STUBBORN AS A MULE

~BLACKDAGGER~
** Fiji, at last. His feet buried in the warm sand at GUARD's exclusive island. Sun beating down on him, being waited on hand and foot. Sipping on a virgin margarita, simply enjoying himself to the fullest. James, aside from medical leave, hadn't taken a day off since joining GUARD, and this was actually an order to take a break from stress. A break from " dad" " sis" " whore" and all in between. After roasting in the sun for a good hour or two, he finally gathered his things, heading back to the 'beach hut' the complex there provided. Towel over one arm, nothing but his shorts and a very nice tan, oh and those annoying flip-flops that fall apart in 3 days, but it was all very healthy for him. He had 4 days left to enjoy himself, and he would by working out at the state of the art gym, relaxing next to the ocean, and reading all the issues of Archeology Today that had been collecting in the corner of his closet. **

~VENIN~
*the door slides open and she steps in, her emerald gaze instantly falling on the lone operator...there was only ever one on shift this lateint he transport room.....and she had worked long and hard to arrange as to whom would be on this particular shift....her face is cold and expressionless until it falls on him* Hello Jason *a warm smile breaking her icy exteriror* how are you tonight? *..many thought of her as an ice bitch, and to watch her flirt with this one would almost scare some...noone be it hunter or runner had ever seen her flirt, but here at this moment it seemed a whole different person as she sat down at the console beside the operator, striking up idle conversation, sharing coffee..finally after a while she glances down at her watch* You know that little favour I asked earlier?*she smiles up at him, almost sweetly* Do you think we could do it now? *he answers with a chuckle as he stands and reaches to pull her up beside him, he tries to pull her in for a kiss and she artfully dodges it as she moves towards the transport* thank you jason, I really appreciate this....*A frown creases his brow as she dodges him, but he moves to the controls and activates them, then wipes the record * ...A flash of light and she appears on the edge of the jungle..a cold smile on her lips* Rika aint the only one that can do that *the smile fades into her normally neutral visage as she glances around her...she had never before been to this island before, but she knew its layout and where she was..she had planned this excursion well..the only factor she didn`t know was where her goal was.....she steps out onto the beach, her boots and jeans making her stand out starkly amoungst the few other patrons, her only concession to the heat being a tank that fit snugly to her muscular form making her biceps seem even more extenuated than they were....but she didn`t really care...she knew GUARD would find out eventually where she had gone...why cover too much?....her emerald gaze quickly passes over those on the beach, not seeing the one she wants she turns and heads towards the buildings...certain she would find him eventually*

** Sitting comfortably in a hammock reading last April's issue of Archeology Today. The wind tussling through his hair a bit unaware of his 'unexpected' visitor. Not that she was near him at that moment. He managed to see a few people there he knew, Dayre, and Omit. . .though Omit was just visiting to fix a few systems. Nice kid. Flipping through the pages, absently looking at older new finds, pausing to read an article or two of interest. Folding his legs finally and placing the magazine on this lap before shutting his eyes beneath his shades to take a well deserved nap. **

*She rounds a corner and pauses as she sees Dayre...she hadn`t seen that one in a while, and she didn`t need an encounter now...she continues on, only altering her course the slightlest bit so that trees and people seperate theri paths...if she had veered too much then a veteran like Dayre would surely notice that, as would about 20 or 30 others here...almost everyone here had received at least some training...she pushes open the door to the weight room an almost dissapointed scowl as she fails to find her target ...she sighs and turns away heading on to the next building...as she turns she sees some hammocks in the distance...a few of them full, one extrememly full with an almost familiar form...she satisfied smile crosses her face as she nears...she stops nearby, and leans up against a tree, arms folded over her chest as she silently watches him read a year old magazine* Hello James

** Lowering his shades tilting his head in the same motion, blinking once and then simply sighing out the words. ** Hello Yvette. . .** Wasn't she supposed to be base locked? Softly growling and then turning back to his position and lowering the glasses and shutting his eyes again. Saying softly ** What are you doing here? ** Praying that she wasn't here for stress leave, great a whole 4 days of torture. Gritting his teeth softly before forcing himself to relax. As disappointed he was to see her, he was equally as happy. Though he refused to allow any of that to surface. Giving his hammock a sturdy swing and rocking gently. Managing to toss his mag aside and try to relax a bit more. ** Training I hope, because I know you are not allowed off base. ** Saying this very clearly though he doubted the other sleeping vets heard. **

*she watches his reaction carefully, she deosn`t need the growl to tell that hes not the happiest to see her, not that she blames him..but she doesn`t really care either...she just wants questions answered....too many discreprencies have come up lately, too many have gotten her thinking... and hopefully he had some of the answers* Don`t worry, I shouldn`t be here too long *Her tone holding nothing for him to read* I need some answers *she shrugs and glances towards some of the other vets around, not really caring if they heard or not....she's not about to betray GUARD, but there was some things she had to do that GUARD would not let her, and this was one of them...if they caught her fine, she`d take what was dealt as punishment*

About what? ** He managed casually, still swinging. Not even paying her eye-contact. Almost wanting to hear her say ' Help me get out of here, I made a mistake. I don't belong here. I never did. . .'No instead it was her cold tone he had grown accustomed to. Shaking his head lightly still remembering her words echo throughout his mind. It seriously hurt. Clenching his eyes still thinking Scratch had something to do with this. Something anything. . .it was all too convenient for everyone, though he did seem genuinely concerned about her sudden appearance. Almost as surprised sounding as James felt. **

Why you helped? *she doesn`t say where, she know he`ll figure it out....* If you want we can talk here, or elsewhere...it depends how many people you want listening in...it doesn`t matter to me...*..and it didn`t, she was seeking her answer, she had never hidden what she was seeking, or doing....she hadn`t even hidden her trip here, not really, she just didn`t make it extrememly obvious...after all, GUARD and the highlord had ways of finding out everything*..but your going to answer me *not even a threat tinges the last part, it was just a staement...as if she knew that he would answer her, that he would tell her what she didn`t know*

I am not going to do anything. Read the damned files Yvette, and get your head examined. ** Sighing tearing off the glasses and sitting upright, narrowing his eyes at her. ** Perhaps you didn't know or didn't care this is /my/ stress leave. I don't need this. ** Standing out of the hammock, and moving towards her. Saying lightly. ** I am not the person you should be talking to about this. You should ask /your/ father. ** Rolling the magazine under one arm and walking past her pausing when beside her. ** The only reason I helped you out was because I was out numbered. ** Attrait's magics working a bit here, soothing over what he thought he did was justified. ** Besides, I got you to trust me, Abyss to trust me. . . ** Adding a smaller smile, as if hiding something. Something she would guess, but instead just adding it for effect. ** That's what I needed to talk to you about in the hall that day. But it seems a team should take care of Abyss, when they find him, so it's irrelevant now. ** Putting back on his shades and moving past her, his stomach and heart sinking just slightly, as he shook his head, trying to rediscover solace. **

I"ve read the files and we both know something different, I want the truth, or what you know of it *A slight smirk creases her lips and her shoulders raise in a shrug* Frankly I don`t care if its your mothers funeral *she watches as he climbs out of the hammock and moves towards her.* I`ll get to him, eventually...for now its you I`m asking *she shakes her head the smirk turning to a wry grin* You think he trusts `anyone'?..As for me *She shrugs once more* So many people have played in my head I didn`t know up from down *An eyebrow raises as he implies that Alan is being captured* really what a shame...I hoped to be in on that * no hint of loyalty to a fomer friend lies within her tone, its just the normal ice everyone know..perhaps its ernest, or maybe its just a facade...* Just a minute* as he moves to go by her an arm flashes out stopping his progress*

You have to work on your people skills Yvette ** His tone deadlocked with hers. Mocking her coldness. ** You've had your minute. ** He said very coldly a tone she might not have heard him use, even in the cell. ** I've told you all I know. Everything you're allowed to know. Doesn't make a difference. ** Looking towards her arm, that held him and batting it away. But staying put. Looking down at her, his frame towering over her easily. Glaring at her for a long moment before starting to walk again this time to the beach, saying. ** Now that that is taken care of, I feel like a swim. ** Knowing she wouldn't leave this alone and wondering how much trouble he'd get into just for /talking to her/. Since she was back the rumors of him switching sides stopped, most people thought his interaction was merely a ploy to win her over to their side. No they both knew it was deeper than that. How would she react, or would she even care? **

