This is a OOC editorial surrounding the behavior of the designer of the above outfit.

I’m a part of a flickr group – Second Life Fugs and Fails. Normally our flickr photos are of the tasteless and stupid in SL – bling, shoes that were fugly in 2006, poorly fitted prims, bling, slider abuse, face lights, and more bling. Every now and then, someone posts a find on Marketplace or something taken at a store in world.

Someone posted (as was later noted, she purchased the outfit and uploaded the full perm photo that came with that outfit to flickr) the photo I’ve posed with above. We all had a really good laugh, shock and disbelief at the ungodly amount of Photoshop used, the sexist nature of the hammer dangling from her vagina (anyone else remember the South Park episode “Stupid Spoiled Whore Video Playset” because it reminded me of Paris Hilton and her pineapple… go look for cat-tat-a-fish), and the post-coitus dripping panties that are so tight they require a wrench to remove.

In the original thread, which has since been removed, the designer tried to pass the buck to the graphic designer/photographer who made the ad and claim it was a violation of copyright to use the photo at all. She had a small cow about right to post/permission and stuff like that.

She has also gone on to retaliate against the original poster by marking all of her photos in flickr as “inappropriate.” Classy. Just like your choice of advertising.

Designer, I’m giving you an out. Explain to us your creative vision because I have to call into question your judgement that you would OK such a photo. Yeah – your photographer may have made it but you said “OK.”  YOU said “Hey – hammers hanging from the vajay-jay is cool and edgy!” “Sexual exploitation is what my clothing line is all about!”

If you have a vision and a story behind this photo that I’m not seeing, please explain yourself. It is your clothing line so YOU are ultimately responsible for such a photo.

If I had seen this in world (which its available at a couple of places and linked on other blogs that I read on a daily basis) even apart from the fug group, I would have had the same opinion and still would not have bought the outfit. I also would have been turned off by the giant bee-stung fish-like frowny lips, the oversized horse shoe hips that mimic the giant Redwood tunnels in California, and the underwear that defy gravity and physics.

The links go to examples from the SL Fail and Fugs stream, not your blog. Because heaven forbid you decided that it is some how a violation of copyright to link to your blog. I hope that is universally applied. But a link isn’t a copyright violation – so you know. Neither was the original post, according to fair use as described by the Electronic Freedom Foundation.

All of those items are regular features in our search of fug in SL.

Now that I see how childish and wholly unprofessional you are to attack someone’s flickr stream when it is absolutely clear none of the photos in that stream were inappropriate, I sure as hell won’t buy any of your clothes in the future nor will I ever recommend them to my friends.

If you are going to masquerade as a business owner, act like it. Use your blog to explain your vision (or the comments thread on flickr for that matter). Take your lumps, learn from them and move on.

Only an advisor…

So, we agreed to a compromise. I would stay confined to the mansion. He would leave and let Jade know where I was. He was even free to place guards outside. It wasn’t the first time the Shanjian House was encircled by guards. After Jade was attacked by Arealius Barbosa, that elusive Orion commander, the Myrmidon Order placed a guard around the house for my protection.

Jade drew kitty faces all over the armor of the Myrmidon outside her apartment…

The Magistrate, I believe is confined to the Keep. The Aamir and Khalifia of House Morloch are going about their normal business as if the warrant never existed. Zeno is in the jail as well as the Doctor from house Hoto Nagi who said she had a cure.

House arrest has done wonders for my social life. Jade has been by to visit, which was a little uncomfortable and awkward. The special prosecutor. Auryn, the Orion Advocate (or is that former advocate?) I’ve had messages from House Barca and several other people checking on my well-being or if I need a means to escape. Perhaps I should stay at the House more often.

It has also given me time to work on other projects. Expansion in some areas; retraction in others. Always looking for beauty, grace, and joy.

And credits.

—————————————————————-

On our way from Firefly’s one day, Cindal and I met a very… interesting… character…

Meet Lina – the talking spidery tank.  She would wave.  But she is fully armed.  Cindal immediately befriended her as she has an innate desire to fix things and tinker with machines.

