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by Ylanne on Thu Oct 20, 2011 2:58 am
(OOC: Post collaborated by AzricanRepublic playing Raymond Daylon and Ferdi Gustava, barney_fife playing Marlene Angel, Ellipse [EreAi] playing Ari (Erin Loire), and Ylanne playing Arianne DruloviÄ. There have only been minor edits to grammar or spelling where errors were obvious, as well as consistency in tense, or mutually agreed upon edits to mistakes in references. Dialogue is entirely intact.)
Roosevelt and Saif Building
Terran National Police Agency Headquarters
Wing City, Terra
Sheriff Raymond Daylon spun the wheel of the Hekker Rodeo, a Scatterran utility vehicle that was a staple of the Federal Bureau motor pool as he rolled on through a guarded checkpoint. Tucking his ID pass away into his jacket pocket, the Sheriff watched the parking garage open up front of him as he drove on through and parked his car in an appropriate space. The Scatterran manufacturer was known for large, unwieldy vehicles, but it was also a rugged and efficient model. Turning off the car, he yanked the single key out of the starting-block and popped the door open. He planted his feet on the tough asphalt of the parking garage and quickly flipped a phone out of his pocket, highlighting a number of the front desk of the NPA Building he had made an appointment at a few hours ago.
"Six six, six seven, six -- there," he said, scrolling through his contacts before tapping at a call icon and holding the device to his ear. "Hello, this is Sheriff Daylon, Federal Bureau of Police. I called earlier about the DruloviÄ investigation for an appointment. I was just calling to confirm that I have an appointment at -- what is it -- six o'clock?" he said, tucking his shoulder up to keep the phone close by while retrieving his ID pass for a guard waiting at the elevators.
āGood to hear from you, Sheriff,ā responded the receptionist. āSix is right; I have your name here. When you get inside, youāll need to present photo identification and your official identification to security in order to sign into the building.ā
The steel and glass structure of the Roosevelt and Saif Building, newly-constructed within the last few months, rose over Main Street, surrounded by government buildings in both directions. The seal of the National Police Agency had been frosted into the glass of each door, as well as engraved in stone over the buildingās facade itself. Inside the lobby, all visitors were directed to the x-ray machines and metal detectors beside the security booth.
At six in the evening, most of the regular day staff had left for home, and only a few agents working leads on cases were still inside the building, along with skeleton staff for security. It usually took closer to nine in the evening for the building to grow almost completely empty. As it was, it was nearly dark outside. With Autumn came shorter days and sooner sunsets. The lights from inside the windows of the NPA Headquarters shone brightly along its dozens of stories, joining a constellation of nightly-lit buildings in Wing City.
Sheriff Daylon took his ID back from the guard and stepped into the elevator, hanging up his phone with a prompt thank you, and waited until the doors opened with a ding. He stepped out onto the main atrium that connected Main Street to the building, toting a laptop with him as he entered through the doors and then approached the reception desk. He nodded his head once as the receptionist waved him over to a desk, politely set the laptop on the counter for it to be checked, and produced his government issue military card. The emblem of the FBP, a vertical sword atop a golden shield, was imposed against his name.
"There you go -- and General Had-Medeen is my commanding officer," he replied, looking around the foyer of the magnificently built structure. There were only a few particulars separating this government building from the likes of Federal compounds that were spread throughout the Coalition. "And uhh, I have several other things I'll need to provide to security," he said, opening up the main screen of the laptop. He produced a recording device that was contained in a computerized phone, and also a holster containing his service pistol.
The security officer inspected the military identification, passing the card under a scanning device that copied its contents to the computerized database. āWelcome to NPA Headquarters, Sheriff,ā he said. The well-polished light marble floor was closer to a white or gray in color, in contrast to the cream-colored marble inside Government Center. The few furnishings were sleek, metallic, and relegated to the walls. The NPA Headquarters gave a feel of ultra-modern interior decorating. āYouāre cleared to be present, so you donāt need to wear a visitorās badge.ā
āIāll check your weapon here in a safe at the booth,ā said the security officer, inclining his head respectfully to the sheriff. āYouāll be able to retrieve it when you leave the building by presenting your identification again.ā He took the recording device and looked up at the sheriff. āDo you want to take this in with you? If so, Iāll need to pass it through the advanced imaging machine.ā
Sheriff Daylon returned his military badge to his breast pocket and adjusted the tongue of the jacket. He was left speechless almost at the foundation of the structure. Architectural beauty was a greatly desired throughout the Coalition society. The drab buildings that were common throughout areas like the Colonial Sphere and Outer Empire were often viewed as a blemish by the āhigherā classes of the Coalition.
"Yessir, please," he responded, giving his hand a slight wave for the security officer to pass the recorder through the inspection machine. "And thank you," he said, watching his service pistol filed away and sticking his hands beside the empty rigs of his belt where the holster would be placed. He licked his lips thirstily, before putting his palms out onto the counter and inclining his head down the hallway. "Also, you wouldn't happen to have a few vending machines somewhere, would you? I could use a bottle of water."
āDown the hall to your right,ā said the officer, pointing to one of the two hallways to which the lobby opened, one on either side. āTheyāre overpriced in my opinion though, Sheriff. I suggest ducking into the break room beside the vending machines, where you can just use the water bubbler for free.ā Photographs of Cranford, Khamtai, and Mulavi hung beside one another on both sides of the lobbyās walls, relatively high on the two-story walls, along with a large, mounted copy of the NPA seal, the scales of justice superimposed on a scroll with Latin, Sanskrit, Greek, and Arabic text. āIs there anywhere in particular you need to go, Sheriff? It can be pretty easy to get lost in here.ā
Sheriff Daylon pursed his lips at the advice. He was no stranger to being on the bad end of the quick snacks game. Looks like the motivation for a quick buck was universal to all peoples. He nodded his head gratefully and returned the electronic recorder to his pocket. He admired the photographs of TNG officials placed throughout the hallway, taking his time to perceive every one located on the walls.
"Yes, actually -- uhh, I'm here for a questioning on the DruloviÄ investigation. I don't particularly know who I'm supposed to speak to beforehand, where would I be for that?" he said, glancing down the hallway and making a note of the room where he could find himself a glass of water.
āIf you werenāt given specific instructions, you can probably talk to Jake Shapiro. Heās currently handling the further interviews in the case,ā said the officer. āIām not sure where he is in the building, but if you were scheduled to be here, heās probably in the conference room upstairs. Thereās actually pretty good food up there too. And DruloviÄ -- hrm. I think sheās downstairs in the holding cells.ā
Sheriff Daylon nodded and tipped his head in thanks, adjusting the arm of his coat and quickly setting himself off to the water bubbler. He made a quick stop and grabbed a bottle of water, standing outside the door and taking a few deep gulps. "Oh man. All right." He finished, drawing a hand up to his mouth and wiping away any droplets that might have formed from his rather uncouth thirst.
