Disclaimer: I'm merely a fan. I own nothing.
Dedicated to Killraven.
~~~
~@~
~~~
Found.
~~~
~@~
~~~
If the meetings were meant to be so long, they'd have thought to ask us to bring sleepover gear. The fools still think I consider this a promotion from instructing cadets. Four hours in a clean, formal dining hall, and all I want now is a shower to cleanse myself of all the political slime.
But it's over now. And good riddance. Onward to more meaningful matters, like getting the gum off my boot. I'm glad she found a studio she's comfortable in, but..
It wouldn't kill the owners to at least clean the sidewalk now and then. Oh well, at least the inside is clean. Five clean floors. Why did she have to get one on the fifth floor this far from the lift? Even a reclusive stateswoman could have made the occasional visitor's trek a lesser inconvenience.
Dorothy, you amaze me.
More staring eyes. Why haven't these people taken the news to heart? It's not like there aren't enough vid-screens in the world to make it known. I'm not a walking rank. I'm a Preventer; not an officer, not a Special, not a Romefeller. I love these simple marble floors, but all I ever get to see in their reflection is people stepping back and moving away. Did I scream at them for being the civilians this building was built to house? When will people realize I'm a human, too? What other kind of creature could ever wear boots, and at that, ones with gum in the treads.
Even my sighs are raspy. This is getting old. It's been, what, two hours now my throat's been so dry? So constricting, there must be a storm coming in.
Shifting keys in pocket. Cars. I'd give a months pay if the kisers in the motor pool would let me keep the suit off duty. Anything's better than that behemoth. Dearest Milliardo, you knew I needed a car, and I know you want me to be safe, but you aren't the only one who likes 'dangerous' little sports cars.
Borrowing a mobile suit to run down to Dorothy's, that's a thought. Way to go, Luc, prove you're just a simple human at heart. Dream of flying an 8-ton mech to pick up a friend down the road. My sighs still sound raspy.
I hope Dor's made some headway on that mobile doll metal's recovery. It has to be hard, though. What was it with her eyes? I've never seen her betray that much emotion over an assignment before, not in peacetime at least.
Trepidation, it had to've been. Hesitance, but resignation. I thought she'd be happy to rid herself of those mindless creations. And what's with suddenly having the urge to work through the night?
Don't worry, Dorothy. Tonight you're going to enjoy yourself. And I'm not going to accept posh excuses about paperwork and duty. Today's the day, and I know the graveside comes first. But you need to get out of your five-floor fortress and see the nightlife. It's been too long since you've smiled and meant it.
Here we are: second building, fifth floor, room 01. What Einstein put 01 at the opposite end of the structure from the lift? If the stairs get you there quicker, shouldn't that be a sign?
Decision time, walk in with gum on the boot, or possibly get caught dancing around like an idiot trying to remove it. Well, if it didn't come off on the steps after all that climbing, then it has no good reason to come off on her carpet.
A 'Do Not Disturb' over the entry vid-comm, cute.
I've never had to push the announcement button before. Weird to think of it now, but she's always at the door before I get here. I could swear she must live within arm's reach of it. But if so then, why not today?
"Hey Dorothy, it's Luc."
Checking watch. More than enough time, there's no way your getting out of this, Ms. 'I'd love too, but there's so much to do' Catalonia.
Three knocks should do. You can mute a vid-screen, but you can never mute the door.
But you can answer it, though.
Any time now.
Ok, three louder knocks, she might be in the shower.
Turning the handle. Futile, of course.
But if it weren't for locks, what fun would 'borrowed' key access codes be?
Second code worked, I knew my anniversary was written on her deskboard for a reason.
"Dorothy?"
Hmm. She's tidied up.. and I can't even imagine what it is that makes me think that, she's already obsessively clean to begin with. Somehow something seems more.. placed.
"Hey, Dorothy. It's Luc."
Bathroom door's open, so much for the shower excuse.
"Dorothy?"
RINGBEEP RINGBEEP
Blast that scared me. No missing that ringer. So where is she?
RINGBEEP RINGBEEP
Something's not right here. Dorothy's never let a screen ring through twice.
