Bright are the Stars[Fely]

[Felypsa]

What a way to wake up.

Somni had had a lovely little sleep, but she would have liked to have slept more, except the very unpleasant alarm went off. That was when she heard her door open and close and, bleary-eyed, sat up. Suddenly, a gloved hand wrapped around her mouth, silencing her. She started to struggle but stopped, astonished, when she realized that the person keeping her hostage…was herself. The mirror-Somni held a finger to her lips and then took her hand away, leaving the real one to stare, still not quite awake enough to realize that this wasn’t a dream.

That was when Leon’s warning came through the speakers, and Somni sharply eyed her clone. “Is that you?” The clone gave a shrug. “I’m not here to cause trouble.” It was really creepy seeing herself talk, and Somni shifted. “Then what are you here for?” she asked. The clone wrung her fingers together. “I can’t seem to make people fall asleep…like I’m supposed to. It’s not part of your…DNA.” Somni only stared blankly at her. The clone frowned and took out a wet rag. “But I found this, in Leon’s medicine cabinet.” Darting forward, she pressed it against the original Somni’s mouth. Somni barely had time to react before the chloroform kicked in, and her eyes rolled up, her body going limp.

The mirror picked her up and stashed her in the closet, hiding her behind the extra coats inside. Then she closed it, locking it firmly. A gloved hand came up to push stray hair out of her face, and she chewed her lower lip. That was taken care of. She didn’t want to permanently replace her…she just wanted to walk about, unsuspected. Mirror took a deep breath and opened the door—locking it behind her—before coming down the stairs. “What’s going on?” she asked, looking around and stifling a yawn.

It was a lovely wake-up call. And Alice jerked up at the first sound, ready to fight. There was no target yet but she was still fully on guard. It didn’t take long to get dressed and ready and come down the stairs, where she found Somni already, still in her evening gown from last night. Star eyed her for a moment but shook her head. “No idea. Just wait for Leon.” She was wary for anything unfamiliar and ready to kick ass at the drop of a hat.

[Dark Strider]

Leon watched the lights flash as the elevator rose. Something in the back of his head, a kind of sense something was amiss, kept nagging at him, telling to step up the security. Leon, being the one to follow his instincts, activated the computer terminal that was in the elevator and called up an interface with HARVY. "HARVY, I want a scan of all levels of the house. I want the info to be uploaded to the screens in my glasses. I want thermal, ultraviolet, x-ray and molecular composition information too. I want the locations of everyone in here mapped and noted for my reference and I want security checkpoints at all entrances and exits. Cover all blind spots. I want to know of any annomilies right away." Leon said into the mic. "On it now Leon. Finishing in thirty seconds." HARVY said, the screens in his sunglasses coming to life.

The doors parted allowing Leon into the main part of the house. Moving quickly, he made his way to his coat and hat, pulling them on over his combat harness. Leon, after pulling his sword and sheath onto his back and latching it firmly in place, pulled out each of his guns and checked the magazines on them. He reloaded his guns and nodded to himself. Placing his guns back into their hosters, Leon walked towards the kitchen, the information rolling into his sunglasses. Up the stairs and towards his room. Then, something that he didn't expect to pop up, did. Intel coming in from the scans, told Leon that Somni was in the closet in the room that Star had brought her to last night. Bewildered, Leon moved over to the door and waited for the door to open. When it didn't, Leon checked the power supply and found it to be in perfectly working order. HIs brow rose as he punched in the master override code, opening the lock on the door. Wondering what Somni might hide, Leon allowed the door to open and entered. It was dark in the room, the lights flickered and finally turned on. The bed sheets were askew, thrown haphazzardly to the side. Leon moved over with caution, pulling out one of his pistols just for safty reasons. Leon reached for the handle, and pulled slighty. This door was locked as well? Leon flipped the lock and slid the door open slowly, ready for anything. A few coats fell out of the closet, making Leon jump back thinking it was an attack. He was glad that he didn't pull the trigger, as Somni, limp and asleep, fell sideways out of the closet. Leon moved over to her, placing his hand on her neck, checking her pulse. Upon seeing that she was OK, Leon frowned deeply and picked her up into his arms. He had holstered his pistol, but had not secured it. He placed her into her bed and stood back.

