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 Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:46 pm
To say that Ambrose's sleep that night was restless would be an understatement. Normally, the sweltering heat and humidity would have kept him awake, the air conditioning unit taking some time to kick in and combat the climate that had been building in the previously unoccupied room. However, the exhaustion from the travel, lugging his equipment halfway across the Island, and the low grade fever from the injection as his immune system put up protest to the foreign material introduced to his system was enough for the young man to completely forget about something as inconsequential as the heat. Coupled with the fact that about an hour after he had fallen unconscious, the air conditioning vents began pumping something other than chilled air, insuring that his sleep was not interrupted.
The only notice Ambrose had of the white-clad men that slipped into his room to give him one more injection - this one containing a near-microscopic chip that was inserted into the back of his neck - in the cover of darkness and the wake of the sedative gas was a series of rather disturbing dreams.
They were after him. While he wasn't entirely sure who "They" were, he could feel their breath on the back of his neck, their grabbing hands and feel their beady eyes upon him. He tried to make a break for it, lashing out - but his limbs were rubber, and there was no sort of weapon about, save the stinging claws and biting teeth of the strange white beings. They held him prone, spread-eagle in front of them as they poked and prodded him with long, needle-like claws, chittering to eachother in high-pitched, whirring voices. His vision was hazy, and he had a hard time looking directly at them, which frustrated the hell out of him. What was going on? What were they doing? His body was aching and then there was a sharp PAIN in the back of his neck as one of them bit into it like a giant mosquito. It felt as if its long probiscus was looking for his spinal cord it went so deep. He screamed and twisted, gasping for some sort of escape from this torment, but his whole reality was this room - these creatures that encircled him - as hard as he tried he couldn't even fathom anything except this captivity. And then, as if awoken inside of him, a yearning blossomed inside of him, took over him - for the Outside and for Freedom. Images of vegetation and tall trees, blue skies and clear pools. Of a night sky spattered with stars and the feeling of wind rushing all around him. And almost as soon as it was conceptualized and took form in his imagination, his vision cleared and the strange white beings were gone and he WAS running, as fast as his legs would carry him, through the trees and the hedges - the world stretching around him and his to discover. The night air in his lungs and the spongy soil under his feet. It was exhilarating! Night birds and animals called around him, ushering him on, and the woods seemed to be pulling him deeper into its embrace. Ambrose smiled widely, breathing in the wilderness....
And with a deep breath of fresh air his eyes snapped open, and nearly fell over in disorientation as several realizations struck him at the same time. Not only was he was standing up, but he wasn't in his room anymore: he was somewhere else - surrounded by tall trees, thick leafy vegetation, brambles, and darkness. His shirt and pants were in tatters, ample plant matter like branches, thorns, and leaves were in his hair and the frayed edges of his clothes. His hands and arms had several scrapes where his shirt had torn away, and there was a stinging pain in the back of his neck. For a moment, a cold shiver ran down his spine as he rememberd vague details from his dream. But that was quickly brushed away as he told himself that it was much MORE likely that one of the many thorny vines and branches had smacked him and caused an aftereffect in his dream - not the other way around. However, his top concern at the moment was not any of the minor physical injuries, but where in the hell he had sleep walked to - and why! He had perhaps slept walked once or twice in his childhood before - but it had been years.... and now he was in the middle of a steamy jungle at night - and while Ambrose was no coward, the yowling noises, snapping underbrush and strange slitherings through the leaves in the darkness around him was more than enough to give him the willies. Squinting near his feet in the darkness he was relieved to find one good thing about the wetness - that the forest floor had plenty of mud (that was also plastering him from the knees-down), and that his noctournal amublations had left a fairly clear trail that he began to carefully follow back. Fortunately, he realized after about five or ten minutes of this - that he hadn't gone far at least as the lights of the "town hall" became visable through the trees. Embarrassed, and quietly as he could, he slipped back to his bungalow- noting that the door had been left ajar, stripped himself of his clothes and tossed them into a laundry bag, and hit the shower.
Ambrose tried not to think too hard on what had just happened. His cheeks burned with embarassment - sleepwalking of all things. And into the middle of a jungle. He was lucky that all he got out of it were some scrapes and bruises -he thought as he scrubbed himself with the soapy cloth - and hadn't fallen into some ravine, or met up with some sort of jaguar or something. Maybe something in the enhancers had something to do with it. He'd have to mention it to the doctor - sleepwalking could be a dangerous side effect....
Finishing his shower and this time putting on actual night clothes, he locked the door, slipped under the covers, and fell asleep. This time, at least, the rest of his night went fairly uneventfully.
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Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:51 pm
Ambrose did not wake up until well past noon the next day, feeling like death warmed over. His mouth was dry and cottony, his head felt boxed-in, his ears were closed up, and he was positively starving. At least the air conditioning had finally kicked in; the room was a pleasant 70 degrees. Not that that was much consolation to the young man at the moment. He stumbled to the shower again, stripped and stood under the font, letting the warm water wash over him. It helped to some degree; cleared his head a little and the steam helped him breathe easier. He yawned and swallowed and finally managed to pop his ears, and finished his shower. Going to the mirror, he performed his daily ritual - meticulously brushing back his hair, brushing and flossing his teeth, shaved, and put on deoderant. Despite the fact he was still feeling rather ill, Ambrose did not like appearing anything other than the best that he could.
Finally, after picking out something to wear and dressing, he deemed himself presentable enough to go out, and wandered back to the "town hall" for breakfast. By this time, his stomach was audibly growling, demanding food. The so-called-village was still almost depressingly empty, and quietly he was a bit disappointed that he HAD been one of the first people there. While Ambrose was not exactly the MOST social individual - he disliked big parties, finding them trivial - especially when the primary point of them seemed to be to see how quickly one could get drunk and act stupid. But that certainly didn't mean that he didn't enjoy other peoples' company.... especially Angelina's. He sighed wistfully as he thought of her again. Had he even been two weeks without seeing her in the past two years? When he first discussed the "short" two weeks trip it seemed an almost trivial amount of time. Now, only on his second day it already seemed like forever.
He wandered into the cafeteria entrance of the town hall, greeted with a large open area with several tables with built-in seats - scarily reminiscient of high-school. He walked over to the window, past the non-existant line and picked up a tray. The same woman from the previous day was there again and gave him a bored smile as she went and dished out a heaping slice of what he suspected was supposed to be lasagna, some applesauce, a whole bananna, a bag of chips, and a coke. He noticed as he was walking away that there was a sign posted near the window that stated simply that the food was a part of the free accomodations, and that residents were welcome to as much food as they liked, as often as they wanted.
He seated himself at one of the empty tables and proceeded to make quick work of the food before him. Ambrose rarely ate his food very quickly, prefering to take his time and use proper manners, showing a control over his bodily needs - let alone wolf it down like he had proceeded to do. He must really have not been feeling well, but even when he polished off the lasagna (which really wasn't as bad as he feared it would be) he still had a bit of a twinge of hunger left. He contemplated. The room was empty save for the staff woman, and she certainly didn't seem to care much about what was going on. But still, the embarrassment of going up and asking for more when he had been given plenty to eat the first time harped at him. He sat there for a few more moments and dithered before finally standing up. He brought his tray back to the window and politely, if not a bit sheepishly, asked if he might be able to get a bit more food to take with him back to his bungalow for later. The woman looked up (she seemed a bit distracted by a book she had on her lap with floral patterns and a rather idealized couple). She smiled and acquiesed - not seeming bothered by his request in the least, and gave him a styrofoam box with another big slice of the lasagna, and some of the applesauce in the smaller section along with some plastic silverware.
Thanking her quickly, he headed back to his bungalow. Once in the privacy of his own room, he fished around in his suitcase for one of the novels he had brought with him, sat down at the small desk, opened the styrofoam container back up, and began to read as he ate the second helping.
He had just gotten through the first chapter when his fork scraped against the empty box and he finally looked up and over to it - noticing that yes - in fact he HAD finished off the entire second helping.... but, on the bright side he realized - he felt much better than he had when he had woken up. He had more energy, and wasn't feeling quite so feverish. Tossing the empty box into the papercan, he settled into his bed to read for a bit, wondering when more people might show up.
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Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:15 pm
Ambrose closed the novel, surprised at the progress he had made so far, stuck a bookmark it in, and slid it back into his drawer. Stretching, he wandered around the room a bit and thought about what to do next. His gaze wandered back to the photo sitting on his bedside table, and he remembered his promise. Pulling out some stationary and a pen, Ambrose sat down to his desk and began writing a letter. Quote: Dearest Angelina, Missing you already, even though it has hardly been a couple of days since my arrival here on the Island. It's hard to believe that so little time has already seemed like so long in your absence. I suppose that sitting here, I realize just how little we've really been apart since we became the friends, and shortly thereafter lovers. So far it has not been entirely bad. I have not yet really had time to explore the tropical surroundings that the Island boasts. But from what I saw of my arrival and brief drive to the facilities, the beaches are beautiful, and the trees and jungle seem to be right out of some adventure movie. I bet that you would have loved it here. Perhaps it is a bit ironic that there is a whole tropical paradice here, but without you to share it with, it seems almost dull. I also have yet to meet anyone yet - apparently I was one of the first arrivals. Admittedly, it is rather lonely here. I would love to have at least someone to converse with, although I am sure that soon enough I will have that wish granted at the very least. The tests themselves have been relatively minor: I received a single injection thus far - supposedly they're testing some sort of enhancer meant to assist those who are lacking in some sense physically - but wanting to test it on physically fit, healthy individuals first. Aside from some strange dreams and increased appetite, however, I've yet to notice any other effects - positive or negative. Hope that you're doing well, and I look forward to seeing you again. Love, Ambrose Ambrose finishes off the letter and slips it into an envelope. Heading to the town hall, he speaks with the woman attendant. She informs him that mail only goes out once a week, but that she would be happy to take it for him - and that they have postage available. With a smile and a thanks, Ambrose returns to his bungalow with the intention of getting in some fencing practice, gathering up his equipment and going to the edge of the village to practice some point control on some unfortunate leaves. Meanwhile, the woman at the "town hall" places the letter in the small pile of reports that are slated to be taken to Doctor Moreau for review.
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 6:45 pm
Roleplay: Meeting with Greer and CassidyGreer Cassenwari Glass, while exellent for protecting her collection and perfect for giving her pets viewable homes, was way too heavy. Greer lay on the floor, her bed occupied by display cases she hadn''t found a place on the walls for yet. Ugh. It was too hot. Too sunny. The trouble with the tropics was that, unlike Seattle, it didn''t have very many clouds. Cassidy Smith Cassidy debated a little to herself. She had to introduce herself sometime, after all. She didn''t want to avoid anyone. She was going to be friendly and outgoing and... ...yeah, like hell. She screwed up her courage and knocked on Greer''s door anyway. Greer Cassenwari She flinched at the loud pounding, slowly pushing herself up on to her feet. It took some careful navigation around her cases and terrariums to get to the door, but she managed to get to it and pull it open. She blinked at the woman standing there, not recognizing her and unsure how to act. "Um, hello?" Cassidy Smith This was it. Cassidy put a on a big smile. "I''m Cassidy. I''m your downstairs neighbour, so I thought I''d come to introduce myself. I''m also sort of the resident housekeeper, so, uh. If you want me to scrub your bathroom or vacuum or whatever, I''m your girl." Greer Cassenwari Greer blinked, remembered hearing the name, and told her face it should be smiling. "Oh hi! I''m Greer, your upstairs neighbor, which, of course you know." She continued to smile, trying to think of what you said next. She didn''t have people over much. "Um, would you like to come in? I''m still unpacking and it''s a bit of a mess, but, um, we can go to the little balcony window thing and look out if you want." Oh yeah. Smooth. Cassidy Smith "I know what that''s like." Cassidy smirked. "I have stuff all over the place. Thanks." She came inside, trying to dismiss her nervousness, and stepped hesitantly inside. "Wow. You brought a lot more stuff than I did." As soon as she said it, she felt dumb. What kind of a thing to say was that? Greer Cassenwari "Only what I couldn''t leave behind. You should see the storage room I left in my mother''s care. Woo!" Greer began to nervously shift display cases, trying to make room for walking, seating, and other forms of room use. Ambrose Maurlias For the past two days, as much as Ambrose would hate to admit it, he had been bored. And rather lonely. From a rather sizable city, isolation had never really been an issue for him. Now, coming to a virtual Island paradice - an opportunity that most people would give their right arm for not only a free two weeks'' stay, but a PAID two weeks stay, he was going in circles. He felt like he wasn''t accomplishing anything. Sure, he had made headway into one of the novels he had brought, and practiced point control with his rapier on the ferns, but really, is had been more to pass the time then anything else. When he heard banging and thumping coming from next doors and peeked out the window to see a young woman hefting several large trunks up the stairs he smiled - company! At last! Of course, being Ambrose, he had to take at least an hour to get himself "prepared" for company - showering, brushing his hair, and putting on a new set of clothes. Finally, jogging to the bungalow next doors, he jogged up the stairs and knocked. Cassidy Smith "I know what that''s like. I left way too many books behind," Cassidy agreed mournfully. She really had to do something about that. She wanted the rest of her Asimov. She was about to ask about the cases when there was a knock on the door. "You met anyone else here?" Greer Cassenwari Leaving her mess where it was, Greer spoke while going to the door. "No, just the woman with the jeep who met me at the helipad... Aubrey I think? And Dr. Moreau, of course." Pulling the door open, she gave the attractive man on the other side a shaky smile. "Hello?" Ambrose Maurlias]Ambrose straightened and put on a charming - if a bit boyish- smile when the door opened. "Hi!" he started, chiding himself for sounding rather awkward introducing himself to someone he had never met before. "My name''s Ambrose. I couldn''t help but notice that you were moving in here. I live just over there-" He gestured behind him to the building next door''s downstairs duplex "in Number 1."
