quote:

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Originally posted by Stealth:
And these are theTransformers.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Stealth:
Pizza is...

- My greatest weakness.

- Basically, flattened dough with tomato sauce and cheese and some kind of meat-and/or-vegetable topping; trust me, it's soooooooo good.

- A little piece of heaven.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lard Lad:

quote:

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Originally posted by Stealth:
Pizza is...

- My greatest weakness.

- Basically, flattened dough with tomato sauce and cheese and some kind of meat-and/or-vegetable topping; trust me, it's soooooooo good.

- A little piece of heaven.

---

May I...try some?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Teronna:
Hey Lard Lad! You don't know who I am, but I knew your algorithm. People seemed to like you much more than they liked him, so I guess that's good for you.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lad Boy:
Remember me, I'm the person you assigned responsibility to in your living will.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Quislet, Esq.:
Hey Lard Lad! How are you doing? It's your old pal Quislet, Esq. You know, the guy you owe $100,00 to.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Quislet, Esq.:
*Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and Jack Haley show up in Lard Lad's room*

"Sure. Remember me, your old pal, Hunk?"

"And me, Hickory?"

"You couldn't forget my face, could you?"

---

quote:

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Originally posted by Faraway Lad:
Hi Anthony how’s it going? I heard you were back. Here I brought you some stuff”

Throws a large keg of beer and huge packet of crisps on the bed and as he does so he draws up a chair in a swift fluid motion.

“Well? you do remember how to open the beer don’t ya buddy”

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quote:

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Originally posted by Stealth:
It just so happens I brought a pizza in case any of us felt hungry. Here you go.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rockhopper Lad:
{Rockhopper Lad enters}

Clive! There you are! I came over right away as soon as I got the news! Your father is alive? Where is he?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lard Lad:
Um...hello. What's an algorithm?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Lard Lad:
Ohhh-kay...is 'lemur' a pizza topping like these pepperoni things?

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On some planets, perhaps. I find them rather chewy and unappetizing myself.
 

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Posted by Fat Cramer on :
 
Gosh, Lardy, you're looking good for all you've been through.

Er..what are all these people doing in here with legal papers? Maybe you better go read all your past adventures before you sign anything. I don't think you ever promised to sell that guy your house for $5.

So, what have the doctors got planned to restore your memory?
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
Hello, old friend.

<walks over to Lardy's bedside, sits>

Remember me? We had some fun and dangerous times together.

I brought you this.

<hands him Lardy's original walking ring, certified LMB issue>
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<Lardy's eyes widen>

GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!!
 

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Posted by Clive on :
 
<Clive is shocked>

Father--this is your best friend in all the universe. Why would you want him out?
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
I...I don't know why, Clive, but...the sight of him makes me feel nothing but hatred...fear...revulsion!

<eyes and hands begin to flare with blue fire>

Just...GET HIM OUT!!!! PLEASE!!!!

[ March 02, 2008, 09:45 PM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
 

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Posted by Clive on :
 
<takes a stunned, but strangely calm, Cobalt Kid firmly by the arm>

I'm sorry, Mr. Cobaltus, but he's clearly upset...please...

<Cobalt removes Clive's grip>

"That's not necessary, Clive...I'll go..."

<glances back at his friend for a moment, then leaves>

<Clive sees the glow from Lardy subside>

Are...are you feeling better now, father?
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
yes...thank you, Clive.

<takes a drink of water>

I..can't explain it. You're sure he was my friend?

<Clive, Rocky and Stealth nod>

I...just don't know...

<he closes his eyes and struggles in vain to remember>

<Stealth massages his temples and soothes him>>
 

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Posted by Clive on :
 
<excuses himself for a moment>

<withdraws his portable omnicom>

Ms. Shady...this is Clive.

Yes, there's been a change. He's reacted negatively, violently even, to Mr. Cobaltus on his first visit for some unknown reason.

I don't know...is it possible that Mr. Cobaltus, of all people, harmed father in some way?

