--- Interlude: Choices --- Tue Dec 26 05:34:08 2000 --SESSION START-- >> Neydisa comes into hazy consciousness lying flat on a very soft, comfortable surface. For a moment all is blurry, but as she gradually regains her bearings, she finds herself in a small, apparently room decorated lavishly with fine furniture and trappings, but windowless and bearing a somewhat musty smell.Her belongings are nowhere to be seen. «ooc: game on. ^_^ » * Neydisa blinks her eyes several times, dully aware she is no longer in the lab room, and more importantly all alone. She struggles a bit to set herself upright. >> She appears to have been sleeping on a fine chaise-longe. « wow.. great atste ^^ » « er taste » «ooc: Whee. I like this tune. » * Neydisa rubs her eyes, a little sore from whatever Shrike had sprayed in them. "This isn't the lab..." >> A hooded figure melts out of the shadows which appeared empty to her eyes moments before, and speaks in the soft, saturnine tone of the Shrike. "Oh, but it is. These are the suites. Ironic such a place exists, eh?" «ooc: I picture Shrike with Ghaleon's voice. Hee. » * Neydisa notices her stuff is gone too, semi-glaring at the figure. "You.. how could you stoop so low? Did GaiaCo put you up to this?" >> Shrike clucks and pushes up his hood to smile at her, then raps sharply on the door thrice. "My job is to do, not to say. Come with me if you want answers." * Neydisa remains silent a minute, looking at the window less room a minute and the blocked door... >> Shrike touches a hand to the knob, waiting for her to make a motion in reply. "I can wait all day...this job couldn't get any more dull, dear." I suppose I don't have much of a choice, here do I... Shrike: ...hm hm hm. * Neydisa gets to her feet reluctantly. * Neydisa careful walks closer to Shrike, but being wary of him giving her an opportunity when the door opens. >> Shrike slowly opens the door and passes through it, waiting for her to follow before closing it in a similar manner. The next room is larger and contains more furniture, apparently a sitting room of some variety. Two figures are seated there: a balding, thickly-built man in a tan suit, and a boy of perhaps nineteen in glasses and a school uniform, with a rose pinned to his lapel. >> There are multiple doors leading from this new room, but all are closed. .o( What have I gotten dragged into... ) «ooc: That's Shamesworth, BTW> » «ooc: You don't know the kid. » « I figured. :) » * Neydisa almost stops completely, swallowing her words a bit. "Mr... Mr. Shamesworth?" >> The CEO of the Gaia Corporation, Claudius Shamesworth, turns and offers a friendly smile. "Good afternoon, Miss Kingfisher. I'm sorry for the circumstances by which you have arrived here. I hope you will allow yourself to be my guest, as I've postponed my departure specifically to speak with you." .o( Guardians.. keep saying it's not going to end up like before... ) * Neydisa tries to gather her courage up and confront the CEO. "To speak with me...?" Shamesworth: *nods* Yes. Please, have a seat. Would you like some tea? *** Radien (radiens@c339940-a.eugene1.or.home.com) has joined #warpg «ooc: Heyo. » I, well... yes... * Neydisa takes a seat, still frantically trying to find the right words. « Hayo, Gayo » >> He gestures to an empty leather and mahogany chair opposite his position at the table, and pours her a cup of tea. "I'm glad to finally meet you. I had meant to earlier, but my schedule is quite tight. You understand." * Neydisa nods, and clears her throat. "Forgive me for asking but, just why was it so important you speak with me? I'm not exactly a business partner..." And... I'm surprised you even wish to see me after that... incident, sir... Shamesworth: Not any more, no. *pauses to take a sip from his cup* I understand that you are not fond of my company, Neydisa. «ooc: Er. » «ooc: Miss Kingfisher. I'm trying to be Bondish. » «ooc: My bad. » « lol :) » >> The boy frowns into a book. * Neydisa folds her hands across her lap. "I never disrespected your company, only it's methods... sir." >> Shamesworth draws a long breath, then sighs wearily. "Ahh....yes. Do you know, Miss Kingfisher, I originally hailed from this country? I was a poor man from a poor family in my youth...poorer than yourself or your family, even. The world was slowly realizing the