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Aug 10, 2020 15:14:18 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 10, 2020 15:14:18 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ The Collector's fingers tapped against the glass. Her requests were... reasonable. He'd have to watch her during the process, of course. And he'd have to send the message through several proxies before delivering it, to keep those pesky X-Men from finding their location. Otherwise, he was fine with it. Whatever it took to keep his possession in his possession. "Very well, Miss Karst," the Elder answered. "You will be able to send your message after dinner."Their orders would arrive shortly after. Whether it was due to the speedy service of whatever was in the kitchen, or just the fear of being late, two Gatherers were quick to bring out their meals and set them before the Collector and Ziggy. As a note, the Collector had a purple, tentacle-covered steak with a side of burgundy-colored wine. "As for the terms," he continued. "What you see is what you get. So long as you don't try to escape or ruin my plans, you're free to roam as you please. And if you happen to have any talents that would help me add to my collection, your assistance would be greatly appreciated."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 10, 2020 15:14:45 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 15:14:45 GMT -7
Spoiler Ziggy smiled at the offer.
"Thank you Collector."
When her order came she smiled at it and started to eat, she found that she couldn't stomach too much food but it was a homely meal at least. She listened to the Collector speak. Then looked up to him.
"Well... I will try not to ruin your plans but unless it is anything apart from collecting... things... "
That was the only word she could call it.
"... then I don't think I will have any trouble not ruining your plans. As for me escaping... I have no idea how I would get back home from this far away."
That was at the moment as for the help she paused midway to putting a small fork of food into her mouth.
"As for helping that would be kinda cool."
With food going into her stomach, which felt odd, the whole thing was starting to hit her like tree being felled. She still hadn't moved her fork just sat there looking a little vacant. Now she was having to hold herself together. The youth in her starting to get the better of her as the fork trembled in her hand.
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Aug 10, 2020 15:14:57 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 10, 2020 15:14:57 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ The girl was still uneasy. It made sense, of course. The whole situation would terrify most. But as long as she was willing to obey his orders, he wouldn't pay much mind to her petty worries. "Some see me as a villain, I admit," the Collector told her. "But I assure you, what I do is for the good of the universe. Others simply can't see the future as well as I do."Was that a figure of speech, or him being literal? The absolute confidence in which he spoke gave the impression that he was completely sure in what he was saying, without a hint of deceit in his words. "Your kind are persecuted on Earth, am I right? What if I told you that I can create a perfect world for all mutants? A world where they are safe and free from the hatred and prejudices of the outside world. A paradise shaped in their own image. I offer that to you."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 10, 2020 15:15:28 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 15:15:28 GMT -7
Spoiler Ziggy still hadn't moved. She needed time to get her mind straight. Her hand shook so she finally put her fork down and looked at the jacket potato. If this person could see the future... or at least know the patterns in the universe which happen then she understood it but what he offered... Many had tried to do that but it still ended with the same issues... People hunt rare things and those that are different.
"Yes, we are. I tried to help. I tried to make a new home for them or at least influence an area but they didn't want it. They wanted to just live their lives. I understand how they feel."
Her hand went to her left arm where a scar was fading. That was a painful memory and she hated having it still there. People were so cruel.
"The issue of rehomeing people is they may not wish to. Earth is their home and even among mutants there is always some in fighting. It wouldn't change things, it will just move the problem someplace else. People... Humans... homosapians.. whatever you call us... are cruel. They pick on those who are different. You see it repeating time and time again throughout all of history."
She shook her head.
"If you could create a world it wouldn't change things."