"Dorothy? It's Luc."
Kitchen, empty.
Hallway, empty.
RINGBEEP RINGBEEP
Family Room, empty.
Bedroom..
-"You've reached the residence of Dorothy Catalonia. Please leave a message."-
-"DOROTHY?!"-
Milliardo?
-"DOROTHY! IT'S ZECHS. YOU HAVE TO PICK UP"-
God Milliardo, your voice. I hear the screen, but ... where is it? Where the hell is that vid-screen?
"DOROTHY! WHERE'S THE SCREEN?"
Dear God, he sounds like he's in pain.
-"DOROTHY, DON'T DO IT. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! I SWEAR IT! DON'T BE RASH! I'LL COME OVER NOW! WE CAN WORK THIS OUT! DOROTHY!!"-
Page button, Dammit page. I hear it.. Living room?
-"IT'S MY FAULT! I KNOW IT, IT WAS NEVER YOURS. THE WRONG HAS BEEN AGAINST YOU, AND I'M THE ONE TO BLAME!"
Milliardo, What is it? What the hell are your talking about? And WHERE in GOD'S NAME IS THAT RECEIVER? It's not the living room, it's further back. Pantry? No. Closet? No. DAMN!
Wait.. Calm.. Listen..
Balcony.
-"I LOVE YOU, DOROTHY! DON'T YOU SEE? I COULDN'T HURT HER, SHE CARED FOR ME AND SAVE MY LIFE. BUT SO DID YOU, AND YOU FOUGHT BESIDE ME!.. YOU FOUGHT WITH ME! DOROTHY, LISTEN PLEASE! I NEED YOU!"-
I didn't hear that.
I couldn't have.
I'm panicking.
Chair by ledge, Nylon binding. Concentrate.
-"DOROTHY PICK UP, PLEASE!"-
SHUT UP, MILLIARDO! I'm Trying To Work, Do You Think Making Me Cry Helps? It's A Square Knot. I Can Do This.
-"DOROTHY! YOU DON'T HAVE TO KILL YOURSELF!"-
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!"
Knot loosened. Almost.. Ok, Unbound. DAMN! I'm not going to lose my balance now.. I don't care how much weights hanging down there. It's my sister, and I Will Pull Her Up!
-"DOROTH.."-
"LUCREZIA! MY NAMES LUCREZIA.. DAMN YOU, MILLIARDO, STOP SAYING HER NAME!!"
The receiver was under the chair suspending the rope. Why couldn't I have kicked it hard enough to silence him. The light... The receiver picked up. He can hear me now... He can hear my grunting, screaming when this horrid rope burns my weak hand. Listen well, Milliardo. The rope is..
KICK/Shatter
I won't let you listen, Milliardo.. because I cannot bare to listen to you.
The binding's twisting tight, she can't be more than... I see her now.
God Dorothy.
Feet, Calves. Ok, a little more and.. Calves on the ledge. Ok.. Pulse. Yes.
Ok, how.. ok, crouching. Your feet over my shoulder, and if I hold your waist and stand like this..
"I'VE GOT YOU!!"
Words. More words. She must be out cold by now. She never heard them. She never heard what Milliardo said.
God Dorothy, why upside-down? Green.. I know this green. You.. What have you done Dorothy? What did you ever do to warrant this? WHY?
The scraping can't be helped, Dorothy. I'm trying but I can't get good enough leverage without your back against the ledge. Tearing.. Something's tearing... it can wait.
Jademilk Poison and settling it by inverted hanging.. God, Dorothy. What is it with Upper Class suicides?
Eye.. Dilated. Still Breathing. Bindings, must loosen the bindings. My hand's bleeding. No time to worry, but the knot's getting slippery. One free.
Ok. Into my arms, Dorothy. I've got you this far. I'm not giving up on you. You're my Sister, and I'm not going to let you go.
Living room, hallway, kitchen, front door.
KICK/SPLINTER
KICK/CRASH
"C'MON DOR, I'VE GOT YOU!"
Five floors.
Lift. I need the lift.
Hold on, Dorothy.
"OUT OF MY WAY!"
