050406 Icon Connections
04-06-2005 21:05:54
Setting: Ogma, in armor, is standing on the railing of the Skyway tram platform looking north.
Lady Blur: Hi, Ogma. Was Rush in the office today?
Ogma: Hi, Lady B. I think so.
Lady Blur: Ah.
DEVIL Angel 2: hey, guys.
Lady Blur: Hello, Angel.
DEVIL Angel 2: Hey, gratz on 20, uh, I mean sec lev 20.
Lady Blur: Thank you, Angel. I'd like to get my security level up to where I can be a productive member of Champions P.
DEVIL Angel 2: Oh, honey, you already are.
Ogma: <hums at Lady B>
Lady Blur: <smile> Well, my -- Well, I'd like to be able to assist Rush some day.
DEVIL Angel 2: Hey, Ogma, whatcha doing up there?
Ogma: Looking self-important.
Ogma: Why?
Lady Blur: <giggle>
DEVIL Angel 2: Is it working, Ogma?
Ogma: Can't you tell, Angel?
DEVIL Angel 2: Well, I know it’s not; I was just checking to see if you thought it was.
Ogma throws a pebble at Angel
Ogma: Mean ass.
Ogma: <turning back to the red-clad lady> He told me he gave you a key to his joint, Lady B.
Lady Blur: He did, Ogma.
DEVIL Angel 2: Yeah, I heard that too.
Lady Blur: <colouring up> I was there this afternoon. He wasn't.
DEVIL Angel 2 laughs.
Ogma: You are his wife. You could make yourself at home.
Lady Blur: <clearly patient> Right, Ogma.
DEVIL Angel 2: <shudders> ...at the mess that was left after Braveheart..
Lady Blur: <smiles> There was no riot this afternoon, Angel.
Ogma: Oh, Angel...you heard about the Braveheart affair, too?
DEVIL Angel 2: Yeah. I was there when Rush got the call.
Ogma: Yeah. Joe has to stop making Bubba watch that movie.
DEVIL Angel 2: Did you make his favorite desert and leave it for him?
Lady Blur turns quickly away. surveying the skyline and blushing profusely.
Lady Blur: <somewhat stiffly> Ogma. Pleasure and I heard the real story last night. Don't make us go over it again.
Ogma: Shush, you!
DEVIL Angel 2 laughs.
DEVIL Angel 2: Oh, Pleasure told me your part in that fiasco, Ogma.
Ogma: Then let's keep it on the hush hush. Thought I asked her not to say anything.
Ogma grumbles.
Lady Blur: I suspect that Ogma won't do such a thing again, Angel. Let's call it forgotten -- unless Rush brings it up.
DEVIL Angel 2: You should know by now that it’s really hard for her to keep something from me. Shock either, for that matter.
Ogma: Let's call it my ass in a frying pan if it's brought up to Rush.
DEVIL Angel 2: Hell, I'm not going to tell.
Ogma: Cool. Thanks!
Lady Blur: <trying to shift the subject> You and your sisters are close, then, Angel?
DEVIL Angel 2 hesitates and hemms a bit.
DEVIL Angel 2: Yeah, we are.
Lady Blur: Nice. <a shade wistfully>
DEVIL Angel 2: Oh and, Lee, Pleasure said y’all wanted to go shopping?
Lady Blur: <small laugh> Window shopping. I like trying new ideas on. Did a little of that this afternoon after I took care of some Tsoo for Sergi.
DEVIL Angel 2: I hope you don’t mind being called ‘Lee’, but that’s what Sarah called you.
Lady Blur: No. ‘Lee’ is fine. A new name. Sorta like the new life I have here. Paragon isn't Atlanta or Seattle.
DEVIL Angel 2: GREAT. Then I can give you the money for it, so Pleasure doesn’t blow it, ok?
Lady Blur: What? Why?
DEVIL Angel 2 laughs hard.
Lady Blur: Why should you give me Pleasure's money?
Ogma: Because it's part of the Champions' expense account, Lady B.
DEVIL Angel 2: ‘Cause she has Shock’s “spend it all” gene. And what Ogma said.
Lady Blur: <controls her giggle and says, patiently> Ogma, I don't even know if I should change uniforms -- much less let Champions bear the expense.
DEVIL Angel 2: But you’re not. I am.
Ogma: Lady B?
Lady Blur: Yes, Ogma.
Ogma: Listen to Angel. She's been here longer than you and I.
DEVIL Angel 2: Look, if Ban can spend 7 mil of MY money on uniforms he doesn’t like, then I can certainly "give" my money to whomever I want.
Lady Blur: Angel, there are good reasons I chose this uniform.
DEVIL Angel 2 bristles impatiently.
Ogma: Yeah, Carly, and we all know why. But it wouldn't hurt you to get a new casual outfit.
DEVIL Angel 2: LOOK…
Lady Blur: casual?
DEVIL Angel 2: <insta-changing costumes> this is for Pain; <insta-changing costumes> this is for me….
Ogma: Yeah. Kinda like how Angel dresses.
DEVIL Angel 2: <insta-changing costumes> this is for formal things; <insta-changing costumes> and this is battle arena; and <insta-changing costumes> this is my 15 mil dollar outfit that still isn’t finished.
So just ‘cause you have another outfit doesn’t mean you have to wear it all the time.
See my point?
Lady Blur: I see your point.
Angel proceeds to give Lady Blur 7x90000 influence.
Lady Blur: Thank you, Angel.
DEVIL Angel 2: You’re welcome, Lee...I know you'll use it well.
Lady Blur: <small smile>
DEVIL Angel 2: That should cover both of your costumes and get some enhancements. We need to stay at the top of out game <smile>
Lady Blur: Indeed. I can't imagine spending so much ... but I will see.
Ogma: Carly?
Lady Blur: Yes, Ogma?
DEVIL Angel 2: Ok. I gotta run now guys.... Pleasure doesn’t know I gave you the money...
DEVIL Angel 2 laughs.
DEVIL Angel 2: She’s gonna be fit to be tied.
Lady Blur: I will not tell her if you don't want me to.
DEVIL Angel 2: No, it’s ok, but she’s coming, so I gotta split.
