OOC -- This is a joint post with Storm. We've borrowed Kyle a little. If you want a change, I'll be happy to edit.
*Max*
I look up sharply at Michael's words. "That can't be right. We were promised a full hour -- a real hour." As far as I can tell it's only been about 20 minutes. But the timer was set to be five minutes early so we still have at least ten minutes more, unless Ulyssa continues to speed things up.
Urgently, I look around at the others, specifically eyeing Tess, Alex, and Kyle, who haven't really said anything since Ulyssa left. And Liz -- she hasn't had any comment on the contract yet, although she did say that she was sure we'd be forced to sign one way or the other.
"So, time... How far along before transfer of custody? And does anyone have any other suggestions? Please speak up," I say.
~Isabel~
I sighed as I glanced over at my brother. "I think.. it would be easier.. if the child was taken as soon as possible so we don't get too attached." My eyes were watering and I felt as though just saying those words were tearing a part of me out. I didn't want this to happen. I wanted to wake up and find that this was just some strange dream.
*Max*
"One day after birth then?" I ask, turning to my sister. "Or pre-natal?"
Isabel looks at me, her eyes blinking as though just coming into focus. "I think pre-natal... the less time we carry, the less chance we have of becoming attached."
I nod... "So three months after conception, I'll put, unless the other girls think something different," I say, making the change.
"Um. I have a suggestion," Kyle says tentatively. I look over at him waiting to hear what he has to say. "How about visitation? Like, five years later we can go see 'em ... or something. Make sure they're okay?"
"Great idea," I say. It'll be tough to see them again after giving them up, but it would be important to know that whatever 'good conditions' that Ulyssa shows us are a lasting condition. Visiting every year would be hard, but at least once should be included. Five years sounds about right. Maybe another at ten years...
Isabel nods, "I agree. Maybe we could get permission to visit every five years. Even.. if it would be difficult to do so." She says and it's apparent she's trying not to breakdown.
"I'll make it optional. At least one of us to visit each time, but not everyone has to if it's too much," I say, adding that. "Alex? Tess? Liz? Any other ideas for making this better? Anything we can ask for in concideration? Or any changes to what we have so far? We're not going to get a chance to edit this later..."
The Age of Ulyssa (AU/UC/ADULT) Thread #1
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, Forum Moderators
Maria
"Whatever..." Michael says and I move toward him. I place my hand on his shoulder. "Wait, make sure you put something in there about her staying away from all other humans...for good. No more lives should be sacrificed..." I said thinking of the boy jumping to his death earlier.
I sighed. What in the hell was I thinking?!! Was I really talking about having a child with Michael?!! I placed my hands on my face.... "someone please pinch me and let this all be a dream..."
"Whatever..." Michael says and I move toward him. I place my hand on his shoulder. "Wait, make sure you put something in there about her staying away from all other humans...for good. No more lives should be sacrificed..." I said thinking of the boy jumping to his death earlier.
I sighed. What in the hell was I thinking?!! Was I really talking about having a child with Michael?!! I placed my hands on my face.... "someone please pinch me and let this all be a dream..."
OOC: Sorry guys, I just really haven't been able to get into it recently. I know it's hypocritical 
Not sure how good this will be...
BIC:
~*TESS*~
I agree with Maria that it doesn't make sense that she's chosen the humans as well as us to bear her children, but after Michael's last outburst I'm afraid to say anything.
I'm still trying to find another solution, and not be buried in frustration about our situation when Ulyssa herself appears in the corner and moves time forward so we have to decide right now. Anguished, and no closer to a solution I look to Max, as we all do, to fix it. Even as I feel guilty for doing so, and contemplate trying to help take responsibility, Liz steps forward, ranting.
Ulyssa just dispatches her with an upraised finger. Max immediately kneels beside Liz, and I try to squelch the tendrils of jealously that appear as he tenderly runs his hands over her head and heals her. There are times I wish I was more fragile just so Max would have to heal me, but then I grimace, knowing how foolish and immature that is. Max looks at me at just that moment and although I try to school my face to a different expression I'm sure he could tell what I was thinking, and was also appalled by my selfishness.
My feelings make me feel unworthy to be a part of this group, a feeling only exacerbated by Ulyssa's reasons for choosing us. Many times this past year I have felt I didn't belong, not understanding the bonds that hold them together. In fact, it wasn't until after Liz and Kyle... well after Max turned to me for comfort and friendship that I understood what those bonds meant. Looking at Ulyssa I understand her a bit better, even empathize a little, but then I remember what she is asking of us and I'm disgusted again.
