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Marie Trudeau
Trudeau Enterprises S.a.r.l.
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Posted - 2008.06.11 18:03:00 -
[1]
Edited by: Marie Trudeau on 11/06/2008 18:05:13
öAn outrage, do you hear me! An outrage! What? Of course! You listen to me, Miss whatever-your-name-was à the Senator needs to know just how upset the business community is at this colossal incompetence! Unless thereÆs some sign from the government about whatÆs going to be done, in the very near future, thereÆs going to be troubleàö
The office in Synchelle was mostly dark, save for the small pool of light from Marie TrudeauÆs desklamp. The large windows running along the far wall were adjusted to dim the reddish light from the sparsely populated star system, and the sparse, metallic appointments of the office were barely visible in the dim light.
Marie stared at her polished desk intently as she spoke into her comms set. Pierre-Claude, her CNO, stood a few feet behind her, arms folded, growing agitated at her tone of voice.
öWhat am I referring to? Well à I think you know very well what IÆm referring to. ItÆs clear that if the Federation isnÆt prepared to do what needs to be done à there are others who are prepared, and who will take action themselvesàö
She stood and began to pace as she listened to the pat response from the SenatorÆs chief of staff.
öListen, IÆm not going to have you lecture me on rules and procedures. What you need to know is simple û either the government acts, and soon, or others will! Good day!ö
She ripped the comms unit from herself and sighed, walking across the polished chrome floor to Pierre-Claude.
öMadame, I ûô
She waved him off abruptly with her hand.
öNo need, Pierre-Claude, no need.ö
She sighed again, and picked up a small model of a Thorax class cruiser on one of her office shelves. It was a memento from her time at University, one of Jean-YvesÆs little gifts. She turned it around in her hands as she spoke, more softly now, distracting herself slightly from the gravity of the conversation.
öItÆs harder than you think, you know, Pierre-Claude? I mean à it has been some time for me àö
ôOui, madame, I know. It may not, in fact, be the best ûô
She waved her hand again, more softly this time, as she cradled the Thorax model.
öDo you still have the dossier?ö
ôOui, Madame.ö
Pierre-Claude whisked out a datapad and placed it on the side table next to Marie. The screen blinked on and she scanned it briefly before returning her gaze to the Thorax model.
öWeÆve worked hard on the business, and done well. IÆd hate to see that go to wasteàö
Pierre-Claude softned his expression slightly, and tilted his head as he advised his CEO.
öIt would indeed. But Marie-Laurence is quite capable, you know. I think sheÆs done a rather fine job managing the operating side of the business for some time now, and à might even appreciate the opportunity à.just a thoughtàö
Marie smiled reflexively, momentarily flashing her eyes at her CNO before returning to her study of the Thorax model.
öJust a thought, Pierre-Claude? I would say a fine thought. Yes. She is impressive .. perhaps it is time for ---ô
Marie was interrupted by the buzz of the intercom. She lightly pressed her lapel to activate her earpiece.
öMadame, there is a visitor for youö, announced her receptionist softly.
Marie frowned slightly.
öI am indisposed at the moment, Francoise û I do not recall having an appointment àö
Oui, Madame, there was no appointment, but à
Marie now frowned deeply.
öBut what, Francoise? What is it?Æ
There was a brief pause, and Marie could hear her receptionist intake her breath sharply before answering.
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Marie Trudeau
Trudeau Enterprises S.a.r.l.
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Posted - 2008.06.11 18:04:00 -
[2]
-continued-
****************
öMadame, it is your sisteràö
MarieÆs eyes suddenly widened and the Thorax model came tumbling out of her hands. Pierre-Claude moved swiftly to catch it before it hit the floor and shattered to pieces. Marie darted her head around, her mind literally racing, and reached out a hand to the bulkhead to steady herself.
After a few moments, the receptionistÆs voice came across the intercom again.
öMadame à eh à how do you wish to proceedà.?
MarieÆs mind was filled with images, with memories, regrets, anger, sadness à all of it. She blinked her eyes and tried to bring herself to her senses. Pierre-Claude offered his hand and slowly guided her to a cushioned chair by the window-wall, where she sat and pondered her racing mind. After a few moments she finally spoke, her voice thin and uncertain.
öFrancoise, please give me five minutes and then send her up to my office. Merci.ö
öOui, Madame.ö
She pressed her lapel to turn off her earpiece and simply stared at the floor.