Lina was wandering around Hale’s Moon looking for her master who she hoped would repair her.  As we were talking, we heard a crash and then gun fire…

A mercenary came out of now where.  He shot at us and began chasing Lina around the shipyard proclaiming that Lina blew his cover.  She claimed he had no idea what he was talking about.  Cindal fired back and sent “the meanine” on the run…

And took him down outside Foo’s

We composed ourselves and hopped on a ship back out of there.  Cindal was able to repair Lina using wires and parts from her dustrunner.  While chatting, I learned that Lina was made by the Alliance, her use and exact capabilities were classified by someone but she does not know who.

Interesting….

*sighs and goes to find something emo to match her mood*

I enjoy spending time with him, particularly being so far from home… because he reminds me of home.  Strange as that is.  The Faiths bring me back to that world I am most familiar with… most comfortable in.  Manners, education, grace.  While there is a frenzy, there is also a slowness to it.

I try to keep my snobbish tendencies to myself as I understand that there are very few in the ‘verse to have grown up as privileged as I.  There are things I don’t like… have no desire to see or to touch…

We talked about home – Londinium.  He said that Faith Industries would be there as well and would likely sponsor a grand ball after the rebuilding is complete.  While the one on Al Raqis was good… there is something about the spectacle of it all on a Core World.  The gowns and suits and tuxedos.  The music and dancing chandeliers.  Dancing well into the night.

That is where my imagination goes when I think of such things.

We spoke about my parents.  We also talked about patriotism and the Browncoats.  Mr. Woodhen, the editor of CNS, is a traitor by the Commander’s opinion and deserved everything that happened to him on Shadow.  I don’t recall if I have ever told the Commander specifically as to why I fell out of favor, beyond ‘youthful indiscretion.’

He escorted me back to the Guild House.  There were people watching us move down the street – like they were watching celebrities.  Whispering and pointing.  I think he somewhat enjoyed the attention.

When we got the door, he took hold of my arm with one hand and his other went to the back of my neck.  He pulled me close and kissed me.

“Goodnight, Lina.”

I stood there a bit surprised and dumbfounded.  It isn’t often that a Companion is left speechless.  Or blushing.

He smiled as he left.  Like the cat that caught a canary.

————————————————————–

Some months later, I received this note at the house on Boros.

Dearest Calina,

My travels have brought me to your world for only the briefest of time.   Tis very beautiful.   My journey must continue.   The black calls again.

With warmest regards,

Just a man.

I knew who the note belonged to…

————————————————————–

I found it again.  Why does William Faith keep coming to mind?  Didn’t someone shoot him?  That is what I heard.  I also heard that he was still in hiding, gone after his very… different… brother.  I also heard that his father took to hiding in the black as well.  It would seem that the force and arm of the law would even catch up to the Faiths to determine if they were guilty of all the things they were accused of.

The note found its way into my belongings moving back and forth from Boros to Al Raqis.  The view from this House was much better than the old… still as busy.  Lots of correspondence to review today.  Preparations for the peace conference hosted by Shanjian to make.

For some reason, today, he came to mind.  I tapped the pen on the desktop and read the note again.  This story isn’t over yet…

“Jie jie!  Wake up please!  Jie jie!”  someone tapped her cheek.  Calina groaned but didn’t verbally respond.

“It’s alright.  We will take good care of her, Miss.”  The paramedic said as they lifted her onto a stretcher and carried her to one of the medivac transports.  The acolytes stood near the broken door and watched with worried looks on their faces.  Padma, a visiting Companion from Ariel, climbed on board with Calina.  She had already sent a wave to Sihnon, informing them of the vicious attack.  Police attempted to question the acolytes and other staff of the training house but they were too surprised that something of this nature would happen in their midst to respond.  They collected physical evidence and a copy of Calina’s schedule for the day.

——————————————————-

Groggy and disoriented, once at the hospital, the staff went through the standard procedures for an assault.  One of the nurses piled Calina’s hair on top of her head and spoke softly, “Ma’am, we need to get some photos of the injuries.”

They took her in for scans, x-rays, and other tests.  Bruising all over her body.  Cuts and other scrapes.  The whispers went back and forth on the staff ‘Who would do this to a Companion?’  ‘Didn’t she try to defend herself?’