Reaching into his pocket, Leon pulled out a small note pad and wrote Somni a quick note, telling her that she was OK now and that Leon was already taking care of it. Something that he would do for her no matter the circumstances. He placed it on the nightstand next to the bed and covered her with the blankets. Leon, after making sure she would be able to find it, turned on his heel and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Walking casually, Leon moved down the stairs and towards the group. Nightshade, oddly, wasn't there, nor was Lauren. Leon, for one, was happy that they werent. Greg was there, in his combat gear and everything. "Ahh Leon! There you are. Wonderin when you'd show up." Greg said, a semi serious look on his face.

Leon simply nodded and looked from each of the three there and back. "As you all know, we have a breach of security. The hostile is of unknown orrigin and is viewed as extreamly hostile. I'm here to say that I have a hunch where the target might be, so I want you all to pay close attention." Leon said, turning towards the large windows that overlooked the valley that was near his house. Leon took in a deep breath and nodded his head. Then, in one fluid motion, Leon pulled the pistol from his holster, turned, pointed it at "Somni" and fired two quick shots into her head.

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[Felypsa]

The clone paid close attention to Leon as he walked in. There were a lot of memories regarding him. Most of them fairly recent, but all of them prominent. And a lot of emotions and hormones that got stirred up at the sight of him. She licked her lips. She also knew that if anyone was going to help her, it would be him. But first, he was concerned with the breach, which she knew to be herself. Extremely hostile. No she wasn’t—but that was when he whirled around, two loud bangs as successive bullets shot toward her head.

She had just enough time to change the material in her head. To those watching, Somni’s forehead would become silvery and liquid as the bullets passed through harmlessly. The liquid reformed, and Somni was glaring at Leon. “You shoot first and ask questions later?” she demanded. “That seems a bit rash to me.” She pointed at him, and her hand changed form, becoming the exact replica of his own pistol. “Two can play at that game.” Her eyes flashed, and then she lowered her gun-hand, changing it back to a normal hand. “But I won’t. I mean you no harm, I swear it.”

Well, that was…the next series of events made Starshadow’s eyes bug out. First, that Leon was shooting at Somni, Somni of all people. Except it wasn’t really Somni…or she had been hiding a lot of secrets. Holy crap. She was a total shapeshifter. More than that, she…she just wasn’t human. She could turn her own hand into a pistol. Alice wasn’t afraid of anything but this was just plain creepy. She leaned forward, ready to melt into her shadow-form. At least she could attack with the element of surprise. But the…creature…whatever it was…seemed to be extending the hand of peace. More or less. Star narrowed her eyes. She didn’t trust this being one bit.

“If that’s the case, then what did you break in here for?” she demanded. The fake Somni glanced over at her. “I didn’t. I was brought in.” She looked back at Leon pointedly, and Alice looked blank. What the hell did she mean by that? Leon brought her in?

[Dark Strider]

Leon kept a straight face, watching with cool dementor as the bullets harmlessly richocheted off of her forehead. Alice was on edge, the bewilderment in her eyes belaying her normally cold and seperate dementor. Leon had a neutral frown on his face as the imposter pointed the "pistol" at him, leveling it off with his head. Then, she lowered it, promising that she ment no harm. Leon inwardly rolled his eyes.

"If that's the case then, why did you knock out Somni upstairs? Why not come to us first, asking for at least a bit of help. You're a shapeshifter, so I'm supposing you garnered the form from when Somni touched you, when you were the large rock. I was lucky that I was weiring my gloves then. The ability to leach the form from a person by mear contact, impressive to say the least. Alice brings up a valid question, why come in here, pretending to be someone I know? I for one, don't trust you, but if you speek truthfully, then I can't back down from a smart discussion then can I?" Leon said, holstering his gun.