öMadame, do you think it is wise at such a time àö
ôWise à I donÆt know, Pierre-Claude. I havenÆt seen her in some years û four or five at least. WeÆve never been à close, if you know what I mean.ö
Pierre-Claude nodded slowly.
öYou have never spoken of her, Madame.
Marie raised an eyebrow briefly and then her face reset itself into an expressionless gaze.
öMadame, if you do not think it is safe to be alone with her, then of course I am at your disposal.ö
ôNon, that should not be necessary, Pierre-Claude. I think I can handle myself if things get à heated. The worst part will be the gloating. IÆm sure sheÆs come here to gloatàö
Marie scowled as she said that, feeling her anger rise again, feeling it build and rise and then subside slowly.
öGloating, Madame? I do not understand something?ö
Pierre-Claude frowned as he began to back away towards the door. Marie looked up at him with a clear-eyed expression.
öOui, Pierre-Claude. You see, my sister is Caldari.ö
The CNO stared at her in disbelief.
ôBut how is that possible?ö
Marie shrugged lightly.
ôIt is only by half, but still à we have a mother in common à her father was Caldari.ö
Pierre-Claude withdrew his sidearm û a neutron handblaster û and doublechecked the charge settings.
öIn that case, Madame, I do think it is wise that I stay with you à for your protection.ö
He held the handblaster gingerly, now scanning around the office, looking at the furniture, the outlay, with a tactical mind, in a way he had not done before.
öNon, non, Pierre-Claude. It will be perfectly fine, IÆm sure.ö
Her CNO frowned, dissatisfied with her response but respectful of it, and kept scanning the room.
öIn that case, Madame, I will be waiting just outside this door .. just in case àö
ôThat would be fine, Pierre-Claude. IÆm sure it will be fine.ö
The intercom buzzed again.
öMadame, I am sending her to you. Is this alright?ö
ôOui, thatÆs fine. Send her up.ö
The automatic door whooshed shut behind Pierre-Claude with a brief rush of air. Marie stood and folded her arms, her eyes focused on the door as she waited.
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Ana Borisovna
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Posted - 2008.06.12 01:01:00 -
[3]
Edited by: Ana Borisovna on 12/06/2008 01:06:59
Ana Borisovna closed her eyes mentally as Krona, her trusty Crow-class interceptor, blazed in warp towards the Synchelle stargate in Kassigainen. The trip through the Caldari Border Zone had been uneventful, if a bit surreal. With every jump closer to the Federation border, the military chatter on the Neocom became heavier, more insistent and edgy. While she felt no real sense of insecurity, it was nevertheless an odd feeling on a jump-route she had flown dozens of times.
As Krona left warp at the Synchelle gate, Ana blinked mentally, checking her sensors to be sure there was no mistake à an array of Caldari naval ships circled the gate in very strong numbers, far beyond what was normal for a quiet stargate between backwater systems. A few seconds later, her Neocom buzzed.
öCitizen 65-3256-5487-BRS-3. Borisovna, Ana. Correct?ö
A Scorpion-class battleship was approaching her starboard bow, dwarfing her small interceptor with its jaggedly-designed bulk. She sighed softly to herself.
ôYes.ö
ôVery good. LetÆs see à no security restrictions that I can see in your record à just a second. Ah. There. Alright then, Borisovna, what is your purpose in wishing to leave Caldari space today, hmmm?ö
AnaÆs brow creased with a frown.
öIÆve never before had to answer such a question on this border!?!ö
ôNew procedures, captain. Directly from the leadership. What is the purpose of your trip?Æ
The voice was measured, yet very insistent.
She could sense through her interface that Krona was being intensively scanned. She was getting angrier by the second, but working hard as well not to show it.
öIt is a personal trip.ö
ôPersonal? What kind of personal business would you have in the Federation, Borisovna?ö
She paused for a second considering how to answer.
öMy sister lives there. I am going to visit my sister.ö
ôYour sister?ö
There was an extended pause. Ana knew they were checking her records, but she was comfortable about what they would find there. SheÆd been a law abiding, dutiful citizen for quite some time now.
öAh yes, I see it here in your record. One Marie Trudeau àö
There was a pause as the naval officer scanned the contents of the database file.
öInteresting character you have for a half-sister, Borisovna. Personally, I would be ashamed to be related to such a à degenerate, but then again what can you expect of Gallente scum, eh? So, are you planning to offer her condolences over Caldari Prime or something?ö
She could hear a chuckling during the pause as she smirked impatiently.