Ogma: Just chill and spend however much you want. It's not like we have problems with our finances.
Lady Blur: Ogma, is Rush as much a dictator now as you've become? <suppressing a smile>
Ogma coughs.
Lady Blur: <eyebrows up> Hm. All grown up now, Chris?
Ogma: Keep it up, girl, and I'll send in a bad report. Not that Rush would believe it or anything...
Lady Blur: <grin> Psi-boy, try it.
Ogma: Oh, you want some of this, girlie girl?
Lady Blur: The day I'm your 'girlie girl', Ogma, is the day I drop you off Talos statue.
Ogma: Oh yeah? That's it! I...I...
Dammit. He wouldn't believe me anyway.
Pains Pleasure: Hey guys!
Lady Blur: <skeptically> What, Ogma?
Pains Pleasure: Angel just left didn’t she?
Ogma: Yeah.
Ogma: Shush, Carly.
Pains Pleasure: Damn it !! She was gonna give me some money for us to go shopping on, Lee.
Lady Blur: Shall I take you shopping, Pleasure?
Pains Pleasure: Oh and, hey, gratz on sec lev 20.
Lady Blur: Thank you, Pleasure.
Ogma: Pleasure, Angel said to go earn your own damn money.
Pains Pleasure: Bite me, Ogma.
Ogma: Her exact words! I swear!
Pains Pleasure: I EARN my money every night.
Lady Blur lifts her eyebrows as she looks at the scantily-clad Pleasure.
Ogma: Ya know, there's a line between I need to know and I REALLY don't wanna fuckin know!
Lady Blur is trying hard not to smile and failing.
Pains Pleasure: Believe me ...it’s totally hard to keep up with both Pain and Ban.
Ogma: Hey, you're young, babe. You should have the stamina for it.
Lady Blur: Are you teaming with Pain and Ban these days, Pleasure?
Pains Pleasure laughs hysterically.
Ogma: Oh yeah. Teaming. That's it.
Pains Pleasure: Ah, no. Not officially
Lady Blur: <embarrassed at her faux pas> Chris, hush!
Ogma: WHAT? I ain't sayin’ nothin’ nobody don't know.
Pains Pleasure: It’s cool, Lee. It’s not like it’s a secret.
Lady Blur: Ah, Paragon society is different from Atlanta. Sorry, Chris.
Pains Pleasure: Probably not.. Just different with us.
Ogma: Eh, you just never hung out in some of the places, Carly.
Ogma: Yeah. Pleasure is basically a sex slave to both of 'em.
Ogma: And I still can't get laid!
Lady Blur: <soberly> I have my own -- dark places, Chris.
Pains Pleasure: HEY! I resemble that.
Ogma: Yes, you do.
Pains Pleasure: Uh, I mean resent that.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Lady Blur: <trying to get to a more stable topic> No girls your age in the SG, Chris?
Ogma: Well, Pleasure is...but she's spoken for, ya know.
Lady Blur: <smile> Then you'll have to find another.
Pains Pleasure: However, I would like to point something out.
Ogma: Yeah?
Lady Blur: Yes, Pleasure?
Pains Pleasure: I am not a slave. I stay of my own free will...they don’t make me or require it of me.
Ogma: Oh. I'm sorry. Would you rather me refer to you as Spirit's bitch and Banshee's toy?
Ogma grins.
Lady Blur: That is how it should be, Pleasure. Otherwise the "society of the SG" would be in trouble, I think.
Lady Blur: Chris, don't be rude!
Ogma: I'm not!
Pains Pleasure: Although sometimes I can’t leave of my own free will.
Lady Blur: You ever use names like that for me, Ogma, and I'll find something higher than Talos from which to drop you.
Pains Pleasure: Well ...I suppose wither would work.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Ogma: Carly, you know I never would.
Ogma: Besides, Pleasure knows I'm joking and so should you.
Pains Pleasure: It’s really ok, Lee. I’m ‘special’.
Lady Blur: <to Ogma> Yeah, Mr. Mischief?
Ogma: I guess it's just a youth thing, darlin’.
Lady Blur: And I'm an old lady now? <grin>
[Note: Lady Blur looks no older than 25 and some would think her younger.]
Ogma: Well, you ain't that old, Carly.
Ogma: I'm just sayi’... hell, I only turned 20 a couple months ago.
Pains Pleasure: ‘Sides it works for us and YOU ARE NOT OLD!
Lady Blur: Pleasure, I'm older than I look, I assure you.
Ogma: And Pleasure...you're what? 19?
Pains Pleasure: Yes.
Ogma: Yeah, Carly, I know how old you are. I was in Atlanta with you on your last birthday.
Lady Blur: I know you know, Chris. But Pleasure doesn't.
Ogma: As I recall, Patriot was adamant about using the correct number of candles.
Ogma chuckles.
Lady Blur: Patriot wants to burn down the building. *sigh*
Ogma laughs.
Pains Pleasure: Well as long as you didn’t get licks too.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Ogma coughs.
Lady Blur: I don't go in for pain, Pleasure.
Pains Pleasure: Pain? It’s birthday licks... they don’t hurt, not really. Man, where did you grow up?
Ogma coughs nervously.
Lady Blur: My folks live in Seattle, Pleasure. That's where I grew up.
Pains Pleasure: Are they masochists then? ‘Cause they ain’t supposed to hurt... it’s all in fun.
Pains Pleasure looks a bit concerned.
Lady Blur: They are -- socialites. And
Pains Pleasure: Ah well fuck'em then
Ogma: So, yeah, how about those Braves?
Lady Blur: Still watching the games every Sunday, Chris?
Pains Pleasure: Sometimes parents just don’t understand
Lady Blur: I made my choices, Pleasure. And I'm willing to live with them.
Ogma: Nope. Just ain't the same without Red Heat.
Lady Blur: <quietly, tinged with sadness> Yes. Red Heat. Nick.
Pains Pleasure: "Willing to live with them"...why not enjoy living with them? It’s your life.
Ogma: Man, I really miss Nick.
Lady Blur: Nick and Floyd and Nathan and you and Eric. Yeah, those were the days.
