Confined discussion

The place where Variants go to plan escapes, jailbreaks, and recon.

"Call a Code Black!" One of the guards said, pressing his knee into Julian's back deeper. One of the three, having only one star on his uniform, went to go punch in the code via the keypad right down the hall. Blue and white boots did reach the floor, but not before the Technokinetic saw a soldier go running down the hallway. "What's going on?" Rikku thought before turning the corner and seeing Julian on the ground with a knee painfully dug into his back. Rikku started heading that way when the third solider, having only two stars on his uniform, slid into view right in front of her. "E's cunno pid-" He started to say but Rikku interjected,"Mad res ku! Ra'c fedr sa!" The soliders' eyes  widened and the one that was on Julian, this one having four stars on his uniform,said in disbelief,"Ra'c fedr sa?" Rikku nodded and the soldier cautiously got off of Julian, making sure that The President's Son wouldn't make any sudden movements and then shouted down the hall," Call off the code!" And then looked back at Rikku with a look that said, "Explain." " E's rana du dyga res du Lightning. Ra haatc du caa ran, du dymg du ran." "Ugyo, pid ev ra dneac cusadrehk-" The highly decorated one said, cutting him the dirtiest look ever. Rikku waved her hand and chuckled,"Ra fuh'd, ra fuh'd! E's fydlrehk res!" Both of the guys chuckled and moved out of her and Julian's way. "Zicd lymm ev oui haat ramb, pid E tuipd dryd oui femm," The soldier with four stars reminded her before giving her a friendly nod. Rikku returned the nod and then looked down at Julian and squatted down next to him," Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

((Translations for those who can't speak or read Al Bhed. ;)

E's cunno pid= I'm sorry but

Mad res ku! Ra'c fedr sa!= Let him go! He's with me!

E's rana du dyga res du Lightning. Ra haatc du caa ran, du dymg du ran= I'm here to take him to [Lightning]. He needs to see her, to talk to her.

Ugyo, pid ev ra dneac cusadrehk-= Okay, but if he tries something-

Ra fuh'd, ra fuh'd! E's fydlrehk res!= He won't, he won't! I'm watching him!

Zicd lymm ev oui haat ramb, pid E tuipd dryd oui femm.= Just call if you need help, but I doubt that you will.))

Jules winced, the guard's weight almost completely on him. He was tempted to dissapate through the floor, but he didn't know where he was going, and he figured it wouldn't help his case much. "'Ey! Get the fuck off me!" Julian yelled, struggling under the soldier, but stilled when he saw heard Rikku. His cheek was shoved to the ground also, but after a few moments, and some hesitation, Jules felt the weight lift. The teen got to his feet cautiously, setting his jaw and looking over at the soldiers with pure hate. "I'm fine. You guys can't hurt me, trust me." He sighed, and ran a hand through his hair again. "So, can I see her now?" Julian was aware of the soldiers eyeing him distastefully, and they looked surprised. "I'm pretty sure Lightning knows I'm here now."

Blue and green shadows cast themselves against the wall as shocking blue eyes surveyed the holograph. Her key points were marked with small yellow x's. The former Soldier heard noise outside and she turned off the Holigraph, the lights turning on.

Rikku said,"Let's go inside, she's probably expecting somebody now."

Jules nodded, and dissipated, through the door. The room was full of light, and a variant stood in the midst of it all. "Hello."

Rikku entered the Intel Center and was about to say Hello when Jules beat her to it. The silence that was between the Technokinetic, the Dissapant and the Electrokinetic was strong and filled with danger.

Lightning stopped leaning over the maps and she pulled her gun blade out of her sheath and she turned on her heel, pointing the gun at Julian, her movements smooth and fluent. "Well if it isn't the Devil's offspring..." Lightning's shockingly cold blue eyes meeting Julian's semi cold blue eyes. "Why the hell is he here? Don't you know who this is?" Lightning looked over at Rikku, still keeping the gun pointed at Julian's chest. Rikku nodded," Yes ma'am, I am quite aware of who this is, but there is a really good reason behind it." "Well speak, or it might give me reason to finish off The Devil's offspring before all hell breaks loose," Lightning said, moving the gun to her side and looking expectantly at Rikku, keeping her finger on the trigger.

Rikku cracked her neck and opened her small mouth," Well you see, when you sent me on that Intel mission I got put on security watch at the President's house. I was like,'Okay you know, maybe there might be something of value here.' Well then there were buzzers and other stuff going off," At this point, Rikku was making wild hand gestures to make her point, those who didn't know Rikku would think that she was crazy, but those who she considered her friends, knew that she always did this when she was really into her stories," And they started calling all these different code names. One of the soldiers said,"Hey come with us, we have a Variant on the loose," so I went, and seeing that it was the President's son, knocked the other two out, thinking that he was the 'something of value' and so now here we are," Rikku concluded, breathing heavily because she had said all of that in one breath.