öAny other questions?ö
ôNo, Borisovna. Enjoy your vacation in that den of iniquity àö
She reached out her mind and engaged the gate activation interface. As Krona was beginning to disappear, she could hear the Neocom yet again. The notes of the Caldari State anthem were now blaring over it, interrupted only by the now shrill voice of the border patrol officer.
öAnd remember, Borisvna à Long live the Caldari State and our glorious leader Tibus Heth! Long live Tibuùô
The remainder of the transmission was cut off as Krona finally disappeared under the control of the stargate.
**********
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Ana Borisovna
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Posted - 2008.06.12 01:02:00 -
[4]
A few seconds later the ship materialized near the Kassigainen stargate in Synchelle. As she was mentally reaching out to power up her warp drive, she heard the telltale sound of a target lock, followed by an electronic jammer.
öWarp jammed?? What the hell??ö, she thought to herself. She could sense two Dominix-class battleships approaching her. One of them was jamming her warp drive, while the other appeared to be scanning her as it approached.
The Gallente side of the gate was surrounded by a small fleet of Federation battleships and support craft. It looked to all the world like an active war zone. Ana felt the hair on the back of her neck rise a little, despite being immersed in her pod gel.
öHold it right there, Captain Borisovna.ö
Now very close to losing her temper, it was all Ana could manage to remain barely composed.
öWhat is the meaning of this??ö
ôCalm down, Captain. New security protocols are in effect on this border for an indefinite period of time by executive decree of the Federal Security Council and the President himself. What is the nature of your trip to the Gallente Federation today, Captain?ö
Ana was growing tired at the repeated questioning, and her composure was starting to fray.
öI am coming to visit my sister! I have never had such a ûô
ôThatÆs enough, Captain! This is a secure border installation. If you donÆt want to cooperate, youÆre not going to go anywhere other than right back through that gate, do you understand me?ö
She bit her tongue mentally, reaching deep, forcing herself to find composure somewhere within herself.
öYes à yes of course.ö
ôGood. Thank you for your cooperative attitude. Now letÆs see. YouÆve done work in the past for the Caldari Navy. A bit of a red flag there, IÆd say. Mmm. Resident in Lonetrek à and your citizenship is Caldari ... what the à
The Neocom went silent for a moment.
öGeneral Serafin, you need to take a look at this, sir àö
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Ana Borisovna
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Posted - 2008.06.12 01:05:00 -
[5]
Ana heard a slight ôbeepö as another party joined the Neocom channel.
öYes, Commander?ö
ôGeneral, please have a look at data file 07-4673-8765-TRD.ö
There was a long pause, broken by the CommanderÆs voice.
öGeneral, I thought that this kind of thing was illegal under Federation law..ö
ôThatÆs enough Commander.ö
A longer pause ensued. Ana could feel the tension even over the Neocom link.
öBut, General, these kinds of things are supposed to be repor-ô
ôI said that was enough, Commander! This is above your security clearance. I will handle this one myself.ö
The GeneralÆs voice was testy, a bit angry. He sounded overworked and under quite a good deal of stress.
öOh, and Commander. This incident never happened, and you never came across a certain Caldari capsuleer named Ana Borisovna, do you understand?ö
ôYes, of course, sir.ö
ôGood. Then youÆre dismissed.ö
Ana heard another ôbeepö as the Commander was disconnected from the Neocom channel. She didnÆt have any idea what would happen next. One of the Dominix-class ships was moving away, but KronaÆs warp drives remained solidly jammed.
öCaptain Borisovna, you will need to be very careful. The current situation is very tense, as you can see, and à well tensions are running high throughout the Federation at the moment, especially when it comes to à when it comes to things pertaining toàö
ôPertaining to Caldari, General?ö, Ana asked in as clam a voice as she could muster.
öEh, yes, Captain. Things are tense. Things are under review as well à certainly arrangements such as yours are coming under review as well.ö
ôOh? Really?ö
ôOh yes, captain. Everything is under review at the moment. Everything.ö
Another pause followed. Ana could see the swarm of Federation battleships closing in on another incoming ship from Kassigainen. The background chatter was intense. A few seconds later there was a large explosion near the stargate. A few moments later, the Gallente ships slowly made their way back to their patrol formations.
öMmm. Another one. Fifth in the last two hours.ö, mumbled the General softly, almost under his breath.
