Topic: Cloned Warfare

Julianna Frostbite

Date: 2011-11-06 21:34 EST
((This is a continuation of Eternal Sunshine from a Scattered Mind))

It wasn't by coincidence she had been in that alley, at that time of night, when another of Rhy'dins drudgery had made an attempt on a young woman's virtue without permission. Her meeting of sorts had finished only minutes before, and she had chosen to hang back in that alley to relish the elation she felt having been given such promising information. The young woman?s piercing scream had broken Julianna?s racing thoughts.

After observing the scene from the inky blackness of the alleyway, she felt a need to teach the woman?s assailant a lesson. The information she had obtained had brought her such quite a sense of satisfaction so she had decided to let the creatin live. Under certain conditions of course, but mercy was not typically something she bestowed upon anyone such as he. After she had sent him off with her warning, she gathered the slumped figure of the slight woman he had attempted to accost and made sure she was safely sequestered in one of the upstairs rooms of the Red Dragon Inn before she headed home to her apartment.

She opened the door and slipped in, locking it behind her. She crossed the expanse of the sparsley funished apartment and tossed the keys onto the coffee table with a scratching clank as they fell and slid to a halt. She had been working with Batten Industries for only a few weeks but Edward paid well. As one could tell from her modified accomodations, save for the couch, coffee table, and bed in the bedroom, she wasn?t a woman who?s needs extended to a want for the finery most women spent money on.

There were no fine furnishings, no foppish clothing or jewels to speak of, no remnants that it was actually a woman that occupied the place. There was, however, a rigorous military type obstacle course throughout the space that she had spent some of her money on constructing with the sole purpose of keeping her body well trained for what she was using the rest of her earnings on.

Intel.

It had been over a month since Jacob had made his startling appearance in her small inn room before she acquired her new line of work and new residence. He had left her with the knowledge of what she was and the feeling that her copied appearance to someone he truely cared for, was the only reason she had not been thrown out with the trash.

She was a clone. A clone of a woman who had been a trained weapon. A contract killer. She had been trained in the like, genetically modified for speed and strength. There had been nine failed attempts before her creation. He called her Julianna X. Most of his answers had been vague at best, not allowing her the satisfaction of answering any of the questions she wanted the answers to, leaving her confused, unsatisfied, and angry. That was where her new friend came into play.

He was simply called, ?The Rat?. A nickname earned him due to his stealthy ability to travel to any of the worlds outside of Rhy?din and obtain any information he was tasked to seek through his various connections within each realm. If his informants failed him, he had several aliases at his disposal with which to take matters into his own hands. From a common man to rather powerful members of any society, he could obtain even the most well kept secrets from his targets with untraceable success. He had a gift. And he wasn?t cheap.

She had found him by chance through several failed attempts at finding someone trustworthy and connected enough for the mission she had to press upon them. Most who jumped at her offer did so only at the price she had set for the information. However, once the interviewing process had commenced and she had detailed the actions that would take place should she be dissapointed with their service, even the most greedy of the lot left quivering and turning down the large offer. It was one of these such dissapointing fellows that had given her his name, well, rather his ?code name?. For his line of work, he chose never to reveal his true identity. So Julianna X and ?The Rat? had a meeting and he had agreed on the fee with an understanding that more money would be needed should the job require his more specialized talents.

It had only taken him eleven days to locate Jacob. And it was this night, on the fourteenth day, that she had been given the name and address of the company that the original Julianna and Jacob himself worked for. Crisp Enterprises, Earth, New York City, New York. A company that had been a large distributor of textile goods and services. Most of Earths textile contracts were being outsourced on massive levels and the company was quickly heading towards bankruptcy. The owner of the company was Magnus Crisp, Jacob?s father. The dwindling flow of money had Magnus seeking other means of income. Crisp Enterprise was currently holding a contract to research and develop ways of therapeutic cloning for the purposes of regenerative medicine. There were several laboratory facilities that were set up to test the ability to regenerate tissues, organs and healthy cells to help cure genetic diseases. But that wasn?t all Magnus planned on using that research to do.

