Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 19, 2004 22:43:54 GMT -5
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Umbrella Corporation had become the largest commercial entity in the United States. Nine out of every ten homes contain its products. Its political and financial influence is felt everywhere. In public, it is the world's leading supplier of computer technology, medical products, and healthcare. Unknown, even to its own employees, its massive profits are generated by military technology, genetic experimentation and viral weaponry. Today, working in conjunction with independent shareholders, such as LexCorp, and Irons International, their iron grip on society is ever tightening. This was but one of the main hive’s honeycombs. It was in one of these offshoot laboratories that Kenneth Irons CEO of Irons International now led the infamous Lara Croft. This offshoot did not promote the T-Virus project, nor did Kenneth fund that portion of the Umbrella Corporation. Here the staff was focused on the manipulation of the human immune system as well as stem cell research, in hopes to find a cure for cancer, and to offer the option of a normal life to victims of spinal injury. Kenneth might be a monster, but in some areas, he was more then willing to do his best for the good of society.
“This is something I had my team develop once I heard about what had befallen you. It’s constructed of titanium and can withstand the frequency needed to break down the core of the crystalline entity that has invaded your body. I regret to inform you that this will be quite painful.” At this point a trio of men in white lab coats entered the room, one of which was pushing along a gurney, the second a metallic table with a white sheet covering a series of instruments. The doctor began ordering his assistants hitherto and kindly gestured to the gurney, “Would you please lie down, we need to run a few tests before we can proceed with the treatment.” Kenneth stepped back a few paces and as not to get in the way, and quite earnestly he asked, “Would you prefer if I give you some privacy Lady Croft? You are in quite capable hands.” The monster watched for a few lingering moments, his face seemingly filled with great concern.
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 20, 2004 14:47:37 GMT -5
Lara's eyes moved about the laboratory...it made her uneasy, but she did not allow it to outwardly show. Keeping herself in an at ease state, she watched the men in their white lab coats enter and look at her with grave stares. The Brit wanted to snap something at them, a crude comment perhaps, but refrained. These people were going to save her life or so she hoped. Slowly her gaze returned to Irons as he spoke telling her what had to be done. Slowly she nodded," Pain is not a problem." Her tone fearless. Lara knew pain well and had no problem with it. She looked to the gurney and without protest layed down apon it," I will be fine, but thank you for your concern." She said despite her lack of trust in the man.
Once the Business man had left, Lara toook a deep breath and forced herself to relax as various vital tests were performed apon her. Twenty minutes later the head Doctor returned holding needle and looked to the lovely British woman," We are now going to break down your system a little bit Lady Croft. This sryum called Proto-Cell will stop the production of your white blood cells which is how the virus within your body travels. It will leave you in a weakened state." Lara nodded," I can handle that." The Doctor nodded," Now please hold still I have to inject it through your tear ducts as they are the least infected area." Lara arched a brow, but kept her body relaxed," Very well. Do what you must." Finally after what seemed an hour to her the needle was removed," Now I need you to remove your clothing down to your underthings and get inside the tube."
Standing Lara felt the room spin a moment and steadied herself before slowly proceeding with the removal of her clothing. Placing them on the gurney and then approached the tube and looked at it amoment," Doctor...has anyone else ever--" the man cut her off with a worried tone," No Lady Croft. You are the first to go through this... in such a extensive manner." Lara felt herself swallow nerviously and slowly climbed into the cylinder and layed back finding it oddly enough quite comfortable," We will see you in a bout two hours. Good luck and may God be with you." Lara frown...two hours, but before she could protest the tank was closed leaving her in an illuminated blue light," Beginning first treatment." Came a computerized voice into the Tomb Raider's ear as the blue lighting dimmed and she waited for what was to happen next.
It began as a low hum at first, then progressed slowly into shrill whistle and then silence. Lara blinked...had something gone wrong? Then she remembered high frequency and waited," System at full." The voice said and then she began to feel a strange sensation within her body. At first it felt like all her muscles had merely fallen asleep as if she had been in one position to long, but then it dramatically changed into an undiscribable pain. For what seemed to be the first time in her life, Lara Croft screamed and silently begged for mercy. Her scream of pain the only sound hearable.