The House sent a change of clothes for when Calina was ready to be discharged.  A detective came into the hospital room to speak with her but Calina was adamant – she would not give a statement while at the hospital.  She did agree to the forensic investigator visiting to collect evidence.  But, she was at the hospital to recover and heal.  When she left, Calina would meet the detective at the station.

Not before.

There would be some order.

——————————————————-

“Ms. Tereshchenko, please come in.  May I get you something to drink?  Water?  Tea?”  The officer directed her to a chair across from his desk.  The day after her assault, Calina was at the local police station.  She knew it would not be long before federal investigators arrived.  She was still numb… pain killers.

“No, thank you,” she whispered.  “Well, maybe a glass of water to have as we talk.”

She was self-conscious of how bruised her legs were.  They forgot to send some stockings or pants.  The bruising and cuts were more pronounced than they were the day before.  The young lady she met at the front desk brought in a glass of water.  “Thank you,” Calina replied as she picked up the glass.

“What do you remember?” the detective asked, getting straight to work.

“Hampton Fensen arriving.  We chatted.  I gave him the massage he booked.  He deposited the credits into my account.  Then he slapped me, threw me through the screens.  I punched him at some point, clawed his face and pulled his hair.  He hit me on the head and things go fuzzy after that,” Calina went into her business-like voice, un-emotional and very even tone.  She detached herself from the moment… the questioning and the memories.  It was a  moment in time that she preferred not to relive if she did not have to.  This became her way to cope.

“Who is Mr. Fensen?”

“He was in the Client Registry.  The occupation listed was bounty hunter.”

“Do you normally see such types?”

“He and I spoke via waves back and forth.  He was nice if a bit less civilized than my usual clients.”

“Less civilized?”

“Most of my clients come from more professional backgrounds.  They don’t make their living hunting people.”

“What did he want with you?”

“He seemed to believe that I knew where his quarry was.  In truth, I haven’t seen Davion Holmeforth in some time.”  She was lying.  The week before Fensen arrived, Davion had visited her on Boros.  As far as she was concerned, no one needed to know that because she had no idea where he went after he left.

“When did you last see him?”  The detective was typing notes into his computer.  He was rather puzzled by all of this.  Davion’s file indicated he was wanted for murder on Beaumonde.  How did such a respectable woman of standing get mixed up with the likes of him.  “And how did you meet him?”

“I met Davion when I was a passenger on The Christine, bound for Sihnon.  Captain Rhea required my services to negotiate some of the bureaucratic red tape to land on Sihnon to visit her parents.  It was good for me as well because I was able to return to Madrassa and visit Priestess Liamano as well as take some classes and practice sessions while there.  A Companion never stops learning or practicing.  As to when I last saw him, I believe it was on Persephone shortly before we closed the Guild operated tea house on Eavesdown Docks.  That was some time ago.”

“Were you romantically involved with Davion?”

“Any other time, I would take offense to that question as Companions are not permitted certain types of relationships as they complicate our work.  But in the course of your investigation, I will respond.  No.”  She sipped her water and set her glass down.  Calina folded her arms and became very defensive at the question.  She did her best to follow the Guild law, including those overseeing personal relationships.  This wasn’t the first time she was asked about her relationship with Davion.  Apparently, people like to take what little they see and create grand fantasies.

“This was a pretty vicious attack, Ms. Tereshchenko.  This Fensen fellow must want Davion badly.  Any idea as to why?”

“I cannot say.  I think Fensen is just shy of being evil but perhaps I am not the most impartial person given the situation.  I have no idea why he chose to attack me other than what he said – ‘to send a message.’  I have no idea how that will go about happening since very few people I know also know Davion and the likelihood that I will see them is slim.”

The detective just stared at her.  Calina continued, “So the attack was vicious and unjustified.  Will you be doing anything about it?  Issuing a warrant for an arrest?”

“Unfortunately, there isn’t much we can do.  He will make the argument that you were harboring a fugitive or impeding his investigation.”