At one time I was that cavalier with life, human life anyway. I remember with a shudder the plan to take Max's baby back to Antar, a plan that until Las Vegas I had worked on faithfully. The problem was that after that weekend I couldn't bring myself to do that to him, to them, and now I have to do it anyway?
And then Isabel asks the question that has been on my mind this whole time. Who here agrees with the couples that she's chosen? I see only one true couple was paired up. Maria and Michael. So why did she pair us the way she did?
I haven't wanted to say anything, but I know that this will only make things harder again. Max has only recently been able to look at Liz without anger and longing and now this? What will it do to him? What will it do to our fledgling relationship? What about Kyle? Won't he want to be paired with Liz? I mean if they already...
Max shakes his head before looking at me "No. I don't want to do it. I can't do it. But if we don't... it could be worse... We need to find some way to stop her, but I haven't the faintest idea how. And that's the problem really; there is no way out. We have to do this somehow.
We quickly move away from the subject of couples and back into practicalities, but I'm still stuck there so I only half listen to the others as they try to alleviate the situation with conditions of their own. I'm surprised when Michael say's that there is only 5 minutes left, but then, after what happened the last time I tried to make a suggestion I'm not all that sad that I've kept quiet.
Isabel and Max are stilll discussing specifics, and even Kyle get's into it, talking about visitation rights and such. Then Max turns to those of us that have been quiet and asks for suggestions. Heistantly, and looking and Michael in case he explodes again I venture a few ideas.
"Um, I don't have any suggestions for the contract, and I know we don't have a lot of time, but we never decided anything about the... pairings. I mean, I was paired with Kyle, but obviously it would make more sense for him to be paired with Liz. And like Isabel said, I don't know how Alex feels about it, or you, Max.
There's also the issue of inheritance. If you and I were to have a child, he would be the heir to Antar. What happens if she took him? He would have the seal and everything. And I don't even know if it has to be our child, or if it's just you.
I just- I don't know what to do. I'll do whatevers best for the group, whatever you think Max. I trust you."
I feel bad about placing the weight of the decision on Max, but I really just want him to know that I'm ok with whatever happens, and that I think he'll make the right decision and I'll support him totally.
Not sure how good this will be...BIC:
~*TESS*~
I agree with Maria that it doesn't make sense that she's chosen the humans as well as us to bear her children, but after Michael's last outburst I'm afraid to say anything.
I'm still trying to find another solution, and not be buried in frustration about our situation when Ulyssa herself appears in the corner and moves time forward so we have to decide right now. Anguished, and no closer to a solution I look to Max, as we all do, to fix it. Even as I feel guilty for doing so, and contemplate trying to help take responsibility, Liz steps forward, ranting.
Ulyssa just dispatches her with an upraised finger. Max immediately kneels beside Liz, and I try to squelch the tendrils of jealously that appear as he tenderly runs his hands over her head and heals her. There are times I wish I was more fragile just so Max would have to heal me, but then I grimace, knowing how foolish and immature that is. Max looks at me at just that moment and although I try to school my face to a different expression I'm sure he could tell what I was thinking, and was also appalled by my selfishness.
My feelings make me feel unworthy to be a part of this group, a feeling only exacerbated by Ulyssa's reasons for choosing us. Many times this past year I have felt I didn't belong, not understanding the bonds that hold them together. In fact, it wasn't until after Liz and Kyle... well after Max turned to me for comfort and friendship that I understood what those bonds meant. Looking at Ulyssa I understand her a bit better, even empathize a little, but then I remember what she is asking of us and I'm disgusted again.
At one time I was that cavalier with life, human life anyway. I remember with a shudder the plan to take Max's baby back to Antar, a plan that until Las Vegas I had worked on faithfully. The problem was that after that weekend I couldn't bring myself to do that to him, to them, and now I have to do it anyway?
And then Isabel asks the question that has been on my mind this whole time. Who here agrees with the couples that she's chosen? I see only one true couple was paired up. Maria and Michael. So why did she pair us the way she did?
I haven't wanted to say anything, but I know that this will only make things harder again. Max has only recently been able to look at Liz without anger and longing and now this? What will it do to him? What will it do to our fledgling relationship? What about Kyle? Won't he want to be paired with Liz? I mean if they already...
Max shakes his head before looking at me "No. I don't want to do it. I can't do it. But if we don't... it could be worse... We need to find some way to stop her, but I haven't the faintest idea how. And that's the problem really; there is no way out. We have to do this somehow.
We quickly move away from the subject of couples and back into practicalities, but I'm still stuck there so I only half listen to the others as they try to alleviate the situation with conditions of their own. I'm surprised when Michael say's that there is only 5 minutes left, but then, after what happened the last time I tried to make a suggestion I'm not all that sad that I've kept quiet.
