Addleworth head-shakes.  "I doubt anyone trying to break Angel out would get very far.  What with the Battleduster floating over the city and all."

Clair arfs and tail-wags.  "Oh but a break out would be so exciting!"

"Indeed indeed."

Angel is looking to be a bit relieved.  "Do I have a future?  I want to know.  No fortune teller warned me about today.  Maybe fate just forgot about me."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:12, Tue 02 Feb 2016.

Aiu nods and says, "Alright then." and trots closer to Angel, puts her paws on Angel's chest and touches noses in order to establish as much contact as possible before closing her eyes and concentrating.

Y'naro holds his breath in anticipation.

Bump!

  Well, that's clearly the most adorable fortune telling method around.

  "I would vastly prefer not to become a fugitive, even without a battleship floating overhead.  Boring can be good in reasonable amounts."


OOC: Links a swatcats character image, Callie barks like a dog.
Like I should talk, considering my Sonic alt situation.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:17, Tue 02 Feb 2016.

Addleworth chuckles, "That it can!  That it can."

He searches the empty doughnut box for crumbs before tossing it in the wastebasket.

Somewhere deep in Angel's subconscious, her survival instincts are screaming at her to kick the stranger invading her personal space.  But her instincts only manage to reach her mental voicemail.  Instead her heart tells her she is undeserving of the tender eskimo kiss because her first instinct was to kick a puppy.  Angel's eyes well up with tears of shame again.

The flood of conflicting and mostly disturbing visions Aiu sees would be overwhelming on a normal day.  But today has already taxed her, so it takes quite a toll on her.  Among the nicer visions is a scene with Angel on her knees wearing a gentle smile, tying the shoes of a kindergarten age boy.

But it gets crowded out by a vision of her being strapped into an execution chair.  And one of Angel snarling at a battered Sarah, saying, "I will rule this sector or see it burned to ashes around me!"

Another where the sun is darkened by an enormous fleet of black ships.  Another with base 3 warping all the stars into itself.  Another with huge ships crashing into a flaming Blissian city.  And so on.

During the visions, an elderly grenu woman's voice echoes in Aiu's mind.
"Destiny the page, choice the pen.
Justice and mercy in the heart of men.
Conceive in darkness, author fears.
Sow in hatred, reap in tears."

Aiu holds her position as long as she can, but Angel is easily able to see Aiu isn't there to take advantage of her as the grenu grimaces and twitches like she wants to pull away. She finally does pull away and recites the odd prophecy before she does exactly what her training has taught her to; stay standing if possible, take two small breathes that build up to three large breathes, all while going over what she saw in her head. Most people she looked over didn't have quite the extremes in different possibilities, nor quite the heavy weights. But Aiu has dealt with some heavy subjects before. Angel seems to be a concentration and extreme of a good deal of them.

Aiu takes one more deep breathe for good measure and looks back at Angel. "I saw a number of futures, Angel. I saw you in the electric chair, yet I saw you beating Empress Sarah near to death. I saw the sun darkened with a fleet of ships. I saw base 3 tear the stars from the sky and draw them into itself. I saw the fleet crashing into a blissian city. But... I also saw you with a genuine gentle smile, tying the shoes of a little boy. A black cat. It seems the prophecy is meant to tell you that you still have a future. Dark, light, evil or good is up to you."

Y'naro is quiet, of course, but has a concerned look.

  Dave knows it is not very nice, but he is wishing things were as simple as 'pirate captured, the end!' when it came to Angel's situation about now.

  He thinks about those jokes about 'I'm two weeks away from retirement!', and how in this case it was two weeks AFTER he quit.

Angel looks relieved at the mention of an electric chair, then confused and conflicted at the rest.  She shakes her head and tugs on her cuffs.

"I can't choose to make these chains go away.  More likely what you saw was a bunch of possible futures I might have had if I had not made the dumbest decision of my life today."

The prosecuting attorney shows up in the observation room and the Mayor greets him cordially.

