[End Act II] Lieutenant (JG) Jaran Jira - Yes, Jira, There Really Is A Joy Jester
Jira Jaran
((Dim Office, The Redoubt, Vellum Pines — Planet Wherac-98))
Ikaixar: What could she even have to gain from this?
Jira was still stuck in shock at the revelation.
Man: How could she? You’ve seen how the town responded. There’s a rot at the centre of Vellum Pines. How ready it was to turn on its own citizens.
Jira resented that. Vellum Pines was far from perfect, but it was their home. And as one of its peace officers, they took the insinuation of something wrong with it personally.
Imril: Wait, are you saying she wanted Aesop to replace her? To let him institute this reign of terror so she could take advantage of it in some way?
Ikaixar: It’s a bloody dumb plan at that, all this fighting will do is raze the city to ash.
Sierin was openly angry now, and Jira was getting close to joining her.
Jaran: I refuse to be part of my home's destruction. Not for whatever so called plan you have.
He dismissively waved his hand.
Man: That’s none of your concern, and entirely irrelevant. You are going to do it, for the sake of your family, Mister Tarsan.
Tarsan: No.
Man: What do you mean, ‘No’? I think I made myself clear, Mister Tarsan.
Tarsan: I mean no. oO Forgive me Marni. Four preserve you. Oo The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Imril: If I were Vulcan, I believe my response would be “Go to Hell.”... If I were Vulcan.
Ikaixar: If you think we’re going to bend to you, I’d think you’re stupider than you look.
She nodded at the team, and Jira nodded back.
Jaran: Looks like we're all sticking together. Sorry, big guy.
The Man shook his head, returning to his seat.
Man: Wrong move.
With a casual flick of his remote, he brought his full monitor array to life. The composite image across their faces showed Marni and the children sitting in what looked like a hotel room that could have been anywhere.
Ikaixar: I somehow don’t believe you have the stones for such an extreme measure. So what? What is this?
That was a bold statement. After the bombshell about the major being involved, Jira was reluctant to discount anything. The world had been upended and anything was possible. Maybe he could do something so brazenly evil. Maybe reality was a simulation like that crackpot on the news used to say. May the Joy Jester didn't really live inside the moon and watch the world for sad children to bring them cheer. The thoughts occupied Jira's mind and they sagged a little.
Tarsan: Response
Man: Something to motivate a change in heart on your parts. ::Looking behind the foursome:: Take them somewhere where they can re-evaluate their choices.
Jira hadn't heard a door opening, but suddenly there were rushing boots from behind them. They'd been inside their own internal world, and the shock of pain from their lower back took them completely by surprise. They arched and attempted to utter a prayer, but their muscles weren't taking any calls from the brain at the moment.
The pain stopped for a moment, but a second jolt began almost immediately. This time, their vision faded and they felt themself collapsing. Jira was not conscious when they hit the floor.
Tarsan: Response
TAG/End Scene for Jaran