Isabel and Max are stilll discussing specifics, and even Kyle get's into it, talking about visitation rights and such. Then Max turns to those of us that have been quiet and asks for suggestions. Heistantly, and looking and Michael in case he explodes again I venture a few ideas.
"Um, I don't have any suggestions for the contract, and I know we don't have a lot of time, but we never decided anything about the... pairings. I mean, I was paired with Kyle, but obviously it would make more sense for him to be paired with Liz. And like Isabel said, I don't know how Alex feels about it, or you, Max.
There's also the issue of inheritance. If you and I were to have a child, he would be the heir to Antar. What happens if she took him? He would have the seal and everything. And I don't even know if it has to be our child, or if it's just you.
I just- I don't know what to do. I'll do whatevers best for the group, whatever you think Max. I trust you."
I feel bad about placing the weight of the decision on Max, but I really just want him to know that I'm ok with whatever happens, and that I think he'll make the right decision and I'll support him totally.
The problem with changing the world is that it makes any life beyond that impossible...
OOD -- Okay... I had all kinds of things in mind for Max's response here, but they're not working at the moment. I'll leave it like this for now and maybe add another post in the morning. Maybe Max is just as unable to put the situation into words as I am?
*Max*
I nod as Maria makes her suggestion. We certainly don't want Ullyssa interfering with any of our families or friends, or even strangers. Our parents are still vulerable and so many others. I don't want to see anyone else hurt.
I make the additional comments on point three, feeling almost satisfied. We're running out of time, I know but at least I know we've done what we can to control the damage. There are a number of critical points where the contract could be voided if Ulyssa doesn't meet the terms. I find myself hoping that will happen. That we'll find her 'home' unsuitable or something and we won't have to do this. Of course, seeing how easily she was able to create that nightmare outside, I'm sure it would take very little effort for her to create a facade of someplace good for one day every five years and I know my hopes have almost no chance of coming into being...
I look around at the others to see if there are an additional comments while I continue to try to think of ideas myself. Then Tess speaks.
"Um, I don't have any suggestions for the contract, and I know we don't have a lot of time, but we never decided anything about the... pairings. I mean, I was paired with Kyle, but obviously it would make more sense for him to be paired with Liz. And like Isabel said, I don't know how Alex feels about it, or you, Max."
I look up at her, not sure what to say. The pairings were Ulyssa's choice and I don't know that we can change them. Kyle and Liz together does make sense, even 'though I know it would kill me to see it, to know they've made a child...
But before I can react, Tess goes on. "There's also the issue of inheritance. If you and I were to have a child, he would be the heir to Antar. What happens if she took him? He would have the seal and everything. And I don't even know if it has to be our child, or if it's just you. I just- I don't know what to do. I'll do whatevers best for the group, whatever you think Max. I trust you."
I push the paper aside, feeling my shoulders slump. All the satisfaction I had felt over trying to gain some control in this nightmare drain from me in an instant. This is something that I have been trying to hard to ignore. It doesn't sound right but I know what she's saying is true. If I'm a king, my child is royal; my firstborn would be the heir to the throne. Of course, according to this contract, he wouldn't be 'born' but I don't think that's an important distinction...
I grip the table with two hands and look down at the space between them. I take a long deep breath and then another before I speak, slowly lifting my head. "I don't think we can change the pairings. Ulyssa was rather insistant about that." She said she'd be watching us and yet she did this. Michael and Maria; Isabel and Alex; make some sort of sense even if none of them are really ready to be that close yet. But I don't understand Ulyssa's arangments for me and Liz.
"As for the rest, I really don't know. I don't want to say that my child is more important than any of the others -" I say. Looking up, I can see the objections in Tess' eyes. "Everyone-else will love their child just as much..."
I look away from her then, straightening up, although I still can't meet anyone-else's eye. Tess has left this to me but I don't have any better idea what to do than she does. I'd actually been hoping she'd be able to give me some guidance. She knows more about Antar than I do.
Maybe she did give me a hint about the seal. 'Tattooed on your brain,' is what Rath said. If it's a physical mark, then my powers should be able to affect it.
"Maybe I can take the seal back before we have to give the child away...," I say, unsure. That would be like stealing: stealing his or her inheritance. Of course the other children would also lose their real histories and families, too. If the seal is natural, then it's possible couldn't change anything... But I don't think I can put anything about that in the contract...