"If we are going to talk, or at least stirke a compromise, I am the one who'll set the ground rules. I don't know anything esle about your abilities, but I sure as hell don't trust you to go galavanting around as someone esle. If we talk, I want it to be private, and no intrusions either Alice. I don't want any kind of monitering, other then you and me." Leon said, talking to the replica of Somni. "Second, I want to know exactly what it is you're doing here. I want to know where you came from and what your mission here is. Third, I want you to explain a few other things to me. I want full intel on your powers and I want to know how you scrambled the sensors I have set up. Then, after I get the information I want, we can discuss whatever it is you are doing here and what it is you're after." Leon said, crossing his arms and looking at the clone. He was searching the clone for any kind of flaw in its defences, a kind of weakness that would allow him to exploit any advantages he might have. He was always practical, even through rash actions. Ironically enough as it was.

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[Felypsa]

So that was how he knew. He had discovered the real Somni. The mirror waited as he talked on, laying down the conditions. “I did what I felt I had to do,” she said flatly. “Gaining your trust in a form you would be inclined to listen to. But we can talk. I can tell you right now, the only mission I have in mind is survival on this new planet.” But was the shapeshifting alien to be believed? And what did survival entail—the death or injury of others? It kept Somni’s face cool and expressionless, giving away nothing in facial feature.

Star looked between them with something akin to disgust on her face. There was nothing about this arrangement she liked. At all. But Leon wanted to meet with this…alien or whatever…alone. “Be careful,” she muttered, tossing a glare at the fake Somni’s way. At this rate she almost preferred the real one.

The clone/alien thing ignored the evil glance that Star gave her, and simply nodded to Leon. Assuming they would go somewhere private, she would smooth down her dress over her legs and look at him. “First know this: I did not come to this planet intentionally. I was a criminal where I’m from and I was ejected into space, destined to wander forever. I had no control. It really was a miracle I landed somewhere where I could adapt to the environment. Your race of humans…is not so different in heart and soul and mind from my own species.” She shook her head once but did not elaborate beyond that on what sort of similarities she was thinking of. “Believe me. I assumed you would react to me in a violent manner so I tried to blend into my surroundings first, using a form you obviously trusted and liked. I could have taken your own form, but I did not think anyone would be so deceived. I guess I made a mistake.” Her lips quirked at that, almost in amusement.

[Dark Strider]

Leon's face remained impassive. He didn't trust this... creature, as far as he knew, as far as he could throw it. Judging from the small feat of phase manipulation and the ability to morph into whatever form it wanted, due to the apparent knowledge of him. That was one thing Leon knew that he would want to keep to a minimum if possible. Both sides of his mind fought over the creature. His scientist side wanted to study it and learn as much as he could, providing that it... she, would allow him to do so. But the soldier in him told him that this was an enemy of unknown potential, and try to deligate with it to leave peacefully if possible. If not, then Leon knew one possible weapon against it, and that was direct light, a focused beam more or less.

Leon motioned with his head for her to follow him as he turned and walked towards a room on that floor. He walked up to an ornately carved wood and metal door. Leon took out a normal key and unlocked the door. Leon had made recient modifications to the room, a room where Alice would not be allowed to sneek in. It was a completely secure room, lights protecting each and every access point. This was the one room that Leon didn't want Alice to come into. This was basically his war-room. He had loads of tactical maps, scripts, translations, books, and other miscellaneous things laying about. "Excuse the mess." Leon said simply, closing the door behind them with a snap. The door was reinforced, able to take pratcially a tank running into it.

Leon walked around the map table, which was a hilographic projection of the local area. Leon's house was elevated on the map, sitting on the top of a hill, over looking the ocean and the small town below. Leon waved a hand over the table top and the screen zoomed out to a planetary look. "This is a secure room. No one can over hear our conversation. Now... I want you to explain everything to me, no holding back. HARVY... I want you to bug off too. I don't want anyone to overhear this. Just me and her." Leon said, sitting down in a large backed chair. He leaned forwards and rested his arms on the table's edge and rested his head on his thumbs, looking intently at the alien. He wanted basic things out of the way first, then he would proceed to the more difficult items. It was a basic way to get the fluff out of the way.

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[Felypsa]

oOc| sorry -- it is the first week of school and everything in my life is insane right now! I'll try to get a response as soon as I can :3

[Dark Strider]

oOc: Yeah I know how you feel... Its my first week too.

