Log:Honorable Friends and Amends

2019/10/28 Victory Adun Artemis Voyager Jackie Blok 1

As per Dr. Adun's orders, Artemis rested. Her armor was cleaned, as was her cell and bedding. They've so far left her sword and armor with her, and while the cell door is closed, it is not locked per Victory's last request. Now, she is sitting upright on her cot, working on unfastening the strap to one of her pauldrons before sliding it off. Her cloak is already folded neatly atop her pillow.

The doctor is currently in, crouched in a corner of the hall outside the cells. Not unlike his choice in the reception area when she first brought him, though at ground level and it is a significally more confined space. How long he has been present is unclear, though he still bears marks of dirt and grass from their duel, and some SG member was apparently kind enough to leave a large bowl of water on the floor near him.

With elbows propped on knees and head on hands, he looks to be vigilanting watching her cell. Or he would be, where his black eyes open and visible. The doctor may have dozed off himself for a moment.

Artemis finishes removing her pauldrons and her chestplate, setting them aside underneath her cot, along with her sword. The greaves come off next to join them, but she keeps her bracers on.

The Godflora rises slowly, twisting her upper torso left, then right, in a careful stretch. The healers really did wonders. As she steps towards the cell door, noticing once again during her time of injury and rest, she has a guardian. She smiles softly. "Keeping watch over me again, my friend?" she asks, unsure if he's sleeping or just resting his eyes.

Hunters are light sleepers, by nature and need. One eye opens, then the other, and Adun blinks once. He then presses a hand to his chest before commenting."Ashildur." He straightens, slowly, a joint or two creaking. "Rested?"

Victory comes back down the hall into security, with a small paper bag.

Artemis stands at the front of her cell. She has since stripped off her armor and neatly placed on the ground at the foot of her cot and just beneath it. Even her cape is gone, leaving her with her sleeveless--now torn--top, form fitting pants, battleskirt wrap, and boots. She's left her bracers on. She's smiling faintly to Adun, who is crouched and napping as he watches over her as he did at the hospital. "Rested, yes. Mostly," she answers.

Adun is approaching the cell when Victory enters, which causes him to pause. He acknowledges and greets him with a dip of his head and pressing the side of his fist to the opposing side of his chest. "You free Ashildur. What Adun could not."

Victory has changed from earlier. He no longer has Artemis's blood on his uniform. "I'm...not sure what I did deserves an accolade. But...thank you, Adun." He comes over to the cell door and looks in, "How are you feeling, Artemis?"

Artemis is looking less somber and mournful than she was in Maui when faced with her friends, but not yet her enthusiastic, smiling, boisterous self. More reserved and tempered at last. At least she's smiling a little. "I am sure you would have, Adun, had the Youngling not stayed your hand." She looks to Wade, offering him a kind smile. "Better. I am free, thanks to your determination and bravery," she says with gratitude. "I can never thank you enough for freeing me. I could see how difficult it was for you..." she says gently, a touch of sorrow in her eyes and voice at the end. "I wish it did not have to be so. I did not want that for either of you," she says, looking to both Adun and Victory in turn. "But I am filled with gratitude that I have such honorable friends. I...wish I were worthy of you."

Victory smiles and nods. "I...know." He shakes his head. "I find you fascinating, Artemis. And frustrating. You have a way of painting yourself into a corner." He looks around, "I'm surprised that Swarmer hasn't turned up again yet, now that you're more or less back to normal."

"Ashildur worthy," Adun assures. "Trick, trap no change. Still Ashildur. Still worthy."

Artemis chuckles softly at Victory's comment. "Fascinating? How so? I am sorry to frustrate you, my dear Friend and Liberator. The Ashildr do not quite have free will as mortals would know it. My word is physically binding, and...it has been used against me before," she admits reluctantly. "Not to this degree. But there are old Ashildr tales of woe and tragedy over keeping our bonds. I should think back on the lessons they were meant to teach. Friend Blok suggested I take an oath to protect the Urth, but I thought it wise to wait and think on it."

