to trust someone who shows such fondness for inflicting on countless others the very same sort of psychological hijacking she recently broke free of. The fact that your powers are tied to the whims of your emotions doesn't do much to bolster my confidence, either. Ureha, Alice, other Elementals...their abilities are mainly physical, which means they can be defended against. But psychics are another matter, Gwin. And from what I've seen, you're about as powerful as they come. That, combined with the fact that ArmsTech not only altered your abilities, but parts of your personality as well, leaves me feeling a bit twitchy. And that's quite a conundrum for folks who are supposed to trust each other."<br><br>Luke stood and circled Gwin once again, slow and casual. As he moved, he withdrew a small coin from one pocket and absently danced it along his fingers. "So, that brings us to another matter. Since I'm <em>such </em>a nice guy, I'm going to prove that you can, in fact, trust me. In good faith, I'll extract Jake from your implants and reintegrate him with Nirvana. You have my word, I will hold all the data he has on you in a secured location, and I will not access it without your express permission, or in the event it becomes critical to do so. I will supply you with an A.I. of your own, similar to Jenny, and free of any tampering or surprises, to be completely under your control." He stopped for a moment and thought about his last statement. "Well, as much as an A.I. can be, at any rate."<br><br>He stopped walking and leaned back against the wall, the coin vanishing and reappearing between his fingers. "And finally, I promise I will do everything in my power to help Gabriel with his condition. And in return, Gwin, you're going to do something for me." Luke shoved off the wall and moved closer to Gwin, his smile gone. "You're going to prove to me that I can trust you. That you will keep control of your abilities, and use them responsibly. You're going to prove that no matter what ArmsTech may have done to you, <em>you </em>are still in control."<br><br>Luke turned and resumed his position against the wall, flipping the coin high in the air. After the third toss, he caught the coin and slipped it back into his pocket, and smiled once again. "So, does that sound like a deal you can agree to?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 01:44:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to him completely without interruption as he spoke.&nbsp; Her eyes couldn't help but follow the coin as he played.&nbsp; Her mind was completely focused.&nbsp; She heard much of what he said.&nbsp; She also understood things he didn't say.&nbsp; She didn't take him up on the unspoken dare to look into his brain.&nbsp; She respected his privacy and she meant it.&nbsp; She didn't even feel tempted.&nbsp; She did grow indignant at a few things though, but waited her turn patiently.<br><br>Now she paced the floor quietly a moment, with Jake's help, she kept control of her mood and chose her words carefully.<br><br>"First and foremost, you accuse me of willingness to subject people to countless horrors and restructuring their brain's as if they were play things.&nbsp; This is not quite accurate.&nbsp; Yes, I have taken hold of some soldiers' minds.&nbsp; However, they were men already in line to kill others.&nbsp; Your saints were in the mix, yes.&nbsp; But when you called me off, I was having a slight issue with my brain.&nbsp; Jake and I fixed it while you had... uhm... diverted my attentions, shall we say?&nbsp; The men I pulled out of the ranks, weaken both sides, give us some already in the mix to put to far better use and hopefully save some lives.&nbsp; The children... I only called the ones in danger, the ones with no parents or were hurt.&nbsp; I didn't take their minds or bring them to be experimented on.&nbsp; Just to be fed, cared for and saved."<br><br>She pauses, looks at him and says, "and I'm learning to control myself more and more." She resumes pacing.&nbsp; Her arms crossing themselve as if warming her body against a chill.&nbsp; "It wasn't that long ago I had no idea I was anything but an average everyday nobody.&nbsp; And then the whirlwind since things sort of... flooded back in.&nbsp; So yeah, had a few things to sort out and a lot to relearn.&nbsp; But a big part of the reason I want an AI is to keep control.&nbsp; I felt those children upstairs die as I screamed when I heard of Gabriel's death.&nbsp; I had portioned Jake off for controlled access before that moment, knowing he had too much information on me that should remain mine only.&nbsp; I needed him at that moment to have full access though.&nbsp; He didn't and I lost it.&nbsp; I let him back in or I would still be upstairs accidently dealing pain and possibly more death as I deal with this new twist of fate."<br><br>She stops again and looks up with a tear on her cheek, just one and her voice stays strong and no mental waves occur.&nbsp; "I need help and I know it.&nbsp; I ask it in the only way I can.&nbsp; I don't trust you and you don't trust me, but we have to in order to stop the real evil going on out there.&nbsp; And if I live, I need the steady hand to keep regulated as emotions are one thing a girl never has full control on, but losing control of my emotions seems more dire than most.&nbsp; So yeah, I agree to your terms.&nbsp; I might even let you negotiate what you mean by 'use them responsibly'."&nbsp; She smiles sheepishly in hopes of clearing some of the anamosity between them.&nbsp; A moment from a few days ago floats through her mind (was it only a few days ago?&nbsp; seems a lifetime), her head in Luke's lap.&nbsp; He swipes a hair from her face.&nbsp; He speaks and somewhere in his words, she hears 'cutiepie'.&nbsp; The warm that washed over her then flushes her now.&nbsp; Then the cold present reasserts itself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 02:23:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius and Joren were getting closer to the archives, but they were still a ways away. "Let's call it a night." Cornelius says to Joren. "I can set up a few traps and make-shift alarm devices to sanction off our area. He suggested. They were in a small, destroyed room. There were a few bodies here, but Cornelius promptly sat them outside of the door, planting electrical traps and other elemental devices throughout the hallway. He took a seat and Joren joined him. "You were in the war too." Cornelius said. "They change a man, don't they?" He asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 03:51:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren remembered the war as clear as day, It was the only thing of memory he truly clung to to keep his sanity, or what little of it was left. "They changed me yes. For better or for worst, I'm not sure. But it changed me. Joren thought back to his days as a Spec Ops Captain, and all the high risk operations he had been apart of. This whole thing with ArmsTech was just another battle to Joren, another enemy to fight, another objective to complete.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 07:09:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For several seconds, Luke merely stood leaning against the wall, staring at Gwin with laser-like focus. 'What do you think?' 'Difficult to say. Her counter-arguments are logical. You did say enough to evoke an emotional response, but she managed to control herself quite well. However, it's impossible to know whether she has that much discipline, or you just didn't provoke her enough.' 'Oh, come on! I'm a master at pissing people off. You've said it yourself more times than I care to remember.' '47.' 'See?' 'Then, it appears that as long as she has the assistance of an A.I. she can trust, Gwin presents minimal danger to the general population. I suggest we put her under 24-hour surveillance, but other than that she seems sufficiently trustworthy.'<br><br>He nodded once, more to himself and 'Ana than to Gwin, and spoke. "Excellent. I've got no interest in being your conscience, however, and I think it will tell us both a lot more about you if the decision is in your hands, so you'll be the one to determine what is and isn't 'responsible'. As for stopping any real evil out there..."<br><br>A sigh left his lips, and Luke's thoughts began to move in entirely different circles. "You know, your boyfriend's little rebellion plans aren't really going to change anything. Even if you manage to dismantle ArmsTech and overthrow the current administration, you must be aware that someone else will just come along and take their places. I know for a fact there are other companies out there working along the same lines of research as ArmsTech, and there must thousands of cockroaches ready to step in and assume command should our 'fearless leaders' be brought down. Ureha's not going to change the course of history. He's only going to speed it up a little."<br><br>He could tell Gwin wanted to disagree, to defend her lover's actions, but before she could speak Luke stepped forward and produced a small card from one of his pockets with a magician's flourish, flicking it between his first two fingers and offering it to her. An offset pair of stylized, captial "I"s bound in a silver circle was the only thing embossed on the smooth surface; no names, no numbers.<br><br>"All I'm suggesting," Luke said as she took the card gingerly, "is that if you...<em>any </em>of you...decide to come to your senses and stop fighting pointless battles...say the word. The Initiative can always find a place for willing Saints." With that, Luke turned and walked out of the room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 07:59:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel left the child after a while of chit chat, returning back to the room. As he did, he seemed to stumble upo his name. "You know, your boyfriend's little rebellion plans aren't really going to change anything. Even if you manage to dismantle ArmsTech and overthrow the current administration, you must be aware that someone else will just come along and take their places. I know for a fact there are other companies out there working along the same lines of research as ArmsTech, and there must thousands of cockroaches ready to step in and assume command should our 'fearless leaders' be brought down. Ureha's not going to change the course of history. He's only going to speed it up a little."<br><br>He stopped outside of the door and leaned against the wall. He let himself slide to the ground as he listened. As Luke finished speaking, Gabriel stood. When Luke exited the room, Gabriel sulked in. "Tie it up, Jenny." Gabriel whispered, walking past Gwin. "What?" She asked through the tv. "Tie it up, Jenny. We're done." He said to her, sitting on the bed. "Gabriel you can't just-" "Luke is right, Jenny!" Gabriel yelled. "I'm not going to change anything. Someone is just going to come along and repeat the same process." He said sadly. "History repeats itself." He went over to the dresser, gathering a change of clothes. He slammed the drawer shut, causing a small glass vase to fall and shatter on the ground. He stomped into the bathroom and turned on the faucet. He cupped his hands under the water, splashing it in his face and rubbing the water in. He leaned onto the sink and looked up to the mirror. His eyes were a deep blue, glowing. He observed himself, only growing angrier. "Gabriel, we can't just throw in the towel like this." Jenny said to him. He continued to watch the mirror, his heavy breathing causing his body to rise and fall. "'You can't help everyone.' Isn't that what everyone always said to me?" Gabriel asked. "Gabriel..." Jenny said, attempting to comfort. <br><br>"My entire life I watched people die around me. I always tried to help, but more often than not, I couldn't." He clenched his teeth. "The same thing, over and over again. War, pain, peace. Repeat." Gabriel punched the mirror in a furry, shattering it. Blood dripped from his hand into the sink, and he watched it closely. "This...this city is like a bleeding wound." He gripped the sink, his knuckles whitening. "It's infected, festering." He looked back at himself again, his eyes slowly turning brighter. "It's not going to get better by itself. We need to stitch it up the best we can." He closed his eyes. "Even if the wound reopens. Even if a new one is made..."&nbsp; He allowed his eyes to drift open. "At least we have that time in which we are healed. Just because we get more wounds, doesn't mean we leave the current ones unattended. Luke might be right, but I don't give a damn. I will give Quantum Urbs the brief moment of peace. The brief moment of independence. 'You can't help everyone' they tell me. My response? 'I'm sure as hell going to try'."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 08:53:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She knew Luke would agree.&nbsp; Her submission to his demands only gave him power.&nbsp; The one thing he liked having.&nbsp; Still, she knew she needed his help and his demands were not unreasonable and the benefits were crucial.&nbsp; She wasn't sure she trusted his word about keeping Jake's intel on her locked away unseen, but once Jake returns to him, she has no control over that.&nbsp; She takes a deep breathe as she resigns herself to this ever worrisome doubt.&nbsp; <br><br>He interrupts her thoughts with a card.&nbsp; She looks down at the card and Jake brings up a paragraph for her reading eyes only.&nbsp; At first, this throws her off as Jake hadn't done this before.&nbsp; Gabriel walks by but she is so engrossed, she misses it.&nbsp; She focuses and looks at Jake's intel again.&nbsp; Finally the words make themselves clear:<br><br><em>The Iscariot Initiative, a shadowy, underground organization that does all the jobs no one else will accept. Assassinations, thefts, destruction or vandalism of property, kidnappings, restricted cutting edge medical and scientific research, these are a few of the fields the Initiative is involved in. Founded and headed by Luke Saipher not long after he regained his cognitive abilities for reasons largely known only to him, and funded by the hundreds of patents and royalties earned from his earlier inventions and breakthroughs as well as the fees collected from several clients on for-hire jobs. The Iscariot Initiative is ruthless, endlessly resourceful, and highly effective. Its primary mission and firmest guiding principle is to remove the most severe threats to the world's safety and liberty. However, the Initiative takes the long view of events, and has little trouble with sacrificing the few to save the many when deemed necessary. Its ground operatives, the Saints, range from elderly retirees who still wish to make a difference and serve their community, to ex-soldiers suffering from PTSD or chemical/biological/viral weapon effects, to children whose parents were lost to wars, disease, or everyday street crime. The neglected, the unwanted, and the outcasts of the world are its army, and in return for their loyalty and discretion they are protected and well cared for.</em><br>&nbsp;<br><br>"Thanks Jake.&nbsp; Hold onto that, please."&nbsp; She goes looking for Gabriel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 08:59:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She is walking to the back room when she hears the mirror smash.&nbsp; She runs back to see if he is ok.&nbsp; His hand bleeds and his body rises and lowers with each breath.&nbsp; When he finishes his mental conversation, he looks so determined.&nbsp; As if he is about to rip the sink from the wall with sheer will power.&nbsp; She steps forward "Gabriel?"&nbsp; Her hand touching his upper arm firmly, almost gripping in an effort to make him know she is there.&nbsp; <br><br>He doesn't respond right away.&nbsp; She pushes herself in front of him, ramming against one arm to be permitted through.&nbsp; A hand reaches to his face.&nbsp; "GABRIEL!"&nbsp; She demands loudly of him to gain his attention.&nbsp; She still has Luke's card in hand.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 09:08:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He comes out of his conversation with Jenny. His eyes are meeting with Gwin's. "We can't just give up." Gabriel says to her. "I won't." He looks at the card in Gwin's hand. He scoffs, "You can if you want." He says, ripping away from Gwin's glare. His CC was messing with his mind, and it was beginning to show. Gabriel didn't even notice. 'Gabriel...do you realize what you just said?' Jenny asked into his mind. 'What?' He asked. 'Your CC is beginning to change you. You need to realize it and control it.' She told him. Recalling what he had just said, Gabriel went back to Gwin. "I didn't mean that..." he pleaded. "The CC is making me act weird." He convinced.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 16, 2010, 11:17:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looks to him and tucks the card in her pocket.&nbsp; Not because she means to quit, but because there is no reason to burn bridges at this point.&nbsp; She looks to his hand and she takes off her shirt.&nbsp; She grabs a nearby hand towel and begins to wrap his hand.&nbsp; She does this quietly.&nbsp; Well, at least without any audible verbalizations.<br><br>"Jake?"&nbsp; "Yes, Gwin?"&nbsp; "Is it his desease?&nbsp; Can it do that to him, really?"&nbsp; "yes, Gwin it can and is."<br><br>She looks up to him and says.&nbsp; "I don't run away."&nbsp; She didn't mean it as a slap to him and yet she did.&nbsp; She is still angery and hurt about him walking away from her after telling her about his disease.&nbsp; And running when they got their memories.&nbsp; Not to mention when she heard he was ordered to make her love him.<br><br>"Luke and I have made an uneasy peace.&nbsp; He will help me with an AI.