Six of one, half a dozen of another...

~Venin~
*A still figure lays motionless on the bunk, one knee pointed up at the ceiling.....~that is if they don't mindfuck you.. and make you work for us again~..... The words play through her head, over and over like a skipped record.....~AND don't /even/ say that you aren't a killer Yvette. You still kill~.....an unnoticed tear runs down her cheek....I 'Do' kill damn it, I never wanted to, I never wanted this to happen...a heavy sigh escapes her body, and another tear runs down her cheek...James is right, I am a coward.I ran, I couldn't handle it so I ran. She bites her lip, relishing the absence of power that normally accompanies the pain...For once they did something right...a half hearted chuckles escapes her throat...I'm normal down here...a fist angrily hits the wall...a lot of good it does me, or them...her thoughts turn to her 'family', something she thought she would never have again. Not after... even after all these years, a hard lump of pain and anger still stuck in her throat.The events of that day remain forever etched in her memory, a horror that will never leave...more tears roll unchecked down the side of her face*

~Chameleon~
*Gods, it had seemed like she'd been here forever already. The past month has been filled with a lot of reports, training, but yet still no action for her. Her boredom was enough to put asleep a Java drinking hippie on way too much speed. Yet, she was on her way to hopefully change that. She had heard about the Runner that was caught by one of the Usuals around the HQ. A lot of stories and rumors seemed to fly around this place like a bad habit. She felt it was about time that she found out about this One herself. Trotting down the stairs, she made her way to the prison block (ever so sparsely used)*

~Venin~
*Maybe I was right when I said I wish I wasn't unnatural, whatever gods there are have to be playing some cruel joke on us....she stands up and restlessly paces the dimensions of her cell....a person could go insane thinking these thoughts...Her hands ball into fists and slam forcefully into her thighs...Why do they make me wait? Why don't they just get it over with? I can't stand this anymore*

~Chameleon~
*Finding her way to the Main entrance she cleared herself with the watchman and entered the main hall of the facility. Walking a couple feet, she saw her. All she could really make out, from the position she was in, was boots and short brown hair* So, you're her.

~Venin~
*She looks up, startled, at the voice…she hadn't heard any footsteps....damn it Yvette, you're slipping...her eyes quickly rake over your form, her mind searching for a file and coming up blank...gotta be a new one....her voice comes out calm, calculated* I'm who?

~Chameleon~
*Grins, folding her arms* You're the one that everyone around here's talking about. The 'Caught Runner' *she waves her arms around mocking their talking and roles her eyes* It's been kind of non-stop for a couple weeks now. The stories just seem to get more and more exaggerated. Is it true that you took out 10 newbies before one of the Usuals got you?

~Dayre~
*Walks slowly down the hall, whistling some tune. Sounds rather vague...don't think she's got it right. Heard it on the radio this morning and, vague as it is, it's rather catchy. Not only that, but it's -loud-. Loud enough, perhaps, to be heard by Venin and Chameleon...*

~Venin~
*she shakes her head and rolls her eyes before sitting back on her bunk...a gawker...come to see the dangerous traitor to GUARD...she watches you* What's your name kid?

~Dayre~
*puts a hand to her mouth and yawns. Good God, you'd think with all the fuss Phobia's been blabbering about lately there'd be a little more work about for her to do. She pauses in her walk and her whistle when she hears voices. One of which is familiar enough, that would be Venin. The other, however, she just can't place. Must be one of the newer ones. She never did pay much attention to them and, with any luck, won't work with them. She's got a very tight set of standards and, even though she herself doesn't live up to half of them, she tries to keep prospective friends to them*

~Chameleon~
*Kid? Doesn't even ask* Now now, let's not get all buddy buddy quite yet, after all with all the stories, I was never able to even catch yours.

~Venin~
*Chuckles* You know the thing about stories? The minor stuff's embellished, and the big stuff is always belittled...you never get half the truth out of a rumor...Name's Yvette....now you going to be polite and give me yours? *Her eyes cast up the hallway* I thought they only let high clearance down here?