She knew what his plans had been. She was a product of them. It was high time she said thank you, in person.

Julianna Frostbite

Date: 2011-11-25 14:09 EST
There was only one more meeting had with ?The Rat? that was necessary for two reasons: one, to pay him the remainder of the fee promised and two, he had set his resources to work finding a way to get her in for an up close and personal meeting with Magnus himself. The paying was easy, trying to find a way to get her inside that fortress of a building without being identified, without leaving a trace, and without alerting Magnus to her presence until she was ready to do so would prove quite difficult.

?The Rat? showed up precisely on time, as was his usual form. She was already there in the same pitch black alleyway waiting for him.

?You're late.?

?I do believe you have that incorrect, I am on time, you my dear, are early.? A chuckle erupted from him as he followed her voice deeper into the alley, stopping just short of where she was leaning against one of the buildings as if he instinctively knew where she was.

?When patience isn't a virtue you possess, even being on time makes you late. Did you succeed??

?Did you bring me the rest of my money??

She pulled the envelope containing the bulky remnants of his fee from her back pocket and tossed it at him. There was a startled fumbling from him as he made to grasp the envelope for she had hit him square in the chest with it. The low rumble of a soft chuckle could be heard escaping from his lips.

?My, my, you are impressive. Even were I the creature my name implies, I doubt my eyes could pierce this impenetrable tenebrous alley you seem to favor.?

?What can I say? I prefer the lights off, easier to get away with more. You have your money, now how do I get in??

?You are the eager one, aren't you?? There is the soft sound of money being flipped through before the envelope can be heard slipping into a jacket pocket. ?Well, as it turns out, I've found you a way in after hours so as to avoid the pesky mass of employees that swarm around the building during the day.?

?Oh? Can you assure me he will be there? What about security? I doubt I can just walk in without leaving reams of tape recording my every move.?

?Trust me, he will be there and given his unique and specified tastes, should you be recorded upon entry or exit, it will leave little to reveal your true identity to anyone you do not wish to know it.? She could hear the smile in his voice as if he was baiting her. Apparently he was enjoying giving her only hints as to what he had set up for her and taking pleasure in the baiting.

"Unique and specified tastes? Either explain what it is you are talking about or the next thing I aim at your chest will not be as satisfying upon impact.? There was a chill to her tone showing her impatience. When he responded, the smile was no longer laced through his words but there were hints to the frown that replaced it.

?He's your typical, Honey don?t wait up, I?ll be working late? kind of husband. While I?m sure his dabbling in therapeutic cloning is hectic, the hours he spends at work after closing time are not spent doing research or going over the books.? There was a shuffle of his feet as he moved to make a lean against the opposite wall of the alley across from her.

?Our friend Magnus enjoys purchasing more than clinic space for his employees. As it turns out, he enjoys women. Not just any women, certain types of women, leaning towards the exotic, his favored type? The women of the Middle East. From what I have come to understand, his preference is heavily due to the subdued nature of these women and their subservient tendencies. There is a service he uses which supplies him with these escorts twice a week. They are specially flown in for authenticity clothing included which will allow you to cover all but your eyes. He is expecting a fresh ?shipment? in four days. As it turns out, the owner of this service company owes me a favor and will get you in.?

He paused, allowing her to digest his little plan for a moment. Not a sound could be heard coming from her for several moments as she mulled this over.

?If I replace his currently planned, what did you call her? Shipment,? she did not even attempt to hide the contempt in her voice for his referral to these women, ?I will be able to get to him? Does he post any guards for these little trysts of his??

?Oh yes, he has four. Two posted at each door that can lead into and out of his office. I feel certain he has them there as a deterrent should the old wifey get a notion to pay her hardworking husband a late night visit. However, you need not worry about them. Once you are ?suited up', they will let you in and out without even a second glance.?

His shuffled feet are heard again as he made to shorten the space between them. He extended two fingers in her general direction, a folded piece of paper between them.

?Here is his contact information. He is awaiting your call.?

