Log:The Accused Crimes of the Godflora

The Property of Duod Dalux 2019/10/03 Dorian Artemis Swarmer Voyager Adun 2

At the CBSU Hospital...

Dorian shows up at the door to Artemis's room, and knocks on it before stepping inside. He smiles as he sees Artemis. "Hello again."

Artemis finally got some sleep after the medications helped force her to. These meta medications are surprisingly potent. She woke up shortly after sunrise and is now poking at the hospital breakfast tray she's been provided before looking up to see Dorian. "Lord Commander Perrault," she smiles in return. "I am surprised to see you here. I thought I would have to come to you."

Confident Artemis can probably fend off casual intruders with a solid wooden sword and shield that she created, Swarmer is curled up atop the Godflora's shoulder, wrapped in a tiny pixie blanket. As Artemis speaks, Swarmer wakes, bringing the Swarmegaphone to bear, "Greetings, Giant!"

Adun squats in one corner of the room, annoying chirping creatures pushed over to another corner. At least those whose tails aren't wrapped about Artemis. He may be dozing, judging by closed eyes and a rhythmic chest-rumble, having nodded off at some point after Ashildur did.

The Model 9's 'Litetouch Wake Feature' alerts the VoyagerSIM that Artemis has a visitor. It too awakens from a charging cradle which was assumed by the general assistant droid.

It chimes as it finishes its bootcycle and stands to join the others.

Dorian waves to both Adun and Swarmer as well. He's playing it safe, in case Adun is actually awake. He smiles to Artemis, "It was easy enough to stop by. And I'd like to get a response back to the bounty hunters as soon as possible." He walks over and takes a seat in a chair near the bed. "First off, though...how are you feeling?"

Artemis hadn't realized how crowded her room became as she slept. "I'm in high spirits," she smiles, sitting up. "I should be ready and up to any challenge today. The doctors insist I should still rest, but I feel well enough."

Dorian smiles. "I'm surprised that anything laid you up as badly as it did, but I'm glad you're still with us." He pauses, "I know Victory let you know I was going to come over to talk to you about these accused 'crimes'. If it isn't too painful to talk about...can you give me some details about your interactions with this Duod Dalux? And give me some details why they might want you for crimes like murder?"

"Their ambush upon the Godflora was the only way they could bring her harm!" Swarmer decrees. "The Scary Giant was instrumental in ceasing their weapon's might!"

The Android turns and regards Dorian quietly, trying to determine if there is room for paradoxical legality avoidance or if its friend will need to be protected from above and on the ground. It assumes a place with the other machines and retracts intoitself by folding its limbs tightly into itself.

"They ambushed me like cowards. Not even giving me a chance to fight or see who assailed me," Artemis complains a little about getting laid up. She sighs about the crimes, but nods. "What crimes did they try to accuse me of? I was laid low before any of the true fighting began." She pushes aside her breakfast tray, her expression serious. "Duod Dalux...his people captured my Brother and I when we were trying to save a small planet from imminent disaster with other Godflora. They ambushed us when we were at our weakest. Whisked us away from our people unseen. Thus began a long stint of captivity with several attempts of escape. For Dalux, having two Godflora was...a prize for his collection."

Dorian nods as he listens, looking as patient as ever, and clearly not wanting to interrupt.

"Each escape was thwarted or met with eventual capture. We were forced to fight in his Gladiatorial Games for entertainment. He tried gilding our cages to keep us complacent. Our last escape attempt ended with us crashing here," Artemis continues. "We had to fight our way free, but I landed no lethal blows that I know of."

Dorian nods again. "Even if you had, I'm not sure I could fault you for it. You were held as a slave, effectively. You were fighting for your freedom."

Adun's rhythmic breathing (or snoring?) at some point has ceased being rhythmic. Instead, the chest rumbling is a steady reverberation. His eyes are also open and attentive upon Artemis and the conversation there-around.

Artemis smiles faintly in appreciation. "I appreciatie your people's love and understanding of the value of freedom."

The Android beeps consolingly as it hears Artemis' high-level tale.

It watches the others, learning how to people properly.

Dorian chuckles. "That will depend on where you go on Earth. Not everyone feels the same way. So...keep that in mind. It's certainly the case here in this country, though." He thinks about it for a moment. "I would never turn someone over to slavery. I cannot. I will not. I'll make sure the bounty hunters leave, even if I have to drag their ship out of the system."

"Adun help pull." The rumbling is broken by the words, and doesn't promptly resume.

Artemis notes Swarmer's mention of the scary giant and his role. She smiles gently, having not seen the footage yet. She looks back to Dorian and listens. "I appreciate that, Lord Commander. But I would not want to endanger others on my behalf, though I am sure Earth's Guardians could deal with them. Dalux pays handsomely for his property to be returned. This would not be the first time he has listed charges and a price on my Brother or I. But I see his reach is even as far as here. He has many a rich and powerful friend."

"This Unit is also capable of piloting space capable crafts. I would like to assist in any efforts to exile these bounty hunters." The Robot says to Dorian.

Dorian grins, "We beat the Overlord and sent him packing. I think we can beat the owner of an arena." He nods to both Adun and Voyager, "I don't think that will be necessary, but we shall see."

Artemis chuckles heartily at that, then coughs a few times and winces. Her smile doesn't leave her, though. "That you did. Your kind is mighty. Free spirited. I like that in you." She looks to the others as she says this as well, even if most are not human.

"Excellent." The Robot says. "Commander, is there any way to preemptively watch the skies for such incidents?" It asks curiously.

Dorian chuckles. "I'm...not sure. It's a matter of where it is in orbit. I'll be delivering the message personally."