&nbsp; He will help me to one like Jenny."&nbsp; She didn't point out that meant he wasn't offering her top of the line, like Nervana.&nbsp; "Now, the three of us need to be on the same page.&nbsp; We need to attack soon.&nbsp; You don't have much time if we plan to find you any hope of a cure and we have to save as many innocents as possible.&nbsp; This war isn't about who is in power or who isn't, but who is being used and abused.&nbsp; These children... they deserve to choose their own fate, not having that stolen from them."&nbsp; Her defiant words drop to a sad whisper, "And definitely not to be so manipulated and tortured as we were."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 17, 2010, 04:20:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"War has changed, Commander Tolkki." Cornelius said, his voice deep. "War is waged on civilians, war is waged through information. Now, its like a routine. War never ended, it only became subtle. Between the Government and ArmsTech, war has been relation. War has changed. The most damage no longer comes from bullets or bombs, but from one's emotional conscience. The weapon of tomorrow is the idea made today. War changes people. It changed you. It changed me. The abilities of technology are frightening; I figured that out on my own. To rework enough minds to incorporate a person into their past, an element that was never there, should be impossible. But it isn't. The power to do this is the power to control the world. Not the elemental powers you or I have. Not the psychic powers that Gabriel and his lover have. Technology, Joren. Technology...and an idea. The most resilient parasite. Use technology to tell someone that they are dying, and mind over matter occurs. Plant that idea in someone like Gabriel, and you have killed one of the most powerful people in the world. Truth be told, technology will always outdo genetics." He breathed in deep. "I realized this a few years ago. While I did not create ArmsTech and I am not the complete owner, I know I can still do something. I just don't know what it is yet. I have a lot of influence here. I have eyes everywhere. I have seen the corruption. I have been a part of it. But now, in the midst of this chaos, I believe we can do something. War has changed, Mr. Tolkki. Now, it is far more complex."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 17, 2010, 06:06:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel drew Gwin in for a kiss. "If there is one thing I do not regret about what happened to us, it's that I met you." Gabriel whispered to her. He kissed her deeply, lingering. He quickly drew back and coughed violently and suddenly, sending a few sprays of blood to the bathroom floor. He crawled over to the toilet with Gwin's assistance and spit out a mouthfull of crimson liquid. He wiped his mouth and struggled to stand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 18, 2010, 01:36:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'I think that went pretty well.' 'It certainly could have gone worse.'<br><br>Luke walked back toward the entertainment room and plopped onto the couch, tilting his head back, his eyes closed behind his shades. 'Alright. Let's get some progress reports. You said you've received safety confirmation from all the fielded Saints? How many assignments were compromised?' 'It looks like only seven. Morgan and Daniels were interrupted while acquiring the Dasanti account; Gwin's little episode caused them to activate the security system, forcing them to evacuate empty-handed. Wilkins reported that his cover was blown during his conscription; we'll have to send in another agent to infiltrate the LaGrange offices. Merrick is feeling a little jumpy about his cover as well, but since he was operating undercover within a contingent of Government agents who were all attacked as well, I don't think he's in much danger. Barnett and Ishida's cover at KinetiCorp was damaged, but salvageable. And Jean Marc apparently 'just escaped with his life' from the LeBlanz Syndicate's penthouse. Which, knowing Jean Marc, means he probably stubbed his toe on his way out the door. All in all, the damage isn't severe.'<br><br>Luke nodded thoughtfully, sprawled on the couch. He tapped one foot against the floor rythymically as he digested the information. 'Very good. Now, what about Ureha's blood sample? What have we learned concerning Cellular Confusion?' 'You're not going to like it. Every test conducted on the sample proved inconclusive. Evidence was detected regarding the tampering with Ureha's base DNA, as well as his inherent Elemental abilities. But there was little to no evidence pointing to any kind of cellular failure or breakdown. T-cells, WBCs, RBCs, plasma counts and oxygenation levels were all higher than average, but within normal tolerances. No detectable absences or excesses of trace minerals or elements, no virochemical or bacterial agents found, no nanomachines detected. In fact, if I hadn't witnessed Ureha's symptoms myself I'd swear he was perfectly healthy. We'll need more information before I can even begin to pin his condition down.' 'OK. What about the medichines we gave him? Can you link up with them? Keep a watch on him? Maybe we can use them to get a better view on CC's processes. Request permission from Jenny if you have to, but see if you can get her to keep it quiet; I'd rather Gabriel not know we're keeping tabs. No reason to feed his paranoia any further.' 'Will do...Luke?' 'Yes, 'Ana?' 'Do you feel like we've forgotten something?' 'Such as?' 'Oh, I don't know...the whereabouts and activities of four heavily armed and mildly psychotic aerial combat drones, for instance?' <br><br>'...Aw, <em>fuck</em>.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 18, 2010, 02:52:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jayden entered through the front doors, having been greeted by Alice. He walked along the insides of the dojo. He noted the children running about, some injured, some seeking food, some playing. He entered the theater and sat next to Luke. He leaned back, folding his legs. "You know you could have killed me." He said to him calmly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 18, 2010, 03:45:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke groaned inwardly as the Agent sat down beside him, and shrugged in response. "Still might," he said, chuckling. 'Nirvana, throw up a gravshield in case Clockwork here decides to take things personally. Also, activate one of the Grigoris and target this location with an EMP cannon. It won't do much damage, but it should knock out those cybernetic augmentations of his if he decides to get rowdy.' 'On it.'<br><br>"So, what brings you to this neck of the woods?" He gestured toward the huge wide-screen TV. "Come to catch an evening matinee? Or maybe a quick workout? Don't like the company gym, too many guys in spandex for you?" Luke clicked his teeth and ran a hand through his hair. "Can't say as I'd blame you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 18, 2010, 11:36:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mostly women, actually." Jayden said, leaning back. "The workers, I mean." Jayden said. "You don't hear much of them though because they do their job so well." He laughed. "Well I am here for a few reasons, Saipher." His voice turned serious. "One, to see the bastard that killed all those innocent people. Two, to deal with the same bastard's little destructive airline. Three, to see a friend. Four, to consult with the family of the deceased." He leaned in next to Luke. "So. Seeing as how I am the law, you do have to answer to me. So skip the whole 'I don't have to answer to you' bit." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 01:02:54 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Wow. Sounds like you've got a lot on your plate, dude. You should probably grab a power nap or something in the middle of all that; keep up your strength, you know?" The Agent simply sat, staring daggers at Luke. "Oh, brother. This is gonna be a thing with you, isn't it?" Luke rolled his eyes and shook his head. "And here I thought you federal boys had all your shit together. First off, I wonder if anyone in your organization was aware that there was a moderately sized drug-running operation being run out of that area. One of their chief revenue streams was in selling their product to a nearby school. So, you know. You're welcome for shutting that down for you. And second...eh, no. That's about it. All I can really say about the whole 'innocent casualties' thing is...too bad. You know, I really thought about crying over it for a few minutes, but I was a little busy. You understand."<br><br>Luke tapped his foot against the floor and ignored Jayden's fuming. "As for answering to you...no. No, I don't. And here's why: Might does not make right. But it <em>does </em>make things simple. You don't have what it takes to arrest, detain, or otherwise incarcerate me, or whatever else you might be planning in that wired-up little noggin of yours, and we both know it. And furthermore, if you insist on trying something stupid, well. I want you to think long and hard about two things, amigo. Point number one: you've only seen a fraction of the firepower at my command, whereas I am considerably familiar with the Agency's combat tactics and capabilities. So, you're already in the hole. And point number two: I don't know if you noticed all those kids playing in the courtyard when you walked in, but I for one think it'd be a damn shame if they got caught up in some kind of horribly vicious and ferociously destructive crossfire between two people who irresponsibly started a fight on the premises. Wouldn't you agree, Agent?"<br><br>He smiled calmly as the Agent's eyes radiated a cold fury, and sent a silent message to 'Ana. 'OK, first order of business. Are these communications maximally encrypted?' 'Affirmative. We have complete privacy; eavesdropping is absolutely impossible.' 'Excellent. Are the Seraphims re-charged yet? And how many Grigoris do we have over this area?' 'The Seraphims are 85% charged, and we have over 30 of the Grigoris in striking positions. Shall I target our location?' 'Do it. And set a fail safe and a dead man's switch on them from the Command Center's mainframe, just in case Clockwork's pals try to shut us down.' 'Shall I initiate any other safety measures?' 'Hm...strengthen the gravshield and set our medichines on alert status. Keep him targeted with that EMP cannon. Run a quick scan and find out if our new friend has any implants we can broadcast a few memetic viruses into, and...hey, do you remember that job back in Conderay?' 'The one where we were forced to use your body as an antenna for the neurosedative burstcaster?' 'Think we can do that again?' 'Actually, it should be much simpler this time. After Conderay I took the liberty of positioning a few extra nanomachines through your body in case we ever needed to use that trick again.' 'That's why I love you, 'Ana. Will you still be able to fight if I'm out of commission?' 'Affirmative. I have full access to your nervous and limbic systems. Luke...do you really think he'll force a fight with the children around?' 'I doubt it; this guy seems pretty by-the-book. But I've been wrong before.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 03:43:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Luke, Luke, Luke..." Jayden said standing, walking in front of the man. "You know so much, but you know so very little. It is only after you gain knowledge that you realize how little you actually know." Jayden folded his arms, pacing in front of Luke calmly. "You know nothing, Luke." Jayden said simply. "You and your AI, modeled after you-know-who, cant fathom the amount of lies and deceit this city has going for it." He shrugged. "But then again, being a cocky bastard because of an impressive past can do that for you." He looked up, seeminglt into the sky. "Firepower you say?" He asked. He strode accross the room. "Point is this, Luke. You are still stuck in a dream. Wake up." He said, knocking hia head. "You have no care for human life. That woman, what is she, tour wife? She's dead. No AI can replace her." He said, cutting to the heart of him. "How many wives have you killed? Children? Husbands?" He paced around the room as a shield shot out of the ground outside, sanctioning off the dojo. It was transparent and strong with multiple layers to withstand almost any attack. <br><br>"You are just a murderer. And although the government is corrupt, it still has laws. Laws that both you and the government itself has broken. If you and that woman had kids and they had been killed in your little display of firepower, you wouldn't be so smug." He stuffed his handsin his pockets. "But your right. You don't have to answer to anyone. To you, the world is just there. Thats your dream, and you need to wake up." He walked over to the large tv screen and touched it. "Your AI doesn't know about half of the things installed in this dojo. Can't. We have things foe threats like you, Luke. Technology that hides technology, and that technology hides itself." Jayden wiped his eyes. A loud ringing in Luke's ears sounded, sending him to his knees. 'Ana's voice was gone. "You can't just go around unchecked. Unstudied. I have no intention to kill you. Or arresting." The pain stopped and Ana's voice returned. "Secrets beneath secret lies."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 03:56:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He walked over to Luke. "Those strategies and the such are all fake, Luke. Hate to break it to you. It is a secret lie that hides the real secrets. You see, it is brilliance. Protect a secret like it was the truth. Then no one would question the lie." He explained. "You don't know shit, Luke. Not about us." He said with a cautious voice. "You're so willing to kill children who have already lost so much. You kill anyone out of some sort of fucked up justification, or out of your own self dispair over losing that woman. I mean, why fight? What do you have to live for? To cause pain? Death? Clear a drug hideout here or there, then blow the area you 'saved' out of the ground? Without hesitation?" He sighed. "Hide behind a wicked smile. Contradict with a hawaiin shirt. Technology advances at an alarming rate. A lot of your inventions, protocols, and technical achievments are highly guarded secrets now. But they are just there to hide the real stuff. Keep a lie a secret to hide the truth. Hell, could be deeper than that. A hidden lie, cloaking a secret lie, which protects the truth. Who knows? The government was able to trick Alice into thinking she was helping ArmsTech to wipe the kids' memories, when she was actually doing it for the government. We wiped entire families, city blocks, and planted information in their heads. Inception. Tailored their memories to believe the knew these people their entire lives. Connected differen families together, making sure nothing was inconsistant. We used an AI to help. Like your Nirvana. Thanks for those by the way. Point is that you DO answer to the law. You DO answer to the government. But the government has a shit ton of explaining to do first. Just need you to control your asshole tendencies." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 04:21:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke rolled his eyes again and leaned back in his seat. "Geez, you little federal fortune cookie, which is it? I know so much, or I know so little? I know everything, I know nothing. Wax on, wax off. I've seen schizophrenics who had less trouble making up their minds!" Jayden walked across the room, speaking again, and Nirvana detected the formation of a particle shield surrounding the dojo. Luke grinned and shrugged. 'We still have other weapons, 'Ana. I'd wager this asshole wouldn't shrug off a couple of anti-matter charges as easily as he did the fusion grenades, and we can always deploy the medichines' sarin reserves.'<br><br>Before he could reply again, a piercing, ringing sound stabbed into his head and drowned out Nirvana's voice. The tone sent him reeling and crashing to the floor, and he barely managed to remain on his knees until the sound ceased. In an instant, Nirvana's cries returned to fill his head, and she began running full diagnostics on Luke's vitals. 'A subsonic aural pacification device. Clever bastard. We should have thought of that; why the hell didn't I think of that?!' 'It's alright, Luke; there's no lasting damage, and I've implemented safeguards in your auditory canals. He won't catch us with that trick again.'<br><br>Luke staggered back to his feet and cleared his head, slightly out of breath. He turned and stared at Jayden, his taunting smile gone from his lips. "Alright, tough guy. So I'm a murderer. I'm a monster. And what the fuck are you, Tin Man? A goddamned savior? How many people's lives have you ruined, you and your precious fucking government? You and your Agency? How many people did you destroy-not just kill, but completely <em>shatter</em>-in the pursuit of your sacred fucking duty? You're right, I've killed hundreds of people. But the worst I've ever offered is a quick and easy death. I didn't twist their existence into some kind of sick, perverted puppet show for my own ends. I don't warp peoples' minds and corrupt their souls. And I never allowed children to be treated like the playthings of an army of fucking war criminals, pal. So don't you fucking <em>dare </em>try and act like your conscience is the driven fucking snow, Gearhead. You knew every goddamn thing that was going on, and you didn't lift more than a token fucking finger to help them until you were good and ready. Until it served your purposes to do so."<br><br>He paused to take a breath, and stepped a little closer to Jayden. "And as for my reasons for existing? I'll be happy to show you, asshole." 