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 21, 2004 11:39:43 GMT -5
Although confidant that Lara would survive the ordeal, the sadist could not bear to think of what was going on in that room. His inner eye pictured her wide-eyed expression as the darkness, the utter darkness filled in. He could imagine that her screams were the only noises keeping her company… and that soon, when her voice was gone, she wouldn’t even have that. He poured himself into his work, hell bent on finding a distraction from his own mind. From picturing the horror within the sound proofed room.
“We’re ready to test out the new inoculation Sir,” a stunningly beautiful doctor interrupted his troubled mind with her words. He looked and she asked, “Shall we go ahead with the procedure on Mr. Nottingham?” Kenneth stood, and continued the conversation as they traversed the labyrinth of glass to the lab. “How sure are we that this will preserve his body indefinitely?” Irons was so very close to finding what he needed to ‘resurrect’ the assassin, if but for one thing. He was running out of time. In the hopes of reconstructing what once was, he was about to do something drastic. “Sir, we’re confident that his tissue will revert back into an active state so that we can reattach him to life support, but why…?” she started to ask, but was abruptly silenced by a sharp look from Irons.
“Has it been tested on the human genome?” He looked over the body splayed out on the cold metal table. “Well no Sir, it would take months to assemble the necessary subjects, test the habloid set of chromosomes in the eukaryotes and… what difference would it make? He’s dead.” His jaw clenched tighter and he refrained from striking the woman, though his fists clenched hard, popping the knuckles. “Then I volunteer.” He simply stated. “What?! Sir you can’t be serious, what you’re talking about could potentially kill you!” Ken spun, grabbing the doctor by the throat and slamming her into the thick glass wall. “When I want your opinion I’ll ask for it. Get the team ready, then clear out your office.”<br> Strapped down to a metallic table, Kenneth Irons found himself having second thoughts. Was all of this really necessary? True the ritual needed to be performed on living tissue, but who was to say that he was even going to find the remaining pieces? “We’re ready to proceed Mr. Irons, just try to relax.” The apathetic doctor gave the billionaire one last look as he had already hypostatized the outcome, and then without further explanation, injected the syringe gun into the base of Ken’s neck. The metabolic change was almost immediate.
It felt as if his heart was going to explode in his chest, muscles tensed almost to the point of tearing, and it felt as if his lungs had collapsed. Writhing against the restraints, the upright table shook violently, veins stood out on his forehead, arms and shoulders as the tissue began to shift and change. The doctors took notes, sure that this was either going to kill him, or become the newest breakthrough in modern science. The restraints snapped against the strain and Kenneth fell to the hard floor breathing hard. Dripping with sweat, shaking all over he slapped the ground with a bare hand and began to push himself up.
What they saw no one expected.
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He stood before the mirror letting his eyes take in the full spectrum of what had just transpired. True enough he recognized the face that looked back at him, but it was something he hadn’t seen in a long, long, time. The runes on his dominant hand glowed brightly, as if they too were afresh and youthful, and as unnatural as it seemed for Kenneth Irons to smile, when his lips curled devilishly it was all too fitting. Not a line of premature aging, nor a strand of grey remained; His hair was thicker, and if it was at all possible, he felt stronger. In fact, the only traces that remained of his encounter with the Witchblade were the markings on his hand and wrist, and the silver hue of his irises.
“She’s made it past stage one Sir… Now it’s really just a matter of time for her to fully recover.” Kenneth turned and gave a nod. “I’d rather see her wake in comfort and security. Is she stable enough to move?” The doctor led the way to the ICU unit, “Yes sir quite stable. She’s a remarkable host if I must say… quite resilient to the effects of the pathogen.” The youthful multi-billionaire took a knee as he looked upon the unconscious figure. Shallow breath worked out from her full lips, her eyes fluttered behind her eyelids, indicating that she was dreaming… of what he could only imagine. Gently he lifted her into his arms and proceeded to carry her to the elevator, into the back of his limousine and then up the massive staircase to one of the guest rooms in his mansion.
The mansion consisted of twelve bedrooms. Kenneth never slept in the same room two nights in a row. Some called it paranoia; others called it smart thinking… It was into one of the lesser used rooms that he now carried her. The decorations were modest, much like the rest of the house, but this room seemed softer in its design. As if it was made up with the intentions of suiting the softer sex. Gingerly he laid her down, bushing a few stray locks from her face as he withdrew. He took a seat in the overstuffed chair by the veranda, and for a very long time, watched her sleep.