"Conference, conference," he said, holding the water bottle with one hand before he began scaling the steps up to the second story. Reaching the landing, he quickly consulted a map of the building; finding his target, he walked a path through the second story before finding a placard with the name of conference room above the door. "Here we go," he said, tucking the computer under one arm before knocking on the door.
The door opened a few moments later to reveal a tired-looking, middle-aged man with dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard. āYou must be Sheriff Daylon,ā he said, opening the door wider and extending a hand. āJake Shapiro. I was told to expect you this evening. Per Acting Director Mulaviās orders, I will assist you in any way I can.ā
The conference room was furnished with a cream-colored rug and a wooden table with a number of chairs around it. A counter with two cabinets ran along one wall. Someone had covered the smart-board with a printed photograph of Arianne DruloviÄ and scribbled some illegible note in the margin, possibly in a script other than Latin. Shapiro motioned for Daylon to come inside. āAs I understand it, youāre here to interview Arianne DruloviÄ? Is that right?ā
Sheriff Daylon shook his head at the mention of his name. He took the Terran's hand in his own and gave the man a firm shake, releasing after a few seconds before following the man into the room and admiring the quaint furnishings of the room. He was quick to place the computer tablet on the table, angling the holographic projector towards the smart-board before he eyed the picture of DruloviÄ.
"Yes, I've been dispatched by the General to coordinate this investigation," he said, flipping up the screen of the computer tablet and tapping in a few keys to start the device's interface. "And I set up an appointment to interview Director DruloviÄ earlier last night. The General ordered the whole of my operating unit to prepare for this case. Before I speak to the Director though, I have some inquiries of my own, Mister Shapiro. The evidence I've discovered in my own investigation doesn't particularly point to one person or the other. Who was it that exactly arrested DruloviÄ, again? Mary -- Marlene -- Agent Angel?"
āMarlene Angel, yes,ā Shapiro nodded, speaking the name with something a bit like distaste. He moved towards the smart-board and reached for the tape at the top of the picture of DruloviÄ, carefully sliding his finger under the adhesive. Shapiro set the picture face down on the floor, leaned against the wall. āA bad practical joke,ā he muttered, as if in apology. Shapiro stepped back. āThere; now we can watch on the board, if you wanted to direct the output there.ā
He sat in one of the cushioned chairs in the conference room beside where Daylon was standing, facing the smart-board. āI have a copy of her report here,ā said Shapiro, reaching for one of a few file folders on the table. He slid it across the tableās wooden surface and flicked it open, reaching for a stapled document. āIn case you havenāt reviewed it, this is Angelās arrest report. And --ā Shapiro removed another set of stapled documents. āThis is a copy of the warrant she obtained, and the statement supporting the warrant. Iāve been looking through these materials earlier today.ā
Sheriff Daylon watched Jake remove the large picture before he activated the projection attachment, mounted on the side of the computer. He tapped away at several more keys, before the desktop was imposed on the smartboard. He adjusted the picture with a slight movement before placing the main folder that contained all the refined information on the screen.
"I see, thank you Mister Shapiro -- my analysis was thoroughly administrated by the General and his own team of specialists as well, and I don't mean to speak for every Coalition soldier on this planet, but the evidence we've been provided didn't lead us anywhere in particular." He indicated to an image of the white SUV's that were seen on the night of Shaw's disappearance, another photograph of the several black sedans fading by. "I've only read excerpts of Marlene's report. There was a serious breakdown in protocol from what I have observed, Mister Shapiro," he remarked dryly. "I am partly curious as to how she was able to gain a warrant with her -- motives."
āFrom what I understand,ā said Shapiro, folding his hands atop the conference room table, āand I was only brought in last night, the Acting Director saw a copy of a video that came from an Aschen Reverence. I have a copy of that on disk,ā he added, removing a gleaming CD from the same file folder and holding it up before placing it on the table. āHe sent that video to the Prosecutor Generalās office, and they took it to a judge. What I donāt understand is exactly where this video came from, and what its chain of custody looks like. That hasnāt been completely explained to me either, but youāll see in this report that the video is what got the warrant.ā
He fell into silence, inspecting the image that were projected onto the smartboard. Shapiro leaned his elbow on the table and set his chin on his fist, his eyes narrowing in concentration. āWhat else can I do for you, Sheriff?ā
Sheriff Daylon slid the CD towards him and inspected the piece of electronic, turning his vision back to the smartboard and bringing the image to sit on the empty desktop once again. He remembered a brief overview of the video, having been woken in the dead of night to observe the incoming feed as a team of specialists quickly began breaking down the video piece by piece. They first streamed it through an anomaly detector, which would have scrutinized every pixel of the images for the exact color attributes and density.
"The video is still being analyzed by the General and his men, but so far no one has discovered anything that points to it being fake -- from what I understand, that video is from LDA archives?" he inquired, a few photographs of LDA personnel appearing on the screen as Daylon stepped away and patted his hands against one another. "LDA -- not the biggest fans of those guys, personally don't like the way they look, but -- " he said with a shrug of his shoulders and a tilt of his chin. "If anything, I think I'd like to speak with Director DruloviÄ now. At the front desk someone said she would be in the holding cells down below. All my investigation data is on that mobile right there; I'll leave it here until I leave."
āAh -- yes,ā responded Shapiro, almost absently, transfixed on the images on the projector. He broke from his reverie, laying his arm on the table again and looking at Daylon. āIn the basement, thatās where the Director is right now. You can hold the interview wherever you like. Typically, we question people in one of the two interrogation rooms, also in the basement, but sometimes agents prefer to use one of these conference rooms. Youāre free to go downstairs yourself, though; you donāt need an escort in the building per the Acting Directorās orders.ā
Shapiro stood and pushed his chair back into the table. āThank you for coming, Sheriff,ā he said, reaching for the mobile. āIāll look through the material you have, and I appreciate your sharing it. Iāll be in here or down the hall if you need me.ā
Sheriff Daylon folded his hands in front of him as he listened intently to Shapiro's instructions. He wasn't expecting to produce much from this; the time he had first spoken to DruloviÄ, she was certainly able to steer a conversation any which way she would choose. Then again, the Sheriff himself thought this entire fiasco was a mockery.
"Thank you, Mister Shapiro -- all the information on the mobile can be accessed with the passcode Six Six One," he replied, before removing his coat and draping it over the back of a chair and then striding for the door of the conference room. "I'll make use of the interrogation room, and I appreciate the lack of babying, sir," he said, pulling open the door and offering the man one last nod at the mention of his cooperation. "I'll also provide any information I come across directly to the TNG," Daylon affirmed before closing the door behind him, descending the two flights of stairs to the basement levels and approaching a guard positioned at a door beneath the hard light of an overhead lamp. "I'm here to question Arianne DruloviÄ; mind directing me to an interrogation room?"