*Max*
I nod as Maria makes her suggestion. We certainly don't want Ullyssa interfering with any of our families or friends, or even strangers. Our parents are still vulerable and so many others. I don't want to see anyone else hurt.
I make the additional comments on point three, feeling almost satisfied. We're running out of time, I know but at least I know we've done what we can to control the damage. There are a number of critical points where the contract could be voided if Ulyssa doesn't meet the terms. I find myself hoping that will happen. That we'll find her 'home' unsuitable or something and we won't have to do this. Of course, seeing how easily she was able to create that nightmare outside, I'm sure it would take very little effort for her to create a facade of someplace good for one day every five years and I know my hopes have almost no chance of coming into being...
I look around at the others to see if there are an additional comments while I continue to try to think of ideas myself. Then Tess speaks.
"Um, I don't have any suggestions for the contract, and I know we don't have a lot of time, but we never decided anything about the... pairings. I mean, I was paired with Kyle, but obviously it would make more sense for him to be paired with Liz. And like Isabel said, I don't know how Alex feels about it, or you, Max."
I look up at her, not sure what to say. The pairings were Ulyssa's choice and I don't know that we can change them. Kyle and Liz together does make sense, even 'though I know it would kill me to see it, to know they've made a child...
But before I can react, Tess goes on. "There's also the issue of inheritance. If you and I were to have a child, he would be the heir to Antar. What happens if she took him? He would have the seal and everything. And I don't even know if it has to be our child, or if it's just you. I just- I don't know what to do. I'll do whatevers best for the group, whatever you think Max. I trust you."
I push the paper aside, feeling my shoulders slump. All the satisfaction I had felt over trying to gain some control in this nightmare drain from me in an instant. This is something that I have been trying to hard to ignore. It doesn't sound right but I know what she's saying is true. If I'm a king, my child is royal; my firstborn would be the heir to the throne. Of course, according to this contract, he wouldn't be 'born' but I don't think that's an important distinction...
I grip the table with two hands and look down at the space between them. I take a long deep breath and then another before I speak, slowly lifting my head. "I don't think we can change the pairings. Ulyssa was rather insistant about that." She said she'd be watching us and yet she did this. Michael and Maria; Isabel and Alex; make some sort of sense even if none of them are really ready to be that close yet. But I don't understand Ulyssa's arangments for me and Liz.
"As for the rest, I really don't know. I don't want to say that my child is more important than any of the others -" I say. Looking up, I can see the objections in Tess' eyes. "Everyone-else will love their child just as much..."
I look away from her then, straightening up, although I still can't meet anyone-else's eye. Tess has left this to me but I don't have any better idea what to do than she does. I'd actually been hoping she'd be able to give me some guidance. She knows more about Antar than I do.
Maybe she did give me a hint about the seal. 'Tattooed on your brain,' is what Rath said. If it's a physical mark, then my powers should be able to affect it.
"Maybe I can take the seal back before we have to give the child away...," I say, unsure. That would be like stealing: stealing his or her inheritance. Of course the other children would also lose their real histories and families, too. If the seal is natural, then it's possible couldn't change anything... But I don't think I can put anything about that in the contract...
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StormWolfstone
- Roswell Fanatic
- Posts: 1597
- Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2004 11:20 am
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OOC: sorry if this seems shorter then what I normally post....
~Isabel~
Listening to other things that went on after my comment on timing, I looked at the paper, my mind working an idea out for something else to have as a condition. I glance at Tess and smile at her, her comment is what made me think of it. "Tess just made a valid point Max, as did you. We need to write something about when the children come into their powers, they should be fostered with us so that we can train them and help guide them in the use of their powers should they have them."
Okay, so maybe that didn't exaclty help matters and it would cause us some heartache to have to give them up again after the training was completed, but it could also allow us to help make certain that they didn't mistreat their powers and that there wouldn't be an issue with the heir being used against us. "Also, that the children will not be raised to cause harm to others in any manner."
~Isabel~
Listening to other things that went on after my comment on timing, I looked at the paper, my mind working an idea out for something else to have as a condition. I glance at Tess and smile at her, her comment is what made me think of it. "Tess just made a valid point Max, as did you. We need to write something about when the children come into their powers, they should be fostered with us so that we can train them and help guide them in the use of their powers should they have them."
Okay, so maybe that didn't exaclty help matters and it would cause us some heartache to have to give them up again after the training was completed, but it could also allow us to help make certain that they didn't mistreat their powers and that there wouldn't be an issue with the heir being used against us. "Also, that the children will not be raised to cause harm to others in any manner."
A List of All My Fics
My Avatar is an amazing Thai actor named Earth, he also goes by Cooheart and the BL's he acts in inspire writing.