I`ll keep that in mind next time a seminar comes to town * no inflection in her tone to indicate if shes mocking you or serious...* the quicker you answer me, the quicker I leave and then you can go back to enjoying your little supervised vacation...*she shows no reaction to his tone and remains leaning casually against the tree* I know what I`m allowed to know...I want the truth...*she watches him walk down to the beach then slowly she pushes off of the tree and follows him down, her pace a measured determination..he was right in one thing...she wouldn`t leave it alone...not till it was dead and buried*

** Hearing her footfalls off behind him saying then in a tone still mimicking hers perfectly. Cold, hard, he wasn't going to budge about this. ** Look I am not going to tell you anything. Because you know everything. Why the hell do you think I helped you? Because I wanted to? Because I liked it? What do you want to know? Just go home. There's nothing more to say. ** He said not even looking back instead taking back up his spot to lounge in the sun. pulling out a towel and laying back, shades gone, instead he closed his eyes, the occasional breeze from the ocean blowing shade to him from an d overhanging palm-tree. Hands folded behind his head as he tried to relax there. Oh Scratch would hear about this and whoever wasn't supervising /her/ was ground round. **

If I knew everything I wouldn`t be here *she stands beside him, hands before her, legs shoulder width apart in a stand easy position...perhaps her shadow falling over part of him...she didn`t care* I want the reasons....the why, the how...not the bullcrap in the file we both know how doctored that is and I will stay until I get answers *she falls silent, merely standing there, the sun beating down on her seeming to have no affect even though in the black she has to be hot....black jeans, black tank, black boots...only sign of colour were her green eyes as they merely watch*

** And he after that says nothing, instead actually dozes off here and there, finally about thirty minutes later he creases his eyes open and sees she is still there. Raising a brow chuckling adding. ** Persistent aren't we? ** Then rolling over letting his back get the same amount of sun, playing absently with the sand, again dozing off for a few minutes here and there. After another thirty minutes he called for the waitress on the beach to retrieve him a glass of iced tea, and a bottle of Labattt Ice ** Frankly you can stand there all day we have about four hours of good sunlight left, ** He wasn't going to be cruel to her, instead when the drinks came back offered her one. Taking a long sip of his tea before patting the sand. ** Might as well sit you'll be here for quite some time. ** Then on his belly still toes in the sand flipping through the magazine he brought with him. Absently sipping on his tea. **

*Like a shadow she remains motionless...she meant what she said.....unfortunatley he was her superior which meant she couldn't bully or beat it out of him, but she could be a damn pain in the ass and she would do it well, at least until she was reported as AWOL and draged back to base..this was the first time she had broken any regulations since coming back...and this one she had only done after careful thought and planning.....Yes, she would probably get caught, and in toruble, but she doubted that it would be anything too major....she looks at him as he speaks* You could say that *She watches as he rolls over, not a single muscle even twitching until he once more opens his eyes*...and I will stay here all day if I have too.....I 'need' answers *Her gaze flickers briefly to the proffered bottle and she starts to shake her head then stops....maybe she was being too hard...maybe if she seemed to relax?....*She nods and accepts the beer, one long swig finishing off half of it...she was thirsty, but she wasn't about to admit any weaknesses....*she sighs and nods as he pats the sand beside him, then slowly lowers herself to sit on the sand* I'm not leaving, so I suppose I might as well

** He shrugged looking back at her and then towards his magazine. Pausing for a moment. ** Hey you remember when we first ‘met’? ** Trying not to snort. Instead he simply turned the page and read on while he talked. ** That until the time I talked in the cell I was jealous of you. . . funny looking back at those times I hated you, I admired you. . . Now, you’re like this. You were never like this ever before leaving GUARD the first time. Sure you were a bit cold, but I think it’s because you had to prove you weren’t there just because you were Scratch’s daughter. I liked you better in a lot of ways before. Sure you’re more efficient now. . . but. . . ** Licking his finger and turning the page casually before blinking up at her. ** You have the personality of an above average brick. I think that’s a major weakness on your behalf. You’re scared or something you know? ** He paused to sip on his tea, still dancing around the topic. ** The whole situation of Vince being back, the breakout, the whole thing actually earned me stress leave. ** He added, pouring it on a bit thick and he knew it. Stretching then looking at a few sites that were new finds back last May or so. **

*She raises an eyebrow as he asks his question* You mean the fight in the tavern? *She listens to him talk, the bottle lifting once to her lips* You prefer the RUNner? *the last word spoken with mild distaste* That person was a creation of a twisted mind and that one no longer exists *The beer once more raises and she finishes it off in one long sip as she silently takes in his words....she didn't really care what he had to say about her personality, or her.....but they were points to note...if assuming the personna of the RUNner would make him talk, then she would...but it would have to be gradual.......for now however she remains the Venin he now knows* What would I be aftraid of?*She sighs and shakes her head* well then answer my questions and I will cause you no more stress and leave

No you probably don’t remember, I mean way back. When you were there, helped with training. We met twice. I doubt you recall you were quite the busy woman. I was so jealous, you had your dad right there. All the time. He was so obviously proud of you, well to me he was. I won’t answer a damned thing, and you’re afraid of something. I don’t know it was just a thought. ** He sipped to the bottom of his iced tea until the ice clinked. Looking towards her then offering a smile. ** At first I thought you would cause more stress, but actually it’s nice to have someone to chat with. ** He said almost in spite, his voice sickeningly sweet. Looking back to his magazine again before closing it completely and sitting up, Indian style, nodding to a few techies raising a brow saying in a low tone. ** Swim wear like that should be illegal. ** Looking for a moment again at their next to nothing bikinis and then shaking his head. Pulling the sand then up over his feet. ** Hey how’s about a swim? I mean it won’t get you any closer to getting jack out of me, but I mean before you’re restricted to the base for an extra year, that much further away from getting to kill Aerik.

*she pauses a moment, trying to think back...to remember the training sessions she had worked on back then....random faces flash up, one or two that had perhaps been a younger James, most however blurred....as she searches the past, other memories resurface....ones that conflicted, stories, old and new that didn't make sense...two sets of memories that were hers, for the same events....she quickly slams the doors on the memories before they can escape....slowly she shakes her head* No, I'm sorry....there were too many back then, I can't remember *she shrugs, it made sense to her that he was there* He was my superior...of course he was there..supervising *Her gaze follows the glass as he sets it down* I thought I was the primary source of your stress.....*..obviously this approach isn't working...she looks at him an eyebrow raising in query* Should I be hurt?*She looks over at the water..her only reaction to the name is a visible tensing in the shoulders..* Swim?

No you aren’t really, your sudden appearance helped I suppose. Talk to my shrink because I haven’t a clue what triggered it really. No reason to be offended. And sure he may have been supervising, but he was proud of you Yvette. ** Testing something she would have detested before. A different tactic than one he thought he would use. ** It’s so obvious how he loves you, heck how he loved his wife. I hear him talking about it once in a while. But nah, superior or not, he still loves you very much. He’s proud of you, so glad you saw the light, decided to come back. I wish I had a father like that. . .** He said honestly, in a way. ** One that would look out for me, train me. You’re lucky. ** He stopped watching her reaction about the water chucking. ** Yeah swimming like in the water. People do that at the beach, I promise I won’t let jaws near you. . . ** Shaking his head and watching. ** I mean we don’t have to if you don’t want to. . . We can sit here and talk about old times instead.

Proud? * A shrug raises her shoulders as she looks out over the water* I suppose, but love had nothing to do with it....I was a student, he had as much pride in me as he would of any other...however being of his blood, to fail would have been a disapointment *Slight suspicion enters her tone* That wasn't the story you told previously...besides, you just stated that you preferred the old RUNner, that person would not have come back to GUARD. *Her tone switches to one of pure sarcasm*Thank you, I had forgotten what swimming was....I just do not think I am equipped for it *she looks over at him, a smile set upon her face* What old times are there to rehash?