foolishness of its laissez-faire attitudes and "artistic renaissance", and money was tight." He pauses, then continues. * Neydisa listens, obviously understanding what he means about poverty... Shamesworth: I saved for a very, very long time to find the money to board a ship to Alexandria, the land of opportunity. And a land of opportunity it was. This is not to say that times were good, for they were most certainly not, but in that new free-thinking democracy a man had a chance, a chance he could not hope to have in Seim, Arctica, the Bloody Isle, and even Adlehyde. Shamesworth: I was a man of ambition and intent, Miss Kingfisher. You can empathize with that, I trust. That's why I came to Rosetta from Timney... Rosetta was a beacon of opportunity for me too. * Neydisa is a little calmer now, but still a little nervousness shows in her brown eyes. « actually that second one should be Alexandria. :) » Shamesworth: Yes, I know. We are similar in many ways, though different in the cardinal one. If there was anything I held dearer to me than making an honest living, it was my beliefs... Shamesworth: Beliefs...yes. We all have beliefs; we all do what we think is right. Every man is a hero in his own mind, while objectivity drowns in a sea of perceptual ambiguity. Do you want to hear my beliefs, Miss Kingfisher? Shamesworth: I believe that the world should always provide opportunity for advancement to those willing to take it. I believe that those without the qualifications of a leader should not lead on the backs of their ancestors and allies. I believe in a world of fairness through competition. I believe in the power of the human spirit. Shamesworth: What, Miss Kingfisher, do you believe? * Neydisa holds a hand up to her chest. "Opportunity and competition are needed to improve the world..." But, why do you have to disrespect the land of Filgaia if you are trying to give it and it's people a future? And what about the people helping you achieve their dreams? The workers, the miners like in Surf? Do you care about their safety and prosperity just as much as your own? Frm what I have sen... I can't believe this, no matter how hard I try. Shamesworth: Humanity has always battled with nature, always cleared woodland to plant crops, always set snares to catch prey food. Nature is resilient; it will not die so easily as you think. As for other people...allow me to speak with candour. My company...my dream, my monument...does terrible things to people. It willingly and knowingly causes death and suffering, though never for their own sake, always for advancement. Shamesworth: I will readily admit I care little about many of the people we hurt. Don't be too quick to say that this is cold of me - can you truly say, miss, that you care about people whom you have never met, and never shall meet? Of course people's heads are filled with fluff about the love of all mankind, but allow me to assure you, truly caring about someone is a difficult thing, and not to be done for more than a select few. Boy: ...heh. >> Shrike, meanwhile, stands deathly rigid at the door through which he entered. * Neydisa shifts to the edge of her seat, building momentum. "It may be hard to understand, but I care about Filgaia as a whole in my support of the Guardians. Without them giving people like me strength and purpose, we'd have been engulfed in a tide of our own suffering..." Shamesworth: I have seen suffering...I have felt suffering...and I have conquered suffering, Miss Kingfisher. I have conquered it of my own devices. It is my steadfast belief that any man can do the same. * Neydisa 's lip quivers a moment. "Don't think I am innocent... I know suffering all too well. Suffering I felt for following my path in life." And I'm going to keep following that path... in these troubled times, all I have left is that road to follow... Shamesworth: I wonder if you are strong enough. My world, the world I strive to create, and the world we are headed towards, is a world where the strong rule through their simple seizing of the advantages presented them. I don't mean strong physically, or intellectually, as both of those are traits which some do not have...I mean strength of will, strength of soul...the fearlessness to grab opportunities when they appear. This is a strength anyone can muster, but all