The piece of paper was slipped from his grasp as if it had vanished into the pitch of the alley.

?I will let you know should I ever need your services again. You have been most helpful.? The muffled sound of her booted steps confirmed that she considered the meeting over and was taking her leave.

?Julianna?? still hidden in shadow, his inquisitive tone halted her retreat. The instant silence of her steps enough to let him know she was waiting for what he wanted. ?I am not one to get into the middle of whatever battle my clients are seeking with the targets I am tasked to hunt information. But I do feel I must warn you, Magnus is no one to tangle with and his connections run even deeper than my own. I do hope you know what you are getting into.?

?How sweet, but your concern is not necessary.?

?Then appease me for only a moment more. May I at least ask if you are planning to allow him to survive your little meeting??

The answer he received was that of her booted steps retreating from the alley and into the night. She was unsure of that answer herself. It all depended on what he was willing to spill. He could choose his knowledge and answer her questions satisfactorily, or his blood should he prove nothing but an obstacle in her way. There was no guarantee based on the information she may discover from him that the latter wouldn?t follow regardless of how compliant he may be. But that decision need not be made right now. Right now, she had a phone call to make.

Julianna Frostbite

Date: 2011-12-10 15:51 EST
There was a heavy knock on the thick oaken door to the main office of the owner of ?Exceptional Expenditures?. The door is promptly opened by a tall, medium built young man with slicked back sandy blonde hair and a stony countenance.

?Good afternoon Miss X. You are early but I will see if he is ready to see you. Won?t you come in??

The tone was professional with a hint of cold courtesy. This was the voice that had greeted her when she called to set up this meeting. He opened the door a bit wider and stood there holding it open with one hand as he gestured to one of two cushy brown leather arm chairs that were situated in front of a large oak finished desk. For being a lean woman, her stance in the door frame seemed to take up the expanse of it having had her arms spanning the length of the entrance, supporting her weight as she casually leaned in and peered around. Ice green eyes flicked to the young man and with a curt nod she made her way into the office.

The door quietly shut behind her just as she was standing behind one of the offered chairs.

?Please, have a seat.?

?I?ll stand.?

?As you wish, I will let Mr. Pander know you are here.?

With steps as crisp and brisk as his tone, he exited through a door located behind the large desk. After the soft click as the door closed, there was silence in the office save the clipped ticking of a large wood framed clock mounted directly above the mentioned door.

She did not like being here. The knowledge of the business that took place over that large desk made her stomach twist with anger and disgust. She despised this man. She despised what he did but she also despised the clientele that, based on the luxurious accommodations surrounding her, kept this weasel of a man successful and prosperous.

She glanced around as she waited folding her arms across her chest, getting little time to take in the extravagance such exploitation allotted when the door behind the desk opened again. She dropped her arms and straightened up, her jaw clenched in anticipation of meeting this flesh peddler, but it was only the assistant that emerged from the door once more.

?My apologies but he is tied up at the moment. He is just finishing up with a client and will be with you shortly. Is there anything I can get you while you wait??

There was a cold smirk on her face as she leveled her eyes on his, ?Based on what it is you have to offer? I don?t swing that way. I could use a glass of whiskey. No ice.?

There was no reaction to the contempt in her tone and she received only a slight nod as he walked over to the stocked bar to pour her a glass of amber liquid from a crystal decanter. It seemed to take several moments before he was standing next to her offering the filled glass.

?Your whiskey, he should be in any moment.?

He exited through the door she herself had entered and was again left with silence save for the ticking clock. She swirled the contents of the glass around as she gazed down at it. A slight shake of her head as a slight smirk curled the corner of her lips just as the door behind the desk made to open, her head snapping up. Through that portal came Mr. Pander. An eyebrow rose at what emerged. He was an extremely well built specimen, broad shoulders, trim waist and facial features seen only on the statues of the Roman Gods. His hair was black as pitch and slicked back with practiced precision, not a hair out of place. His clothes of fine tailored material, pin stripped and neatly pressed. Shutting the door behind him he turned and stood there regarding her for a moment with cool amber colored eyes which swept over her briefly as if he was assessing her worth before he spoke.