She looks to Adun and smiles more genuinely, without the sadness that was there underneath. Artemis makes the gesture salute that Adun does. "Thank you, Honored Friend. That means so very much to me."

She looks back to Victory. "I am sorry for attacking you from behind. It wasn't my intent to go so low. I was striking at all in the depot and could not avoid hitting you," she apologizes sincerely. She tilts her head a moment. "I fear for Swarmer. She was supposed to deliver my message to you and my Brother."

Victory shakes his head, "I didn't get a message from her. But I wouldn't expect her to bring me a message. She's scared of me." He nods slowly again. "I think you're worthy as well, Artemis. And I realize you likely didn't mean to hit me from behind. But...it bothered me anyway." He takes a long, deep breath. "I'm sorry I used your coin to call you here. I know it worked out. But...it felt maybe a bit dishonorable to ask you to imprison yourself. I definitely didn't want to use it and then fight you."

Artemis nods, looking hurt that it bothered by, but understanding it. "I hope someday I can make amends for that, Victory. I never wished to be pitted against you or any of my comrades and friends. James Porter is a very cruel mortal. Or perhaps a cruel demigod. He made me make choices I could not bear." His apology catches her by surprise. "No apology is needed, but I gladly offer my forgiveness, Wade. The coin was given to you to use as you needed. You used it so that I would not be able to harm others or the Urth again. Your goal was honorable." A soft smile curls her lips. "I'm glad we did not have to fight again, my friend. It was hard enough to have to fight Friend Adun. It would have cut me deeper to have to fight you again after what I did to you."

Adun lowers his head once more. "Adun grateful. Adun not hunt Ashildr again. Ashildr free. Protect Urth."

Victory smiles slightly and nods. "Well...now we'll have to find Sinmore and Swarmer. I know you don't know where Swarmer is, but do you know what Sinmore's situation is?"

"Protect the Urth? I shall try. But perhaps Blok is right. If I swear an oath to do so correctly, perhaps the Would-Be Tyrant cannot entrap me again. But if I do it wrong, there could be other consequences," Artemis says to Adun. She looks back to Victory, then glances down in thought. Victory's paper bag distracts her momentarily as she thinks on it. She closes her eyes and sighs. "Allies of James Porter wished vengeance for what happened to the War-Thorn on the isle of Maui. They demanded death for the heroes, and," she stops, opens her eyes, but looks down at the ground. "He gave me a choice."

She looks up to Adun and Victory, guilt and pain in her expression and voice. "They have captured Sinmore, and plan to take their time. I only saw her on a viewing screen. I'm not exactly sure where they have her." She thinks for a time about what she saw and felt. "I think they had me on a starship. She may have been on board as well."

Victory sees Artemis look at hte paper bag, and he smiles. He raises it. "I brought some donuts. Would each of you like a couple of them?"

Artemis's eyes light up briefly, as does her mood. "The sugar-infused sugar-coated confections?" she gasps softly. "Yes, please. Though they have holes taken out of them, they may be up to the task of helping fill the hole in my hearts."

Victory pulls a second smaller bag out of the main one. "There are two in each of these." He gives one to Adun...and then he opens the cell door to give Artemis the other bag. "Artemis...do you know how alt-Porter was teleporting you? What method was he using?"

Artemis smiles gratefully as Victory gives her the bag. "You are too kind to me, my friend. I am in your debt for this and my freedom." At least she hasn't made an oath yet. "You may keep my coin to call upon me in the future. I know you will use it wisely." She takes out the donut from her bag and takes a bite. There is a moment of bliss on her face at that first sugary fried bite.

His question pulls her away from it a moment. "Hmm. I've seen him use it on others, sometime at the same time. That seems beyond even him. And he wasn't always present when it happened to others. But he was always there when he recalled me, and always angry with my failures. Perhaps it was a device recalling us. Possibly a ship system?" She takes another bite.

Victory nods. "I was wondering if you had some kind of item you were carrying that he gave you to teleport you. A modification to your armor? Something in the hilt of your sword?"