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 21, 2004 16:39:31 GMT -5
Her world was growing even darker. Her voice was growing hoarse with each passing prolonged scream. Was she to die? For the first time in Lara Croft's life she felt she just might and that maybe... she wasn't as invincible as she thought she was. Her body was growing horridly weaker by the second. Her strong bones felt like they were collapsing, did the virus go that far? Her face she began to notice amist the pain was moist. Tears... what had she done to herself? This was her own fault was it not? No. She had been bewitched by the infernal necklace. She would never let herself be so easily mesmirized again. Never.
Thinking was beginning to become diffcult now aswell. Each passing thought sending a white hot pain across her skull. She was going to die. Irons had lied to her! With all the strenght she could muster Lara began to beat frantically apon the tube she had been willing imprisoned within, "Let me out!" She cried, but only to discover her voice was but a whisper. Beyond the cylinder was an eerie silence, not even the relentless pounds of slender fists capable of killing a grown man was heard. Every so often a computerized voice would give stats on the woman within the machine," Subject is seventy percent free of all pathogens within body." It was all most over.
Her fists began to slow...grow extremely heavy. The Tomb Raider slowly began to discover her eye lids felt the same, but she could not fall asleep. And then the inside of the tank began to grow cold and Lara began to find it hard to fight with the sleep that desired to over come her. Pain still seered through her body, it would be an experiance she would never ever forget. With a silent cry of defeat she let darkness surround her as the computerized voice spoke again," Subject is one hundred percent free of all pathogens within body. System shutting down."
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Something felt remarkably different. It was no longer cold and she discovered that she was laying now apon something soft, comfortable. Slender hands and long graceful fingers slowly moved over this surface finding an expensive silk comforter to their touch and the softest cotton sheets. A deep breath was taken in, a sutble hint of vanilla reaching her senses. For a moment it made her think of her Mother and what little she remembered of her. She always wore vanilla, when Lara was three the same year her Mother became gravely ill and died she remember how ashamed she had felt for breaking a bottle of her Mother's precious perfume. How she cried and hid all day till come supper time when the kind, loving woman had found her.
(flashback) " Lara love?" The tall elegent Vivian Croft called, knowing her daughter was in her self build treehouse. At the decline of an answer she climbed the wooden latter and entered the one room play world of a three year old," Oh Lara, don't cry." With a sigh she took the child into her arms.
" But Mummy...I...I broke your perfume...the pretty smell is on the icky floor now!" The child was very upset that she had done something so sinful to her.
Vivian could do nothing but laugh softly," It's okay Lara Love. It can be replaced, I have other bottles even better than the one you broke." She ran her hand through the thick growing locks that resembled her own," And just think perhaps now the floor is not so icky hm?"
Shining eyes dotted with flecks of brown and green slowly looked up. Sniffles escaped the strong little nose as she rather un-ladylike used the sleeve of her shirt to wipe at it," Yes. Yes. Mummy. The floor not so icky now. " The child clung to the woman she loved most of all and smiled," Never go away Mummy? I miss Daddy so when he goes away..."
Vivian sighed, it was a sad sigh," I promise Lara Love." She kissed the top of her little girl's head trying to hold back tears," With all my heart. I'll never leave you."
Three months later...she died. (end of flashback)
" No!" Lara cried out her voice still broken and gasped. Her hands clenched the sheets and the comforter. Why had she remember that? She hated to remember that... it was more painful than the death of her Father. Suddenly she realized she was in a room and not in that awful tank and that she was clothed aswell. Hazel orbs glanced down finding a silk thin strapped violet colored nightgown apon her body...and it fit as though it had been made just for her and no one else. She kept her gaze moving about the room until it came across a man with rather familiar features, who was just watching her. His gaze looked very familiar...where had she seen it before?
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 21, 2004 17:11:02 GMT -5
She was restless… her full lips parting as she made little noises of complaint at the dream that was plaguing her unconscious mind. The little noises could have been the whimpers of a scared child of some past pain or the lingering thoughts of the chamber. Perhaps they were the more sensual sounds of arousal… he was guessing the former. His eyes widened in a startled expression as she cried out with her ragged voice, and at once he was on his feet and nearing the bed.
