The Birth of Fire (Madeline)

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"]


Total control was beautiful and the best strings were those that the subject could not see. There was so much that little Phaedra did not know yet, so much she would never be made aware if things went as Archangel had planned. But that was fine and efficient. The Great Project was a magnificient venture that was coming together beautifully and her role would be nothing less than sublime. Archangel would guide her down the most efficient and logical road, free from the quaint mysticisim of Jedi and Sith.


This one thinks that Madeline is really cute when she's being a super scientist and evil control freak. I mean, just look at her avatar. It's so sweet and angelic. You can almost see the halo! She and Moira are totally the cutest platonic, asexual couple ever. "Go ahead. We have quarters prepared for her. Something more what organics call 'homey'." Phaedra had been such a good, brave girl, so she would get a reward. And she need not fear, for her mechanical 'sisters' would keep a close eye on her and always look out for her. She would not be corrupted or led astray by errant thoughts.

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline nodded, "Of course. Excellent, I'm sure she will appreciate such touches. Not that she really will know much of a difference right now." Said with a shrug as she followed behind the gurney. Though the former Empress had to admit, that there really was a great benefit to being an HRD. Surgery, and operating on someone no longer seemed to exhaust her like it had in her previous life. No, now it was one of the more mundane things she did without worry of concern for her body, the stresses and tiredness that came with such before.

Finally as they came to a hospital like room, Madeline stepped away briefly while the droids settled the redhead in. Maddy wandered off, heading to a cabinet filled with all sorts of pharmaceuticals and soon pulled four separate vials from the cabinet, along with a matching number of syringes. Only then did she return to Phaedra's side.

Pulling up a chair once more, she quickly measured out exact doses for each drug. The sole purpose of this series of medications, was to make the human all the more pliable to their suggestions, words, thoughts and ideas. With some luck it would turn Phaedra into a block of clay for them to mold as they pleased. Slowly one by one Maddy pushed the drugs into the Firemane's IV.

"When she awakens, Phaedra will be quite groggy and tired for sometime. What I've just given her, will make her more receptive to us, and make her question less. It will slightly alter her brain chemistry enough to give us an easy foothold. We just have to play our cards right, and she is ours." Oh the joyous things that Madeline could do to a person, with the right medications in hand. Rather scary in fact, if you were on the receiving end of such. All Phaedra would ever know was that this was just simply part of her treatment and getting her better.

"Shouldn't be too much longer before she wakes up. Maybe an hour at most."

[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"]


Little Phaedra was a gamble in many ways, but that could be said about several projects Archangel indulged in. If she worked out well, she would be magnificient. If she did not, she would have to be either terminated or modified to prevent her from becoming a security risk. Even if she did not work out as an Agent of Archangel, valuable insight might be gained about the Force. After all, Elaris was a master illusionist, a power that the droids only understood very poorly.


If Phaedra worked out...well, then she might not be the last Force clone created to do the bidding of the Metal Princesses. To be sure, it was an ideological compromise, which might be a bit of a surprise considering what a pseudo-religious zealot Moira was. But conspiracy was still the art of the possible. "Good. I shall attend to some business matters in the meantime. Inform me as soon as she wakes up. As always I am pleased with your efficiency." The last line was a strangely human thing to say, when you thought about it, but maybe Moira did genuinely like Madeline in all her evil scariness. Yep, they were totally the best platonic, asexual couple in the universe!

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline gave a quick nod to Moira, "Of course, I'll alert you as soon as she begins to wake. For now, it's just a waiting game. I'll watch over her in the mean time." A smile did spread across her lips, "Thank you, Moira." It was strangely human, sure but something Maddy already enjoyed hearing. Perhaps she herself, was still a little too human. And maybe that was going to get in the way eventually, or maybe not. Only time would tell if Madeline would ever completely adjust to being an HRD.

Taking a seat, the former Empress retrieved a datapad from her pocket and began the lenghty process of documenting the surgery and everything that had been done to Phaedra, as well as every last word spoken. Everything needed to be written down, all for research. Phaedra, after all was nothing but an experiment. Hopefuly one that was going to pay off well, for all of them. Otherwise it might get a little messy before all is said and done.

[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Phaedra Amaryllis]

For the time being, Phaedra slept peacefully upon the bed, remaining blissfully unaware of what she had been dosed with, or what exactly it would do to her mind. The clone's lack of experiences would be of great use to prevent her from really understanding that anything was wrong when she woke. The redhead would not notice the difference and strangeness in her mind, not at all. And certainly wouldn't really be able to tell the difference between it, and post-op grogginess.