The guard straightened, looking twice at Daylon. āOf course, sir,ā he said with a short nod. āThere are two interrogation rooms on this floor, both at the end of this hallway.ā He pointed toward the hallway on the other side of the door. There was a marked change in the environment in the basement. Lacking carpets, the bare concrete floors gave the impression of a very cold, impersonal place. The only placards on the walls gave the room numbers and floor. āShould I get the Director for you, sir?ā
Sheriff Daylon bowed his head as he was directed to the far interrogations at the end of the hallway. He brought his arms close in to himself as the security made the inquiry to fetch the Director. He nodded again before starting the walk to the interrogation rooms and opening the doorway up to the one on the left side of the hall. He left the door open behind him and flipped on a light, setting up the recorder on the table before sliding into his seat across the table from the open hallway. "Whenever she's ready, officer," he called out from the end of the hallway, stretching himself out slightly before laying his hands into his lap.
It was several minutes before the officer reappeared in the door of the interrogation room, escorting DruloviÄ, still dressed in her black suit and scarf. Her eyebrows had knitted very closely together, and her heavy-lidded eyes immediately settled on the Scatterran. āMr. Daylon,ā said DruloviÄ as the officer nodded and disappeared down the hallway. DruloviÄ remained standing in the doorway, her lips stretching into a thin line.
Sheriff Daylon leaned himself into the back of the chair as DruloviÄ was brought to the doorway. Daylon reached a hand out to the small piece of equipment on the table in front of him, and picked at a pair of buttons on its side. "Director, please take a seat. I'm sure you're aware of why I'm here. Thank you, officer; I'll let you know if we need anything else," he thanked, looking down at a watch on his wrist before laying his hands in front of him on the table.
"I'm here to interview you about the events that have transpired in these past few weeks," he remarked, looking to the small recorder and noting the faint red light beeping away before he continued. "Just to clarify. You were arrested by Agent Marlene Angel, an Aschen expatriate who is now enrolled within the NPA, on grounds of treason for the disappearance of Kendra Shaw. Is this correct?"
DruloviÄ stepped inside the room, leaving the door open. She pulled the other chair out from the table and settled slowly into it, adjusting the scarf about her neck. āYouāve quite a way of greeting people, Mr. Daylon,ā said DruloviÄ dryly, folding her hands atop the table. āWhatever happened to saying āgood eveningā anymore?ā She grimaced, a small frown appearing on her face. āIn any case, Mr. Daylon, that is only partially correct. The actual charges, I think, are a bit different. But yes, Ms. Angel was the one who executed the arrest.ā She blinked curiously at the Sheriff, her eyes betraying little of her thoughts save perhaps a hint of annoyance. āItās rather cold in here, hm?ā
Sheriff Daylon pressed his teeth against one another as the woman took her seat across the table; he was hardly proud to be the one doing this, but was more concerned with simply returning to the General that this investigation was just what he assumed it was, useless. "I apologize, Director; I've had quite a busy day. Still stuck in work mode," he replied to the woman, lifting his hands up onto his chest. "So, Agent Angel provided evidence from an Aschen Reverence and this had led to your custody," he said, catching her statement of the cold before he nodded to the woman and looked around the room for a thermostat. "You are right, Director; it is quite cold."
āIāve found that most governments buildings are kept at these horridly cold temperatures,ā responded DruloviÄ, her fingers struggling for a moment to button her jacket closed. āIn the Bureauās offices at the Durrani Building, Iāve asked the maintenance workers to raise the temperatures. I imagine these people like to save money on the cost of heat -- if not that, then someone takes some kind of pleasure out of watching their colleagues freeze.ā The slightest hint of bemusement passed through her eyes as she spoke.
Sheriff Daylon pursed his lips as she produced a tangent on the subject of the temperature. The Sheriff could produce several explanations for keeping a certain building at a certain temperature. In the Coalition, namely the FBP and PDF, buildings with prisoners or convicts were kept at temperatures undesirable or uncomfortable for the sake of keeping them in line. "Saves cost, keeps certain individuals in close accordance. Some people think cold can make people cooperative. Get them to better explain themselves in the hopes that, mayhaps, they will be removed from the area."
His words became sharpened before he reached out to the recording device and checked a small digital screen on the side of the object. He still had plenty of space to record, having not even filled up a quarter of the memory. "In situations like these, however, it's important to investigate all avenues of approach. I do not believe that the processes Agent Angel followed are legitimate, Director DruloviÄ, which has brought me to interview you today. People have accused you of treason against Terra by repatriating Kendra Shaw, who is now within the Taiyou Empire. What are your possible explanations of that?"
āOh Iāve heard all manner of accusations,ā said DruloviÄ, pushing some of her hair behind her ear. āIām certain that there is little substance to most of them. Itās quite easy to make political enemies. Easier still, I think, to fabricate stories.ā She trailed off for a moment, looking a bit distracted. Under the harsh light of the interrogation room, her face looked almost sunken, and the dark circles under her eyes were plainly evident. āI donāt particularly care for the Taiyou, Mr. Daylon. Besides, most of them seem to think that Terrans are -- less than human.ā Mild distaste tinged her words.
Sheriff Daylon nodded with the woman at her explanation. His eyes were fixed to a point directly in front of him as she spoke. He would occasionally look up to her, before resigning himself back to silence and crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm sure that much of the accusations falling around you have little weight. This Marlene Angel, an Aschen national -- her file is wrought with violation of protocol, unprofessional and incompetent, if you ask me," he said, shrugging his shoulders at the mention of the arresting officer.
"And I don't care for the Taiyou or Aschen either. 'Less than human?ā Funny, I remember watching reports of Aschen massacre and Taiyou death camps during the Occupation. I believe the Tripartite was founded on the statement 'the victor writes history,ā" he replied calmly, adjusting himself and leaning his head to the side. "So, you do not accept responsibility for the disappearance of Kendra Shaw, then?"
āI doubt youāll find any evidence that will point to something that did not happen, Mr. Daylon,ā responded DruloviÄ, tilting her head slightly to the side as she watched Daylon unblinkingly. She rubbed her fingers absently over the icon of the saint hanging about her neck. āItās quite easy to fake evidence like videos, you know. All this technology these days, all these new innovations -- and only easier to say anything, whatever you like, and you can create some video to support it. I donāt care much for the courts, anymore, Mr. Daylon.ā
Sheriff Daylon pulled his lips in slightly at the mention of the courts. It was a constant battle to keep faith in a system where mistakes could appear to be the right choice. He had been coming to terms with his own shortcomings and confidence in the system he so desperately subscribed to. His pain only showed for a second, however, and he was eager to snatch the recorder from the table before giving a quick flick and shutting the device off. "I don't doubt that at all, Director. You've served your country to the best of your abilities, and now the same people you took an oath to protect believe you're involved in the conspiracy of this decade. Some people in the Coalition applaud the fact the Terrans have shown forgiveness for what happened in Operation Inferno."