No I mean I miss the old you, you were still nicer even though you were in GUARD, and as a RUNner, ** He shrugged, hugging his knees for a moment shrugging his shoulders as well. ** You were much different. Maybe I got used to that persona. What afraid you’ll get your uniform wet?** He said sarcastically, though he stopped talking about old times. He froze as he noted the smile on her face, narrowing his eyes just a bit, then adding a smile of his own. Completely. Instead he just focused on the water. Adding only a simple. ** Cute. **Standing then and dusting himself off. Looking at her and shaking his head. ** Nice try but a simple sweet smile isn’t going to do anything. I know you’re not the same Yvette. As much as I’d miss an honest ear, or that person’s sincerity. . .you’re not her. I know that. As much as I didn’t like you being on the opposite side, I still liked the person. And if that’s because Aerik messed with your head, then I’d be the first to help you kill him. Because he then hurt everyone, RUNner and Hunter alike, most of all made you this. ** Motioning towards her a husk of what she used to be. ** I really do wish that though was sincere. It looks much better on you than the nothingness. ** Moving towards the ocean then moving to the gentle surf testing the water with his foot. **

You didn't know me when I was GUARD.....and the RUNner wasn't me....*she shrugs* As far as I know, I am now what I was always intended to be *she looks down at her current outfit, then the water* No, but it will bring excess attention to myself * a slight chuckle leaves her lips* Honest? That person was nothing but lies and deception...how can there be honesty and sincerity there? *She watches him wander down to the water...as he plays with the surf a masive shrug rolls her shoulders and she removes her boots and socks then she stands and wanders down towards him* Be honest with me and i might be sincere with you

I don’t barter for simple human courtesies. ** And with that he sat at the water’s edge. Looking at her and then shaking his head. ** That person, though she was a lie, she was the most honest person I’ve met. Even if she was still honest about the lies, she still told exactly what she felt, what she thought. And in not such a cruel way. In a way it wasn’t a lie. It was what she thought was the truth. ** Smiling as the water rolled up over his legs, watching it recede back to the ocean. Then saying softly, still enjoying the view. ** And I am being perfectly honest with you Yvette. Just ebcause you don`t like the answer doesn`t mean it`s not true. It’s all in the file. I don’t know what you remember, then again you have trouble remembering a lot of things it seems. You don’t remember training, the feelings that you felt for your father, or even why I bet. You don’t remember who you are I think. I don’t think this is you, then again as I said it could just be I was accustomed to you before. Who knows. You’re wasting your time. ** He let his body get used to the water for a few moments longer before moving towards it, and wading waist deep. **

That person was a false dream...perhaps you have put more into her than what was there? *Amusement enters her tone* Honest?...The files don't seem to mention what either of us truly remember from that night *she shakes her head* No, I remember it all....I remember the hatred the RUNner felt for my father, and I remember why she felt that way....but I can also see beneath those memories now....to others which conflict, memories which tell the truth of what happened *she stands on shore watching him move into deeper water...then as if breaking a trance she shakes her head and removes her pants, leaving her in a pair of black breifs and an equally black tank...wading out to about knee height then diving in...her strong stroke easily taking her past where James currently stands*

~WARPOLE~
*A flash of light, the teleporter's fallout, and Pole appears on the beach, in Fiji, with a case of beer over one shoulder and one more in his other hand. A deep breath to fill his lungs, taking in the smells and the air of this tropical paradise. His sensors start to sort out the scents and catagorize them, throwing spectrums and information up on his cyber vision. Pole snarls loudly* Cut that out, dammit. I don't CARE. *mentally, he forces the display away, and shakes his head. He hears a splash out to his right, where the ocean lay gleaming, and he turns to look... his sight zooms in... well, /there/ he was. James. And lord above, Yvette was with him. Now that was unexpected. Pole's here because he noted James took some time off and had, as yet, failed to take him to the Blue Angels OR replace his donut. Putting the beer in the shade, he walks over across the beach, sand in his cyber toes and trade wind in his hair, calling out to those in the water* YO! Slackers! *he's in shorts and a tank top, white top, red shorts, and sandals*

~BLACKDAGGER~
** As for the doughnut, and the Blue Angels, if he wasn`t on stress leave he might have made true to his word, but as far as he knew, up until that point this was /his/ vacation. Aside from Which it would be another two months until they preformed publicly again, James had looked into it. He watched Yvette a bit, wading in the water looking at the crystal blues, the greens cast over the shadows in the sand, finally dipping under completely. ** As I said Yvette ** He managed when he surfaced, looking dead at her. ** You seem to have a lot of troubles with what you are remembering or not lately. Seriously there`s nothing more to say, and if there were more to say I wouldn`t say it to you, I wouldn`t say it to anyone. It would be between me and God Yvette. *Watching her carefully then looking towards Pole audibly sighing in relief. Looking at her saying lightly. ** Looks like they`ve sent someone to collect you. Took them long enough. ** Waving to Pole then and wading in the water closer towards him, still keeping Yvette in sight incase she decided to bolt. A small smile pressed on his lips. ** Sheesh, I thought I was on stress leave and look who shows up. ** He jested arms folded over his chest. In a way it was true, all he needed now was Rika to float up on a raft, to molest him while Scratch patted him on the back while mentioning Vince. Then he could have truly died a happy disturbed little man. **

~VENIN~
Both of us know there 'IS' more *She raises an eyebrow, a slight smirk on her lips* Maybe I am god? *she turns as she hears Warpole, a very slight frown of disapointment on her face*I knew it would only be a matter of time *she slowly wades back towards towards the shore....she had absolutely no desire to run...she knew she broke rules, she had done it on purpose...she would accept the consequences* Hello Pole *the tone holds hint of familiarity..perhpas not what he once knew, but there was still something there*

~WARPOLE~
*Pole raises one brow, despite what the others think, he didn't expect to fnd Venin here. maybe he should have checked the roster or something. He grins at James and says lightly* Hey, slacker. Sorry about the intrusion, saw you were on stress leave, decided I needed a day, too. Never used any, so here I am to dash any hopes you have of a relaxing day. Don't worry, I won't stick around long. *he grins again and watchs the other two, not yet going for the water* Um... did I interrupt something? *he looks at Yvette and nods a greeting, still smiling* hey there, Sunshine. You here to bug James too? Anyone wanna beer? It's Labaaaaaaaats... *he sings it to tempt her. He catches the slight alteration in tone and wonders at it, his voice stress signals also displaying on his vision*

Leaving so soon Yvette, ** He said near coldly. It was perhaps out of a bit of pain himself. He had been civil it seemed until now. Then turning to Pole and smiling again. Relief very apparent in his eyes. ** Bug is an understatement. You have stress leave? Here? Aren`t you afraid you`ll rust? ** He smirked, turning then watching Yvette move towards the beach. ** Actually /real/ company would be preferred right about now. Interrupt? Not at all friend. ** He watches their interactions very carefully, quirking a brow adding a small smirk and then calling towards Pole shaking his head. ** No, I don`t drink. ** Moving then slowly towards the shore and continuing the conversation right where it left off. ** You might think it`s different in that scrambled little brain. But it`s not. I am still going to have to report this. And whoever wasn`t watching and let you out, will be severely punished. . . not that you would actually care. ** Then dropping it again. At one point he had wanted to tell her everything, no not now. Not when she was this shell of what she used to be. ** Frankly you know whatYvette? I don`t want to talk about work anymore. I didn`t want to, to start with. ** Moving onto the beach, towards his towel near the tree, and his magazine. Again calling to Pole. ** Can you schedule a day off 3rd Thursday in two months?

It would appear that I have no choice *she shrugs towards James..the coldness in his voice doesn't affect her, but she hears it...and she knows she's going to have to do something to alter that before he will trust her....*There is a slight smile on her lips as she looks from Pole to the proffered beer..she hadn't missed the fact that he obviously wasn't sent to fetch her* My favorite*she glances back over her shoulder towards James and shrugs* No apparently nothing was interrupted *she shakes her head at James and lightly taps her skull* Nothing is scrambled up here, not now... *...well it was, but that wasn't something she would admit....the conflicting memories fighting with each other...she mentions nothing about slipping off base, maybe Pole knew, maybe he didn't...if he asked, then she wouldn't deny it...but she wasn't going to just hand herself over either, not yet.....she steps out of the ocean, water rolling down her bare legs, the tank, now clinging wetly to her muscular frame....the slightest smile on her lips as she moves towards Pole* So you offering me one of those?