“You cannot be serious??  I was beaten!  For NOTHING!  And you tell me there is nothing you can do about it??  Now I understand why private security firms do so well out on the border and rim planets — because of local police incompetence!”  Calina stood up, cursing under her breath, “This was a complete waste of my time.  It would seem that vigilante justice is the only justice available.”  Mustering up her composure, she moved out of the office, slamming the door behind her.

The detective entered notes that the victim left agitated and declined to press charges.  He then sent an encoded wave to an unregistered comm device. “No more problems from the Companion” was all that it said.

In the lobby, Calina snapped at the young woman behind the desk as she left in a huff.  She demanded that one of the officers “do something and flag down a gorram taxi” since they weren’t good for much else.   Two can play the bounty game.

——————————————————-

Hampton Fensen gravelled a chuckle and smirked as the words flickered on his screen.  “That will bring him out… come out, come out where ever you are Davion.”  Next stop – Hale’s Moon.

The same can be said of Shanjian.  The lights are few and the sky is a blanket of stars.  It inspires the imagination as it has for thousands of years.  ‘What’s out there?’  ‘Who?’

We don’t have many un-invited guests at the mountain retreat.  The other girls and I feel safe to move around freely and without weaponry.  Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t items hidden for security purposes…

Late one afternoon, I out of the house with a small bowl of food for my bunnies.  “Davion! What… what are you doing here? This is a pleasant surprise!”

He smiled, stood up straight and spoke quietly.   “Wanted to see how big the bunnies have gotten. And see you.”

Moving to the side of the pen, I sat down and set the bowl of carrots, lettuce and other veggies to the side.  “That is very kind of you… if you just wanted to see the bunnies, I could have sent a photo.  How are you?”

“I wanted to see them for myself. A photo only says so much, ya know?” He fought to maintain a full grin, the edge of his lips quivering. “I’m…. alright. You?”

“I’m doing well. Spending a bit more time here. After that biological agent was stolen from near Beaumonde… I thought life on Boros might be safer for a while.  I’ve actually been thinking of moving fully Coreward… back to Londinium.”

“I’d hate to see you in any kind of danger. I’m glad you came here.” He glanced back to the bunnies. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know why you’d even leave this little piece of heaven.” His words were tender and quieter than normal.

“Malcolm… come here… Inara…. dinner.”  I waved a carrot at the bunnies to get them to come to the side of the pen then looked up at Davion.  My brow furroughed a bit “Is something the matter? You seem… to be carrying a burden.”  He was wearing tension and stress all over his face.  So much so, it caused a slight tick around his right eye.

“I might need to go away for a little while…. to disappear. I wanted to say goodbye.”

“That sounds very serious, Davion. What’s going on? You know you are welcome here. This is a remote location… not widely known.”

“And I shouldn’t have even come here…. but I had to.” He took one small step closer.  “I had to see you one last time.”

“Davion… that is something one says when they are going off to war. The war has been over for years,” I said as I stood up.  My voice and gaze were soft, trying to offer some comfort.

He raised his hand to calm the moment.  He must have seen me get upset.  Perhaps it was written all over my face or somehow slipped through in my voice.  “Its not war….. its just something I might not come back from. Its something I have to do.”

“Does this… relate to your family?  You mentioned the tensions with them before.”

He  nodded slowly. “They’ve sent someone. And before he finds out where I am, I need to take the fight to them, back on Beaumonde.”

“From what you said… that could be very dangrous. Are you sure? And why would they send someone after you? If you left, what would be the need?”

“I don’t want anyone else feeling the repercussions from what happened to me. With Brooke gone, AT&S is getting by, but we’re close to shattered. Easy pickings for the right people. And I can’t let that happen.”

I just reached up to touch his shoulder… unsure of what to say.  It was a little overwhelming to me.

His gloved hand rose to caress my cheek, index finger running down the side of her face.   He was silent for a while.  “I’ll never forget you, Calina Tereshchenko.”

I moved my hand on top of his, “Davion, you shouldn’t speak like that. Words create destiny.”

“And I’ll survive my destiny. I know what I have to do.” The muscles in his face relax, allowing a grin to form.  As he spoke I moved his hand from his face and held them between us.  “Thank you. For you.”