?Miss X, my apologies for the delay. Won?t you have a seat??

Just as his assistant had done before, Mr. Pander gestured to the chair she was currently standing behind. The deep timbre of his voice was soothing and as smooth as silk. As pleasing to her as his appearance and manner was, it did not change her disgust for him one bit. She stood there a moment, her eyes narrowing a bit as she took him in.

?I?d rather not. I don?t plan on staying long.?

His lips showed a hint of a smile as he made his way to take a seat behind the desk.

?Good. I don?t plan on keeping you longer than is necessary.? He sat straight backed into the cushioned office chair and propped his elbows on the desk, lacing his fingers together. It was once his eyes returned to her that his gaze casually flickered to the untouched glass of whiskey in her hand before returning to take on the piercing stare of her ice greens.

?Interesting choice, it is a fine whiskey. You shouldn?t waste it.?

?I?m sure it is. I take it you have been assessed of the situation and what it calls for??

?Yes.? He made no attempt to hide his disapproval of this arrangement that had been forced upon him. The only pleasure he would take from this deal was the knowledge that he would no longer be indebted to the blackmailing informant that had brought both of them to this meeting today. He had taken ?The Rat?s? call personally and after being told what it was he was tasked to allow, he agreed reluctantly and through gritted teeth as he was reminded what would be exposed if he didn?t comply. He did not like compromising his relationship with such a lucrative client but then again, the information that was being held against him would cost him much more and after having met this woman,
he was sure it would be his life.

So he had resigned himself to allow the debt to the ?The Rat? to be filled and thus negate any further obligation to him for he had his word that if he agreed to this, his secret was safe. Even as he was thinking this in the quiet silence that had fallen between them, there was a small hiss of air from him nostrils as a slight smirk curved his lips. The man was just as his moniker implied, a rat, but there was one thing that could be counted on from this particular rat, when he gave his word it might has well have been written in blood on a contract held by the devil himself with orders to take his life should it be broken.

?Based on your tone I wouldn?t think you find this arrangement as amusing as your face implies. Care to let me in on the joke??

The smirk remained but what was formed through thoughtful mirth, hardened to match the tone, ?I?d rather not.? He unlaced his fingers and turned to open the door directly to his left, removing a sealed envelope from it and placing it on the desk before closing the drawer. He placed the fingertips of his left hand on top of the envelope, sliding it towards her before bringing those fingers to lace together with its mate, resuming his prop of elbows on the desk as he met her stare head on.

?All of the information you will need to pull this off is in that envelope. It includes the scheduled date, time, and place to meet. One of my men will meet you there and provide you with the proper attire and to add authenticity that you are indeed one of my girls. Once you are inside the building you will be on your own.? He unlaced those fingers once more to place them on the desk as he rose from the chair.

She stepped forward and slid the envelope the rest of the way off of the desk as she leaned forward and set the still untouched glass of whiskey on the desk, opening the envelope once she had it in her grasp. As she half pulled out the pages held within she took quick note that it contained the address, key codes and some photos of the different camera angles that she would be passing by on her way to Crisps office. An eyebrow rose as she thought it odd he would possess such an inside knowledge to an extent of knowing the precise positions of cameras within the building. She did not voice the question she simply continued to flip through the tops of the pages in the packet. His irritation and anticipation for this meeting to be concluded was almost palpable to her despite his cool and professional manner.

?All of the information you need is there.?

?I heard you the first time. Let?s hope so. If anything happens to go?.wrong, I know where to find you.? A curt nod before she turned on her heal, snatched open the door and with a resounding thud, shut it behind her.

Mr. Pander stood there for a moment, a bit of relief showing in his shoulders upon her departure. He straightened to his full height before stretching his right hand over to the phone and pressing the intercom button.

?James??

The familiar sound of his personal assistant spoke crisply and quickly back through the phone, ?Yes sir??

?Get me Mr. Crisp.?

?Right away sir.?