He tucked the recorder into his pocket, clasping his hands to one another tightly while he made a grimace at the mention of the Aschen genocide. "I would rather those responsible succumb to a violent disease rather than be forgiven, but it goes to show something that people are willing to subscribe to humanity in the face of these adversities," he replied, before laying one hand out on the table. "I wouldn't want to take any more of your time, as I'm sure that these next few days will be very busy for you. Unless there is anything else you would like to say, I think I'm done with my inquiries."
Marlene Angel approached the door from down the hall, knocking to be let in, and then spying the Sheriff through the window. Catching him just as he said he was done and inclining her head before speaking, her tone was firm, yet somewhat hostile. "I think you are done, Mr. Daylon," she said, stepping aside. "I'm quite surprised that the FBP managed to get a crack at the suspect before her arresting officer did. But it goes to show how things work around here," she said as she shifted her weight before eyeing the Scatterran. "Sheriff, please excuse us."
DruloviÄās eyes fell to the recorder for a moment before returning to Daylonās face. She had opened her mouth to speak when Marlene appeared. āGood evening to you too, Ms. Angel,ā said DruloviÄ mildly. āIt seems that near everyone today has forgotten how to properly greet people. Sometimes I truly wonder what has happened to our society. I donāt understand how people can live in a society where it becomes acceptable to ignore pleasantries.ā DruloviÄ blinked at Marlene, pressing her lips together as if in disapproval.
Sheriff Daylon lowered his hand into his pocket as he stood up from his seat, his features hardening only after he bowed his head lightly to Director DruloviÄ before he studied the Aschen's hostility. A faint smirk crossed his face before a single hand slid the TNG authority badge onto the table. "I am unaware of how you do business in the NPA, Agent, but under my authority I expect the utmost respect from subordinates such as you," he remarked, before drawing the badge back into his pocket and stepping around the table before heading for the door.
"'Sheriff Daylon' is the correct you will respond to me unless you ever catch me without this badge," he said, pointing up to the FBP insignia hanging from his breast pocket before adjusting his shirt and tie. "And I doubt we will ever meet out of uniform. Agent Angel, you have my authority to interrogate your suspect. I'll leave the two of you to your discussion," he said, flipping a finger against his nose before stepping out of the room and closing the door behind him with a rude slam.
Marlene huffed. "I listen to my superiors in the NPA, not the FBP; know your place as a foreigner, Sheriff," she said, venom seeping into her voice. "I know you would not show your LDA superior the same consideration, should you be investigating in Aschen territory. I don't need your authorization to conduct my interrogation; I only need the authorization of the Terran Government," she said as the door slammed behind the Sheriff. Then she turned to DruloviÄ. āThe day I listen to a Scatterran is the day Langara burns until its surface is but glass," she said, turning down the thermostat in the room. Then she slid the chair back and set her files on the table, and when the door was secure, she faced the Director.
"This is going to be pretty simple, off the record, then we'll begin the actual interrogation," she said, setting her recorder on the table. "We're adults here, so I ask that you don't bullshit me. I've been in this business long enough to spot bullshit a mile away, and just because I can't torture a confession out of you, torture isn't the only thing I learned back in the Agency."
āOh?ā DruloviÄās brows furrowed together. āIs that so? I donāt imagine you learned very much about etiquette.ā She folded her hands over her knees and leaned back in her seat, staring up at the taller woman, any hint of emotion utterly gone from her eyes. āNor, I think, about effective interrogation methods,ā she added dryly.
Marlene chuckled. "Director, I haven't started the interrogation," she said, bringing the thermostat down to a breezy forty degrees, as low as it could possibly go. She began to pace around the woman, checking her files for a moment and then looking down to the Director. "Etiquette, Director? I'm not here to baby you, to be polite to you; I am here to prove you committed a crime; you're a criminal," she said as she continued to pace. "Those videos are pretty solid, but they're hardly evidence; I agree. What strikes me as odd, as not only did the Reverence AI log a Raptor departing and arriving at the same time this footage was taken, but I have pilotās logs and witness testimony placing you at the scene. So tell me, Director. Why did you free her?"
āSo a large number of people seem to think they saw me at a particular place at a particular time,ā said DruloviÄ, shrugging. Bemusement appeared behind her eyes as she watched Marlene with patent interest, blinking tiredness away. āI imagine stranger things have happened. There are psychological journals, you know, that have documented mass delusions, all experienced by the same people and thought to be true. And of course, people do lie. In fact, it happens quite a bit.ā
Marlene continued to pace around the woman, somewhat frustrated that her work wasn't getting her far. "So the AI of an entire ship, the most advanced AI system in the galaxy is delusional? Someone went in and faked pilotās logs? You're good, Director; I'll give you that. But a trained Admiral and several trained soldiers are far from likely to have mass delusions. The AI has logs of Kendra's arrival on the Reverence. In addition to a manifest, I have orbital pictures of you being present. Why would random soldiers have any reason to lie? Director, I'm quite convinced you did this; I want to know why."
āIām sure you are convinced, Ms. Angel,ā replied DruloviÄ, ignoring Marleneās pacing. āI donāt imagine you would be here right now, standing in the freezing cold -- and it is quite cold, you know -- if you were not so convinced.ā She paused a moment, noting that both of their reflections were visible in the highly-polished glass of the one way mirror. āBesides, I think you of all people ought to know how easy it is to create pictures, especially with all of this -- technology,ā she said, looking disgusted at that word, ātoday.ā
Marlene nodded. "Pictures are easily forged; I agree, but witness testimony from people who have no motive to pin you with anything and confirmed parse-authenticity reports from the AI are hard to forge. If you knew about the Aschen, and I assume you do considering you probably have infiltrators in every echelon of Aschen society, you of all people should know that Aschen technology is infallible." She then smiled for a moment. "Director, would you like some tea?"
āFrankly, Ms. Angel,ā replied DruloviÄ with a small frown, āIād rather not. Tea and sympathy are best kept to those with whom one wishes to spend oneās time. And I very much think youāve crossed that bridge awhile back, Ms. Angel.ā She stared at Marlene with a look of mild curiosity. āDonāt you think?ā
Marlene turned around. "If you think this is personal, it isn't. I appreciate what you did for my sister, but I have an obligation to uphold the law," she said, pacing around. "I have pretty concrete evidence connecting you with Shaw's disappearance. Did you know that she's selling information to the Taiyou? It would be a tragedy if the Taiyou managed to gain control of an Aschen reverence, and gods forbid launch an attack."