ôWell, then, Captain. I must return to other matters. Again, be very careful. This is a rough time for someone like you to be here, and you should take precautions for your safety.ö
ôYes, General. Thanks for the advice.ö
ôOh, and one other thing, Captain.ö
ôYes?ö Ana was worried by the GeneralÆs suddenly changed tone of voice.
ôWelcome home.ö
Ana smirked to herself and snorted slightly.
öThank you, General.ö
As soon as the warp jamming was removed from her ship, Ana reached out with her mind and drove the ship into warp, aimed directly at the educational installation in the system, furiously trying to control the swirling emotions that were vying for control of her mind.
********
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Yarod Cool
Team JAVELIN
Celestial Imperative
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Posted - 2008.06.12 10:49:00 -
[6]
Very interesting :) |
Ravin Abai
Cruoris Seraphim
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Posted - 2008.06.12 14:19:00 -
[7]
I like this. The format is also pretty good; very easy to follow the dialogue.
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Ana Borisovna
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Posted - 2008.06.12 18:46:00 -
[8]
[Thanks. It's a storyline I've wanted for these two characters for a while, but now the CCP storyline has finally provided the proper background for it. I like the formatting, too. I can't take credit for it though -- the credit goes to my old friend Aphoxema G, who thought (rightly, I think) that separating the dialogue with that kind of format made it easier to read.]
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Ana Borisovna
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Posted - 2008.06.12 18:47:00 -
[9]
Edited by: Ana Borisovna on 12/06/2008 18:53:05
Ana Borisovna stared at the small sign near the turbolift: TRUDEAU ENTERPRISES, S.A.R.L.
She smirked slightly as she pressed her hand against the turbolift frame, summoning a lift pod down to the concourse level of the station. SheÆd seen that name so many times before, the familiar familial logo burned into her childhood memories like an indelible stain.
The lift pod arrived, and Ana entered it, pressing the logo again, and closing her eyes as the pod lifted effortlessly. Even after all these years, and all that time in zero gravity, lift pods still tended to make her sick, and she worked her mind to focus on other things as the pod lifted and turned and, finally, docked at a small suite of offices on the 143rd level.
She stepped out into the foyer of the office suite û a large space with high walls, a polished metallic floor and one smallish, rounded wooden desk in the centre. An attractive young Gallente woman sat at the desk, and was just beginning to turn her gaze up towards AnaÆs figure and away from her datapad. Behind the desk hung a large picture of Marie Trudeau, dressed smartly in attractive Gallente business attire û her oversized, smiling face gazing down at all onlookers. Radiating whatever it was that Marie always bloody well seemed to radiate. Ana felt like wretching.
Dammit, Marie à why do you always have to be such a à -- she thought to herself as she shook her head slightly before approaching the desk.
öOui, Madame? May I help youö, said the young woman behind the desk.
öYes, you may. IÆm here to see àö, Ana trailed off her sentence and simply gestured at the oversized portrait with a smirk.
The receptionist blinked.
öMadame Trudeau? Eh à well Madame is a very busy woman, IÆm afraid. If you would like to make an appointment, I would be happy to..ö
ôOh? So you mean sheÆs back there with her girlfriend?ö, Ana asked sarcastically.
öOr is it a boyfriend this time, eh?ö
The receptionist stammered a bit.
öEh, Madame, I am not disposed toùô
Ana cut her off abruptly, shrugging her shoulders sarcastically.
öIÆm sorry, I just canÆt seem to keep up with her little escapades àö
The receptionist frowned and spoke in a colder tone.
ôMadame, as I said, if you would like to makeàö
Ana frowned and leaned over the desk, her hands planted firmly on the surface as she craned her neck towards the much smaller woman threateningly. The receptionist was temporarily at a loss for words.
öAre you telling me that I need a frigging appointment to see my own sister?ö Ana said in a low, almost guttural voice as she stared at the now somewhat frightened young woman.
öBut, Madame, you cannot possibly be her sisteràö
The receptionist blinked in disbelief as Ana flipped open the electronic palm reader lying next to the datapad and pressed her hand down against it firmly.
öGo ahead. Go on, have a look.ö
The receptionist looked down at the padÆs readout in disbelief for a few long moments and then back up at Ana.
ôVery well then, Madame à I will see if she has the time to see you, but please ..ö
She motioned with her hands indicating that Ana should back away. Ana simply stood up and folded her arms.