~Chameleon~
*Nods* fair enough. I'm Amber. Oh, and *scoots closer to the cell, whispering* And I've got certain employee benefits. *Backs away* And don't let your mind wonder. It's nothing like that

~Venin~
Benefits? *snorts* If you want to call them that…*S* so what are the rumors flying around?

~Chameleon~
*Raises her head* Man, you wouldn't believe 'em. Let's see. There was the one I said before, You being the mastermind in the HQ in the U.S. going ''boom'', something about you USED to being GUARD. And then the one about you being a relative to the Big Man Up Stairs.

~Venin~
*Leans back against the wall* Just remember, you only get half the truth...*she looks you in the eye* What half you believe?

~Chameleon~
*Raises a brow* Why? Are you saying that some of that is true?

~Venin~
*sigh* I didn't say that, did I? I just wanted to see what your perceptions were....GUARD training doesn't always leave a lot of room for free thought and perception....*she runs a hand through her hair* what brought you down here anyhow?

~Chameleon~
*shrugs* I always like steer away from perception and stick with fact, but the reason I'm here was to really find out if any of it was true, cause then I'd be able to figure out something else that's been stirring around here.

~Venin~
I could tell you anything, and you would have no idea how much of it was truth, after all aren't you told to distrust all RUNners? Aren't we all bad and evil because we oppose the order that GUARD lays out? *chuckles* what other bizarre things are stirring here?

~Chameleon~
Well, like I said, I'm here to find out something. Why I'm here. Now, if what I've heard matches, I would understand now. Supposedly, an Ex-GUARD in the battle in the old HQ (who just happened to be related to the Big Man) done slammed around one of the Usuals something nasty, hence calling me here. *shrugs again* Call it a side thought that I just wanted figured.

~Venin~
*A pained expression briefly crosses her face as she once again recalls the battle that night....does everyone have to remind her of Vince?...she quickly regains control of her emotions* A lot of people were killed and injured, on both sides, no one was sure who was fighting where

~Chameleon~
Yeah, I guess a Newbie should expect false fronts from another Newbie. Anyway, I also just wanted to see what all the commotion was about. Do you think you're worth the entire lower quadrant of HQ to be in a frenzy?

~Venin~
I haven't given you any false fronts, but seek your own answers. If you are true to GUARD you will automatically reject any I give…As for my worth? I have none.

~Chameleon~
Oh, you take my words wrong. You understand that by other ''Newbies'' I meant one of GUARD. Yet I can now see to the thoughts of yourself, and I'm not even one o' those ESP's.

~Venin~
*nods* perhaps I did take it wrong, I apologize.

~Chameleon~
Accepted, but tell me this, why, even if you are a Runner, do you have such a low opinion for yourself?

~Venin~
*closes her eyes and takes a breath* Because...I have betrayed those that trust me...more than once.

~Chameleon~
*Tilts her head* Yeah, I guess that is a pretty good reason. Some call it ''confusion''.

~Venin~
*sigh* no, not confusion.....cowardice…I ran when I should have stayed and fought my battles.

~Chameleon~
Think what you will, Yvette. After all, who am I to offer advice to a Runner.

~Venin~
Someone recently brought it to my attention, just what I had done to those that trusted me. This place leaves you lots of time to think, unfortunately it also allowed me to realize how right he was on some things....*She looks up at you, her attitude changing as she changes subjects* How long you been in?

~Chameleon~
Been at the HQ for about a Month and a half, though it feels longer. **She can fully remember the first day she arrived. She wondered if the airport was fixed yet*

~Venin~
Do yourself a favour, keep your mind your own....examine all sides of every order you receive...otherwise you might one day regret the past.

~Chameleon~
What did this place just turn into? A Runner Recruiting Office? It's only natural that you're saying things like this.