Ogma sighs.
Lady Blur: <picking up the other thread> And Pleasure, yes, it's my life. Some things Other People think were mistakes I made weren't. They weren't at all. <she sounds soft and misty>:
Lady Blur: Other things <her voice hardens> were definitely mistakes -- and most folks never knew.
Pains Pleasure looks around hesitantly.
Lady Blur: I live with the good and the bad. My life.
Pains Pleasure: Hey, I didn’t mean to bring up bad shit, Lee.
Lady Blur: <smiles>. Sorry, child. Don't let it bother you.
Ogma: Carly, don't be going through those memories.
Lady Blur: Chris, I have to. I thought Eric would already know -- but he knows nothing. I have to tell him.
Ogma: You paid the price and everything's okay. It was a mistake and you need to let it go.
Pains Pleasure: Oh, hey! Once again: I’m not Angel, so I’m not quite as sensitive as she is..... I don’t mean to ....
Pains Pleasure gets a bit flustered.
Ogma: Nah, Pleasure, it's not you.
Lady Blur: <soothingly> It's ok, Pleasure.
Pains Pleasure: I really wouldn’t knowingly hurt ya, Lee.
Lady Blur: You didn't hurt me, Pleasure.
Lady Blur: Let's go shopping... or something. Later I'll try Eric's door again.
Ogma: Carly, you gotta remember, Eric...well, he's been to a future that has a far worse outcome than any of us might have expected.
Pains Pleasure: YEAH! LET’S GO SHOPPING!
Pains Pleasure: You coming. Ogma?
Lady Blur: I only know some of it, Chris. Eric was too upset to tell me much.
Ogma: Yeah. You ladies go on and have fun. I gotta take care of some business.
Lady Blur: Lead on, Pleasure
Ogma: I'll meet up with you two later on.
Pains Pleasure: ‘k, man. Be safe out there.
Ogma: Yep.
Lady Blur: Take care, Chris. Sorry for bringing up old ghosts. I'll be good.
Pains Pleasure: Let’s head to SC. It’s safe there for us.
Ogma: You do be good, Carly.
Ogma gives Lady Blur a kiss on the cheek and hugs her.
Ogma: It's gonna be alright.
Lady Blur hugs Ogma back.
Lady Blur: I can't ruffle your hair in that armor, boy.
Pains Pleasure admires the sky line.
Lady Blur grins.
Ogma: Nope!
Ogma: Why ya think I wear it?
Ogma: <chuckles>
Ogma transforms with a resounding boom and flies off, high into the cloudscape of Skyway.
Lady Blur: He's still a nice kid, Pleasure. Let's go
Rush 2.0: You see Ban or Spirit around, Pleasure? Right now, that is?
Pains Pleasure: Well, I think Pain’s with Angel in the Hive and I haven’t seen Ban ...yet.
Rush 2.0: <looking at the way Pleasure is seated> Then get off your knees, kiddo. <chuckles>
Lady Blur: You're a lady, Pleasure. Sit proud.
Rush 2.0: Her? A lady?
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Rush 2.0: The stories Ban and Spirit have told me...
Pains Pleasure: <changing position> Sorry. Just habit.
Lady Blur: <sternly> I would like to think so, Eric.
Pains Pleasure: Well ... Lee, some will disagree with you on that one.
Lady Blur: Do you disagree with me, Pleasure?
Rush 2.0: She's what she chooses to be, love. Her choice is, from what I understand, the possession of two lovers.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Pains Pleasure: No, I don’t disagree, but I was raised right.
Lady Blur: <smile> Love your life, Pleasure!
Pains Pleasure: Er… something like that…
Pains Pleasure: …and really, sir, on my knees is the only safe way for me to sit right now.
Lady Blur: You're a lady if you feel like one. What you wear has nothing to do with it.
Pains Pleasure: My sec lev doesn’t allow for me a new set of clothes yet.
Lady Blur: *tsk* I will buy you a change if you wish it.
Pains Pleasure: I haven’t asked permission yet; it’s kinda complicated.
Rush 2.0: I swear, I will never understand that relationship between you three.
Lady Blur: Ah. Well. Let me know. You've a very nice figure and I admire your boldness.
Pains Pleasure: Thank you, Lee.
Rush 2.0: *cough* Lack of modesty. *cough*
Pains Pleasure: *cough* Lesson in humility. *cough*
Lady Blur: <grin> I hate to think what the speed force would do to that much bare skin, Rush. <grin>
Rush 2.0: Not much, believe it or not.
Rush 2.0 raises an eyebrow at Pleasure.
Lady Blur: Ah, but the streamlined racing suit ... works for me.
Pains Pleasure: Well, mine would work for you too, I’m thinking.
Rush 2.0: Hon, why don't you get some casual attire?
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Rush 2.0: Oh, no!
Pains Pleasure: Gotcha ya.
Lady Blur: What, Eric?
Rush 2.0: No runnning around in something like that for you, hon.
Pains Pleasure: Well, I didn’t mean in public.
Rush 2.0: In private, sure.
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Pains Pleasure: Not everyone is me.
Lady Blur: <laughs for the first time> Only for my husband, love.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Rush 2.0: Exactly, Pleasure.
Rush 2.0: And another thing, Carolly...
Lady Blur looks at him.
Rush 2.0: Whatever you decide to buy, today...
Pains Pleasure: <looking pointedly away> Uhmmm nice door.
Rush 2.0: Run it through your mind how nice it will look crumpled up on the bedroom floor, tonight.
Pains Pleasure peeks over shoulder.
Rush 2.0: And, Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Uh, yes, sir?
Rush 2.0: Not a WORD to any of your sisters about this, nor to Ban. Understood?
Rush 2.0: You're seeing my personal side because I trust you.
Rush 2.0: Are we clear?
Pains Pleasure: Oh, well, ummm … It’ not really about trust, sir.
Pains Pleasure gets flustered.
Rush 2.0: Are we clear?
Rush 2.0 grins.
Pains Pleasure starts fidgeting.
Rush 2.0: Sarah!
Pains Pleasure: Um, sir?
Rush 2.0: Are we clear?
Pains Pleasure: Well … yes and no, sir.