He opened his hands with a bit of a shrug. "To be perfectly honest, I wasn''t sure when anyone else was going to be showing up. I''ve pretty much been alone out here save for the cafeteria woman for the past couple of days."[/quote]
[quote="Cassidy Smith "I got in last night," Cassidy offered. She was peering curiously at one of the terrariums, and trying not to be obvious about it, but she couldn''t see what was in it. "I''m Cassidy. I live downstairs. Number three." Greer Cassenwari "Um, I''m Greer. I live here." She pushed the door open all the way so he could see past her and enter. "I would have been here sooner, but quitting a federal job takes forever. Want to come in? I can continue to attempt to clear space to sit." She turned, catching sight of Cassidy looking at one of her pets. "Oh, I''m sorry, I didn''t introduce you. Do you like stick bugs?" Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose smiled. "That''s perfectly understandable. But you''re here now, and I suppose that''s what''s important" He chuckled. I wonder why she quit a federal job just to come out here for a two week medical study Ambrose thought to himself, but didn''t voice the thought yet out of politeness. It is quite the opportunity, however. Especially the location."And thank you very much - I''d love to!" He stepped through the threshold and stood aside in an area that wasn''t too badly cluttered and gave Cassidy a friendly smile. "Hello Cassidy! Nice to meet you as well!" Cassidy Smith May as well tell him, too. "I''m the residential housekeeper," Cass told Ambrose. "I''m the girl to ask if you want your toilet scrubbed. Er. Greer? What''s in these things?" She pointed at one of the terrariums. "You seem to have an awful lot of them." Greer Cassenwari "They''re my pets! I''m an entomologist." Pulling the top off of the tank indicated by Cassidy, she stuck her hand in and pulled out a large brown stick insect, placing it on her shoulder and replacing the lid. "This is Bernie. He''s from Peru." Ambrose Maurlias "Ah!" Ambrose exclaimed. While he wasn''t nearly as stuck up as many people from his parents'' social circles, he still felt a little awkward realizing that she was a "maid" here. It made sense - there were many apartments and someone would have to keep them clean, but it left him a little unsure of how to act. She seemed rather young, and nice enough - not the stereotype he was used to seeing. Shrugging internally he extended a hand. "Glad to know that. Hopefully you won''t have too much work around my bungalow at least - I tend to keep things rather straight. I''m just here for the study myself, so I shouldn''t be here all too long." Doctor Moreau Moreau sat in his mansion, peaking high above all the other buildings on the mountainside. The room he was in was filled with monitors displaying different sections of the island. One in particular had all of his interest, it was the room of Subject 0008 one his new arrivals from yesterday. Subject 0008 seemed to be conversing with 0009 and 0002. Interesting, he would have to watch more. He leaned back in his large comfortable chair the flicker of the many screens reflecting in his eyes. Cassidy Smith Cassidy shook Ambrose''s hand cheerily. "There''s hardly anyone here right now, anyway," she laughed. "I think I might just go read on the beach this afternoon. Nothing for me to do." And then, her attention was caught by "Bernie" on Greer''s shoulder. Cassidy''s mouth worked in alarm and she took an involuntary step back. "You keep bugs?" she squeaked. "And you''re just going to put him on your shoulder like that?" Greer Cassenwari "Of course! Like I said, I''m an entomologist. That''s an insect scientist. I''m here to study the local population." Berie waved his antennae unconcernedly, being very used to his human keeper. "Don''t worry, stick insects are harmless. He eats leaves and pretends to be plant matter so his predators leave him alone, for the most part. Occassionally he tries to find a female. All of my pets are harmless. I''m too scatterbrained to keep poisonous bugs." She smiled brightly. Who didn''t like insects? Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose rubbed the back of his neck with a bit of a forced smile. He didn''t particularly mind insects. It''s just.... well... they were insects. Things that were generally swatted if they were in the house, or at best put back outside. Though, apparently she was a scientist - perhaps they were more of research subjects, but the way she affectionately spoke about them raised doubts as to that. "Well... they''re interesting I suppose..." Ambrose trailed. At least, as she said, they weren''t harmful. "No cockroaches in those pens, I hope?" He tried to joke. Cassidy Smith "Um. I, um. I see." Cassidy stared in disbelief, eying Bernie''s wiggling antennae. And then Ambrose had to mention cockroaches. Ew. Ew ew ew ew ew.She took another step back. "It was nice meeting you. I, uh... have to go finish packing." Which was true. Sort of. Mostly. Oh god oh god oh god what if that thing got out? And managed to make its way into her room?! It would have to be squashed, and she didn''t think Greer would appreciate that. Which was a shame, since except for the bug thing she seemed pretty nice but EW EW EW EW. "I''ll, uh. I''ll see you later." With a forced grin, Cassidy excused herself, dodged Ambrose, and headed back outside and downstairs. Greer Cassenwari "No, I had to leave the Twins at home. My cockroaches were getting on in years, and couldn''t really make the journey." Greer spoke matter-of-factly, clearly used to talking about insects as others would speak of dogs or cats. "Oh, uh, bye Cassidy! See you later!" She waved to the woman''s back as she fled, worried she''d said something wrong. She hoped it wasn''t Bernie - she was vaguely aware that not everyone liked insects as much as she did. Turning back to Ambrose, she smiled. "I can put Bernie away if he bothers you. So... what do you like to do?" Please, please let them have common interests. Babbling about things she knew was about the only way she could hold a semi-decent conversation. Ambrose Maurlias "Goodbye, Cassidy!" Ambrose called after her fleeing figure. Ambrose, on the other hand, was rather certain from her obviously nervous reaction to "Bernie" that the insects had a great deal to do with her hasty retreat. Turning back to Greer he waved his hand. "It''s alright - it doesn''t bother me." Thank god she didn''t bring roaches, though. Disgusting, vile creatures. She actually -has- some too? Eyugh.Pleased with the change of subject he relaxed a bit more as his eyes wandered the room a bit - noting that it mainly consisted of terrariums and mounting boxes. "Well, I''m heading into my sophmore year at U of Massachusetts at Amhest. I''m studying... well... I haven''t quite decided yet to be honest. I''m mainly there for the fencing team." Greer Cassenwari "Fencing? At Umass, Amherst?" Greer very nearly squealed, but managed to close her mouth at the last second. Putting Bernie back in his cage so she wouldn''t injure him in her excitement, she grinned. "What a coincidence! I graduated from there seven years ago! I was on the fencing team too - women''s sabre. I lived on the Hill. Very good for keeping your legs in shape for lunging." Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose boggled at the coincidence. "You''re kidding me! That''s fantastic!" The excitement was readily apparent in his voice as well - finding another fencer on the island when there were only three other people not on staff that he had met so far. And not just another fencer, but one that shared his own alma matta. "I''m on mens'' epee!" His face was alight. "I even brought my gear with me in hopes to do at least a bit of practice. We''re really going to be pushing the competitions this fall and I want to stay on the ball." Greer Cassenwari Greer''s face fell a little. "I didn''t bring my gear, since I didn''t think there''d be any reason to practice. I haven''t had a team since grad school." Quickly stacking the display cases that had been taking up the chairs on the floor, she offered seating to her guest. "Any chance you do archery too?" Doctor Moreau Dr. Moreau sat in his office, the audio turned up and the video zoomed in to span four screens on his hidden cameras and microphones. The ones he had built into the rooms and furniture of every home on the island. He made a note, he might order some fencing supplies. He wanted to keep his subjects happy especially when the ones who were here for short trips found out otherwise. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose''s face fell a little when he realized that she didn''t have her things. "Well, I do have an extra epee, but only one mask..." He sighed - the perfect opportunity, too. "Maybe if shipping doesn''t take too long you could get some of your things sent here and we can keep eachother in practice. How long has it been since you''ve fenced? Do you still keep in practice even without a team?" Ambrose took the seat offered with a smile. At the archery question he scratched the back of his head. "Well.... we had a little bit of archery in one unit in High School gym class.... however let me let it stand that my accuracy seems limited to things that don''t leave my hands." He winced. Greer Cassenwari "I might. I don''t know if my mum could afford the shipping costs though, and sending her money might be difficult." She sighed. If she''d known, she''d have brought her sabres instead of the extra clothes. "Actually, I was quite lucky. There was a very good fencing club in Seattle that I was a member of - I got to practice and spar at least three times a week! And the jog to and from there and my apartment didn''t go amiss either." It was just as well he wasn''t an archer - shipping that equipment was certainly out of the question. "I''ve never fenced epee, actually. I always wanted to try, but sabre is my one true love. Besides bugs." Ambrose Maurlias "That''s really a pity" Ambrose sighed. "Perhaps it''s something that we could look into at least. I might be wiling to help with the shipping if maybe I can get a forward on some of the study money, but I''m not sure how plausible that is." He listened with interst. "Seattle? I''ve heard of how nice of an area that can be. I might have to look into the area after all is said and done with college." "I''ve tried my hand at sabre a couple of times, but I''ve been doing epee since, well, it seems like forever now" He said with an easy smile. "Did you ever compete much?" Greer Cassenwari "I went to every competition when I was on the team in college and grad school." She shrugged, smiling. "Didn''t always win, of course..." She felt like she should be offering her guest food and drink, but didn''t have any of either. Hmm. "Yes, Seattle is lovely! Summer is goregous, winter isn''t cold, and they have a very low population level of biting insects. It''s gray a lot, but you get used to it. What a really miss about Massachusetts was the changing of the leaves in fall. Seattle''s nickname is the Emerald City, and it''s earned it." Realizing she''d been babbling, smiled apologetically. "I''m sorry, I always talk too much. Where are you from?" Ambrose Maurlias "It''s no problem at all" He waved off. "It sounds like a really nice city. I don''t mind the definate seasons up in the Northeast. It can get cold, and the snow can get frustrating.... but it can also be so pretty there." He stretched a bit, settling more into the chair. "I am trying my best - going to all the competitions I can make as well. I have my eyes set on the olympics... someday" He said with a bit of a reddening of his cheeks and a bashful smile. "It might sound rather out of reach, but everyone''s got to have a dream." "I''m from Concord." He said simply. Greer Cassenwari "The Olympics? Really? Wow!" Greer was felt vaguely honored, never having met a potential fencing great before. "I love fencing, but it''ll never be a career for me. Insects and the study of them are my life." She bit her lip. Gee, that last bit didn''t sound amazingly nerdy, did it? Naw. Her mind raced, looking for something else to say. "Concord? Isn''t that pretty upscale?" Ambrose Maurlias "Well... I hope to!" He interjected, trying not to sound too arrogant, despite the fact that his coaches were saying that they thought that he had a decent chance if he kept up his practice in the next couple of years. "It really is my passion. I think everyone needs something like that - be it bugs or swords" He said with a chuckle. He shifted a bit uncomfortably at the mention of money in the round-about fashion "Yes... I suppose you might say that. My parents are... well... pretty well to do you might say..." He sighed, and pushed on "Although I don''t know if I''ll ever be seeing any of that anymore." A frown tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he quickly shook his head. "Nevermind that. So - are you here for the study as well?" Greer Cassenwari "Oh no, I''ve been out of school for five years now. Almost about to get my dream job, actually!" She smiled, happy to let a subject that bothered another drop, especially since money was not something they had in common. "I always wanted to be a field entomologist, out discorvering new species and roaming the rainforest. I wasn''t able to find a professor who would take me on his team, so once I was out of grad school I got a job as a forensic entomologist to the pay the bills while I worked on getting a sponsor." She stuck out her tongue. "Creating death timelines based on insect activity was not something I wanted to do with my life. Thank goodness Doctor Moreau contacted me with an offer of working on the research team he was assembling - otherwise I''d still be there and no closer to my dream!" Ambrose Maurlias "Forensic entomologist?" Ambrose''s knowledge of forensics was primarily limited to glorified drama shows on network cable. "I would think that that would be a rather interesting job... although I guess being out in the field and finding new species might be more like what you were wanting to do. I would imagine that in the middle of jungles like these there might very well be undiscovered speices. I think I remember hearing somewhere that thousands of species in the amazon are dying every so often - many still undiscovered. Does it have something to do with that?" Ambrose''s brow furrowed however at the reference of Moreau and entomology. "I thought Moreau was a medical doctor..." Ambrose hesitated. "Doing a medical study on drugs for therapy..." Greer Cassenwari "Forensic entomology is about looking at larvae that were found on a body and using their life cycle to determine when the poor thing went from person to cadaver. The dead are not my cup of tea." Nodding at Ambrose''s description of field research, she smiled at his confusion when he mentioned the doctor. "You have no idea how many medicines actually come from insects, insect venom, or are discovered in plants due to their relationships with insects. The largest form of employment for enviromental researchers like myself is by medical companies." Gesturing vaguely, she continued. "Moreau owns this island and all the people who live and work on it. He''s practically a company in and of himself!" Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose nodded, consenting "This is true - I don''t think that I myself would very much enjoy the actual practice of examining dead bodies" He winced. It was very different watching a television show and doing it in person, especially examining maggots and other unsavory insect life that had chosen to inhabit the remains of a person. He gave an involuntary shudder. "That''s true" Ambrose nodded. Of course, why hand''t he thought of that. Perhaps some of the insects found on this island were the basis for the revolutionary drugs that he was talking about. "I can imagine how lucritive whatever he''s working on must be from the facilities here alone... let alone owning an island!" He nodded. "Yes... he said he''s testing some sort of enhancer.... primarily for the aid of people with medical problems, but for obvious reasons he''s wanting to test it on a healthy subject first. He wasn''t very specific, but from what I''ve heard studies like this they have to be pretty vague with the subjects so that they don''t have any psychosomatic reactions." He looked a bit embarrassed. Here he was, some sort of guinea pig talking to one of the actual scientists here. "IT''s not very glorifying... but to be perfectly honest, I needed the money..." Greer Cassenwari Greer chuckled. "Don''t worry, I know exactly what that''s like. Working at Starbucks put me through grad school." She made a face: that was two years of employment she would rather not admit to. "Medical viability or not, I''m just here to find and catalog the island''s insects. Someone else will be analyzing their chemical properties." It wasn''t entirely the truth, but close enough for conversation. Greer had found over the years that only other entomologists actually wanted to hear everything about the things near and dear to her heart. Her stomach growled. Hmm. Hadn''t he said something earlier about a cafeteria. "Are you hungry? I don''t think I''ve eaten since I left Seattle." Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose admittedly felt rather relieved at her understanding of his predicament. "Perfectly understandable" He smiled. "And best of luck to you and the cataloging! I hope you find at least a few new species that you can name after youself!" At the mention of food Ambrose''s stomach growled in agreement. He hadn''t realized how hungry he had already gotten - especially after the huge meal he had eaten the day before. "Food sounds wonderful." He agreed as he rose to his feet and offered her a hand up. "The cafeteria is quite close, and the food isn''t horrible considering." Greer Cassenwari Greer accepted the hand, supressing a blush. Stop it! He was a college kid. She was an adult. She should have gotten over the blushing thing years ago. "Do they have a vegitarian option? Hopefully beyond just salad?" Ambrose Maurlias He graciously opened the door for her as well, his gentlemanly mannerisms seeming to come to him like second nature. "I''m not completely sure, but I''m sure you can ask... and from what I''ve seen so far they seem to be rather accomodating." Ambrose walked with her towards the cafeteria, the smell of cooking food already wafting out to them, inciting another embarrassingly audible growl from his midsection. Sure enough, the woman at the cafeteria seemed to have already been prepped on Greer''s dietary needs, and alongside the meatloaf, they had a green bean and cheese casserole with crunchy onions sprinkled on top. While perhaps not the most excellent specimin of such, it was certainly palatable. Ambrose continued discussions over lunch with her about fencing: the people on the team, some former matches and close-calls. So caught up was he in his discussions that he didn''t qutie notice just how much he managed to consume. Greer Cassenwari "Oh, I hope so! It's easy to be a veggie in Seattle, but not so much other places." She walked quickly towards the smell of food, noting the pleasing buzz of insects that filled the sunbaked air. Mmm, greenbean casserole! It may not have been her mother's recipe, but her hunger more than made up for it. All the tiredness she'd been feeling since she got her shot that morning vanished with a full belly - it was amazing how much better she felt as the meal progressed. Of course, it could have always been the company. Fencing was one of the few areas she felt completely comfortable, and her long discussion with Ambrose about the sport in general and Umass in particular made her feel so accepted she knew coming to the island had been the right decision. Slight, itchy reactions to the Doctor's immunizations not withstanding.
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Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:50 am
RP: The BeachPyroth Ignatius After a while spent lazing around, Pyroth once more left his "dorm". It had gotten to the point where any more sleep would drive him mad, and he found himself more restless than ever. So, always the hopeful, he made his way down to the pristine and undisturbed beach of the island. Here he could look out on the sea from relative safety, not having to venture near it but able to enjoy it's calming influence.
He wandered along the brilliant shore for a little way before sitting himself down on some of the soft sand above the high tide line. Letting his gaze wander out to sea, he sought some familiar shape, a boat perhaps, or a plane, but nothing met his searching gaze. The island was very far from what he would call civilisation it seemed.
He would just have to learn to deal with it, though if the injection didn't kill him then apparently the solitude would. It had been very quiet when he arrived on the island, and he hadn't met anyone else around yet. Though surely they existed, otherwise why would he receive the 5th dormitory over the 1st one?
Letting out a quiet sigh, he mused a little further on what could have happened to all of the island's inhabitants, completely unaware of the other subjects that currently settled into island life the way he was doing. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose turned over in the bed of his dorm with a sigh, just having woken from a restful nap after his meal. Today was shaping up to be much better than the previous few days. He had actually met some other people in the Island that weren't either fenced off in the research facility or completely disinterested help (in the case of the woman working at the town hall). One of them even shared his love of fencing - though perhaps not quite to his level of enthusiasm. Both Greer and Cassidy seemed nice enough as a matter of fact. Perhaps things on the Island wouldn't be so bad. However, the more he thought about it, the sillier he felt that he had been on a tropical resort for several days now and had yet to visit the beach. Realizing that there was no good reason for that, he decided to remedy that fact. Putting on a pair of long swim trunks and a t-shirt, he grabbed a towel, slid on his sandals, and started walking down the path that led to the beaches on the Western shore. Breathing in a deep breath he inhaled the clean sea air. It was nothing like the New England beaches - it was... fresher.. tropical. As he got closer to the sandy dunes he spied another figure standing near the waterline - someone he was certain he hadn't encountered before. Another man with deep reddish skin and long, unnaturally red hair. With a mixture between puzzlement and curiousity, he headed in his direction. "Hello there!" Pyroth Ignatius Pyroth got the fright of his life as Ambrose addressed him, so zoned out to the waves and beach that he didn't notice the other man until too late. However, he didn't make a big fuss, just turned his gaze onto the blonde haired man. So there were other people on this island? Thank Karai.
Unable to help himself, the normally unsociable but releived Pyroth gave the other a warm smile (a rare occurence for Pyroth) and returned the proferred greeting. "Hello." he spoke, as he did so taking in Ambrose's attire. Apparently the other man had arrived on the island under more favourable conditions than he had, he had swimming trunks with him.
"Good to see another human being around here." he added with a somewhat less formal and more conversational tone. "Thought it was just me and the jungle for a while there." Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose continued his moderate pace towards the strangely-dressed man, his posture signifying that of a man at-ease. Once he had approached close enough so that he didn't particularly have to raise his voice to speak, he smiled with a sympathetic chuckle. "I know how you feel. I was told that I was one of the first arrivals myself. I've been here for a few days, and hadn't seen any other people except for staff until earlier today." He glanced over Pyroth's shoulder towards the water that had captured the man's attention until Ambrose's arrival. It was a very pretty beach. He'd have to take a picture to show Angelina when he got back. Turning back to Pyroth with a smile and an extention of his hand "My name's Ambrose." Pyroth Ignatius
Pyroth returned Ambrose's handshake and replied.
"Pyroth." a simple affirmation of his name. It was odd that he handed over details like that so easily here on the island, but whatever, he had been caught and trapped, he wasn't some tight-lipped prisioner of war, so why not?
"So there /are/ other people around? Besides yourself I mean? Thank goodness."
Pyroth was dying to ask how the other man had gotten here, wether he knew what was going on, but he supressed that desire. After all, he couldn't give away his curiosity that easily, if he was to find out all he could about this place, he would have to do so discreetly.
Still, it was pretty novelty for Pyroth to be in such a good mood in such a suspicious place, and he noted that it was most likely a result of the good weather and rich landscape, the facination would wear off eventually, but while he was content, he would enjoy it.
"This place is gorgeous isn't it?" he stated with a smirk "I mean if it wasn't for the labs and villiage, it would be completely unspoiled. The doctor must have some pretty hefty amounts of money to throw around." Indeed, not many people could afford to develop an island like this so much, or would have reason to, and that was what made Pyroth wonder.
Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose smiled and nodded "I was releived to find out the same. You would think that with a medical study going on that there would be more subjects, right?" Ambrose gave a bit of a nervous laugh. That little bundle of anxiety hadn't completely dissapated. "I met with two young women today: Cassidy and Greer. Cassidy's apparently a housekeeper who is going to be taking care of keeping the bungalows tidy. Greer's an entomologist - here to study the bugs on the Island apparently. Both of them seemed friendly enough." Ambrose looked around with a smile and a nod at the mention of the Island. "It really is. I hadn't really had the opportunity to appreaciate it... well.. not necessarily opportunity. Desire I suppose." He shrugged, looking a bit awkward. "I suppose it feels strange to be on a tropical paradise without Angelina. Not quite the same enjoying beaches and the jungles alone. Especially when I hadn't found anyone else until earlier." Aubrey Lockheart "HELLO!"
From up the path, a tall, pudgy (but in the cute way) woman came trouncing down towards the beach. Her skin was pale due to lack of much time in the sun (Accentuating the freckles on her face), and very strong coconut smelling suntan lotion had been smeared over her shoulders. She wore sunglasses and a blue sarong over a red one-peice suit. She also carried a book and a beach towel.
She waved enthusiatically to the two men she saw, hurrying to catch up with them. Pyroth Ignatius
Pyroth nodded. So there was a medical study going on here? That was news, but would explain the laboratories. He listened as Ambrose recounted the two other people he had encountered and said "I'll keep an eye out for both of them on my explorations of the town." It really was reassuring to know that there were /at least/ four of them stuck here for now.
The red haired man gave a knowing grin as Ambrose mentioned someone called Angelina, a sweetheart perhaps?