My Avatar is an amazing Thai actor named Earth, he also goes by Cooheart and the BL's he acts in inspire writing.
~*TESS*~
I can see all the hope that had been building in Max disappear at my words and it makes me feel yucky.I hate causing him pain, but I thought we needed to bring it up. "I don't think we can change the pairings. Ulyssa was rather insistant about that." She said she'd be watching us and yet she did this. Michael and Maria; Isabel and Alex; make some sort of sense even if none of them are really ready to be that close yet. But I don't understand Ulyssa's arangments for me and Liz. I shrug, helplessly and ineffectually, knowing that what he says is true, but still finding it odd.
As for the rest, I really don't know. I don't want to say that my child is more important than any of the others -
I want to protest, know he never feels it, and tries to to show it, but his child is more important then the others, his child will be king when all the others won't, but I can see how much he is trying to deal with right now so I remain silent for the moment.
Everyone-else will love their child just as much..
I shake my head slightly- I understand his difficulty, but it's not about love, it's about power, and responsibility. His child will have more of both then all the other children. But then he says something that makes me think.
Maybe I can take the seal back before we have to give the child away... The hope in his voice is minute, but I grab on to it, desparate to give him something. Ignoring Isabel for the moment I move closer to him, knowing that this is really a conversation for the two of us. We are entrusted with the future with the House of Antar, no one else. "It's possible, I'm not sure, but I think you could take the seal back. It might help a little. I don't think it would harm the child. " Needing him to understand where I'm coming from, I place a hand on his arm and speak quietly, just for him. "Max, I'm not saying our child would be loved any more, just that your son has more responsibility, more power. I know it's terrible to say, and that you hate to think it, but the heir is more important. Your son is destined to be king , doesn't that mean anything? "
I can see all the hope that had been building in Max disappear at my words and it makes me feel yucky.I hate causing him pain, but I thought we needed to bring it up. "I don't think we can change the pairings. Ulyssa was rather insistant about that." She said she'd be watching us and yet she did this. Michael and Maria; Isabel and Alex; make some sort of sense even if none of them are really ready to be that close yet. But I don't understand Ulyssa's arangments for me and Liz. I shrug, helplessly and ineffectually, knowing that what he says is true, but still finding it odd.
As for the rest, I really don't know. I don't want to say that my child is more important than any of the others -
I want to protest, know he never feels it, and tries to to show it, but his child is more important then the others, his child will be king when all the others won't, but I can see how much he is trying to deal with right now so I remain silent for the moment.
Everyone-else will love their child just as much..
I shake my head slightly- I understand his difficulty, but it's not about love, it's about power, and responsibility. His child will have more of both then all the other children. But then he says something that makes me think.
Maybe I can take the seal back before we have to give the child away... The hope in his voice is minute, but I grab on to it, desparate to give him something. Ignoring Isabel for the moment I move closer to him, knowing that this is really a conversation for the two of us. We are entrusted with the future with the House of Antar, no one else. "It's possible, I'm not sure, but I think you could take the seal back. It might help a little. I don't think it would harm the child. " Needing him to understand where I'm coming from, I place a hand on his arm and speak quietly, just for him. "Max, I'm not saying our child would be loved any more, just that your son has more responsibility, more power. I know it's terrible to say, and that you hate to think it, but the heir is more important. Your son is destined to be king , doesn't that mean anything? "
The problem with changing the world is that it makes any life beyond that impossible...
*Max*
Tess comes close, touching my arm as she speaks. She seems gentle and understanding, which helps a lot. She could have stood there and made demands, insisting on refusing Ulyssa -- and I want to refuse Ulyssa. I do. But instead, Tess is supporting me, helping me as a friend, a partner. She left it up to me and she's standing by me and that means a lot to me. I feel an urge to wrap my arm around her waist, to lean on her, but I don't. I have to be in control. I have to make this decision.
"Max, I'm not saying our child would be loved any more, just that your son has more responsibility, more power. I know it's terrible to say, and that you hate to think it, but the heir is more important. Your son is destined to be king , doesn't that mean anything? "
Everything that Tess says is right. I know it. I've tried to deny it, hoping to escape the responsibilities, but I know she's right. As a king, I have a duty to Antar and that responsibility is greater than my responsibility to her or even to myself. If it comes to what's good for Antar versus what's good for me, I have to choose what's best for Antar. I barely remember that world, but I know that that's what being a king is all about.
"It does," I tell Tess. My voice is barely more than a whisper but Tess is leaning in closely and I know she hears me clearly. "I know what you're saying is right. The thing is -- what I saw out there -- if we don't do this, there will be no other heirs for Antar."