Adun accepts the gift out of respect and curiosity. He lifts the thing to his face and sniffs at it several times. Then, after a glance to Artemis and her consumption, opens his mouth to collect it entirely and chew twice before swallowing.

Artemis looks surprised at the suggestion, then thoughtful. "We should check, yes?" she suggests, turning to head for where she stored her armor and weapon at the foot of her cot. She takes them and sets them on top.

Victory pulls the two devices off. "We should check your shield, too. Just in case. I bet these are what he was using to transport you. We might be able to confirm in a lab, but I suspect there wont' be time."

Artemis tilts her head to observe. She holds out her arm and deploys her shield. It has three cracks on it that have been spot-repaired.

Hidden right by the spot-repair near Artemis' bracer, again in a place difficult for her to see, Victory spots another device.

Victory looks it over. "Here we go." He pulls it off. "How about your bracers?"

Artemis takes them off and works with Victory to check them.

The bracers are clean.

"At least they are off of me and my weapons," Artemis suggests as they check the rest. Everything else is clean.

Victory nods. "I'll have the lab check these. Based on that...I'm guessing you'll likely be able to leave hte cell, and he won't be able to teleport you back. But I can't be sure."

Artemis nods gently. "I trust your judgement, Friend Wade. If you think I shall stay, I shall stay. If you wish me to aid the Urth, I shall go."

Victory nods. "Give me some time to think about it. I'll try to get in touch with Spirit and see what he thinks, but I think comms aren't going to get through."

As Victory goes to deliver the devices to Starguard's Research division, Artemis is left alone with her friend, Adun.

Word has reached the autopool about Victory's bold plan & Artemis' arrival. The autopool of course is where the VoyagerSIM has taken up temporary residence in light of the Looming Moon Crisis & while it adapts its programming to be an efficient & trustworthy member of StarGuard Gamma. After all there is no other viable space capable alternative at this time. Its terminal value requires the resources available only here.

A robotic gait & metallic footfalls can be heard by Artemis' keen ears as the android makes its way through security.

It waves its hand over access sensors- using the newly embedded chip in it's palm to clear itself along its way. With a beep the security wing door slides open revealing the Model 9 Prototype- wearing a custom StarGuard uniform meant to protect & seal off moving components from the outside world. Shoes, pants & shirts aren't so much a requirement for the robotic lifeform, but still the new look is not only functional but it looks good on it.

Artemis gazes at Adun, solemn as she smiles. Not at all the version of her everyone knows. Sleeveless top with a clean vertical slit high in her chest, battleskirt wrap, form fitting pants, and boots. She's about to say something when she hears familiar footfalls that remind her of her once-friend, Voyager. Her smile dims some as she sombers. Adun has understood her plight. Victory has forgiven her, though there may be some hurt feelings still from the attack. However, it was Voyager's tagging of her as traitor that cut her deeply in the battle. "Greetings, Voyager," she says quietly, standing at the front of her cell with her arms folded behind her back. "You have changed," she notes.

Adun's head turns from Artemis towards the strange sounds. Strange to him, though become more identifiable: Urth lands seem to be a haven for rock spirits, especially the polished variety. "Changed?" Now he speaks, uncertain that he truly recognizes the alteration of stone.

"Greeting Godflora Artemis Constantine. This Unit is pleased to see that the rumors of your acquisition are true & that your wounds have been attended to satisfactorily." The Android says in its usual chipper voice. "This Unit has been reviewing various StarGuard training manuals and thought that since the biological members of the organization are required to wear uniforms that I should too to establish team camaraderie & trust." Despite its inflection not changing that last word was definitely used pointedly.

It turns to Adun. "Greeting Adun. This Unit is pleased to see you are well, though saddened you have not found your way home as of yet." It says pleasantly.

"Yes. Camaraderie and trust are important to a team," Artemis says with a note of sadness. "It does warm my heart to see you are finding your place amongst the Urthers." She looks to Adun. "I refer to the clothes. He did not use to wear any."