āNot personal, Ms. Angel?ā asked DruloviÄ, raising an eyebrow. āOh, I highly doubt that. Everything -- everything, Ms. Angel -- is personal. Nothing can happen on Godās green earth or anywhere else that is not personal. I think you are highly mistaken about that.ā She pursed her lips, regarding Marlene almost as if in pity.
Marlene shook her head. "And what is my motive for coming down on you so hard? Director, you smuggled a wanted individual off this world; you violated the law so wantonly," she said, pacing still as the room grew frigidly cold. "You aren't going to answer for what you did? No amount of evidence in your mind would convict you. Athena herself could put you at the scene and you just dismiss it as something else. I don't like bullshit and skirting, and you're doing both right now."
DruloviÄ fell into a silence for several long minutes, maintaining a perfectly impassive expression. Her fingers reached automatically for the icon of St. Sava, resting over the saintās face, her actions mirrored in the glass along the wall. āItās funny, Ms. Angel -- the law is a social construct, made to prevent anarchy, no? But sometimes, laws lack a very important quality. The law has so little room for compassion -- or necessity.ā She watched Marlene. āMy duty is to protect Terran security -- a job best kept far from the courts and the law. But you know that, I think.ā
Marlene nodded; it all made sense. "So your job was to prevent the Gemonese from glassing Terra, and showing compassion for an addict who would rather die than live another minute; is that how you're justifying it?" she said, turning back around. "You show compassion for the very woman who killed billions. You understand she personally pushed the button to nearly end your world."
āI think youāre quite missing the point, Ms. Angel,ā DruloviÄ said dryly, rolling her eyes. She unfolded her scarf with almost unsteady hands, draping it over herself, and tucked one end of it over her shoulder. She nodded toward the thermostat with keen eyes. āItās rather cold,ā she said.
Marlene shook her head. "I'm not raising the temperature back to a comfortable level until you admit to your wrongdoing," she said, pacing back and fourth. "You've made skirting the issue an art, and that disturbs me," she said, continuing the circle the woman. "It's true that you were in the CIA prior to the dissolution of the US; you were also selected for relocation. Why didn't you relocate?"
āI detest space travel,ā answered DruloviÄ. āBesides, I think you know very well that my choice to stay here has no bearing on your rather shoddy reason for conducting this interrogation.ā In what could only be described as indignation, she rose from her seat and moved toward the thermostat. āIf you wonāt adjust the temperature, Ms. Angel, then I will make it a point.ā There was something behind her eyes, then.
Marlene stepped between the Director and the thermostat. "Sit down, Director," she ordered, crossing her hands over her chest and glaring at the Director, daring her. "Sit down and answer the questions." Of course, Marlene had made it so the only way for the Director to adjust the thermostat would be to shove Marlene aside, and then she could pin DruloviÄ for assaulting a police officer.
DruloviÄ stared at Marlene, unblinking. āYour questions are foolish, and rather banal, actually, I think,ā she said, in a tone often reserved for politicians who expressed rather obviously idiotic ideas about the direction of intelligence operations. āIf you want to know about me, you can read the dossier, like anyone else with a clearance. But believe me, Ms. Angel, itās a rather boring document quite lacking in substance.ā She nodded toward the thermostat behind Marlene. āMove aside, please, Ms. Angel.ā She herself remained standing in the same place, looking for all her reputation of patience decidedly impatient. āIād certainly hate to have to start playing some childish game to get to the other side of the room.ā
Marlene shook her head. "Take responsibility for your actions and I'll move; otherwise, I'm going to stand right here," she said, keeping her stance and staring at DruloviÄ. "Admit to your crimes and I'll move; it's quite simple," she said, she was watching and waiting. "Why did you help Kendra Shaw escape?"
āThatās precisely the thing, Ms. Angel,ā said DruloviÄ. āI did not.ā She tried to sidestep Marlene to make it around the taller woman.
Marlene met DruloviÄ's sidestep, still blocking her, and backing against the thermostat. "You didn't, hm? Pray tell why don't I believe you?" she said, meeting DruloviÄ's every move. "We can do this all day and into the night," she said, still blocking the thermostat, the room reaching a frigid temperature now. "Take responsibility for your actions, Director, and I'll move; it'll all be over."
It was already past seven in the evening. DruloviÄ gave Marlene a tired look, raising her hands in mock surrender. āFine, then, Ms. Angel. If you want to stand there all night, please, go ahead.ā She retreated to the wall, leaning against it with her hands in her pockets. āIt doesnāt make much of a difference to me.ā DruloviÄ turned her face away from Marlene, a deep frown coming over her features.
Marlene made a face, claiming a small victory as DruloviÄ went to the other side of the room. Marlene simply stood there as the frigid temperatures remained. "All night until I get a confession out of you," she said, warm and comfortable in her jacket and pants. Marlene knew to dress warm for this interview. And had DruloviÄ known anything about the LDA, she would have been able tell Marlene was using standard LDA interrogation techniques.
āIām afraid youāll be sorely disappointed with me, Ms. Angel,ā replied DruloviÄ. āIn any case, you donāt particularly seem inclined towards polite conversation. I suspect it will be a long night for you. A tragedy, to be sure, no?ā
Marlene chuckled. "I knew you'd be a hard one to break, so I cleared my schedule. Don't worry, you're not the first person, and you won't be the last. Why don't you fess up to what you did so we can all go home? How long are you going to sit here? The evidence is pretty obvious, it's hard to fake logs and witness testimony. Cold mustn't faze you though, after-all.. Hadante gets mighty cold when you're in rags."
āIf you insist, Ms. Angel, Iāll stand here until court on Monday morning,ā replied DruloviÄ with a small shrug. āAlthough I imagine you donāt particularly want to do that.ā She watched Marlene for a while. āEither way, Mr. Cranford will be calling in the morning.ā
Marlene shook her head. "I'm sure you will, Director," Marlene said, crossing her arms over her chest. "And you're going to claim your innocence until a court proves you guilty," she said, before she turned the recorder off, leaning forward so that no one could hear. "Director, how well have you read my file?" she asked; it was now just between DruloviÄ and Marlene.
DruloviÄ shrugged. āIt was a while back, Ms. Angel,ā she said, still leaning against the wall in the interrogation room. āIām afraid Iāve read a great many dossiers in the last several months alone. So many of them, no? And most are quite uninteresting.ā Her eyes slid to Marlene, blinking slowly.
Marlene leaned forward and placed her hands on the table. "If you have, you'd know what an Alteran is; I presume you do, don't you?" she said, narrowing her eyes. DruloviÄ could sense something from the NPA agent, a presence, an overbearingly powerful presence of some kind.