The lawyer nods and says, "Got word she's certifiable.  Just as well.  I don't want to be a part of this trial.  I came by to warn you that this is quickly turning into a political poo storm.  Everybody and their cousin is sending a delegate to have a say in the sentencing.  'Cause a guilty verdict is a forgone conclusion.  At least that's what I'm guessing they're thinking.  It's a veritable diplomatic lynch mob.  You might want to consider distancing yourself from this whole mess.  I know I plan to try."

Addleworth gulps nervously.  Callie narrows her eyes at the lawyer suspiciously.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:43, Sat 13 Feb 2016.

Aiu says, "I never see the future of what might have happened if someone did something differently prior to the reading. Future-wise, I only see the possible futures of what could happen after the reading. Whether you die or not, there is a future. The difference is whether you choose to take the course that leads to you surviving."

Y'naro says, "Honestly, Angel... have you never been held prisoner in your life? Physical chains fade. The only chains that truly matter are the chains you put on your own soul."

  What's that?  Laws are likely to be ignored in favor or people throwing their political weight around? You don't say.

  He is admittedly, somewhat more concerned about (if accurate) visions of galactic scale destruction than Angel's feelings.  Even if the back and forth between 'We totally uphold the law!' and 'Except when inconvenient' does cause some shared sympathy.

Angel is too depressed to give Aiu any snide remarks like, "Pardon me, Ms. Infallible.  Here's your 'Always Right' badge."

Instead she's desperate enough to ask, "Then what am I supposed to do that gets me the happy ending?"

To Y'naro she answers, "My soul has been in chains since the day I was born.  Death is my only release."

Clair's phone vibrates, so she steps out into the hall to take the call.  Addleworth wipes his brow with a handkerchief.  "What are you suggesting I do?  Take an early retirement?"

"Oh no, nothing that drastic.  Just warning against taking sides.  And don't resist suggestions that the trial be held elsewhere."

"I dunno...  Not sure Angel will get a fair shake anywhere else."

Clair returns.  "Um...  Sir?  There's a whole bunch of psychics claiming that it is a matter of life or death that they be allowed to visit Angel.  What do I tell them?"

Addleworth gulps.  "Um..."

Y'naro says, "As long as you are alive, there is always another way. Look at everyone else. It was possible for them to live and not be trapped. So many examples in history show hopelessness being proven wrong by waiting just a little bit longer. Right now, you are away from Base 3, Tharia, and your entire empire. If you have been a prisoner your whole life, doesn't this fact mean that for once, you are free of all that?"

Aiu says, "Step one to happiness: Open up. Tell one or both of us what it is that got you caught and made you feel so down? I have seen you being caught, but I can not see why this surprise would sadden you rather than anger you. Right now, it is you who have the answers, Angel."

  While not very professional, Dave facepalms.  "I am amazed she got even this much consideration in the first place, and that is while assuming she is still guilty of all the obvious 'is a pirate' events."

"We at least try to be fair in this city," Addleworth answers.

He sighs.  "It's just that it's not always clear cut exactly what 'fair' is."

To Clari he answers, "Please assure them that we have a very capable oracle here and that she and a Blissian mender are working with Angel to bring about the best future possible.  Don't mention names without their permission.  Also...  advise them of the traffic situation."

Angel looks a bit surprised at Y'naro's mentioning "everyone else."  She considers Aiu's point...

Angel frowns and her expression darkens.  "The answers you're asking for can be used against me in the future should I survive this.  If you hadn't convinced me there is hope, I may have not cared that this conversation is being recorded by the people who want me dead."

If looks could kill, the two-way mirror she's glaring at would be atomized.

"Gimme your hand, Y'naro."

When he does, she secretly writes a number in his palm.  "Call that number and pray that the owner still lives."

As a mender, Y'naro will recognize the first set of numbers identifies the string as a unique quantum com number.  There is only one "phone" that can call that number, and it likely resides on Bliss under lock and key.  Not that a mender will have any trouble getting access.