To her that was the truth and she found it hard to accept and it hurt! She still kept her tears in despite all the hurt, fear and sadness of her situation. She needed to see it as an opportunity. Her mind would find a way off, it would just take time. She was already thinking of a message
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Aug 10, 2020 15:15:49 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 10, 2020 15:15:49 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ The Collector smirked at the girl's words. "That's where you're wrong." He tapped on the glass again. This time, he pulled up a password-protected lockscreen. Tapping in the password lead to the same list of collections he had previously shown Ziggy. Now let's look up one more thing and... There! A small hologram of a male, murky blue planet appeared between him and the girl. "Planet Trizetsia," the Collector explained. "Humans aren't the only species with mutants, nor are they the only ones to be cruel to them. For well over a fifty thousand years, I have been gathering outsiders and giving them sanctuary. When you say that I can't change things, I will say that these mutants have lived in relative peace and harmony."That couldn't be true... could it? The biometrics of the planet were displayed to the right of the planet claimed that the planet's population was "98.7% mutant - various," suggesting that the Collector's words might have had at least some truth to them. "I take good care of my collection, Miss Karst," the man continued. "It is my mission in life to cherish and protect what I own. I promise to you, and all your mutant allies, that all will be safe, healthy and loved under me."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 10, 2020 15:16:30 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 15:16:30 GMT -7
Spoiler Ziggy looked at it with a slight frown on her face.
"May I?"
She asked indicating the image. It made her spine shiver as she took control a little and moved the statistics. The frown easing off of her face.
"I'm glad you take care of it... if you have pretty much one of each kind... how have you kept them alive? I saw a dodo on there and they have been extinct on Earth for 358 years. Do you keep them in stasis once they get older? Or is there something else that sustains them like it does you?"
She couldn't help but be curious. The word loved had an odd effect though, she turned her head away from him and blushed while wiping her eyes. Her heart exploded with pain of possibly not being home again. Of Malik and the feeling of hurt she had from him. Turning back she looked more angry than upset. It also wasn't aimed at the collector. More at others from stopping her from learning and for abusing her heart.
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Aug 10, 2020 15:16:42 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 10, 2020 15:16:42 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ All good questions. Frankly, it was refreshing to find someone who was curious about the intricacies of his life's work. Most people would just refuse to listen and then try to stop him. It wouldn't hurt him to share some of his tricks of the trade now, would it? "The planet has several ecosystems and social orders, fit for various types of mutants. I don't know the specifics of each race, however, since I collect them indiscriminately. But I do know that the resulting alliances have created hybrids and species not found anywhere else in the galaxy."Yet another sip from his wine glass. And then, with what looked to be a glowing energy fork, he lifted a chunk of his steak to his lips. He allowed himself a moment to chew and savor his bites, giving Ziggy enough time to investigate the hologram. After a moment, he continued. "Some creatures in my collection are in statis. Some are cloned when they're close to death. Trizetsia is different, for the most part; left alone to its own devices without much interference, like an animal sanctuary on your planet. Though for mutants who wish to survive far longer than their natural lifespan, the planet has two natural wonders to help them."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 10, 2020 15:17:08 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 15:17:08 GMT -7
Spoiler Ziggy thought about it all staying quiet. She ate a little more of her jacket potato debating before taking a draft of drink. So he could do telekinesis but to what extent? She kept her thought guarded not knowing the full extent of his abilities. At least her training in that was useful.
"Interesting."
She moved the scan to check out the different ecosystems, her hand flying over it as if she was a master at the technology already.
"I suppose cloning would make it so your collection is still unique. Do people visit? It would be interesting... hummm.... then there could be...."
Her brain was working faster and she started to feel a little better apart from the deep ache in her heart. She had been thinking of leaving the school and going to find a new place to work. She had it handed to her on a silver platter that was also laced with poison.
"Sorry... It would be a shame if no one ever got to explore your full collection. People are easy to get money out of just for a piece of entertainment."
Time... she just needed time, hope and skills.
"I think it would be interesting to explore all your collections. I'm only young so I have a long time ahead of myself... well in your terms it would be a blink of an eye. Where is The Orchid heading to next?"