<conversation continues for a few moments more...>
 

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Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
 
*As Quislet, Esq. leaves Lard Lad's hospital room, he sees his fiance, Roy (formerly known as the Royal Inquisitor). with Roy is a shadowy figure - a very buff sahdowy figure. As Quislet, Esq. approaches the two, the shadowy figure goes to a door to the stairwell.*

Hey Roy! Who were you talking to?

Roy: No one! Um.. it was just an orderly. Say, how's Lard Lad?

Physically he's fine, but he's like a blank slate mentally. He's eating some pizza right now. Hey are you hungry? We could grab some lunch now. Maybe head over to may place for dessert *Quislet, Esq. pinches Roy's butt.*

Um maybe some other time honeybunch. I, uh, I have some things to do. I may have a lead on a job.

*Roy leaves with Quislet, Esq. watching him suspiciously.*
 

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Posted by Clive on :
 
<later, finds Cobalt in the hospital lobby>

Excuse me, Mr. Cobaltus...can you give me any insight as to why my father reacted that way to you?!?!?
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
I'm sorry Clive, but I cannot.

I--<sighs>. Sorry.

<returns to the RMB>
 

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Posted by Gary Concord, the Ultra Man on :
 
Well, well, well. I didn't realize this was the nut ward.

Just think, I come here to help cheer up a few patients in the terminal ward and what do I find?

Why a sight that cheers me up!

Welcome back LardButt! Get better quick!

So I can beat your sorry lard-butt a few more times.
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<sees Gary>

Hey! I...I think I remember you--or at least similarly to the way I 'remembered' that Cobalt guy I wanted to fry earlier--feelings, really...gut instinct...

...except with you, it's...different--like, the opposite of how I felt when I first saw him.

Were we, like, best friends? Please stay and tell me more!
 

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Posted by Gary Concord, the Ultra Man on :
 
<Stares at lard Lad Thoughtfully>

Amnesia?

No, we weren't friends. <shakes head sadly> You were too far under Cobalt Kid's thumb for us to ever be friends but that doesn't have to be the way things are now.

You saved all of us, the entire world. You laid down your life to defeat the Computer Tyrant and Cobalt took credit for your heroism.

Open your eyes and really look at what's going on here on Legion World.

Then I think we'll be friends.
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
I...I did all that?

<thinks>

And what you said would explain my reaction to that Cobalt Kid earlier--I don't trust him.

I'd be more than willing to listen to your point of view...if you have time, that is.
 

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Posted by Gary Concord, the Ultra Man on :
 
Listening to my point of view won't really tell you much...

Watch what I do, watch what Cobalt does, and Clive, and Faraway, and Nova Girl, and anyone else you have questions about, what we do is important.

What we say, not so much...
 

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Posted by Faraway Lad on :
 
Good Evening Mr Concord, how nice of you to drop in.

Planning any more atempts to conquer Legion World this month.
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<on his own, thinking about Gary's words>

Well, unlike many of the others, Gary's encouraging me to think for myself instead of telling me how I ought to act like this "Lard Lad".

<walks to nurse station>

Nurse? Does this hospital have a library? It does? On the ground floor?

<Stealth accompanies him and shows him how to use the archive computers>

"Got it, Lardy?"

Yeah, I think so, Stealth. Thanks.

"No problem. I'm going to step out to the cafeteria for a snack for a few. Want anything?"

Um, yeah--could you get me a piece of pizza to go?

"Sure thing, but you'll have to wait and eat it after you get back to your room. Be back, soon."

Bye. <he stares after her for a long moment> Man, I like her...a lot! But I don't know if she feels...

<he's interrupted by a beep displaying his search results>

Yeesh--more than a million hits? Well, I'll read 'em all if I have to--ntil I know what I need to about my 'buddy' Cobalt Kid....

<displays first file>
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<after about 30 minutes>

Damn! I've barely scratched the surface, but from what I've read, Cobalt Kid is either, at best, a narcissist whose complete vanity occasionally puts others in harm's way...or at worst, potentially the biggest threat to peace in the galaxy!

