Arkham20.0

[2011-02-03 16::36:03] Doink: [DATE: JANUARY 11th, 2016]
[2011-02-03 16::37:24] Dmitriy_Platonov: In the middle of the day Henri receives a message on his phone. It is short. "I would like to talk to you, whenever you can.". It's from Dmitriy.
[2011-02-03 16::40:39] Henri_DEllaine: waits until the school day ends. He does, however, hurry back to Ward Hall. Not but a moment after he arrives, Dmitriy hears a wrap at his door. "You wanted to talk."
[2011-02-03 16::41:25] » Ichimura_Sawako left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 16::41:51] » Siege joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 16::41:55] » Jack_Dre joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 16::42:03] » Jack_Dre is now known as Ruru_Fields.
[2011-02-03 16::45:29] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Please come in." - the answer is immediate. It's the same Dmitriy's room, and it's clear that Dmitriy is enjoying a short moment of leisure. Jazz music plays very quietly, there's no documents and files on his table, and Dmitriy himself is holding a cup of coffee.
[2011-02-03 16::45:31] Dmitriy_Platonov:  There are some little interesting details too: like a blatantly new photo frame on a wall, an ugly statuette lying in shatters on the table, and a bottle of brande near Dmitriy's chair. "Hello, Henri. Take a seat."
[2011-02-03 16::47:54] Henri_DEllaine: sits down, confused at the utterly manic swing the office seems to have taken. His eyes dart to the new furnishings, attempting to see the subject of the photo or guess what in the hell the smashed statuette is... he vaguely recognizes it. Maybe Dmitriy accidentally broke it. "So... what did you want to talk about?"
[2011-02-03 16::51:51] » BLASTPHONETIME joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 16::51:58] BLASTPHONETIME: Ugh
[2011-02-03 16::52:15] BLASTPHONETIME: My internet has died
[2011-02-03 16::52:43] Dmitriy_Platonov: It's the same old photo of young Dmitriy dressed in camouflage holding a Kalashnikov. "It's... complicated. Well, I guess that I will start from rather pleasant news..." - are there any sarcastic undertones? Maybe they are there. - "I did some investigations about Cassilda Castaigne. And I can tell you..." - he pauses and speaks as quoting someone - "Don't worry about it."
[2011-02-03 16::55:11] Henri_DEllaine: leans forward, very invested. The fact that Dmitriy even called him in to tell him that means he's making progress. "Why not?"
[2011-02-03 16::55:47] » Blost joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 16::56:17] » BLASTPHONETIME left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 16::56:24] Blost: Ughhh
[2011-02-03 16::56:36] Blost: This is retarded
[2011-02-03 16::56:52] Dmitriy_Platonov: not using ooc channel is retarded
[2011-02-03 16::57:13] Blost: My internet has died
[2011-02-03 16::57:20] Blost: Wait up
[2011-02-03 16::57:29] Blost: I'm fixing it
[2011-02-03 16::57:45] Doink: fix it not in IC chat pls
[2011-02-03 16::58:11] Blost: Invite pls
[2011-02-03 16::59:59] Dmitriy_Platonov: "That interested me too." - Dmitriy leans forward too. - "But I received no answers on that. Despite the source of information being rather trustworthy... or so I thought. Basically, what am I saying is that I currently have only one person I can trust completely. And this person is you. You have fighting resolve and you understand that things are... more complicated than they appear to be."
[2011-02-03 17::03:07] Henri_DEllaine: "Well... thank you, Dmitriy. That really means a lot. I'll try not to worry about Cassilda unless she rears her head again." Henri sits back again, but his relaxation flies again as he remembers how the commander opened this conversation. "What's the bad news, then?"
[2011-02-03 17::08:30] Dmitriy_Platonov: thinks for a moment. "Well, none I know about. That is the only reason why I can have some sleep and rest. But I don't think that we have a lot of time to rest. Something will happen again and again and again...
[2011-02-03 17::08:31] Dmitriy_Platonov: So I need someone to trust, someone to rely upon. The problem is, that I don't know how to repay for that. I don't know that much, and a lot of things that I know are better left known to as little number of people as possible."
[2011-02-03 17::12:32] Henri_DEllaine: "You don't need to repay me, sir." Henri runs a hand through his hair. "As much I'd like to know what you've been hiding from me, I can't just extort it out of you. As much as I don't trust Nerv, as much as this whole ordeal scares the life out of me... it's what I'm here to do. It's what I want to do. You've repayed my being a good pilot with your being a good commander."