Rush 2.0: No?
Pains Pleasure: Um … yes, sir.
Rush 2.0: Not a word, you hear?
Pains Pleasure looks like she wants to run and hide.
Rush 2.0: To anyone!
Pains Pleasure: Ummmm … Sir?
Rush 2.0: Yes?
Pains Pleasure: You do KNOW how close my sisters and I are ....DON'T you?
Rush 2.0: Yep.
Pains Pleasure breathes a sigh of relief.
Rush 2.0: Which is exactly why I don't want you breathing a word of this.
Pains Pleasure gets nervous again.
Rush 2.0: I don't want Angel giving me grief about this.
Rush 2.0 chuckles
Pains Pleasure: <backing away> But I thought you KNEW.
Rush 2.0: Wait. Knew what?
Lady Blur, suddenly aware that she's been holding her breath, gives a shaky sigh.
Pains Pleasure looks a bit scared.
Pains Pleasure: Um, I gotta go now.
Rush 2.0: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold up, Sarah. Sit tight.
Rush 2.0: Get back here, girl.
Lady Blur: Eric. Rush. I may know what's the problem.
Rush 2.0: <in a stern voice> Sarah.
Lady Blur: I -- um, Angel's an empathic healer isn't she?
Rush 2.0: Among other things, yes.
Pains Pleasure: Oh man, this is bad.
Lady Blur: And -- I was listening -- you said you knew Pleasure and her sisters are close.
Rush 2.0: She's just recently been developing some latent psionic abiliti...oh hell.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Lady Blur: Right. I know a doctor just like that....
Rush 2.0: Oh, Sarah...
Rush 2.0: <taps foot>
Pains Pleasure: Ummmm … yes, sir?
Rush 2.0: Come here.
Lady Blur: Please come here, Sarah.
Rush 2.0: Get your cute ass in here, young lady. *grins*
Pains Pleasure: But you’re gonna be so mad, sir.
Rush 2.0: No I won't.
[Tell]-->Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: is he mad?
[Tell]-->Pains Pleasure] Lady Blur: <clearly startled at the voice in her head> I -- don't think so.
Pains Pleasure: You won’t tell my mistress will you? or my master?
Rush 2.0: Sarah, get in here. I'm gonna help you.
Lady Blur: Please, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: I don’t think you can.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Yes, sir.
Rush 2.0: Do you think I lead the Paragon City division of Champions for no reason?
Pains Pleasure: Well, um, no, sir.
Rush 2.0: Why do you think Patriot chose me to lead?
Pains Pleasure: ‘Cause he could trust you to do a good job.
Rush 2.0: And decades worth of experience.
Lady Blur looks at Rush sharply.
Pains Pleasure: Decades? You’re not that old.
Lady Blur: But...
Rush 2.0 looks at Lady Blur.
Rush 2.0: What, hon?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. Decades.
Lady Blur: <a little breathlessly> We have got to talk, Eric.
Pains Pleasure: But you’re only about 30.
Rush 2.0: I only look it.
Lady Blur eyes never leave Rush's face.
Pains Pleasure: <continuing> Just a few years older than Shock.
Rush 2.0: The truth is...
Pains Pleasure: Man, you HAVE to give her some of your face cream, then.
Lady Blur: <whisper> The truth?
Pains Pleasure: Man, should I leave again?
Rush 2.0: I'm about to celebrate my 109th birthday, this year.
Pains Pleasure: lalalalalalal
Pains Pleasure: I can’t hear you.
Pains Pleasure: lalalalalalala
Pains Pleasure: lalalalalal
Pains Pleasure: do ra me far so la te do
Lady Blur looks at Rush in shock.
Pains Pleasure: do te la so far me ra do
Rush 2.0: Sarah, come here. Sarah, trust me, come here.
Rush 2.0: Now, Carolly, what's wrong?
Rush 2.0: Sarah, please come here.
Pains Pleasure keeps some distance.
Rush 2.0: Sarah, like I said, Patriot put me in charge because of my experience. If you want to learn how to control your latent abilities, I have a teacher for you. You just have to trust me.
Pains Pleasure looks ready to bolt at any time.
Lady Blur:
Rush 2.0: Now, love, do you see what I've gone through?
Rush 2.0: Sarah, come here please. I don't want to make it an order. I will if I must.
Pains Pleasure: But you’re busy. We can do this another time.
Lady Blur: Eric, I can't begin to imagine. And -- more than ever we _have_ to talk before we go much further...
Lady Blur: <raising her voice a little> Sarah, get over here and let's get it over -- so that -- other things can get done.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Yes, sir.
Rush 2.0: Do you trust me as your leader?
Pains Pleasure: Oh, yes, sir.
Rush 2.0: Then trust me.
Pains Pleasure: Easy for you to say, Lee. It’s not your ass that’s gonna get beat.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Yes, sir?
Rush 2.0: Ban knew about this month's ago ... back when I recruited him as co-leader. Spirit has known since she joined us. She felt my life force.
Lady Blur holds out her hand to Sarah who ignores it.
Pains Pleasure: About you and Lee?
Rush 2.0: About my age. And, yes, about Carolly as well.
Pains Pleasure: Ahhh, ok. Well that’s one secret I can’t tell then.
Pains Pleasure looks kinda sad.
Rush 2.0: If you mention it, expect to draw looks from both of them.
Rush 2.0: They both actually know more than Patriot knows.
Pains Pleasure: Umm, sir, it’s not them I’m worried about….
Pains Pleasure: and Angel knows you are old.
Rush 2.0: Yeah. I kinda figured. I think I know who you're worried about. However, on the matter of you not being able to keep certain secrets from your sisters...
Pains Pleasure: …but SHE WON’T talk about it. She just knows ...things.
Pains Pleasure’s voice drifts off.
Rush 2.0: I'm well aware, Sarah. I know more about Angel and Jocy than they know about themselves. You, like my wife, are a bit of a surprise.
Pains Pleasure: Yeee gadds! Don’t let Jocelyn hear you call her that!
Rush 2.0: She'll eventually go by that.
Rush 2.0: When she gets married.
Pains Pleasure: Jocy?