<sees Stealth re-entering the library>

I've gotta upload some of this to my room's Omnicom. Hmmm...that looks interesting. An unauthorized biography by one S. Lim.

<uploads>

<Stealth appears beside him>

"Reading anything interesting?"

Uh...not really. I feel I can trust her, but then again she could be in league with Cobalt... I'm actually feeling pretty tired. Mind if I excuse myself to my room for the night?

"No problem, Lardy" <holds out bag> "Here's your pizza."

Thanks, Stealth. <hugs her> Seeya tomorrow?

"Sure thing!"

<both leave...Stealth to her home, Lardy back to his room at the psyche ward>
 

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Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
If Lardy finds that archived footage of me hosting the 'Ms. Mayavale University Contest 3005' that should pretty much put the last nail in the coffin
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<Lardy has been in the hospital still receiving in-patient memory therapy since we last saw him. While his memory has not improved, he has been occupying himself by heavily researching the LMB's own Cobalt Kid...>

It's inescapable... <he writes in his Omnicom> ...Cobalt Kid has been implicated in countless major crimes...chief among those: genocide! I can't believe he's gone this long without so much as an inquiry, let alone a trial! That poor "Slim" guy...his despair obviously drove him insane and lead to his involvement in that "Five Faces of Death" thing a few months back that supposedly cost me my life.

That must be why I had such an inate negative reaction to my supposed friend when he visited me here. I must've known what he did! Who knows...maybe he had me killed to cover his tracks!

I must find Slim and learn more...but how?

<puts Omnicom down, clenches his fists and speakss aloud>

Gary Concord--I bet he'll help me!
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<checking out at front desk>

"Are you sure you want to check out, Mr. Taylor? The doctor's are still hopeful--"

Miss, I've made pretty much no progress here. If I have any hope of recovering my memory, I feel it lies in the outside world. I have a home and means of supporting myself. I'll be fine.

And I promise to continue out-patient therapy. Well?

<she looks at his chart> "Well...your doctors code you as 'voluntary', Mr. Taylor. If you're sure, then sign here..."

<signs, then exits hospital>

Now...it's time to start doing what needs to be done--to bring Cobalt Kid to justice!
 

---

Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
 
<days later, Cobalt Kid enters>

"Greetings Mr. Cobalt! What a pleasure!"

"The pleasure is all mine Nurse. Have you lost weight? And that outfit..."

<nurse blushes>

"Well, I believe I'll start on the East Wing today"

"Go right ahead Cobie!"

<Cobalt walks from sick bed to sick bed, using his powers to heal each sick person, and whispering comfort into their ears>

"I-I'm s-so sick, Cobie..." says a young boy with a case of space-pocks.

"Now, now Tiny Tym, let me tell you this joke about Poverty Lad while I heal you..." replies Cobalt as the other nurses get weepy at this act.

<time passes>

"Ah, Mr. Xophtlkok, still here, I see?"

"Indeed. It's been quiet around here lately."

"Oh? Did you have a guest or something before then?"

"You know very well I did. I was laying next to Lard Lad himself! Just one hospital cosmic-bed over."

"Why don't you tell me all about it, while I heal you, old fellow? I'll take away some of that pain...and you tell me every single detail."

<Cobalt looks up out the window, past the skies, into space, smiling>
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<arrives with Sir Roy at admissions>

Um...hi, I'm back. 'Home sweet home' and all, I guess.

"Yes, Mr. Taylor. Rockhopper Lad called ahead. You are to undergo extensive psychological testing, as well as the very latest in identity authentication. During visiting hours, you may receive guests from a list of up to five names you leave us. Do you know who they will be?"

Yes. Gary Concord. Rockhopper Lad. Sir Roy. Faraway Lad. And Jailbait Lass.

<turns to Sir Roy>

Thank you, friend. No matter what happens, I'll always appreciate what you did for me.

<they embrace and Roy leaves>

<Lardy is fitted with a power inhibitor and lead off to a secure part of the psych ward>
 

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Posted by Gary Concord, the Ultra Man on :
 
<Looks in on the sedated, sleeping form of Lard Lad.>

I assume you believe me now. They won't believe anything until something drastic happens.