*Pole, of course, hears what's being said even though he's basically beyond the hearing range of normal ears... sometimes cyber junk can be handy. He blinks at them both, realizing, from what's said from both, that Yvette was there without leave, she wasn't supposed to be there and James clearly states he doesn't /want/ her there. Inwardly, Pole sighs. Damn, this could be cut short then. But not quite yet. Yvette, by now, would have certainly figured out he wasn't there, originally, to take her back. Some things change, tho. He turns to James, grinning* Course I have leave here, if I want it. We can go to any GUARD sanctioned resort we wanna. *he snorts and grabs a beer from the caes* Hell man, I don't rust. Tho if I did I'd use it as a great excuse for sick leave. *he chuckles and tips his head to James* One ain't gonna hurt man. Sure ya don't want one? I /got/ two cases. *he throws the one in an easy lob to Yvette, his teeth bared in a grin* Course I am. You can have one or two before I take you back and file a report on your un-sanctioned absence. *Verrrry nobly, Pole tries to ignore that wet, magnificent body of hers. he coughs after glaning just a tad too long and turns back to someone much safer.. James* 3rd Thursday in two months? Hell yeah. That when the Blue Angels will be in? Can't wait to see em. Sounds like a helluva lotta fun. You here for the whole 2 months or longer? I didn't pay too much attention to the file, just checked to see where you were.

**Very casually, very honestly. ** You could have fooled me, a perfectly normal person wouldn`t sit there like a statue in an attempt to worm something out of someone. A normal person actually, I don`t know. . .does more than hate. ** James planted himself into the sand and eyed the beer shaking his head, chuckling lightly. Pointing to his face and saying lightly. ** Dulls the senses. Aside from which dulls the mind. No thanks. ** He could care less about the dripping wet rat the ocean dragged in. Not even a second glance. He thought for a long drawn moment over the events that had progressed that day, the last few hours, and almost debated if he should even be angry. It was a legit question, but now? Why not two weeks ago, before his stress leave? Snapping his attention back to Pole and nodding, ** Yeah, in San Francisco. You don`t need tickets unless you want to be on the airfield, but where`s the fun in that? I say we go to a high-rise or something, get to watch the whole show. ** He blinked then remembering how the whole thing started. Looking up, hand over his eyes as he watched Pole, shading from the sun that still filtered through the palm. He wasn`t going to talk about Vince when Yvette was here, in a way he didn`t want her to know anything, he simply didn`t trust her. And yet he wanted to, he did. Huffing a bit looking at her shaking his head lightly quirking a brow as the women still dressed in next to nothing ran bye. Saying very low, for Pole`s ears. ** They breed those techies nicely eh? ** Though he preferred something a bit more clothed. . .Then snapping his gaze back at Pole, saying. ** You know I can fill out the paperwork on her when I get back in 4 days . . .It might be 5. I`m still not sure if today counts. . . **He said trying to keep the humor in it** That way you can just take her back lock her up, and pop back here.

*She glances at BlackDagger, her shoulders rising slightly in a shrug* whats normal? *she easily catches the beer and cracks it open in one swift move* thanks *she shrugs lightly she knew that Pole would be bringing her back, she had taken a calculated risk, and she knew the cost......she glances between the two of them as she downs the beer* I can save you both the trouble, I'll fill out my own paperwork and *she smirks slightly* I will even lock myself in the cell.

*Pole watches at the runners jog by, his brows raised high as he nods to James* They sure do. *a low whistle of appreciation, not meant to go outside the group of three, and he grins hugely* Now I know where they all are. *he pops open a can of beer himself and takes a drink* You know James, you're on stress leave, you don't need clear senses or thoughts. They cause stress. You try a few. hell, with your healing ability, try a whole case. We'll get more if we need to. You're hardly on duty, man. *an emphatic nod, his lips occupied by his can* Yeah, that sounds good. A high rise or whatever, we can do that. I'll figure a place out, no problem. *now Pole twists toward Yvette and very carefully keeps his eyes on only her face* You can if ya want, but I'd like an outside party to do the same, just protocol you understand. And you know. *his blue eyes are sharp and narrow slightly at her for a moment, ambiguously* But i don't think you need a cell, Yvette. Maybe just a scolding from the Highlord, with his pet present. *A small face of digust, he hardly likes Jayde or any trips to the Highlord's office* Tho that may be a bit extreme.

You couldn`t do that when you first got here? ** He snarled lightly before leaning back a bit finally leaning back on his hands. Watching her and honestly not caring if she would run again. Would answer why she was so persistent on knowing why he did what he did. //But everything was to protocol. Why can`t they just leave me be? // He watched and shook his head almost immediately when the High Lord was mentioned. ** No Rika deserves that fate before Yvette. . . ** He managed a longer nod. He wouldn`t make her do that, his comfort wasn`t worth that and he made that painfully clear. Watching again the ocean tilting his gaze a bit to Pole. ** I have not had a drink in all my life. ** Chuckling lightly. ** I`m a good little Christian boy, well sort of. No booze, no women, I think we all live dangerously enough. . ** Though Pole had a point, a very good point. He wouldn`t get ill, heck he never even had acne, let alone a cold. He debated this for a bit rolling it around between his mind`s fingers a bit and shook his head. ** And I think it would take more than a case buddy.

*she raises an eyebrow at James, her tone equally snarled* Because you didn't ask? *Her gaze turns to Pole as he talks,the beer lifting to her lips as he talks....an almost imperceptible shiver runs over her body at the mention of Jayde, an involuntary reaction that she tried to supress....she would rather face a Cell than the highlords 'Pet' again*I'll take whatevers due, I knew the risks*she finishes off the beer and walks over to where she had left her boots and jeans...balancing almost dangerously as she tries to slide first one wet leg, then another into the tight denim...she sits down in the sand to put on her socks and boots, then stands and walks back towards the guys....one hand brushing the sand from the butt of her now wet jeans.....once more she stands on the hot fiji beach fully clothed, black boots, black jeans, black tank.....as she comes back she only hears part of James response* Him? drink? *she sneers at James* I dont think that'll happen....as for drunk that aint happening either, only been drunk once myself *she nods breifly at Warpole before he can correct her* okay, twice.

Actually, no one deserves that fate, you ask me. *Pole frowns deeply at the thought* Hadda go in there more than once and while I don't have the powers to stifle, I seen the effects. Worse than that is the bodyguard. She freaks me out. Hard as that is to believe. I don't like her. *Pole looks from between James and Yvette and suddenly grins, chuckling* Twice, yes, I remember. *he rolls his eyes at James and winks to the man* You should see her drunk. Man, the girl gets /wild/. *hard to tell if he's serious or not, but he adds* Remind me to tell ya sometime. *then he straightens from his lean-in and rocks back on his heels* Hell, the booze here is free, we can have all we want. Start on the case and we'll go on from there. You won't suffer a hang over, and if you do get drunk it prolly won't last long enough for you to do anything stupid and isn't that the reason God says don't do it? Something like that. Certainly won't /hurt/ YOU any, will it? *Part of Pole, part he won't let show, is a little disappointed that Yvette covered up. He always admired her physique and wet it was even better. Enough of that, he thinks, and instead shakes his head, squinting up into the bright blue sky* Musta meant a lot to you, Vette, to break the rules and want so badly you'd even risk a cell or Jayde. *he murmurs it very quietly but glances over at her pointedly* But as you said, you knew the risks.

I wonder if that bodyguard is lonely. I mean everyone says the same thing. Maybe she’s like Phobia, and induces fear or something. ** Ignoring Yvette for the time being, letting the sun, just tipping in the tropical sky to filter through the palms. Raising a brow slightly as Yvette and Pole spoke. Well well, seems that they have a history. Watching them for a long while in silence, then blinking back to whatever Pole was saying. Shaking his head. ** What would you know about what God wants and doesn’t want? He says clearly that you should not drink in the aim to get drunk. I simply just don’t drink. Just skip a whole problem right there Cy-boy. ** Taking the beer then and placing it into the sand next to him. ** Maybe for later. After Pole was finishing lecturing Yvette again he said slowly. ** Especially when I am on my vacation. Yvette, honestly, why do you like harassing me so much? ** Closing his eyes then, he really didn’t want to see Yvette locked up, OR dealing with the Head Master. ** But. . . ** Trying not to grit his teeth as he spoke. ** I suppose if it was something that I thought was very important, ** his tone remaining near pleasant. ** I might have done the same thing. She knew the risks, and came anyway. SOMETHING obviously meant a lot to her. She didn’t go AWOL, she didn’t leave like she could have. That was the main reason that they didn’t want her out right? No harm was really done, except a disruption in a stress leave. We could just put her back, none the wiser. . The Cell, High Lord, are a bit rough in any case. ** He couldn't believe the words coming out of his mouth. So instead he opened the beer and took a sip of the vile liquid. **

Oh yeah...she definately induces it ...but she does it all by herself. *the faintest shiver once more runs over her*..and enjoys it *she crouches down on her heels, her gaze passing to James* tell you what, you can go in there and ask if she wants to go for coffee *a wet hank of hair flops down into her face as she lightly shakes her head*I can't believe you still believe in that religious B.S. after everything you've seen.....after knowing what you are, what we are *she sighs heavily as Pole once more lectures her* I know...I'll take whats coming *a pale smile seems to crease her lips....her eyes still hidden behind the hair*but for now do I get another beer?, least until you figure out what to do with me?