öGo on, then. IÆm listening.ö
The receptionist frowned slightly as she pressed her lapel to activate her earpiece.
She spoke softly and distinctly into the small microphone.
öMadame, there is a visitor for you.ö
Ana looked down at the receptionist and smiled.
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.12 22:01:00 -
[10]
The door opened with a light swoosh of air.
Marie looked up at her sisterÆs still familiar face as the taller, lankier woman strode softly across the floor. Ana had always been attractive, in a cold, stern, Civire way. She looks good for her years, thought Marie as she steadied her own expression.
öAnd so.ö
Ana blinked back.
öMarie, please. I come here in good will, I need to talk to you.ö
Marie scowled in disdain.
öIÆm sure you do. It must be nice to be in your position today, eh, little sister?ö
Ana sighed before continuing.
öMarie, you know à IÆm trying to be civil here .. why donÆt you-ô
ôWhy donÆt you shut the hell up! Do you remember the last time I saw you, you *****? You could hardly slur two words together, you were a total embarrassment. YouÆve always been an embarrassment to this family, Ana, a total frigging emb-ô
AnaÆs own temper was flaring, her blood hot and red in her face.
öSTOP IT, MARIE. Dammit! Stop it!!ö
ôWhy should I? IÆm well aware youÆve come here to gloat, and IÆm not having any of it, I swear I will not have you gloat to me after all these years àö
Ana sighed briefly.
öMarie, IÆm not here to gloat à you know, I think it is a wonderful time for all Caldari in some ways, but in others àö
Marie frowned as she crossed the floor, breathing hot now in her sisterÆs face.
öOh come on. DonÆt feign ambivalence with me. I know what youÆre thinking, itÆs what youÆve always thought .. treacherous hateful thoughts, insolent thoughts àö
ôMarie, dammit! You have no ******* clue what it was like to grow up here as a Caldari, looking like a Caldari. I mean even today you would not believe how I have been treated here!ö
Marie smirked sarcastically as she walked over to the visiscreen. She pressed her fingertip lightly against the activate pad.
öHow youÆve been treated here today? Well, little sister, I think that may just have a little something to do with thisà
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.12 22:02:00 -
[11]
The screen came to life. A live camera pod visual of the Caldari Naval Titan at Caldari Prime was projected on a huge screen behind three men sitting on a sound stage. One of the men û a byline underneath his image identified him as Reyno Bertard -- was gesticulating angrily in the air.
öThis is outrageous! How can we have the enemy so deep in our capital system? How can we allow CONCORD to do this to us? It is an outrage! What is our government, our President doing? This is an outrage!ö
The outburst was followed by loud applause from the studio audience. The man in the middle, apparently a moderator of some sort, waved his hands for quiet.
öSÆil vous plait! SÆil vous plait!ö
The crowd gradually calmed and the other guest û a finely robed Intaki, his hair pulled behind his face in a neat ponytail -- began to respond.
öYou know, there are more ways to solve international problems like this than by means of violence. Violence only begets violence, and it is high time that the Federation moved beyond old, dated paradigms in international relations. This is an opportunity to reach out and grow together with our Caldari cousins-ô
He was cut off by a chorus of booing from the assembled onlookers, despite the moderatorÆs efforts to control the crowd. In the meantime, the volume for the feed on the gigantic screen behind the stage was raised. A few frantic, unintelligible words were heard followed by the spectacular glare of yet another Taranis-class interceptor being blown to bits by a Caldari support battleship. The crowd erupted in dismay, and Reyno Betard was screaming.
öWhere is our navy!?! These patriotes, our countrymen, they are dying there! Where is our Navy, where is ourùô
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.12 22:03:00 -
[12]
Marie touched the visiscreen off. She let out a long breath and then looked over at her sister. Ana was mumbling.
öI had seen the images of course, Marie, but the people à I did not know there was that kind of àö
ôThat kind of anger, Ana? Oh yes, there is anger. There is rage, in fact, outrage. Outrage at your chosen people and that barbarian, Heth. What a disgrace! Perfectly suited for each other.ö
Ana frowned and started to get angry again in her own right.