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Aug 10, 2020 15:17:36 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 10, 2020 15:17:36 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ Time would not be enough, Miss Karst. Though poison on a silver platter is a surprisingly apt view. Take the opportunity to learn and be grateful things had not turned out as bad as they could have been. "No one is allowed to visit my museums without permission," he explained. "Do you know how many times the Guardians have raided by treasures? How many times the Avengers tried to steal someone or something back? I can only allow entry to those I trust, or to those I control. You should try to be the former, or you will always be the latter."
Simple, yet ominous, yet entirely controlled. Though he spoke with much annoyance when the Guardians of the Galaxy were brought up, he was otherwise calm and collected. "As for where we're headed? I can't tell you that. I'm sure you understand, I must be a little selective in what I tell you just yet. Can't let you plan something ahead of time. But we will land in two weeks. And if you're behaved, I will let you explore where we land to your heart's content."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 10, 2020 15:17:52 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 15:17:52 GMT -7
Spoiler Ziggy heard the warning loud and clear. Be controlled fully or just a little. Rather than not at all. Got it. She allowed herself some time to eat a little more but her appetite was not as good as normal. She had finished looking at the planet and the statistics of various different mutants. She had looked to see who was moving and who was not, just so she could try and figure out how many were in cages.
"I understand, what does space look like from up here and not on land? I haven't been to space before. Can you get space sick like you get sea sick? If I get off will you let me back on?"
She was worried that she would be trapped somewhere. That was something she wouldn't like to have not after the sentinel issue. Then she frowned deeply.
"Erm... I don't mean to ask so many questions but... you don't happen to know what the date on Earth is do you? It will help me figure out how long I have been in stasis... possibly. Also ... if I get sick does that mean you or someone will look after me? Why don't you use something that will keep a person looking the same age? I mean you look good for your age. I just erm... well... "
Her cheeks glowed red with that, it felt too personal but she needed to know because she needed to know what to do.
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Aug 10, 2020 15:18:23 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 10, 2020 15:18:23 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ The Collector raised his hand slightly to silence the girl. "Enough. As I said before, you will be treated with the utmost care. So long as you remain loyal and heed my commands. I have no intention of letting you get lost or hurt."Now, for the space part. tapping the glass again would cause the wall behind Ziggy to whirr. Like metal shutters, it rose up into the ceiling, revealing a vast, black infinity of sky and stars. Though they were protected by some sort of glass-like wall, looking out into the sea of space still seemed so clear and crisp. Like Ziggy could step out and touch it if she got close enough. "As for the date," he continued, looking at the screen. "It's [today's date] on Earth, give or take a few days.It's hard to be sure when you're this far out - you only get an approximation."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 10, 2020 15:18:52 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 15:18:52 GMT -7
Spoiler Ziggy was going to continue digging a hole as her mouth was open but she closed it to 'heed his commands', the enough was clear to her. She nodded at the support but then something happened and her eyes went wide, the fork clattered to the plate, her jaw dropped open and she pushed the chair away as she moved towards it. The date did get processed in her mind but it was dwarfed by what she was seeing. Her mind was also calculating exactly where she was among the stars which was a little tricky as she couldn't remember fully where they all were but then she could easily look them up now.
On this rare occasion she was speechless. Then like a hammer it hit her. The enormity of it all. Silent tears fell down her cheeks as she moved forwards. She went as close as she dared. An explosion could happen and she wouldn't care. In that one moment she felt so small yet everything so big. Even her mind was still just taking it all in. She had pure wonder on her face, she couldn't take her eyes off of it. Spoiler The letter was simple, just writing it was easy. Ziggy had already come to realise that the man in front of him was not omnipresent as he already admitted to having people take his property. So she wrote the letter the best she could making sure there were several codes which she hope at least one will get through.
Then handed the message over to The Collector.