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He counted in sequence... one hundred forty five… slowly he lifted his body to meet his knees. His thought wandered from the workout, One hundred forty six... he lifted with ease. His body always in pristine condition. Strong, fast, built. One hundred forty seven. He lifted again thinking his thoughts wandering towards Yvette. Why had.... her words even effected him... One hundred forty eight… He exhaled deeply, pulling in another breath, One hundred and forty nine… ever since he started training in the French facilities, he had noticed two things... one their training equipment was not as good as the US base's One hundred and fifty.. He stood up, and not very many people used them. Perhaps because there wasn't such a high RUNner rate here. He wandered to the door waving at the Techie... Jean as he walked towards his room. Slowly dressing into clean GUARD regulated sweats, tee, socks, and even under-wear. He ties his shoes tightly, before leaning back in his seat. Looking towards his walls, a few posters were placed there... and he finally came to grips… this was his home. He finally slid out of his chair and wandered to the hall, his feet traveling with his mind wandering elsewhere. HE smiled as he passed Dayre... one of the times he could recall smiling. He seemed to have been doing it a lot more… since he had come to terms with Yvette.. Her words still irking him. He found himself finally in the Technicians lab for the Cells. The whirring and blinking lights the monitors showing many RUnners, Waterweird, Malice.. Venin.. He paused looking at this one.. pointing to it as to ask if he could see. The French technician nodded and he sat... placing on a set of headphones. She was conversing... but with who? A voice he didn't know but definitely American. Blinking and tapping the ear-phones again.. As a distinct... -== someone recently brought it to my attention, just what I had done to those that trusted me. This place leaves you lots of time to think, unfortunately it also allowed me to realize how right he was on some things.... ==- Filtered though to his ears. He blinked again... his hands hovering near the ear pads as he stood, slowly, placing the phones on the bench... so she wasn't the self righteous bitch he still had etched in his mind. She had...listened? He then turned to corner heading for the holding cells. EIGHT Gates later and all the tests... maybe a good 15 minutes later he arrived at the deepest level of security... near hesitating to wander towards the pair talking… ~*~

~Venin~
*shakes her head* I'm not telling you to become a RUNner...it's a hard life, it wears on you. Just think, analyze, decide for yourself

~Chameleon~
Hey, even I'll admit that there are some crazed ass, take no prisoner, no thinking soldiers here, but that was they ''thought, analyzed, and decided for themselves''.

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~* He stood there, looming listening to what they had to say... nearly snickering at the American's line... a RUNner Recruiting officer? That was a new one. He blinked down the corridor as he finally neared the pair, quietly looking towards the American girl nodding, then blinking into the cell at Yvette… not saying a thing. Instead simply watching. Turning his attention back to Amber.. Extending his hand his shoulders squared. ~*~ I'm James... BLACKDAGGER, I am afraid I have not read your file… ~*~ He lifted a brow as she could supply her own name..~*~

~Venin~
Do yourself a favour...check their records, most of them either went through intense training, that turned them that way, or had something major happen involving a RUNner. I'll admit, not all RUNners are exactly the peaceful types.

~Venin~
*she leans back, arms folded across her chest* Hello again James.

~Chameleon~
*turning her attention away from the prisoner to focus on the higher up* **shaking his hand with a smile** Amber Jameson, sir. A lot of people around here have been calling me CHAMELEON. **With that she gives a hardy salute**

~Venin~
*chuckles as Amber salutes James...don't think I remember ever being that into authority*

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He removes his hand from the air, grasping at nothing... nearly forgetting his command and saluting back, an uneasy… ~*~ At ease.... Good to have you working for us Chameleon.. ~*~ He glanced back at Yvette… slowly lifting his chin, still feeling spite… looking down at her slowly saying ~*~ Hello again Yvette… a pleasure... as always ~*~ Sarcasm deeply rooted in his voice as he turned back to Amber, a smile then slowly spreading... nearly uncomfortable.. ~*~ If I may ask.. Chameleon... what is your purpose here? ~*~ Unused to being in command though trying to pull it off easily. Even Vince was higher on the ranking than he was. He blinked at her again rolling his eyes back to Yvette.. ~*~ I'd think a new operative would have better things to do with he.r time... unless you are making a follow up report on her ~*~ He smirked a bit before turning his whole attention back to Chameleon ~*~

~Chameleon~
Well, sir, I guess you COULD call it that. I just had a few questions of my own that I needed answered. Plus, if I must say, I haven't been able to find much else lately, sir, so I thought I'd find out about the most talked about person in my quadrant.