"Ah, got someone else still at home? That would make things a little distracted I suppose. Wouldn't know myself what that's like, I'm a bit of a loner like that"
He was about to add a little more to his comment when he heard Aubrey call to them, and he looked round to watch her approach wondering if she could be one of the two others that Ambrose mentioned or if she was an as yet unknown to him but equally welcome individual.Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose nodded with a wistful smile. "Yes, my girlfriend is still back in Massachusetts. She was busy with work... and, well, it's only two weeks." He shrugged with a half smile and then turned his attention to the newcomer to the beach. I wonder who this is. I'm lonely for three days and then people start crawling out of the woodwork. Ah well, when it rains it pours, I suppose. He nodded and gave a small welcoming wave of his hand back to her. Aubrey Lockheart Aubrey came down, smiling, and offering to shake the mens' hands. "Hello! My name is Dr. Aubrey Lockheart, but you can call me Aubrey. I'm Dr. Moreau's personal assistant and overseer of the project here. Lovely day, isn't? And what might your names be?" She seemed genuine enough, though her voice of higher-pitched than you might expect from a woman her size. Doctor Moreau Moreau headed to the beach where he expected to meet Aubrey. He'd of course brought his sunglasses, but he had left his labcoat behind. Of course none of this changed the fact that he was wearing a sweater and long pants. Moreau didn't have much variety in clothing, though his turtlenecks came in many colors. As he casually strolled along the coast, he headed for the area where he knew his subjects would be. Hopefully Aubrey would find him along the way. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose smiled, a bit surprised, but not unfriendly. He shook her hand back. She certainly seemed much more open than Doctor Moreau himself had - secured in his laboratory and behind a locked fence. After meeting him he was pretty sure he wouldn't interact much with the medical staff save for the periodic checks that Moreau mentioned. He certainly hadn't expected running into them taking it easy on the beach. But then again, this WAS a tropical Island. Moreau must have had some reasoning for choosing such a spot to have his research facility. "It is quite a lovely day, Dr. Lockeart." Ambrose agreed. "A bit hot, but what can you expect. I'm Ambrose, it's a pleasure to meet you." Aubrey Lockheart She smiled at Ambrose. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ambrose! But please, call me Aubrey." Pyroth Ignatius
Pyroth shook Aubrey's hand and greeted her as warmly as he knew how "Nice to meet you Aubrey, the name is Pyroth, forgive me if I'm a little socially rusty, just got here and all, and still a little confused by it all, but indeed, it's gorgeous out today."
Indeed, things had taken a strange turn for the surreal to Pyroth. He felt that instead of finding himself marooned on some sort of hellish lab location full of ebola tests and illegal weapons, that he had stumbled upon some manner of holiday resort. It was odd to say the least.
Doctor Moreau Moreau walked further down, spotting them at a distance "Ahhh! Aubrey! I came out here to join you." Moreau walked closer and smiled to her, then his attention turned the other people there. "Ohhhh... Ambrose correct? And Pyroth wasn't it? How are you enjoying my island?" Aubrey Lockheart "Thats an interesting name. Welcome to the Island."
Aubrey looked off in the distance and her face lit up like a child on Christmas. "Speak of the devil, there he is!"
She quickly looked down and adjested her sarong to make sure it was hanging on her hips in the most flattering way possible. "Hello there, Nic - I mean, Doctor! I'm so glad you came down to join me. Ambrose Maurlias Pyroth? It certainly was an intersting name. Ambrose had certainly never heard one quite like it outside of fiction. "Aubrey then" He acquiesed. "But then just Ambrose for me. No 'mister.'" Things certainly were seeming quite laid back here. He was really begining to feel more at ease here, and happier with his decision to try out the study. This really could turn out to be an enjoyable two weeks above and beyond profitable. The staff certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves. He followed Aubrey's gaze and, sure enough, the Doctor himself was heading their way. Perhaps his judgement had been too harsh about him being pent up in his laboratories. While he didn't exactly seemed dressed for the beach, he was out here. He smiled and kept his mouth shut and stepped back, watching. Doctor Moreau "No problem at all Aubrey, you know me... I love the beach" Moreau said unconvincingly. "So Ambrose? How have you been feeling lately, I hope the island weather has been... good for your health?" Moreau wrapped a hand around Aubrey, determined to give the impression that he was out here for no other reason that relaxation and conversation. Moreau knew that soon enough he might not be able to personally interview the guests, not without truth serums and the like anyway. Pyroth Ignatius Pyroth nodded to Aubrey and was once again pre-empted in his attempts to speak by his attention being diverted. He raised a single red eyebrow as yet another figure approached, this time however, the man was familiar. Pyroth didn't trust Moreau yet, there was something about the man that spoke to him of one of his superiors, a cunning man who probably knew all of what went on in his island. Still, he remained courteous and nodded. "Well, yes, can't complain at the moment. Lovely weather here, is it always like this?"
Pyroth had been relaxing a little but now that internal jangling of nerves was back again. He couldn't quite understand his own mistrust of students of science, perhaps it was simply a case of conflict between science and his own upbringing which placed heavy emphasis on the supernatural. Aubrey Lockheart Aubrey's eyes widened in surprise as Moreau wrapped an arm around her, but the look of surprise quickly melted into a one of utter contentment. She looked like she was about to melt in to a pile of goo. A slight pinky color came to her cheeks, not knowing how to act, so she just stood there and smiled, enjoying the moment while it lasted. heart Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose shifted uncomfortably at the subject of his health openly in front of other people on the Island. He wouldn't have minded discussing side-effects privately, but to openly talk about such things seemed demeaning. "I've... well... I suppose well enough..." His tone spoke to there being more to it than he let on, and he shot Moreau a "please not now" look. It's not that he felt that he particularly needed to impress Pyroth (Aubrey was really no concern as she was apparently a head scientist here), more that he was in general concerned about how other people thought of him regardless of who they were. It was an aftereffect of his upbringing that he had a difficult time shaking even now. Even if he sat down and thought about honestly how irrelevant it all was in the long run. Doctor Moreau "Good to know..." Moreau shot a look back that said we'll talk later. He turned his attention back to Aubrey for a moment. "And You Aubrey? Are you enjoying your day out here? Hmmm you look like you might be burning." Moreau a bit oblivious to the ways of women and the effect the blushing was having on her face. Almost not waiting for a response he turned his attention back to Pyroth "and you? How is this tropical paradise fairing you?" Pyroth Ignatius Pyroth noted Ambrose's apparent discomfort at being directly queried about his health and assumed that he must have received a similar "vaccination" to himself. However, that didn't mean that Pyroth himself didn't feel a little edgy himself. The less he thought about that injection, so dark and vicious looking, the better.
In response to Moreau's direct question, Pyroth shot him a defiant glance, one that stated that he would return civility with civility but there was no trust there. "It will suffice I suppose." he stated calmly. "A little remote though."
Almost as a result of his subconcious, he found himself drifting a little bit away from the others, examining the shallows meticulously for any sign of that stupid little supplies pod that seemed to have no chance of showing up anymore.
Pyroth fell easy into daydreams, but never meant to seem rude by doing so. Aubrey Lockheart Aubrey nodded. "Doing really well. Its so pretty out here. I was thinking abuot going swimming..."
She raised a hand to her cheek. "Burning? Oh, uhm..." I dare you, her more flirty side told her. "Well, I have some more suntan lotion." She pulled out of bottle of SPF50 and placed it in his hands, turning her back and looking over her shoulder to him expectantly. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose noted Pyroth's uncomfortableness to the same question. He must be another research subject here as well. That made sense - Ambrose was begining to wonder - after all, don't medical studies require a great number of subjects? Even High School science had taught him that. Apparently the rather quiet man didn't much care for the location. In fact he seemed quite tense in general since the Doctor showed up. Moreau did give off rather strange vibes... not that that was necessarily indicative of anything, of course. Maybe he just didnt' like doctors. He looked like a Native American and he had heard of clashing views of medicine before. Especially with the markings on his face and the feathers, this was no Native American-by blood only with things like that. But then why would he have agreed to the study.... well... there was the money. Noting his wandering off he looked back to the Doctor, realizing that he was back in the company of the two scientists again, although Aubrey didn't exactly come off really as a scientist nearly as much as Moreau did. Doctor Moreau "Ohhh ummm... well I meant just the face really but, I guess." Moreau dabbed some of the bottle into his hand and began to rub it along Aubrey's back. His eyes were more on Ambrose than Aubrey though as was probably easy to tell from the fact that he would continue to rub the same place repeatedly. "Have you been enjoying the food Ambrose? How have you been eating here? Since the food is all on me." Moreau moved his hands to a different area of Aubrey's back but then continued his distracted suntan lotion spreading. Aubrey Lockheart Not that Aubrey cared. She blushed a deeper shade of red but smiled contently. If she were a cat, she's be purring. She closed her eyes and wished it would go on forever. Ambrose Maurlias If Ambrose had felt a bit awkward before with Pyroth there, he felt equally so, if in a different way, awkward now with Aubrey openly flirting with Moreau in front of him. His mind strayed to Angelina, and a blush rose to his own cheeks as he cleared his throat and returned his attention to to question. "The food?" Ambrose started as his mind returned. "Well, it's not bad - reminds me of the cafeteria food on campus, actually..." The question itself seemed pointed as Ambrose thought back to his appetite. "I guess I've been eating a bit more than usual..." He hesitated, realizing how much of an understatement that was. But this was a medical study. They needed to know accurate side-effects of the treatments or drugs or whatever... "Well.. rather a bit more than usual, actually" he begrudged, glancing over to where Pyroth was, convinced that he was probably out of hearing. "And still feeling a little bit off... though my arm is feeling better by now." Doctor Moreau "Is there anything we haven't been providing you with that you've been craving? Have the meats been satisfactory?" Moreau looked at Ambrose very interested at this point. "What about your sleep here? I've heard that change in climate can cause odd dreams." Moreau continued to rub Aubrey's back, moving up to her shoulders. "Oh yes Aubrey, wanted to let you know, you've been an excellent help so far. I hope your enjoying the day off." Pyroth Ignatius
Pyroth realised only moments later of his distraction from the conversation, and returned to his place in the group, noting as he did so, that Moreau seemed to be putting suntan lotion on his assistant, albeit not very efficiently. He had to supress a smirk at the scene and at Aubrey's evident contentment. Affection was a weakness and it was both to his dissapointment and additional respect that he noted Moreau's somewhat detached behaviour.
Ambrose was stil being hounded for his opinions and feelings on the island it seemed, and Pyroth felt a twinge of guilt. His daydreaming had left the man open to Moreau's polite but meticulous questioning.
And for the time being, he remained content to listen. He was better at that than anything else though.
Aubrey Lockheart Aubrey bit her lip to keep from swooning. "I'm glad you think so, Doctor. I've been doing my best!" Yeah, she had 'smitten" written alllll over her face. Ambrose Maurlias "The meat...?" Ambrose thought back to the lasagna and the meat loaf. "Yes, it's been fine... Has there been a problem with importing it here? ... Or has it been something other than beef?" Ambrose thought to the fact that they were on an island and that the ground "beef" might in fact be something more... native. And did these questions ever seem pointed. Another flush rose to Ambrose's face as he remembered his... "expierence" the other night. How embarrassing.... but, if he brought it up - perhaps the doctor could confirm it was merely an effect of the tests. "I... well.... I don't recall my dreams very well.... but... the other night I had an incident of... sleepwalking" The last word was said in a hushed tone, as if he had done something wrong. "Is that normal, Doctor?" He asked, searching his face for familiarity. Doctor Moreau Moreau moved down to rub the lotion on Aubrey's legs still firmly and mostly speaking to Ambrose. "Not that I'm aware of, I suppose it's possible, you'll probably find yourself with more energy. You should put it to good use." Moreau nodded to Pyroth "Welcome back Pyroth, I was just speaking to Mr. Maurlias about a few things" he smiled. Pyroth Ignatius "Ah." Pyroth stated bluntly, wanting to ask the doctor if Ambrose had received the same vaccination as him or something worse, but knowing that it would be both rude and a waste of time. He doubted the doctor would tell him anything more than he needed to know, what with his lurking hostility and all.
In fact, Pyroth wanted to ask many many things, but his stern self-control, for the moment was having none of it. Patience, it reminded him, was the watchword.
Ambrose Maurlias]Ambrose averted his gaze from Moreau's hands on Aubrey's legs right in front of him. He had never been one for PDA, and the head Doctor and his "assistant"...