Adun looks to Voyager again, now makes the connection. He is not exactly a fashionista. "Skins. Protect." He acknowledge this, as well as the prior statement. "No. No find path.

"This Unit had little choice in the matter." It says plainly, turning back to Artemis. "After being forced to re-categorize you due to your involvement with the Divergent James Porter this Unit was forced to analyze its built in programming & rewrite it accordingly. New constraints have restricted numerous tags to Humans Only or at least personnel of organizations with an understandable and supportable agenda. This Unit does not strive for the loss of life on this world or any other and as such has aligned itself with those who will defend & protect life everywhere- regardless of race, species or creed. Review of StarGuard members & administration have made it clear that this is such an organization- so I have applied myself to it on a probationary term until such a time that an alternate & superior organization can be found." It is clear that Artemis' opinion on the matter is tertiary at best due to her perceived betrayal.

The Android turns back to Adun. "Indeed. This Unit does not need to hid self due to impropriety, but there are numerous points of contact that would be better protected beneath some sort of covering. This Unit believed this to be a good compromise between varying requirements."

"After this the Divergent James Porter is dealt with, this Unit will endeavor to assist in your return to homeworld as well." It adds to Adun, giving a very human thumbs up. It's learned the mannerism from Malcolm no doubt.

Artemis nods faintly at Voyager having to recategorize her. "I am sorry for having to force you, my former friend. I am free of the Would-Be Tyrant Porter's control, thanks to Adun and Victory rescuing me that dark path." She lets out a soft sigh, pained that the first real connections to mortals she's made in her lifetime have become strained so. But this is as it has always been. The duties of a Godflora make it difficult to maintain longterm relationships.

She straightens up some at Voyager's offer. "You would still help me find a way back to my home realm?" she asks in quiet surprise.

Adun is uncertain of the hooman gesture, though the offering is understood. Perhaps less the avalanche of words before that. "Adun grateful. Guards of stars may find path."

Artemis is standing in her cell with her arms folded behind her back, talking to Adun and Voyager. She's more solemn that she was when Victory left. Voyager is now wearing clothing in Starguard colors.

The Android pauses and calculates something- falling completely motionless for a moment as it does so.

"This Unit is pleased to hear that. I hope no offense is taken when I say that this Unit will not be so quick to trust any Godflora due to fallibility & flexibility of moral standards."

The Android straightens out a piece of its new specially designed uniform. "That stated- this Unit believes that returning you to your place of origin will prevent further issues such as the one that ended with you in StarGuard custody. This Unit's reasoning for returning Adun is much simpler. The Being wishes to return to its forests. If I acquire the means to do so this Unit will do so with no hesitation."

Voyager's words cut Artemis in ways unseen, but there is a visible twitch at the comments against the Godflora. "I...see," she says, her warrior's heart feeling hollow. "I would not be a threat to Urth if I were gone. That is true..." she says softly. She takes a breath and turns her back to her cell door to think a moment, arms unlacing to fold in front of her as she rubs her chin in thought.


 * Ashildr no threat," Adun rumbles with annoyance, eyeing Voyager, then Artemis. "Ashildr protect. Hooman, rock spirit no know."

Blok enters to security area to check on Artemis as promised. "How is Friend Artemis feeling?"

Artemis says partially over her shoulder, "Your medicines have left me feeling healthy again." Though by her voice, she doesn't sound like her usual chipper self yet.

"This Unit was informed similarly Adun, but this Ashidlr has protected Earth as well as those who seek to destroy it. I have little experience with betrayal so logically it would be wisest to remove Ashidlr from protective duty. Knowing this Extraterrestrial, it is clear such a request would not be taken on willingly. So it would be most prudent to return her to her homeworld." The Robot says turning to Adun. "This decision is difficult but necessary." It adds as it crosses the room and puts its hand on Adun's shoulder gently. "Artemis Constantine was this Unit's first 'friend'. Mistaken or not- this Unit finds that holds some ... I believe Humans would say 'weight to it'. These statements are therefore not made lightly."

Blok says, "May Blok examine?"

