Ione Fanil's Story

Vega took in a breath as he stood up from his seat. He looked around, looking for any imperfections in the walls. They look entirely well kept, though the Rogues would be foolish if they kept their cells in disrepair. Vega then went to answer her question about his ability. "I could show you if I had my gear, but I am a solid hacker." "If I could some how connect to the locking mechanisms I could override the system and then we'll be released." Vega spoke. "Though I'm not sure how I will get hold of any wiring from within here." "Unless...," Vega looked over to Ione, "Don't Nymphs have magical abilities, or am I thinking of something else?" Vega spoke. He knows of magic and magical creatures, though he isn't magic savvy as he is tech savvy. He could easily forget the distinctions between certain creatures and beings.

"You're thinking of a different type of nymph. Mine is a title. I am not capable of doing anything remotely magical." Of course, there were certain things she could do within the Golden Tower, but not so far away from it.

"So it seems there is nothing we can do. The glass must be unbreakable with out level of strength. We just might have to bide our time instead. How unfortunate that this opportunity will have to be wasted." She bit her lip. "But...perhaps...the good Rogue will be able to help us when he comes back down."

Though he would remove such emotions he was becoming rather frustrated with this predicament. That was until a resonating boom came to ear. It felt like a quake when his cell shook. "Hm whatever that was, it was certainly powerful." Vega spoke. "Too bad it didn't do anymore damage to the building than I would have liked." Vega spoke voicing some disappointment. "I suppose our unknown assailants are still fighting the Rogues." "Whoever they are, they must have some serious firepower." Vega commented. He then turned his attention back to their cells. "As for now were are still stuck in here aren't we?" He rhetorically spoke. For now he must concentrate on getting him and Ione out of her. But how? The console is still the best bet, better than wasting energy on breaking down the glass. If only he had some of his equipment he could have escaped by now. Though perhaps Ione's suggestion may work. Maybe some Rogue will check on the prisoners and the Nymph here could use her feminine wiles perhaps. Though he doesn't want to have to rely on it. The Rogues are supposed to be trained to be above such things, there not your average, ordinary, government organization.

((Edited in light of recent events.))

Fortis and the other Rogues headed back into their headquarters, a few missing as they were going to investigate or see what the Misranans knew about the attack.

"Who's the other prisoner?" Fortis asked one of his comrades, "Don't know. We brought him in on charges of suspected terrorism, he came with weapons." A Rogue answered, "Are you sure he isn't just a mercenary or a bounty hunter?" Fortis asked, "Arky was the one that brought them in, ask her." Another Rogue said.

Fortis nodded, "Send her down, I'll be in the cells." Fortis told his group before heading for the elevator. The government agent pressed a button, sending the elevator downwards into the sub-levels of the imposing building.

Once it stopped the Rogue stepped out, moving down the halls until he reached Ione's cell. He looked the woman over for a moment, "I'm supposed to give you the benefit of the doubt." He told the woman, "But, your words sat with me. The nature of your arrival, it unnerves me." Fortis admitted.

"You make it hard for me to believe you aren't a rebel or some lone-wolf terrorist." Fortis looked towards Vega, "what's your opinion?"

Vega noticed the elevator come on down and with it came the one agent he hoped to not see. As Fortis walked, Vega never missed a step he took. He watched as he went past his cell and looked in towards Ione's. Vega listened to the Agent as he spoke. He really thinks he can just throw in whoever he pleases. It doesn't matter if there is evidence or not. Though the agent kept his emotions undetectable on his face. He doesn't know if he is just paranoid, or he just enjoys abusing power. Then Fortis turned his attention to Vega as he asked him a question. Vega didn't want to give him the satisfaction of answering but perhaps he should answer. Maybe it will make her look less suspicious, or take suspicion off her.

"Her?" Vega looked over to the Nymph. "From the time you threw her in here, I thought she was who you claimed." Then Vega looked over to Fortis. "But since then she has been flirting with me nonstop." "I doubt any self-respecting rebel or terrorist would stoop so low to be so provocative, knowing that seducing me really won't change the fact she's stuck in here." Then Vega smirked, "I believe she is who she claims to be, or is it now Rogue policy to capture simple prostitutes?" "How low the mighty have fallen." Vega sneered as he gave his answer.