~Venin~
*A feeling on sympathy overtakes her, she remembers what it was like suddenly being reminded of rank...the unease of command... and she suppresses any smart comments* Seems I have become something of a tourist attraction, what tales you guys spreading up there about me?

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He smirked again ~*~ Unfortunately Chameleon she is the most talked about person in any quadrant... ~*~ He almost shared her pride, standing a bit taller, shoulders squared as he looked back towards Yvette... then back to Chameleon. Standing there arms hanging at his sides stiff, as a proud soldier in any military would be. ~*~ A request Chameleon... when I am not on duty please refer to me as Blackdagger, sir is appropriate at other times. ~*~ He smiled again uncomfortably, before turning his back to Venin all together. Saying ~*~ What a relief it is to find someone who speaks fluent English... besides Pole.. ~*~ Shaking his head a bit, then folding his arms over his chest ~*~

~Chameleon~
*She snickers slightly* I clearly understand, Blackdagger. A lot of these Frenchie...............uh, I mean French people don't seem to like me all that much. Must be my background. Oh, and you can call me Amber. Chameleon's something I'd only like to use in the field.

~Venin~
*leans back and watches the by-play*

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He nodded* Indeed Amber then, what was your quadrant again? ~*~ Knowing one couldn't be too careful about these things. He watched every simple move she made finally making up his mind she could be trusted ~*~ Well then Amber, it is good to see someone who is so devoted to their duty, unlike the people we have here... deserters every last one of them at this level... especially Venin here. I am sure you read her report... correct? ~*~ He spoke loudly enough for Yvette to hear every word, not so much soaking it in, but perhaps re-iterating his point. ~*~

~Chameleon~
I haven't yet, but I best catch up. I've been in the Training area for the past week, and now it's Silent Reading Time. I was on my way to the File office when I thought I'd see what I was reading first.

~Venin~
*sighs loudly* Jesus Fucking Christ James, you almost make it sound like I'm dangerous or something.

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He blinked ~*~ Silent reading time... ~*~ Perhaps it had been a bit too long but he failed to remember a silent reading time... ever. He then glanced back at Venin as to ask if she had any clue what the rookie was blabbing about then with a shrug he nodded ~*~ Heh well then you'll have to really catch up, there are a hell of a lot of them out there... and most of them are less than friendly... sure this girl talks sweet now in a cage.. but when it is you or her... she'd sooner slit your throat... or kill you ~*~ Those words said with sheer spite ~*~ Than 'talk' it out... read up on a file of EXIT, Vincent Warren while you are at it Amber... it will teach you a lot..

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He spun around glaring at her... his eyes narrowed ~*~ I sure as hell wouldn't trust you... Yvette. ~*~ He glared for a moment before regaining his composure... and shaking his head... staring at her for a very long time... glancing back at Amber, then her ~*~ I am just teaching what I /know/.

~Venin~
*she visibly tenses as once again she is reminded of Vince....some mistakes follow you forever, maybe it should have been me out there*

~Chameleon~
**Keep in mind that Amber uses words to subject other things: Newbies, Usuals, Silent Reading Time. ** Gotcha. It's going to be about another weeks worth of file reading until I may be eligible to be out in the field. Until then. **She trots out the door, giving the watcher a wave and makes her way up the stairs**

~Venin~
*she pulls her knees up before her, her tone appearing bored, her gaze focused on a wall* Didn't we already cover the trust issue the other night?

~TYTAN~
*She sighs slightly. In the galley, again.... She -NEVER- gained weight. Must be some sort of blessing. Getting ready to scarf down a banana. And then, she hears the telltale markings of men... Somthing about their bananas.... Turning her head only slightly to catch a glimpse of them, she takes a rather large bite out of the fruit and storms out of the room... She hated the Frenchies... Perhaps a trip down to the cell block to visit HER catch. She was getting quite used to visiting MICA.*

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He blinks as she ascends the stairs and out of view... a week and he'd have to rely on her saving /his/ ass? He shook his head as he watched the empty stair case for a long time... ~*~ So you admit I was right... ~*~ He said quietly... his eyes still locked on the stairs... as finally he turned to face her… saying then ~*~ And I am sorry I am making you seem like the boogie man, But I can't have one of the new operatives here getting gushy with a RUNner who would sooner take her head off than befriend her...