Y'naro ohs and nods. "Time is of the essence. The sooner, the better. So I will get on that right away. I am sorry to have to leave you..." he gets up and exits, heading for the others. It would be rude to leave without saying goodbye. So once he opens the door, he says, "I'm leaving to check something. Mayor, if I understand correctly, Captain Briggs and her crew delivered Angel personally. Are they still on-world?"

Aiu stays with Angel and says, "I am sorry I am unable to tell you more for the time being... and the visions I got from you were a lot heavier than I am used to. So the best I can offer is to just... be here."

  "You have at least, been one of the few pleasant surprised today Addleworth."  Take notes, JERRY.

OOC: *Addleworth eats powdery food and licks his fingers.

Angel droops.  She stares at her cuffs.

"Oracle, huh.  Does your responsibility weigh heavily on your conscious?  I can imagine so many ways it could be hard.  You foresee a corrupt cop committing a terrible crime, meeting an early death in the process.  Should I warn him?  Or warn his friends.  Suppose they convince him to be on his best behavior that day only for him to later rage-murder a drunk for barfing on his shoes.  Or maybe I tell the news media and the entire police department winds up with a ruined reputation for a crime that never happened.  If only I hadn't warned anyone.

"Or there's politician who doesn't do anything illegal but stubbornly keeps making bad decisions.  I learn of his past skeletons.  I threaten to ruin him if he makes another terrible law.  Now for the general good of the people, I've become a blackmailer.

"I think I need some water."

Addleworth blushes a little from Dave's compliment and gives a polite bow.  "Good to know.  Thank you."

When Y'naro asks his question he gives Clair a furtive glance.  She gives a thumbs-up in reply and continues talking on the phone.  Addleworth clears his throat.

"Ah, yessir.  But if I may suggest - the capitol building has a secure line and is likely much more accessible..."

The prosecutor shrugs.  "Actually, Briggs is waiting in the courtroom last I saw."

"Oh dear oh dear.  Our guest of honor has arrived and I wasn't there to greet her.  This won't do."

Aiu says, "Oracles are highly respected on Gog and treated pretty much like royalty. Only the most important people sign up to get appointments with me. But they also know, going in, that I can see their past, their future, and that there is a chance will get to know some of their darker secrets. So I'm usually spared looking at more corrupt people except when they are even more scared of the alternative; a horrible decision. As to whether I blackmail people or stuff like that, I was raised into this job. There are rules about this job that govern my life just as much as social rules govern everyone Else's life. I usually do not make decisions, I simply observe and report."

Y'naro says, "Thank you. Please be patient. Aiu predicts a good outcome or a catastrophic one, depending on how things are handled. If I do not see you all for a long time, may you all be well and walk in peace." he then eads to the courtroom to look for Briggs.

Angel looks disappointed that Aiu can't empathize with her.  "I see.  So it's new to you to have hard choices to make.  Like whom do you trust with a vision that could spark a war if the wrong ears hear it.  Good luck with that.  I can only warn that words once spoken cannot be unsaid.

"I'm tired.  I'm ready to go to my cell now."

She's taken to a cell while the rest of the group is shown to the courtroom.  Clair offers to show Y'naro to the secure phone.  On the way to the courtroom, Addleworth picks up several snacks and drinks from vending machines and offers to share.

Once at the courtroom he cordially welcomes Cpt. Briggs and offers her a snack.

"We have things to discuss about your part in the trial," the prosecutor says, "I'll show you to my office."

"In due time," Briggs answers flatly.

She looks to Aiu and Dave.  "How is the prisoner?  Is she well?  Is she being treated fairly?"

The prosecutor looks surprised at Briggs' concern for Angel's well-being.

  Dave will go for snacks when notable military figures are not watching. Old habits.

  "As well as can be managed, given the circumstances."

Y'naro, of course, turns down the secure phone, thanking Clair. But he does take Addleworth up on some snacks.

Aiu takes some snacks, but only just enough to eat on the way to the courtroom. She is finished eating them by the time they are there. This is one habit she shares in common with Dave (namely not eating around important people unless said important person expects you to).