Ione folded her arms underneath her breasts, tilting her chin up slightly in the presence of Fortis. She had not been afraid of him before. She would not start showing any fear now. She would stand proud and strong.

She regarded Vega coldly, with a short glare and a quiet hmph. "I have been doing no such thing. That's just how I make conversation." she replied, looking Fortis right in the eye. "Now, just because I seem out of place doesn't mean I couldn't be just what you thought I was. I'm not poor, but this is the first time I've been sent to Hera Prime on business. You're going to make my customer impatient. I'll have to let you make it up to me if I don't get to him on time." An eyebrow was raised. She reached for Fortis' collar.

"You'd do that...right? It's not every day a Golden Tower Nymph comes by."

"We get a lot of guests." Fortis told Ione, reaching up to take her and hand and remove it from his collar gently. The black clad agent looked towards Vega, "They say you're a terrorist too. Or at least, you're suspected." Fortis informed the man, "One might say you're defending a comrade or someone with similar goals."

It was clear that Fortis wasn't always a glorified assassin, a government killer, he was an investigator. Yes, those investigations tended to end with the intended targets dead, but it was the process that lead to it in the first place.

"When, if, I enter you, Ione, it will be because you want me to." The Rogue told the woman, "I'm working right now, but I hope we can meet when I'm off-duty. You can meet the other me. The me that doesn't have to fight terrorists."

The elevators dinged again, the doors opening to reveal three more black clad Rogues. Two women and a very large man. The man had dark skin, his uniform consisted of a black sleeveless trenchcoat, black pants and a pair of black boots with spikes around the soles. Anyone he kicked would be in for some trouble.

The first woman had shoulder-length blonde hair and wore a dark blue domino mask over her eyes. Her uniform was similar to Fortis', the exception being that it was more skintight and she lacked the same trenchcoat. She opted for a bodysuit.

The second woman was tall, muscular and heavily tattooed. Her brown hair styled into a mohawk. Her uniform was consisted of an armored vest, black fatigues and black combat boots. The tall woman approached Fortis, offering him a polite nod.

"Quartermaster." She said in greeting, "Arky." Fortis said in response, "We're letting these two go." Fortis said, earning some looks from the others.

Vega watched Fortis warily. The man's mind was keen but when more government dogs came, he began to worry. It would seem they are going to be transported somewhere. Most likely to an interrogation room. He wasn't about to crack under pressure but he did have worry for Ione. She really has no business here and they will be torturing her for nothing. Well, except maybe for some sick pleasure. Still it was what Fortis said next surprised him. Then his suspicions against Fortis raised. Something was up, he must be planning something. It's always something with these shady government types.

Vega scoffed, "I didn't know you Rogues to be the generous type." Vega only looked at Fortis with a stern countenance. Something was up and he wasn't buying it. Whether or not Ione falls for whatever he's doing is up to her. But even they do release them, he would have to watch his back at all times.

Surprising. Very surprising.

Ione's expression became immediately suspicious, but she wiped it from her face quickly, replacing it with a slight, pleased smile. "Very good. I didn't expect you to let us go just like that, Fortis, but I'm glad you saw it our way." She passed the two others a glimpse, brought it over Vega, then, finally, back again to Fortis.

"Let's not spit on our generosity, Vega. Thank the man so we can get out of here a little more quickly, yeah?"

"Mhm. But, do know I'm watching you. I will be watching you very closely." Fortis told Ione, "You can decide if it's because of your looks or if it's work related yourself." He told her, shifting his attention towards Vega. "Open." The Rogue said, the cells opening to allow the two prisoners out.

"As for you. I'm not entirely convinced you're not a terrorist or criminal. You are an ass and I've killed men for saying less to me." Fortis told Vega, "But, I keep my word. Once you leave here my word is kept and I can, i will, lock you up or end your life as I see fit." Fortis explained.

"I dare, I double dare you, to bring my words up to the governor. I'll be sure to pay you a visit after we laugh behind your back. Then I'll kill you." There had to be something so unnerving about Fortis' words. If not the words he actually said, but the way he said them.