too few do. This, this is why so many live in poverty, taken advantage of by golden empires such as mine. * Neydisa looks at the tea she hasn't touched at all. "...I never came to your company as some kind of mindless tool to work a ship, or rig a mast.. I wanted to make a difference with my skills. To be the best I could be, and make my family, and the Guardians proud..." Shamesworth: I'm certain you could have. You changed your mind so quickly? I have never changed my mind. I still have my dream, and my work set out before me. The circumstances have just changed... Shamesworth: You no longer feel there is a place for you with us? It wouldn't be hard to join us again, you know. We could use you. * Neydisa looks directly at Shamesworth. "Mr. Shamesworth.. please understand. After what I have experienced, I cannot go back... Shamesworth: There's always a choice. Shrike: So long as it's the right choice? I've found a new employer now. And I finally feel I can make my voice heard again, like I once believed with you... >> Shamesworth starts slightly, having been used to Shrike's silence. He gives him a disparaging look. "Your attitude has been unpleasant since you escaped prison, old boy. Do not be so foolish as to assume your position here is concrete...you are never too good to be replaced." Shrike: ...heh heh heh., Shamesworth: I'm...sorry, where was I? Ah, yes. Shamesworth: Why, may I ask, do you desire so strongly to "have your voice heard"? * Neydisa breathes deeply. "Becuase the Guardians need me, however little I am.. a terrible storm is coming to Filgaia." http://www.spinnoff.com/swhc/ «ooc: Uh, nm. » « lol ^^ » Shamesworth: And you feel you can best weather this storm alone, with only a few bickering companions? I've found more with them than I ever found at GaiaCo... and it seems I'm not alone in my feelings, either. Shamesworth: You are not a leader, Miss Kingfisher, but you are a powerful follower. You belong here...with us. « We are starting a new branch, dealing with those filthy used games...it will be called... "GaiaCoLand." » * Neydisa holds her blue haired head in her hands. "I'm not a leader... but why would I follow a persn who will drag this world into his own world of ruin? One who can't even stop one man with all the resources of a mighty corporation? A man who uses people for experiments under glass?" « Sorry. ^^ » This is not the Filgaia I'm trying to make my living in! Shamesworth: *scowls slightly, his posture becoming rigid* The world I am building is not one of ruin. The world I am building is a utopia. Sacrifices must be made. You attempt to save all, and you will lose all because of it. Do not think me a heartless man. The wise know to hone and focus their conscience...the people who are close to me...my son, and my dear, departed wife...these people I care about, and I will do everything I can to help them. Shamesworth: I clawed my way through a maze of class barriers and disdainful old-money dynasties to build an empire that spans the world. This I did for them. >> The young man closes his book, apparently deep in thought. Boy: ... >> Shrike sighs, tapping his foot. «ooc: http://rpgcafe.net/WARPG/files/hidden_in_shadows.mid This works well here, actually. » Don't think that I hate you, Mr. Shamesorth. You certainly are an inspiration to others, a powerful force in Filgaia. Shamesworth: *stands, turning his back to stare at a hanging tapestry* I can sense the lie in your voice. I am an excellent judge of people, Miss Kingfisher. I have those I care about too. And I intend to do everything I can for them, starting right here... with Allen's sister. Shamesworth: So you think you can...*he lowers his head, still facing the wall, and addresses Shrike* Time to go, old boy. Proceed with the project. You're no longer needed here. Shrike: ...and I'm the one who's cocky? Are you sure that's a good idea, big fellow? Shamesworth: ...get out before you say something you'll regret. Remember what I said to you earlier... >> Shrike chuckles impetuously and begins walking to one of the many closed doors, but flickers and vanishes halfway across the room. Neither of the men seem fazed by this, and after a moment, Shamesworth speaks again. "Reginald. Go with him." * Neydisa straightens, her body tensing. .o( I'm not going to back down again... I lived 