Which Way Will The Wind Blow?

[Jeron Verity]

[member="Amnell de Portiers"]


Galven practically said his peace, exhausted from tge ordeal he had just been through. Usually a man of many words, known to give the deepest speeches, now at a loss to butter words as if speaking to someone who wouldn't understand. Part of Galven was happy, entirely, for being able to use something from his terrible past to help someone, to save someone, but the other side of him felt worse, as he thought when he was happy, someone else would be hurt. Sometimes we have to sacrifice our own happiness so that others can have it. "We, as people, are the only ones that can make something absolutely impossible, or outstandingly possible. We can hate each other, and forever make a persons life miserable. Or we can use our genuine abilities to give. Just like you, I won't have as long. My people, my family, say I'm still young. But emotional and physical stress is putting me to my end, the things I did in my past are a heavy weight that I can not remove. I am poluted, and I have caused permanent damage on many lives. I feel as though I'm sacrificing part or some of my life, to give. So that more can live the life they deserve; the life you deserve, miss Portiers."

He stood up, the pain in his legs and back excruciatingly obvious, as he walked over to her. He clasped his hands together as he walked until he was right in front of her. "I am Galven Solomon, Supreme Imperator of the Galactic Overwatch of Military Minarchy, and I humbly offer you... Whatever you need or want to be happy. My scientists are ready right now to prepare you new organs, with a very high chance to quadruple that number you had thought of. Ask, and you shall receive."

Viskis and Sear opened the door and walked in with a few troopers and they saluted. "Galven offers this, and more to our families and happiness. We are here for you, miss Portiers," Viskis stated

 

[Amnell de Portiers]

For a moment she thought long about what he had said. "You're right." And it seemed to her, they had a few things in common. "I understand, truly." Already she could feel the tears welling back up in her eyes.

What do you say in a moment like this? The words weren't coming easily that's for sure as he laid out what was being offered to her. "I ... I don't know what to say."

Then the door opened and Sear and Viskis joined them. "I ... thank you." She finally managed with tears rolling down her cheeks once more. "I ... You're ... You're giving me life. A real chance at something worth living. How could I ever repay you all? I know you don't want me to, but surely there is something that I could do in return."

[member="Galven Solomon"]

 

[Jeron Verity]

[member="Amnell de Portiers"]


Galven didn't have much more to say, he was ready to sleep. The event took everything out of him, and it was his last major event since the majorly long campaign he endured in the past. His life was extremely on the line this time, but more than that.... Galven near singlehandedly coordinated the efforts to save several billions of people while under the thread that one weapons fire on him could have ended him, and he was handling ground assaults, ally coordination, and precise targeting. He was done for the day.

"My scientists can begin prepping you tonight, if you wish. The required hardware and software is already available on your ship. In the morning, the procedure can begin, if you wish." Galven would have reached out to hold her, to comfort her, to wipe away her tears, or do something for her. But he was still a stranger to her. Of course, as a gentleman, it would be wrong to reject any request she had of him, but he could not take what was not offered. But he didn't act as if he didn't care, he was there for her, something many people never do.

"It's alright, miss Portiers. You can repay me, there's no problem there." He took a breath, starting to become affected by the situation, "You can repay me, by not wasting the life I give you."

 

[Amnell de Portiers]

Her eyes widened. The time table, so quickly, it wasn't what she'd expected. Then again maybe she should get used to expecting what she least expected with Galven around. "T-t-t-tonight?" Stunned wasn't quite the word for her in that moment. Though, hearing the words procedure and morning - it was too fast for her. "I ..." She paused and shook her head, biting at her lip anxiously. It wasn't easy to admit exactly how frightened she felt all of the sudden.

There was this great option on the table, to lessen her pain and extend her life right now. Yet, that very option terrified her. "I ... I never thought this would happen. Never anything like this. I ... I .. got used to the idea that life would be short. That nothing could be done. And I hate to say this, but an option for treatment for a better life, has me so scared. Frightened of what could go wrong. I, I don't doubt you have the best doctors and scientists around. But nothing is without risk. What if something goes wrong? What if I never wake up again? What if ..."

She sighed heavily, pushing away her tears once more. "I'm just afraid. And that's not easy to admit in the least." One breath in, she did her best to compose herself. "I think, this might be happening too fast for me to handle. Do you think I could have a little time to think about this? I mean, I, I can't turn this down. I just need a little time for it to sink it. To be a little less anxious, and worried."

She nodded, and smiled slightly. "I suppose, that I can manage."

[member="Jeron Verity"]

 

[Jeron Verity]

[member="Amnell de Portiers"]


Galven kept calm as he listened to her words. They weren't all too surprising, considering the things he has gone through. He slowly nodded as he took in her words, looking down in a tired expression. He wasn't disappointed, he was just in thought. As Amnell finished speaking, he took a step to the side, giving her leeway to leave. "Don't worry, I understand more than you know. But I just want you to know, a short life is too easy, A longer life is harder. Death, it is an escape, a release. Long life is to endure the pain you get and keep it with you. The worst thing that can happen is your continued life is full of sorrow and pain, I've lived far too long without that option of death, because I must stay here, with my people, my family. I can't leave until I make as many people happy as possible. I don't get the luxury of chance, the possibility of getting in an accident, falling prey to a disease, and as you can tell, not even war is allowed to kill me. But alas, you are free, with a life option. You will be escorted back to your ship, and you may go where you please, finish whatever venture you were on. When you are ready, just send a message, and I will send my most expert team to you, that way you can rest until they arrive. Enjoy your time, and whatever decision you make, miss Portiers." His clasped hands slowly reached into his pockets as he let her go, the soldiers at the door moving out of the way and Sear leaned against the wall outside the door so she could see him but he was still out of the way. This was now the time for Amnell to realize she was no prisoner, she was free to come and go as she pleased, and she wasn't watched over.