That confidence in his assertion that the government would support his actions, right or wrong, without so much as an investigation. Maybe it was fear of what he and the Rogues could do more than it would be the government sanctioning their actions.

Vega looked towards the other three agents. Warily, he watched them in case they made any sudden movements. He then turned his attention back to Ione as she spoke to Fortis. He only scoffed at the thought of thanking the people that threw him in here in the first place. Still, perhaps he should thank the good fortune for them changing their mind, such things are rare. Then spoke Fortis and came everything he had expected. "An ass?" "I could say the same." Vega thought to himself. Instead of speaking he only continued to listen to the Agent. What he spoke and how he said it. It gave him a twinge of fear and a shot of excitement. Instead of retorting with his insult, he would just continue to play wise ass.

"Good," He then smirked, "I was afraid the Rogues were getting soft on me." Vega spoke. He then turned to Ione and then his face became one of seriousness. He then turned back to Fortis and spoke, "But with the consent of the lady, I too will give thanks, for changing your minds." Vega spoke as he went to turn. He then looked over to Fortis, "I wouldn't expect any less from you, and oh," Vega paused, "Your comment about the Governor?" "Don't worry about, I don't plan on running and crying to your superiors because I feel I was mistreated." Vega spoke as he turned to Fortis once more. "If I have any issues, I will resolve them personally." Vega spoke with dead seriousness. "For that I give you my word." Vega spoke. He was now ready to be released.

"And since we are in confidence, I assume you will release me with any items you confiscated off me." "After all your watching me and will end my life as you see fit, correct?" "So what real risk is there?" Vega asked. He wasn't going to leave with just the clothes on his back.

She took a step toward the elevators, but turned to wait for Vega and Fortis to fix things out. She wanted to wait for this mysterious young man.

And as for Fortis' reply...well, that certainly had not amazed her whatsoever. Not the comment about their possible dealings after he got off of work, or his threats. In fact, it pleased her. She would have been far too suspicious, otherwise. Likely, enough to call the Tower, even enough to cancel the deal with the client. It would be a big loss, but the life of a higher class Nymph would be a bigger one. The Tower Overseer would understand. He always understood.

"If you're so sure he's not a terrorist, I certainly don't see a problem." she told Fortis.

"I said I'm not entirely sure he isn't a terrorist, Ione." Fortis told the woman, "Grab his weapons, have them waiting upstairs." Fortis ordered, the blonde female Rogue nodding and head for the elevator.

Fortis gestured over to the elevators, Arky and the other Rogue stepping aside for the two. "That means you're still under investigation, both of you. Once, if, everything is cleared up maybe we can all meet on better terms. Terms where you won't be cuffed and thrown into prison cells." Fortis said.

"Unless the night takes us there, of course." The government agent joked, letting a genuine smile show for a moment. "There are hotels all over. There's a few near the... better parts of town that favor Calidonan cuisine and styling. nice places." Fortis informed Vega and Ione.

Vega only listened to Fortis. Luckily after all of this he was still receiving his gear. Vega walked over to the elevators as directed by the Agent. He didn't much care to listen to what he had to say. For the most part he just considered it all apart of the act. The Rogues are not the most trustworthy of people. After all they seem to lock up anyone without any evidence at all. Then of all things he cracked a joke. Vega only gave a sideways smirk. "Sure laugh you two-faced bastard." He thought to himself. Vega only nodded in response to his directions. He was probably leading them into a trap, but depends if Ione wants to head to these places. He then entered the Elevator from there he would wait for Ione.

He would not have to wait long. She had followed closely behind, hands loosely at her sides. She glanced at Fortis over her shoulder. "I do not think we will be missing each other for long." Especially for the amount of time she would be spending in Aether. A time long enough that would encourage trouble.

"Shall we?" she said to Vega, just as the elevator brought them up to the floor where he would receive his weapons, and then to the outside world.

She had been in there an hour, give or take a little while, but even so, the sunlight felt glorious, and the sense of freedom, precious. The thought was quickly shoved to the side. Freedom? Hah.

"What are you going to do now?" she asked Vega.