*Pole watches Blackdagger, hears his words about God and drinking, and something dark passes over his face... /What would YOU know about God...?/... but that was another lifetime, another name, another place, and while this wicked accusation of Black's strikes somewhere deep and painful, almost gets Pole to respond, he doesn't, just blinks slowly at the man, face set like stone, and raises a beer to his lips, though his body is now rigid and unrelaxed. A moment later, and all this passes from him, hidden, pushed away. he relaxes again* yer asking me to overlook this very serious breach, James. Ignore it. *then he fishes something from his pocket, a pill of some sort, and throws it with extreme accuracy on Jame's lap* Take this first. Had it specially made for you. It'll let the alcohol work as it should. And prolly only this once. Doc's'll hafta modify it again for next time. *he doesn't say more about ignoring Yvette's offense. Maybe he hasn't made up his mind yet. His eyes flick to Yvette as she crouches in the sand* She's insane, I swear to God, she's a madwoman. *he sighs and stops talk of Jayde, who was an unsavory subject even at the best of times. Another dark look over the cyhunter's face, now at Yvette* Lighten up, Vette, and stop ridiculing James. Takes just as much faith to NOT believe as it does TO believe. And after all we've seen and known, it makes more sense to out faith somewhere rather than not at all. Gets too heavy, otherwise. *then he looks at her specutively and nods* yeah. There's Labatts in there too. I didn't forget. *a wan smile* And as for what's coming... I don't think I can hide this one. They'll have your leave on camera. That's one place they review religiously. *meaning the transport room*

This religious B.S. ? ** He looked at her, anything he could say further was lost. Finally managing to add. ** Everything I have seen, everything that I have become is exactly why I believe. ** Blinking slowly. Since WHEN was she so disagreeable? Watching her again, pity and still anger rushing through him. Taking another sip of the beer before tearing his gaze away. The sticky foul beer gave him no comfort. Sighing and placing it back in the sand. ** Well this is anti-climatic. I haven’t missed much. It tastes like piss. ** Chuckling lightly, turning his eyes somewhere safe. Looking at Pole. ** Well do what you have to sir, but, I’m just saying, The Cell, Jayde, it’s all a bit serious. I think you should punish the sap who actually let her get OUT of the base. Part of that is GUARD’s problem as well. . . ** Thinking and turning towards him. ** Why not just report her to Scratch, he would be the best to deal with her. ** Looking down at the pill on his lap. Between his forefinger and thumb, looking at the small capsule. ** You actually spent the time, and resources, to find a way, to get me drunk. . . I’m touched, I think.** Quirking a brow and looking towards Pole, the pill in his palm at that point. Looking past his hands and towards Pole as he defended his religion. Saying nothing, until the mention of the camera’s. ** Don’t remind me. ** The pill still palmed as he sat upright again, a bit uncomfortable, looking out on the ocean. Popping the pill and waiting, waiting. Nothing. He shrugged lightly, his eyes never leaving their view of the ocean. **

*an eyebrow simply raises at the defense of Blacks religion....but she doesn't say anything..instead she moves and reaches for a beer, lightly tossing new cans at the others* You don't think i know about the cameras? I can almost hear those things in my sleep now *She once more crouches down on her heels, her gaze focusing on Pole* it was way too easy to get here...discipline is lax *her eyes roll at the ongoing debate..* just fill out the report, hell like I said I'll do it...and hand it to the highlord himself if ya want *not that she really looked forward to that particular idea...but she would do it...a smirk crosses her lips as she watches black take the pill...now this could get interesting* Have another beer

*Pole chuckles at James, shaking his head* Beer is an aquired taste. We'll get you something else. Like a margarita. *the resort being a GUARD spot, he has only to comlink to the inside, to the bar, and place an order. Talk about convenient (or just plain lazy). In a few minutes, a young dark-skinned man strolls out and over the sands, a drink on a tray, and presents this to Black. Pole smiles as, in the meantime, Black seems to be waiting for effects of the pill. Pole leans in, whispers, with a grin* You have to take more than one sip of /any/thing before it starts to work, you know.*then he waves a hand and leans back, laughing* Aw hell, not like they were busy or anything or the resources weren't lying around. It was a good excerise for the labcoats. They were proud of themselves. *His bright blue eyes flash towards Venin... his mood sombers a bit as he considers* True. If you got out that easy, both you and Black are right... security is too lax. Therefore, you were testing it and found it wanting. Write that in your report. You might get a raise. *he quirks his lips* What /are/ you doing here, anyway? James doesn't seem overly pleased to see you.

No thanks I can’t even finish this slime. ** Hands gripped around bottle as he spoke. Still watching the waves. Carry in and out the sea, as it has done before he was born. As it will do, the unchanging sea. He humored that it wasn’t ever the same either. Pulling his magazines towards him, flipping through a few more articles about the dig in Wisconsin. Wisconsin of all places in the world to find something he humored. Reading this as they continued talking amongst themselves. Adding just again, very softly. ** I think we should let Scratch deal with her. If he thinks she should go to the HighLord, then fine. That way . . .I don’t have to worry about this any longer, Pole can keep my company, and you can go away Yvette. ** Looking towards Pole a very flat expression upon his face. ** I know THAT, I was seeing if it would effect my healing abilities, such as Yvette’s venom does . . .**Shaking his head and taking the neon green drink from the scantily clad waiter. ** Thank you . . ** Taking a sip. This tasted a bit better, but it still tasted like goat vomit. He placed it in the sand and looked at Pole. ** I appreciate the thought and sentiment around trying to get me drunk. . . . really. ** He rose a brow and asked then. ** Am I really THAT dull?? ** His attention broke from that to about what Yvette was doing there. Saying before she had a chance to ** She’s here asking be about that blasted break-out, AGAIN. **Shaking his head and turning a glare to her. ** I already told her, the TP team, even Attrait, picked through my brain. I think, she thinks I was ‘helping’ her. That or I was under order, or who knows. Maybe she thinks I like her. ** Snorting lightly as he took another small sip, finally taking a finger and wiping off the salt. **

Because thats american beer and american beer sucks *as she says that she quirks an eyebrow at pole...perhaps an old argument between them* now this *she pauses as she cracks open the labatts* this is true beer, the canadians definatley have that right *she sifts and planting her butt in the sand, legs crossed before her as she listens to them* Stop trying to be easy on me, I broke regs and I got caught..end of story...*she rolls her eyes at Black* Yeah right, daddy dearest is a good one to send the report to...either report me to the highlord, or grab someone neutral like uhmm Attrait * she lifts the bottle to her lips and takes a long swig not even looking at James before answering* Yes, you are *as the bottle once more comes to her lips she looks at Pole, trying to decide what exactally her answer would be...instead James answers and she simply remains quiet..hoping that Pole would come to his own conclusions*

*One of Pole's brows raises, the other lowering. The breakout. Yes, he knew all about that, though he hadn't known the total truth until he'd been stuck in the Highlord's office with Scratch and Rikky. He was NOT about to reveal anything, and instead, he issues an order* Yvette Christopher, as your superior officer I order you to drop any investigation on the Break Out. Especially as you're harrassing James about it when he's on his damn /stress leave/ and you're /stressing/ him about it. You will, effective immediately, back off and leave the entire incident alone. You will not seek James out for any more information. Is that understood? And you will report yourself for this insurrection to the Highlord, submitted on paper. Have I made myself clear? *he speaks with all authority and neutrality, his decision based on what he sees before him and nothing else... or so it would appear. James' mental health was more important than her quest for answers. Of course it is. Then he rolls his eyes at James and sighs heavily* We'll get you something else then. Something you can't taste the alcohol in. *another comlink... he orders a Jamaican, potent but kool-aid like. It's brought out shortly later by the same young man. Very large and very easy to drink. The flavor resembles fruit punch. Maybe it won't be so bad as goat-vomit, then. The pill /should/ work. A violent snort and Pole narrows his eyes at Yvette* I don't know WHY you defend that piss beer so much... you're not Canadian. You were born and raised in the States. And you know damn well their beer is skunk water. You've picked up some baaaad habits, Vette