Victory comes back into security, looking a little somber. He makes his way down the hall toward the cells, where Artemis is. He smiles slightly and waves to the group...but doesn't interrupt, since Blok just asked a question.

"This...is not a good time, Blok," Artemis says quietly, back still to the group, since there is little privacy in the cell. "I'm fine..." she sighs as her head dips from Voyager's words.

Blok turns to the android, "Who is Blok's new friend and teammate?"

Victory says, "Artemis...are you okay?" She hadn't seen him return up to this point, so he figures he had better ask. She said she was fine, but her body language disagrees.

The Android's optical sensor turns towards the door as it opens to reveal Blok first, then a short time later Victory. The Android salutes the commanding officer on deck before turning towards Blok.

"Greetings. I am Range Technical Systems Model 9 Prototype. Entities meeting Condition: StarGuard, Condition: Friends & Condition: Ally may also refer to this Unit as SONA, short for Symbionic Optimized Neural(Network) Automaton. Otherwise Model 9 will suffice for now." It says to Blok, though that last sentence is clearly for those present who do not meet such conditions.

Blok says, "Blok is always glad to meet new friends, Friend SONA."

Artemis's body language definitely disagrees. Her head lifts slightly at hearing Victory's voice and his return. "I am," she says quietly again. "Worry not, Wade. I do not feel any physical pain or discomfort from my healed wounds. The medics were skillful." She listens to Voyager and her head lowers again, hand going to her forehead to rub it.

Adun rises from his slight crouch to take a step towards Voyager, rumble and eyeing growing more pronounced. "Not know betray. Know less honor. Go learn. Return. Then speak with know."

Victory nods to Voyager in greeting, and then says to Artemis, "That question wasn't just about your physical state."

Adun adds. "And learn friend. Before speak."

Blok thinks about what SONA has been saying to and about Artemis. "Blok would be unhappy if Friend Artemis left Earth. He knows that she did not wish to bring harm to her friends. He has seen her fight with honor, and accept both loss and victory with grace.

Artemis inhales sharply at Victory's question. "I..." she starts, not knowing how to answer that. Her head lifts to stare at the back wall of her cell. Some of her friends understand and forgive, but she's struggling with doing the same for herself. Her valued honor has be compromised. Her place amongst her people lost through her failing.

Lowering his head, Blok continues, "Blok knows about being forced to do bad things." He rubs the faded scars on his wrists.

Victory hadn't caught Voyager's remarks about suggesting that Artemis leaving. He only heard Blok's followup. "If you're thinking about leaving the planet, other than the side trip that Spirit was going to help you with, I'm going to remind you of a promise you made to return to Earth afterward. Don't leave permanantly." He pauses as he thinks about it. "Please."

Jackie returns to the security area with a massively over-sugared coffee. "As do I," she says on picking up on the conversation. "Although I suspect friend Blok, that you were severely forced, and I was mentally controlled. A strong sense of honor and insistence on keeping your word are not faults. As I understand the situation, perhaps the failure was in being too over confident in accepting the challenge with the gicven terms."

The Android reaches its hand out to Blok and says in its usual chipper tone, "This Unit is pleased to meet you as well Blok. Current roster shows you have localized medical training despite being from off-world. This Unit would very much like to compare databases at a time in the future."

It turns back to Adun again and listens to what it says. Despite the simplicity of the words the Android needs to properly parse them to make sure the proper meaning is retrieved.

"This Unit has not studied biological concept: Honor. I will endeavor to research this topic when duty allows. At that time, this Unit will find you and we can continue our discussion on the matter, though I am unsure what Honor has to do with deception. Contextually what little information this Unit has encountered on the subject suggests one is the opposite of the other." It says to Adun before turning back to Blok.

"This Unit has learned much from time with Designation: Artemis Constantine. I have also seen her fight in a manner consistent with local metahumans & costumed heroes. But this Unit requires Humankind's continued existence if Terminal Values are to be completed. As such all dangers to terminal values must be dealt with quickly & efficiently. This Unit can think of no other way to assure future safety of Earth whereas Designation: Artemis Constantine is concerned." It informs, knowing only its own tortuous history of getting to Earth & meeting its local residents who differed so greatly in morality from those who originally captured it on its approach to Earth.