[Felypsa]

oOc| Ah! You have to tell me about how things are going sometime =3 ok last annoying ooc message I promise lmao next time I post f'realz -nods-

[Felypsa]

oOc| sorry for the long wait :c

The alien-creature examined the room they were in, and, assured that they would not be overheard here, looked point-blank at Leon and took a deep breath. “I am Mirror. This is the closest word in this human language that describes my nature. As you had observed, I need only a single touch to become a being’s exact copy. There is no limit to what I can become. I have been as large as a mountain and as small as a germ. I tell you this not to frighten you, though, judging from the status of humankind’s abilities, I could easily defeat your entire planet.” Mirror shook her head. “Luckily for you, that is not my intention. I seek only a safe place in which I can integrate and become accepted. Where I come from, I am a fugitive. A…heretic, I believe. They consider my abilities too godlike…blasphemous.”

She quirked a smile that had a slightly sinister twist to it. “It is their fault. They discovered me in the core of their planet. I have always had the ability to become anything I desired. But in the early part of my life, I had no imagination. When they freed me, they gave me imagination and personality. They made me realize that there is no limit to what I can do, what I can be. And then they accuse me for being too powerful.” A sigh puffed out her cheeks. “I never meant them harm. I had only tried to help them. But they were too fearful. So before they could attempt to destroy me—which would have meant that I would have had to destroy them—I left. Self-imposed exile. I have since traveled throughout the cosmos, letting fate take me to a place where I could make a new life.”

Mirror licked her lips. “Your race—that is, what I have seen of it from within Somnolence’s mind—intrigues me. There are many of the same emotions as my original people. But there is something else that not even they had.” She looked back at Leon. “It is…enigmatic, yet appealing…frightening, yet undeniably attractive…I would like to stay here and explore this emotion more. That is all I want. I swear to you.”

[Dark Strider]

Don't worry about it ^^

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Leon's pose didn't change one bit. He kept in the same position, his head resting on his thumbs, looking at the alien with no special interest in his eyes. "The emotion your thinking of is Intrigue. Nothing more. Human's, like everything, has their short-comings, as well as distinct traits that set them apart for all others. I should know, look at me." Leon said, finally moving. He spread his arms out wide and indicated his hair and his facial features. "I have desires, dreams, aspirations. Everything that everyone else has on this planet. Why stop here and study this planet?" Leon asked.

"Human's aren't special, nothing more then a beginning of a new age in the countless ages of history." Leon said, the cynical bitterness seeping into his voice. HE hated the limitations of humans, but, at the same time, he marveled at the ingenuity and the ability to rebound to situations and events that could and have eradicated entire species before. The human race was one that could bounce back from near extinction, and be ready to take on the challenges of a new and more dangerous world.

"The only way I know of how to allow you to roam here on this planet, other then tell others of you're presence, is to require spacific tests to be done. The exact limitations of your being, your abilities to be charted and senarieos to be tested, not to mention all the different things you and I can and will more then likely need to discuss before you can venture about. For the time being, I will require you to stay on the premises for the time being. I will need a little time to set up for the experiments and the testing, if you will allow that to happen. Just so you know, should any activity against the residents of this house or anywhere around be discovered, word will spread like wildfire through the streets and the cities. People will panic and their human tenancies will shine through. If you and I discuss and if you allow me to run different experiments on you and you physical as well as chemical build up, I will be able to assure you that people will not have the slightest indication of your presence. It may sound like a dishonest deal, but we will both bennefit from the exchange. So... what do you say, Mirror? Deal?" Leon asked, standing up. The scientist in him was raging now, seeing that if the alien agreed to the terms, Leon would have the first bit of access to alien research ever, not to mention the genetic and the physical building blocks to an alien being.

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[Felypsa]

The feeling he described seemed accurate enough…but there was something more than just that. Something somehow more base yet more wonderful at the same time. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she would investigate it personally. Mirror had never encountered limitation before, so she earnestly believed there was nothing in the world she couldn’t do. “It was chance, mere random happenstance, that brought me here,” she said. “I was not sure if I would stay. But one look into Somni’s mind and I knew I had to. I may not stay here forever. But I see no reason to risk the cold embrace of outer space again, not knowing what I will find next, when this seems like a perfectly acceptable place to make a home.”