DruloviÄ watched Marlene with the same, mostly impassive look she had been giving the woman the entire time. āIāve heard the word before,ā she said, her lips flattening into a line again. āIām afraid I donāt recall the context.ā
Marlene grinned as the overwhelming presence maintained itself. Then Marlene reached out to the intangible, focusing her efforts, feeling a slight pain at the back of her head to broadcast her voice into the Director's head. āAn ancient and powerful race of evolved humans. My family was descended from the Alterans. I don't buy your crap; I know what you did; I have seen it.ā
āYouāre a fool, Ms. Angel,ā said DruloviÄ, shaking her head. āA damned fool.ā
Marlene leaned back, releasing her abilities and allowing them to subside. "I'm a fool? I might not be able to prove you did what you did, but I've seen it; I know you did it. Tell me, Director. Would you be willing to take a Zatarc test to prove your innocence?" she said, leaning back. "I'll drop the charges if you take a Zatarc test."
āAbsolutely not,ā responded DruloviÄ. āI utterly detest technology, and if I had my way, would not be caught within many kilometers of any form of it. And no, I will not take a polygraph either. The CIA liked to subject me to those. Quite unpleasant machines, I think, and altogether unreliable.ā
Marlene shook her head. "I think you won't take it because you have something to hide, Director," she said, crossing her arms over her chest and shaking her head. "You've been beating around the bush all night. I can't understand how a government panders to people like this," she said, facing the door for a moment. "We'll see who has the last laugh, Director," she said, before she looked to the thermostat. Suddenly it ceased to function, locking the room in that temperature.
Marlene knocked on the door to be let out. When she was let out, she sighed. "Terra's laws seriously inhibit my arsenal. Back to square one, I guess."
After a few minutes, DruloviÄ moved away from the wall. Her partially numb fingers pulled the chair away from the table, metal scraping against the concrete. She seated herself again in the chair at the table, adjusting her scarf again. DruloviÄās brows knotted together, and her fingers rubbed the face of Saint Sava on the icon. The temperature remained a frosty forty, and DruloviÄ made the conversion to Celsius automatically -- four point five. It was four point five. She sat in silence, her head bowed, hands folded atop the table. If not for the modern layout of the room and her pantsuit, it might have been the portrait of a saint.
Meanwhile, a pale woman dressed in black cargo pants, tank top, and combat boots approached the check in desk. She was apparently unarmed. Even her hair was loose around her shoulders. Although Ari lacked an appointment, she had been told that she may possibly get through to visit DruloviÄ. Although her apparent premise had not quite been worked out, she did not expect that it would matter much. "I'm here to see DruloviÄ," she told the individual behind the desk.
Lieutenant Ferdi Gustava stepped out of a small call box positioned at the elevators, where a team of ITDM soldiers aided the Terran security detail at the basement sectors of the NPA building. He held one hand out in front of the woman and made a quick check of a computer tablet at his disposal. "Very well. She is currently in the room at the end of the hall. Her most recent visitor should be departing shortly. Now."
Marlene headed towards the elevator, rubbing her head as she approached the elevator. She checked her files for a moment, flipping them over and going over them. Handwritten flight logs, video tapes, witness statements and a note written in Anquietas. "I can't do much with Chaska playing hardball with me," she said, thumbing the note that was written in Anquietas. "I've got Scatterans breathing down one side, and Aschen the other. At least the Taiyou took that missing persons case off my hands."
Ari looked to the man that approached her calmly, holding still as he addressed his all-important tablet. "Thank you," she murmured. She nodded shallowly at his response and moved to step passed him toward the elevators.
Ferdi stood at the call box at the far end of the hallway, a hand gripping at the strap around his chest as the guarding team made way for the two people. Gustava returned to a video game on the tablet while the rest of the other soldiers continued talking amongst themselves. "Provide ID for interrogation checkout and sign off, please," the Lieutenant called out from the callbox one final time, after having allowed the smaller woman to pass through.
Marlene rolled her eyes at the men before showing her NPA ID Card and signing out. "Damnat Deus animalibus," she muttered as she checked out. "Am I free to go? I have places to be, people to see," she said, being quite the busy woman lately. "I need my Disruptor back too," she said to the Scatterrans behind the call box.
Ari strode into the elevator right beside the one by which Marlene was descending. What with her own powers being vaguely limited to manipulating matter, she was not aware of the former LDA agent's presence as she came within fifty yards. As the doors closed, likely Marlene would be stepping out from her own elevator car.
As the elevator ascended, Ari composed and performed her own elevator music--humming as her toe tapped, her fingers drummed against the back of her hand, and her eyes wandered to the ceiling patiently. She was trying to figure out what to say to DruloviÄ when she saw her. Really, this had been an impulse--but perhaps she could be of use to the Director this time.
Ferdi continued tapping at the video game screen a minute after the woman offered her identification; pausing the device with a quick finger tap, he stepped out of the small enclosure and pulled up the signature device. He offered the piece of equipment to her with one hand, while the other reached to take her card. "I will scan this, and you will sign that. Proper signature, Agent -- rank, service, and full name, please. Your service weapon is waiting at the main security hub on the ground floor."
Marlene muttered as she let her pen hit the paper. Special Agent Marlene Erin Angelique, National Police Agency, Special Investigations. "I never thought that Terra'd be outsourcing its security, strange really," she said, clicking her pen and sliding it into her pocket. "Must be a boring job; it is for me," she added, trying to make some small talk.
Ferdi coughed into his palm and shook away his gloved hand as the woman signed the digital pad. As soon as he scanned the ID card, the TNG had an electronic confirmation that could be accessed from an easily interactive database. "Very boring at nights, especially when in a basement," he replied as he scanned the card, waiting another thirty seconds for a soft beeping sound before offering her the card in return for the signature pad. "Sixteen hours for the next week, will probably bring a tele-set sooner or later."
Ari stopped humming and tapping as the ding sounded and the doors opened. She stared blankly outside of the car at what was before her. Squinting, she realized she was not where she wished to be. Laughing softly and shaking her head, she reached to punch the appropriate number to take her down into the basement. With another ding, she started to descend to the basement. Once more, she started humming and tapping until she arrived. Once the doors opened, she strode out confidently, headed for the interrogation room.
It had been close to ten minutes since Marlene had left DruloviÄ locked inside the interrogation room at the end of the hallway. She remained at the table. In almost childlike wonder, she leaned over the table and breathed slowly onto it, her breath clouding the tableās metal surface for a moment before the condensation disappeared. Something in her eyes sparked. DruloviÄ rubbed her finger against that spot on the table. It was nice, she thought, to be alone and without obligations. At least for the moment, she did not have pressing matters that required her attention.