Scratch wouldn’t go easy on you, and you know it. ** It still disturbed him greatly, that she called him ‘daddy’. Blinking as she said he was dull and he laughed lightly. ** I’M dull? Compared to you? Ms. Flat-expressioned, pissed off at the world ever since she got back? The only REAL emotion I’ve ever seen YOU display was hugging a man you said you despised. At least I have more than one apathetic face. ** He shook his head, a smile STILL firmly on his lips. Blinking then towards Pole, and his reaction. ** Woah there Cy-boy, isn’t that a bit harsh, sure I’d like her to leave me alone. . .but. . .** He simply stopped. Pole was a superior officer. He blinked at yet another drink. ** Whatever you say, sir. ** He looked towards Yvette then, pity in that gaze as well. Blinking towards the drink. ** What’s the deal man? You’re bent on getting me plastered aren’t you? ** Taking a sip of this one as well, finding it not that assaulting on his senses and taking a larger drink. Listening to them both argue about the beer and smiling a bit more. There was a lot there he had missed. Looking to Pole and Yvette, and back, shaking his head. Moving back to flip through his magazine a bit more before saying lightly to Yvette. ** Sorry, I didn’t mean to get you in THAT much trouble.

*she sighs as she notes the change in him, an order was coming, one she wouldn't like* Yes sir *..she inwardly seethes at the order that was one she hadn't expected..to cease investigation on her own escape...oh well she could still get around it without breaking orders...after all, she was still trying to figure out the Aerik thing too...and she definatley wasn't looking forward to facing the highlord yet again....years spent in GUARD and she never faced him once...now less than a year back and it was going to be three times*No shit sherlock *she rolls her eyes towards black* he probably would have just sent me to the highlord anyhow..*she shrugs lightly* which is what I expected and got *the bottle raises to her lips and the cool liquid pours down her throat beofre she looks back at Pole* can I help it if you have no taste?

*Pole had tried to be nice... in a way. Make Yvette lay off the vacationing Blackdagger and showing a kindness of sorts by making Yvette submit the whole incident in /writing/, hoping that would satisfy the Highlord and she wouldn't have to go back and face Jayde. Maybe it would work. So his look, the one angled at Black now, was of a small frown* It wasn't harsh. And she expected it, you heard her. *As for the vast, long history behind Pole and Yvette, not many /did/ know of it. At least, not many still stationed at the Main Complex. It was touchy, to say the least... things have changed. Yvette has changed, and Pole gives James' words to her of no small importance. Ms. Expressionless. Ms. Apathy. Yes, he's noted the alteration in personality, too. But here she was, bantering with him, almost like old times. Pole smiles down at her, nonchalantly leaning against the palm tree which shades them all* My taste might be questionable... *he says this pointedly, straight at Yvette, replete with various meanings* ...but I don't lack in it. *then he chuckles, softly* And as we all know, being the god I am, my taste is beyond reproach. *his blue eyes gleam*

Well, I didn’t want that. . . I mean, ** His tone faltered just a touch. He managed to smile at the pair, then chuckling. ** Man you two sound like an old married couple. Who cares? It tastes like piss either way. ** Watching them still. He liked Pole, and honestly would like to see Yvette with someone like him. Sure he was a bit harsh at times, but he rationalized they made a good match. Perhaps he could break her out of her shell. What was she protecting? Hiding? Or was the other still a façade. He didn’t trust her, but he still cared in some way. Still smiling and then turning back to his magazine taking another small sip of whatever the fruit drink he was handed was. Still not effecting him as he read a bit more. With his body size, his weight it would take more than that for him to feel much. Though his eyes were reading the text that was before him, his mind wasn’t there. Instead it was on other things, things he should have taken this week forgetting. Rika, Tytan, Scratch, Of course Yvette, There were many things that roamed in his mind. A dozen different things, that he was embarrassed he couldn’t deal with. Most of all Vince. Shaking his head as he read, turning another page. Taking a sip and nearly spitting it out when Pole mentioned the god he was. ** I don’t know what the hell they programmed you with, . . . GOD? ** He managed a small chuckle that turned into a flat out laugh. ** You? ** He scoffs again looking back to his magazine. ** Well then again, who could expect a meeting with the divine Pole without some of his greatness oozing over? ** He added glancing once again to Yvette, a small quick glance. She was acting, was his first impulse, and it sickened him. Turning then away from the pair, laying down on his back, continuing to read, and occasional chuckle. . . muttering something about Pole and god.**

*an eyebrow arches at the god comment while she finishes off the beer* your taste has always been questionable *a hand comes up to sweep some hair away, temporarily blocking her eyes and anything hidden within them...she drops the bottle and looks pointedly at James* while it seems your taste is simply non-existant *..she ignores the couple comment and continues on almost as if she didn't hear it * that stuff *she indicates his current drink* is way too sweet, its almost sickly..but if you like sweet...go for a planters punch next *already shes writing up the report in her head....cold bare facts...thats all any of her reports were anymore...a slow smile half crosses her lips as she looks back at Pole* yeah like that slimey toad Character on xmen

*....Obviously, he thinks, it's been too long since he's gone on an ego trip. They acted as if they were surprised by old, every-day affirmations of his greatness. He'll have to start it up again. After all, it was one of his most endearing traits* EXACTLY! *a broad sweep of his arms, dramatically* You can all consider yourselves oozed on by my greatness. I'm glad someone here understands the nature of the beauty which stands before them and is called... Warpole. *a flair, a flourish, and he grins brightly at Yvette* That's a fact much in evidence, especially when it comes to certain ladies. *a brow arches over his grin, which becomes a smirk. he ignores the Toad comment seeing as how he's turned to talk to the man who's flipping through a magazine* What's that? Vogue? Hey, you know, I went through a lot of trouble for that pill and all, the least you do is slam the drinks. Nursing them won't get you anywhere... you're not the smallest guy. It'll take quite a bit under the best of circumstances, so drink UP, willya??

Actually it is a bit too sweet. ** Adding quietly. ** I do have my own tastes. I’d have to say they are better than a Country Music Lovin’, Boot-Wearing, Coy-Boy wannabe, emotionless, fake woman I might add. Not to mention names Yvette. ** Flipping again through the magazine until he finished looking through it. Smirking still at Pole, glancing again at Yvette. Beyond her a few more scantily clad women ran by on the beach. Saying off handed as he watched them for a brief moment. ** It’s archeology monthly, something I don’t think you’d be interested in. Being a GOD and all. ** He scoffed again. Tossing the magazine then directly at Pole’s head. ** Okay, you can stop oozing now. ** Looking back at his drink and taking another sip. ** Happy yet? I am drinking something I utterly abhor, at a last ditch effort to have a good time. ** Finally downing the whole thing and giving a very flat expression towards Pole. ** This whole things, it’s overrated. ** Putting the glass in the sand and picking up the margarita and sipping that sludge as well. Watching still the sun dip that much further. ** Hey Yvette, can I ask you a personal question? I think it’s only fair.

