Nicely written. I'd no idea on the backstory but it explained it nicely and logically without some forced dialogue or the like.
Only thing i noticed it that is shifts tense about 1/3 of the way through. Hate to bring it up but it did throw me for a few seconds and I had to go back and reread to see if I'd missed something.
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Only thing i noticed it that is shifts tense about 1/3 of the way through. Hate to bring it up but it did throw me for a few seconds and I had to go back and reread to see if I'd missed something.
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Did I? Oh bugger... I've got a bad habit of doing that! Sorry!!!
Thanks for the comments BTW. Part 3 (the final part) will be up later today.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
With a flare of light, the three forms materialised in the teleport chamber. Starbrite stepped down from the platform and turned to look at the two woman. Please, this way. The council are waiting.
Ellie looked nervously at Jess and, taking her hand, stepped from the platform and followed Starbrite. Jess gave Ellies hand a comforting squeeze and stepped from the platform with her.
As the proceeded up the corridor, Jess looked around at the brightly lit walls and pondered aloud, This doesnt look like a spacecraft to me.
Its not Miss Stoneberg, this facility was completed not long ago, just after the incident on the mother ship in fact.
Jessica nodded as she continued to look around; the whole place gleamed with newness. Other than themselves, this section at least seemed to be deserted.
Ahead, Starbrite came to a stop in front of an ornate set of large doors. Placing his hand against a panel at the side, there was a faint glow from the panel, and a low chiming tone sounded. After a few seconds, the doors silently opened inwards and Starbrite stepped through.
Following, Ellie and Jess stepped into a small, ornate chamber, with an even larger set of doors at the end. Aside from themselves, the room was empty.
Starbrite turned to face them. Please wait here in the moment, in the antechamber, whilst I inform the council you are here. With a nod, he then turned and approached the large doors at the end of the room, which silently opened at his approach, and closed behind him.
Once they were alone, Ellie turned to Jess. Jess, honey Whatever they do, please Dont interfere. I dont want you in trouble too.
Jess looked into Ellies eyes; the fear there was clearly visible. Jess gently stroked Ellies face, her own concern clear. I will do what I have to Ellie, dont worry about me alright? Everythings going to be okay.
But, you know what they might do, right? If you try to stop them, they might Theyll , Ellie stops, unable to complete the sentence.
Jessica nods, Of course I know, Ive always known. It wont come to that, okay? Everything will be alright.
Ellie nods, comforted for now, as Starbrite returns.
Theyre ready for you Eloise. Miss Stoneberg, you may stay, but you must sit at the rear, near the entrance, and not interfere with the proceedings.
Jessica and Ellie nod, and follow Starbrite into the council chamber.
The chamber is a huge space, decorated with images of the stars, and views of worlds long gone. The area is dimly lit, except for a raised dais at the centre, were a lone chair lay beneath a spotlight. Starbrite gesture for Ellie to approach the chair and face the council as Jessica took a seat near the entrance.
As Ellie approached the spotlight, she looked at the council. Several were in their human forms, but two were in their Bright Nova forms, and one was in his White Dwarf. She also noticed two who were unbound, their brightly glowing energy matrices flickering in the dim light; Sunstorm sat at their centre, chief amongst them. She counted twelve Theyd already replaced the two who had died.
Taking up position in front of the chair, she turned to face the council.
One of the unbound elders rose slightly in the air, and his telepathic voice sounded in Ellies mind. Eloise Smith, also known as Tiger White, you have been found guilty of high treason and have been brought before us to face sentencing for your crimes. Are you prepared to face punishment for your crimes?
Ellie passes her gaze over the twelve members of the council again, before looking back at the speaker, her face impassive, she nods.
Very well, you will be seated.
Ellie sits, and as she does so, a forcefield springs into being around the chair.
Once seated, the speaker rises a little higher in the air and his form pulses as he describes the details surrounding the crimes Ellie had been found guilty of. As he did so, images of the incident, evidently from surveillance camera footage filled their minds and they saw for themselves as Ellie was brought on-board the ship, how she swore defiance as she struggled against her restraint and somehow resisted the barrage of quantum energy as they tried to subdue her. Then the images clearly showed her concentrate and a burst of energy flew forth from her, ending the playback of images.
Ellie looks at the speaker, numb with shock; this was the first time she had seen the footage of that incident, and what she saw herself doing appalled her. Starbrite gently placed a hand on Jessicas shoulder as they waiting for the speaker to continue.
The speaker pauses briefly, allowing those present enough time to absorb the details of what had happened. Finally, he continues, stating that though the evidence is clear, there are other factors involved to complicate matters, and it was these, the known fact of the Nictus contamination within Ellie, which had caused them much deliberation.
As the speaker pauses again, Jessica allows a look of hope to cross her face whilst Ellie remains impassive, seemingly numb to whatever her fate will be.
Finally, the speaker resumed, informing them that, because Ellie actions had been directed by the Nictus within her, a small measure of leniency would be offered. He explains that the apparent ease with which Ellie has been controlled in the past is of great concern to them, the power she has displayed at these times has had a devastating effect on those near, and they cannot allow such a risk to remain.
Finally, the speaker reaches the conclusion of his speech, It is the judgement of this council that we offer you a choice; radical adjustment of your mental processes to prevent you ever harming another innocent again, or... dispersal.
Jessica bolts upright, raising her voice to a near shout, What the hell does that mean?!
Starbrite quickly reaches forwards to restrain Jessica, pulling her back to her seat, Miss Stoneberg, Jessica You must not interfere.
Jessica looks at Starbrite, anger flashing behind her spectacles. Lowering her voice slightly she asks if its interfering to request and explanation?
The speakers form pulses as he focuses his attention on Jessica and Starbrite. I will explain Miss Stoneberg, if you will allow me too.
Jessica looks at the speaker, and nods, a frown visible on her face.
The speaker goes on to explain the details of the restructuring, that their specialists would enter Ellies mind and adjust it so that she can no longer initiate any kind of violent act against another. She would be able to respond in defence of others in danger, and will be able to defend herself if attacked, but she will be wholly unable to attack an innocent being. He goes on to explain that the only other alternative would be to remove Mikoshi, Ellies Kheldian, from their bonding and disperse his energies into the void. Because of the damage done to her and Mikoshi, Ellie would not be able to survive the lose of her bonding.
Jessica sits back, as if stricken with shock; her eyes unfocused as she considers the speakers words. With a saddened look, she nods that she understands, asking if there will ever be a way for Ellie to grow beyond this restraint they are forcing on her..
The speakers form pulses brightly as he responds, No, the change will be irreversible; and if a way is found to circumvent the adjustment, we will have no choice but to carry out the alternative sentence. We cannot allow her to remain unchecked; she represents far too great a danger.
Jessica looks at Ellie with a sad look, wondering why shes said nothing. Her shoulder slumps as she accepts the elders decision.
Ellie slowly stands and looks at Jess before turning back to the speaker. Will I still be ME afterwards?
The speaker turns his attention back to Ellie and seems to dim slightly as he considers for a moment. We cannot be certain. If successful, the procedure should not alter your personality in any way, but we cannot guarantee this.
Ellie nods, her face expressionless. Can I have a few moments alone with Jessica please?
We will allow you 10 minutes... With that, the council members rise and file from the room, Starbrite behind them, and Ellie and Jessica are left, alone.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.