It's illegal to sell a child. It's immoral and evil. I know that. It's not illegal to give one up for adoption, and Ulyssa has promised they will be raised and loved even 'though we have no way to know if she can be trusted. But to give away a prince or princess, a royal heir, it's impossible. How could I ever be a king and lead a country, after doing something like this? Would they ever accept that? Maybe they'll think it would better for us to die than to betray our children this way. Maybe they'll be right...
Tess comes close, touching my arm as she speaks. She seems gentle and understanding, which helps a lot. She could have stood there and made demands, insisting on refusing Ulyssa -- and I want to refuse Ulyssa. I do. But instead, Tess is supporting me, helping me as a friend, a partner. She left it up to me and she's standing by me and that means a lot to me. I feel an urge to wrap my arm around her waist, to lean on her, but I don't. I have to be in control. I have to make this decision.
"Max, I'm not saying our child would be loved any more, just that your son has more responsibility, more power. I know it's terrible to say, and that you hate to think it, but the heir is more important. Your son is destined to be king , doesn't that mean anything? "
Everything that Tess says is right. I know it. I've tried to deny it, hoping to escape the responsibilities, but I know she's right. As a king, I have a duty to Antar and that responsibility is greater than my responsibility to her or even to myself. If it comes to what's good for Antar versus what's good for me, I have to choose what's best for Antar. I barely remember that world, but I know that that's what being a king is all about.
"It does," I tell Tess. My voice is barely more than a whisper but Tess is leaning in closely and I know she hears me clearly. "I know what you're saying is right. The thing is -- what I saw out there -- if we don't do this, there will be no other heirs for Antar."
It's illegal to sell a child. It's immoral and evil. I know that. It's not illegal to give one up for adoption, and Ulyssa has promised they will be raised and loved even 'though we have no way to know if she can be trusted. But to give away a prince or princess, a royal heir, it's impossible. How could I ever be a king and lead a country, after doing something like this? Would they ever accept that? Maybe they'll think it would better for us to die than to betray our children this way. Maybe they'll be right...
~*TESS*~
My heart breaks as I see the emotions running across his face. I know this is hard for me, and I can't imagine how hard it is for Max; feeling responsible for everything and everyone, and now I give him this other worry.
When he speaks it is so quiet that I almost miss it, but I lean in a little closer and I can hear him clearly. It does, I know what you're saying is right. The thing is -- what I saw out there -- if we don't do this, there will be no other heirs for Antar
The defeated tone in his eyes and his voice is heartbreaking, when he looks up at me I can see the hope he has that I will have a solution, but I come up empty as well and so the only thing I can do it try to reassure him.
"Well... then.. I guess we don't have a choice. We take the seal back before we give the child to Ulyssa and hope for the best. It's better to have two heirs then none, right?" I nod vigerously, hoping that will make me appear to have more conviction then I do.
We are both silent for a second, contemplating what we are considering doing, but then I think of something else. "... and the pairings? Will you be ok? I mean about being with Liz? I know we don't really have a choice, but if it's too hard... I mean. I just want you to be ok, Max"
A month ago, that would have been a platitude I said to make himtrust me, and love me, but now I really do care about him, and I'm worried that this will mess him up again.
My heart breaks as I see the emotions running across his face. I know this is hard for me, and I can't imagine how hard it is for Max; feeling responsible for everything and everyone, and now I give him this other worry.
When he speaks it is so quiet that I almost miss it, but I lean in a little closer and I can hear him clearly. It does, I know what you're saying is right. The thing is -- what I saw out there -- if we don't do this, there will be no other heirs for Antar
The defeated tone in his eyes and his voice is heartbreaking, when he looks up at me I can see the hope he has that I will have a solution, but I come up empty as well and so the only thing I can do it try to reassure him.
"Well... then.. I guess we don't have a choice. We take the seal back before we give the child to Ulyssa and hope for the best. It's better to have two heirs then none, right?" I nod vigerously, hoping that will make me appear to have more conviction then I do.
We are both silent for a second, contemplating what we are considering doing, but then I think of something else. "... and the pairings? Will you be ok? I mean about being with Liz? I know we don't really have a choice, but if it's too hard... I mean. I just want you to be ok, Max"
A month ago, that would have been a platitude I said to make himtrust me, and love me, but now I really do care about him, and I'm worried that this will mess him up again.
The problem with changing the world is that it makes any life beyond that impossible...