It was the same on my Legion World. Cobalt could do no wrong...

Until the day his schemes and plans collapsed and the Red Bee and his LVMBP were waiting...

I won't let that happen here...

<Leaves, silently>
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<later, in a therapy session with LMB Reservist, Shadowplay in Candlelight, "Shady", who is now a professional psychotherapist...>

"Lardy, so far none of my scans have indicated any signs of mental illness, just as they didn't when I first examined you. You are, however, under a lot of stress."

No shock there, Shady.

"May I read your mind, Lardy...experience this memory you've recovered?"

.....yes, go ahead.

<she probes into his mind and experiences his dying moments....they unfold just as he described to the others at the Security Office, culminating with Cobalt Kid's betrayal>

"Oh! Oh my! I..."

<she begins weeping>

"Th-that c-can't be..."

<Lardy watches silently, feeling like he's about to get the backlash from her he gets from everyone else>

"...but the memory is genuine! I've worked extensively with memory implants, false memories, altered memories, memories altered by brain damage...I can recognize them. There's not ever been one that could fool me. You are not misremembering, Lardy!"

<shocked> You believe me? You believe that Cobalt Kid killed me?

"I can't authenticate it was him, though I felt the message that you received and the sureness that it was from him. I...am not ready to believe it as I love him dearly. But you're not crazy, Lardy."

<hugs her>

Thanks for that at least, Shady. So...am I free?

"No, not yet. Doctor One will need to run extensive tests on you to prove you're not an imposter." <squeezes his hand> "For the record, I've never once thought you were. He will also search for any anomalies that may be influencing your actions. If all that passes muster, we will try again together to recover more of your memories. This breakthrough you've had is a good sign that we'll be able to do so."

Will this begin immediately?

"No. Tomorrow. Meanwhile, you may accept visitors from your list the rest of today."

Thanks, Shady. I really hope Jailbait Lass will get my message and visit. I'd really like to talk to her...
 

---

Posted by Jailbait Lass on :
 
as Lard Lad watches the omni-screen in his room, he suddenly realizes there’s someone in the doorway

*stares silently, then pauses*

My relationship with Cobalt Kid is very different than what most people think. Its certainly more of a punch-line to the Legion World media than anything else. I don’t particularly care one way or the other. I’m not really close with more than a handful of friends. But you once knew, if indeed you still do, that what I do for Cobalt is gather intel, analyze the data and give him theories on what it means. And on that front, Lard Lad, I have a lot of theories about you.

That’s probably the longest sentence I’ve ever said to you. Here’s a shorter one: Leave Cobie alone.
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
I can't do that, Lolita. Especially after remembering what he did to me. And for your information, strike "crazy" from your list of theories. Shady has given me a clean bill of mental health!

But I digress. I wanted to see you, not because I would ever expect you to turn on him. Hell, from what I've read, you'll always stand by him no matter what.

I asked you here because I saw something in your eyes last night. Something in the way you got yourself worked up.

<stands up directly in front of her, locking eye contact>

You've seen him standing at the abyss, haven't you? You've seen him on the precipice, doing something he had no business doing. You've seen him cross the line, and you had to pull him back!

You have, haven't you? I don't know what it was...when it happened, but I can see it in your eyes, your posture...your everything.

Look me in the eyes, Lolita...and tell me I'm wrong!
 

---

Posted by Jailbait Lass on :
 
I've seen him hurt very badly, and I've seen him suffer for it. But I've never seen him cross the line.

*teary eyed, begins taking step back, pauses, keeps feet where they are*

During the Invasion he suffered so much and only because he was helping you and your secrets! And it caused him to be harsh and make rash decisions, but I went and saw him at his weakest point, and even then...at his weakest...he did the right thing.

*remembers Cobalt's words to her about stopping the war because of her*

Does he keep secrets? Hide things, keep them close to the vest? Give tidbits of information to different people so no one person knows the whole story? Yes, to all of it. Do I trust him with my safety, Legion World's safety and the fate the whole universe? Yes.