She tried a smile, though Leon might notice it was nothing like the smiles the real Somni gave so easily. It was forced, the corners trembling awkwardly a bit, as if Mirror had not gotten the hang of the motion. “I think you sell your species too short, Leon. You are capable of a fascinating number of things, considering your natural limitations. As I say…the people I come from had imagination…but nothing like the imagination of humans. At least, as I have observed so far.”

He seemed to be giving himself authority over her, deciding what he would allow her to do, a notion which both impressed and amused her. He was confident, taking charge, but he was still inferior in her eyes. Of course, she would not mention this, aware that it would only result in unpleasant conflict. No human reacted well to condescension. Keeping her voice light, Mirror said, “That arrangement is acceptable to me, but I must warn you. It was curiosity that caused my original people to discover me in the first place; ironically, it was their curiosity that gave me the power that they became so afraid of. So if you have fears…you must be cautious of what you try to find in me. You may not like what you find.” She bowed her head. “Please do not misinterpret that as a threat. Simply a reminder that, sometimes, your own nature may be your worst enemy.”

She gave that weakened smile again. “Other than that obligatory caution, I see no reason why I should refuse. We do both benefit from this exchange.” She held out her hand. “I believe we should…officially ‘shake on it.’”

~

Meanwhile, upstairs, the Real Slim Shady—that is, Somni—stirred, coughing a bit as she woke up from the induced coma. Sitting up, she rubbed her head and found the note. After reading it, she stood up, her heart rate increasing. What was going on? Someone who looked exactly like her had knocked her out. With chloroform, a cheap imitation of Somni’s own power. She had to find Leon and tell him. Luckily, he wouldn’t be fooled by that imposter’s trick, since he knew the real her was taking a nap. But still, the intruder could have been some kind of…shapeshifter or something. Who knew?

Head still throbbing lightly, she opened her door and went down the stairs. “Where’s Leon?” she asked, turning and seeing Star pacing around, a dark look on her face. Star looked over at her and seemed to snarl. It was the original Somni, all right. That pathetic worried look on her face. “He’s in conference with our little intruder,” she replied shortly. That was all, because truly, as time stretched on, the more Star herself would worry, wanting to sneak into that room and make sure that their alien freak wasn’t pulling a fast one on her brother. Somni blinked and looked in the direction Star was looking at. Oh. He did say he was handling it, so…she supposed she would just have to trust him.

[Dark Strider]

Leon did indeed notice the smile, one that gave off different thoughts that were possibly going through her head. Leon carefully studied the creature, noting the particular way she stood and carried herself. Arrogance, a slight hint of it, came from the way she talked to Leon. It was plain that she thought herself a higher life form, as in particular way, she was. But, arrogance led to over confidence, a fatal move on anyone's or anything's part. Leon figured that she was noting the way he took charge, he even thought himself to be ridiculous, trying to command a being that was unlike himself, but like himself in many ways.

Leon stood, brushing back the hair that had fallen into his eyes. Annoying, Somni was going to give him edge for not keeping his hair at a manageable length. She had really taken a part of his life, an important one at that. Leon couldn't go a day without a smile when he thought of something the two of them did. Now, this alien came in and stole her form, pretending to be one of the people Leon cared the world about. He didn't trust this creature, but the possibility to study it and advance his own knowledge of different species was an un-mistakable opportunity. Leon, still at a confliction within himself, moved over and shook the creatures hand. "Sorry if I seemed to be quite straight forward. Things like this are once in a lifetime happenings, so I tend to take charge when thinks like this pop up. Now, before we head to the lab, I know that Alice, the woman in black, as you should know who she is. Somni should know her as Star. She's going to be intent on learning everything that happened in here. I don't want her to find out anything, but I know she's going to try and force the point. When we leave here for the lab, would you mind putting on a look that would throw her off. Nothing like obedience or anything, and nothing like affection, that would send her over the edge. She'd kill me if something like that happened." Leon said, turning and pushing in the chair.