"Wait, so you mean that's not a standard side effect?!" Ambrose disparaged. And of course, he realized as he turned around to see Pyroth had returned, he had been overheard on top of that. Ambrose clammed up, hoping that his face wasn't burning too brightly of a red.[/quote]
[quote="Aubrey Lockheart Aubrey tried to discretely put her hand over her face to hide the blush now burning brightly on her face by pertending to sheild the sun from her face. Moreau was not a very... touchy-feeling kind of guy, and she never expected him to rub her legs. Now that she was ... complaining, per se.. but she would have preferred they be alone. Doctor Moreau Moreau finished applying the suntan lotion, or atleast he assumed he had as he stood back up. He noticed Pyroth's reapproach. "Well, we will of course talk of this later. For now though, your young you should enjoy this wonderful beach. I believe my lab work will be calling me back soon." Moreau knew Aubrey would be sad at this. "But I'll stay... a bit longer." he said. Pyroth Ignatius Pyroth made no sign that he had overheard Ambrose, respecting the other's privacy and not wanting to be accused of eavesdropping. Still, he made a vague note that apparently the other man was having similarly vivid dreams to himself.
As far as the Doctor and Aubrey, Pyroth could care less. His tribe hadn't really bothered much for modesty, spending much of their lives in close proximity to one another, and as a result, little phased him.
"So Doctor, heard any word back from the mainland on my fate?" Pyroth finally asked, not really expecting an informative reply but making an attempt nevertheless. Aubrey Lockheart Aubrey took the lotion back from Moreau, feeling a bit dizy-high. "Thank you, Doctor," she said, her face still pink. Perhaps now was a good time for a swim. "I'm going to go test the waters," she said, and trotted off towards the waves. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose looked back to Pyroth, his embarrassment momentarily forgotten as he heard the man's question. Had he assumed incorrectly? Fate? Why was he here? Despite Moreau's encouragement to go enjoy himself, Ambrose wasn't exactly sure what that entailed. He had dressed to swim, but once again, he felt awkward and on the spot with the Doctor standing on the beach in a sweater, even if his assistant was out enjoying the waters. Perhaps he'd test the water later. He took a few paces around the sand, feeling the sand between his toes that the sandals allowed and smiled a bit, telling himself he wasn't eavesdropping on Pyroth and the Doctor. Doctor Moreau "Yes, but I'd perfer to discuss it in private. It is not good news unfortunetly." Moreau smiled turning away from the subject to watch Aubrey, or atleast to feign doing so. After a moment he scooped up his pad and began writing notes, sitting in the sand. "Ambrose, perhaps you should join Aubrey in the water, not to force you young man." as Moreau continued to write furiously. Pyroth Ignatius Pyroth hadn't expected the news to be good, and wasn't too dissapointed when the Doctor informed him of such. "Fair enough." he stated with a shrug, getting the message that tha particular line of discussion was a no-go at the moment.
He too watched Aubrey make her way down to the water, and mentally shuddered, no way in hell would anyone get him near those chilly depths again, not after that horrific night spent in the storm while all about him the ocean raged, sky became sea and he thought he was going to die. No way. Besides, he wasn't a strong swimmer to begin with, the land was his friend.
Walking a little way away from the doctor, enough so as to be within earshot but well outside the man's personal space, Pyroth sat himself down on the soft sands and watched what went on round about him, all the while pondering what the bad news could be, an uncomfortable sinking feeling in his stomach. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose shrugged indifferently. "Perhaps some other time." He said, his eyes fixated on the waters. They did look nice... especially considering how hot and humid it was. His resolve wavered. He shuffled his foot in the sand, thoroughly covering his foot in sand, wedging it between his foot and his flip flop as he watched Aubrey cavort in the low waves. The boy inside Ambrose, who had been repressed in Ambrose since he was quite young, stomped his foot in protest. Who of these people would he ever see again after these two weeks anyway.... Besides, the water was certainly better than the Doctor's questions. "Well..." Ambrose finally begrudged. "Maybe I'll go see how the water temperature is..." As he headed towards the shore with a secretive smile. Doctor Moreau Moreau smiled as Ambrose headed out to sea a bit. He looked back down at his papers and suddenly seemed to think about something very important. Moreau promptly stood up and without a word headed back to his lab facilities, leaving Aubrey, Pyroth, and Ambrose to their beach fun. He walked away like a man on a mission, his sunglasses on top of his head as he read over whatever notes he had made. Pyroth Ignatius As Pyroth watched Ambrose and Aubrey in the water, he noted the onset of a pretty hefty hunger pang. He never got hungry often, so this was surprising to say the least. However, it was probably down to the foreign injection coupled with the lack of fireweed that was messing with his metabolism. Getting to his feet he decided that maybe an apple or something was in order, just as a snack, Meanwhile another part of him wanted a ham sandwhich.
He made to excuse himself to Ambrose and Aubrey, but realised that they were a bit far off for him and simply waved. Then, with a shrug, he headed up the sands towards the villiage, pausing only to get some of the sand off of his sandals, then making a beeline towards the cafeteria. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose stuck by the water's edge for several minutes, letting the surf wash over his sandals and clean out the bits of sand. However, eventually he gave in and wandered out into the water, up to about his waist, letting the relatively cool water (but hardly cold in this tropical area) wash over his skin. He had to admit, it did feel very nice. He swam for a bit (it would be a good workout he justified to himself - especially working with against the minor undertow and wave motion). And maybe it was psychosomatic, but it felt very good excercizing a good deal of the muscles of his body that swimming tends to do. Eventually, however, the sun started to feel quite itchy on his skin as he remembered that he had neglected to put on suntan lotion. Heading back to the beach, he squeezed his hair out and started to head back to the village for a cleansing shower... and then dinner. Definately dinner.
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Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:49 pm
After returning from the beach, showering, and getting himself dinner (another large meal - Ambrose told himself it might have been partially appetite from after the swim), he returned to his bungalow, feeling pleasantly drowsy. However, despite how badly Ambrose would have really liked to lay down to a good night's sleep, the health-conscious voice protested that that would be a bad idea... despite the fact he had done the exact same thing during lunch. So, before laying down to sleep, he returned to his desk, picked up the pen and a new sheet of stationary, and composed another letter to Angelina. Ambrose wasn't exactly one to keep a journal, but writing letters to her was a way of organizing his thoughts, reflecting, and expressing himself to her all at the same time. Quote: Dearest Angelina, I know it hasn't been long since my last letter, but here I am at my desk again, my pen in my hand and you in my thoughts. Today has been shaping up to not nearly be as bad - I have discovered that there are indeed other people on the Island, though strangely enough I have yet to meet another person participating in the study that I am. However, due to apparently a bizarre coincidence, Greer, one of the women here (who is here on an entomological study) actually went to UMass at Amherst as well when she was an undergraduate. AND she fences - sabre as opposed to epee, but still. At least I've found someone else who I can talk with while I'm here. Perhaps even spar with if we're able to figure someone out. Besides Greer there is Cassidy - a young housekeeper who seemed rather nice, and a strange Native American man by the name of Pyroth. I also went to the beach yesterday - it really is spactacular. I will be taking some photos on my camera to bring back to show you. The sands are golden, and incredibly fine - the skies and sea crystal clear. You can see straight to the bottom even when wading hip-deep. I wish you could see it and share it with me. It's just not the same without you. Maybe someday we could come back here together - not for a medical study, though I doubt that this private Island would be available for something like that... But someday something tropical - just the two of us. I promise. Love, Ambrose And with that signoff, he put it in an envelope and addressed it. By that time, however, his drowsy feeling was getting the better of him. The warm, sated just-ate comfort was making his limbs feel heavy and his eyelids droop. How unlike him, he thought in the back of his mind as he brushed his teeth, changed into sleepwear and crawled under the covers.
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Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 4:53 pm
RP: Meeting "The Dude"The Dude XD What a night! To shake off the last remants of the creepy a** trip of a nightmare from last night the Dude jumped into the water and dove around the boat for a while. Just, trying to forget things that made his brain hurt. Captain Morgan was starrign at him from the stern, clearly not amused. Feeling the need to do something, the Dude finally swam ashore and started walking around on the beach, collecting long, semi straight poles. He figured that having to swim to the boat every time was too much trouble and the lagoon was shallow enough that there must have been asand bank that one could wade along to get to the boat. he jsut had to find it. And mark it with poles. Preoccupied with this activity, he was not paying attentiong. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose woke up the next morning feeling... wonderful! From his first deep, filling breath of morning air to the energized feeling he felt shortly after. After the swim at the beach yesterday his body felt honed, the muscles thankful for the full-body workout. He wasn''t sore in the least, just energized! He got up, showered and as he was about to dress in the casual cargo pants and fitted shirt, he changed his mind, instead selecting his beachwear. Yesterday felt so grand, there was no reason not to make a repeat trip today. After stopping by the Cafeteria for a delightful (In Ambrose''s positive frame of mind) breakfast, he continued out to the beach. His skin was already looking a bit darker (in places - red in others) from the trip yesterday. And, even better, he thought to himself as his eyes scanned the sandy expanses - there was no sign of the good doctor today. He could enjoy the waves and sun without feeling like he was being watched. He lay his towel carefully on the beach, slipped off his sandals and headed to the water''s edge, breathing in a satisfied whiff of the salty air as the surf rushed around his feet, chasing small crabs and shells around his feet.] However, he soon became aware that while the Doctor wasn''t present, he wasn''t alone as he heard slow, repetetive " THURK"''s - the sound of something wooden being driven into sand. Opening his eyes again he saw a figure wandering down the sandbanks. Curiousity piqued, he wandered in his general direction. The Dude XD Armed with a substantial boulder in his right hand, the Dude was standing waist deep in water about 20 feet away from the shore, beating a pole into the sand underwater. He had figured the interesting beeline pattern of the sand bank and was marking it. A messy pile of long weatherworn branches were laying on the shore near him Ambrose Maurlias With his head cocked in mild curiousity, Ambrose began to meander closer to where this man was apparently busy driving stakes into the sand. Did he work here? Were they building a pier? "Hello~!" Ambrose called out, shuffling through the shallow water. The Dude XD The Dude turned around to see a young blond man in swimming trunks. He smiled and waved: "Yo! Wassup?" Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose smiled, bemused at the casual mannerisms of the other man. He glanced from the boat of questionable functionality with "The Liberty Manatee" lovingly plastered to the side of the boat, and back to the individual. They certinaly seemed the pair. He continued his approach and returned the greeting "Just out for a..." he glanced at his watch. "Early afternoon swim" he smiled. "I don''t believe we''ve met. I''m Ambrose." He offered his hand with an inquisitive look. The Dude XD "Allright, slap me some skin, Ambrose ^_^" - with that the be-dreaded beach bum made some strange, but nifty looking hand slapping ritual, kinda taking Ambrose''s hand for a ride along there "I''m the Dude. That''s my boat" - he pointed at the "Manatee". "I am kinda ship wrecked here since yesterday. You from the Ferret labs?" Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose was certainly caught off-guard, as The Dude converted his simple offer of a handshake into some puzzling series of gestures. Having grown up in a rather conservative East Coast environment, and while Ambrose considered himself rather open minded considering the upbringing he had had, this man, this "Dude" certainly threw him for a loop. He seemed to be the California stereotype brought to full, three-dimensional life. "Dude..?" Ambrose repeated slowly, the bemusement increasing as he got over the initial awkwardness. He glanced back at the boat, despite the fact he had gotten a good look at it in his stroll over. "Well" Ambrose replied, turning back to him. "Sounds like you were lucky to find your way here - it looks like your boat got tossed around pretty badly." It''s a miracle he got this far at all in that little thing, his mind echoed his words. Ambrose was no sailor; the closest expierences he had had was on his family yaht some summers - and this was certainly no comparison to the sleek, confident boats. Ambrose shook his head with a chuckle. "Feral labs? No... well, not exactly. I''m here for a study they''re doing, but I''m not one of their scientists if that''s what you mean." The Dude XD "Yeah, damn lucky. I thought I was done for to be honest. But the "Manatee" pulled thru, the old lady. And this island is pretty sweet. I don''t mind staying here for a while." - he chuckled. ''Yeah, with all the ladies around, and the free food'' - the Dude added mentally. Hitting the pole a few more times with the stone, he shook it and decided he was sattisified with it''s stability. "Oh yeah, the study. tha''ts what you are here for. What ARE they studying? It seems every tiem I ask somebody I get a different answer ..." - the Dude scratched his goatee and looked a bit more ponderous "Like, do they study a new drug or something? Is that why they stick people with "inocculations against rare tropical diseases"? They stuck me yesterday. My arm''s all swolen now" - he pointed to the red bulge on his substantial bicep. "I suppose swimming after being injected didn''t really help either, though." Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose laughed good-naturedly at the intrepretation of the benefits of the Island. If he hadn''t been attached and, well, not the "swinging" type, he could certainly appreaciate that the other women he had seen thus far were rather attractive. Ambrose hesitated, however, at The Dude''s description of the laboratories, the different answers, and especially describing innoculations. "Innoculations..?" Ambrose echoed. "No, well, I haven''t heard anything about tropical diseases.... but that might be because I was pretty caught up on immunizations before arriving. All they were really are at liberty to tell me was that the study is for some sort of physical enhancer... to assist the disabled, or something like that. Given it''s a medical study they can''t tell the participants very much." Ambrose absently scratched at the remnants of the welt on his own arm - vastly diminished, but still a reminder remained much like a large mosquito bite. The Dude XD "Ah. Hrm ... I see" - the Dude was digesting this new information. Then his stomach growled loudly. He scratched it and stretched "Speaking of which - let''s go get that free food. Say, Ambrose - you know where Cassidy lives? I have a towel to return to her." Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose nodded, wondering what was going through the man''s mind. "I just ate, actually, but I wouldn''t mind accompanying you. I could probably pick up something small regardless." He started heading back to the beach where he had left his towl and flip flops. "Yes, I know where Cassidy lives... Right next door to me as a matter of fact." He hesitated, his mind stumbling over something The Dude had said. "You said that they gave you conflicting information...?" The edge of worry slipped into his voice. Things were just fine he kept telling himself, but small details still would not leave him alone. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison woke up from her long nap and rubbed her head. She shook off her blanket and got up from her bed to stretch. The cold wooden floor creaked as she walked over to the closet to put on something to wear.