Lightning nodded and then turned to Julian,"What is it that you can do?" Lightning was known not to be the kindest, but she did what she needed to do in order to keep others safe.

Jules didn't even flinch at the gun aimed at his chest, simply stared ahead at Lightning with an unwavering smirk. "Oh, Devil's offspring? I would agree with that phrase--" Julian cut himself off when a conversation protruded from the silence, and he laughed slightly when she put down the gun. He listened intently at Rikku's retelling of his escape, smiling more. "YOu think I'm something of value? I feel so loved."
He ran a hand through his hair, a habit of his, and glanced at Lightning with glinting eyes. "Molecular oscillation. I stole it." In all truth, he did actually steal the power. The serum he developed extracted the power from a Variant, and was able to be injected into a human.

"I swear he didn't tell me that part!" Rikku said as she looked at Julian. "How did you do it?" Rikku said, keeping a hand at her side near her daggers. She was slightly scarred now and that meant that she needed to be on her guard. Lightning was getting the same vibe and she kept her finger on the trigger, clicking the top part back, making sure that it was loaded. "Well?" Lightning said, waiting for an answer.

Julian tsked, casually leaning against a wall, and crossing his arms. "You're asking too much. Honestly, you think I'd answer all of your questions? I didn't come here to be interrogated. I came for solace."

Lightning scoffed, looking at the Dissapant," Well I'm afraid without information, I'll have to feed you back to the Hellhounds," Lightning also wasn't one to bluff, so you had better take her seriously. Rikku gave Jules a look that was pleading for him to tell her.

"Mmm. The Hellhounds? Now I feel threatened. I wonder what my father will do once he learns of his son missing? The last tracked position being inside the Variant camp?" Jules chuckled. "Hellhounds are the least ofo my worries." Julian pushed off the wall, though, and started pacing around the room, like a caged animal. "I had access to the labs, and developed a serum. I can take any power using it, then store it and inject the ability into someone else."

(Hehehehehehe)

Lightning didn't know what to say. This one was really dangerous so there was only one thing to do. "You can stay, since I trust that Rikku already took care of the chip,but don't expect anybody to hold your hand or wipe your ass for you." Lightning's eyes cut Jules a look and she looked deeper into his being," One step out of line and I will end you with no remorse at all," Lightning then looked at Rikku," Ra ec du pa gabd ihtan lmuca fydlr, bnavanypma po oui. Ihtancduut?" Rikku nodded,"Oac, E fuh'd tecybbuehd oui!" Rikku smiled and Lightning looked at the two,"You guys can go," She turned and went deeper into the Intel Room, sinking back into her thoughts, shocking blue eyes sweeping across various maps.

Julian had a smug smirk on his face, but lurking underneath it was pure defiance. He didn't like either side--trained to kill the Variants from the time he could walk--and he hated his father more. Jules met Lightning's gaze, his voice unwavering. "Under. Fucking. Stood." He spat, with as much humor in his voice as the other former soldier. "And don't think I won't escape if I feel even slightly threatened. I'll tell my father everything--chances are, he'll spare me for information."

"Not if I kill you first. You wouldn't stand a chance against EDGE either. At least I would have the decency to just kill you," Lightning said, before disappearing around a corner. Rikku looked at Julian and said," Let's go...."

Jules gritted his teeth, watching Lightning's receeding back. "You don't know me, don't pretend you do!" He yelled after the leader, shaking his head and following Rikku.

Rikku left out of the door and held it open for Julian, closing it behind her. "I do apologize for you having to deal with her.... erm Authority......"

Jules scoffed, visibly pissed. "Hah. What authority? Who does she protect you from? No one. With my serum, our soldiers would be invincible. We would defeat all of you."

Rikku's smile fell and she turned away from Julian saying lightly,"She and the other soldiers actually do protect us from EDGE you see.... They've actually done more than your father can do at the moment......." She sighed and said as happily as she could," But! Nevermind that, C'mon I'll show you to your quarters," Rikku started to walk to down some more steps, her boots clicking against the metal interior.

Julian followed, chuckling. "I get 'quarters'? Hm."

"Well all the Variants do," Rikku turned a corner and she went down some more stairs. She came to a door and opened it, revealing some more doors. "You coming, Mr. Graves?" Rikku said with a chuckle and a smile.

"Good point," he said, jogging down the stairs to catch up. "Please, if I'm going to be here, don't call me by my last name. That's my father's title, not mine. If people don't recognize me by my face from campaigns, or from the labs, then they'll recognize my name. I am Julian, not Graves. Unders-- got it?"

"Don't worry, I've got your back," Rikku smiled as she continued walking to a door. "Here is your room, you'll be by yourself for a while, so don't get too lonely."

Jules nodded gratefully. "Thanks." He glanced inside the room--pretty bare, safe for a bed, a small nightstand and lamp, and a clock on the wall. "I suppose exploring is out of the question?"

"You can go explore just don't go near the Intel Center, that's where most of the security is beefed up," Rikku said as she leaned against a wall.