Rush 2.0: Yep.
Pains Pleasure: Uh, not on her life! Who do you think’s gonna marry her?
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Pains Pleasure: She’s not me...she doesn’t bow.
Rush 2.0: She gets married. Trust me.
Lady Blur: You don't have to bow to marry, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Well, you should.
Lady Blur: The best marriages are between equals.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: He’s the leader -- if he’s smarter than me, that is.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Yes, sir.
Rush 2.0: In the history I learned, you were never attacked. The Circle's magic never awakened your latent mutant abilities.
Pains Pleasure: But.... it DID happen
Rush 2.0: You were killed, during graduation, during the second Rikti invasion.
Pains Pleasure: WHAT?
Lady Blur tries to put her arms around Sarah to comfort her; the younger woman ducks away and continues to back up out of comfort’s reach, wanting only to run away.
Pains Pleasure: But that’s not right!
Rush 2.0: Angel, because of it, sacrificed her life to make a MAJOR push to help defend New York because of what happened.
Pains Pleasure is shocked and bewildered.
Rush 2.0: This is the history I know. It's been changed, though.
Pains Pleasure: NO!!!!!!!!!!!
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. That doesn't happen, now.
Lady Blur: Sarah, that's not our history.
Rush 2.0: Why do you think you're here?
Rush 2.0: I wanted you under Champions protection and training so you could be a warrior IF the second Rikti invasion happens.
Pains Pleasure: I THOUGHT I was here to fight the good fight -- as they say.
Rush 2.0: You are.
Pains Pleasure: Graduation, huh?
Rush 2.0: Why do you wear the Champions star on your chest, Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: I thought it was my destiny ... like my sisters before me.
Rush 2.0: Your destiny has been rewritten.
Pains Pleasure: I thought when Spirit and Ban rescued me, it was to join them.
Rush 2.0: Well, they didn't know that the Circle was going to kidnap you...But your joining Champions is about far more than that.
Pains Pleasure: No, but they did save me with the other members.... Mini Man and Shock.
Rush 2.0: I know. Wait here a moment.
For a moment the suit flickers into Rush’s new blue and white uniform, then his figure vanishes.
Pains Pleasure: Oh man, Lee, this is too much ...I though we were going shopping!
Appearing suddenly, Rush 2.0 hands Pleasure a book.
Rush 2.0: Take it.
Pains Pleasure: your speed always amazes me, sir.
Pains Pleasure takes book.
Rush 2.0: That speed...
Rush 2.0: Three months just passed for me.
Pains Pleasure: WHAT?
Rush 2.0: Yeah.
Pains Pleasure: 3 months
Rush 2.0: Yep.
Pains Pleasure: I am so sorry, sir.... I didn’t know.
Rush 2.0: Somehow, I am still connected to both timelines. The one in which I experienced and the one that is happening now. In theory, it isn't possible.
Lady Blur's eyes are riveted to Rush's face.
Pains Pleasure: Yes it is: quantum physics.
Rush 2.0:
Pains Pleasure: Oh.
Rush 2.0: Trust me, I know when I break dimensional barriers.
Pains Pleasure: Did you change this "reality" ?
Rush 2.0: I'm working on it.
Pains Pleasure: May I ask a stupid question?
Rush 2.0: No question is stupid.
Pains Pleasure: In my other life, what sis did I become like?
Rush 2.0: Open to page 46.
Pains Pleasure pages though to 46.
Rush 2.0: Notice a certain non-SPB obituary? Namely yours?
Pains Pleasure: Oh DAMN! They slaughtered us all!
Rush 2.0: You didn't become anything, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure feels kinda weird reading her own obit.
Rush 2.0: Now, flip back to page 23.
Pains Pleasure flips back to 23.
Rush 2.0: Notice a Carolly Lawson?
Pains Pleasure: Yes....
Rush 2.0: I had to deal with, for over 60 years, that my wife was dead.
Pains Pleasure looks with sadness at Lee.
Rush 2.0: Now, flip to page 61.
Lady Blur: <softly> Eric, most men would have moved on, taken another wife.
Pains Pleasure: I am SO sorry for you both.
Pains Pleasure flips to 61.
Rush 2.0: Yeah, Carolly... <holds up hand and shows wedding band> ...I took it to mean ‘til both of our deaths do us part.
Lady Blur steps closer to Rush, eyes shining.
Pains Pleasure dabs her eyes.
Rush 2.0: Look at Angel's entry, Sarah. She took out 120 Rikti ships. That nova was energy and psionic in nature.
Pains Pleasure: She must have been one pissed off bitch.
Rush 2.0: You were dead, Sarah. She was way beyond pissed.
Lady Blur:
Pains Pleasure smiles softly.
Pains Pleasure: Um, sir ....what happened to Shock? or was she just Jocelyn?
Rush 2.0: Now, give me the book.
Pains Pleasure hands book to Rush.
Rush 2.0: She led a major branch of the underground...
Rush 2.0 takes the book and vibrates it into the timestream.
Rush 2.0: She was Shock. Like I said, she was a leader of the underground. She lived a semi-long life.
Pains Pleasure: <trying to lighten the mood a bit> Well as long as she didn’t get wrinkles I’m sure she was fine with it.
Rush 2.0: She died, at age 47, defending the last remnants of Washington, DC.
Lady Blur: It's a horrible future you lived into, Eric.
Rush 2.0: There is a future I know and a future I'm trying hard to prevent.
Pains Pleasure: Damn, 47?! That’s not old at all. Hell, I bet her hair didn’t even turn gray
Lady Blur: In wartime, Sarah? Even in our history, war shortens lives.
Rush 2.0: Statesman dropping by my office, recently, was a greater pleasure than he will ever know.
Lady Blur: I take it that Statesman's obit was in that book?
Rush 2.0: Yes.
Pains Pleasure: Did she have any kids?
Rush 2.0: No, Sarah. She never had time. Angel, however...
Lady Blur turns away.
Rush 2.0: What's wrong, love?
Pains Pleasure: Well, I don’t see that changing much this time either.
Pains Pleasure: Angel?
Lady Blur studies the wall, er, costume.
Pains Pleasure: What’s wrong, Lee?