*Yvette coughs as Pole makes his proclamation* bullsheet *or perhaps its their taste which should be questioned? *an eyebrow arches as she catches blacks comment...* you forgot psycho bitch in there I believe *she looks over at pole and raises an eyebrow* ya wanna toss me another? *she glances over her shoulder at james* depends what it is

Bullsheet? What, you French now? *Pole chuckles and catches the magazine as Black throws it at his head, glancing over the cover* Mmm. Have this one already. *and tosses it aside* Not that I don't already KNOW all this stuff, I DO, seeing as I am a god, but it amuses me to read what mere mortals write on the subject. *he arcs a look at Yvette, aloof and superior* Even a god is allowed a mistake. I made mine in the past. Maybe you did, too. *he watches her a moment, then abruptly breaks his own strange mood in that sentiment, and tosses Yvette another labatts, nodding to James* I'm not happy YET, but getting there. CHUG CHUG CHUG! Drink more, you twerp. *he sighs heavily and then goes silent as James asks Yvette if he can ask...*

I’m surprised GOD has magazine subscriptions. ** Taking the margarita again, it tasted a bit better as he drank. Nodding slowly. ** Twerp? Last time I heard that was in the second grade. ** Then he looked back to the sands, and to the drink. Thinking of how to phrase the question. ** Honestly, what do you think of your father. Not as a superior officer, but as a man? ** The question seemed a bit awkward, but it was something he wanted to know. Something he wanted to hear, to prove something. Just one thing to himself. Looking towards Yvette again, for a reaction, something. Anything. Glancing quickly towards Pole, then back to Yvette. Awaiting her answer.**

Oui, *she does a sweeping bow from the seated position* si c'est ce qui est désiré par le grand et saint (trans: Yes, if that is what is the desired by the great and holy one) *she pauses briefly then continues to open the bottle* Ian? *she shrugs* he's a good comman.. *she takes a long swig* I dunno...loyal, strong willed....*she looks up at him*what do you want?

Well why not? Gods like pretty pictures, too. 'Sides, I never said I was THE God, just A god. *Pole grins, snorts at the twerp comment* Everyone says it behind your back, that's why. Heh. *but he blinks at the question Black poses to Venin, his eyes wide, and this slips out, without him meaning for it to...* Oh, /good/ question... *He watches Yvette now, smiling at the French which, of course, he knows thanks to programming (he did not learn French in High School). But he chuckles* Oui. C'est ca. *((which is prolly wrong cuz the MUN's french is TREEESSSSS rusty)) But he quiets again, listening to the answer, which was analytical in reply, holding no emotional recompense for Scratch. /Her father/. She was giving clinical answers. Pole says nothing, but cocks his head and swallows more beer*

I just find it, amusing that you have such a different opinion of the man you hated more than the devil himself. I didn’t think even the best telepaths could get through the snap-back field of yours to change something that deep-rooted. That’s all. Curiosity. ** He took another pull of his drink and sighed. Still not feeling a thing except his scruples vanishing. Why did he give in to this anyway? Was he still that desperate to be liked? To have a few comrades? Ever since Vince died, he hadn’t really made any friends, save Tytan. She was just an acquaintance. He liked Pole, and at one time liked and respected Yvette. Blinking towards Pole** Yeah I’m actually quite sure they do. ** He chuckled a bit more before glancing back towards Yvette. His tone more serious. ** I think you have paperwork to go do. Don’t you?

*she looks over at Pole then back to James suddenly feeling like she was in a test* we've never been buds, and i doubt we ever will be....I respect him.....thats it *she sighs..did she really want to dig this up?air it before pole?...he always new of the animosity she felt towards her father, he never knew the reason, just that it was there....or so she thought * the hatred back then was because of something that /bastard Eclipse did to me/ *the last words coming out an almost inhuman snarl*he..he *she gestures vaguely at her head* I don't know when or how, but he somehow got in and messed things up...that person in the cell was his construct, the bastards creation *...but was it...or was she his creation now?..the rest of the beer is chugged back and she slowly stands up...she'd rather do the report than deal with more questions like that...* Yeah I guess I do *she turns and heads over towards the main building and the transport there...no need to try and hide her actions now*

*Pole listens quietly, blinks in small surprise at her vehemence on the RUNner's name, and frowns slightly... was it truth? He didn't know, but it DID make sense. His blue eyes narrow sharply as he watches Yvette pick herself up and stride towards the transport* catch ya later... *he murmurs this, thinks he might need to discuss a few things with her at another time, then glances at Black* So... you want me to go too, or what? You feeling anything yet? Need a few more? Wanna be alone? *he shifts his back over the tree for greater comfort and smiles a bit at James* Yer stress leave has been stressful, hasn't it?

Temper Temper Yvette. That was my downfall. I’m very sure Aerik did. . . I’m sure that someone, who wasn’t that powerful at that time, according to our files, was DEAD, messed you up that bad. I just don’t buy it, then again, you knew that. Bye Yvette ** He said absently, looking back towards Pole and sighing. ** I’m sorry I don’t trust her, not as far as I can throw her. . .** He chuckled lightly and sighed * I didn’t mean to ruin anything you two might have been forming . . . ** He took another long sip and looked downwards. ** . . .again. ** He chuckles and looks towards Pole. ** Actually I like you being around. Besides the stress is gone now ** Blinking towards him and smiling lightly. ** Not feeling a thing.

*Pole grunts and shakes his head, then moves to sit down, back against the tree still, knees bent up to his chest and his brows in a furrow* I know. I can't blame you, either. *he makes a small gesture with the hand which holds the beer* Don't worry about it. What we had... whatever that was... was a very long time ago, and with a different Yvette. I don't know her anymore. *but it could explain the terrible animosity Pole always showed towards her when she was a RUNner, and the lack of attacking she displayed towards him* I don't think anything will reform. *a small, pensive sigh, his brows raising in unison* Like I said, she's not the same girl I knew. *then he chuckles and comlinks to the bar* I'll getcha that peanut thing or whatever she mentioned. Maybe its good, dunno, never heard of it. I am determined to get you at least buzzed for once in yer pathetic life. *a wide grin at then, eyes dancing merrily, and he swigs back more beer*

That’s . . . some goal. ** Hands dipping into the sands as he finished the margarita. ** And since I wouldn’t want to invoke the wrath of a god, more importantly a superior officer, fine, order the what’ever’it is she named. ** Sitting quietly adding to this as well. ** Well she’s not the same. She’s nothing. It’s difficult to explain, but everything, every smile, everything but her anger was false. Her eyes were so hollow. ** Looking towards where she was sitting just moments ago. ** And well if I knew it was that easy to make her leave. . . ** He chuckled again, waiting for the waiter to pull by with yet another drink. ** Doesn’t matter much anyway. Hey, I didn’t know you liked archeology, or is that something they just stuck into that hard-drive of yours? ** Nodding towards the magazine in the sand. ** I figured no one in their right mind at GUARD would care for such a passive hobby, including you.

Well HELL yeah. Gods have big goals. *the planter's punch is ordered and is brought out by a new employee, a young lady this time, dressed in very little, brown-skinned and lovely. She offers Black a soft smile, coyly dropping her eyelids before she turns and leaves again, but glances back over her round shoulder, black hair long and splashed down her back. Pole grin cheshire-like* She likes you. *he chuckles, then nods, sighing again* Yeah. She's a super soldier now. GUARD couldn't have asked for better. *then Pole laughs, gaze on Black* You think I'm a total bimbo, don't you? Well don't let the blonde hair fool you. I might've been a jock in my younger years, but I wasn't dumb. And a lot of people at GUARD like passive hobbies. Makes sense, don't it, when their normal work hours are filled with very non-passive things? Allows em some peace and quiet, and stuff to meditate on rather than violence and worry. Never know if yer even coming back the next day. Quiet is good. Its why I cook. You seem to think that just cuz people are unnatural, they don't like normal human pursuits. That's a terrible injustice. Just look at you. Why you think you're so different from anyone else?

**Looking towards the girl, smiling lightly and taking the drink. Watching her as she left and sighing. ** Yeah so does every other woman around here. It’s disgusting. With Rika it’s the thrill of undiscovered territory, with Tytan it was more that I was HUMAN to her, heaven knows what I did to Amber, that and the other staff, it’s just annoying. ** He sighed as he looked to the drink. Then back towards the woman. ** She’s pretty, she could get someone else. ** Taking a drink and spitting it out and coughing lightly. Tossing the drink aside. ** That. . . was vile. . . ** Blinking towards him as he asked if he thought Pole was a bimbo. ** No, not at all. I actually think you’re one of the smartest active GUARD we have. I just figured you would occupy yourself with. . . I don’t know, yourself. I mean I can’t cook to save my life. Not really. I boiled water once, and I think that’s good that you have something like that you can do. I really don’t have anything. ** He paused at the next question, he knew the reasons, he rationalized a few thing. ** Well do you mean different from the waitress? I am in an elite military-esque where glowing in the dark is a common thing. Different from other UNnaturals? Because . . . I don’t know. I just don’t mix well with a lot of them. I tried, I was really close to Vince. ** He shrugged, and looked towards Pole. ** I suppose we don’t share the same morals, I don’t know. ** Standing up and dusting himself off and looking down to Pole. ** Let’s actually go TO the bar, save these people some leg work.