The previous day was so exciting that she had stayed up all night going over about what had happened. Her arm still throbbed a little from the needle when she touched it. Her life had been such a blur before. Job interviews and standing in the unemployment line had consumed so much of her time. It was so great to just live on your own time for a change. She felt that nothing was really expected of her on the island and she could do whatever she wanted. It was so wonderful to finally reunite with her cousin, Dr. Moreau. He had changed so much and she sure wanted to get to know him again.
Madison leafed through the hanged up clothes and finally decided on a black swimsuit. From outside the window of her cabin, it looked like such a great day to hit the beach. There wasn''t a cloud in the sky!
After she dressed, Madison headed out the door and towards the wooden walkway that led to the beach. Her bare feet felt so warm in the sand, just like a cozy slipper. Her steps quickened into a brisk run as she darted out to the ocean waves.
She ran so far out until the water was up to her neck. The waves suddenly got bigger and she could barely keep afloat.
"What a stupid idea.. I should of known not to swim when it was high tide" she grumbled, spitting out some of the salty water.
The waves kept bringing her back in no matter how hard she kicked. Panicing, she looked all around but didn''t see nothing but water.
"He..eeelp!!" she called out in a toneless scream. The Dude XD "I''m starved!" - the Dude scratched his injected arm that was now itching miserably and sighed, sharing with Ambrose his observations. "Yeah ... well ... small things, but my gut tells me they are lying. The redhead named Aubrey told me I had to be injected against "rare tropical disease" named Dengue Fever or something like that. Well, I know of malaria in these areas. But I''ve never heard of a "deadly" Dengue Fever. And the kicker is, when the doctor dragged me up into the Area 51 lab of his, he didn''t know anything about any fevers. Weired, huh?" He stuck his hands into the pockets of his shorts and continued, shrugging: "But, ya know, they clearly insisted on stabbing me with the needle, otherwise I probably wouldn''t be able to stay on the island. And it''s not like I can easily leave, you know ... so I let them. Can''t be that bad if they are allowed to test it on humans, ya know?" He looked up into the sky and thought about this for a few moments, then remembered: "Oh yeah, and another thing. Cassidy told me she came here to work as a cleaning lady for a hotel. But Aubrey, when talking about her said she came here for the study. I don''t think Cassy is knows she''s here for the study. I don''t think she would have come here for that, you know ..." Then the Dude kinda narrowed his eyes, starring at smth on the other side of the beach: "Yo, check it out ..." - he pointed: "I think there is a dolphin there or something. See the splashing!" Ambrose Maurlias Doubt began to nibble more and more at Ambrose''s confidence as he listened to The Dude. While this individual, under most circumstances, may not have been the sort that Ambrose would have considered to be the epitome of reliability, his already existing anxieties seemed to build on what the Dude was saying. Perhaps it was because it was precisely what he didn''t want to hear. "They didn''t tell me anything about a Durgae fever..." Ambrose swallowed. "I think I would have remembered a vaccination against that before I came. I got malaria... Hepatitis... but never heard of that one." His mind searched for a plausibility "But I signed on with the study with Feral Laboratories state-side, and they gave me those preliminary vaccinations there. Maybe it was mixed in with one of them, they just didn''t bother to mention it." That must be it, his rational mind agreed. "Well..." The doubt reared its head again. "We ARE technically outside the US... furthermore, on a private Island. There isn''t exactly a FDA here.... BUT - Feral Laboratories is a genuine company with labs in the states" He added quickly. "I''m sure it''s... nothing to be worried about." His face didn''t express the same confidence as his words. And at the news of Cassidy''s participation... well, that just kicked a boulder into his stomach. "Cassidy''s a participant...?" He shook his head. "That can''t be right. She told me as well she was here as a cleaning lady for the bungalows." He could understand being embarrassed about admitting to being part of a medical study - he had a hard enough time doing so. But if she HAD fibbed, why on earth would she say she was a cleaning lady - that was even worse! He shook his head, agreeing that, if the Dude was correct and not drug-addled, then something seemed MOST amiss. He would have to go talk to Cassidy. Ambrose''s eyes wandered back to the boat, and its definate unseaworthiness. "Were you in a hurry to go anywhere..." He cut off as his eyes narrowed on a figure being tossed about by the waves. "What the..." just as cries of "HELP!" reached his ears. Dr. Madison Moreau A massive wave gushed over Madison, who could not hear it coming. Salt water flowed into her lungs as she fought to keep afloat.
''Is this the end of my life? Am I going to die?'' she thought to herself as her life came flashing before her eyes. In the past, she had tried to kill herself by taking too many pills..but actually dying out of her own accord was so frightening. Madison liked to be in charge and not tossed around like a volley ball between the waves.
Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do but attempt to swim back up to the surface. The Dude XD The Dude was about to say that if this was all FDA kosher, then Feral Labs wouldn''t have to put the researchers on a friggin tropical island without a phone, but he also heard the faint cry for help. "s**t, I think someone''s drowining over there" - he grunted and dove into the water. Being a professional diver and growing up by the water all his life, he had a powerful breaststroke and would likely easily outswim Ambrose unless Ambrose had much practice swimming. Ambrose Maurlias The red hair and the erratic movements quickly secured in Ambrose''s mind that that was certainly no dolphin. Without a second thought, Ambrose started jogging through the shallow water, then swimming rapidly. He wasn''t a professional swimmer or anything, but he was no stranger to the water and was in rather good athletic shape. However, he didn''t stop to give the dude time to volunteer his diving skills and started jogging through the shallow water, and then swimming towards the struggling figure. The waves started getting higher, and Ambrose did what he could to keep a cool head. He was lucky he seemed to be brimming with energy today so that the currents didn''t sweep HIM away too, but as he got closer to the figure, he started to realize that he didn''t exactly have a plan of action, and the last thing he wanted was for the woman to pull them both under. The Dude XD The flailing woman wasn''t hard to see, even among the waves, but then he suddenly lost track of her. Figuring she had gone under he dove and opened his eyes. The waves have stirred up the sand, but the Dude caught sight of something red and pushed himself towards it. It wasn''t particullary deep here at all, so the woman had already hit the sandy floor. Scooping her up, the Dude re-surfaced and pushed her face out of the water as high as he could. She was still flailling haphazardly everywhere and hitting him wiht her limbs, making it hard to swim. "Lady, chill. I got''ya" - he tried to sound calm and reassuring but ended up sounding frustrated when an elbow hit him square in the eyes. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose coughed and spluttered against the seawater that was trying its damndest to work its way into his lungs. The water was churning, and Ambrose noted on the distant horizon that the clouds had been turning a smouldering grey, the border between the sky and the sea seeming to blur together. Looking around he saw the other man dive. He swam arm-over-arm closer to the area, to find him a moment later surface with the redhead in his arms. A bit of unjustified disgruntled jealousy murmured in his heart that it wasn''t he who had saved the "damsel in distress". But she was at the surface now - and that''s what was important. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison''s eyes nearly popped out her skull as she felt something grab her in the water. Terrified, she tried to fight away the grip thinking it was a shark or something. She was in a total state of shock and wasn''t making any rational thought.
Feeling herself pulled up towards the surface, she gasped for air but some water was still lodged in her lungs and made her choke. She opened her salt water stinging eyes and could make out the sillouette of two figures. One of them was holding her and he was so bearlike.
Finally, she calmed down and her body fell limp in the grasp of the burly man as she struggled to breathe.
The Dude XD Actually kinda glad the lady was not struggling anymore, the Dude turned her around on her back and hooked his right arm under her armpits and over her chest, then started swimming towards the blond youth with his left arm. "Yo, Ambrose! I think she zonked out." Finally reaching where he could stand he let go off the girl, put her over his arm like an infant and hit her on the back, hoping to get some of the salt water out of her lungs. "You know what to do here, man? I think she just passed out from fear." Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose desparaged for something helpful to do. He swam over to the two of them, releived to see the woman looked both alive, and now wasn''t fighting the help. He reached out and tapped the Dude on his large shoulder. "The shore''s that way!" Ambrose yelled over the crash of the waves. "We had better hurry - it looks like there''s a storm brewing" He said, stating the obvious, as the sky was darkening and the waves were growing choppier by the minute. "We need to get her back to shore! There''s nothing we can do to help out here!" The Dude XD "Oh s**t!" - the Dude looked at the horizon and then at his boat which was now finally moving in the rising tide. With a determined gesture he shoved the lady into Ambrose''s hands and smiled apologetically. "You take her to shore. I got a cat to save." That, and a whole lot of weed. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison choked and coughed up most of the salt water. It burned her throat like hell! Her eyes adjusted to who was holding her. It was a rather handsome man with soaken dread locked blonde hair and kind eyes. She felt like she was in a dream.
Without warning, the man suddenly let go of her and thrusted her away.
"Wait! come back! Don''t leave me here..." she cried out, her eyes now tearing up.
She felt herself being clutched by someone else in the furious waters. It looked like a storm was brewing and some lightning streaked the sky.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the burly man swim towards what looked like to be a boat.
''I hope he can get it in time..I sure would love to go sailing around the island..." she whispered. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose''s eyes widened as the woman was suddenly in his arms as the Dude swam off as fast as he could towards that broken-down rig he called a boat. A cat?! Not that he didn''t appreaciate pets, but there was a drowning woman in his arms. But.... now Ambrose could bring her to shore -he was helping, and in a lesser way, still playing the hero. Ambrose doubted that a storm could come in fast enough to forfit a rescue over the cat in the boat who wasn''t far off shore. But, regardless, Ambrose started paddling slowly to shore, making sure to keep her face above water. "Are you okay, miss!?" Ambrose called out over the waves. "I''ve got you - don''t worry!" Finally, afer battling the waves, he hefted her out of the water as the water lowered to where it was only about waist deep. Carrying her a good ways onto the beach, he settled her down onto the sand carefully, and sat down next to her, wiping the stinging water from his eyes. Dr. Madison Moreau The sky was getting even darker with black clouds as Madison felt herself being pulled ashore. She was slowing snapping back to reality and no longer feeling like she was in a dream state.
She could make out the movements of his lips as he mouthed some comforting words that made her begin to relax. The water was coming up out of her body with more ease and she began to feel embarrassment in front of such a great looking guy.
''Was this the guy who saved me?"she thought to herself, feeling like the stocky man with the dreads wasn''t real and was just in her imagination.
