Ninth Dance

[chappi_fan]

[Rukia's standing in a corridor when the sphere is turned on, her eyes narrowed while wearing an angered expression. Her voice is somewhat quiet yet fierce, building in volume and intensity as she speaks.]

For all of us to be deceived... To think we set out to help them, when we are nothing more than test subjects and treated as animals...!

[She

Comments

[oliverplus]

[Oliver's expression is, for once, dark and serious] We'll stop them.

[chappi_fan]

I know that. We must have faith in it.

[oliverplus]

We wouldn't be able to manage if we didn't...

[chappi_fan]

I know this is not an easy time for those of us here. It is important not to allow them to hurt our resolve.

[oliverplus]

[nods] I talked to Menaeus, Rukia. He and Farix were tricked, too.

[chappi_fan]

If it was recently, it is possible. they are telling the truth. The latest anomaly appears to have that effect. I am suspicious of them and their intentions. The betrayal of Aizen has left me no excuse for being deceived again.

[She seems unhappy with what came out of her mouth, frowning slightly.]

filtered;

[oliverplus]

[frowns, not sure what she means by that] I think they're telling the truth, too. But...hang on a tick. [fiddles with his sphere, setting a filter] Menaeus told me a bit about his and Farix's background. They're both related to Orion.

[hesitantly, not sure if he should ask] Did...a friend betray you, Rukia?

filtered

[chappi_fan]

It is doubtful that is a coincidence. However, I do not know if that is enough reason for them to be trapped here.

[She lets out a bitter snort, speaking firmly.]

No. He was no friend.

Re: filtered

[oliverplus]

It fits with whoever's running this, don't you think? I mean, they decided to use us in their experiment, making us think it was to stop the Gate. It was probably the easiest way to make sure Orion's descendants didn't interfere either.

[winces] Sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

Re: filtered

[chappi_fan]

It is possible there are others here who opposed the use of the Gate, and were left here as a means of restraint. We still do not know much about the crew members here.

[She calms slightly, letting out a slight sigh.] I apologize. It is not a pleasant memory.

Re: filtered

[oliverplus]

You're right. But at least this means we can trust Menaeus and Farix! I mean, that's good, isn't it?

Yeah... I want to know more about you, Rukia, but I know I shouldn't've asked. [nor did he mean to admit that. oops]

Re: filtered

[chappi_fan]

Even so, we cannot trust them completely. It is possible there is something else we have yet to learn. I must not let my guard down.

There is no need to blame yourself. I do not see my life as particularly interesting. I am not used to being asked such questions. There are aspects of my world I feel I must not speak of, here, in case of putting others in danger.

Re: filtered

[oliverplus]

[frowns] I want to trust them, though. If everyone in this universe is against us... [shakes his head] I don't want to think about a situation like that. It would be horrible.

Of course it's interesting! You're an alien, aren't you?

[he doesn't realise he asked the first question, but this one is out of his mouth just before he thinks about it] Why do you think it would do that? They aren't in this universe.

Re: filtered

[chappi_fan]

You must merely be careful. We cannot be blind in our trust.

[She's conveniently ignoring the 'alien' part.]

It is possible those who have the Gate can control it, to some degree. If that is the case, enemies from my world could be brought here to work against us.

Re: filtered

[oliverplus]

I know, but they might be able to help us. They're not affected by the Gate like we are. And they haven't done anything that's not trustworthy!

[frowns] Nothing like that's ever happened before.

Re: filtered

[chappi_fan]

That does not mean we should be careless. Although they may be allies after all, it is important to remain cautious.

It is still a possibility. I will not take that chance.