Leon sighed and silently nodded his head, confirming everything that had just happened. He had struck a deal with an alien creature, who obviously looked down on Leon and the entire human race, probably signed a warrant for his advancement in knowledge, and was going to make sure that everything that they had discussed was kept silent. Alice would more then likely try and worm the info out of him some way or another, but Leon wouldn’t give in, not unless the life of someone he cared about was on the line. “One more thing, if you don’t mind. Would you be willing to change into… someone else. Its not that I find you ugly, its that it’s slightly confusing to have to tell which Somni I’m looking at. I can more then likely tell either way, but if from what we’ve discussed, you have the ability to change into whoever was in the memory of the person you copied. If you don’t mind, could you become someone inconspicuous? Or someone totally new. Created to your liking. It would simplify things greatly.” Leon said, turning to face the alien. Now that he had said that, Leon walked over to the door, opened it, and exited, re-entering the living room.

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[Felypsa]

They were in agreement, though Leon cautioned her that Star—yes, Mirror knew who that was, though, since she was limited to Somni’s memories, not her relationship to Leon—would want to know everything. It all came down to Leon wanting Mirror to change her image…not only to throw Star off, but also, because he felt uncomfortable with her taking the form of his lover. To that, Mirror could only give that jagged not-quite-smile. “I thought you would prefer this. After all, I do not have that ability of Somni’s to make people sleep at the first touch. It is not from her DNA.” She took a step toward him, and that smile changed, becoming somehow more…foxy was really the only way to describe it. “I wonder if you ever wanted to be with her and not be afraid of touching her…” She removed one glove, wiggling her fingers in a tiny wave. After a moment, she gave a short laugh. “Well. Let me know.”

But then her form did change, shimmering in that liquid form. She did select a female form, though somewhat more exotic, somewhat like an East Indian woman, with long straight black hair, and very light brown eyes, so light they were almost gold. She wore a simple tan robe with a golden headband. “I hope you find this satisfactory,” she commented.

[Dark Strider]

Sorry for the long wait. I've been writing this and re-writing it so that I thought it would come out perfect. And the fact that my life had gone to crud and back, all within a few days. In all honesty, I need to talk some more with people who I know will listen and give creditable advice. It helps me to think and to get things off of my chest. Anyway... enough of the melodramatic stuff. I'm back and ready to post.

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Leon only frowned deeper as he walked to the elevator. "This way." Leon said simply, happy that Mirror wasn't portraying Somni anymore, but at the same time, disturbed and a bit of something else. A part of Leon, deep deep down, was intrigued by the offer made by Mirror. Leon did indeed have powerful feelings for Somni, feelings he hadn't had for a long time. But, that also called to mind a particular thing that she had said. She knew, from somewhere, that Leon and Somni had feelings for each other, but when she stated that her ability to induce the sleeping power on people, that it came from an outside source. That was something that Leon was going to have to delve deeper into. -If Mirror did follow him, Leon pressed the button for the lab, the same lab that she had arrived in the crate the previous night from. The crate, by now, had been removed and the area prepped for normal work.

"If you wouldn't mind, please, sit here. Alice, not now. I'm working." Leon said, turning on different computers and setting out tools, much too busy to actually look up at his sister. She would more the definitely have followed the two of them, wanting to know everything she could about this alien. Leon was much to busy at the moment to have her snooping about, looking over his shoulder, asking her own questions and looking at Leon like he was a fool for taking this "creature" into his house. Once he was happy with the different equipment stations, Leon turned to Mirror. "First of all, I'm going to need a "blood" sample, or whatever it is you constitute as blood. Something that won't run off and become another kind of being. I need to be able to analyze it as well. That means being able to subject the sample to all kinds of tests, without it changing into a solid form." Leon explained, crossing his arms at Mirror. "It's a simple test to see what exactly you are made up of. I want to see the different isotopes in your genetic structure that allow you to do all the things you can do. Simple." Leon assured her.

If she allowed him the sample, Leon would be silently ecstatic. He would have to run a whole slue of different tests, symbiote tests, to see if the being took over the image and knowledge of the host, then leaving when it saw fit, if the abilities were replicable. These abilities would open all new kinds of scientific advances, as well as militaristic advances for Leon. Who knew, other then Mirror, what this could mean? Leon knew that if others learned of the research he was going to be doing, they would try everything to get in and steal as much as they could, and fill in the plot holes where they didn't have the data. Leon would need to be extra careful to encrypt the data and lock it away only where he knew it would be.

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