She felt such a surge of grattitude to the man before her that she wrapped her arms around him and buried her head into his shoulder.
"My hero!" she said smiling as she coughed up the last of the water from her lungs. The Dude XD Turning his head around a few times to make sure Ambrose and the drowning chick reached the shore, the Dude got to his boat and stood down on the sandy floor of the sand bank. The boat was rocking from side to side in the choppy water, ready to break loose from it''s prison and float off. The Dude got ahold of the stern and pushed hard several times, helping it along. The "Manatee" finally budged a little, sliding into deeper waters. He pushed again, trying his hardest to shake it loose. From the top of the shanty, Captain Morgan was meowing furiously at the storm, probably insulting it''s mother or something. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose breathed a sigh of relief as she definately looked cognizant after reaching the shore. Thank God He breathed, a rather charming smile playing over his features. With her exclamation, a ruddy blush rose to his cheeks and he scratched the back of his neck. "Well.... I''m not the only one to thank..." he murmured, glancing over to where the Dude was fighting with the storm and the boat. "He''s the one who pulled you back to the surface." As much as Ambrose would have loved to take credit for saving a young woman''s life... his conscious forbade him taking undue credit. "Is there anything I can get you?" His towel was already in his hands. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison felt like she was in some kind of harlequin romance novel as she stared up dreamily at the guy who (she thought) had saved her life.
His lips moved as he spoke to her and she made out the movements. He said that the other guy had been the one that plucked her from her deathl! She got up out of his grip and felt herself a fool. While she was gracious to him, she just felt as though she had been mislead by her own emotions.
From her position on the beach, she could make out the other guy trying to get control of his boat. The sea was getting more wild by the minute and she was so afraid for him. He looked like a sturdy enough person to be able to withstand the angry waters so she tried to stop worrying.
She saw that the young man was now asking if she needed anything so she shook her head. Being deaf was such an obstacle and sometimes people thought she was simply ignoring them or being rude. She tried her best to cope and always watched to see if anyone with her conversed.
Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose seemed to miss the undertones of the rescue entirely, and he sat there holding the towel for a moment as she sat up and looked around the beach. At least she was alright, he smiled. He thought back to the "daring" rescue just moments before, internally swearing again at his slowness. He wished he could ahve been the first one there. Reason prodded him that he might have had a hard time pulling her sinking figure to the surface against the turbulent waters. But of course, in hindsight one always could have done many things - and saving a drowning damsel single-handedly was one of those. Standing up, he offered her a hand up, at the very least. The Dude XD Finally, the "Manatee" was free. Scrambling onto the deck, the Dude rushed to the old motor, praying to all the gods that there was still a drop or two of gasoline left in it. He pulled the cord once, twice, gave it a swift kick, then pulled it again. Nothing. As he was fighting with the engine the boat, swaying from side to side, was speeding towards the cliffs to the south of the beach, carried by the wind and the waves. Realizing that, the Dude''s look became desperate. "I can''t ******** belive it. C''mon! C''mon Manatee! C''mon, old girl." - he pleaded to it, kicking the silent motor. Nothing. Swearing worse then any sailor, the Dude, giving the motor one last, hopeless kick, grabbed a backpack and strted shoving things into it: snorkel, fishing kit, his secret stash in a coffee can (carefully sealed with candle wax), last twelve pack of beer, half a gallon of Jack Daniels, cigarettes, lighter, knife, random clothes that got in the way. Out of the lagoon and no longer protected by the mountain''s wind shadow the "Manatee" was now almost flying towards the cliffs, encouraged by the whipping wind of the incoming storm. He had to get out now or it would be too late. He put on the diving mask and filppers. Then, as the last thing, the Dude grabbed a towel and threw it over the meowing Captian Morgan, stuffing the cat into the back pack, zipping it up and strapping it onto his back. "Good Luck, Manatee" - he finally said, close to tears and jumped into the stormy waters. Inside the backpack, Captain Morgan howled like a banshee. Propelled by the flippers, the Dude fought the current and was getting closer and closer to shore. Around him the storm was starting to pick up strength and the wind was gettign lowder and lowder. But even the crashing of the waves and the howling of the wind and the furious tomcat in his back pack could not drown out the heartbreaking crash he heard behind him. The "Libery Manatee" was a good boat. A veritable old lady who had braved many a hurricane. In her 60 years of existance she had been a pleasure boat for the rich, a smuggler''s vessel, a fishing boat, a tour guide of the Keys and most importantly, a home to many. And her end was as glorious as her existance. May she rest in peace. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison allowed herself to be lifted up as the man offered her his hand. She shook the sand from her legs and looked out into the sea.
To her horror, her savior''s boat crashed into the rocky cliffs. From what she saw of the boat, it looked so dignified and was so miserable to see it gone. Madison loved boats and would go sailing or fishing when she could.
The man was coming closer to the shore with a backpack bobbing up as he swam. It might of been just her imagination, but she could of sworn that she saw something wriggle in the backpack.
"Let''s help him ashore.." Madison called out to the younger guy. She still didn''t know either one of their names but wanted everyone to be in a safe place before making the proper introductions.
She attempted to walk towards the ocean but stumbled back and fell into the sand. Her leg muscles cramped up from exerting so much energy before. More lighting streaked the sky and chubby droplets of rain began to prod the water and land.
Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose stood, staring at the Dude''s epic struggle, impressed with his confidence against the waves and rocks. Ambrose was honestly impressed - not expecting such a feat from a man like him. He looked drawn between the redhead and the Dude. Did he need assistance? He didn''t seem to, but Ambrose felt awkward just sitting and watching the scene unfold. He turned as the woman tried to walk towards him - agreeing to help him at least on the last leg of his journey. Setting her back down in the sand carefully he spoke to her. "You wait here. Your leg might be injured. I''ll go see to make sure he gets back here safely". And with that, he jogged over to where The Dude was emerging from the surf to see if he could offer a hand with anything. This two weeks of study was already shaping up to be quite the interesting time - from boredom, to vacation, to adventure! The Dude XD It was a harsh struggle back to shore. The hatefull meowing in his backpack reassured him that Captain Morgan was still kicking, which warmed the Dude''s heart a little. He coldn''t bear the thought of loosing the cat as well. Finally getting close to the shore he stood up and took off the flippers and the mask. Ambrose was there, saying something, offering help, but the Dude was dazed. He silently shook his head and grunted somehting incoherently. Not looking back, he waded back to shore, took of the backpack and opened it. Like a red rocket, the tomcat flew out of the back pack, hissing, yowling and shaking himself all at the same time. He landed a few feet away form the dude, growled then shot up a tree. The Dude looked at Ambrose and the red headed girl silently, plopped onto the sand and pulled the bottle of Jack out of the backpack. Silently, he unscrewed the top and started drinking the whiskey in big, hungry gulps. That lasted about a minute. After downing about half a bottle he stopped, wiped the bottle and offered it to the other two. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison''s heart skipped a beat as the guy who saved her life was finally on shore. She smiled up at him as he walked over. The backpack he was wearing got her full attention as the contents within looked like it was fighting to get out.
''What could be in there? Maybe a fish swam inside while he was in the ocean...'' she thought to herself and she saw him open the bag finally.
A furry animal raced out as soon as it was unzipped. This totally freaked Madison out! Who keeps animals in backpacks anyways..the poor animal was probably starved for breath. Then she realized that he had saved the cat just like he saved her and a sense of warmth pulled over her sand covered body. The man pulled out a bottle of whiskey and drank it while getting a seat next to them.
She blushed beat red as the guy offered her his bottle. It looked nearly empty!
"He sure drink a giant gulp..he probably needed it after his journey from the sea... such a shame about his boat.." she thought and shook her head to the bottle. It wasn''t a good time to get drunk..she had barely escaped death and sure didn''t need to drink herself into a stupor.
"So...what are your names?" she stammered and tried to stop from being nervous. "My name is Madison..Dr. Madison Moreau". Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose sat down heavily after everyone was out of harm''s way. The sky was still threatening to open up at any moment, but for the time, the rain was being held off except for the scattered drip every minute or so. The wind was starting to whistle through the trees. But, for the moment, things seemed safe enough by comparison to the situation they had been in moments before. He held his hand up to the proferred bottle. His heart was still racing with adrenaline, but he had a wild smile on his face. This was worth the trip - this alone. "I''m Ambrose" He smiled at the pretty redhead between breaths... and then it hit him a moment later as his breath turned to coughs as if he had just breathed in a mouthfull of seawater. " Moreau?!" He spluttered. The Dude XD "Just call me Dude." - the Dude grunted, taking the bottle back. He was still very much in shock from "Liberty Manatee"''s crashing demise. The cute redhead in the skimpy black swim suit was looking at him like he was some kind of movie star, while Ambrose was grinning wide. Not able to handle all this attention, the Dude took up the bottle again and took another long swig. The world was starting to sway blissfully as the whiskey warmed his blood. "Peace to you, Manatee" - he murmured quietly to himself. From the top of the palm, Captain Morgan meowed pitifully. He was stuck. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison giggled at Ambrose. "It''s nice to meet you! Yes, Dr. Moreau is my cousin..a distant cousin"
Her gaze shifted from him and to the Dude''s kitty! It was lodged up a palm and couldn''t get down. Madison had a soft spot for animals and got up immediately from the sand.
"Poor cat! I wonder how we can help it down from there..." she shouted. Ripe coconuts that looked full of milk hung from the tree by the cat and Madison''s mouth watered. She was getting so hungry after her terrible ordeal.
She tried to focus on ways to help the cat instead of her growling stomach... The Dude XD Realizing that the humans were finally paying attention to his plight, the shipless Captain meowed again and pretended to be cute and cuddly. Just PLEASE take him down. The trees were not his domain. They grew on land, and the Captain hadn''t visited land in a while. Dr. Madison Moreau "Food! That''s it! Maybe we can entice the kitty down with something to eat.." she shouted and then her eyes fell upon the Dude''s backpack. Maybe there was some food in it. She didn''t want to go searching into his private property without permission, but felt desperate.
Without another thought, she leaped up from her spot on the sand and tip toed over to the backpack. She hoped he was too drunk to notice..otherwise she might anger him. She carefully unzipped it and saw that it contained all kind of things, but then she spied a coffee can. Maybe the smell could get the cat to come down if anything.
She started to unscrew the lid.. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose looked at the Dude''s depressed drunkeness as he looked back at the little boat being dashed helplessly aganst the rocks and cleared his throat, smoothed back his hair, wiping the grin off his face. This little "adventure" was apparently not entirely without casualty. Ambrose looked back to Madison as she was trying to get the pitifully mewling feline down from the tree. Another one of the scientists, then. This was the second time a beach trip had ran astray of a Feral Labs employee. Ironically during their discussion of the possible underhanded motives of the complex. But dear lord, what was he saying? She was drowning for christsakes. Heaving a breath he stood up and gave her a smile. "Well, Sorry that your trip to the beach ended up so unpleasant." he commented, walking over to her and checking on her progress on getting the cat out of the tree. His stomach chimed in a rumble in response to hers. Apparently all of the excercize worked up ... another... appetite. ((Sorry for the delay - laptop battery ran out >> )) Dr. Madison Moreau The lid was so tough to get off..like something was holding it down. She almost sprained her wrist as she tried to pry it open but to no avail.
''''Maybe Ambrose could get this open'''' she thought to herself. Coffee has such a strong and sweet aroma that the cat might climb down on its own to get some. She remembered all the coffee comericials of people jumping out of bed and running to the kitchen whenever they smelled the aroma. It was like cat-n** to humans.