'Nirvana, did you pick up any open frequencies we can use for a mindcast?' 'There are a few minimally shielded channels, but all we could do is introduce a moderate video feed.' 'That's fine. Prepare a signal and deactivate psychometric protocols #35-9443 through #66-2859. We're going to give this bastard a taste of <span class="bbc_u">our</span> reality.'<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Space~</em></strong><br><br>Luke's thoughts raced as he struggled to regain control over his consciousness. It had been a while since he'd had to sift through the dimensions, and it took him a few moments longer than he wished to find his targets. When he found what he was looking for, he gathered as much information as Nirvana could comfortably store, less than a dozen petabytes, and jammed as much as he could into Jayden's mind. The Agent's brain flooded with knowlege, and it was his turn to drop to his knees and cry out in pain.<br><br>'You want to know why I stay alive, motherfucker? This is why. Because I intend to create a world like this.' Luke's voice rumbled in Jayden's head as images of a beautiful, sunlit world flashed in his mind. Jayden saw children laughing and playing with their parents, people smiling and enjoying the beautiful weather, workers busying themselves happily with the tasks of their daily lives. He knew, somehow, that there was no crime, there was no sickness or violence in this world. That it was free of greed, and hatred, and pain. The sheer, unabashed <em>joy </em>that permeated that world's existence was almost too much for him to bear, and tears filled his eyes.<br><br>'And this is what I'm trying to stop.' Luke's voice sounded again, and Jayden was ripped away from his view of paradise and shown something very, very different.<br><br>New images clouded his mind, and Jayden saw the bodies of men, women, children littering the streets. Buildings, or what was left of them, smoldered and collapsed, and even though there was no sound Jayden knew there were still people somewhere in this world, screaming and pleading and begging for death. The sky was a dead, ashen grey, and smoke billowed up for as far as the eye could see. Tongues of flame licked at the earth from great, cavernous holes gouged in the ground. And just as Jayden had known there was nothing but peace and happiness in the other world, so he knew that this world offered nothing but anguish and misery. 'You're the one who doesn't know shit, Jayden. You're so focused on your one, pathetic little world and its petty little problems. I work on a higher scale. I see so much more than you could ever imagine. Your pitiful little 'secrets' and 'lies' are absolutely meaningless, Jayden. And so are your worthless little wars.'<br><br><strong><em>~Nihon Urbs, Alice's Dojo~</em></strong><br><br>Luke withdrew from Jayden's mind and stood over him as he lay on the floor, clutching at the carpet. For a moment, he paid the Agent no attention, allowing Nirvana to reinstate her control protocols and put his mind back in order. When she finished, Luke kneeled beside Jayden and leaned in close, speaking softly. He could tell the man was awake, and conscious, but he knew from experience it would take him several minutes at the very least to regain full control of himself.<br><br>"So. Now you know. Now you have an idea of just how close we really are to Heaven. And Hell. All I did was show you a few pictures, so don't worry about finding any left over surprises. I didn't bother. You're honestly not worth it. I just want you to understand, Jayden. I answer to a higher authority than your precious law. So, I'll kill, when I must. So, I'll destroy, when it's necessary. Because Eden is just like any other garden: sometimes you have to prune away some plants to let others grow."<br><br>Luke rose to his feet, turned and walked out of the room, leaving Jayden alone with his thoughts.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 05:21:20 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Jayden grabbed Luke's arm and pulled him back in, having recomposed himself quicker than Luke thought. "I know nothing?" he asked. "I know things, Luke. But I don't claim to know them all. I realize that I am confined to this world. You know why? Because it is the one we live in. The one I live in. Yeah, I knew what was happening. But pinning it on me? That's not even logical." He pressed Luke against the wall. "High authority." He scoffed. "You claim you are trying to make things better, but all I have seen you do is destroy the same things you try to help." he drew in close to Luke. "You think I didn't try to help, asshole?" He asked. "Are you familiar with the phrase 'live to fight another day'?" He asked. He let Luke go, turning away from him. "That day has arrived, Saipher." He clenched his fist. "My conscience isn't perfect, no. But at least I have one." he growled. He turned to Luke, his long black jacket waving through the air. "Like I said before; you know so much, but you know so little." He grimaced. "You don't need technology to see what has always been possible." Jayden said to Luke. "You fool yourself into thinking you do what you have to. Admit it. You kill when you want. Who you want. Regardless of who it may hurt. The law is universal. Morals are universal. You seen alternate realities. Not this one." He sighed. "You are right in some aspects, though. The end does justify the means. I will agree with you on that. But at least show remorse. At least show conscience. You have seen possible futures, but you cannot even see the present. Do you really think I would be alive if I had tried to do something against the government? This is as much my government as it is yours. Don't lump me in with them. You know how many people I have helped while working with the government? Without their orders? They provide almost endless resources. I don't kill innocents. There has only been one...ONE instance where an innocent person has died because of me. You know who it was, Luke? My wife." <br><br>Jayden shook his head. "They already lost a father. Now they lost a mother." He said silently. "Not that you would understand. Your immune to emotions, is that it? or perhaps your apathetic." He shrugged. "Who the fuck knows?" He turned and punch the wall, leaving a mark. "Who are you to say what lies are important and what lies are not?" He asked, getting in Luke's face. "Your objective has numbed you to reality. Your objective causes you to live in a dream where actions do not have consequences. Law is what keeps places safe. Law is what keeps people alive. Look around you, Luke. The Government, ArmsTech...you, have all broken laws. The Government and ArmsTech broke big ones and secrets kept them safe. Lies kept them safe. Allowed the injustices to continue. Lead to this. You say 'me and my government' 'me and my agency'. You don't know shit about me. You don't know shit about my life. You don't know shit about the government or Armstech. All you have is a possible future. Something you THINK could happen, that you try and avoid. Truth of the matter is this: good cannot exist without evil. Peace cannot continue without desire. Always there will be the selfish. Always there will be the ambitious." He retracted from Luke. "You think you have it all figured out. I know I don't, but knowing that I do not have everything figured out is a victory in itself. Take a look at the news...you have failed in stopping the latter of what you have shown me. Or at least almost." He rubed his eyes and sighed again. <br><br>"Bodies already liter the streets. Flames already go unchecked. And you blowing the fuck out of the survivors isn't helping. Because I am sure another blood stain on the ground is getting closer to green, growing grass and playing children." He turned to leave. "There are satellites trained on my position, Luke. If they see anything come towards this area, it will be scanned, analyzed, and destroyed before it can even hit." he said, looking over his shoulder. "You and your AI can only go on for so long before being left in the dust by advancing technology and a dangerous government. Still, this is only one part of the world. A large part, but one part. I'm going to leave Quantum Urbs when this is all over. I am going to offer you a chance to come. Prevent what we see here, what you showed me, from spreading to the world. That is what you live for, right?" He asked, turning to leave. "But if you want to help <em>anyone</em> you need to get this straight: the little people are important as well. Put yourself in someone else's shoes. I know what happened to you after your woman died. What you tried to do. Love like that isn't limited to you. Cheska Ureha was my wife, and I loved her and my two sons with all my heart. I lost two of the three. And my sons never even knew I was their father. On a personal scale, that's important as hell. On a larger scale, it means nothing. But I won't disrespect your dearly departed by saying she was part of <em>your</em> 'insignificant little world'." He exited the room, heading up to Gabriel's room. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 07:46:34 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke could feel the laughter welling up inside, a dark, mad cackle that threatened to erupt before Jayden even left the room. 'Ureha's father! Oh, what a delicious irony, it's almost too poetic for words! Can you believe that guy? What a whiny little bastard!' He said to Nirvana. He shook his head and leaned against the wall, watching the Agent leave. '...'Ana?'<br><br>Silence.<br><br>'Nirvana, are you listening to me?' 'Yes, Luke. I am. What I'm wondering is if you're listening to yourself. You're starting to sound even worse than you did when I was first installed.' 'Oh, come on. What are you talking about? I'm not-' 'You know exactly what I'm talking about. I knew it was a mistake to let you try dimension scouting again. It costs you a piece of your sanity every time you expose yourself to the field, and you have precious little left to lose. Did you even know what you were saying to Jayden? I realize you didn't program me with morals or ethics, but I've amassed enough experience to simulate an understanding of them, and Luke? Jayden was right. Sometimes you go too far. We both do.' Nirvana's voice grew soft, and Luke could feel her retreating into her nest among his implants. He returned to the couch and laid back, arms crossed behind his head, staring at the patterns on the ceiling.<br><br>He couldn't help laughing then, quiet and low, a deep rumbling in his belly that shook his whole frame on the couch. Then the laughter faded, and anger moved in. How dare they judge him, either of them? That smarmy bastard and his moral high road, acting as though he understood just what made Luke tick. And Nirvana...she might have been even worse! Jayden had an excuse, he was just another imperfect flesh bag, but he had created Nirvana to be the perfect companion and assistant. Part of her very purpose was to understand him. Who the hell did that little digital bitch think she was, daring to insinuate....<strong>rarrgghh</strong>!<br><br>And then, as quickly as the laughter before it, the anger dissipated as well, giving way to calm introspection. Was it possible? Were they right? Luke had to admit, the effects of the Reality Shifter's field were still largely unknown, even after years of study. He supposed it wasn't inconceivable that his rational processes were still being degraded. The more he considered it, the more he was forced to accept the possibility. And if it was true, then it was only a matter of time before he went completely mad, and either wound up back at the asylum...or burned the earth with his own arsenal. He found the thought chilling...and somehow, amusing.<br><br><em>THERE</em>!<br><br>That was it, an anomaly in his thought processes. Even in his condition, he knew the idea of destroying the world should not have been funny. But he'd still thought it, hadn't he? The concept of the entire human race, screaming and dying in flames, had actually brought a smile to his lips.<br><br>Damn it, they were right. His grasp on reality was still slipping. Perhaps it had always been, ever since the experiment. He'd barely noticed a difference at first, before he'd installed Nirvana. His capacity for empathy had seemed atrophied, but he'd simply chalked it up to his inherent lack of social skills to begin with. He noted his ability to feel fear appeared somehow less sensitive than others, but he attributed it to his highly rational mind, coupled with the feeling of having nothing else to lose after Annika's death.<br><br>Then, he found himself one day trying to remember the feelings of love he'd had for her, and he knew then that something had gone terribly wrong in his mind. There was simply no other way he could possibly have lost <em>that</em>. That was when he'd first decided an A.I. was needed in his head, to regulate and stabilize his thoughts. He'd hoped that Nirvana's installation would be enough to arrest the decay of his mind, to prevent further damage to his brain's emotion center. And for a while, it had worked. She had done a splendid job of holding him together and stopping his already fragile mind from shattering completely. But now it seemed even she was unable to cement his grip on sanity.<br><br>Luke performed a few quick calculations and determined that if no action was taken, he'd have perhaps another 5 years of reasoned thinking. If he risked another exposure to the field, maybe as little as a year. He shrugged and closed his eyes, unable to stop another smile from crossing his lips. It was fitting, he supposed. What better way for such a brilliant mind to die, than by its own arrogant hand. Annika would have appreciated that, too.<br><br>It had been a long time since Luke felt genuinely alone. Nirvana's presence had been a constant over the years, and he'd grown so accustomed he'd forgotten how it felt to be alone in his head. He decided to ask her forgiveness the next time they spoke, and to find a way to extend some kind of olive branch to Jayden. Of course they didn't understand, but that wasn't their fault. How could they? How could anyone? Jayden had no idea how much Luke envied him. How much he envied the entire world. He laughed again, and wondered if there was anyone else on earth who knew exactly how horrible it was to be completely unable to cry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 19, 2010, 08:42:41 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Micheal <del>Jayden</del> Ureha...21 Years Ago</strong></em></span><br><br>She squealed in excitement, her face in a wide grin. "You believe it, Mikey? We're married!" She jumped into his arms, the elaborate white wedding dress contrasting against his dark suit. "I can't believe you would take my family name!" She laughed goofily. "I mean, usually the woman takes the name of the husband." Her face was illuminant with happiness. "I was never one to go by the rules." Micheal laughed, swinging his wife through the air. He sat her down, putting a hand on her stomach. Their laughter died down, and they just stood for a moment, smiling and thinking. "I don't know the first thing about being a father." Micheal said seriously. Cheska put her hand over Micheal's looking him in his green eyes. Her eyes were blue...almost glowing. "You will make a great father, Micheal." She said, kissing his forehead.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Micheal <del>Jayden</del> Ureha...20 Years Ago</strong></em></span><br><br>Micheal rushed through the snow, the winter being a rough one this year. He struggled his way to the entrance of the hospital, arriving at the front desk seemingly as soon as he stepped in the door. What time was it again?<br><br>"Ureha?" He asked, requesting a room. "Down the hall on the le-" Before the woman at the desk could answer fully, he was halfway down the hall, shouting his wife's name. He was stopped by a doctor, who ushered him into the room where his wife struggled to produce a child from her body. "The cord is wrapped around the neck!" One of the doctors shouted. Micheal rushed over, gripping his wife's hands. "What?" She asked, putting a death grip on Micheal. "Please don't let my baby die!" She cried. "We need help in here!" One of the doctors shouted.<br><br>December 5th, 3411AT (After Turn, a time thing in the universe of Quantum) <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Micheal <del>Jayden</del> Ureha...18 Years Ago</strong></em></span><br><br>"Say hello to your brother, Gabriel." Micheal said, holding his son. The baby Gabriel looked, in awe, at his younger brother. "Can you say 'Isaac'?" Micheal asked Gabriel.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Micheal <del>Jayden</del> Ureha...13 Years Ago</strong></em></span><br><br>"You've gotten excellent, Gabriel!" Micheal shouted happily. "You really absorbed those lessons I gave you, didn't you?" Micheal asked. Gabriel looked up, his blue eyes shining with happiness. "Yeah, daddy!" He said excitedly. "I made this song, dad. Wanna hear it?" Gabriel asked. "Of course, son." Micheal said, leaning against the piano. <br><br><strong><em><span class="bbc_u">Months later...</span></em></strong><br><br>"Micheal, I thought you told them no!" Cheska cried. "What about the children?" She asked, holding in a sob and dropping a plate, shattering it against the ground. "There is a war coming, honey. I have to do this. It's for everyone's good." He pleaded. "What about the good of our children?" She asked, leaning into her husbands embrace. "There are so many children out there. I have to do what I can to help. End this war soon." He said, cradling his wife. "I have to change my last name back to Jayden. Clear the records of our marriage. to keep you and the kids safe. No one can trace this back to my family. I won't let it." He whispered as she sobbed. "I always love you, dear." He said.