öNow wait a minute à Heth is not all Caldari!ö
ôOh really? Could have fooled me.ö
ôCome on, Marie, he is one man. You cannot condemn an entire race for the attitudes of one man!ö
ôOh really? Attitudes which are supported by almost all of the people? What an outrage! What an outrage that you are even here today. Why ,Ana, why? Can you just tell me-ô
At that moment Pierre-Claude emerged brusquely from the sideroom where he had been hiding, a look of profound discomfort obvious on his face. Marie frowned deeply at him as he approached.
öPierre-Claude, this is not the time. This is a family momentàö
ôOui, Madame, I am filled only with the utmost sorrow at being so impertinent as to intrude upon such a ... delicate à moment, but there is something ... something you need to see àö
He gestured towards the visiscreen.
öI know that, we just watched the Taranis explode ourselves. Now, look, Pierre-Claude, I donÆt mean to be rude, but àö
ôMadame, it is not a ship. This is the President. He is making an address to the Federation. I think you should see it.ö
Marie stared blankly for a moment at her CNO, then glanced over at Ana. Ana nodded slowly, and Marie pressed the visiscreen again. The image was of the Presidential press room, with an empty podium. After a few seconds, Federation President Souro Foiritan approached the podium and began to speak.
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.15 15:20:00 -
[13]
Edited by: Marie Trudeau on 15/06/2008 15:22:40
Marie flipped off the visiscreen by lightly touching the polished sensichrome with her fingertip and stood in silence for a few moments, collecting her thoughts. Ana moved over to a well-padded side chair and slipped into it silently, her brow furrowed in thought. After a few moments, Marie glanced over at Pierre-Claude.
öI donÆt believe it à why would he do this à?öö
Pierre-Claude shrugged.
ôMadame, you know as well as I do how corrupt the Admiralty is à I am only left to wonder just how many of our senior officers were involved in this treachery.ö
Marie sighed and shook her head slowly before glancing over at Ana again in silence. She turned toward her CNO.
öEh, bon. Please leave us, Pierre-Claude. We have a conversation to finish.ö
Pierre-Claude nodded officiously and retreated to the side room without comment. Marie waited for the doorseal to close and then turned to her sister again.
öAnd? Thoughts?ö
Ana stared up at Marie.
öMarie à I didnÆt come here to gloat, despite what you think, okay?ö
Marie smirked slightly but remained calm as she walked over to an antique carved wood side table and opened a crystal decanter of wine û a rich, dark Gallentean Red.
öCare for a drink, Ana?ö
ôNo, Marie. I donÆt à erm, I donÆt drink anymoreàö
Marie frowned.
öReally? Howsoever did you manage that?ö
Ana cringed at the sarcastic tone in her sisterÆs voice, but tried to remain as calm as possible.
öThe Navy instituted a special program. I was one of the à first to go through with it. It was very difficult, but I can truly say I have not had a drink in three years now.ö
Marie paused to consider, tilting her head in thought. She was truly surprised at this bit of news, given her sisterÆs somewhat checkered past when it came to drinking. A bit confused, she turned to look at Ana with the decanter top in one hand and an empty wine glass in the other.
öImpressive. Well, Ana, that certainly is an à improvement. I suppose it would be easier on you if I didnÆt ... ehàö
She looked down at her empty glass awkwardly.
öTo be honest, Marie, I donÆt know. But it may.ö
Marie nodded before replacing the decanter top and placing the still empty glass on the side table. She looked over at Ana curiously now, walking over to the couch next to her chair and sitting down gently.
öSo then, Ana. Why did you come?ö
Ana looked over at Marie with an earnest expression.
öMarie, you probably wonÆt believe me, but à IÆve come to lend my assistance to the Federation à ô
Her voice trailed off and she stared at the floor, steeling herself for the expected response. MarieÆs eyes widened in shock, and her mind began to race as she reflected on AnaÆs words. Finally she spoke.
öBut, but à why? Why now? IsnÆt this a time when you should be à eh, celebrating? IsnÆt this one of the most glorious times in Caldari history? Why would you want toùô
ôMarie à how can I say this. Yes, Caldari Prime is a hugely important point in Caldari history, but what happened in the past week is simply not right. It is not the Caldari way to simply take things like that. The way that it happened à it taints the ôgloryö of the moment. But, yes I still do feel pride that the Caldari flag flies on Caldari Prime, I do not deny that. ItÆs just that àö
Marie frowned slightly but kept a measured tone.