Rush 2.0: Carolly?
Lady Blur: <muffled> N-nothing. Go, um, ahead, about Angel?
Pains Pleasure: Oh shit! I’m sorry, Lee! That’s so insensitive of me.
Lady Blur: It's n-nothing, Sarah, p-please….
Rush 2.0: Angel had a child with ...of all people... Chris, aka Ogma.
Pains Pleasure: I really am sorry, Lee.
Rush 2.0: Carolly?
Pains Pleasure: WHAT?
Lady Blur: We -- need to talk. Soon.
Pains Pleasure: Ogma? What? Was she drunk?
Rush 2.0: She fell in love, Sarah.
Rush 2.0: It was right before your graduation when she gave birth.
Pains Pleasure: WITH CHRIS?
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Rush 2.0: Yes, with Chris. Hard to imagine, I know.
Pains Pleasure: PRO OR MINI MAYBE -- or even Suite -- or Ban -- but Ogma!?!
Lady Blur: Other world, other time, Sarah.
Rush 2.0: Same world, different time, love.
Lady Blur shudders slightly.
Rush 2.0: Now, Carolly... What's wrong?
Pains Pleasure: Well damn !! Did the baby live?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Oh. It’s ok, then.
Rush 2.0: And led the final battle against the Nyorn, for the freedom of humanity.
Pains Pleasure: Really cool !
Rush 2.0: He...he...
Rush 2.0 chokes back a sob.
Pains Pleasure: <excitedly> Go, nephew!
Rush 2.0: He was a hero.
Lady Blur puts out her hand and takes Rush's.
Pains Pleasure: Oh damn! I fell into it again, didn’t I?
Rush 2.0: Not your fault.
Pains Pleasure: He was a friend of yours?
Rush 2.0: Yes. He was my student.
Pains Pleasure: Well, this time you get to make new friends.
Rush 2.0: Yes, I do.
Pains Pleasure smiles warmly.
Pains Pleasure: I’m glad he had you -- just like we do....kinda like … fate.
Rush 2.0: My only regret is that I'll never know that Christopher, if things go well.
Pains Pleasure: Ahh. but you already do -- just not here.
Rush 2.0: I do, but if I succeed in changing things, he will never be born.
Pains Pleasure: Well, maybe not here -- but he was born there, so you already know him.
Rush 2.0: So, now do you trust me?
Pains Pleasure: You already know.
Lady Blur: No, Sarah, he doesn't know.
Pains Pleasure: I don’t have to now ‘cause you already KNOW.
Lady Blur: You were not someone he knew in that other time.
Pains Pleasure: BUT, YES, I TRUST YOU!
Lady Blur: <whispers> …just as I was not.
Pains Pleasure: But he knew Angel and Shock…
Pains Pleasure: so he knows.
Rush 2.0: Actually, I want you to spend the next three days with Chris...errr, Ogma. I'm going to have him train you to hold mental barriers.
Lady Blur: <gently> You are neither Angel nor Shock, dear.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Rush 2.0: Alright?
Pains Pleasure: No, I’m not! They know how to shield and that’s why we live in a fucking mansion in separate wings.
Rush 2.0: He still retains enough of his abilities to teach you.
Rush 2.0: Alright?
Pains Pleasure: I still think Angel will read it.
Rush 2.0: I'm sure she probably will.
Rush 2.0: Jocy won't, though.
Pains Pleasure: But ok. I’ll hang with Ogm..er Chris.
Rush 2.0: Good deal.
Rush 2.0: Now, Carolly...I haven't forgotten about you. What was the little disturbance, while ago?
Pains Pleasure: No, JOCELYN won’t! She’s not home too much and besides, she has the pool house now.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Pains Pleasure thinks “damn monkeys.”
Lady Blur:
Pains Pleasure: OH damn look at the time... Can I go, Sir?
Rush 2.0: No, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: I’m expected home by ....
Rush 2.0: You're not going home.
Pains Pleasure: But...
Rush 2.0: You're going to Ogma's place.
Pains Pleasure: Well, not home … but to Ban and s…what?
Rush 2.0: I'll call them and let them know what's going on.
Pains Pleasure: But
Rush 2.0: Trust me?
Pains Pleasure: Ohhh mannn ......
Rush 2.0: You can deal without sex for three days.
Pains Pleasure looks scared again.
Rush 2.0: I dealt with not having it for over sixty years. Deal with that.
Pains Pleasure: IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SEX!
Lady Blur blushes.
Rush 2.0 sticks his tongue out at Pleasure.
Pains Pleasure: Oh, sorry, sir.
Pains Pleasure: But it’s really not about that.
Rush 2.0: I didn't say I dealt without sex, now did I?
Pains Pleasure: And they won’t tell anyone and they aren’t psychic.
Rush 2.0: Well, I did deal without that, but I dealt without what was important.
Rush 2.0: Wanna bet, Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: So they know about us too?
Rush 2.0: Not quite. See, when Spirit phases...in her completely spirit form... She can read a person's thoughts and feelings. Why do you think she loves you so much?
Pains Pleasure: ‘Cause she KNOWS.
Rush 2.0: Yep.
Rush 2.0: Now...Carolly...
Pains Pleasure: But she already knows about you two.
Pains Pleasure looks frightened again.
Lady Blur: Don't worry so about us, Sarah. We're big kids now.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. Spirit knows far more than she will ever let anyone know.
Lady Blur: Just don't tell; don't worry about who already knows.
Pains Pleasure: I won’t tell. I just don’t really know who knows.
Pains Pleasure holds her aching head.
Rush 2.0: Then you're good, Sarah.
Rush 2.0: But you're not leaving.
Pains Pleasure: Then I can go home…
Pains Pleasure thinks “ where it’s safe.”
Rush 2.0: To Ogma's? Not yet.
Lady Blur smiles encouragingly at Sarah
Rush 2.0 looks at Lady Blur expectantly.
Lady Blur: I'm not sure what you think Sarah will get out of my confessions, Eric.
Rush 2.0: Wisdom.
Pains Pleasure: Yeah, me neither, so I’ll just run along now.
Rush 2.0: Oh, no, you won't.