Damn people milling in the halls like it's a blasted casino.
"CLEAR THE LIFT! GET THAT DOOR OPEN!"
Finally. Thank you, Sir. At least someone recognizes an emergency situation. This is ludicrous. Emergency crews would take what, nine minutes to get here? The Med building is three minutes east,. Hang on Dorothy.
How slow can this lift go? I can't stop moving. Standing still is ceasing to act. Ceasing to act is taking time to think. I can't think, thinking breeds faults. Instincts think for you, this is an emergency. The training thinks. I refuse to...
Milliardo, what were you saying?
No. Concentrate, Luc, we're almost to the ground floor.
I know it's uncomfortable, Dorothy. Please, just keep breathing. I know I'm holding you too tightly, but I have to know your breathing.
Lift door opening. Ok, to the lot.
"OPEN"
For once in your worthless life, work, forsaken voice activation.
Bless Malta, the bastard worked for once.
Careful.
Ok, just a little more. I hear you Dorothy, I know it hurts... I'm trying... I'm going to save you, Dorothy. The De-Tox is just down the road. We can fix this, Dorothy. I'm not letting you die like this. Milliardo would want me ... I'm.. I'm not going to let you die. Not like this. You're strapped in well enough.
Keys, my keys. Ok, Ignition. Ok, There better not be anyone in my way. Cleared the lot, ok..
"We're on our way. Just keep breathing.."
You too, Luc. Keep breathing.. Millia-... no.. Just breathe. We're almost there.
I'm not stopping for a red light.. Obstacles are not my concern. Rescue missions do not bother with obstacles.
God, this thing is slow turning. The side brakes are more use to me than the steering wheel. This thing handles like a damnable Ground Aries.
Left hand turn. Curb or no curb, I can see the structure. Just ten more city blocks. Shifting gears, traffic's too thick, can't push it any more.
Outside around the coupe, inside passed the hauler. Inside by the bus, outside by the sports car.
Next truck, he can't be merging. Don't pull out..
NO, Don't pull out, Not Yet.. You're blocking..
I'm sorry, Zechs.
~~~
~@~
~~~
Dedicated to Killraven.
~~~
~@~
~~~
Found.
~~~
~@~
~~~
If the meetings were meant to be so long, they'd have thought to ask us to bring sleepover gear. The fools still think I consider this a promotion from instructing cadets. Four hours in a clean, formal dining hall, and all I want now is a shower to cleanse myself of all the political slime.
But it's over now. And good riddance. Onward to more meaningful matters, like getting the gum off my boot. I'm glad she found a studio she's comfortable in, but..
It wouldn't kill the owners to at least clean the sidewalk now and then. Oh well, at least the inside is clean. Five clean floors. Why did she have to get one on the fifth floor this far from the lift? Even a reclusive stateswoman could have made the occasional visitor's trek a lesser inconvenience.
Dorothy, you amaze me.
More staring eyes. Why haven't these people taken the news to heart? It's not like there aren't enough vid-screens in the world to make it known. I'm not a walking rank. I'm a Preventer; not an officer, not a Special, not a Romefeller. I love these simple marble floors, but all I ever get to see in their reflection is people stepping back and moving away. Did I scream at them for being the civilians this building was built to house? When will people realize I'm a human, too? What other kind of creature could ever wear boots, and at that, ones with gum in the treads.
Even my sighs are raspy. This is getting old. It's been, what, two hours now my throat's been so dry? So constricting, there must be a storm coming in.
Shifting keys in pocket. Cars. I'd give a months pay if the kisers in the motor pool would let me keep the suit off duty. Anything's better than that behemoth. Dearest Milliardo, you knew I needed a car, and I know you want me to be safe, but you aren't the only one who likes 'dangerous' little sports cars.
Borrowing a mobile suit to run down to Dorothy's, that's a thought. Way to go, Luc, prove you're just a simple human at heart. Dream of flying an 8-ton mech to pick up a friend down the road. My sighs still sound raspy.
I hope Dor's made some headway on that mobile doll metal's recovery. It has to be hard, though. What was it with her eyes? I've never seen her betray that much emotion over an assignment before, not in peacetime at least.