öJust that what?ö
ôItÆs à Heth, Marie. Heth is à he seems to have cast a spell over the Caldari people, and what happened in Luminaire has only made him stronger in the eyes of the common people. ItÆs a disastrous mistake for us. I cannot support Heth, and I cannot support those who support him. Xenophobia is not the Caldari way .. our way is work, strength, sacrifice, and all the rest .. not xenophobic hatred and military aggression àö
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.15 15:21:00 -
[14]
Edited by: Marie Trudeau on 15/06/2008 15:23:18
Marie looked over at Ana plainly, shifting her weight on the couch to get a better look at her sisterÆs face. She could easily read the anguish there à the all-too-familiar anguish she recognized from the times when both were young girls on Gallente Prime.
öAna. DonÆt you think you could be reacting too quickly to these events? I mean, surely not all Caldari are backing Heth, right? So why not simply be a dissenter in the State. To me, that would seem to be easier than ûô
ôMarie, heÆs shutting down dissent severely now. Sure, there was dissent prior to Caldari Prime, but after that à heÆs using the state of war, and the general euphoria about the homeworld to systematically silence dissent throughout the state û with the full support of the common people and the military. ItÆs an ideological *****down, Marie. HeÆs consolidating power. I canÆt à I canÆt stay there and dissent, and I canÆt work to support a state which presents the Caldari people in such a distorted way. I just canÆt. We Caldari are better than that. So much better than that. à ö
Ana sighed loudly and sat back in her chair, seeming spent and distracted. Marie blinked slowly and looked over at her younger sister, quite shocked, searching her own swirling emotions and finding only confusion there.
öAna à I donÆt know what to say. I mean, if you try to assist the Federation, that will be an act of treason against the State. At the very least you will be stripped of your citizenship û never mind what else the provists would do to you once they find you --, and then you will be stateless. I donÆt think .. I mean I canÆt see how this would be a good path for you to walk. I mean itÆs not like the Federation is entertaining many citizenship requests from Caldari right now àö
Ana opened her eyes and looked over at Marie in the dim light.
öThey wouldnÆt have to, Marie.ö
ôHmm? I donÆt follow you.ö
Ana considered how to formulate what she was about to say briefly before standing and walking over to a large chrome furnishing that appeared to be MarieÆs desk.
öHmm? What are you doing, Ana?ö
ôIÆm looking for your palm scanner. You do have one, donÆt you?ö
Ana rummaged around a bit on the desk, looking under a few stacked datapads before finding the scanner. She placed her hand down against it firmly as she heard Marie approaching from behind her. She handed the reader to Marie. Marie examined it and turned to Ana quizzically.
öMmm? Ana Galina Borisvna. Born: Gallente Prime. Citizenship: Caldari State. à Am I missing something?ö
ôAccess clearance level three.ö
Marie frowned.
öI canÆt do that. I donÆt have that clearance.ö
ôOh? But I thought you used to work for the FIO, didnÆt you? I thought you intel types had ways and means àö
Ana raised an eyebrow and looked at her sister carefully. Marie blinked and then moved slowly over to the other side of her desk, opening one of its locked storage units gingerly and withdrawing a small device.
öI donÆt know why IÆm doing this really. I mean for all I know youÆre a Caldari spy àö
ôIs that what you think, Marie?ö
Marie walked around the desk again with the small, slim device in her hand. She bent over the palm scanner and turned the device around in her hand as if to find the appropriate interface.
öNo. No, I donÆt. Now let me see à ah à there. There we are. Okay. Now the third level protocol à there we are. Now letÆs see what you were so eager for me to ûô
---------------------------
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.15 15:22:00 -
[15]
Marie gasped as she read the brief text: Security Protocol Alpha. Subject remains Federation Citizen. Security Protocol Alpha. The text disappeared as quickly as she could read it. Marie disconnected the device immediately, hoping sheÆd done so fast enough to avoid an FIO trace. Marie then turned to her sister with an incredulous look on her face.
öBut thatÆs impossible. ThatÆs a violation of the Yulai Accords. Dual citizenship is also illegal under Federation law for all races other than Matari, and even for them it is only a temporary thing as a pathway to sole Federation citizenship. How could this be, Ana?ö I mean itÆs not like you left the Federation under good terms à at least I didnÆt think you did à ô
Marie searched her mind frantically, reaching back to those fights so many years ago, fights culminating in her younger sister leaving the Federation forever, moving to Caldari space and creating a new identity for herself. Were there any traces of anything à anything that could justify something like this??