Vega too was glad to be outside. He wouldn't admitted but he had the sinking feeling he was going to be locked up and forgotten. Though this was only a reprieve, so long as the shadow of the Rogues hangs over their heads. Who knows how long Agent Keri will allow them freedom. All he knows is, if they cone for him, his arrest will not be so easy this time. Especially if Fortis is among them. Only a few people he has met in his life, ever gave him a feeling of dread. Fortis...there was something about him. Something that he doesn't trust, something that is truly remorseless. It would be a pleasure to end him, if the time ever arose.

In the meantime his power cuffs were securely locked onto his wrists. The genelock has now been lifted as the cuffs connected with main power source on his sword. Just in case he would have to make an escape a few feet from their headquarters. Though he would not unveil what his weapon can do just yet. So in the meantime he carried the sword out in the open. He would have to place it in it's pocket dimension later.

As he walked with Ione she gave him a question. "What am I going to do now?" Vega spoke. "There isn't much for me to do at the moment." "I assume I will follow you around, after all, we inmates have to stick together right?" Vega joked. "Unless you've had enough of me of course." Vega spoke.

A tiny smile landed its way onto Ione's face. "That attitude of yours is growing on me. I do not think I will tire of it soon. If you have nowhere else to stay, then I can help you with a hotel room where I will be stationed at for the next week. Perhaps you can provide me with sweeter company than the haughty aristocrats waning for my attention." She clasped her hands behind her back as she walked.

"Your sword is an interesting make. I don't see as many melee warriors as I'd like, especially when there are those with guns lurking around every corner. There is a grace to the blade that guns lack, I believe. Even if one is, ultimately, more effective."

Or so it was often thought.

Vega only smirked at Ione's flirtatious ways. Still he wasn't exactly aiming to be so likeable, but he does put on a good show. He wouldn't admit it, but he has grown fond of her attitude as well. Though all of this pales in light that the Rogues are watching them. It was then Vega saw a chance to pull another joke, "Maybe...though I don't feel like giving those Rogue bastards something to watch." Vega crudely joked. She then mentioned his weapon. Vega turned his head down to the blade. He had a small smile that came to his face. He then glanced over to Ione.

"It's funny you would mention that." "It's a blade that was made specifically for my family." "You won't see many like it, but never the exact model." "It was made quite sometime ago, I forget how long exactly, but it is apart of my lineage so to speak." "Inherited quite sometime ago." "Though it's not exactly in it's original form, customizations have been made to it." Vega spoke. "Yes the universe favors it's plasma, lasers, and all matter of particle beams anymore." "Not to mention your everyday bullet and gun." "Yes, a grace." "There is some unspoken honor about swordsmen and those who use melee weapons." "It's nice of you to speak of it, after all I don't receive too much respect when people see me with a sword." "Believing it's outdated and useless, but I do have some tricks up my sleeve." "So don't worry about me facing some bozo with a gun, he will be in for a surprise." Vega smirked.

"Well show me to this hotel." "If the Rogues are going to come get me anytime soon, I might as well be in some luxury suite." Vega spoke in a sort of joking, yet serious manner.

"I doubt they would be interested," she replied. "However, if there is trouble, we might be suspects. I'm sorry to say, but if you end up accompanying me all week, then you might find yourself in some. I have a habit of stirring it. My Overseer has often said that I am the most expensive for a reason.

"That sword sounds impressive. Perhaps your skills, as well. I expect that I will be able to see proof of this in the not-so-distant future."

As they kept walking, they would soon com upon a tall, gorgeously designed building. "The Throne Hotel. Is that to your standards? I'm sure it will be better than that dank cell."

"You do have a point." Vega spoke. "I suppose we will have to part ways soon." Vega looked over his shoulder. "Don't need to give them more reasons to put us behind bars." "Though I doubt they need it." Vega scoffed. Vega then looked down at his sword once again, "Perhaps, perhaps." "Depends if we have unwelcome guests." He spoke with dead seriousness. As the two came upon the The Throne Hotel, he could only think about how high someone thought of themselves. "Hmph standards." "Compared to the week I've had I would settle for just a hostel." Vega spoke with deadpan wit. "Think they will allow weapons?" Vega joked.

"Well this is your area of expertise," Vega then stood aside as he outstretched his arm, "Lead the way." Vega calmly spoke.