Trepidation, it had to've been. Hesitance, but resignation. I thought she'd be happy to rid herself of those mindless creations. And what's with suddenly having the urge to work through the night?
Don't worry, Dorothy. Tonight you're going to enjoy yourself. And I'm not going to accept posh excuses about paperwork and duty. Today's the day, and I know the graveside comes first. But you need to get out of your five-floor fortress and see the nightlife. It's been too long since you've smiled and meant it.
Here we are: second building, fifth floor, room 01. What Einstein put 01 at the opposite end of the structure from the lift? If the stairs get you there quicker, shouldn't that be a sign?
Decision time, walk in with gum on the boot, or possibly get caught dancing around like an idiot trying to remove it. Well, if it didn't come off on the steps after all that climbing, then it has no good reason to come off on her carpet.
A 'Do Not Disturb' over the entry vid-comm, cute.
I've never had to push the announcement button before. Weird to think of it now, but she's always at the door before I get here. I could swear she must live within arm's reach of it. But if so then, why not today?
"Hey Dorothy, it's Luc."
Checking watch. More than enough time, there's no way your getting out of this, Ms. 'I'd love too, but there's so much to do' Catalonia.
Three knocks should do. You can mute a vid-screen, but you can never mute the door.
But you can answer it, though.
Any time now.
Ok, three louder knocks, she might be in the shower.
Turning the handle. Futile, of course.
But if it weren't for locks, what fun would 'borrowed' key access codes be?
Second code worked, I knew my anniversary was written on her deskboard for a reason.
"Dorothy?"
Hmm. She's tidied up.. and I can't even imagine what it is that makes me think that, she's already obsessively clean to begin with. Somehow something seems more.. placed.
"Hey, Dorothy. It's Luc."
Bathroom door's open, so much for the shower excuse.
"Dorothy?"
RINGBEEP RINGBEEP
Blast that scared me. No missing that ringer. So where is she?
RINGBEEP RINGBEEP
Something's not right here. Dorothy's never let a screen ring through twice.
"Dorothy? It's Luc."
Kitchen, empty.
Hallway, empty.
RINGBEEP RINGBEEP
Family Room, empty.
Bedroom..
-"You've reached the residence of Dorothy Catalonia. Please leave a message."-
-"DOROTHY?!"-
Milliardo?
-"DOROTHY! IT'S ZECHS. YOU HAVE TO PICK UP"-
God Milliardo, your voice. I hear the screen, but ... where is it? Where the hell is that vid-screen?
"DOROTHY! WHERE'S THE SCREEN?"
Dear God, he sounds like he's in pain.
-"DOROTHY, DON'T DO IT. IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! I SWEAR IT! DON'T BE RASH! I'LL COME OVER NOW! WE CAN WORK THIS OUT! DOROTHY!!"-
Page button, Dammit page. I hear it.. Living room?
-"IT'S MY FAULT! I KNOW IT, IT WAS NEVER YOURS. THE WRONG HAS BEEN AGAINST YOU, AND I'M THE ONE TO BLAME!"
Milliardo, What is it? What the hell are your talking about? And WHERE in GOD'S NAME IS THAT RECEIVER? It's not the living room, it's further back. Pantry? No. Closet? No. DAMN!
Wait.. Calm.. Listen..
Balcony.
-"I LOVE YOU, DOROTHY! DON'T YOU SEE? I COULDN'T HURT HER, SHE CARED FOR ME AND SAVE MY LIFE. BUT SO DID YOU, AND YOU FOUGHT BESIDE ME!.. YOU FOUGHT WITH ME! DOROTHY, LISTEN PLEASE! I NEED YOU!"-
I didn't hear that.
I couldn't have.
I'm panicking.
Chair by ledge, Nylon binding. Concentrate.
-"DOROTHY PICK UP, PLEASE!"-
SHUT UP, MILLIARDO! I'm Trying To Work, Do You Think Making Me Cry Helps? It's A Square Knot. I Can Do This.
-"DOROTHY! YOU DON'T HAVE TO KILL YOURSELF!"-
"SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!"