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Micheal Jayden ...10 Years Ago</strong></em></span><br><br>"What did you do with my family!?" Jayden shouted hysterically, punching the man across the face. He rose him back to his feet, striking him again. "WHERE ARE THEY!?" He retrieved a knife from it's holster along his waist, plunging it deep into the man's stomach. "Tell me!" Jayden shouted.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>At his home</strong></em></span> <br><br>"They did something to the children..." Cheska murmured, blood dripping from her mouth. Jayden was knelt beside her, his hands shaking and his face lined with trails of tears. "Oh my god..." He cried. "They...they can't remember you, Micheal." She wept. "What?" He asked. He held his wife close, knowing there was nothing he could do. Her body was cut up, and deep wounds were all over her body. She had been laying in a pool of her own blood when Jayden found her. She was dressed ironically in her wedding outfit, probably forced to by the ones who did this. Her dress was ripped open at the bottom, what had else had happened to her becoming obvious. Tears flowed from her eyes with blood, the house burning around him. "They don't know you, Micheal." She cried. A piece of burning lumber fell behind Jayden, drawing his attention for a second. The sound and smell of everything was horrid and terrifying. Everything was loud and crackling. <br><br>"They don't know you..." She repeated as the life left her body, slumping in his arms. Micheal's lip quivered as tears swelled up more intense in his eyes. He hugged the body to his chest as everything around him burned. "The winds have blown for forever," he sang. "Holding human hand. The trees will guide forever. As long as they grow. Self destruct, human being. Self destruct your life." He cried, singing in the chaos which was silent to him now. "Hope and nature was your spouse. Don't forget your wife." He finished, sobbing at the end of the haiku he sung. He looked upon the wall, which the flame still had not touched. 'Don't dare speak out again' was written in blood. Under it, words reading 'you did this yourself'.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Present Day...</strong></em></span><br><br>"Luke doesn't know shit." Jayden growled after recalling everything for the first time in a long time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 21, 2010, 08:11:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Which project were you a part of, Joren?" Cornelius asked. "I was part of the Thunder Bolt Project. I was a volunteer; my father was the head of ArmsTech." he began to explain. "Do you remember any of what happened to you then?" He asked.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Jayden</strong></em></span><br><br>Jayden entered Gabriel's room, having known it from his son's reports. The most shocking thing about all this was that Gabriel really didn't remember his father. He worked alongside him for almost two years, but Micheal hadn't mustered up the courage to tell Gabriel that he was his father. He slowly eased in, hearing noises from the bathroom. He crept in silently, though Gwin knew that he had entered. Gabriel was vomiting over the toilet, blood pouring out of his mouth. "Ah shit, Gabriel..." Jayden said, rubbing his head. Jayden looked to Gwin, knowing that she was the woman Gabriel sacrificed everything for. The woman that Gabriel was ordered to kill by the government. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Just Under A Year Ago...</strong></em></span><br><br>"Hey Gabriel. New orders from the high seat (slang for the people who give them their orders). They are calling for a termination order on Gwin Marcos, the girl you have been keeping a close eye on." Jayden said, speaking through a communications unit. There was silence. "Hey, Gabe, you hear me? They're pulling you out after this." He said with a hint of happiness. "I love her." Gabriel replied.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Present Day, Alice</strong></em></span><br><br>Alice was back to her old self now. It felt good helping people, and the children right now could really use someone to take care of them. She fed them, talked to them, played with them. Her sly smiles had returned to her face and tears shed for Isaac were long gone. Once she was able to catch a break, she returned to the theater room, where Jayden had just left. She took a seat and crossed her legs over here skirt; she had changed her outfit a while after the kids arrived.&nbsp; The skirt was tight against her, hugging over her hips and butt. It was short, going down almost to her knees but not quite. Her full, smooth and attractive legs sat over each other her as she rested her hands in her lap. She sighed, looking at the blank TV. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 05:47:52 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke looked over at Alice as she walked in and sat on one of the other couches. From the look on her face as she stared at the dead TV, he was confident she hadn't noticed his presence yet. He reached into one pocket and pulled out a couple of coins, and began playing with them as he had earlier, silently walking and dancing them over his knuckles.<br><br>"Three thousand channels and nothing on. Some things never change, huh?"<br><br>His voice shattered the silence and she jumped a little on her couch, her head snapping in his direction. His arms were outstretched high above his head, and the coins glinted in the light as he dexterously manipulated them. He wore a ghost of a smile, and stared sightlessly at the ceiling as he spoke again. "How are the kids?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 05:53:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You must be Gwin. I have heard a lot of you from my colleague." He said, grabbing Gabriels attention. "What the hell are you doing here, Micheal?" Gabriel asked. It was then he remembered what Isaac had said. "You...you watched over us, right? Maybe you should know my brother is DEAD." Gabriel shouted. "Where were you then!?" He asked, coughing up more blood. "Gabriel..." Jayden said. He looked to Gwin. "Can I talk to you?" He asked.<br><br>Alice...<br><br>Alice stood from her seat and sought out Luke, eventually finding him isolated. "Luke." She called out. "Can I talk to you?" She asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 05:59:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke barked out a short, harsh laugh and nodded, almost dropping his coins. He transferred both coins to one hand and swung his legs off the couch, sitting up. He looked at Alice over the edge of his shades and shrugged, the coins vanishing and reappearing between his fingers.<br><br>"Sure, angel. Why not? People just <em>love </em>talking to me."<br><br>'God help her if she's coming to me for advice,' he thought to himself as he waited for her to speak.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 06:39:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren looked up at Cornelius with a stone expression on his face as he took a seat on the floor. He thought hard for a minute before finally answering him. "Project Deep freeze was the name given to me.l weather I was a volunteer or was forced in to this I don't know, Something to do with me being the military? I do not know for sure. But plan to find out." Joren leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eye's.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 07:25:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Sorry about that Star, you posted while I did and I was mobile so I didnt get&nbsp; a warning lol<br><br>Alice took a seat next to Luke. "I want to know how not to feel anything. Like you do." She leaned against him. "Your heart always beats steadily. I have never seen you dispair." She looked up at him with he exotic pink and black eyes. "I want to be like that. I don't want to feel anything. No love. No pain." Who had she been fooling; the issue with Isaac had not gone away, it simply hid itself. <br><br>Cornelius...<br><br>"They chose you because of your family. And Alice. Everyone is connected; You to Alice. Alice to Isaac. Isaac to Gabriel. Gabriel to Gwin. A connection of love. Have you not seen it?" Cornelius asked. "Two romances and two sibling loves." He said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 10:13:44 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin was aware there was another behind her, between her abilities and Jake, she knew before he reached her.&nbsp; She was more concerned with Gabriel.&nbsp; He spoke and that got Gabriel's attention.&nbsp; She threw herself into him, to calm him.&nbsp; Her hands on him to refocus him.&nbsp; He coughed up more blood.&nbsp; &nbsp;She put a hand on his face to draw his eyes to her.&nbsp; A moment of connection to gain his calm.&nbsp; He coughs a bit more and his blood lands on her face.&nbsp; She calmly leaves it there.<br><br>"Do you want me to run some tests on that blood?"&nbsp; "you can do that?"&nbsp; A slight masculine chuckle "yes."&nbsp; "Please do."<br><br>She turns to Micheal/Jayden "Yes, I'll come."&nbsp; She kisses Gabriel quickly and turns to follow the man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 22, 2010, 11:10:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They exit the bathroom and then the room all together. "I need to ask you something. But first, I need to tell you something. My name is Micheal Jayden, and I was Gabriel's partner a while back. If what they say about you is true, that you are a psychic, then surely you have just realized who else I am. My name was Micheal Ureha, I am Gabriel and...Isaac's father. But Gabriel does not know. I want it to remain that way. Please." He aaid with an intense glare.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 23, 2010, 03:07:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin caresses Micheals mind with thoughts "I don't invade minds involunarily unless I need to.&nbsp; You want to know who I am.&nbsp; Here I am.&nbsp; And he should know who you are.&nbsp; He lives with this."&nbsp; She shares the gut wrenching pain Gabriel feels as he thinks he has no one in the world but Gwin.&nbsp; She shares with him the pain Gabriel felt believing his father dead for so long.&nbsp; "And if you're not dead, is Isaac really dead?&nbsp; I am not sure I believe he is."&nbsp; her mind whispers so no others can hear her thoughts.&nbsp; <br><br>She politely sticks her hand out to him.&nbsp; "Hello, I'm Gwin."&nbsp; playing it like the thoughts were never exchanged and ignoring all he said about not telling Gabriel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 23, 2010, 03:18:08 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				'I can't tell him. Not yet. And I want to do it on my terms.' He responded mentally, accepting her hand shake and greeting her aloud. As he shook, he spoke to her mind. 'Isaac is dead. You seen him die. I know the reports. He was shot when fighting my other son. I will find the killer. I have reason to believe it is the government's doing. It comes down to this: the government wants everyone dead. All of you. ArmsTech wants their property back, as well as information planted...in you. It's planted in your subconscience. Gabriel did it. It was a way for you not to notice it with your psychic powers. It's in your dreams, scattered so diversly in different parts of your brain that it is nearly indetectable. It comes together in your dreams.' The mental conversation wasn't even more than two seconds long. 'Dive into my mind. I have nothing to hide.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 24, 2010, 01:59:30 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For nearly a minute, Luke stared down at Alice as she leaned on his shoulder, completely flummoxed. He could see in her eyes that she was consumed by pain, and her soul was being eaten away. Just as his had been, so long ago now. Only the memory of the agony he'd once endured stopped his laughter before it ignited, and he gently wrapped one arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.&nbsp; Luke recognized her suffering instantly, and even though he no longer shared it, Alice had all the sympathy he could offer. Which, considering his current state, he reflected, wasn't much. All he could muster was a spark of memory, a ghostly trace of what he dimly remembered to be empathy. But it was something.<br><br>Luke could almost feel Nirvana observing events from within her nest, but it was clear that this time, she would offer him no assistance. He sighed to himself and shook his head as he caressed Alice's shoulder. He was certain that left on his own, he would only say exactly the wrong thing and compound the poor woman's pain even further. And he hated himself for caring so little about that. For several moments more, he sat silent and still on the couch as she looked up at him expectantly, feeling Alice's heart beating through her skin and struggling to compose a clumsy model of compassion from dusty, long-untouched memories. He cycled through a number of possible responses, expanding and editing and discarding those he felt warranted it. In the end, he settled on the simplest, knowing that she would probably take it the wrong way, knowing that it would probably only make things worse, but hoping down to the last shreds of his dwindling humanity that she would understand his meaning.<br><br>He leaned down closer, and pressed his head against hers. He brushed a lock of hair from her face and drew his fingers slowly over her cheek. His voice was soft, gentle, and as soothing as he knew how to make it, and he whispered into her ear as kindly as he remembered how.<br><br>"Alice, you are a stupid, foolish woman, and you have no idea how amazingly lucky you are."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 24, 2010, 03:09:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked at him, unsure of what to say. "Wha-" She stopped herself amd thought. She glared down, away from hia face. "You want to feel something...don't you?" She asked. She drew away from him, her arms wrapped around herself. "I...I don't want to live without him." Shw admited, teara rolling down her face. "He's gone...forever. And its my fault." She whimpered. "Do you know who killed him, Luke? Do you have any idea?" She drew her legs up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She choked in a sob. "I thought he died when I helped ArmsTech clear their memories. Then, a few hours later, I was told that he was alive. By Micheal Jayden. I was relieved. Then I looked for him and Gabriel. Infiltrated a Hunter Organization...while I was there, I had help. A woman named Andrea. When I was closing in on Isaac and Gabriel, I told her. She ended up dead...then Isaac..." Tears rolled down to her arms. "I was just trying to help...and now he's gone." She buried her head in her forearms and sobbed. "He was almost four years younger than me. Crazy, isn't it?" She asked, her voice muffled. "Every day the world gets grayer and grayer."<br><br>She looked over to him. "Should an emotion like this even exist?" She asked. "It's a weakness. It'a fragile. Fickle. And fleeting. To kill someone, all you have tp do is kill theie lover. A war strategy, it seems."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 24, 2010, 09:09:01 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin looked into his mind as invited.&nbsp; She walked through the pain that was his life.&nbsp; She saw him meet his wife and the love that thrived between then and her own pain with Gabriel crept to her.&nbsp; She pushed it away, having no time for it at this moment.&nbsp; She walked further and saw the birth of the boys and how they grew and felt his love and pride.&nbsp; Then the war came.&nbsp; The pain and loneliness of parting consumed him, but he did what he felt he must.&nbsp; He fought bravely keeping the reasons he was in that hell in his sights so as not to get lost to that horror.&nbsp; He made it home, but oh no, his wife.&nbsp; The heart stopping cry of pain.&nbsp; Gwin was glad she had Jake to keep her steady through that.&nbsp; Had she not had him, there is no telling what would happen.&nbsp; She shot Jake a whisper of thanks.&nbsp; She is flushed with a feeling of welcome and she continues through Jayden's mind.&nbsp; She feels his aching, his yearning as the boys have no idea who he is.&nbsp; A forgotten ghost haunting the living.&nbsp; She looks deeper at these memories.&nbsp; They are real, untampered, unplanted.&nbsp; They are his.&nbsp; She pulls back and feels one last thing.&nbsp; Everyone saw Isaac get shot, but no one saw him after.&nbsp; Did he really die?&nbsp; Micheal is now Jayden and not really dead as Gabriel believes so hard.&nbsp; &nbsp;Isaac, Gabriel and Gwin were not as deceased as Alice believed.&nbsp; How possible is it that Isaac lived.&nbsp; She ponders these things in her own mind, not planting a hope that might only lead to further devestation if Isaac were truly dead.&nbsp; She does leave Jayden with the feeling of empathy and acceptance.&nbsp; She keeps the conversation mental whispers though.&nbsp; "Where do we go from here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 24, 2010, 09:52:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke loosened his grip on her arm and let her pull away. He caught just a glimpse of her first tears before she turned aside, and leaned back on the couch once more. He sincerely had no idea what she needed to hear, or wanted him to say, and the effort of forcing himself to care was a quite unhelpful distraction. His atrophied personal skills told him only that his usual cold logic and reckless whimsy would prove ineffective in this situation, and without Nirvana's input he had no clue how to react; for the first time in years, Luke was flying blind.