“Lara? Can I get you anything? Are you in any pain at all? You really had us worried for a while there.” His features softened as he smiled hesitantly. Irons was really just glad to know that she was pulling though this ordeal, and the relieved look on his face showed no sign of ulterior motive. His knees crushed the thick carpet as he knelt beside her wanting desperately to take her hand, and show her some kind of human contact. But her was afraid of hurting her further, and he didn’t know what his new appearance would do to her psyche.
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 21, 2004 17:56:51 GMT -5
Where was she? This place was so elaborate...if she didn't know better she could have easily sworn she was back at home, in Croft Manor. If it was not for the fact of this man here Lara would have sworn everything up till now had been a strange dream. It was not however. She stared at him, her mind still jumbled and her body still rather weak. She did not like this weakened state at all. It made her feel vunerable. And then he spoke her name... like he knew her," How-- who are..." That voice! It couldn't be or perhaps did Irons have a son? She knew that at one time the man had been married but," Hm." She stared at the outline of his features, the way his chin angled. His eyes...they were Kenneth Irons' eyes," Mary Queen of Scots." The brit muttered and began to back away eyes wide.
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 21, 2004 18:49:33 GMT -5
He laughed, yes a full genuine laugh, and that in and of it self was creepy, not to mention the alluring way it made his youthful features seem… warm? “Lara relax, we’ve both had a very trying day, I just hope what I went though will benefit the right people.” At this point his face became a bit drawn and he made a frank confession. “I volunteered for a procedure that could prove the cure for stem cell regeneration. This was an unexpected abnormality… although I have to admit, not a bad side effect.” Again his face broke into a wide grin and he sheepishly ran his fingers though the sun kissed blonde and stole another sidelong glance to the prone woman.
Indeed the room smelled of vanilla. Unbeknownst to Lara in every home that Kenneth owned, he kept a special place to house the memory of Vivian. Under normal circumstances this room was off limits, even to his staff and housekeeping. It wasn’t a dusty relic from the past, but here and there he had added a few things of which he thought might have pleased the long lost love of his life. The photos and maps were the biggest hint. The rest of the house was almost cold in nature devoid of personal touches, but here, in this room, you could feel that someone took care to make it just so.
“Here, have some water…” he held the glass out to her, gently propping her up. “If you’re up for it you might want to have a little something to eat. Your white blood cells could use the protein.” He backed off standing up a bit. It was clear that his shirt was a little tight, as his muscles had expanded, and in an effort to not look so awkward, he had rolled up the sleeves to the elbow. Instead of the crisp white shirt he usually wore, tonight he was wearing a deep purple button down oxford and remarkably he was tie-less and it was unbuttoned at the top, revealing a hint of white t-shirt. A boyish glance toward the terrace and then back to Lara, “It’s remarkably warm out, I could bring something out to the veranda?”
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 21, 2004 19:51:06 GMT -5
Lara found herself just staring. Sure it was rude, but she could not help it. This could not be the same man that it had been a mere two hours ago! it was just not possible! And yet despite all logic, it was. His laughter was clear, very real and fun. Though the Brit found this really not a laughing manner she could not help but slightly smile. Her fingers felt up about her neck finding the horror that was claiming her to be gone. A breath of relief left her lips and slowly she took the glass of water almost afraid. As she removed the glass from the much younger Kenneth Irons' hand her own touched his barely. So he was real, so this was no dream at all.
She lifted the glass to her lips and allowed the cool clear liquid to slide down her throat. How good it felt, refreshing really. After having drak most of the glass she placed it apon one of the deep cherrywood nightstands beside the bed looked back towards Irons... no. Kenneth. She really could not fathom calling him just Irons anymore," Thank you." Her voice was still a bit soft and whisper like, but it was improving. The dark brunette nodded," Yes. Food would be nice," She chuckled," My stomach is always very wanting towards food." Now that her sight was more ajusted she allowed it to wander about the room finding it rather peculiar that it was decorated in various maps and other archeaological like decor. Had he done this for her? Impossible. It was surely like this before...but why?