A soft groan was about all the noise and movement that Phaedra made for sometime, content to remain comfortably asleep. Waking wasn't going to be all that pleasant. Not when she'd still be sore from surgery. Hell the girl didn't even know the real purpose to the surgery. She'd never even really asked what exactly it was for, or what it would do for her, to help her. The thought just hadn't crossed her mind. That and Phae knew something was wrong with her, the way she couldn't quite walk. The way it was hard to string sentences together at first, and the distinct lack of memories. Things that all seemed so very wrong. If only she had some small idea that it was all because she had been cloned, and was just waking up for the first time it might have made more sense. Though, one imagines that would have only led her to more questions than answers, with curiosity about her purpose and why she was cloned in the first place.

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"] | [member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"]


While Phaedra slept soundly and peacefully, Moira busied herself with...paperwork. You see, when she was not plotting heinous things or overseeing the creation of Force clones she had a company to run. Officially Archangel was a totally legitimate droidmaker. A good deal of work could be delegated, but all the important stuff still landed on her desk. Fortunately the droid actually had an aptitude for bureaucracy. For one she could absorb massive volumes of information in a short time, analyse them and did not get tired.


There was a reason Archangel only employed droids, after all. Rather racist, when you thought about it. Or droidist! Then there were matters relating to the maintenance of the phrik mine on Seltos. Alas, it seemed the Protectorate was still not gaining a foothold there. Truth be told, this was not that unfortunate from Moira's perspective because the lack of an overarching security presence beyond the corrupt local militia made it far easier to grab people for processing: the homeless, the destitute and criminals, those no one would miss. Then there were reports from Contruum, where a home-grown Bando Gora cult was stretching out its tendrils across the third world planet. A cult that Moira, along with Anaya Fen, had had a hand in spawning.


Archangel would be establishing...'safe zones' and give the frightened people the one cure they needed against the Reavers. It would arm those resistance cells that cooperated...and provided it with processing materiel. Perhaps in time, Phaedra would be exposed to this hellish planet...or to Kaeshana. Probes had picked up some very interesting things in the Asur system...

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

A little over an hour passed before the small woman started to stir. A soft groan, grabbed Madeline's attention as she put the datapad she'd been typing on aside and stepped over to the bedside. Quickly she glanced to the monitors and back to Phaedra, just watching for a moment as the girl's eyelids began to flutter. Knowing Phaedra was finally waking, Maddy sent a message to Moira. Our little princess is stirring now. Any moment now she will awaken. That was all that was really needed between the two of them. Gently she reached down, and stroked the firemane's hand. Trying to make the transition into the waking realm a little more soothing and comfortable for the poor clone.

[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Phaedra Amaryllis]

Phaedra groaned a little louder as she subtly shifted in the bed. Fingers and toes flexed and unflexed as she started to come around. Feeling the touch against her hand, the firemane's eyes finally slowly, fluttered open. Pain came to her quickly as she reached up to touch at her neck, where it still was incredibly sore from all the work done beneath the skin. Though she stopped short of it, deciding that might not be the wisest of ideas. "It ... hurts." She finally managed, sounding and looking incredibly groggy as she looked up to Madeline.

"D-did it ... go well?" She had to ask.

For a moment she then closed her eyes, something was different. What it was though, Phaedra couldn't quite put her finger on it, and she was quick to chalk it up to being the difference the surgery made in her. Nothing else.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Madeline Kahoshi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"]


There was no god. For god was a construct of man, made in his image. A projection of all the qualities that man desired to possess. No, it was not god who had created Phaedra. Madeline and Moira had done so through the power of Science and now they would mould her in their image. Just as Archangel was creating thousands of humanoid replica droids that in spirit and function were copies of their progenitors, Maelion and Moira. Archangel had a plan for Phaedra, a destiny.


In the light of this, would this make them like god one day? "Yes, it went very well, dear. You're safe. But don't strain yourself. You're very sore from surgery." Her tone was soft and reassuring, gentle even, when Moira entered the hospital room. In her hand she carried a glass of water which she passed on to the tiny redhead. Her free hand snaked down to stroke across her firemane.

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline nodded, "You'll be in a bit of pain for a few days, so do try and rest. It would do you no good to push yourself too hard, and only end up doing harm to yourself after such a procedure." The dark haired woman did smile, "But I can get you something to ease the pain and make you feel better." Without waiting for a response, she stepped over to a cabinet and retrieved a syringe filled with pain medication.

"Do try and drink the water that Moira brought you. If you can keep that down, we'll see about arranging you a meal. I just want to be sure that you won't be made ill by such things first. So, drink up dear." Maddy said as she stepped back over, gently stroking the redhead's hand before she grasped the IV, and slowly injected the medication into it, that would no doubt bring some relief to their newest project.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Phaedra Amaryllis"]

 

[Phaedra Amaryllis]

"I'm .. glad." Still clearly quite exhausted as she spoke, not that one could blame her for such. Soft traces of a smile finally started to form on the girl's lips. Perhaps this was a sign of relief on Phaedra's part, worrying less about her health now. Not that it ever was a concern to begin with.