Pains Pleasure sighs.
Lady Blur sighs.
Rush 2.0 pulls out cell phone and dials.
Pains Pleasure: Ok. Can Chris keep me safe?
Rush 2.0: One sec, Carolly.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah.
Rush 2.0: <speaking into the phone> Ban?
[Tell to Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: Wanna know a secret? [Tell to Pains Pleasure] Lady Blur: If you wish to tell, I can keep a secret.Rush 2.0: Yeah. Sarah's under orders to spend the next three days with Ogma. *** No, he won't try to get into her panties. *** Yes, it's an order. I'll explain later. *** See you tomorrow, then.
[Tell to Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: My sisters and I don’t need phones.Pains Pleasure giggles
[Tell to Pains Pleasure] Lady Blur: Given that you're in my head right now, I should have guessed.Rush 2.0: Carolly?
[Tell to Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: Oh, sorry.
[Tell to Pains Pleasure] Lady Blur: How else could we have said this?Lady Blur: Nothing, Eric.
[Tell to Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: True.Lady Blur: She's fine. Don't worry about it, Eric.
Rush 2.0: Tell me, Carolly. What's wrong?
Lady Blur: Nothing that can't be worked out, Eric.
Rush 2.0: *Ahem*
Are we married? I know I am.
Pains Pleasure: Maybe you two need to go work off some "tension”.
Lady Blur: <disconcerted> <to Rush> Yes, yes. YES!
Rush 2.0: Stay, Sarah.
Lady Blur: After 3 years, my folks wanted me to petition to have you declared dead -- or at least divorced. But I didn't. I KNEW you weren't dead. But -- like St. Paul expecting the 2nd coming -- I expected you 'any day now'.
Rush 2.0 grins
Lady Blur: But days moved into weeks into months… and I couldn't figure out why it was taking so long. I KNEW you could move through time. I KNEW that you became Blur. I KNEW that Blur...
Rush 2.0: Knew that Blur what?
Lady Blur: …took you away. And I HAD to BELIEVE... that it was with good reason. I thought Blur would train you, teach you, send you back to me with his skills and experience. But... sixty years???
Rush 2.0: I never saw him again. He threw me into the timestream.
Lady Blur:... and he told you nothing of the whats and whys of his actions?
Rush 2.0: No.
Lady Blur: You didn't even know -- you can't even tell me why -- I -- he -- did this to me!
Rush 2.0: He didn't say anything to you?
Pains Pleasure: Maybe so you would become Lady Blur?
Lady Blur: <tears start to her eyes> He kissed me. I knew he was you.
Rush 2.0 holds Lady Blur tight.
Lady Blur:.. and then things started going haywire.
Rush 2.0: Like you being saved from the hospital?
Pains Pleasure checks out costumes.
Lady Blur:
Rush 2.0:...
Pains Pleasure: Lee, I am so sorry.
Rush 2.0: Our...
Lady Blur:... I didn't tell people.
Pains Pleasure sits quietly
Lady Blur: It was too late.
Rush 2.0: We...
Rush 2.0: You...
Rush 2.0: But...
Rush 2.0: You never told me you were pregnant, love.
Lady Blur: We were growing up, older... it seemed right to think about getting off those birth control drugs. I wanted a clean body. I wanted to be ready when I told you I’d changed my mind. I wasn't 100% sure... and then you were gone.
Rush 2.0: Wait. No. Something doesn't make sense. It can't be, Carolly. Something isn't adding up. You were saved from the hospital, Carolly.
Lady Blur: <bewildered>Yes.
Rush 2.0: When I learned about it, don't you think I'd have tried time travel?
Lady Blur: I don't know. I wanted to believe so. But you didn't come right back so -- I thought there must be something funny in time travel. I don't know!
Rush 2.0: I did try. I failed and failed and failed and failed. So, I know it wasn't I who rescued you.
Lady Blur: You did not come back to me. That I know.
Rush 2.0: If it had been Blur, he'd have let you know.
Lady Blur: I hoped it was you, but you'd've let me know!
Rush 2.0: I would have let you know. That leaves two options, Carolly. That it was either you... Or it was... <abruptly> Was it a girl or boy, Carolly?
Lady Blur: He was -- your son, Eric
Rush 2.0: Then, my love, there is still hope that *our* son is still alive.
Rush 2.0: I have something to tell you, Carolly.
Pains Pleasure: omg
Rush 2.0: Ever since I first broke into the speed force...it's like a stronger, more powerful ...hmmm... presence has been watching over me. Keeping me from doing anything destructive...
Lady Blur takes his hand and holds it close.
Rush 2.0: I still feel it every time I break into the field.
Pains Pleasure: Ummm excuse me, sir ...this field?
Rush 2.0: I do know this, though...it cares deeply for me.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: I was just thinking ...have you looked into the mirror lately?
Rush 2.0: What do you mean?
Lady Blur: Why, Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Well, um… you could be Ban’s brother. He’s just a bit bigger.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Rush 2.0: He was born in Scotland, Sarah. I was born in Macon. Well, near Macon.
[Tell to Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: Ummm, are we sure?Pains Pleasure: Oh, well, yeah, there is that.
Lady Blur: I'd merge into the force and, for a moment, hope and feel that you were there too. And you think… our baby…..? <shakey sigh> But I couldn't always stay merged.
Rush 2.0: You're not tied closely enough, yet, love.
Lady Blur:... and after awhile, the thoughts, memories, failures got too dark. I wasn't as strong as I thought I was, Eric.
Rush 2.0: What do you mean?
Lady Blur: Patriot had the records scrubbed.
Rush 2.0: Scrubbed of what, honey?
Lady Blur:...I found coming home from a patrol or the hospital -- that I couldn't bear one more sleepless night wondering where you were and what you were doing.... and I started using the hospital pharmacy.
Rush 2.0: Oh, Carolly. I'm so sorry.
Lady Blur: <choking back a small sob>You bore it for 60 years. I couldn't manage 3.
Lady Blur turns away.
Rush 2.0: Carolly? I was addicted to something else.
Lady Blur: <quietly> What, my love?
Rush 2.0: Something far, far more sinister. Obsession.