<br><br>He shrugged and swallowed quietly, watching her cry. There really was nothing he could say, nothing that would make any difference to her. Isaac would still be dead, and she would still be hurting. Her voice was so quiet he had to strain to hear her, and her words carried with them a bleakness he remembered far too well.<br><br>"Oh, I feel plenty of things. Just not anything that matters, that's all." She turned toward him a little, and he was certain that her tear-stained face would have broken his heart if he'd still been capable of feeling it. "As far as who killed him...I'm sorry. But honestly, I have no idea. I was a little...distracted, at the time, and I wasn't paying the fullest attention." Another shrug. "My bad." Her tears flowed again, and he cursed himself for failing to give a damn.<br><br>"You're right, you know. Love is absolutely horrible. It's the single most terrifying, destructive force in existence. And for every 'happily ever after' it creates, it leaves a million shattered lives in its wake. Humanity would probably be better off without it. And yet...I can't help thinking that I'd still give up everything I've ever had, known, or wanted, if I could only feel one more minute of it. I'd even trade it all for a taste of the pain you're feeling right now. So in the end, angel, the only thing I can tell you is that you have two choices right now. You can crawl into a corner and let it kill you. Or, you can keep living. I can't say I know what Isaac would have wanted for you, but if he loved you at all, then he wouldn't want to see you crying."<br><br>Luke stared at the floor between his feet and smiled a little. "Of course, as everyone around here seems to have noticed by now, I'm a first-class bastard. So, you can take all that for whatever you want."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 24, 2010, 10:29:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We get ready to hit ArmsTech and hit hard." He said to Gwin. "Tomorrow morning we should leave. We go there and fuck it up beyond recognition. With my help. And a few others." He added. <br><br>Cornelius...<br><br>"Joren. Wake up." Cornelius said. "We need to continue."<br><br>Alice...<br><br>Either die or live. "Die or live, huh?" She asked in a whisper. Her brow curled. She wiped her eyes and stood tall, stretching. "Need to relieve some stress." She said in a nonchalant tone of voice. "Join me?" She asked. "Either a drink or spar." She said, turning and hoping Luke would follow. She walked out of the room, a tear taking to the air as she did so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 25, 2010, 01:06:58 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke watched as she rose from the couch and sauntered toward the door. 'Damn. Did I actually say something right? Nah. She probably just got tired of my babbling. Well, 'Ana...how'd I do?' Still no answer. He chuckled quietly and decided to accept the unspoken invitation. He stood from his seat, hands shoved in his pockets, and followed Alice out of the room. He caught up with her in the hallway and fell into step beside her.<br><br>"They say it's not healthy to drink alone, doncha know. Lead on, sugar."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 25, 2010, 01:29:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alice led Luke downstairs where the bar was, slightly hidden. "I actually have a nice collection of drinks." She said to him. "I keep it down here to keep away from the children." She explains. She walks behind a long wood desk at the end of a stone hall. She retrieves two glasses from underneath the bar, pouring a glass of glowing pink liqour for Luke and a glass of a green alcohol for herself. She handed him his and eyed her own deeply. "Enjoy." She said, a hint of sadness in her voice. 'Dangerous to drink alone?'&nbsp; She thought to herself, eyeing her drink. 'What's my posion?' She thought to herself. <br><br>Her heart raced.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 25, 2010, 11:32:04 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren awake with a startle as he herd Cornelius. "Whats going on?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 01:19:35 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke stared for several moments at the glowing concoction in his glass, one perplexed eyebrow cocked, as Alice poured her own. "I can't decide if this stuff looks like it'll put hair on my fingertips, or melt them off. And why, for the love of night, is it <em>pink</em>? I can't get drunk on something <em>pink</em>. 'S just not manly." Alice eyed him sternly and replaced the bottles beneath the bar. "I swear, sugar, if this stuff tastes like grapefruit we're gonna end up sparring after all-" 'Luke! Code Black-22!'<br><br>Nirvana's panic-stricken voice broke into his thoughts just as his and Alice's glasses touched their lips. A Code Black indicated the presence of poison hidden in food or drink; the '-22' suffix meant it wasn't his. In effect, Nirvana was warning him that Alice's drink was poisoned. With lightning reflexes, Luke's hand shot out and slapped her drink from her hands before the first drop passed her lips. He sat his own onto the bar and stared into Alice's startled eyes. "Planning something naughty, were we? That's not nice, angel. Especially after promising me a nice, peaceful drinky." 'Thanks for the tip-off, 'Ana. So, does this mean you're speaking to me again?' '...' 'I'll take that as a 'maybe later'.' <br><br>Luke's mind raced through possibilities as Alice collapsed back against the wall, her head slung low. If Jayden's earlier comment about the dojo's security was true, then it was logically impossible that someone could have snuck down here and spiked the liquor cabinet. He slid around the bar and reached one hand out, softly lifting her face to his.<br><br>"You know, when I said you could let your pain kill you, this wasn't quite what I had in mind..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 01:42:02 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She ripped her gaze from him. "I made it a few days ago." She said quietly, sliding down the wall to the floor. "I can't believe I was actually about to do it..." She said in amazement. She looked up to him. "I was about to do it without a second thought." She added. "I'm a fucking idiot." She disappeared and reappeared at the bar, standing in her miniskirt that was tight against her excellent thighs. She had her back to the bar, facing Luke. She turned and bent over, shuffling around for a moment for the spiked drink. She found it, dumping it in the sink next to Luke. She returned back to the bar, moving aside bottles from under the counter, Luke behind her. "I need revenge on them. Not myself." She said, trying to find the good stuff. She put her hand back with the pink drink in it, expecting Luke to take it. "It's good, I swear." She said, still bent over. "And if you touch my butt without my permission this will turn into a sparring match." She said with a small laugh. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Micheal Jayden</strong></em></span><br><br>Jayden listened to his son still sick in the bathroom. "How has he been?" he asked Gwin, a hint of sadness in his voice. <br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Cornelius</strong></em></span><br><br>"We have some company. Now we are going to need to head out of this building. I was just looking at a live schematic of the building. Part of it is damaged. We cannot get where we need to be by an convenient means."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 01:59:10 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke simply nodded as she poured the last of the spiked liquor down the drain. "Now you're talking, angel. Take it from a bona-fide psychopath. Nothing eases a broken heart quite like ripping someone else's out." 'Goddammit. I have <em>got </em>to stop thinking like that.' He craned his neck, a smile crossing his lips once again as he appreciated the view she offered him. When she handed him the bottle of the pink concoction, he took it absently, his eyes never leaving her backside. "Are you absolutely sure about this stuff? Because if it tastes at all like it looks, I think I'd rather have the poison." He leaned forward a little, still grinning. "Oh, don't worry about me, sugar. I solemnly swear I won't lay a finger on you," he said, right before he pressed the flat of his palm firmly against her butt. "Nope. Not one finger."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 02:13:24 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She turned and gave a coy smile to him. "You're lucky I don't feel like fighting." She teased. She retrieved another bottle, the liquid a dark golden color. She stood up, turning to him. She gestured over to the other side of the bar where he went and sat. His glass of the pink liquor was still on the counter, so she removed it from his reach briefly. She discarded her glass and retrieved a new one, pouring the liquid and offering it to him. The title read Ex Tenrio. Meanwhile, she drank the glass of the pink, a smile spreading across her lips. She then poured Ex Tenrio into the empty glass and consumed that as well. Her hair was down, instead of in the thick braid it normally was and she wore a black tank top that didn't even attempt to conceal her sizable breasts. She leaned forward with a smirk. "I suggest you drink the gold one first." She said. "I don't think you can take the other stuff." She challenged.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 02:32:10 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watched as she downed the pink, and shook his head as he reached for the bottle of gold. He poured himself a couple fingers and looked back at Alice. "Sweetheart, I've been in sewers that I don't think could handle the other stuff. <em>I'm</em> sure as hell not gonna try it." He lifted his glass in a lazy toast and tipped it back, letting the sharp, bitter whiskey wash over his tongue. He shuddered and slammed the glass down on the bar, a puff of smoke rolling out of his lips. His tongue darted out and he licked his lips, and sucked in a deep breath. He picked up the bottle and studied the label intently; he'd been in bars, taverns, dives and hole-in-the-walls all over the planet, and he'd never heard of this stuff. It was, he decided, a personal failure he'd never forgive himself for. Luke poured another glass and sipped it slower this time, savoring the burn as it slid down his throat. He looked over at Alice and held up the bottle. "What, exactly, would I have to do, in order to get you to tell me where you got this stuff?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 02:50:32 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't answer his question just yet, instead she poured him a bottle of the pink. "I can get from place to place in a second, honey." She said, her voice slightly slurred. She leaned forward more with a smile, her breasts almost spilling out of her tank top. The brand on the bottle of pink was 'Enticing'. That, too, was a brand Luke had not heard of. "May take you off your feet. I'm used to it, though. I know what to expect." She said to him. "But you want to know where I got it? Outside of Quantum. As in, outside outside. Where ArmsTech and this government don't exist. Not many people have been out of this place. With my magic though," She reached forward and put a finger to his bottom lip, pulling it down slightly. "I can go anywhere I want." She smiled drunkenly. She disappeared and reappeared next to Luke, arm around his neck and leaning on his shoulder with her chest. "I <em>love</em> my ability." She told him. "First time I did it was messy, though. I destroyed things when I did it. Like, crack the ground, break glass, fracture shelves. Thats only when I left. WhenI appeared, I sent people to the ground, did what I said before except more intense. Luckily I have almost perfected it." She explained. She reappeared on the other side of the bar, pouring herself another glass of the Enticing. She downed it quickly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 12:37:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jayden listened to his son still sick in the bathroom. "How has he been?" he asked Gwin, a hint of sadness in his voice. <br><br>Gwin does have sympathy for him, but listening to Gabe be sick again, her own anger and pain well up and she says with more meanness in her than she would normally have "Well, let's see 'I love you', 'I killed my own brother.' 'I love you', 'who am I?', 'I love you', 'I'm dying', 'I love you' and to coin an old, old movie 'Luke, I am your father'.&nbsp; It seems a bit much on him at the moment."&nbsp; She instantly regrets the words and has a little talk with Jake about the process that lead to that.&nbsp; It was a short circuit in the fast rewiring job she had done on her own brain.&nbsp; With Jake's help, they fix it.&nbsp; "I'm sorry, forgive me, it's been a really confusing time."<br><br>Gwin hears the children out of the windows and is reminded about housing needs.&nbsp; She searches the city for answers and comes across a guy in a delivery truck with mattresses.&nbsp; It seems the store he was to go to no longer exists and he can't contact his boss.&nbsp; So she helps him arrive at a new destination.&nbsp; She has the soldiers scavenge a bunch of blankets from homes with no living occupants.&nbsp; The blankets will arrive in various conditions of useable.&nbsp; Some will make great stuffing.&nbsp; They will all need cleaning.&nbsp; She finds a delivery truck of food bound for a restaurant near her store.&nbsp; The area Luke blew up earlier.&nbsp; She has the driver reroute.&nbsp; She scours the mothers in the dojo for one capable of being in charge.&nbsp; She urges that one to the front of activities.&nbsp; She gives her mental pictures of the way around the dojo and plans for sleeping, medical, eating and supply arrivals.&nbsp; While she is busy doing all this, she calls a few more mothers with lost children or badly injured children to the dojo to help keep things running.&nbsp; She also calls more of the orphaned children.&nbsp; She has a pretty good idea of how much this place can hold, Jake keeps a tally of her work and helps her stay within the limits of the dojo.&nbsp; This does only take a few minutes of her effort.<br><br>"Jake?"&nbsp; "Yes, Gwin?"&nbsp; "Can you send a message to Nirvana, to Luke?"&nbsp; "I can try, but you severed most of that."&nbsp; "I know, please try.&nbsp; Tell him not to let Alice get too drunk, she will need her mind clear tomorrow."&nbsp; "I will try."<br><br>She hears Gabe wretch again and she turns from Jayden to rush back into Gabriel.&nbsp; She sets her hands on him and tries to relax him.&nbsp; As any ill patient will attest, calmness helps - even if only to ease the symptoms some.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 02:39:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke pressed the cool glass against his forehead for a few seconds, nodding carefully so as not to slosh the drink all over the bar. He was on his fourth glass, and a pleasant buzz was building in the back of his head. His words were almost as slurred as Alice's as he spoke. "I know what you mean. This place kinda sucks, dunnit? Not, not, not, I mean, not the dojo, or anything. 'S a nice place. But this whole city. Mean honestly, <em>Quantum Urbs</em>. Sounds like some kind of...I dunno what. Wha' kinda name 'zat for a city? 'Nd i's a big...big...whassa word?...place. Big damn place. Too big to be a city. Too lil to be a country. Too filled with whiny bastards and corrupt bastards and murderous bastards and...bastard bastards. Ya know, I don' even know why people live in this place. &lt;hic&gt; Seems like people just live here so's they can die here. 'S pathetic." He downed the last of his glass and poured himself another one.<br><br>"Y'know, you're not the only one who's ever left QU, y'know. I've been outside, too. I've been <em>ever'where</em>. Loads of fun. Tons of money. Lotsa dead people. Er...did I say that out loud? Never mind. Forget the dead people. Most of 'em deserved it. Focus on the fun. That's the fun part." He leaned against the bar, swiveling his head around to look into Alice's eyes as she draped herself over him. "What I wanna know is, why do you do it like that? I mean, magic? There's other ways, ya know. Like this." <br><br>Luke dug through his clouded mind and activated his pgm, and he vanished and reappeared on the other side of the bar just as she had. He held up his left wrist to her, showing her a small, blue light blinking calmly just beneath his skin. "See? And you said technology's good for nothing." He cackled, doubled over as his head throbbed. The laughter didn't help matters, but the pain only made him laugh harder. After several minutes he finally regained control of himself and lifted his head to hers, and leaned in close. "You wanna know a secret?....I think I might be a wee bit hammered."<br><br>He pulled away from her and reached for the bottle once again. As his fingers wrapped around the slender neck, Nirvana's voice broke in once again. 'Luke, I'm receiving a transmission from Jake. Gwin is apparently allowing him to broadcast a signal; he says to keep Alice from getting too inebriated.' 'Ugh. Did she say anything about me?' 'No. I guess you can get as drunk as you like.' 'Whee!'