Yes, I do. We both know whatever he's up to right now is far more than he's letting on. But I trust whatever is will work to our advantage.

[ April 09, 2008, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: Jailbait Lass ]
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<frowns slightly>

I saw it. It was in your body language, Lolita. There's a tiny part of you that doubts. Even you, one of his closest confidantes!

Did you hear your own words? You acknowledge that there's more "than he's letting on" but "trust whatever is will work to [everyone's] advantage"? Blind trust is a dangerous thing, Lolita.

And are you sure he did the "right thing" when he was at his weakest? He manipulates everyone, as you yourself just admitted. That includes YOU!

Ever wonder why even you are not exempt from that? And just where has Crujectra been lately? No one knows him better than her, and she's been very, very scarce lately.

Well?
 

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Posted by Jailbait Lass on :
 
[coldy]Don't you dare imply he's manipulating me.[/coldy] I know exactly where I stand I've always known.

Crujectra is an Ambassador of not only Psyonia, but Legion World! She's probably on Weber's World, or across the universe promoting her various charities. What's to say she isn't currently in constant contact with Cobie?

Lard Lad you were once his best friend. Despite all the trauma you both suffered, including some mistakes made by both of you, that remained so. Yet even then you had no right to assume you understand his relationships with anyothers, and you certainly don't now.

Just what is it you're so concerned about? Hasn't he retired from the Office of Security?
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
And don't you find that odd? Is it like your boss to suddenly resign from all his responsibilieis and start a counter-culture, of all things? Have you just taken that all for granted?

And why not retire from the Security Office? Too many checks and balances on him to serve his purposes!

Has he given up his command over the Space Knights Templar, Lolita? Not that I've heard! That's where his real power is now!

And yes, I understand he and I were once the best of friends, Lolita. That's why--in the one memory I still retain--the pain of his betrayal was so, so very...profound. <tears up> He KILLED me...don't you understand?!?! HE KILLED ME!!!

<wipes eyes> He killed his best friend, Lolita! He's got to pay for that, and he's got to be stopped before he goes even further over the edge!!!
 

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Posted by Jailbait Lass on :
 
<smacks Lard Lad square in the chest>

You're wrong! You've never been so wrong in your life! I know he didn't kill you! Dammit Lardy, you're going to start something that can only end badly!

<backs away>

He didn't kill you, Lardy, I know it. I can't believe otherwise.

Eryk Davis Ester and Cobie control the Space Knights with the remaining soldiers of their Triumvirate army, and they warriors and monks! Soldiers bent on protecting the recently liberated planets from the Khanate and the Dark Oval. They protect interstellar travelers in that part of the cosmos. Both men, Eryk and Cobie, have only ever done the right thing with those warrior-monks, and the warrior-monks love them for it. Don't you find it odd that Eryk Davis Ester, your own brother, is a major confidante for Cobie in the Space Knights and this counter-culture?

You're not the first to make accusations against him, you know. Many have done so before, and many included Eryk Davis Ester in those same accusations. You're opening up an entire can of worms for their enemies to attack them.

<pauses again, controlling emotions>

I know in my heart that Cobie is a good man, and he is not a killer. I'm warning you again: stay away from him. I will not let you harm him in any way.

<turns, begins to walk out>
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<before she leaves>

<gasping from getting the wind knocked out of him> He...he's gonna get you killed, Lolita...I can see it...clearly, now...o-open your yes...before it's too late.
 

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Posted by Jailbait Lass on :
 
*almost whispering*

Its already too late for me, Lardy... because of the way I feel about him...

*leaves*
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<staggers back up into his bed>

Ow...girl sure packs a wallop!

<thinks a moment>

But she gave me what I needed. I could see the doubts, the uncertainty. It's what I needed to continue pressing on. Maybe, just maybe, I can save her...

<a thought flashes as he considers her>

She's so beautiful, and so...innocent, in a way. She reminds me of...of...of whom? I have so little memory at all, it makes little sense that I...