"This Unit is also required to follow specific directives as required by StarGuard membership. If Administrative Entities disagree, this Unit will conform to standards." It adds as it calculates many are against it shipping Artemis to her home dimension.

Artemis blinks a few times at Victory's reminder. "I did give my oath to you to return, Friend Wade," she says softly, surprised by him having to add please. She finally turns around, eyes a little more reflective and watery than usual. She forces out a smile for appearances. "S...I mean, Model 9...has suggested it safest and best to find a way to send me home so that I can no longer be a threat to the Urth, due to my failings in morality."

She looks to Jackie and nods in greeting. "Hello, Dr. Delquist," she says politely. "I would have refused the challenge if I could. I did not want to agree to the terms set."

Artemis takes a breath and looks to Victory. "Given that I am a risk to the Urth, are you sure you would not want to release me from my oath to you?" she asks gently.

Jackie asks Artemis, "You are unable to refuse a challenge, and must thereafter abide by any terms set if you lose?"

Victory takes a deep breath and smiles. "Quite certain, Artemis. You've done far more good than ill. Anyone...everyone...has weaknesses that can be exploited. The only difference is how obvious those weaknesses are. I won't change my mind on that." He then looks to the others, "On a related topic...Adun was here earlier when I found them, but I found three small devices hidden on Artemis's weapons and armor. I suspect they are what alt-Porter was using to teleport her planetside and back. The devices are in the tech labs now, and hte folks are working on figuring out if my theory is right."

Adun steps back to his prior position and stance when it appears that he is not the only one who believes Artemis need not be banished, and the worry of it happening isn't imminent. He looks to Victory's announcement, blinking several times while parsing it. "... Curse lifted?"

Artemis pauses, reluctant to answer, but she also can't lie. "Correct, with few exceptions. It must be a true challenge," she answers Jackie. She glances over to Victory, surprised he didn't take the chance to rescind her promise to him. Her forced smile becomes a little more genuine. "If that is your wish, Friend Wade...the oath still holds. This is a promise I shall keep."

Jackie grins, "Well that might be easily taken care of. Suppose I challenge you, Artemis. And the terms I set are that should you lose this challenge you must refuse any future challenge were you would not want to agree to the terms set?"

Victory nods to Adun, "I believe so? But I don't have confirmation yet. I think that's the only real reason I've been keeping Artemis locked up. For her own safety. I know she can't be teleported out of there."

"That is a challenge I cannot accept," Artemis says regretfully. "I would not be Ashildr if I did."

The Android just said if someone with a higher rank than it decided against its decision to attempt to return Artemis to her homeworld it would do as commanded. Victory swearing the Godflora to return to Earth meets that requirement enough for it. The Intelligence is uncertain whether or be glad or turn up its worry over such a prospect.

It falls into an observational mode next to Adun and watches the biologicals warp and twist logic to their needs. It takes mental notes.

Artemis thinks for a moment, an idea forming slowly in her mind.

Jackie looks at Artemis, "So we have established you can refuse challenges. As you have just done so. So why accept a challenge where the terms were disagreeably to you?"

"Because the winning conditions were agreeable. Had I defeated him, the Urth would have been safe and he would leave," Artemis states. "And I did prove the Would-be Tyrant can bleed. He looked like his world was torn asunder at that moment. It was through misfortune alone that I lost."

Blok says gently, "Friend Artemis, Bloks learnings at University do not teach how to heal soul. But Blok has learned one thing from watching humnans...May Blok hug?"

Artemis stares at Blok a moment. She doesn't see how that will help her. "No, I do not think such a thing will help."

Artemis looks to Victory and Adun a moment, seeming to ponder something. Of the group, it's Adun and Wade she trusts and knows the most. "I am still thinking on it, but perhaps an oath sworn to one of you to ensure I will not harm the Urth will be all that is needed. You both have honorable hearts and would not abuse it."