Then Ari opened the door and ruined that moment. In stepped the Ri'ehn woman, intruding all too rudely upon the incarcerated woman's private amusement. Her head tilted as she looked at DruloviÄ, and there was so much wonder on her features. A slow smile appeared. "Director," she murmured as she moved toward the table. "Do you remember me?"
āMs. Loire,ā responded DruloviÄ, looking up at Ari. Her face resumed its impassive expression, her eyes sliding toward the younger woman as she inclined her head. āYou came to speak with me in the library, no?ā She leaned back in her seat, seeming to shiver for a moment.
"You've a fantastic memory," Ari said, clearly impressed judging by her tone and smile. She moved to take a seat across from DruloviÄ, lacing her fingers together to rest her hands upon the table as she regarded the prisoner across from her. "I did. Now I come to you--in a far different setting. I can't say as I'm all too thrilled with it--as I imagine you aren't, either." She glanced around the room briefly before turning her gaze back to DruloviÄ. "I've read a lot about what's happening with you--but I wanted you to tell me what got you here--and if there's anything I can do to put you back into a position where you can help Terra."
āFor one, Ms. Loire,ā said DruloviÄ, with the hint of a smirk playing on her lips, āyou might find a way to adjust the thermostat.ā She nodded to the thermostat on the wall beside the door. āBut thank you for coming here. I was rather afraid that people would be reading about this in the papers -- or on that blasted computer, on the -- internet.ā She seemed to scowl at that particular word. āThere are some who think that I was responsible for allowing Ms. Shaw to escape from Terra two months past, and who, no doubt, would like to see me removed from office.ā DruloviÄ regarded Ari for several moments. āI donāt imagine thereās much you could do about the criminal charges, though; that rests with Mr. Khamtaiās ministry.ā
Ari tilted her head faintly at the mention of the thermostat. Her mind reached out to probe along in search of the control of the central cooling system. As that wandered, she leveled her grey eyes on DruloviÄ. "I noticed that Miss Shaw left the planet, and -- to be perfectly honest -- I was in a mild state of shock to realize that you seemed to be responsible for her escape. I have never been a fan of Miss Shaw--" Here, Ari shrugged dismissively. "--but I could give a flying fuck about what part you had in that, really. You've otherwise displayed a solid interest in Terra's well-being and independence. That should be something to be considered by those that would have you--" She smirked, lifting and separating her hands to gesture broadly. "--detained. As far the charges brought against you--there's little I can do for that. I once dealt with a rather fine lawyer--but he's Aschen. I'm not sure that would do much for your case."
DruloviÄ shook her head. āOh, donāt worry about the law, Ms. Loire,ā she said, almost dismissively. āI went to law school, you know. I passed the bar, too. It was one of the most agonizingly monotonous moments in my lifetime, believe me. I have great admiration for people who can actually enjoy reading the type of sleep-inducing material found in law books.ā A small smile appeared on her face. āI donāt expect to be here for all that long, Ms. Loire. After all, Mr. Cranford does require me.ā
Ari tilted her head back in a genuine laugh, her hands returning to a rest on the table. An amused glitter held in her eye as she returned her gaze to DruloviÄ. A small smile quirked one side of her mouth. "How soon do you expect to leave, Director?" There was a hopefulness in Ari's tone.
āPerhaps sometime next week,ā replied DruloviÄ, ādepending on the judge who hears the preliminary hearing. Mind you -- the charges, I am sure will remain. I simply do not imagine that the courts will see the purpose of keeping me here. Besides, itās a rather drab place, I think. No artwork, no pictures on the walls. And itās still rather cold.ā
There was a soft click, and a subtle change in the reverberations that indicated the central heating and cooling activities. Ari had found the thermostat--although it had taken her longer than her Alteran associate. Warmth flooded the room from the small vent.
"Have you been well-informed as to goings-on during your stay, Director? I expect you will want to get right back to work." The Ri'ehn woman reached down into one of the pockets on her thighs and shortly procured a few pieces of oil pastel. The colors were blue, green, grey, and black. She placed them on the table before DruloviÄ, but retained the black piece. She took it in her fingertips, dragging the small bit on the metal of the table between them--drawing a stylized cat.
DruloviÄ raised an eyebrow, watching Ariās drawing with bemusement coloring her face. āIāve been briefed on matters of importance by Mr. Fazari, although it was a rather short briefing. Mr. Cranford spoke to me this morning, but it, too, was a brief conversation. Mr. Cranford doesnāt particularly like long conversations, Iāve noticed. He doesnāt usually care for conversation over a cup of tea. But -- as nice as a brief break might be, my work has already been paused for too long. I am needed elsewhere, Iām afraid, not here.ā DruloviÄ paused, tapping the table near the drawing. āItās a nice picture, Ms. Loire. I like to draw on occasion, although I must confess a great lack of talent. Had I any talent whatsoever, I might have went to art school, hm?ā
"I appreciate that people have had the decency to come visit you," Ari said with a crooked smile as she detailed the drawing. "I agree that you're needed elsewhere. From what I know, you are here only due to folly. So--" She lifted her free hand to gesture to the pastels. "--commit a little folly with me. I don't give a damn about your skill. I never went to school, either." She did pause at that moment to flick her eyes up to DruloviÄ. "I would prefer you out of this place as soon as possible, Director. I was wondering if there was a bail."
DruloviÄ reached for the green pastel with her right hand. With halting movements, she began to etch the image of a flower. There was no particular skill or realism to the image, but it was vaguely recognizable, if one tilted the head and squinted long enough. She pressed her tongue to her teeth in concentration, making little marks to add to the image. āI believe thatās what the hearing on Monday is for, Ms. Loire,ā she said, almost absentmindedly, nearly all of her attention focused on the crude drawing. She held the pastel at an odd angle, and the movements did not seem altogether natural.
Ari turned her eyes back to her own drawing, making a point of not watching DruloviÄ's near infantile attempts to draw. "I hadn't heard about that yet," Ari said placidly. "Whatever the case, I am most willing to pay for your release. I will remain sharply attentive to the goings on as far as your incarceration in the event that I can be of some assistance to you." Ari paused to smudge at the cat to add some shading, glancing up at DruloviÄ and her drawing. "I can bring tea next time, if you like."
āI appreciate that,ā responded DruloviÄ with a nod. āIām afraid I have very little money left. And I imagine Mr. DruloviÄ has his own troubles to be concerned about; Iād rather not trouble him with my problems.ā Her actual salary as Director of Intelligence was rather minimal, as were the salaries for members of Parliament. Her hand slipped, and made a mark across part of the flower picture. DruloviÄ frowned, rubbing at the stray mark. āI havenāt had a good cup of tea in a couple of days. Quite sad, actually.ā
Ari felt her mouth twitch faintly at the idea that DruloviÄ was relatively poor--especially given that she was doing so much for Terra. She lifted her fingers from her drawing to rub her fingertips together and smear the oils over them. "If I have the opportunity, I will bring tea next time." She looked up at Arianne then. "How have you been faring in here otherwise, Director?"