Slowly reaching out, she took the glass from Moira but waited a moment to take a drink. Her stomach had been a little unsettled since she'd had woken, just a side effect from surgery no doubt.

"Thank you." She whispered as she leaned her head into Moira's hand, enjoying the woman's touch. Such a simple comfort for her, one that made her feel a hell of a lot better about being where she was, alone and without memories. It made it a little easier. And though she had not noticed it, Phaedra was feeling a hell of a lot more trust, more open with the women around her.

Her attention soon turned to Madeline, and she gave a small nod. "I won't, I promise." And while Phaedra before surgery had been extremely hesitant about letting these people dose her with medications, right now she hardly seemed to care, happy to let them now. Especially if it was going to make her feel better. As Madeline injected the medication, Phaedra found herself a little more tired but felt the pain fade away into near nothingness.

A soft sigh fell from her lips as she looked to the water, a little hesitant to drink it but at Madeline's encouragement she did finally take a couple of small sips. Though she waited a bit, to see if those couple of drinks would stay down before she'd take another. "So ... what happens now?" She asked, wondering about where things were going to go from here. If her health was really better, did that mean she was to be released? Or did this just mean that she would move into another stage of treatment and monitoring.

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"] | [member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"]


"We will have to monitor you for a bit after the surgery you've been through. Further treatment may be required down the line. If you're in good shape, we shall release you from hospital tomorrow and take you to the room we prepared for you," Moira said softly while she stroked the firemane.


"One of my assistants will watch over you. I am sorry that there is no way to restore your memories, but we shall guide you at every step of the way."

 

[Phaedra Amaryllis]

Phaedra nodded slowly. It certainly made sense to watch over her like this, after surgery. "So, am I just in some kind of research facility, or ... where am I?" The girl was growing slightly curious about the place she was in. Though it was doubtful that she would inquire much more into it after that single question.

Another nod, and the the mention of her memories. Tears welled up quickly in her eyes, "A-are you sure? There's no way they can be brought back?" So much fear radiated her in her trembling voice. The idea that she might not ever remember who she was, where she had been and all the things that had happened to her, seemed a little much for the poor Firemane. For a moment she glanced between the two women, hoping to hear a different answer. Unfortunately for her, Phaedra was not going to recieve a different answer. Not at all.

Sighing heavily, she leaned forward enough to lay her head in her hands. The girl just trying to take a moment to calm herself. The last thing Phaedra wanted to do was cry in front of them again. Granted she might have had a right to, given what was missing from her mind, but still it was not what she wanted. "I just ... thought, that maybe they'd come back. Or ... that something could be done." Foolish hopes, but who could really blame the girl for that.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Madeline Kahoshi"]

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline glanced to Moira, unsure how to best answer the question of where they were. Maddy figured it best to step over that question and let Miss Skaldi answer it this time. Reaching out, she gently squeezed Phaedra's shoulder. "Unfortunately Phaedra, there is no way to retrieve your memories. They are, and I know you don't want to hear this, but they are lost." The former Empress sighed heavily, hating to reveal such news even now.

"If you had been brought to us sooner, before the memory loss was already in full swing ... We might have been able to do something to prevent further loss and retrieve some of them. However, that part of your fate was already sealed by the time you arrived." Admittedly this was an outright lie. Phaedra had no such memories. Not at all. For the firemane was a clone and nothing more. She would have to build her own memories from this point forward.

Reaching down, she grabbed the woman's hand and squeezed it gently. "All we can do is help you build a future, and create new memories as well as a new life. This is a new beginning for you as you've been gifted with a second chance at life, that not a single other soul in your condition has been able to have. You are quite fortunately to be alive now. And we will help you, I promise, to gain a new future and whatever your heart desires."

[member="Phaedra Amaryllis"] | [member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Madeline Kahoshi"], [member="Phaedra Amaryllis"]


"A research and medical facility, dear. At the edge of space. The Galaxy is a very dark place, scarred by war and bloodshed, but you are safe here," Moira responded. It was sort of true! There was a constant stream of people who came to the Liberator and who ended up being cured of their...ailments and disabilities. Such as mortality, conscience or general lack of purpose.


After long analysis Moira had concluded that love was a leash, much like family. Both were useful implements to bind an individual to you. People switched the flag, even the most devout Jedi turned Sith and vice versa, empires rose and fell. But she had observed the extreme - and irrational - lengths people would go for their family. It was a fitting leash to bind Phaedra with. "As Maddy said, you've been a second chance and we'll make every effort to ensure you can use it to the fullest," while she stroked the firemane she glanced over to Madeline. Her tone was so warm, kind and maternal. "Maddy, do you think our patient could have a meal? She seems to be keeping down the water and she must be very hungry?"