Michael
I listen to everyone's exchanges in silence. All of this was just too much to take in. I knew what Max was trying to do, in covering all of his bases, but no matter how thoroughly he thought this through it wouldn't make the outcome any easier. Ulyssa had us by the proverbial balls and that above all other things was what I loathed the most, not being in control of this situation.
Now Max and Tess were talking about pairings and about the potential for them giving away the heir of Antar, complicating an already incomprehensible situation. Raising from the couch, I walk over to where Max and Tess are standing.
“We’re dealing with a warped woman here, one who, by her own admission, get’s off on causing people pain. You can write in as many conditions as you want Maxwell, somehow, she’s going to find away around them, that is, if she even agrees to sign the god damn thing in the first place.” I say, staring down at the parchment.
“Her goal here is not to make us as comfortable with this as possible. Its to further her own agenda, one that includes fucking with us.” I say, in a defeated tone, as I returned to the chair I was sitting on, next to Maria.
“Oh, and another thing..” I add “...your assuming that Ulyssa paired us up, because of the way we all fell in line in front of that stupid paper. But that’s probably what she wanted us to think, but somehow....I think its going to be a little more complicated than that.” I say staring at Max.
I listen to everyone's exchanges in silence. All of this was just too much to take in. I knew what Max was trying to do, in covering all of his bases, but no matter how thoroughly he thought this through it wouldn't make the outcome any easier. Ulyssa had us by the proverbial balls and that above all other things was what I loathed the most, not being in control of this situation.
Now Max and Tess were talking about pairings and about the potential for them giving away the heir of Antar, complicating an already incomprehensible situation. Raising from the couch, I walk over to where Max and Tess are standing.
“We’re dealing with a warped woman here, one who, by her own admission, get’s off on causing people pain. You can write in as many conditions as you want Maxwell, somehow, she’s going to find away around them, that is, if she even agrees to sign the god damn thing in the first place.” I say, staring down at the parchment.
“Her goal here is not to make us as comfortable with this as possible. Its to further her own agenda, one that includes fucking with us.” I say, in a defeated tone, as I returned to the chair I was sitting on, next to Maria.
“Oh, and another thing..” I add “...your assuming that Ulyssa paired us up, because of the way we all fell in line in front of that stupid paper. But that’s probably what she wanted us to think, but somehow....I think its going to be a little more complicated than that.” I say staring at Max.
*Max*
Tess agrees that this is our best course, but I can see she's no more certain of that than I am. Still, it's good to hear it. It's good to talk about it so we both know where we're standing, even if we can't change anything.
"Thanks," I tell her, squeezing her hand. "I just hope it's the right thing."
After a moment, Tess asks me about Liz again. "... and the pairings? Will you be ok? I mean about being with Liz? I know we don't really have a choice, but if it's too hard... I mean. I just want you to be ok, Max"
I lift my head and look across the room at Liz, seeing the hurt look in her eyes. Is it because she's being asked to give up her child? Is it because she'll have to be with me after telling me that she didn't want to? Or is it possible she still cares and she's jealous of seeing me with Tess?
No, that last seems unlikely. I saw her in bed with Kyle. I heard her tell me that she wanted any child she had to be safe. This child -- our child -- won't be here for her to love. Won't be where she can keep him or her safe. It's everything she told me she didn't want. She's probably hating me now for bringing her into this.
"I'll be okay if she's willing," I say, sadly, although I know it will be hard. "It's what comes after that will be much harder."
Then Michael comes over, acting his usual angry way, warning us that our 'contract' might be ignored by Ulyssa. I know that, too, but it's the best I can do. He stalks back to his chair before loudly complaining,“Oh, and another thing, you're assuming that Ulyssa paired us up, because of the way we all fell in line in front of that stupid paper. But that’s probably what she wanted us to think, but somehow....I think its going to be a little more complicated than that.”
More complicated? We're giving up our children -- and risking the future of Antar -- and Michael thinks it's going to be more complicated? Of course, he was out there. He saw what Ulyssa did. He has reason to be angry and scared. We all do.
"I'm doing the best I can here, Michael. I just don't know what else to try. If you have any other ideas please let me know," I say. I've said things like this in the past, but I've never meant it more than now. I desparately want someone to come up with a better plan, with some way to escape this dilemma.
I pick up the parchment again, looking at all our changes. We're nearly out of time and unless Michael has some brilliant plan, I think it's time that we have to sign this wretched thing...
We, the undersigned, do agree to enter a contract with Ulyssa, based on the following conditions:
1) Only four children will be concieved under this agreement, one child per couple as specified, to be surrendered to Ulyssa. A reasonable time frame will be allowed for conception to take place. Ulyssa will have no claim on any additional children now or in the future.