"Alone? Will you be safe?" Artemis asks.

Dorian smiles slightly at Artemis's concern. "I should be fine. It's partially a show of strength. I can fly in space, after all. If we show enough power, they'll reconsider trying again."

Swarmer settles upon Artemis's head, leaving the pixie blanket resting on the shoulder. "The lies spoken about the Godflora vexed me greatly!" she announces. "It was then the Swarm did as I desired without knowing what I desired and made their vessel fall!"

Dorian tilts his head, "There is the matter of the property destruction. But I think SG is considering it a wash. They have their ship repairs to deal with. We have a street and buildings."

"Their harm to the Godflora, that goes unpunished, however." Swarmer says this matter-of-factly. "If again they arise to attack I shall ensure their vessel remains aground never to rise again after it falls upon a place that will harm no giants."

Dorian blinks. "Is it unpunished, though? They're leaving empty handed. And down the cost of their repairs, which will not be cheap."

Artemis was just thinking about her meager paycheck and how much such damages may erase it. "I have not seen the extent of the damage yet. My apologies. I had no chance to lead them from the city."

Dorian shakes his head and can sense Artemis's line of thinking, "Artemis, the cost is not for your to bear."

"Some pittance compared to their admitted attempt to murder," Swarmer states. "I will not seek out judgement upon them, but should they return, the Swarm will show no mercy."

Artemis bows her head gratefully to Dorian. "I owe much to Starguard and the urth heroes who helped me, though. I shall not forget my debts to them." She lifts her head, and smiles to Swarmer. "Attempted murder? They cannot kill an immortal. Have no fear, Swarmer."

Dorian nods. "Starguard wanted to take a diplomatic stance on it. If they're unfamiliar with our culture, they feel theirs takes precedence. May beings visiting our world ddo that. They use their own morals to effectively guide themselves, rather than obeying our laws. And I tend to be lenient on that. At least initially. This will be their only warning, though. Next time, they end up on trial for it."

The Android chimes cheerfully in agreement with Dorian.

"Surely one of the snake-tongued surveyors of law would look into their so-called morals," Swarmer suggests. "Can their fanged honey-words not slither about these rules as well as those of this world?"

Adun is quiet again for a time, before offering a suggestion. "Make Urth bad hunting ground for Ashildur. Hunter no catch prey, many tries, no more try. Hunter find easy prey another ground."

Dorian raises a brow. "I'm not exactly sure what you're saying. Are you claiming that a lawyer here would take their case? Maybe, I guess. It seems unlikely that someone here would push to help a slaver from the stars. Or are you implying that a lawyer from space would come here to navigate our legal system? That seems equally implausible."

Dorian nods. "I was debating about letting the bounty hunters know you had left the dimension, Artemis. But...I'll be honest. I'm not a good liar." He chuckles. "Every time I try, I'm amazed anyone believes me."

Artemis smiles. "It is not in me to lie either. You need not tell falsehoods on my behalf."

"Yes, these 'lawyers' could simply read the morals the wretched giants claim and find their falsehoods," Swarmer says. "Or do you entrust them to speak without deceit about their permitted acts?"

Dorian shrugs, "It doesn't matter if they're lying or not. I am abiding by our laws."

"The lawyers Dalux keeps are black-souled indeed. They twist words and laws," Artemis comments. "Best not to invite them to your doorstep."

Dorian smiles. "Well...I'll leave you to rest. I have that message to deliver. Thank you again for your time, Artemis."

The look on Swarmer is of deep frustration, arms folded.

Artemis smiles and nods to Dorian. "Thank you for your aid in this issue, Dorian. It is greatly appreciated."

Dorian grins as she refers to him as 'Dorian', rather than 'Lord Commander'. "You're welcome. And I think we made some progress on that planet you're looking for, after I spoke to the Guild Inforcers. We'll talk again about it when you're healed."

Artemis looks excited at the news. "Yes, we shall. My thanks again." She might be tempted to jump out of bed now to prepare.

The Android waves to Dorian cheerfully from its position in the 'machine stack'.

Dorian gets up to his feet and moves over to the door. He then gives everyone a wave and he heads out ot the hallway.

Artemis cannot see Swarmer's frustration as the pixie rests on her head. But she can sense the tension somehow. "Fear not, Swarmer. All will be well." She looks to the others in the room and smiles. "It seems many have stood vigil over me as I slept. I am well protected."

Artemis waves to Dorian as he departs.

"Any who dare attack face the Godflora armed and ready," Swarmer informs. "These toys cannot compare to what would be held at a more ready time but they should suffice."

"This Unit only did as Artemis would do." The Android says simply, still observing everything and everyone closely- looking for behaviorial shifts, focuses & other biological markers that it does not specifically have.

Artemis chuckles at Swarmer's statements. "They knew they stood not a chance against me on even footing. This must be why they had to ambush me with a ship."

"And a stabbing spear," Swarmer adds. "Nothing they attempt will suffice should they return. The Swarm is infinite!"

Artemis tilts her head. "A stabbing spear?"

"Yes! After ensuring you were unable to defend yourself, one of the giants leapt at you wiwth a sharpened device, a length of pole with a toothed end!" Swarmer says. She recreates what she saw in what looks like a tablet screen. "You may view what transpired as I remember it!"

The Android stands and manuevers to watch this tiny tablet as well since it arrived late.

"They struck me as I was fallen? How low these bounty hunters are," Artemis snorts.

"No honor," Adun snorts. "Not true hunter."

Artemis nods with Adun's assertiation. "Truly none. They hunt people for cash and treasures. Not justice. Not survival."