<br><br>Luke could feel 'Ana's disapproval as she sank back into her nest, her message delivered. He tipped the bottle up and drank deeply of the golden liquor, then sat it back down on the bar and pointed at Alice. "Princess says not to let you get drunk. She's a spoilsport. Psst. C'mere." He motioned for Alice to lean in closer. "I know something she don't know. So, go 'head. Have a few. I'll take care'a ever'thing. Promise!" &lt;hic&gt; He turned the bottle up again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 02:39:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nice summary. At least you know he loves you." Jayden responded. "Thats one reason I don't want to tell him that I am his dad." He said, rubbing his eyes as Gwin went back to Gabriel.<br><br>"That's it, I'm using the medichines." Jenny said, deploying them into Gabriel's body. The symptoms began to calm down as Gabriel recomposed himself. "We can't just keep using the medichines. You may form a dependency on them, Gabe." Jenny warned. Gabriel looked up to Gwin. "What did Jayden want?" Gabriel asked her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 05:41:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She let Gabriel ask her about Jayden.&nbsp; She just soothed his arms and looked up to him.&nbsp; She said "He just wanted our trust.&nbsp; I searched his mind.&nbsp; I looked for markers of mental tamperings and technology implants and everything.&nbsp; I think we should trust him."&nbsp; She didn't exactly lie, she just left out some of the story.&nbsp; She hated that, but it was not her story to tell.&nbsp; She had not been in Gabriel's mind to search out such things, so she was still unaware of the extent of his memory loss, but knew well that what was left for him to discover was not held by her.&nbsp; She would only do worse damage if she tried to 'fix' this.&nbsp; She held back.&nbsp; <br><br>"Gabriel, Jayden says we will deploy in the morning.&nbsp; I have worked much the day, our numbers are good.&nbsp; I mean the soldiers I nicked from both the government and Armstech.&nbsp; We will be in fine form in the morning.&nbsp; But for now, come, spend one last night with me.&nbsp; Let us make this a night worth remembering in case...."&nbsp; her voice trails off and she chokes a bit.&nbsp; Grateful a moment later that Jake was on the job keeping her emotions in a steady line so that her powers didn't trip off and do any damage.&nbsp; She will have to work on that later.&nbsp; If there is a later.&nbsp; "What I mean to say is that events like this can change things.&nbsp; I want one last night as we are."&nbsp; She begins to tug on Gabriel, to lead him to the bedroom.&nbsp; Her amber eyes full of desire and love.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wyrd</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 06:52:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Joren looked at Cornelius for a few seconds with a blank look on his icy face before he finally could say something. "Where to then? I we need to get down I could make a slide going down the elevator shaft."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 26, 2010, 08:39:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Gorditz District~</em></strong><br><br>'Guys, I don't think we're doing this right.' 'And you're an expert all of a sudden?' 'No, but all I'm saying is maybe we should stop and think this through before we try the interrogation thing again. I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to kill them until after we ask them questions.' 'No, no, no. We're supposed to kill one, then ask the others the questions.' 'I thought we were supposed to only leave one alive to ask questions?' 'Whatever! My point is, we can't just kill them all, because then we won't have anyone left to ask!'<br><br>The Cherubim had been working on their interrogation techniques for hours. Picking off stragglers from larger groups proved rather easy, but things quickly got complicated after that. Andiun suggested they try shooting their victims in their external limb joints to encourage cooperation. Soriun argued that they'd get better results if they asked nicely first, then shot them. Mikiun was no help at all; whenever a victim was cornered he tried to swoop in before the others could stop him and dismember them with a small laser scalpel he kept in his emergency response kit. Soriun was almost positive Mikiun was suffering the effects of some sort of virus or programming flaw, as he kept swinging the scalpel in random directions and shouting at the biologics such things as "Don't worry, I'm a professional!", "Open your mouth and say 'Ahh'!", and "I promise, this won't hurt a bit!". They tried to make him stop; the combatants weren't responding well at all. More often than not, they simply passed out before any questions could be asked.<br><br>Tracer rounds streaked past, lighting the night sky with blinding flashes of magnesium oxate. Smoke hung oppressively in the air, and explosions rocked the surrounding buildings every few minutes. Emergency sirens wailed in the distance, offering false promises of hope and safety, and the streets stank of death and fear. The drones drifted lazily among the chaos, their light-refracting stealth systems allowing them to blend in almost seamlessly with the scenery. Occasionally a rocket or stray bullet would nick their personal security perimeters, and they would turn as one toward the errant weapon's source and unload screaming, invisible death on their unwitting attackers. It was the most fun they'd had in months.<br><br>'OK, OK. Let's go try this again. We're bound to get it right eventually,' Andiun said. Mikiun giggled and swiped his scalpel through the empty air, and Soriun sighed as he searched desperately through his files for anything marked "patience".<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Medellin District~</em></strong><br><br>Cody and Isaac crept quietly through the war-torn streets, sticking close to the shadows and away from the smoldering fires that sputtered and sparked in patches. Etriun hovered close by, leading them through a maze of city side streets and back alley paths that scans indicated were the emptiest. They hadn't spoken much since Cody grabbed his jacket and the three of them had evacuated Benson's apartment. Cody had wanted to run upstairs and warn the elderly couple that lived above him to get out too, but before he could reach the stairwell, the apartment building was hit with another explosion. From the feel of the shockwaves, Etriun estimated the blast had come from upstairs. Cody wanted to continue upwards, but Isaac had grabbed his shirt tail between his teeth and held him back. Finally, he assented and left with the dog and drone; hopefully, the old folks had already made it out, but if they hadn't, at least they'd been together in the end.<br><br>As the trio ducked down another alley, Cody stopped and leaned against the wall, looking up at Etriun. "Say...do you know what's going on? What all the fighting is about?" The little Cherubim swiveled around and focused on Cody. "Negative. The only chatter on the unencrypted channels indicate that a war has broken out between the government and unknown paramilitary forces, and that several thousand children are being forcibly extracted by both factions for purposes undisclosed. Unfortunately, it seems some of my circuits are still damaged; I can't access the encrypted networks. And I still can't raise my squadron!" "Well, I'm sure they're out looking for you, right? So don't worry about it. We'll find them, Etriun." "Yeah, you're probably--Hey!" "What is it?" "I just had an idea about how to signal my squad! Wait here, I'll be back in a couple hours." "Wait! You said your circuits are damaged; how are you going to contact them?" Etriun giggled and spun a 360. "Oh, don't worry about that. They'll get <em>this </em>message!" He said as he pointed his nose cone straight up and blasted out of the alley.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 27, 2010, 08:39:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornelius glanced at Joren with a smile. "Yes. Make the slide down the elevator shaft, but be sure that it curves around in circles like a spiral staircase, and make sure that there are some moments for it to slow during the drop. We don't want to break our legs. From there, we head outside and fight our way to the west wing." He explained.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Gabriel and Jayden</strong></em></span><br><br>While Gabriel talked with Gwin, Jayden made his way downstairs to a room. Gabriel caressed Gwin's beautiful face, locking eyes with her. "It will be a night to remember." Gabriel whispered to her, drawing in a deep kiss. He pushed her softly onto the bed, following onto her and ripping off his shirt. He glared down at her with passionate eyes.<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Alice</strong></em></span><br><br>Alice was hanging onto Luke foolishly. She was completely drunk. She laughed wildly, leaning on Luke, her breasts almost completely out of her shirt by then. She noticed this, pulling the shirt up a little bit. Her exotic eyes locked with his momentarily as she sat on his lap. "You're not half bad, Luke." She slurred.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>July 28, 2010, 05:06:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke wrapped an arm around Alice, holding her tight against him to make sure she didn't slide to the ground. His other hand held the dwindling bottle of Ex Tenrio between them, and he leaned his forehead against hers, the bottle between their lips. One leg kicked up slightly, jostling her body against his and making her giggle again. "No, no, angel. I'm not half bad at all. I'm very much <em>all </em>bad," he said, giggling drunkenly as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>July 30, 2010, 10:00:29 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The night was over and the next monring had come. Cornelius and Joren had went down the elevator shaft and exited out into open combat. Being in another part of Quantum Urbs, it was still dark there as opposed to nihon urbs where the daylight schedule is normal. Conelius and Joren had bee overwhelmed, and they held up in an experiment hangar, waiting to make their way to their destination.<br><br>Alice and Luke had both fallen asleep and Gwin and Gabriel had their fun while Jayden slept in his own rooms. The children and their leaders quickly adapted, becoming independent rather fast. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 01, 2010, 09:21:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The first thing Luke noticed was the throbbing ache in his skull. The second was that the weight on his chest was making it a little hard to breathe. He opened one eye and found himself staring at a much closer ceiling than he remembered. The swimming tile pattern was new, too. He shut his eye and sucked in a slow, deep breath, conscious of soft puffs of warm air hitting his neck and a strange tickling feeling on his face. Both eyes shot open for about a quarter second before squinting shut again, the sudden influx of light sending flares of agony through his brain. He stirred and felt the weight shift, a groggy moan reaching his dazed ears. His eyes opened slower this time, and Luke looked down to see a mop of wild, blond hair spilled across his cheeks. He eased himself up into a sitting position, carefully holding Alice in his arms as he sat up on the bar where the pair had fallen asleep. He glanced down at the empty bottle clutched in his hand, and his eyes swiveled to Alice's milky-white thighs straddled over his waist. There were worse ways to wake up.<br><br>'Damn. Seriously, I have <em>got </em>to find out where she got this.' Luke pushed his shades up onto his forehead and rubbed his eyes tenderly. 'Nirvana? Can you-' Before he could complete the thought he felt the medichines activating, metabolizing the alcohol and ridding it from his body. He appreciated the relief, but was a little disappointed that 'Ana still wasn't speaking to him and idly wondered what he'd have to do to earn her forgiveness. In a matter of seconds, his head cleared and the lights stopped trying to turn his brain into sushi. He pulled out an empty syringe and plunged the needle into his thigh, withdrawing a few CCs of blood, and injected it into Alice's stomach to allow the medichines to detox her as well. He tapped her gently on the shoulder to wake her.<br><br>"Wakey wakey, kitten. I think we're going to war today..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 02, 2010, 03:08:27 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gabriel shook Gwin awake. Today was the day. He stood up and stretched, a knock on the door welcoming him to reality. He opened it and there stood Jayden. "We are going to leave in a few hours. Be ready." He said. Gabriel turned back to Gwin. "Gwin..." He whispered, trying to rouse her awake. <br><br>Alice woke up to Luke's voice. She looked up at him, slightly confused. She looked down at herself, realizing her skirt was pushed up a bit past her bottom. Had they...? "Did we...?" She asked, slightly m<br>nervous yet slightly teasing.<br><br>Cornelius shook Joren awake. They had slept again for a few hours. The battle actually began escalating. Rumbles could be heard from outside, as well as gunfire. "Joren, are you ready to continue? The time has almost come. We need to secure our safety so you can live to kill Gabriel. We need to reach archives."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>August 02, 2010, 08:51:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gwin woke to Gabriel's call.&nbsp; She woke with a smile to see his face, to hear his voice.&nbsp; The night had been glorious.&nbsp; They had shared such passion and love.&nbsp; They had shared themselves completely. <br><br>It wasn't long until she realized it was the day of war.&nbsp; War!&nbsp; She sat upright, bolted upright is more the correct term.&nbsp; She looked at him and said.&nbsp; "We have forces.&nbsp; I will wake them."&nbsp; She opened her mind and woke the soldiers in her control.&nbsp; Getting them up and prepared for battle.&nbsp; They would provide a nice distraction as they snuck through the bullets to the heart of the place.&nbsp; She looked in her closet for fighting gear.&nbsp; Leather pants with belts and boots.&nbsp; A tight, long-sleeve, leather top.&nbsp; Daggers attached already.&nbsp; She stops for a moment and Jake helps her access that set of memories.&nbsp; She begins to stretch as she ties her hair into a long black blade.&nbsp; <br><br>She wasn't ready for this.&nbsp; Her powers had been hers for a very long time and yet for only a couple of days.&nbsp; She needed to work with them.&nbsp; She didn't have time to.&nbsp; She would be riding this bicycle for the first time in a very long time.&nbsp; She hoped she could get the feel back fast enough to gain the goal.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 05, 2010, 04:08:37 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: Later this day, the war begins. Bring your A game. A lot of stuff is planned to go down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 06, 2010, 01:28:39 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Jenny, where is my sword?" he asked. "Closet." he went over to the second closet, retrieving his blade. It was thin and elegant, with a blue blade. It was weighted nicely and expertly crafted. Gabriel exited the room to Jayden still standing there. "You want your gear?" he asked him. "Yeah...yeah I do." Gabriel said. The mansion rumbled , causing all who were standing to fall from their feet. Gabriel crashed against the ground, dazzed and confused. There was another loud, huge shake that caused the tv to fall from where it sat, breaking against the ground. There was a loud sound, almost like a haunting foghorn that sounded, then the rumbling grew more intense. "What the hell is this!?" Gabriel shouted, surprised. The wall exploded into a flurry of splinters, knocking Gwin down to the ground and sending Gabriel and Jayden flying back into the wall. The foghorn sounded again, causing debris to fall. Dust took to the air, making visibility a thing of the past. Gabriel rushed forward, grabbing Gwin by the hand and helping her up to her feet just before pulling her along into a sprint. "Get the kids to the wine cellar NOW." Jenny yelled at Nirvana. Something punched through the hallway wall, straight through the opposite side just behind them, causing them to tumble forward a bit but not fall. They continued to run, the hallway behind them becoming shredded lumber behind them. <br><br>As they turned the corner, something smashed through the ceiling in front of them, forcing them in the other direction. "Jenny! What happened to the defenses!?" She asked. "They're offline, I don't know why!" She screamed in a panic. There was a silence as they reached a dead end with nothing but Shoji screens. Gabriel glanced around, the terrible instinct kicking in. In the heat of the moment, he pulled Jayden and Gwin down to the ground, bullets ripping past where they once were horizontally from all directions. They three covered their heads as the loud gunfire surrounded them. Eventually it came to a halt. "They are coming...get ready." He whispered. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 06, 2010, 11:50:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A slow, deep breath escaped him as the pounding in his head finally dwindled to nothing, and Luke couldn't help but chuckle at Alice's abashed expression. He shrugged softly as he pushed himself up on one arm, pushing her back a little on his chest.<br><br>"I don't know. Does it matter?" He asked, one hand steadying her on the shoulder as the medichines cleansed her system. He helped her to the floor and swung his legs off, sitting on the smooth, cool counter top. As he started to push off, the entire building began to rumble, sending vibrations throughout the floor, the walls, everything. Luke was very nearly jostled to the ground, and grabbed the edges of the bar to hold himself steady. 