2) Ulyssa will take custody of each child prior to three months after conception. If this does not occur within this time, the child will remain in the custody of his or her biological parents and the number of children required under this contract will be reduced.
3) These four children will truly be safe and well and raised as Ulyssa's children. The eight of us will be allowed at least one inspection visit to the place where Ulyssa intends to raise the children, prior to transfer of custody. Visitation will be allowed every five years. Visitation will be optional for all eight of us but at least one parent will visit at that time.
4) The children will be raised in a morally responsible fashion. They will be taught not to hurt people and to use their powers, if any, in safe, helpful, and non-destructive ways.
5) Ulyssa will cause no harm to any other human being or cause any other living creature to be hurt. She will not cause any damage or adversely affect this world, Antar, or any other. Nor will she allow the children to cause harm.
6) Once the children are no longer an issue, we will guaranteed that our lives will not be disrupted in such a manner again and that we will be safe from suspicion from all law enforcement and alien hunters for any reason for the rest of our lives.
7) If any of these conditions are not met, this contract will be void, and all children will be returned to their birth parents, immediately.
.
Tess agrees that this is our best course, but I can see she's no more certain of that than I am. Still, it's good to hear it. It's good to talk about it so we both know where we're standing, even if we can't change anything.
"Thanks," I tell her, squeezing her hand. "I just hope it's the right thing."
After a moment, Tess asks me about Liz again. "... and the pairings? Will you be ok? I mean about being with Liz? I know we don't really have a choice, but if it's too hard... I mean. I just want you to be ok, Max"
I lift my head and look across the room at Liz, seeing the hurt look in her eyes. Is it because she's being asked to give up her child? Is it because she'll have to be with me after telling me that she didn't want to? Or is it possible she still cares and she's jealous of seeing me with Tess?
No, that last seems unlikely. I saw her in bed with Kyle. I heard her tell me that she wanted any child she had to be safe. This child -- our child -- won't be here for her to love. Won't be where she can keep him or her safe. It's everything she told me she didn't want. She's probably hating me now for bringing her into this.
"I'll be okay if she's willing," I say, sadly, although I know it will be hard. "It's what comes after that will be much harder."
Then Michael comes over, acting his usual angry way, warning us that our 'contract' might be ignored by Ulyssa. I know that, too, but it's the best I can do. He stalks back to his chair before loudly complaining,“Oh, and another thing, you're assuming that Ulyssa paired us up, because of the way we all fell in line in front of that stupid paper. But that’s probably what she wanted us to think, but somehow....I think its going to be a little more complicated than that.”
More complicated? We're giving up our children -- and risking the future of Antar -- and Michael thinks it's going to be more complicated? Of course, he was out there. He saw what Ulyssa did. He has reason to be angry and scared. We all do.
"I'm doing the best I can here, Michael. I just don't know what else to try. If you have any other ideas please let me know," I say. I've said things like this in the past, but I've never meant it more than now. I desparately want someone to come up with a better plan, with some way to escape this dilemma.
I pick up the parchment again, looking at all our changes. We're nearly out of time and unless Michael has some brilliant plan, I think it's time that we have to sign this wretched thing...
We, the undersigned, do agree to enter a contract with Ulyssa, based on the following conditions:
1) Only four children will be concieved under this agreement, one child per couple as specified, to be surrendered to Ulyssa. A reasonable time frame will be allowed for conception to take place. Ulyssa will have no claim on any additional children now or in the future.
2) Ulyssa will take custody of each child prior to three months after conception. If this does not occur within this time, the child will remain in the custody of his or her biological parents and the number of children required under this contract will be reduced.
3) These four children will truly be safe and well and raised as Ulyssa's children. The eight of us will be allowed at least one inspection visit to the place where Ulyssa intends to raise the children, prior to transfer of custody. Visitation will be allowed every five years. Visitation will be optional for all eight of us but at least one parent will visit at that time.
4) The children will be raised in a morally responsible fashion. They will be taught not to hurt people and to use their powers, if any, in safe, helpful, and non-destructive ways.
5) Ulyssa will cause no harm to any other human being or cause any other living creature to be hurt. She will not cause any damage or adversely affect this world, Antar, or any other. Nor will she allow the children to cause harm.
6) Once the children are no longer an issue, we will guaranteed that our lives will not be disrupted in such a manner again and that we will be safe from suspicion from all law enforcement and alien hunters for any reason for the rest of our lives.
7) If any of these conditions are not met, this contract will be void, and all children will be returned to their birth parents, immediately.
.
Last edited by isabelle on Wed Jun 15, 2005 11:42 am, edited 1 time in total.