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Aug 10, 2020 16:13:58 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 10, 2020 16:13:58 GMT -7
Part 2 - After PortSpoiler Ziggy had had a fantastic opportunity to investigate the ship further over the previous months. The day and night pattern was hardest to adjust to. The first few days she had spent looking out of windows or getting her barings aboard the ship. She couldn't believe how large it was but then with no gravity the weight of such a ship would not be an issue. After she knew where most rooms were she was able to explore deeper into the ship. From there she started to examine some of the items that were on display. She avoided the displays with people or animals in, mainly because it gave her the creeps and she would hate to be in their situation.
Her room was sparse with just a bed, washing facilities and a couple of shelves which now contained several overalls and a book the Collector had allowed her to have. Inside the back cover was a mini calendar that she had sketched out with the day she could last remember until the rough date the Collector had given her. Then coming forward the days that followed. In her recognising her birthday was a day away.
That night she struggled to sleep, her homesickness was really bad as she missed her school friends and family. She could only imagine what they might have done as a group together. She added one single line to her journal.
"Happy Birthday To Me... Roughly."
That was when she broke down crying. For most of the night she cried but finally she had had enough of the self pity and so decided to go walk about. She left her room and went walking down corridors absent mindlessly. Until she realised that she was in a part of the ship where she hadn't fully explored. Moving around she found that it was a fairly normal store room, she looked along and found a load of broken items. She settled down and started to fix them, one at a time but she was also working on another project using odd parts that were incompatible and too damaged to be used. The project she was working on was more of her subconscious than anything.
As the project progressed it was turning into a small communications device that would work to project a message, much like an SOS box. The fixed projects were strewn upon the floor where she worked. The tiredness hadn't hit her and she had completely lost track of time. Her project was not finished but it was improving. Despite all that she had, on this one day she felt most lonely and wanted... no needed to speak to someone other than the Collector.
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Aug 24, 2020 20:59:16 GMT -7
Post by Gordy on Aug 24, 2020 20:59:16 GMT -7
"We both covet things we don't have. The difference between us, of course..."------------------------------------------------------ Crack.That was the sound of Ziggy's hope dying. A heavy and merciless sound, coming from the Collector's boot as he stepped onto the device. If Ziggy were to look up, she would find a rather displeased man looking down at her with contempt. "Oh, Miss Karst," he said ruefully. "Did you forget? This is my ship. I know about everything that goes on under my nose. Including your pithy attempts to contact home." Crack. Another stomp would further decimate the workings of her machine. It was unneeded, since the first stomp was enough to wreck it. But at this point, it was more about sending a message to his collector's item. "Have I not given you flexibility? You alone have had more privileges than any other collection on this ship."------------------------------------------------------ "...is that I have almost everything anyone could possibly want. Including you."
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Aug 25, 2020 4:10:29 GMT -7
Post by Gummy on Aug 25, 2020 4:10:29 GMT -7
Spoiler Crack!!!
Ziggy's jaw dropped as she looked at the boot then as he spoke she looked up. Tears were sliding down her cheeks as she looked up to the face that the boots belonged to. As he stepped on it again...
CRACK!!!
She tried to wiggle backwards looking briefly at the device. Her mind panicking and struggling to think. It didn't happen often but when it did it made things worse. Her mind was trying to figure out what was going on. The devices she had fixed were all on the floor but her mind having worked faster had..... Her eyes went wide as she looked up to the face once more.
"I didn't ... I mean... I'm sorry! I just....."
She looked down ashamed. How could she explain that she didn't realise what she was doing, that what she had made her subconscious had done it. Taking a slow breath in, she looked back at the face, her's still had tears falling down.
"My powers.... is my mind... I didn't realise I was making it. I'm feeling homesick... Sometimes... I'm sorry.... I fiddle, and well.... when I'm... I've had nothing.... I really didn't mean to... I fixed all the other things. I'm sorry. It's just..."
As she looked at him there was something about him. What he had said, collection.... more privileges... The tears stopped, another expression was starting to show but it wasn't fear. She felt something a warmth but also a chill. Her cheeks flushed, even her ears were turning pinker. From down there, he looked?
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