Ana gestured over towards the chairs again. The two sisters moved quickly onto the couch, sitting side by side this time. Ana could clearly sense that MarieÆs mind was working frantically.
öMarie à do you remember Uncle Philippe? The one with the good relationship with the Senator from Placid?ö
Marie chuckled softly.
You mean the one with the good relationship with the wife of the Senator from Placid àö
Ana shrugged and feigned an old-line Gallente accent.
öGallente ways, mais non?ö
Marie laughed at the joke. She couldnÆt remember the last time she had laughed with her sister û it must have been twenty years at least.
öPerhaps. Perhaps. But anyway à Philippe?ö
ôYes, he à he was able to à or well, he was asked to do this for me.ö
ôBy whom?ö
Ana paused as she looked over at the holophoto of her deceased half-brother on MarieÆs shelf.
ôBy Jacques, Marie.ö
ôBy Jacques?
Marie craned her neck around to look at the holophoto and then returned her gaze to her younger sister.
öWell, thatÆs not so surprising, I suppose. Jacques always did care for you. I know he was quite upset when you left.ö
ôWell, ,Marie, he always treated me like a human being, unlike some of the others àö
Marie smirked, but was enjoying the banter, not angry in the least.
öOh, I think he definitely liked you, Ana à even more than a young man likes his sister àö
ôMarie, stop that!ö
Marie sighed slightly.
öYou were only half siblings anyway, there is no surprise or shame in that.ö
ôBut Marie, nothing ever happened like that àö
ôOh I know. But I think I know what was in my brotherÆs heart.ö
Ana was beginning to blush but remained silent.
---------------------------
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.15 15:22:00 -
[16]
öAlright, anyway that was twenty years ago. So Jacques à I know he always had a good relationship with Uncle Philippe. YouÆre saying he asked Philippe to à pull some strings with the Senate, do I understand that properly?ö
Ana nodded.
öBut still. I mean a Senator would not have the power to do that, and I canÆt really see a bureaucrat sticking his neck out like that for one person like you à mmmm very strange àö
Ana looked up at Marie again, her cheeks returning to normal.
öMarie. I was not the only one.ö
Ana let that hang for a few moments as Marie pondered the implications of what had just been said.
öMarie, how good are your contacts at the FIO these days?ö
Marie shrugged.
öNot as good as they once were, to be sure, but I know a few people. Some of my associates have very good contacts with the FIO.ö
Ana nodded.
öAsk one of your contacts about the ôTuileries Projectö. It will have to be someone who is well placed, Marie. ThatÆs all I can say, really.ö
Marie looked over at Ana as she pondered what to do. After a brief deliberation, it seemed clear enough.
öAlright then, Ana. This is a lot à a lot of information to process, non? IÆll need time. Do you have a place to stay here in Synchelle?ö
Ana shook her head.
öGood, then youÆll be staying at mine.ö
ôMarie, thatÆs not necessary, I canùô
ôNo, no, you are still my sister, and I know my manners.ö
ôI donÆt want to be any trouble, I can just as easily ûô
ôIt is no trouble at all, there is a visitorÆs suite which is rather fully appointed..ö
IÆm sure there is û thought Ana to herself while biting her lip.
à and IÆm sure it will be satisfactory for you. ItÆs for the best. My assistant, Francoise û you remember her from the front desk? û she can assist you to my living quarters. IÆll be heading there myself in a few hours à I have a few things to take care of still, today.ö
Ana rose to leave and turned towards the door. As she was walking, she could hear MarieÆs voice behind her again.
öOh, and Ana?ö
Ana turned and looked at her sister, who was now ensconced behind her desk. Marie looked up briefly, a strange and awkward look on her face.
öIt was good of you to come to see me today, little sister.ö
Ana blinked and nodded her head once before turning around and through the main doors, leaving the office suite.
Marie sat at her desk and turned the phrase over in her mind again and again and again, searching for any memories of the word à Tuileries, Tuileries, Tuileries à..
She tapped her lapel intercom.
öPierre-Claude? I have something IÆd like you to take a look at. Yes, please come at once.ö
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Marie Trudeau
Federal Defence Union
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Posted - 2008.06.15 20:59:00 -
[17]
Edited by: Marie Trudeau on 15/06/2008 20:59:02
And this is Marie's backstory from years ago: http://eve-search.com/thread/163363/page/1
---------------------------
Backstory at: [url=http://eve-search.com/thread/163363/page/1] here [/url]
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