The veranda? Some fresh air would be nice," Why not. But perhaps if it's not much trouble could I have something else to wear?" Lara innerwardly balked at herself for being so...so friendly with this man, this man who had put her through two hours of unspeakable pain. Then again it had saved her life," I'm not used to well...wearing this sort of thing." She meant the nightgown of course as it really was not her style.
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 22, 2004 18:33:45 GMT -5
“Of course you may change. You'll find an assortment of things in the wardrobe. I wasn't sure on your size and I lack the eye for woman's attire, but my secretary took the liberty or selecting a few pieces in varying sizes. I trust Parada is alright?" He shot her a confused look (but of course he knew better) "If you’ll excuse me,” he nodded a bit leaving her to change. Once he left, his tenor grew more professional. Depressing the intercom to the kitchen he began barking orders to the chefs to begin the prep work for a light supper, to housekeeping to bring up fresh towels and for the gardener to select an assortment from the greenhouse for every room in the mansion. The reactions he got were uncanny, but they soon realized he was beyond serious.
It didn’t take long for Kenneth to make the necessary arrangements for their dinner. Using one of the alternate entrances to the veranda, the modest staff worked like a well -oiled machine, arranging a romantic setting for the pair. After arranging the flowers himself, Kenneth returned to the bedroom, knocking lightly before entering. Keeping his eyes shielded he called out. “Lara? If you’re ready, dinner should be ready in a few minutes.” He forced a cough as he shifted his weight uncomfortably, wondering if she was decent. Lord knows she was a jumpy person and he wasn’t about to get on her bad side after all the progress he’d recently made.
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 22, 2004 19:16:33 GMT -5
She was grateful for the chance to change into something more comfortable and her she hoped. Parada? Wasn't that one of those brand names? Most likely. Lara just bought clothes for clothes and rarely paid much attention to where acquired them from," Yes. Thank you." She commented as he left. Rising from the bed, the Tomb Raider took a moment to steady herself, grasp her balance and then slowly moved forward to the closet and selected something to wear. Choosing a simple pair of black stretch material pants, a powder blue tank top and a soft shawl she moved apon bare feet into the bathroom and took a quick shower.
Leaving her hair loose down her back to dry, Lara emerged from the bathroom clad in the esemble she had chosen and moved towards the veranda about the time Kenneth called to her," Everything looks so nice. You really don't have to be all formal just for me..." She eyed the set-up curiously as her bare feet moved along the cool marble of the floor. It was almost ...dare she think it...romantic? Would this man try to romance her? An unreadable look slowly pressed across the Brit's features as she thought about this. Without another word she walked forward and breathed in more of the fresh air while enjoying the view.
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 23, 2004 11:30:09 GMT -5
“Lara, you’re a guest in my home. The least I can do is make sure that you are comfortable.” He took his cue, and escorted her to a chair, pulling it out for her and setting her napkin atop her lap. He then set to work lighting the candles and absentmindedly swatting at a passing mosquito. “Hopefully the bugs won’t bother us with these lit, it would be tragic if we have to take refuge inside on such a nice night.” New York life swarmed beneath them, but it was a white noise that didn’t disturb the setting.
As if on cue, the chef arrived with plates, and just as subtly departed. “I sympathize that you have been though a great deal as of late, what with the Istari necklace and the incident in London… I just don’t want you to think that this was anything but a genuine offer for help. In our line of work it’s often that the blame for unfortunate events tends to fall onto the famous. As I’m sure you’re familiar with especially now. Lara, you’re a gifted scholar and your fieldwork is immeasurably remarkable. I just couldn’t watch a brilliant career fall to pieces over something so… senseless. I don’t believe that you killed the Professor. He was a known colleague of yours and as much as the evidence points to you, I’m unconvinced.”<br> Kenneth poured Lara a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from the adjacent decanter. “I know it’s not the best choice in beverage for what we’re eating, but you need the vitamins. “ He unfolded his napkin, and gave Lara an approving glance. “You can hate me for what I used to be, but all that is about to change. Life has given me a second chance, and I’m not going to screw this one up.”