~TYTAN~
*She bumps RIGHT into AMBER as the girl is making her way up the steps. She gotten a bit fond of the American Hunter.* Og... Greeat apologies Comrade. I had no way of knowing thaat you were coming up zee steps.

~Chameleon~
*rubs her nose* Oh, hey Natalia. No worries. I have to get on those files before the day's over, so I gotta cut our time short. **trots past her with a wave** I'll call you.

~TYTAN~
*She sighs slightly.... Watching as Chameleon takes off to do her work.* Das Vedania. *She barely gets out with a slight wave of her hand.... With a hopeful at her last statement she waves shamelessly though.* Cvall me!!!! *She sighs and turns towards the steps again... Making her way down the steps as she hears James voice filtering through the vast amount of cells.*

~Venin~
*Watches Amber leaves then looks at you, knowing exactly what you are thinking...she'd be thinking the same thing* Did we ever seem that young? Were we ever inexperienced? *She looks at you, confusion on her face* right? *sarcastic tone* Gee thanks, she seems intelligent, why not let her use her decisions.

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He blinked back at her and said ~*~ Because if everyone were to make their own decisions... in matters like these they'd all turn out like you... ~*~ A near chuckle as he leaned against the frame of her cell door, watching the camera, behind the glass blink a few times until it faded as they continually switched views to see different cells ~*~ I for one was never that in-experienced... though that head-strong.. ~*~ Again looking back towards the stairs, beyond those the eight checkpoints... he sighed looking back towards her. ~*~ So... you admit I was right? ~*~ Pressing the point again... glancing towards the camera then back at her... a near once vindictive smile worn to a dull 'I told you so' one. Though pain and confusion were still deeply rooted. ~*~

~Venin~
*RaE* Like me? You mean perfect? *chuckles lightly, realizes what he is asking, but leaves it with her own question* so you admitting I had a few points?

~TYTAN~
*She slinks against the side of one of the cells. Listening to James and Venin's conversation.*

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He rose a brow.. still not looking at her, or in the cell at all ~*~ You did have a few points... somewhere I think.. I'd have to really think about it ~*~ Scrunching his forehead with his fingers pressing on his brows ~*~ Something like you admitted you were a coward... or something.. ~*~ He then turned to face her smiling, glancing at the camera, as it flashed off.. ~*~ And that perhaps fathers aren't always right ~*~ His smile faded. He glanced around her cell and asked then ~*~ You like your new home ?

~Venin~
*a small smile of amusement plays across her lips* Okay, I agree...I did run when I should have stayed, I betrayed a lot of people *she looks around the cell, grateful for a change of subject* you guys definitely need to hire a new interior decorator, I swear this ones gone colorblind....and besides, grey really isn't my colour.

~TYTAN~
*She puts her hand over her mouth at Venin's appraisal of the cells. Making sure that no sound escapes her mouth.*

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He squinted and looked at the walls, a small smile spreading... ~*~ its cream... ... not grey you color-blind woman! ~*~ He shook his head then slowly saying... ~*~ And perhaps you were right, about another thing... that I overlooked. It was a blessing for me to find out I was UNnatural... that I was special. And for a very long time I have been doing this for those reasons. And perhaps... people should and do regret being born UNnatural... ~*~ He shrugged ~*~ And sometimes running away is the way to deal with problems you are not strong enough to face. ~*~ He sighed as the camera blinked back on slowly watching then turning towards her his eyes narrow. ~*~ No one deserves to be in this cell more than you do Yvette... Not a single person on my shit list deserves to be here... more than you.

~Venin~
Well maybe if it was clean, I think you should definitely hire some new cleaners too. *she looks up at you, her tone soft with sincerity* sometimes, not always *because she is looking at you, she catches your glance at the camera. *Being alone with her thoughts all this time has allowed her to think about much, her life, his comments, her betrayals...perhaps he is right in some things, her thoughts in the past days have impacted her hard, maybe this is how they planned on breaking her down* Perhaps I do belong here.

