Paul Middleton: Evacuation

TOM spoke from one of the speakers in the room, “While you may have exacerbated the problem, Bethany Anne, I doubt that you have been the sole source. Some of it was undoubtedly caused by Kamiko Kana. Plus, Boris may be sensitive enough that the Etheric draw of the engines affects him, according to the data from the medical pod.”

Sending privately to Bethany Anne, TOM added, There is a way to fix the problem. However, it will likely leave him still able to sense changes in the Etheric. The other pathways may permanently change his brain in an unpredictable manner. Removing memories or shifting personality. Further, he has the potential to draw on the Etheric while in human form, possibly to the same extent as Gabrielle.

Of course, we should… oh. Hmm, I guess we don’t really know enough about him do we.

Bethany Anne said, “TOM, get with ADAM and see if you can find a way to cure the headaches."

Frank asked, “I’m curious. Stephen mentioned a town in Siberia where you protect the residents?"

Boris nodded “Da. I am a Pack leader in Siberia. You must understand, with the wide spaces and size of Russia there is no Pack Council, just packs. And it is worth a non-alpha’s life to move across territories without permission."

"But the town and its people?” Boris took a moment to stare while focusing on nothing, tears appeared in his eyes. “I protect them because of an oath I swore to my love before the predatel’skaya negodyay Reds had her executed. I swore I would save as many White Russians from the State as possible. I did, with the help of some Cossacks, I also aid and defend. This is where most of those I shield come from, their descendants.”

Boris stopped staring into nothing and brought his attention back to those around the table, “The rest are pack. I protect them to honor her memory. ’Tis all I have left.” He was silent and contemplative, while Stephen swept the room with his eyes and gave a sharp nod, confirming the story.

Boris continued, “I worked as a mercenary after the war to build up the necessary infrastructure. Also, to send the brightest away for a better education than would be possible in central Russia. Our town is viewed with suspicion by many outside Siberia. Inside Siberia, everyone is descended from prestupniki, criminals of one sort or another, so no-one judges another."

He laid two large hands on the table in front of everyone, “I am bound to them by blood oath and heart oath. I cannot in good conscience swear such an oath to you. I would, to honor Michael and the changes you started in him, swear an oath to aid you in any way I can that is not prevented by my previous promise.” He clasped his fist to his breast. Then he said, “Do you have a knife, Czarina?"

Bethany Anne blinked and then turned to Stephen with a raised eyebrow in question, choosing not to read Boris’ mind at this juncture as it just felt…wrong.

Stephen smiled. “He wants to swear his oath in the way that his mother taught him.” Bethany Anne turned towards the door, “John?”

John stepped into the room and unclasped his Bowie, handing it to Bethany Anne hilt first. As she turned Boris started to stand before going to his knees, eyes shut in pain.

“What the hell?” she asked.

ADAM? TOM?

>>The Ad Aeternitatem just sent up four Pods for an outer defense.<<

“Fucking shit.” Bethany Anne spoke, “Four Pods just lifted from the Ad Aeternitatem. I’ll have them stop that unless an emergency calls for it.”

>>Understood.<<

"Gott Verdamnt!”

TOM, please tell me we can fix that?

Tom replied while Boris recovered, ADAM and I have found a solution to the source of the headaches. It will require around two hours in the medical pod.

Bethany Anne walked around the table holding the Bowie, “Well Boris, I guess after one more trip, we should have a solution for your headaches."

Boris shook his head to clear it and stood up beside her. He held out his hand, palm up and indicated she was to slice his hand with the knife, which she did quickly and without any fanfare.

Boris held a slight grimace from his face, the Bowie was silver. His English was good, but his Russian accent was very pronounced during his oath, “By my blood on your blade, in memory of Michael, I swear service as I am able to you."

Bethany Anne sliced her own palm, “In honor, I keep your vows as mine. In memory of loves lost, I will protect your people as my own."

Boris froze for a moment and looked at Stephen, his incredulous eyes seeking confirmation.

"Yes, Boris. She means it,” was Stephen’s simple response.

He took one knee before Bethany Anne, “On this world, my service is yours."

"Oh knock it off, you big bear.” Bethany Anne said as she nodded to John and tossed him the knife. “Let’s get you back into the Pod so TOM can fix you.” She reached out a hand as Ashur stepped up beside her, “Mind the first step, it hurts like a bitch.”

The three disappeared.

Were training room, QBS Ad Aeternitatem

It took a total of three hours for Bethany Anne to bring Boris back. It had taken another thirty minutes before she realized that Nathan and Peter had plans if Boris was up to sparring.

Bethany Anne wanted to roll her eyes at the testosterone bullshit and then realized they were, literally, programmed that way. She left them to their exercises and went to check in with her father.

Nathan and Peter were both itching for a matchup. Here was a Pricolici that had been around a very long time. In some circles, he was considered a rumor, like Michael to vampires in Asia.

How could either one pass up the chance to fight a rumor? Boris had been around Weres a long time, so energized with the fresh release from his pain and feeling good, he was agreeable to the sparring session.

They talked and decided Peter should go first. It was agreed to spar as humans for the first rounds. Peter put up a good fight, but it was obvious that Boris had trained in all the styles that Peter knew. His counters were muscle memory and after about two minutes Peter was on the ground for a three-count.

Peter was disappointed that he hadn’t landed a solid blow, but Boris spoke to him after the round. “You are good, youngling. I have learned many different styles over the centuries. Siberia was the ends of the earth for a long time, you see. People from many different schools of fighting ended up there. I tried for many decades to learn from as many as possible. I would guess that I have at least four centuries on you. Do not take it so hard.”

Boris then indicated to Nathan that he was ready. This opponent obviously had more skill and training than the first so Boris took the time to test his defenses and found them good. After two minutes of sparring back and forth, he found a rhythm to Nathan’s attacks. A weakness in his style that Boris could exploit. He let Nathan get comfortable and suddenly switched gears, which threw Nathan enough for Boris to get him in a full nelson. After trying several methods to break the hold and failing, Nathan muttered, “I yield.”

Boris released him from the grapple and grinned, “You have spent a lot of time training, but you let yourself fall into a rhythm. It is a weakness you need to be careful of. An experienced opponent will find it and exploit it.”

Nathan snorted “And how likely is it that I’ll find someone as experienced as you?”

Boris shrugged “Not the point. If someone does notice it, it is a weakness. I suggest you work on it.”