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 23, 2004 15:21:36 GMT -5
She let him lead her, but she was not his pawn. She never would be even inlight of this very dramatic change. Lara did not trust Kenneth Irons. She never really would, however she was becoming more comfortable around him, less tense. Was this a good thing? Probably not, she knew deep down she ought to really keep her gaurd up. Keep her eyes open, but again he had saved her life... but for what true purpose. The man could bullshit well, luckily so could Lara herself. She was used to putting on acts for people, in her many different worlds of life she had to," I don't mind them really. " She commented about the mesquitos," At least they're not Africanized. Or Brazilian."
Hazel orbs studied ever move made by this New Kenneth Irons. Each one spoke of a young man, strong, alive and good natured. What had made him become such a bitter, heartless man? What had made him the monster he had become... Lara was not sure if she wanted to know or not. Somehow by the kindly manner in which he was treating her the Archeaologist felt he was trying to right a past wrong maybe, or make up for something somewhere in his life. This thought in itself made her feel a slight uneasy. Was she suddenly his new obsession? This idea chilled her very bones.
Once he had poured the Orange Juice into the glass before her, Lara took it and let the thick liquid slide down her throat. It was sweet, smooth and refreshing. Dare she say the best she had ever tasted? Before she had realized it half the glass was gone. Sheepishly she placed it back apon the table," I appericate your concern for my well being and confidence. " She stopped herself from going anywhere else with that sentance, perhaps he really had changed...perhaps he did not have any personal motives for being so generous. No matter Lara decided to be somewhat on her gaurd anyhow.
At his approving stare,a familiar feeling slowly worked down the spine of the Brit. It gave her the creeps, but why she was unsure. A second chance? For what... what was this man keeping to himself. No matter the physical change Lara knew that person could not change who they really were. A lepord cannot change his spots. Sure he can disguise them, but soon or later they show through again. She almost wanted to tell him this, but refrained. In a way Lara felt sorry for the man because obviously somewhere in his life something had turned a caring young man into a tyrant.
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on May 26, 2004 11:59:35 GMT -5
She was being quiet, and Kenneth took note of her reserved approach to all of this. He couldn’t blame her for feeling overwhelmed. This was an unusual situation to say the least. Forking another mouthful of venison into his mouth he chewed it thoughtfully, weighing how he should approach the next topic of discussion. When he had explained to Lara that his intentions were honorable that was true, but couldn’t help but wonder if Chase was in over his head. He waved the thought away and turned his glance toward the cityscape; simply breathtaking. He wondered if Lara still appreciated the landscape onto which the Croft Mansion was beset. He’d been in the house once, just before Lara had been born, and he recalled the view to be a work of art.
Again Kenneth felt that connection with the Witchblade, but this time it was stronger, more vibrant and worst of all… he caught an image. A darkened bedroom, rain pattering the glass, two bodies intertwined beneath rumpled sheets, and the flash of green eyes co-mingled with her voice… His hand twitched and he nearly choked on his water, coughing into his napkin. “Will you…?” he held up a finger, “…excuse me?” Irons pushed away from the table still coughing into the napkin. He walked into the expansive lounge and snapped open his cell phone.
“Good evening Barkley, I hope it’s not too late in the hour to be calling, but you see I’ve just remembered an errand that needs to be accomplished. Yes, I know, it seems one of our couriers has become lost and needs assistance delivering a package. Indeed I am aware that our dealings with international markets can prove troublesome. But you see, I’ve just received word that our package might have been tampered with…” Kenneth was returning to the veranda, and just before he broke the threshold he added, “I’m sure you understand. Thank you Barkley.” He slipped the phone onto the long table by the doorway and again sat. “Sorry about that.”<br> He waved his dessert away as chef neared, and then once they were again alone found himself confiding in her. There is more then just stem cell research on the line Lara. I’m sure you remember the tragic accident in London when my personal bodyguard was killed? I sent him there to protect both you and Sara… even that wet behind the ears McCarthy, because I knew what sort of trouble you were walking into. The Yakuza do not back down once they’ve set something in their sights.” Kenneth poured more juice into her glass, setting the carafe back into the ice bucket.
“When Ian was struck down he did not die; he fell into an unconscious state. Reflexes are present, but the mind is unwilling to return. If you’re up on your anatomy you know the body if left in a lax position begins to break down physically, the muscles atrophy from disuse until they are simply inadequate. The procedure which caused my new visage was intended for him. In order for the mind to return to the flesh, the body must be animate. I volunteered for the project, in the hope that we might save him in time. This was an unpredictable side effect.” Kenneth quirked a brow and almost laughed at her reaction, “oh don’t look at me like that, it’s not like I’m playing God here… I’m saving a life!” His tone was noble, but were his intentions?