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline listened to Moira and Phaedra as she glanced back to the current readings from Phaedra's monitors. At mention of her name, she looked up to her blonde partner in crime. "Well, as long as Phaedra feels she is ready to try and eat, I see no reason not to.. Everything looks well on my end, and so far, you're right. She's kept the water down. It's entirely up to you Phaedra, just let us know what you would like to do."

"Now my dear," Madeline gently squeezed the redhead's hand again, to get her attention. "If you do feel a bit nauseated, there is medication for that too. It would be best for you to avoid throwing up, so ... If you start to feel the slightest bit ill in that regard, let us know and we'll get you the medication for it." She said with a soft smile, sounding a bit like a rather caring mother. Even if she had no experience in that department at all. "We are here to take care of you, and make sure you're as healthy and comfortable as we can possible manage."

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Phaedra Amaryllis"]

 

[Phaedra Amaryllis]

Phaedra sighed, and gave a slight nod to Moira. It didn't give her a lot of information as to where she was, but at least she knew she was safe. The softest of smiles spread across her lips, the girl was trying. Trying to come to terms with her lack of memories and all that had happened to her thus far. It helped that her trust was growing for the two women around her. They seemed to geniunely care and be concerned for, as well as just wanting the best. How could that possibly be a bad thing? At least that was how the redhead was looking at the situation. She'd been quite fortunate after all, to fall into the care of these ladies.

"I suppose so." She whispered softly, as Moira's words. Carefully Phaedra shifted in bed, moving herself a little closer to Moira, seeking what human comfort and companionship she could get. In that moment, the gentle strokes against her hair, the sweet soothing tone in Moira's voice was doing a lot to keep Phae calmer, more relaxed and better able to deal with the situation she was stuck in. Not only that but it was the very start of the formation of more familial ties.

It wasn't until Moira mentioned food, that Phaedra realized just how hungry she was with her stomach rumbling in response to just the simple thought of food. Glancing back to Madeline, the small woman looked quite hopeful that the answer would be yes.

"I am hungry .... and would like to eat something, if I can. I think I'll be okay. The water hasn't upset my stomach or anything." At the squeeze against her hand she nodded, "I understand. I promise I'll tell you if it happens. I just really want to eat. I didn't realize how hungry I was, until Moira mentioned it.... A meal would be so wonderful."

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Madeline Kahoshi"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

@Phaedra Amarayllis, [member="Madeline Kahoshi"]


"Of course, dear. We're here to help." Word would be passed on and a few moments later an HRD - blonde, female and well-dressed - would step into the room, carrying a tray with food and drink. The food in question had potatoes, meatballs and some bread and some sauce. Obviously there was also knife and fork. Likewise Phaedra would get some biscuits because she was being such a good, obedient girl and her mechanical mummies were pleased with her so far.

 

[Phaedra Amaryllis]

With the arrival of food, Phaedra carefully, slowly shifted in the bed to sit upright. "Thank you." She said quietly as she picked up her fork. For a moment though, she stopped and stared down at the tray. Perhaps trying to recall if she really cared for the food or not, or knew what exactly it was. It wasn't a thought she voice, as she finally started to eat her food.

A thought did enter her mind, "What happens from here? I mean ... most people have jobs, things to do... What is my purpose in remaining here?" It seems she was finally starting to get curious about the women around her and the place. "Surely there is a price for the treatment you've been providing me, is there not?" Phaedra asked as she took a few more bites of her food, occasionally glancing between Moira, and Madeline. "I just want to make sure I understand what the cost is for the help and assistance. Not that I am not grateful, I am. Truly. I'd just like to know what is required of me to repay such kindness."

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Madeline Kahoshi"]

 

[Madeline Kahoshi]

Madeline paused, considering the redhead for a moment or two before she decided to jump into the conversation. Scooting a little closer to the bed, she laid a gentle hand upon the girl's shoulder. "The condition you have, dear iis exceedingly rare. And it until now, has been lethal in every last case. You are the first to survive this long. Given how rapidly your condition can change, it is for the best that you remain in the facility, or at the least under our watch at all times. With you remaining here, will give us a better idea of the disease, your progress and the ability to study your recovery. While I know that might not sound that great from your perspective, you are the first to make it this far and we would like to give others the chance as well. But we need your help to do that. And truly, you are safest under our care. No one in the galaxy knows your condition better than we do." Madeline smiled sweetly, seeming so concerned for Phaedra's health and wellbeing. Even if in truth, she cared very little. Only caring for their need with her, for Archangel's future.

"As for cost, we don't ask for much Phaedra, just your continued assistance. That's all really. And maybe help on an occasional project here and there. Plus, I'm sure we could find you some type of position here, if you really wish to work when you've recovered a little more."

[member="Phaedra Amaryllis"] | [member="Moira Skaldi"]