 

[Amnell de Portiers]

Amnell nodded but didn't move as he stepped aside. Sure, she needed time to think but the guy had just offered her the single thing she'd wanted her entire life. The chance for more time, a longer life. And it was here at her fingertips if she agreed.

"Truth be told, I haven't always wanted to live this life. Dying would have been easier, simpler, cleaner than the suffering and misery I've gone through already. Death is an easy way out of the difficulties of life. But that at least for me would have meant giving up." She sighed quietly. He seemed to be exhausted to the bone. It was the kind of exhaustion she knew all too well. The kind that sank down into your bones and no matter how much rest, would never go away. "As long as it hurts physically a little less than it does now, I can deal with that."

She glanced to the door. It was wide open. Stay or leave. The option was hers, and hers alone to choose. Sadly outside that door she didn't see much. She hadn't been on the way to anything too important, nothing special even. Her life had little purpose right now, other than day to day survival. "If .. is it possible for me to stay? I wasn't heading to do anything that truly mattered, that is really important. This vastly more important that just walking away to do ..." She gave a shrug, "Whatever."

Another sigh fell from her lips. "I only need time enough to let this sink in. To get over the fear. I hope it's not long. I just, I woke yesterday believing, knowing I'd never have a chance more than I had. What I had was it for me. No treatments, no chances for longevity. And today, to find I might get twenty some odd years. It's a shock. Just need to adjust, is all."

[member="Jeron Verity"]

 

[Jeron Verity]

[member="Amnell de Portiers"]


Galven stood there, listening to her speak as he adjusted his uniform; admittedly she did ramble, but it was nice to hear something other than military related, and her voice was calming and beautiful. He'd get sidetracked, listening, but perhaps not actually listening? But he heard everything, he just didn't need to focus to hear her. Once he was finished he stretched his arms out and looked at her. "One day, maybe, I will tell you about the pain that is locked away inside me, miss Portiers. Maybe one day you'll realize it isn't worth going out easily. You see, those who give up, no longer wish to fight. They have nothing left to fight for; they lose their hope. I was once in a similar situation, but forging my own purpose has lead me here from places and situations you would never believe. You see, I've given up on giving up. It's an affliction." As he spoke he walked over the lean on a wall. Silly, as it could seem like he was trying to make himself look good for the woman, but truthfully he was getting comfortable to continue talking.


"If you wish to stay that is of your own volition, and I nor my men would object. Unfortunately, I don't have any private quarters other than my own nearby. If you proceed deeper into this... Base, you'll find there's an entire city in the lower floors. It's like a city station. I do not control it, but I'm sure somewhere I could rent you a room. Otherwise, is there anything else you would need?"

 

[Amnell de Portiers]

"Someday, if you ever feel comfortable enough, I'd like to know abut that." Amnell gave a small shrug, "It might be an easy way out, but its not what I want." She nodded, thinking she was understanding him a little bit.

Slowly she rose to her feet, "Renting a room would work. I just don't want to go far. I think I just need it all to sink in before going through with it. And I don't think that will take terribly long." a soft smile formed on her lips, "No, no ... I think everything else is covered. There's nothing I can think of I need right this moment. Thank you so much for your kindness. Never met anyone like you and I am forever grateful. Thank you, again Galven. I can't express what this means to me. At least not yet. It's still not yet sunk in."

Though she realized one small thing, "I just realized I need a bit of direction, or someone to show me the way through the base. This place, isn't familiar to me."

"Also, maybe if you have time tomorrow, I'd like to talk about GOMM."

[member="Jeron Verity"]

 

[Jeron Verity]

[member="Amnell de Portiers"]


Galven kept his eyes straight as he took in her words, nodding, appreciating that she understood what he was saying. Sometimes Galven could tend to ramble unnecessarily with words that are no longer as common as he would like them to be, it made him feel better. Not better than other people, but ot was like his suit - he wasn't thought of so much as bad as long as he kept looking and speaking properly. "If you haven't noticed, there will be a Delegates Ball coming soon. I'll explain everything then, even things I do not want to speak about. You can ask questions then, or... Ask them more in private afterwards, but trust me; everything will be explained there, and there will be no more secrets. Also, I'm sure Viskis would like a break, I've been working him day and night since I activated the protocol." He grinned slightly, knowing Viskis heard him and would be laughing slightly as well. "You are free to ask him any questions, Amnell. But remember, your position is your choice here. You can choose to further obtain it, or release yourself from it. I could never force you into anything, at all. What I mean, is you could pursue a professional career or position with us if you'd like our help. Or if you want, you may go back, to being just with your droid. Who is no doubt upset being stuck whever it is, not by your side."

By that remark, the droid suddenly rolled in from tge entrance where Viskis and Sear were. "Now, your escort party is complete. Viskis, my second in command. Sear, the clone of my most valued soldier. And your personal droid. Viskis will handle any costs during your stay. Have a good night, miss Portiers."

 

[Amnell de Portiers]

Amnell nodded, "Okay. The Ball will work. I can wait until then." She glanced to Viskis and nodded, smiling a bit. "Alright."

"As for the position here, I don't have any intention of just walking away." She gave a small shrug, "I just want to give back. A career or some form of job here would do that, I think." At least it would satisfy her after what he'd given to her.

She gave a small laugh as Nine came to join them, whistling his frustrations and disappointments that she'd left her behind. She shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I swear, I'll make it up to you Nine. It's not that bad. I promise. Just give it a break." He whistled one final complaint and finally seemed to let it go. For now.

"Thank you, Galven." She said and finally headed off with the rest of her party to find a room to stay in for the night. Maybe by then a few things would have sank in for her.

[member="Jeron Verity"]