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Lara Croft
Sergeant
You know I can't resist a bit of fun.
Posts: 53
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Post by Lara Croft on May 27, 2004 14:04:22 GMT -5
She ate in silence. Normally Lara Croft was not in company when she ate. Usually her meals were taken anywhere but the dining room or any other normal eating place, and most of the time she wasn't home anyways. The vension was very good, the best she had tasted in a while. For a moment it made her recall a hunting trip with her Father here in the States. After her Mother had past it was a rarity that Lord Croft left his daughter at home. Until the year he was killed anyhow. A brow arched curiously as the man stood, left for a moment and returned. When he returned, Lara found herself staring tiredly at the skyline, one part of the city covered by storm clouds that headed in this direction. To her it felt like that almost fortold something...something bad.
Her thoughts fell apart and she looked back at him with tired eyes. Try as she might she could not hide them," Oh. It's okay, I uderstand the works of business believe me." She was unoffended or bothered. Infact had he conducted said business right there in front of her she would not have cared. But suposing it could have been personal Lara refrained from inquiring about it," I do remember that..." She remembered very well. Brows knit as he kept speaking telling her things that made her think of the old Kenneth Irons... the tyrant. Lips fell parted slightly as he told her what he had tried to do.
" He's dead. It is like playing God Kenneth." She had spoken his name. Dinner was over, she stood and moved to the egde of the veranda and looked out. The calmest hit of a breeze running through her now dry long locks," I... I know what it is like to play God. And it's nothing but a lie." The archeaologist spoke sadly, as if trying to discourage him from further exploring such a idea. To her it was well... wrong. Moraleless. But then again since when did Kenneth Irons have morale? Lara was sure she knew the answer to that question.
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Kenneth Irons
Patrolman
"I have been generous until now, but I can be cruel."
Posts: 37
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Post by Kenneth Irons on Jun 2, 2004 8:18:25 GMT -5
He sighed, leaning against the railing of the veranda, his arms dangling between two of the balustrades. His newly revamped features crinkled a little at her outburst and if it were possible, he actually looked a bit taken aback. “You wound me Lara. My reasons for trying this on Ian aren’t wholly selfish. This is quite a bold step I will admit, but if Ian’s mind is restored, what might that revelation bring for other patients lost to the oblivion of a coma? You really must look at the whole picture before passing judgment.” His weight shifted and the open collar of his shirt fluttered in the waft of night air. If Irons was a sight to behold before the transformation, now in his newly reacquired youth, it was staggering. Highlighted strands of ash blonde swished nonchalantly. His blasé stance was almost a 180 to the rigid form he usually presented. In fact the only sign that he was the same person was in the hue of his eyes. Nothing save an extraction of the alien metal could alter that unnatural silver. But all of this superficial evidence begged to ask, was Ken inwardly changed as well? “Your father was a good man Lara. I know he would be proud of the woman you’ve become.” His steely glance turned from her at this point. Inside the recesses of Kenneth’s psyche, a wash of memory was flooding him, and it wasn’t the happiest of moments. He could still hear the music, see the way the lights overhead played over Vivian’s translucent skin, but that wasn’t what was plaguing him. It was the strong hand at the curve of her back, and the nervous laugh he heard from her lips at not-too-subtle kisses on her shoulder and neck. It was the way they were dancing, Richard and Vivian. Could he really blame them? For all they knew he was dead. Yes but did they look upset? Time had a funny way of twisting the truth. In the months of recuperating in a hostel outside of Laos, Irons had played out many times the moment of his return, but never had his mind conjured a scenario like this. With a backpack slung over his shoulder, the smiling face had taken the stairs nearly three at a time. Her face was the driving force that had aided his speedy recuperation; and now to find this. The freeze-frame of Richard Croft and Vivian Hensingly dancing together was imprinted on his mind, and subsequently his heart hardened. He had been betrayed by the man he considered a brother. “Lara, are you alright?” Kenneth asked with genuine concern as he took note of her lightheaded faltering.
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