Aiu nods to what Dave says, "She is the one treating herself the worst."

Y'naro says, "Forgive my forwardness, Captain Briggs, but I have top-secret information given me by Angel. I would like the quickest and safest route to Planet Bliss. Emphasis on safest, since I fully expect to be attacked on my way there."

Aiu looked like she was going to say something, but looks over at Y'naro before saying. "....I saw visions that did include some instances that would alter the course of the entire star cluster. But what are you referring to?"

Y'naro says, "I am not at liberty to discuss what Angel told me or how she did. I have reason to believe many prying ears surround us and the only way to get safely to my destination would be..." he looks back at Briggs, "..you, captain. Your reputation is that of someone fully trustworthy and reliable."

Briggs accepts a snack and lemon drink from Addleworth.  "Thank you."

She looks relieved to hear Angel hasn't been mistreated.  She blinks in some surprise at Y'naro's mentioning top secret info.  Addleworth and the others are also surprised.  Briggs takes Y'naro and Aiu's warnings so seriously she immediately coms her crew.  "Briggs here.  Contact the Admiral.  Tell him that Mender Y'naro wants me to take him to Bliss on urgent business.  He suspects a possible attack between here and Bliss."

Addleworth blushes.  "My apologies.  I failed to make proper introductions..."

Briggs stops him.  "The security badges they're wearing suffice, thank you."

To Y'naro she continues, "Thank you for the vote of confidence.  This is possibly the safest place for us right now until we can get a proper escort.  Several other ships are already on their way..."

The Captain frowns and narrows her eyes.  "I'm wondering if Angel is using your trusting nature to manipulate the movement of the fleet..."

She calls her crew again.  "Advise the admiral to exercise caution.  The source of the Mender's information is suspect.  Perhaps requesting a Blissian escort meet half way would be wiser."

Addleworth is flustered and tries to be diplomatic.  "I for one believe Angel isn't lying to you, Y'naro.  She can't fake those visions Aiu had, after all."

(Will: Super blanking on Faction again)
(Chris: Tim may as well post then)

Aiu nods to what Addleworth says and looks at Briggs. "Why was Angel crying and ready to shoot herself when you met with her? I have the feeling someone betrayed her so deeply that she decided she would rather die, instead of her usual confident demeanor."

Y'naro is giving Briggs an endearing smile, then looks over to Addleworth and smiles. "It's OK. Brigss' caution is not unexpected or even uncalled for. Did you know that just 10 years ago, Emperor Dominus did exactly what Briggs is talking about? He fooled General Gartul of the Barrakian empire into believing there was trouble in Neutral space; trouble enough to move his flag ship from Tharian space. It was then that Dominus was able to move freely and head to the Neo System to attack, forcing the Strife Alliance to fall back to Neo, thus destroying the seige on Tharia." Finally, the bunny is spewing random factoids again.

  "Hard to imagine her having a crush on someone turning out poorly, but then it was also hard to imagine her in a box crying her eyes out."

  Failpost, but still more content than we've got from David than usual <.<

Addleworth returns Y'naro's smile and his nervous munching diminishes.  The prosecuter doesn't look any less nervous, though.

Briggs nods to Y'naro, "Thank you for understanding."

She looks a little surprised by Aiu and Dave.  "Hmm...  I don't know why she reacted the way she did.  Seems you all have more clues than I..."

She's interrupted by a com from her ship.  "Briggs here.  Understood.  I will call him in a few minutes."

She looks to Addleworth.  "Please direct me and those who interacted with the prisoner to the nearest high-security com."

Addleworth sputters.  "Oh.  Uh.  Yes.  Yes, of course, of course.  Right this way, please.  Right this way.  Oh dear oh dear.  This sounds serious.  Not good at all."

Briggs is sure to bring up the rear, but keeps her weapon holstered.  "So if our working theory is that she was stood up on a date, why suspect an attack on the Battleduster on the way to Bliss?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:50, Thu 07 Apr 2016.