Lady Blur spins around.
Lady Blur: What?
Rush 2.0 pulls Carolly close and holds her tight.
Pains Pleasure smiles warmly.
Rush 2.0: When I picked up that first history book and saw that you'd died...
Lady Blur clings to Rush.
Pains Pleasure checks out a pink leather suit.
Rush 2.0: After trying and trying to travel back...I finally became obsessed with Blur. I pushed myself harder and faster. There came a day when I no longer bothered forcing the Rikti back. I started slaughtering them.
The blood drains from Lady Blur’s face.
Rush 2.0: Each one bore his face. Each bore his costume.
Lady Blur: <whispers> How could that be? Eric, you're a hero.
Rush 2.0: Every single one I killed brought more hatred for him keeping me from saving you. And then, finally, the Nyorn came.
Lady Blur: <softly> You've had 60 years of hatred? Is that what you are trying to tell me, Eric?
Rush 2.0: For the better part of 50 years, I'd killed Rikti and then came a "savior". The Nyorn slew every last Rikti within a week. Then they turned upon humanity. But they weren't like the Rikti. They wanted us as slaves. And, soon, I began killing them. So did every other SPB, though. It was kill or be killed, for SPBs.
Lady Blur: Such a very different -- time.
Rush 2.0: Until Angel's son...
Rush 2.0: Sarah...
Pains Pleasure: Yes, sir.
Rush 2.0: Angel's son took the name "Archangel." I helped him plan the last battle. If the speed force itself hadn't grabbed me...
Pains Pleasure: I wonder if he got them?
Rush 2.0: Archangel defeated the Nyorn, utterly and completely.
Pains Pleasure: YEAHHH!! Go, Archangel!
Rush 2.0: In doing so, though...every living being on the planet was killed. It was something I never expected his power to be able to do.
Pains Pleasure: AWWW shit!
Rush 2.0: I am mostly responsible for the death of every Nyorn, but also every living person, animal, plant...everything...on this planet.
Pains Pleasure: Oh! Hey! No, you’re not.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Sarah. I am.
Pains Pleasure: No, you aren’t!
Lady Blur holds Eric's hand tightly.
Lady Blur: WE will work to see that never happens.
Pains Pleasure gets in his face.
Pains Pleasure: THAT isn’t going to happen this time.
Rush 2.0: I knew Archangel had the power...I just didn't realize letting him let go would mean so much destruction.
Pains Pleasure: You’re here now to help him guide it if he comes into being. Damn! I would have named him Michael.
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Lady Blur: You can name him Michael, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Ok, can you please call Chris now. I really need to sleep.
Lady Blur smiles
Pains Pleasure: Well, if I ever have any I just might.
Rush 2.0 whips out cell phone
Pains Pleasure smiles
Rush 2.0: Chris, wake up. *** No, I don't give a shit what time it is. *** Keep it up, smart ass. *** I'm sending Pleasure over to your place. *** No, she's not there for your pleasure. *** I don't give a rip. ***
Pains Pleasure: See, it’s too much trouble. I’ll just go home, sir.
Lady Blur: <gently> Hush, Sarah.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Chris, it is an order. *** Just be decent when she gets there. *** Hush, Sarah. ***
Pains Pleasure: Damn! Got it from both of them
Pains Pleasure steps away for a moment
Rush 2.0: No, Chris, I didn't call you Sarah. *** Yes, I'll let you have a movie night at my place, soon, if you do this. I've just gotta clean up from Bubba's Braveheart spree. *** Yes, I'm going to beat the snot outta Joe for that. ***
Lady Blur looks at the wall.
Pains Pleasure comes back over looking smug
Rush 2.0: Yes, she'll be there within ten minutes. *** Yes, in the same skimpy costume she normally wears. *** NO! You may NOT watch her take a shower! ***
Pains Pleasure: Perv.
Lady Blur grins
[Tell to Lady Blur] Pains Pleasure: Ban would kick his ass for that.
Rush 2.0: Alright. Fine. I'll owe you one. I said you could have the movie night. *** Alright. I'll see you tomorrow and get those progress reports. *** Good night, Chris.
Pains Pleasure: Oops, sorry, Lee
Lady Blur: <dimples showing> You're a pretty girl, he's just shy of being a teenager. Don't tease him too much.
Rush 2.0: Alright, Sarah. As you can tell, he's expecting you.
Pains Pleasure: Well, um, Angel is expecting a call from you.
Rush 2.0: Yeah. I'll call her before Carolly and I turn in.
Rush 2.0: Sarah?
Pains Pleasure: Yes, sir.
[Tell to Pains Pleasure] Lady Blur: I’m sure he would.Rush 2.0: Make Chris behave. Kick him in the nuts, if you must.
Rush 2.0: And if our son is alive...
Lady Blur: What, Love?
Rush 2.0: Just...hoping, Carolly.
Pains Pleasure: I wish you both well and .....have fun !!
Lady Blur: Is there anything we can do together -- in the force?
Rush 2.0: Yes. We will go.
Pains Pleasure: In the end, hope is all we have ...besides love.
Rush 2.0: Yep, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Oh, by the way ....
Rush 2.0: Yeah?
Pains Pleasure: Where is Chris's place?
Pains Pleasure laughs.
Rush 2.0: Skyway. 1435 Elm, apt 227B.
Pains Pleasure: Ok. Thanks again. Oh, and are you gonna tell Angel that you know?
Rush 2.0: I may.
Pains Pleasure: Well… A heads up would be nice.
Pains Pleasure: Ok. I’m off now.
Pains Pleasure: I’ll catch you two some other time.
Rush 2.0: Take care of Chris and listen to him.
Pains Pleasure: Ummm I’ll try.
Lady Blur: Take care, Sarah.
Pains Pleasure: Nite, Lee. Nite, Sir.
Rush 2.0: G'night..
Lady Blur hugs Rush.
Lady Blur: &;t;small frown> It occurs to me, Love, that -- Blur --- LOOKED older. How long is it to "the end"?
Rush 2.0: When Archangel unleashed... 2111.
Lady Blur: Then Blur came from elsewhen.
04-07-2005 01:59:05
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