"Right." Julian replied, looking around. "But they know I'm here, correct? Well, I guess they'd be caught off guard... Lightning didn't seem very surprised."

"No they expect the unexpected," Rikku said," Lightning's never caught off guard, because she was in the Military after all." She leaned off of the wall and started making her way to the door," Dinner is at 7:00 if you want to go eat something."

"True, true." Jules mused, running a hand through his hair. "So, does everyone know I'm here now? What is a Code Black, anyway?" Why am I asking so many goddamn questions?

"Some people do, but most people have never seen your face before. Most likely the Heads will know so as not to worry. Code Black? Can't tell you that, sorry Jules," Rikku said and before she could stop the nickname from coming out, she couldn't slap her hand to her mouth. "I mean Julian!"

"The Heads?" Julian said, confused, and he set his jaw at the slip up. His sister, mother, and his deceased girlfriend...they were the only people 'allowed' to call him that. "Exactly." he said gruffly. "I know you mean Julian. We're not even minutely close enough to go on a first name basis, but because I'd like to save my ass, we are. No nicknames." Jules nearly snapped, trying to get himself to calm down. Last time he got this mad, he scattered, passing out, and found himself in a completely new sector of the labs, unbeknownst on how he got there.

"Well I am most definitely sorry," Rikku said, her smile faltering. A loud BOOM was heard and she said," That's my cue, I gotta go," Rikku gave Julian a wave and she disappeared around the corner. "Remember! Dinner's at 7!" She said over her shoulder.

Jules nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. He frowned at the boom, but chuckled when she fled quickly. "I'll be there!" Julian shouted back. He figured he should get acquainted with the space, so he shut the door and lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

Small feet padded against the metal interior as light hazel eyes surveyed her surroundings. A loud BOOM had been heard throughout the Camp, but not to this girl. For you see, this girl was deaf. She had been for as long as she could remember. But, that was besides the point. Becky was looking for Lucinda, one of her brothers or sisters, or quite frankly anybody. Why? Because Becky felt the need to give somebody a hug, cause she felt like somebody had a bad day and needed to be cheered up.

Julian quickly grew bored of staring at his ceiling, so he poked around in the room. There were clothes sitting on a table, so he figured he'd save them for later. Jules turned, didn't find anything interesting, and walked to the door, opening it. He peeked out, then closed it behind him, but collided with a little girl. Hm.

Becky bumped into somebody and she looked up, to see the face of Julian. "I'm sorry," Becky said with her voice and she signed it out. Lucinda had told her that she needed to start doing so that people could hear her and see the what she was saying as well. "Hi my name is Becky," She said with a smile.

Jules stared down at the girl, and he felt a pang of recognition. Why does she look so familiar? He noted the sign language, and Julian nodded, signing out a response, rather than speaking. 'No worries. I'm Julian.' He figured the girl could do no harm, so why not? 'Do you prefer reading, or signing? I can write it out if you need.'

"Signing is fine, but I can also lip read, so you can speak," Becky signed and said, with a smile and she then said," Have you seen my Mom?"

Jules chuckled, and nodded. "Okay. And no, I haven't. I don't think I know who your mom is."

"That's fine, I'll see her at dinner," Becky smiled and then asked," Are you new?" She moved her honey brown hair out of her eyes and Becky pulled down her skirt.

Julian ran a hand through his hair, squatting down to her height. "Sort of."

Becky's face lit up. "Come with me! I'll show you where everything is!" Becky loved new people, it gave her new people to love and give hugs too! She giggled and grabbed his hand," You'll come with me right?"

He paused, but after looking at the younger girl's face, nodded. "Okay, but...okay."

Becky's smile faded slightly,"What's wrong?" She cocked her head to the side as she awaited the answer. Something was off and was slightly irritating her new friend.

"Nothing." Julian put a rare grin on his face, trying to hide his anxiousness. "C'mon, show me around. I need some help finding the cafeteria, anyway."

Becky smiled and she grabbed his hand, her small hand barely fitting in his very large one. "The Cafeteria? Oh I know where that is," Becky looked up at Julian and said," My sister would like you."

Jules raised an eyebrow, and followed after her. "Your sister? Oh, really? And why is that?"

"Cause you're cute!" Becky giggled and smiled at him. Though she was only eight years of age, Becky didn't have an edit button. She says whatever comes to mind.

Julian let out a chuckle, one that often went ringing through the labs--just without humor. This one, however, was a bashful, genuine laugh. He liked this little girl, she was funny and reminded him greatly of Lib. A pang of guilt went through him as he was reminded of his younger sister, but he pushed it away and focused his attention on the small girl in front of him. "Why, thank you. My sister would love you, and all your hair."

"I have oodles of hair! My mom says Im a lion because me hair is a maine," Becky said as she put up her hands," Rawr! You scared yet?" She laughed and then continued walking.

"No, not scared." Jules said, laughing. "You're very funny."