6 years of shame because of it.. ) Boy: *arches an eyebrow* Father? Are you... Shamesworth: It's all right, Reginald. This will all be over with in no time, and we'll be back in New Seim for supper. >> The boy's everpresent frown deepens, and he remains riveted to his seat a moment longer before absentmindedly dropping his book onto the table and leaving through another door. >> Silence dominated. «ooc: DOMINATES » * Neydisa arises from her seat, facing Shamesworth. If I ever asked you for anything, it's right now... >> The company president continues to face away from her, hands folded behind his back. "Your things are in the trunk behind you. Your weapons are there. You say you have the will, the strength to manage this without my support, Miss Kingfisher. Prove it. * Neydisa glances behind her. Shamesworth: If you are truly able to lead, to survive the battles you intend to fight alone...kill me. If you cannot...perhaps you should re-examine my offer. * Neydisa almost tips over. "You.. you want me to kill you?" What about your family? Your loved ones? I thought you cared... * Neydisa slowly, carefully, picks up her travel bag and katars. "The chaos it'd cause... what if your company fell apart and your dream died because of me?"" Shamesworth: Are you saying you care more about my dream than yours? * Neydisa looks at the weapons. "I don't have the right to take a life myself... only Ge Ramtos can ordain that." Shamesworth: If you're not willing to make the hard decisions...Neydisa...you can never achieve your goals. You aren't accorded the luxury of letting others decide things or leaving them to the fates when you don't have a GaiaCo to shield you. You might as well give up... Shamesworth: ...you might as well accept my guidance. * Neydisa shakes. "I've told you, I don't wish your guidance.. it is you that needs theirs. Why can't you under stand I value your life as much as you value mine, even if we are opposite sides of the spectrum, we're still chasing our dreams... Don't make me go through you to do that..." Shamesworth: If you can't kill someone who has hurt you to achieve your goals, rest assured someone you hurt will kill you. You need my protection. I can stand on my own... even if I ned a crutch to stand, I will stand. Shamesworth: It will be the death of you, and the death of your dream. Let me be your crutch. Join the family. My family isn't here... it's with them. And your family is waiting for you for supper. Shamesworth: ...that is your final answer? « Yes, Regis. » «ooc: I knew someone was going to say that, even though there are only two other people here. ^_~ » « hehe... thank you for understanding there's no conceivable way I could resist. ;) » « Let's just hope he doesn't have the Regis Filban variety of persistance too... » * Neydisa holds out her katars defensively. "...why do you want me back so badly?" Shamesworth: ...is that, or is that not, your final answer? « Oh god, he does. O_o » «ooc: Well, she answered a question with a question. :P » « ^^; » « Rules of the game. No non sequiters, either. Shamesworth broke the one about repetition.... ;) » I think you have known my answer all along... << 6* Radien shuts up * >> Shamesworth: . . . >> He stays silent for a time, the points to a different door than Reginald and Shrike departed through. "That door leads out of the hidden suits to the stairs. Your friends are battling a deadly creature on the level above as we speak. They are too capable to die at its hands, but it has only one weakness." «ooc: suites. Gah » * Neydisa looks to the door, then back at Shamesworth. "What is that weakness?" «ooc: Shamesworth: Stupid questions! You'll defeat it instantly! » « lol » Shamesworth: ...you said you didn't want my help. * Neydisa edges to the door he indicated. "...I suppose I can't ask for any more sevrant's pay, Mr. Shameworth..." «ooc: Severance, I think. ^_~ » «ooc: Well, maybe it is Severant's. I guess. Could be. » « I was thinking the same thing ^^ » «ooc: Oh well, I'll look it up later. » Shamesworth: ... * Neydisa looks at him one final time. "I guess we've both got tight schedules..." She nods and darts out the door. >> Shamesworth continues to stand in repose for a few moments, then quietly walks over and shuts the door, resuming his seat at the table with a sigh. 2--SESSION END--