<the face of a beautiful blonde flashes in his mind>

Huh? Who was that? A name on the tip of my tongue...so similar to 'Lolita'.

But who?

<sits in quiet contemplation>
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
Laura...Lana...Lois...Lori...Lena...Lisa...Leeta...Lee...Lee?

<gasps>

Leelee?
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
Who...who was she?

<thinks>

I...loved her, didn't I? I...

<passes out>
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<Shady rushes in>

"Lardy!"

<reaches out with her mental powers>

"Some of his memories are starting to flood back! Oh no...the memories about Leelee! At once some of themost wonderful and painful memories of his life! I--I've got to stop the flood of memories, or his brain might shut down irrevocably!"

<strains>

"I...I think I have them under control--I've put a block in before it became too much for him. I'm going to put a suggestion in there to let him sleep for a while. And when he wakes up, I'll help him sort through what he's regained."
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<many hours later, Lardy wakes up with Shady by his side>

"Hi, sweetie."

Shady...I-I remember you, now!

"Yes, sweetie...you had a breakthrough, and now you have most of your memories back."

Most?

"Yes. if I'd let them all flood through it would've been too much to take in. I'm certain your mind would've shut down permanently. I put you into a deep sleep and integrated the memories you've recovered so that they are all ordered."

And the other memories?

"They are locked in another part of your mind. For now, I've fortified those locks. Tell me, what is your last memory before your death?"

I...I look like I do now, not like I did when I died. No white hair, scars or pupiless eyes. I'm at a party at the LMBP Ranch, here on Legion World. I get very, very drunk...I go off with Hummer Lass, and we...have sex? I really had intercourse with Pru?!?

"Anything else?"

No. I pass out. And then, flash-forward a couple of years or so, I guess, to when I died.

"So you're missing two years of memory, Lardy. Over two years of your life. From what you've read, you know it was the worst time of your life. I can restore those, if you want, but only a little at a time. Take some time, Lardy. Deal with all you now have back and decide later if that is what you want. Tomorrow, Doctor One will run the other tests. Do you want me to stay, Lardy?"

No, Shady, I...need to be alone for awhile.

<Lardy sits quietly and takes his life in. And he weeps for a love now long-lost...>
 

---

Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<the next day, after undergoing a long battery of testing...>

"That's it for now, Lard Lad," says Doctor One. "We have some more tests to run later, but you need to rest. You may take visitors again if you like."

<Lardy's escorted to his room>

Okay, much as I'd like to revel and mope in my memories, I can't spend much more idle time...

<Asks nurse to send messages to his other approved visitors: Gary, Faraway, Rocky and Sir Roy. He'd like to see any of them when they have time.>
 

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Posted by Lard Lad on :
 
<one week later>

<Doctor One enters>

More tests, Doc?

"No, Lardy, we're done now."

And?

"And, well, there's no doubt in my mind, or in those of any of the other foremost experts I've consulted with, that you are most assuredly Lard Lad of our LMB."

Well, Doc, I can't say I'm surprised, but it is comforting to hear it from someone people of this world will listen to!

"Yes, I will submit our reports to the Security Office, to LMB leadership and Legion World government."

But you know, Doc, they'll still question my sanity!

"Well, you have been examined by many psychiatrists and been tested for all known types of mental illness, and you've passed with flying colors...with the exception that you still retain some partial amnesia, comprised entirely of about the last two and a half years except..."

...except for that last moment, Doc, when my best friend killed me.

"Yes, there is no way to confirm that memory is real as far as his culpability, but it certainly wasn't implanted or altered in any way--"

In other words I still have an uphill battle in trying to bring Legion World's top citizen to justice for what he did to me...among many other crimes. I know, Doc. May I leave now?

"Certainly, your release papers have been signed. Just check out at the ward's desk and--"

<later, exiting the hospital>

<thinking> As of right now, Doc One's beaming my results to all the authorities. I've been cooped up long enough! Time for some action!

<smiles>
 

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