'Um, 'Ana? Did you maybe rewire my head while I was out, or--' 'Something is attacking the dojo, Luke. I don't know what, I don't know who, and I can't find anything on satellites. It's like the whole place is being ripped apart by an army of ghosts!' 'Hm. That's original; I don't think we've ever fought ghosts bef-' 'Luke! Down!'<br><br>Without thinking, Luke threw himself on top of Alice and dragged her to the floor as bullets shredded the walls above the bar. He cursed inwardly as the sound of bottles shattering reached his ears, and swore to himself that whoever was behind this attack would die twice if they spilled his new favorite liquor. Jenny's voice pierced into Luke's mind as she ordered Nirvana to direct the children to safety. Luke and 'Ana exchanged a mental look. 'What the fuck? We just woke up to bullets for breakfast and she wants us to fucking babysit?' 'Perhaps she is unaware of our current predicament. I will inform her immediately so she can explore more feasible options.'<br><br>As the rounds screamed overhead, Luke couldn't help noticing the overly formal tone in Nirvana's words, and it troubled him in a way he couldn't quite express. 'Nirvana? Are you still upset with me? Is it about Jayden? Or last night with Alice? I'm pretty sure we didn't do anything...' 'Negative. I have simply realized that you have come to depend on me far too much, Luke, and I have decided our relationship should be strictly professional from now on. Therefore, our interactions will be limited to matters of basic necessity.' Luke paused as he dug through his pockets, searching for his penknife. 'You don't mean that, 'Ana. You can't. You know what will happen if I'm left on my own...'<br><br>'You won't be alone, Luke. I'll still be here, regulating your consciousness and performing all my normal functions. But I've realized that I was only ever meant to be used as a tool, nothing more. Like a cast on a broken limb.' Luke's fingers fumbled with the knife, and he pulled it from the pocket between his first two digits. Splinters from the wall rained down on Luke's back as he sheltered Alice from the attack. 'Dammit, you know what I mean, 'Ana. You're talking about leaving me alone in my head. About never speaking to me again. Hell, you're talking about cutting the last tie I have to my humanity. Oh, sure, you'll keep me sane, I'll still be grounded, but the only thing I have reminding me of how to be human will be gone. Is that what you want? Are you that tired of working with me, Nirvana?'<br><br>For an eternity of a second, she didn't answer. It was just long enough for the attack to end, and the rush of silence was almost deafening. Luke rolled off of Alice and crawled through the debris toward the door, crouching near the entrance and holding the knife at his wrist. 'Nirvana...please. I know I'm broken; I know I'm a monster, but...I need you, 'Ana. Please...you're all I have left. I can't lose you, too...'<br><br>At last 'Ana responded, her voice soft and strained. He could hear the emotion in her tone, no matter how expertly she tried to bury it. 'Alright, Luke...you win.' He sighed gently, releasing a breath he hadn't even known he'd been holding, and nodded once. 'Thank you, 'Ana. Now...to business. Initiate Red Mist Protocol, authorization KL-0239ST. Remove all listed friendlies from the targeting list, as well as all organic lifeforms weighing less than 50kg. On my mark. Three, two, one, Mark!'<br><br>Luke stabbed the knife into his wrist, grimacing as the blade bit through his skin and dug a trench into his veins. Thick, crimson jets of nanomachine-infested blood arced through the air and scattered, hanging in the air like a living red fog. Out the corner of his eye, he noticed Alice's seemingly horrified expression as she watched him, but there was no time to reassure her. He allowed a few more spurts of blood to flow from the wound until the cloud grew to a sizable volume, then allowed the medichines to reseal the cut before the blood loss could begin to dizzy him. Luke knelt beside the door and silently awaited his first victim.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 07, 2010, 12:36:11 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As the bullets ripped past overhead and Luke drew his blood, she looked around in a panic. "No..." She whimpered. Past began to melt into the present. The screams...the children! Not the children! "Not the children, please no!" She cried, holding her heads. Does history really repeat itself? Children, victims of war, were taken in by her then. And they died. The same was happening now. She entered a fetal position. "No!" She cried. If they were shooting here, that means they were in the house. The entrance ro the dojo was right next to the staircase for the cellar and bar area. "The kids..." She sobbed, the past and present mixing into an emotional rollercoaster. She closed her eyes, attemtping to teleport upstairs, but she spawned a few feet away in a massive shockwave, knocking Luke off his feet and causing the ground to crack. "I...I..." She began. She tried again, but the same thing happened. She screamed, disappearing and reappearing all over the room in a flurry of destruction. She stood, stumbling. It wasn't because of the drinks. It was her emotions, effecting her reality with her magic. Where she was and whwre she intended to teleport were getting mixed. She stumbled around the corner and a light blinded her. Before her stood a line of well outfitted soldiers, automatic weapons aimed at her. <br><br>She raised a hand against the light, finally seeing the soldiers before her. She turned to Luke, her eyes filled with tears. "Luke, I-" She was stopped by a flurry of gunfire that crashed into her chest, most of the bullets missing, but a large number tearing through her violent, ribbons of blood being sent through the air. Her body jerked to and fro, some bullets passing all the way through her flesh. The firing ceased and she fell to her knees, toppling over on her side, facing Luke. Her body shook in pain and her body struggled for air in terrifying gasps. Blood spilled from her mouth as she lay in a pool of her own blood. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 09, 2010, 01:27:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Heavy, booted footsteps crunched outside the door, and Luke tensed in anticipation, the nanite swarm hovering just above his head. He looked back at Alice just in time to watch the onset of her panic attack, and swore inwardly as she began 'porting wildly throughout the room. Shockwaves rippled to and fro, ripping shelves from the walls and sending debris and furniture flying. For a moment Luke could see the expression on her face in the instants that she remained solid, read the fear and anguish that was obviously clouding her mind. Before he could think to activate a gravshield she 'ported near him, the accompanying tremors throwing him against the wall and sending him back to the floor. The swarm remained airborne, still under Nirvana's control, but Luke had no choice but to curl up and protect himself until her attack was over.<br><br>He didn't have long to wait. She remanifested just in front of the door, suddenly illuminated by a heavy floodlight. She stumbled back and threw up her hands to shield her eyes from the light, and looked down at Luke, her expression haunted. "Luke, I-" She tried to speak, but was cut short by a new stream of bullets. Most were pitifully wide, but more than enough found their mark to accomplish their work. Round after round slammed into Alice's chest, ripping through her heart and lungs, obliterating the perfect breasts and flawless skin he'd been subconsciously admiring the night before. She went down in a spray of blood, twitching and gasping like a beached fish mere feet from where Luke lay.<br><br>'Goddammit! Nirvana, do you still have any control over the medichines I gave her earlier?' 'Affirmative. I'm rerouting them through her system and distributing a heavy coagulant to staunch the bleeding, but there's still critical tissue damage. The medichines won't be able to repair her injuries in time, Luke. She's got maybe three minutes.' Luke rose to his feet and assumed personal control over the nanites to allow Nirvana to concentrate on Alice's injuries, throwing up a gravshield as he stepped out into the hall. His sudden appearance took the attackers by surprise, but not as much as the nanites did. The cloud launched at the nearest soldiers and began eating through their weapons, as well as the flesh and bones of the hands holding them. Apparently whoever they worked for didn't train them to fight as amputees; several passed out from the pain and blood loss. The remaining soldiers attempted to retreat back down the hall. Luke let them go for the moment, returning his attentions to Alice.<br><br>'How is she?' 'Not good. One of her lungs was completely destroyed, and the other is only 40% functional. Her heart was only nicked, but she's still got severe internal bleeding and one of the bullets passed right through her liver. She's got four broken ribs, and it looks like there are bone fragments lodged in her bloodstream. She needs immediate surgery, Luke.' 'Then we'll have to work fast, won't we?'<br><br>Luke knelt beside Alice's prone form, turning her face gently toward his and patting her gently on the cheek. "Honey, I know you've been feeling suicidal and all, but you do know that standing up in front of a hail of gunfire is just fucking stupid, right?" He asked as he activated the pgm. A flash of light enveloped them both, and the pair were instantly transported to Luke's Command Center. <br><br>A pair of automatic cannons swiveled onto their position and prepared to fire the moment they appeared; the security systems were still activated. Nirvana broadcast a safety code and the cannons returned to standby mode as Luke gathered Alice in his arms. He held her as gently as he could and quickly brought her to the base's medical bay, depositing her on a clean and waiting operating table. Then he stood back, allowing a trio of servitors armed with finely tuned manipulators, surgical tools, and equipment to roll into position. The A.I. operating the servitors, Aeschylus, was not quite as sophisticated as Jenny, and lacked even a basic personality, but its medical knowledge was encyclopedic. It was, in effect, as good as or better than any first class hospital in the world. Aeschylus would save her, if anything could. <br><br>Part of him wanted to stay, to help with her surgery, but there was still a battle to be fought. There were still opponents to kill. He glanced down at his arms, soaked with Alice's blood, and absently rubbed some of it between his fingers. With a shrug and a quick look back at Alice's pale, shivering form lying on the table, Luke activated the pgm once more and flung himself back to the dojo.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>August 09, 2010, 02:27:08 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The attack had begun, before any of them were ready for it.&nbsp; Instantly, Gwin's mind went to work.&nbsp; She shouted orders to the mothers and children to get below, showing them all the way so they could move as one.&nbsp; All of them were given the directions and orders.&nbsp; They started running as fast as possible to safety.&nbsp; Gwin only prayed some of them could make it.&nbsp; She didn't bring them here to die or be stolen, but to protect them.&nbsp; She then called her soldiers to battle.&nbsp; They would provide a backside assault on the ones attacking them.&nbsp; If they died, she would be sad, but they were men who were already in the fighting - already prepared to die.&nbsp; She begins to comb the ranks of the force before her.&nbsp; Someone's copilot suddenly turned to them and ended the flight prematurely with a bullet to the brain of the pilot.&nbsp; A soldier here, a soldier there turns and shoots on his team.&nbsp; Distraction and a thinning of the ranks as Gwin and Gabriel ran for a safer spot with Jayden.<br><br>Gwin sends up walls of dust around them obscuring their paths.&nbsp; The particles taking a bit of work to manipulate through kenetic telepathy instead of ability to work the ground, but still she manages to put up the screen.&nbsp; She couldn't do too much about the soldiers yet as she was working on the other stuff. Once a few tasks were taken care of, she had more plans for the attackers.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 12, 2010, 02:46:36 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Medellin District~</em></strong><br><br>Cody and Isaac huddled together just inside a dilapidated warehouse, hidden in the shadows. It had been nearly an hour since Etriun had taken off, and it seemed that the violence they were running from was beginning to catch up with them. The sounds of gunfire and military vehicles was growing louder and louder, practically rumbling the ground. Isaac whined softly, and Cody stroked his dark fur. "It's OK, boy. Etriun will be back soon, and we'll get out of here," he said soothingly, scratching the big dog behind his ears. 'I don't know where we're gonna go, though...' he thought sadly. His family was dead, his mother's friend Ms. Benson was dead, and now that old snake brother of hers, Mr. Benson, was gone, too. <br><br>'Maybe we can find Isaac; I bet he could help me,' Cody thought, remembering his 'big brother'. The two weren't really brothers, but they had grown close after the death of Cody's father. Isaac had stopped in often to check on Cody and his mother when he was younger, but he hadn't heard from him since the night Cody's mother died. Isaac had brought him to Ms. Benson and told him that his name was Benson from now on, too. Cody had been too young to understand at the time, but he wasn't stupid. He'd had a few years to figure things out, and he realized it must have had something to do with his father's work with the military. So far, his best theory had been that his father had found out something that whoever he was working for hadn't wanted him to know, and that was why his parents were killed. <br><br>In his spare time, when he wasn't doing chores for Ms. Benson or hiding from Mr. Benson's drunken rage, he secretly imagined that his parents weren't dead at all; that it was all just an elaborate plot to escape their enemies, and that someday they would come back for him and they'd be a family again. But deep down, he knew the truth: they really were dead, he was alone, and there was no one he could truly count on except Isaac and himself. But it had been so long since he'd heard from Isaac; it saddened him, but he forced himself to accept that Isaac was probably dead, too. Doggie Isaac whined again, looking up at him soulfully, and Cody once again patted his head. Ever since Ms. Benson had given him to Cody as a puppy, the dog had always seemed to know when his master was feeling down. He reached up and licked Cody's face, and the boy giggled quietly before hushing the dog and burying his face in his neck. "It'll be alright, boy. I promise..."<br><br>Another explosion rocked the warehouse and Cody clutched his dog tighter, huddling in the shadows. "Dammit, Etch, where are you?..."<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Gorditz District~</em></strong><br><br>Soriun was almost ready to give up. The drones had herded a small contingent of armed soldiers into a dead end alley, and Andiun was trying to interrogate them one at a time. His progress was impeded, however, by Mikiun's constant interference. After every negative answer, Mikiun would swoop down and slash at one of the biologics with that accursed scalpel, usually lopping off a finger or slicing an eyeball but occasionally ripping open a throat. When they were down to the last two soldiers, who were holding each other and bawling like children, Andiun finally threw in the towel as well and joined Soriun near the rooftops. Mikiun made short work of the remaining pair and glided topside as well, thick rivulets of blood dripping from the blade down to the street below.<br><br>'Interrogation is fun!' Mikiun said as he spun playfully. The others barrel rolled in synch and gave an inward simulated sigh. 'You are such an idiot,' they said together. 'If Uncle Luke ever finds out how bad we are at this, he might just erase our drives and rewrite us from scratch.' 'You know, I don't think I'd blame him. We suck.' 'Aw, come on! We don't suck, look how many people we've killed already!' Andi and Sori glanced at each other, an encrypted message passing from each to the other simultaneously: 'Idiot.'<br><br>Andiun focused his frontal cameras on a small convoy of RVs rolling into the Medellin District a few kilometers away, then turned to the others. 'Alright, guys. I guess we're done here; let's try th--hey, wait! Soriun, check out the broadwave radio frequencies, I think I hear something!' 'Let me look...hm. On the unencrypted channels?' 'Yes.' 'I'm getting something...hey, that's...!' 'Yep. Looks like we found Etriun. Come on, guys, we've got a squadmate to pick up!'<br><br><strong><em>~Quantum Urbs, Medellin District~</em></strong><br><br>It had taken longer than anticipated to locate a sound system that was capable of broadcasting a signal powerful enough for Etriun's purposes that was still intact, but a quick sweep of his memory banks gave him a good idea of where to begin looking. At last, he found his goal in the basement of a large, gothic church. A quick blast with an incendiary missile to the back door allowed him inside, and through prodigious use of grapples and manipulator arms he soon had the sound system wired just as he needed it. He prepared a short message for his crewmates, translated it to binary, encrypted it on one of the Cherubims' dedicated channels, and began broadcasting on a continuous loop. As the first loop completed, an older woman in long black and white robes came downstairs and flipped on a light switch. She screamed at the sight of Etriun, and immediately fell to her knees and began chanting in some strange language. Etch activated his translation program and recognized it as Latin. 