"Ambrose..could you?" she whispered and held out the can towards him. The Dude XD From the top of the palm, the Captain''s meows started to sound obnoixous. He was friggin STUCK, folks. Showing him food was NOT gonna make it better. The Dude was watching Madison exclaim something about food and go rummaging thru his last remaining belongings. He was about to protest but decided to let the her be. Maybe she knew what she was doing. But when she dragged out his precious coffee can into the rain, he objected: "Yo, lady. That''s private property!" Ploping the bottle angily into the sand he scrambling up after her to fight her for the can. The lid was really well sealed and would be exceptionally hard to open with just bare hands. Ambrose Maurlias Ambrose had just been reaching for the can, still a bit confused as to why suddenly a can of coffee was so important when the rain was coming and the cat was stuck in the tree. Given the woman''s mannerisms he had some quiet wonderings if something had gotten addled in the tossing waves. He was just starting to try to pry it when the Dude snapped to sobriety and reached for it. What was so important about a coffee can...? He handed it back to The Dude with a slightly confused look. "Not sure why she needed coffee at the moment anyway..." He wondered aloud as he looked back up to the cat. Well, he wasn''t THAT high up... and the bark of the tree looked climbable. Wiping his hands off on his damn swimshorts, he headed to the base of the tree and gripped it from both sides, making to climb up to rescue the red-furred cat. Well, if he couldn''t pull a woman from the ocean, at least he could try to rescue the terrified feline. Dr. Madison Moreau Madison yelped as the Dude suddenly became alert and started after her. She saw his lips move with force and he looked so angry.
She gave Ambrose the can and ran to the palm tree under the cat attempting to hide. For a while, she just stood perfectly still and terrified. Above, she could see the cat''s tail wagging angerly.
It wouldn''t be that hard to reach if she climbed up. Of course the cat would not like its tail being grabbed but it would only hurt for a second. Then she would go from there.
She needed a shirt or piece of rope to wrap around the palm so she could climb up. Madison just had on a swimsuit and nothing was closeby that looked usable. Ambrose probably had some clothing for her to use, but she was too afraid to leave her spot behind the palm.
Ambrose started towards her so she moved away to give him some space. She smiled as he started to climb the tree. She wasn''t that good of a climber anyways.
I wonder why the Dude is so protective over a can of coffee. Maybe he is one of those caffeine obsessed freaks.. she thought. Remembering her life before coming to the island, she couldn''t even start her day without coffe and had begun going through withdrawl symptoms herself. (( XD about the can..well it was the only food i remembered them having. :p sorry that it was a bad idea )) The Dude XD Captain Morgan looked at his rescuer with sparkling eyes. When Ambrose was a safe jumping distance away from him, he let go of the palm and landed semi gracefully on Ambrose''s face, purring. There, the cat trampled on his head for a bit, then settled on the man''s shoulder, pressing against the warm body. Captain Morgan was wet, shivering and cold. But at least he had stopped howling. Meanwhile, the Dude put the can back into the backpack, zipped it then collected his mask and flippers. His face was looking distincly red by this point and his motions were sluggish and uncertain. Grabbing the bottle out of the sand he fumbled for the cap and finally screwed it onto the bottle. Sticking the bottle into the pocket of his VERY VERy wet backpack he looked at Ambrose with the cat and at Madison hopping around Ambrose like a twelve year old. Weired chick, he decided. Cute, but muyo weired. "Thanks, man" - he nodded to Ambrose when he returned with the kitty "You guys wanna get into town before the heaven''s open completely?" Dr. Madison Moreau Madison smiled as the cat was finally rescued by Ambrose. It was all wet but the color of the fur was such a lovely shade of reddish-brown.
She finally relaxed and felt it safe to come out from the tree and looked down.
"Sorry about taking the coffee can, Dude" she said and sneaked a peek at his face to see if he looked angry still.
The cat was sitting on Ambrose''s shoulder like a parrot, which made her laugh.
"What is his name?" she said gesturing to the animal.
Ambrose Maurlias A muffled surprise was loosened into the cat''s soggy fur as the wet ball landed on Ambrose''s face. He held the palm tree''s bark tightly, making sure not to loose his balance before starting his steady descent, the cat now letting its pleasure be known to his rescuer. Abrose shimmied down the tree as quickly as he could, he attempted to remove the soggy furbag from his shoulder and return it to his onwer who was now wrapped possessively around a coffee tin. "There you go, furrball" Ambrose sighed in relief. Looking to his two damp companions while wiping wet cat hair off of his face and shoulders with the towel he spoke up. "Why don''t we go to the cafeteria - it looks like the rain is going to hit any minute, and I for one could use a good, hot meal." The Dude XD "This is Captain Morgan" - the Dude explained tierdly. "The boat that just crashed over there" - he pointed to the rocks and hickuped. "Well, that was his home. I wouldn''t pet him - he''ll lacerate you. He''s nice to Ambrose only because he saved him." All he wanted by now was a bed. And some food. So he nodded his head in agreement when Ambrose spoke: "Radical plan. Lead the way." Dr. Madison Moreau Madison nodded to both of the men. Food would be a good idea now and a nap too like the Dude had suggested.
She hadn''t eaten anything since before coming to the island. What kind of food was there at this cafeteria everyone was talking about?
Madison smiled as the Dude replied to her question. Captain Morgan. What an original name. Much more dignified then what she named her two cats at home-Flutternut and Kazoo. Captain Morgan sounded like a person''s name instead of a cat''s.
Ambrose Maurlias "Wonderful!" Ambrose''s stomach churned in agreement. Giving the appreaciative cat a quick scritch behind the ears, he gave the pair of them a sympathetic smile. "I''m really sorry about your boat..." He glanced back out to sea again, knowing that if it wasn''t before, it was almost certainly beyond hope now. "Admittedly, from what I''ve seen so far, the island is a rather nice place. They''d probably even let you use one of the bunglaows - there aren''t very many people using them yet.... of course I can''t speak for the owners..." His eyes went to Madison. Honestly, he wanted to ask this fellow more about his suspicions about the Island, but young Dr. Moreau''s arrival had put a sudden stop to that... At least they were all safe for the time. He led the way back to town, and made a beeline for the cafeteria. The welcome smell of chicken and dumplings meeting his nose/.
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Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:23 pm
Ambrose Maurlias wiped his face off on a towel, glancing up at his reflection that still had a slightly sallow look even after washing his face. The upset stomach had come on so suddenly - and admittedly he felt a little bit better after .... expunging whatever had disagreed with him from his stomach rather violently into the commode, however he was still left with a vaguely nauseous feeling. However, whether it was the food, some illness (hopefully not this Dengue fever that people were supposedly getting immunized against), or a leftover paranoia surrounding the conversations over lunch in the cafeteria, he wasn't entirely sure. Maybe he had just been eating too much too quickly.... He wandered back into the main part of his room and sat heavily in the chair by the desk. The conversation was still buzzing in his head. It was ridiculous... right? The study had to be legit - Feral Laboratories had been around for years, and was a well respected company. Just because they were all there under different pretenses didn't necessarily mean anything... right? He had only been there a couple of days, it was logical that whatever study he was participating in would last quite some time - beyond Ambrose's short two weeks, and that not all of the subjects would have to be there at the same time... And it was a big Island! Why not have vacationers there as well. Greer was helpign him with his research, and that Dude fellow, well, he was lucky to have washed ashore on a habitated Island. But the little pieces still bothered him. They really shouldn't. Perhaps it was being out here, away from most of civilization, away from a computer or television, or Angelina that gave his mind too much to dwell on and entertaining fantastic notions. But why DID Matthew say that he was here doing genetic research? From what the Doctor told him, and if Greer was here collecting strange bugs for chemical properties, then it couldn't be genetic... right? He certainly hoped not - Genetic altercations weren't exactly temporary from what he had read about, and was that even legal?.... not that they were in America anymore. That Dude fellow had mentioned that too - why have a facility way the hell out here - it was more expensive - things had to be shipped, the land paid for.... unless he was being really secretive for a good (or bad) reason. Ambrose shook his head. He was letting his imagination run away from him, although, in a sense, it was almost entertaining speaking of such theories with the others, he didn't really believe most of it..... Pulling out a pen and stationary, he decided to pull himself out of it and write another letter. Quote: Dearest Angelina, Things have rather quickly gone from boring to almost adventurous. I met an individual who has yet to give me his real name, but calls himself "Dude" - apparently a genuine washed out California beacher who somehow managed to shipwreck himself on the Island. Nice enough fellow, but certainly a bit ... "eccentric" to say the least. I met him on a return trip to the beach, just before a storm brewed up. Together, we managed to save the life of a young woman who had swum too far out and got her back to shore.... just before the storm hit full force, destroying what remained of the man's boat. The Island life has treated me well so far - and I'm feeling alive and energized - maybe all the fresh air is doing me some good, or perhaps the enhancers that the doctor hinted at are having some sort of effect on me. Although admittedly my stomach attempted to revolt today, I am feeling much better now. Hopefully the days will keep swimming by as they have been, and I shall see your smiling face soon. Love, Ambrose Ambrose deigned to include the suspicions about the Island. No reason to alarm her, or , for that matter, to give her a cause to tease him with when he returned safe and sound in a little over a week. Sealing and addressing the Envelope, he made a short trip back to the Town hall to give the mail to the staffing woman.
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Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 11:57 pm
Two days had passed since Ambrose's sudden illness, and he was feeling much better - so much so that he was feeling quite stir-crazy. The day before he hadn't done a great deal other than meet a new face at the cafeteria, Matthew. It really was too bad about the weather, Ambrose reflected, looking at the thick stormclouds and the brisk winds and rain that had been pelting the Island the past few days since the Dude's ship had finally been taken over by the sea. After coming back from lunch in the Cafeteria (and meeting yet another new face, Emelyn, amidst other faces that were becoming familiar) Ambrose had resolved that, bad weather or not, he wasn't going to squander time feeling as good as he was not practicing fencing. While there wasn't much extra space in the room, it was better than nothing. Besides, he didn't have to use a lot of space to practice footwork between the entranceway door and the bathroom door. And he could practice point control on soda cans he had taken with him out of the cafeteria. Just a week left now, he mused to himself. He just hoped the storm abated in that time so that the helicopter would be able to fly...
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:27 pm
A large set of packages is left on the doorstep of Apartment 01. The packages seem to have no address on them and the contents seem repacked. The closest thing they have is written on them is Ambrose Maurlias Apt 01 written in a very looped nice style, almost like a high school girl would write. With a heart and a smiley face in different spots. Inside the packages are sets of fencing gear, including an outfit sized for Greer an extra for Ambrose and just another outfit that looks like it is general sized. Three rapiers are included as well.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:43 pm
Ambrose yawned and stretched, drying off after emerging from the shower the next morning, picking out one of the sets of clothes that he had brought with him that, unsurprisingly, looked very much like the other polo/khakis that he had been wearing. His muscles felt so wonderful after the shower - limber and loose, and yet... ready.
Still bright and early, he headed out to the cafeteria and filled his stomach. On the way back, however, he encountered a rather large package sitting outside his door, addressed very simply to him.
Carrying it inside, he heard metal clinking around, and his curiousity piqued even more. Once he had the package safe inside, he tore off the packaging tape and peered inside.
"My god!" He exclaimed, his eyes widening to saucers. Inside were three full sets of fencing gear: padding, masks, gloves, and epees. He was stunned and overjoyed at the same time. He would be able to really get in some excellent practice - especially with Greer. There was even a third set if he could convince anyone else to join!
He was trying out one of the epees, a manic grin on his face. This was wonderful! He had less than a week left on the study, but damn if he wouldn't make the best of it now. If he was feeling exhilirated before, he was feeling fantastic now!
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:52 pm
There was a knock on the door and then the voice of the Dude shouted from outside:
"Yo, Ambrose! Buddy, you there? I got somethin' to celebrate here, man. Can I come in?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:55 pm
Ambrose turned to the door with a wide grin. The mental image of The Dude decked out in fencing gear briefly flashed through his mind after discovering the "extra" set of gear. Finding the image more comical than a real possibility, he shook it out quickly and set down his gifts.
"yes! Please, come in, Dude!" The smile was even evident in his exuberant voice.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:59 pm
"Wassup!" - the door opened wide and a radiant Dude walked in, holding two bottle of Corona high in his right hand.
"I come bearing gifts!"
Noticing the stuff on the bed and the floor from Ambrose's care package, he raised an eyebrow: "Wow, what's this stuff?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 8:04 pm
Ambrose waved him over to the extra chair. "Wow!" He looked to the alcohol he had brought with him. While not a heavy drinker (especially technically still being underage) he had been to more than his share of virtually mandatory parties in high school) he was well aware that there was a big difference between having a drink and getting smashed. "Thank you!" Ambrose said taking the proferred beer and clinking it against his.
"I just got a full three sets of fencing equipment!" His face was alight as he pulled out one of the epees and handed it towards the Dude handle-first. "Do you know anything about fencing?"
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