~Old Scratch~
*A chuckle from the shadows... a short ways away, deep sound, low, unobtrusive. But it carries... it carries just enough. Dark eyes glint in the shadows, enhanced senses pick up who is there... who is in the darkness... a newer girl. Tytan, he knows. Blackdagger speaking to... to her. And it's what James says to Her, the comment, that piques the response. In the blackness gathered, he grins, and makes no attempt to hide himself any longer. He's heard enough...*

~TYTAN~
*She gulps once... Seeing OLD SCRATCH. And though there's not yet been found a physical attack that can even so much as scratch her skin, the mans simple presence is enough to send her ducking even deeper into her shadows.*

~Old Scratch~
*A quick glance to the girl who hides... Tytan... he knows exactly where she is. His eyes narrow, but he only nods a greeting*

~TYTAN~
*This is actually the -first- time she's ever seen Scratch in person. And the fact that he's noticed her, and nodded at her, Is a bit much for the simply country girl to grasp at for the moment. Flattening her back against the wall, she nods back at him. Not knowing if there is any penalty for spying on your own friends. Though if there is she hasn't been told of one.*

~Venin~
*She hears the chuckle and it strikes a chord deep within her. She is torn into more pieces than she can count, she wants to run, to hide, to stand, to fight, she wants to cower, and challenge...all these feelings surface with the memories that the sound brings back. For a brief second terror crosses her face, to be quickly replaced by anger. Unconsciously... automatically...her nails pierce her flesh, preparing for a charge that will not build*

~Old Scratch~
*A small smile at TYTAN as she flattens against the wall. If he minds her being there, listening, he doesn't remark on it, nor give a reproachful look. Indeed, he winks at her almost playfully, and turns away. He doesn't seem to mind at all that she is there, the gesture to comfort her. He may hold a fierce reputation, well deserved, but he's hardly a monster. And apparently has his own reasons for allowing her to stay* *Then his attention focuses on VENIN, and he straightens, pushing away from the wall where he was leaning, unseen and unheard, as usual. His arms remained folded* Brought down by a Rookie. -Really-, Yvette. *a small scolding, perhaps, but there seems to be a hint of something else in the tone... something like... affection?* *A small look at BLACKDAGGER... a speculative look* Jim.

~BLACKDAGGER~
~*~ He glanced upwards... and then back as the camera clicked off once more... ~*~ Of all the people on my shit list ~*~ He shook his head. and slowly backed from the cell. His eyes narrowing, perhaps something.. a picture... anything to make it seem like home. As she would be there for a long time. He backed away slowly and watched. Even her holographic window, that refused to show any image besides a projected field, and flowers, as if everything was right in the world shone though. He then walked a few paces and turned around...arms still folded over his chest... opening his mouth to speak then stopping as the camera popped on again. Slowly waiting counting... then glancing back at her. His intentions in his mind were very clear... though /how/ was another matter. He shook his head and spoke again slowly ~*~ I am not sure anyone deserves to be locked in this place, then again... it's all I have to believe. Perhaps to justify what I am doing is right. Here I am standing... conversing with someone I'd rather rip their head off than anything else ~*~ His fists slowly clenching over his biceps, his eyes clenched... ~*~ And I am telling her these sorts of things? ~*~ He shook his head his hands falling to his sides... his eyes opening as he glanced back at her... counting the time slowly. Near tediously ~*~

~TYTAN~
*She straightens a bit at the playful wink. She'd heard mostly just the parts about his reputation. And heard little or nothing of Scratches better side. But, she WAS supposed to be waiting for Amber's call... She pushes off of the wall making her way up the steps. Pushing one of the froggy frenchmen up against the wall for whistling at her.*

~Venin~
*This was the moment she had waited for, the one she had feared...yet only moments ago had been wondering when they would just get it all over with...her words come out tight, clipped, with a sharp edge them, almost like a razor* We all have our bad days.