I smiled softly “I will light candles for you…. prayers… for safety.”

“You have always been too kind to me.” he spoke after clearing his throat.  He then moved a little closer to kiss my cheek.

“Normally I would say it is a part of my job but… well, you aren’t exactly a client,” she finally smiles, feeling my cheeks warm a bit.  I was pretty sure they were now a rosy pink.

“And that is what’ll always make you so gorram special.”

“I hope that you will come back safely…. that this will all be resolved.”

“I aim to make it so. Goodbye, Calina,” as he finally let go of my hand and took a step back.  He turned quickly as it was clear to me that the emotions were bubbling up and the weight of his decisions were weighing on him again.

“Safe travels, Davion.”

I tossed the food into the center of the pen and went back inside.  The air was suddenly more chilly.

Full Name: Calina Petrova Tereshchenko

Age: 25

Parents: Petr and Anya Tereshchenko.

• Father is General Counsel to Parliament.
• Mother is active in charitable organizations around Core planets.

Born: New Cardiff, Londinium

Siblings: Brother Dmitry Petrov Tereshchenko

• Brother is currently serving aboard IAV Romanov. Rank: Lieutenant

Height: 5’9”

Eye color: Hazel, possibly Gray

Hair color: Black. Not known to change hair color

Bound by law: None. Juvenile record sealed.

Education:

• Central Republic Boarding School – Londinium
• Surval Boarding Academy – Londinium
• Companion Guild House Madrassa – Sihnon

Occupation: Registered Companion.  Assigned to House Shān​jiàn, Boros.   Sponsor: Registered Companion Opine Kesten, formerly of Blackburne.

Current Location: Assigned to Guild House on Boros. Also known to frequent Persephone, Beaumonde, Al Raqis, and Hale’s Moon.

Known Associations: Guest of Faith family (Persephone), Tillery Woodhen of CNS Corp., outlaws:  Imhrien Fargis.  Passenger on Raivenn (owned by felon Duncan Cooperstone).

News mentions: Guest list/photo for Bal d’Hiver (debutante ball), academic achievement awards, possible involvement with pranks on Osiris (security camera photo)

Personality file: notes from psychological exam –
Independently minded, willful, but need for acceptance. This will lead to dangerous associations if not directed to appropriate social groups. She is vain but not self-centered. Prone to being nosy.

Having lived my life on the inner Core planets, reavers are something that I have never worried about.  I had not heard of them before I started researching what happened on Miranda and with that ship, Serenity.  Since I was now living at least part time in Prosperity, reaver attacks were not unheard of here…. We heard the rumble in the distance.  The smell of exhaust fumes filled the air.  People began to scream and run for cover – bolting doors and hiding in cellars.

The ship flew right over town…

Brave defenders began to take up positions at the tops of different buildings, hoping for a tactical advantage.

With guns blazing, the reavers began running and shooting all over town.  I hid in the room over the fabric shop.  I could hear the snarls and screams from outside… bullets whizzing through the wood.  I even heard one of them mauling something downstairs.  When I came out, it turned out that the monster destroyed my dress form – mistaking it for a human.

I heard an awful shriek.  Screaming.  My mei mei!  She stayed out there and was fighting them off!  Then a howl.  The most horrific… noise…

After the reaver took down one person, it moved on to another.  Out of ammo, it switched to a blade weapon… or biting and clawing.

They finally took it down outside the Opera house.  We had a brief respite to get to JJ’s for medicine and bandages for gunshot, knife, and bite wounds.

That monster took a chunk out of Cindal’s arm.  JJ wrapped it and gave her a salve to prevent gangrene.  Other wounded were brought in and treated.  Then there was a second wave….

Cindal and I ran to the Stop where we hid behind her more fortified bedroom.

Jetfuel Kling and the men from his ship took up position outside.  At one point, they brought jet in, badly wounded.  We bandaged him up as best we could.  While we took care of him, he ordered one of his men to get a ship to get us out of there for our safety.

As we were running to the ship, I was grazed in the shoulder with something… I don’t know if it was a stray bullet or part of a blade.  It was the single most terrifying experience in my life.