Knot loosened. Almost.. Ok, Unbound. DAMN! I'm not going to lose my balance now.. I don't care how much weights hanging down there. It's my sister, and I Will Pull Her Up!
-"DOROTH.."-
"LUCREZIA! MY NAMES LUCREZIA.. DAMN YOU, MILLIARDO, STOP SAYING HER NAME!!"
The receiver was under the chair suspending the rope. Why couldn't I have kicked it hard enough to silence him. The light... The receiver picked up. He can hear me now... He can hear my grunting, screaming when this horrid rope burns my weak hand. Listen well, Milliardo. The rope is..
KICK/Shatter
I won't let you listen, Milliardo.. because I cannot bare to listen to you.
The binding's twisting tight, she can't be more than... I see her now.
God Dorothy.
Feet, Calves. Ok, a little more and.. Calves on the ledge. Ok.. Pulse. Yes.
Ok, how.. ok, crouching. Your feet over my shoulder, and if I hold your waist and stand like this..
"I'VE GOT YOU!!"
Words. More words. She must be out cold by now. She never heard them. She never heard what Milliardo said.
God Dorothy, why upside-down? Green.. I know this green. You.. What have you done Dorothy? What did you ever do to warrant this? WHY?
The scraping can't be helped, Dorothy. I'm trying but I can't get good enough leverage without your back against the ledge. Tearing.. Something's tearing... it can wait.
Jademilk Poison and settling it by inverted hanging.. God, Dorothy. What is it with Upper Class suicides?
Eye.. Dilated. Still Breathing. Bindings, must loosen the bindings. My hand's bleeding. No time to worry, but the knot's getting slippery. One free.
Ok. Into my arms, Dorothy. I've got you this far. I'm not giving up on you. You're my Sister, and I'm not going to let you go.
Living room, hallway, kitchen, front door.
KICK/SPLINTER
KICK/CRASH
"C'MON DOR, I'VE GOT YOU!"
Five floors.
Lift. I need the lift.
Hold on, Dorothy.
"OUT OF MY WAY!"
Damn people milling in the halls like it's a blasted casino.
"CLEAR THE LIFT! GET THAT DOOR OPEN!"
Finally. Thank you, Sir. At least someone recognizes an emergency situation. This is ludicrous. Emergency crews would take what, nine minutes to get here? The Med building is three minutes east,. Hang on Dorothy.
How slow can this lift go? I can't stop moving. Standing still is ceasing to act. Ceasing to act is taking time to think. I can't think, thinking breeds faults. Instincts think for you, this is an emergency. The training thinks. I refuse to...
Milliardo, what were you saying?
No. Concentrate, Luc, we're almost to the ground floor.
I know it's uncomfortable, Dorothy. Please, just keep breathing. I know I'm holding you too tightly, but I have to know your breathing.
Lift door opening. Ok, to the lot.
"OPEN"
For once in your worthless life, work, forsaken voice activation.
Bless Malta, the bastard worked for once.
Careful.
Ok, just a little more. I hear you Dorothy, I know it hurts... I'm trying... I'm going to save you, Dorothy. The De-Tox is just down the road. We can fix this, Dorothy. I'm not letting you die like this. Milliardo would want me ... I'm.. I'm not going to let you die. Not like this. You're strapped in well enough.
Keys, my keys. Ok, Ignition. Ok, There better not be anyone in my way. Cleared the lot, ok..
"We're on our way. Just keep breathing.."
You too, Luc. Keep breathing.. Millia-... no.. Just breathe. We're almost there.
I'm not stopping for a red light.. Obstacles are not my concern. Rescue missions do not bother with obstacles.
God, this thing is slow turning. The side brakes are more use to me than the steering wheel. This thing handles like a damnable Ground Aries.
Left hand turn. Curb or no curb, I can see the structure. Just ten more city blocks. Shifting gears, traffic's too thick, can't push it any more.
Outside around the coupe, inside passed the hauler. Inside by the bus, outside by the sports car.
Next truck, he can't be merging. Don't pull out..
NO, Don't pull out, Not Yet.. You're blocking..
I'm sorry, Zechs.
~~~
~@~
~~~