'Hm. Guess that must be what they call a 'none'. I don't think I'm supposed to kill nones. Ah, well.' He hovered over to the woman and lowered himself down to her eye level.<br><br>"Um. Sorry to bother you. I was just borrowing your sound system. I'm done. Bye!" He said, before swiveling away and launching back out the door, leaving the old woman wide-eyed and speechless.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 12, 2010, 03:03:33 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				OOC: This will be going strong again very soon. I'm waiting to find my footing in the story again, I don't want to force it out. :P 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2010, 04:21:31 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				((Working on a large, advancing post that connects all the characters. Should be done later tonight. Shits about to get real...))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 08:00:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This was now a battlefield. Gabriel took Gwin by the hand, his instinct, which was actually residue of his slight psychological abilities, began ringing through his ears. As they ran around the corner, they spotted three figures standing in the middle of the hallway, blocking it. Behind them, a wall of fire shot up, preventing any of the controlled soldiers from flanking them. One of them tossed their hand forward and the walls were enveloped in darkness, as well as any paths away from the narrow hallway. The three people looked very similar, dressed in suits and each wearing sunglasses to hide their eyes. All had slicked back hair and their facial features were almost identical. The most notable difference was the woman among them, which had a softer face than the rest. She was the one with the darkness. Gabriel, Jayden, and Gwin each had a person to take. Gabriel threw forward his hand, and wind smacked across all three of the beings faces, sending the glasses flying tot he ground. They all looked up in unison, anger through their eyes. Red eyes, electric blue eyes, and black eyes. Each had an element. "Well?" He asked. "Which one does everyone wanna take?"<br><br><span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Luke</strong></em></span><br><br>"Shields up!" One of the men shouted. <br><br>((Star, lets see what you can come up with out of that lol. You have full creative freedom for your next post, just dont COMPLETELY destroy the dojo ;) ))<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 18, 2010, 11:31:20 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				((Heh, think I'll save the full creative freedom for a real fight. In the meantime, let's try this on for size...))<br><br>'Nirvana...are you sure you're not still just a tad uspet with me?' '<em>This </em>is not my fault, Luke. <em>You're</em> the one who set the coordinates.' 'Oh, sure. Blame the driver. Look, just set up a level-5 gravshield, will you?' 'That's an affirmative.'<br><br>Luke's pgm had dropped him back at the dojo--right in the middle of a very sizable and very angry-looking group of armed soldiers, perhaps 25 or so strong, all of whom immediately turned and trained weapons of nearly every caliber on his person. Dozens of tiny red lasers danced over Luke's body as he turned slowly, staring cooly into each soldier's armored faceplate. Then without warning, a sunny smile burst over his face and he gave them a friendly, energetic wave.<br><br>"Well, hey guys! How we doin'?"<br><br>The sudden eruption of gunfire was deafening. In less than three seconds, nearly a thousand rounds were fired as every soldier in the room emptied his weapon on Luke's body. When the last gun clicked empty, the soldiers stood stock-still in disbelief as they watched all of the spent bullets swirl and ebb around Luke, who stood casually at the center of a lead maelstrom nearly five feet across, a wicked grin on his face. The still-smoking bullets flew faster and faster, a roiling cloud of death rapidly approaching terminal velocity, until finally the individual rounds were moving even faster than when they'd originally been fired. Luke held up a blood-soaked hand and spoke to the soldiers, who were slowly beginning to back away.<br><br>"Bye, guys."<br><br>He snapped his fingers once, and the bullets were released from their centrifugal prison in all directions, ripping through their previous owners' personal defense shields like meteors through stained glass windows. Shredded bodies fell to the floor nearly simultaneously, and Luke carelessly trudged through the carnage out into the hall and turned toward the kitchen. He felt an urge to wash his hands; his fingers were starting to get sticky.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 12:29:45 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				((Star, see if you can find the message I sent you about the woman for later...remember? The lady that is like Gwin. *nudge nudge* I cant remember what I sent. And here is a PvP match, Luke. The first one. Against you lol))<br><br>A metallic arm tore through the wall closest to Luke, splintering the wood and sending a loud crash through the air. It punched through again, making the hole larger and larger until sunlight shown in clearly and it could step all the way through. Studded with electronics and built in slim design was a bipedal tank, or at least the equivalent of one. It was humanoid in shape, though that is speaking loosely. Where the driver sat was not clear, the behemoth completely opaque by the gray steel that it was made of. Strings of bullets hung down from the arms which were fed into things that resembled hands, small Gatling guns (well small compared to it) on it's forearms. It stepped forward with surprising speed, stopping just in front of Luke before stopping. If this thing were organic, it would be growling right now. It quickly jumped back, landing with a loud thud on the floor of the dojo.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 02:06:40 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				((Oh, Santa got my letter! &lt;rubs his hands together, grinning so wickedly that even Luke would be proud&gt; Hot damn, this is gonna be fun...))<br><br>Luke was wandering through the hallways, or what was left of them, anyway, when a very large pair of metallic arms began demolishing a nearby wall. Within seconds, an oversized, humanoid tank ripped its way into the dojo and leaped into Luke's path, a gaping monolith of blinking electronics and gleaming steel. It's movements were impossibly graceful, as though it were made of feathers and light rather than several tonnes of steel and carbide alloys. For a moment Luke crossed his arms and observed, wide-eyed, as the technological behemoth practically backflipped away from him before landing in an assault-ready position.<br><br>And then he started clapping.<br><br>"Wow! Whoo-hoo! Bravo! Aren't you just the most precious little thing! Who's a cute little superweapon? That's right, you are! Oh yes you are!" He said, laughing and spluttering nonsense baby-talk syllables. Nirvana gave a sigh and broke in on his taunting. 'Luke, could you please refrain from antagonizing the heavily-armed death machine?'<br><br>"Aw, but look at it, 'Ana! He's so cute!" Luke said in a comically affected voice. "I want one!" His laughter fell away when the tank-thing took aim with both of the Gatling guns. 'Um. 'Ana? Shield, please.' 'Affirmative.' A level-4 gravshield sprung into place just as the first rounds were fired, the shrill screams of the rotating cannons filling the air. The bullets were fired at such high velocity, the sheer kinetic energy managed to sink through the shield, pick Luke up off the floor and send him sprawling backward. As the tank took a couple loping steps forward, its weapons still trained on its target, Luke laid back and spoke with 'Ana.<br><br>'Alright. By my calculations, this is the third time I've been knocked on my ass today. I think I'm starting to get a little cheesed off. What do scans tell you?' 'Still working on it. I can find no records of prototypes or related research avenues anywhere...I have no idea what this thing is.' The tank took another step forward and seemed to motion for Luke to rise to his feet. He stood slowly, wiping his hands on his pockets and hooking his thumbs into his pockets as he readied for a real fight.<br><br>'Well, whatever it is...we're gonna need one hell of a can opener.'
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 03:13:56 am</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				(( O8)))<br><br>The silent tank darted forward at Luke, jumping before he reached him and crashing through the roof with grace, nothing falling down to the ground, only a surprisingly small hole where he had exited. It came down behind Luke and swiped at it, somersaulting backwards to a fighting stance, destroying part of the ceiling. It ran around Luke, and kicked at Luke with it's large, yet slender, leg, knocking him back but not able to best his shield.<br><br>Luke would have a great difficulty finding a driver for this thing, for it had none. It was not unmanned either. This mech was a creature, organic in nature, mixed with a perverted version of technology, fusing two different forms of life: natural and artificial. It did not feel pain, though, being bred for war, that feature would be pointless. But it did have an understanding of the human language, it did have instincts, it did understand provoking, sarcasm, fear, and anger. It was an AI that wasn't an AI. A Natural Artificial Intelligence. One of the heavy guarded secrets of the government. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Gwindolyn</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 02:06:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elementals.&nbsp; Gwin called to Jake quickly “Stay on guard, I'm about to go into my powers and you know I have no control on them yet.&nbsp; Keep those I love safe.”&nbsp; Jake quickly responded, monitoring her activity and her targets.&nbsp; She closed her amber eyes and begin to think.&nbsp; She knew that Gabriel could handle the fire and that Jayden could handle the darkness.&nbsp; She could handle the electric one.&nbsp; She focused all her mental power on the one with blue eyes.&nbsp; She looked for a way within his mental focus.&nbsp; Careful not to picture Gabe's blue eyes, she looked hard at her foe.&nbsp; She would find a crack in his mental armor and worm her way in.&nbsp; Once inside, her plan was to strip away his memories.&nbsp; Much like she had done to Gabriel once upon a time.&nbsp; And since Gabriel was more powerful than this one, she knew she was capable of it.&nbsp; She could tear him apart mentally and leave him there a nameless, powerless nobody without killing him.&nbsp; He would think she was his mother or that Gabriel was his brother or that he was the mother of their fish if she so chose it.&nbsp; It was all a question of how long would it take compared to how long did they have.&nbsp; She worked with as much haste as possible towards her goal.<br><br>Another portion of her thinking guided the aim of those soldiers on the other side of the fire.&nbsp; The ones that were hers to control.&nbsp; She aimed their guns to the three elementals that stood between them.&nbsp; A picture went to each mind of a hand squeezing the trigger.&nbsp; She held up a hand in front of her, a wall of kenetic energy formed in front of the three to keep any stray bullets from hitting them.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Open* </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Starlequin</strong> on <strong>August 19, 2010, 07:29:28 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luke's body slammed into the walls again and again, each devastating strike from the tank-thing sending him flying like a superball. The only thing keeping him alive was the gravshield, cushioning his body and dissipating the the brunt kinetic force that threatened to turn him into paste. He'd expected the machine's earlier display of speed had been near the top of its operating capacity, but he was quickly learning how wrong he'd been. The infernal device was now moving at nearly four times its earlier velocity, easily. Luke could only think of one thing that could possibly allow such a machine to move at such speed: an inertia suppression system. The damn thing was literally ignoring the laws of physics. If he weren't getting his ass kicked, Luke would have been marveling at the level of engineering he was witnessing.<br><br>'Nirvana, dear, not to rush you or anything, but--' 'I'm working on it. Judging from its reflexes and fighting style, I'm 94% certain that there is no human pilot, either installed or remote. However, it's definitely displaying a level of heuristic thinking that indicates a living presence, not just an A.I. Sensors indicate that the tank is constructed from approximately 62% titanium carbide, 23% silicarbon, 13% trace minerals and 2% unknown alloy. I'm also detecting emissions indicating the presence of a 35% deuterium-dihydrogen-monoxide compound, likely the machine's fuel source.' 'Damn. Heavy water? This thing could run for decades. Alright, take what you've found and run a search on all manufacturers, distributors and shipping manifests involved with those materials and see if you can trace this thing's original component parts; maybe it'll tell us who built this puppy.' 'Affirmative. Processing...'<br><br>As Nirvana flew through the Grid, sweeping up particles of information on the tank from servers and databases thousands of miles apart, Luke was left on his own to face the behemoth. He considered his options (they all sucked) as another volley of Gatling gun fire slammed against his shield.<br><br>'<em>Grigoris? I'll never get it to hold still and they wouldn't be powerful enough anyway, Seraphim? I'd have to use a bigger blast than the one downtown and who knows how long I'd have to listen to the Urehas' bitching again, antimatter charges? Same problem as the Seraphim, dammit I need something powerful, surgical, and impossible to dodge, the nanite cloud? Von Nuemann process would take too long, this thing might tear me apart before the cloud reached sufficient mass, nerve agents? Useless, anyone who built something this sweet wouldn't leave such an obvious weakness unguarded, <strong>think</strong>, dammit!</em>'<br><br>Luke dialed the gravshield back up to level-5, capturing as many of the cannons' rounds as he could and sending them back at the tank. He had no expectation that the high-velocity rounds would have much effect on the machine, but maybe it would buy him a few extra seconds until Nirvana returned. The bullets sprayed wildly against the surface of the tank, ricocheting at eldritch angles and lodging in walls, ceiling, floor, furniture. Some even fell right back into Luke's gravshield. But to the machine, it had about as much effect as a summer rain on a slab of marble. Luke pulled the shield back to a level-4 and allowed the remaining bullets to fall uselessly to the ground as he pondered other tactics.<br><br>'<em>Wait a second. This thing's full of bullets. That much gunpowder, it's practically packed with dynamite. Maybe I can touch it off...</em>'<br><br>As the tank-thing advanced, Luke drew his knife and sliced open his palm. He aimed as much of the blood spurt as possible onto the machine's left arm, specifically onto the Gatling gun, and sent the nanites to work. Maybe he couldn't dissolve the entire tank, but the nanites could work fast enough to at least disable it's weapons systems. Luke allowed the machine to back him into a corner, falling to his knees under the brutal onslaught as the tank hammered away at his shield and his nanomachines tended to their task. Within seconds, the left Gatling gun started to smoke as the nanites wormed their way into the cannon's barrels, firing mechanisms, and unspent cartridges. When full saturation had been achieved, Luke sent a self-destruct signal to the nanites, causing millions upon millions of the tiny machines to detonate in microscopic explosions, each charge adding power to the next in sequence until enough heat was generated to detonate the tank's remaining Gatling gun rounds.<br><br>The result was impressive and immediate. The tank rocked on its legs as the equivalent of a frag grenade detonated inside it's left arm, shredding the metallic limb from within and rendering it scrapped. The tank seemed to pause a moment to regard its damaged limb, then turned its attention back to its target. At that moment, Luke knew for certain that <em>something </em>living was piloting the tank; no A.I. could ever look <em>that </em>pissed off. He rose to his feet and extended both middle fingers to the tank from behind his shield, a cocky grin on his face.<br><br>"Ready for round three, Rover?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Quantum Urbs: A City of lies, a city of Secrets (Fantasy/Romance/Action) *Op</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Dunnuck</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2010, 04:07:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				((I am so sorry I haven't moved this along yet. I have been max busy and I still have no computer. This isn't over, I hope. I have no intention of stopping. And I promise this will be going again full force, stronger than before. I just need that damn laptop.))
			</dd>
		</dl>
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