Victory nods slowly. "If you think that would be enough to keep this from happening again, I am good with that.""

The Android observes, calculates & correlates data from its posiiton next to Adun.

Artemis sighs and thinks a moment carefully of her wording. It's always dangerous to give a pledge without thought, and she's done it often. After a moment, she steps up to the cell wall separating her from the other heroes and looks Wade in the eyes. "I pledge this binding Oath to you, Wade of Lockwood. I will protect the Urth, its inhabitants, and its Guardians from the Would-Be Tyrant James Porter, until the Urth is safe from him again, or until you rescind my pledge to you. This oath I hold above all others. Do you accept?"

Victory smiles slightly. "I notice that once we've beaten alt-Porter, it's off. Someone else could take advantage of you later. But at least it wouldn't be him." He takes a moment to consider it, watching Artemis the entire time. In the end, he decides to not modify things at all. "I accept."

Jackie claps.

The Android speaks up after taking a few moments to analyze the wording of the oath. It begins compiling alternative oaths that would resolve this issue in perpetuity but Wade accepts the oath before it can interject.

The Android intends to* speak up after taking a few moments to analyze the wording of the oath. It begins compiling alternative oaths that would resolve this issue in perpetuity but Wade accepts the oath before it can interject.

"If I did not put a time limit, I would be bound to stay on Urth forever, or until you freed me of my oath," Artemis answers, smiling faintly. As he accepts, there's a brief, faint golden glowing flecks in her irises as the oath is sealed. It lasts only a second, as if the oath was burned into her. She glances over to Jackie. "I do not understand the clapping..."

Jackie smiles, "Give yourself a few more years on Earth among humans and hopefully you'll understand then."

Artemis looks completely puzzled. She looks to the others...and realizes the only other human here is Victory. She looks between Jackie and Wade. "This is not something that could be explained?"

Adun does not speak up this time, and is once more slightly relieved that the other does so. He already sought a similar oath, and failed to enact it as intended. A lingering concern, despite the end result and Ashildur's words.

Victory smiles. "I think Dr. DelQuist is saying you found a good solution to the problem, Artemis."

The VoyagerSIM has seen many instances of Human Clapping. It elaborates: "Clapping is a human custom taking advantage of the percussive qualities of their primary manipulation implements. AS such Humans clap with the palms of their hands, often quickly and repeatedly to express appreciation or approval known as Applause. This can also be performed in time with music though I believe Doctor Jackie DeQuist is applauding your oath-taking."

Artemis sighs in relief at Victory and Model 9's explanation. "Good. Then hopefully I shall not be used by the Would-Be Tyrant again, even if he were somehow able to retrieve me again against my will."

Jackie nods, "Please, though, I'm Jackie. De DelQuist is what my patients call me. And you are no longer a patient in need of my healing."

Artemis bows her head. "Thank you again for your aid, Jackie. You and Friend Blok managed to revive me, and I am free of pain now. You are truly skilled in your Arts."

Jackie lays a hand on Blok's arm, "It's Blok who deserves most of the credit. If not form him being wise enough to leave the blade in until assistance arrived there would have been nothing I, or anyone else, could have done."

Victory smiles at the mention of being able to use Jackie's first name. "I apologize. I tend to be formal when I'm unsure."

Artemis recalls something and looks to the others. "Starguardians, Friend Adun wishes to help protect the Urth. Perhaps you can help show him how, where I cannot."

Jackie chuckles, "Generally, absent someone like the current threat, Earth is going to be just fine. It's people who need protecting."

Adun now takes a small step forward, looking to the Guards of Stars expectantly. "Yes. Adun protect."

The VoyagerSIM watches and observes before its host body's iris closes slightly as it observes the generally quiet Adun speak.

"This Unit also endeavors to protect Earth and its inhabitants. This organization seems the best equipped to do so. The spirit of the origanization also seems to correlate with my found data." It says to Adun. "You could have worse teachers."

Blok says, "Blok has learned much from his friends here. And StarGuard pays for Blok to become Doctor."