āWell, itās decidedly monotonous,ā responded DruloviÄ with a small laugh. āI havenāt had the opportunity to continue reading Mr. Dickensās novel, as I had been doing the night Ms. Angel so rudely interrupted a quiet evening. And,ā she added, in a more sober tone -- though it was difficult to determine whether DruloviÄ was mocking or not, āIām afraid Iāve missed my churchās choir practice. Still, Ms. Walsh may be grateful that I havenāt āled the entire alto section astray,ā as she likes to say.ā DruloviÄ tilted her head to the side, inspecting her own drawing. She scrawled a note beside the drawing in Cyrillic script, her hand forming awkward, textbook-style letters like those of a child first learning how to write.
Ari was initially interested in watching DruloviÄ's face--but her eyes lowered to the movement of her hands as she spoke. "A damn shame," Ari murmured distractedly, "tearing someone away from reading and choir.ā Her head tilted a bit as she started to write. "Miss Angel--that's--familiar.ā She frowned deeply. "What was this Miss Angel here for? How did she interrupt your evening?" For this, she returned her attention to DruloviÄ's face.
DruloviÄās eyebrows narrowed, a small frown appearing on her lips, as she added the last letter in the word with painstaking caution. Her eyes flickered to Ari, blinking. āMs. Angel -- Marlene is her given name -- is the agent who came to my door with an arrest warrant while I was reading on Thursday evening,ā she answered.
At once Ari was afflicted with amusement and anger. Her teeth grit, and then she laughed, throwing her head back for a few seconds before she groaned and leaned forward to rest her brow into her fingers. She shook her head slowly. "Oh, goddamnit. Marlene. She took you in? I -- didn't know that, oddly." She dropped her hand back to the table, tilting her head at Arianne. "What the fuck kind of grounds did she take you in on?" Already it was clear that Ari smelled 'bullshit'--even from such a considerable distance.
āThere was a video from a Reverence, the LDA, something like that,ā said DruloviÄ, rubbing her jaw for a moment, careful to avoid smudging any pastel on her face. āIām afraid that at the time I was shown the video, I was eating dinner and not terribly attentive. There had been a situation south of Wing City at the time.ā She set the green pastel on the table and reached for the blue one, beginning a new etching with the same halting motions.
Ari froze in a quiet horror. "Was this footage a solid implication of you essentially granting Shaw liberty?" she asked quietly, her eyes now watching the twitchy little movements of DruloviÄ's hand. "And what was going on at that time that--dinner aside--you were so distracted?"
āMs. Angel was attempting to arrest one of the Bureauās agents,ā responded DruloviÄ, the little marks slowly forming what looked halfway like a tree--partially. āThe NPA, the Bureau, the Scatterrans -- good Lord, it was quite a mess. But politics is usually like that, no?ā DruloviÄās frown deepened as she continued to etch the image of the tree onto the tableās surface. āA bloody, disgusting mess.ā
"As with most things involving Marlene," Ari muttered absently, her left hand reaching up to rub at the side of her face. She did, of course, note that DruloviÄ totally avoided answering the first question, and that made the Ri'ehn woman all the more concerned. DruloviÄ was a good person to keep around--and if there was irrefutable evidence suggesting that she had betrayed Terra by granting Shaw an escape route. That still didn't matter to Ari--or, at least, it didn't matter for what it was as that. It only mattered because it fucked with how Ari wanted DruloviÄ to function. "Anyone important to you get arrested or perish in that incident?"
āNo, thank God,ā replied DruloviÄ. She leaned over the table, paying closer attention to what she was doing with the pastel. She was finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a partially steady hand, and rested her wrist against the table while still moving her fingers. āThe Bureauās agent was not taken into custody, and no one died. I specifically instructed the Bureau personnel present not to fire. Things do tend to get ugly once triggers are pulled.ā DruloviÄ paused, inspecting her drawing with a careful frown. As the temperature in the room had risen, so her irritation seemed to have faded.
Ari watched quietly for a minute or two as DruloviÄ handled the pastel and created her lines. She had run out of pertinent questions. Now all that was left was curiosity. Ari reached out to indicate the Cyrillic script with the tip of the black pastel she still had. "What does that read, sr'vehn?"
āIt says Å”ljiva,ā answered DruloviÄ with a small smile. āA Å”ljiva is a plum. The Å”ljiva is the flower of Serbia, you know.ā She stopped drawing to look at the script. āIām afraid my handwriting is not particularly good. You can travel to parts of Eastern Europe, and there are calligraphists who write beautifully. When I was younger, I much enjoyed imitating their art -- I was good enough to earn a few commissions while at university. Unfortunately, I havenāt been able to write so beautifully in many years now.ā
Nerve damage? Ari speculated to herself. Grey eyes wandered the painstakingly etched lines of the word for a few seconds before she grunted softly. "I believe that there's a beauty in things done with devotion, no matter their apparent crudeness," she said quietly. "On that note--you may keep these, if they let you." She dropped the black pastel along with the green and grey ones. "I'm afraid that I have to go for now--but I will try to see you again before your release." Ari attempted to sound confident--that it was a matter of fact and a matter of time before DruloviÄ was released. "I will keep an eye on what the press says about you, im itris."
āOh, the press,ā said DruloviÄ, rolling her eyes at mention of those particularly banal creatures. āThe press will sat just about anything, Ms. Loire, and less than one-half of it is true. I harbor a deep dislike for the press. Perhaps thatās leftover from the clandestine business, but I really donāt care for journalists or their ilk. I wish my name would cease to appear in print. Unfortunately,ā she nearly glowered, āI highly doubt that that would ever happen.ā She looked at Ari carefully.
Ari stood up slowly, her palms pressed to the cool metal. She stared down at the table they had drawn all over carefully for a minute. "I hope that your name will appear less in a negative context, im itris--and a more triumphant one shortly. To have your name disappear--well, unfortunately--it would be the result of an obituary." Ari reached out to touch just the fingertips of her right hand to DruloviÄ's left hand. "I will see you soon, regardless," she said. "Take care 'til then, vehn?"
DruloviÄ nodded, meeting Ariās eyes. āYou have a good rest of the night, Ms. Loire,ā she said. āIt was good of you to come. Iām sad to say that it was not under better circumstances. Perhaps soon you can come to my house for dinner. Iād like that very much. And itās certainly more pleasant than meeting -- well.ā DruloviÄ shook her head, tiredness creeping upon her as the night wore on.
Ari inclined her head deeply. "Of course. Ahren, im itris." She straightened shortly after, turning to make her exit.
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