*Pole laughs loudly, genuinely amused* of /course/ she could get someone else. Point IS, she liked YOU at the time. *he blinks* Even over me. *murmured* Man that is just WRONG. She must be partially blind or something. *then in a normal tone with a nonchalant shrug* You see things strangely, you know that? You might just have to buck up and face the fact that some people might find you, for whatever reason, Lord knows WHY, attractive. Not that yer undiscovered, unsoiled country, not that yer human or a monster, but just because people judge on sight at first and that, to a select few, they find your features pleasant. I mean HELL boy, you make a federal case of it. *Pole shakes his head, smiling* You try to read way too much into things. Some things just /are/. Sheeeeeeet... you're ego's bigger'n mine, you think that way. *A smirk, a grunt of laughter* Course you'd think that about me. Its what I wanted people to think. Kept em atta distance, you know? "Oh, there goes egotistical Pole, thinks he's the cat's meow". No one wanted to get near me, and that suited me jussssst fine. *he doesn't say anything more on it, he's given away too much already and it shows in a slightly uncomfortable shift of his gaze, his eyes out towards the water, squinted against the glare* There's a quote, and fuck me if I know who said it, it's buried in memory somewhere, but its this: "We all like to think we're unique until someone tells us we're just different". You ain't special. None of us are. We just aren't all the /same/, you know? Anything you've thought of has been thought of before, maybe with tiny variations, but ever since man could think. Ain't nothing new under the sun. It's true. *he's grateful for the distraction and the offered change in scenery* That sounds good. Let's do that. *He stands, wipes off his shorts, and turns to go to the bar with Black*

She’s more than likely being coy so that you would fume over her like this. Women are like that. ** Walking towards the Bar area. The cabana, made of palm leaves, and what looked like bamboo. Sliding into a seat while Pole spoke letting his words sink in. ** I don’t think so. Tytan is very pretty, every male in the base is practically panting at her heels. I treated her like a human being. I mean I was civil to her, didn’t treat her like a piece of meat. I’m sure that’s why. With Rika, that girl is plain SICK. She told me herself, she’d ‘conquer’ me. ** Shuddering lightly as he recalled that lovely meeting. ** I suppose I do read into things a lot more than the average person. I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it. I know that most people on the base I’ve talked with are willing to compromise things I won’t, or, at least I thought that was what held us apart. I don’t know anymore. ** Thinking again for a long moment as he looked over the menu, then saying he’d take anything where he couldn’t taste the alcohol in it. ** I suppose I’m not really friendly. ** He chuckled, and sighed. ** It’s not a matter of ego. Ego is being full of your self, I really am not. ** He took a long sip of whatever it was served in a pineapple as a cup, a few umbrellas. ** Well I suppose we all have ways of pushing people away. Maybe we’re all destined to be alone. ** Shaking his head again as he took a sip, after trying to navigate around all the fluffy, umbrellas, and whatevers. ** Well differences scare people as well. Even when two people who are ‘different’ are in the same place. They can reject eachother. If we are all so much a like, and all so different. . . then we are all the same anyway. I don’t know it’s weird. ** Looking towards the mirror behind the bar. Chuckling and turning towards Pole. ** There’s that girl again. If you think she’s pretty, why don’t you ask her to dance or something. You can’t stay alone forever, right?

WELL! *Pole bursts out with an explosive breath* This is getting downright depressing and waaaay too indepth a conversation. I don't mind philosophy, but not when I'm trying to drink and enjoy myself. You stay in this frame of mind when you're intoxicated and you'll be hated by all. It only gets worse then, so loosen up and experience a paradigm shift, willya? Last thing I need is you to be crying in yer drink. And it'll happen. *Pole makes a small face, rolling his eyes at the girl* Naw. I don't get involved, in any way, shape or form with civvies. Its bad practice. She might work for GUARD but she ain't no unnatural and no GUARDian. I don't mess with the innocents. As fer Tytan... I don't think you really need to worry about her interests in any intimate way, though yes, after what I heard from Toshi, a bit of civility would be seen as amazing, poor child. And Rika... *he sighs, making up his mind* She has some problems, I'll say that much. Bad past, that one, and while it explains the way she is, it does NOT justify it. I'll talk to her. Think I might need to talk to Nat, too. *He runs a hand through his blonde hair* I don't look forward to either meeting.

**Tilting his head and smiling. ** Well you asked . . .I usually don’t go on like this. . .** Blinking towards his drink and then turning towards Pole. ** Why are you so bent on getting me drunk anyway? If it only makes someone cry, or makes them act stupid, then why bother? ** He listened to Pole and shook his head. ** If you say so about Tytan. I mean . . . ** He paused and blinked again. He shouldn’t talk about the things that happened. She trusted him in confidence. Taking a small sip as he listened about Rika. Shaking his head. ** I don’t care, I didn’t have a pleasant life either, I don’t go around pulling the stuff she does. No you don’t need to talk to Nat, she doesn’t stalk me. Nor Amber, I think she was trying to be nice. . . a bit too friendly, **Shaking his head and sighing. ** but the thing is she is a good girl. Perhaps I led her on in some way. I don’t know. ** Blinking towards Pole. Chuckling. ** Perhaps I should just hang around Natalia. Rika would stay clear then. I don’t know, I think after that night I won’t hear from her for a long time. ** Blinking over towards the woman. ** At one time I thought exactly the opposite. That a normal person was the only way to take a breath of normal air. ** Chuckling lightly. ** I know it’s different now. You can’t have normality. Some have tried, it’s pointless. But in a way, it’s a fair trade for what I can do. I mean, nothing was that normal about my life to begin with. **Tilting his head and smiling again. ** But you’re right, let’s talk about something, a bit less deep eh? What else do you like to do with your spare time?

*Pole again rolls his eyes and laugh-sighs* Not everything is about /you/. I need to talk to Nat about the way she's being treated by the men and doctors, which is horrible, not because of YOU. Like I said, I talked to Toshi and something should be done. She shouldn't have to deal with that SHIT. And if you recall, I never said Rika's past excused her behaviour. And THIS... *he gestures to the pineapple drink with its umbrellas and frills, and then at his bottle of beer* Is a way to unwind. You don't /always/ do stupid things and you don't /always/ end up weeping in yer pineapple. Me, I just get happy. Ain't never cried and ain't never done anything /too/ overly stupid. It all depends on what you /allow/ yerself to do. Lots of people use it as an excuse to do dumb things they wouldn't normally do... blame it on being drunk... and while it does lower inhibitions, you don't do anything you don't wanna do anyway... cept maybe puke. Naw, its a scapegoat. You won't go to bed with anyone less ya wanna. It does not turn a nun into a harlot or anything like that. Its just a convenient place to lay the blame. So don't worry about it. All depends on YOU, really. *then a soft chuckle and Pole grins brightly* What the hell's this /spare time/ thing yer talking about? Its a myth, I think. *he leans back in his chair, motions the the waitress to bring him another beer* Cook. Go catch some games... baseball, football. Write. Yeah, I write, nothing major. Watch movies, go fer walks to clear my head, go fishing... you fish?

Fish?? ** Blinking upwards from his thoughts, his drink. ** Um . . .no, I never have. ** Blinking back to his drink, which too was empty. ** I don’t think that it’s working. Maybe that pill is defective. ** The waiter refilled it once again as he sat sipping the intoxicating liquid. Looking back to his drink. It was that bad, and he always assumed that those stories were gross exaggerations. He’s never seen a man dance around with a lamp-shade on his head. ** Perhaps you’re right. I have been uptight. That’s part of the reason that, well I’m here you know? ** Sitting back and looking towards Pole. ** You write? What do you write? ** He asked absently, praying it wasn’t poetry. He’d hate to read this guy’s poetry

Well, to be honest, fishing is really just an excuse for guys to go out and drink beer, surrounded by water so they can piss off the boat. *he shrugs* But I tend not to do that. Still, one of these days, I'll take you fishing. Good manly thing to do. *he grunts a laugh and takes his new bottle from the serving girl, not giving her a second thought as she looked again at James* Yer a big boy. S'gonna take you some time and drink to get anywhere. Don't be impatient, it'll happen. *he HOPES* What do i write? *Pole looks down and away, almost blushing* Nothing really. S'just some shit. No poetry or anything like that, though. *a pause, then, very very quietly...* Like, you know... kid's stuff.