[2011-02-03 17::17:22] Dmitriy_Platonov: "I'm pleased to hear that." - Dmitriy nods. - "But, anyway. If you'll see or know something strange, or disturbing, or suspicious, don't hesitate to tell me. No matter how minor will that be. And if you'll have a question, which you really would like to know an answer to, I will probably the best candidate to ask it. I'll try to produce an answer." ...
[2011-02-03 17::17:24] Dmitriy_Platonov: He pauses for a moment. - "How is your... hallucination issue? Better or worse?"
[2011-02-03 17::18:04] Henri_DEllaine: "It... hasn't come up. Not since the last one appeared."
[2011-02-03 17::20:39] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Good. Some things can just go away... and that will be the best possible outcome. By the way, do you know anything about Ruru's attitude towards... Cassilda?"
[2011-02-03 17::21:16] » BLASTPHONETIME joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 17::21:20] » BLASTPHONETIME left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 17::22:12] » Blost left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 17::24:39] Henri_DEllaine: scratches his head. "I don't think she thinks of her more than anyone else outside of us. Just another person she can take advantage of for the cause... Unlike Kaz and I, her talk with her apparently went fairly normally. Who knows. She is strong willed, after all."
[2011-02-03 17::27:46] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Strong-willed, but unstable and egoistical." - Dmitriy half-smiles. - "She threatened me with going to Cassilda for help. And possible outcome of such cooperation... I think it won't be pleasant." - he sighs. - "How is Kaz going after that... incident? Is he holding a grudge?"
[2011-02-03 17::30:32] Henri_DEllaine: sighs. "Of course. And the fact that she stole his shot isn't even crossing his mind, he really is enraged over the recklessness of it all. And rightfully so..." Stares at the ground for a second. "She really does have the group's survival at the heart of what she does, right?"
[2011-02-03 17::33:33] Dmitriy_Platonov: frowns. "She thinks so. But... you see how it works out. And yet we must hold the entire group together. Including Mia, Ruru and Kaz. Do you have any ideas about how to bond your team together? Or how to reward you for your good work?"
[2011-02-03 17::35:21] » Blast joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 17::38:54] Henri_DEllaine: "Hm... Mia just needs more time in the cockpit, and she'll be fine. She's eccentric but she's only had one real battle to prove herself, and she did quite well then. Kaz... will come around... But Ruru? I don't even know what that girl wants from me, let alone from everyone else, for her to work as a team."
[2011-02-03 17::41:23] Dmitriy_Platonov: "She wants to be the very best and praised. While failing to actually living up to that goal. I think the best option we have is not to encourage and pamper her, but do it really lightly. Maybe she will get better, more reasonable."
[2011-02-03 17::44:11] Henri_DEllaine: groans. "This is why I have absolutely no desire to command... Is there anything you think John or I could do in particular?"
[2011-02-03 17::44:59] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Just continue being competent and responsible, as you were before." - Dmitriy smiles.
[2011-02-03 17::49:36] Henri_DEllaine: "Well, I'll certainly try... So, is there anything else?"
[2011-02-03 17::51:36] Dmitriy_Platonov: "I don't think so. Maybe if you can tell Kaz that his opinion on Ruru's actions is completely shared by me, it would be good. I really don't want Kaz to think that it went unnoted, and that his work is not appreciated."
[2011-02-03 17::54:36] Henri_DEllaine: "I'll pass it along." Henri stands up and gives halfway between a bow and a nod before heading for the door. "Thank you for what transparency you've given, sir."
[2011-02-03 17::56:10] Dmitriy_Platonov: "I will try to not disappoint you in future. Good luck."
[2011-02-03 17::58:20] Doink: [END SESSION]
[2011-02-03 17::59:10] » Blast is now known as Mia_al-Misiri.
[2011-02-03 17::59:21] » Siege is now known as Kazimir_Prochazka.
[2011-02-03 17::59:53] Doink: [DATE: JANUARY 15th, 2016]
[2011-02-03 18::00:33] Doink: [LOCATION: NERV AMPHITHEATER, ARKHAM CITY, MASS.]
[2011-02-03 18::03:01] Doink: Even NERV's information control teams, some of the best in the entire world, couldn't cover up a mile-wide ball of flame hovering in orbit.
[2011-02-03 18::04:32] Doink: Finally caving to pressure from media and governmental groups the world over, NERV has prepared a press conference to publicly address this most recent avatar, and to assure them of its destruction.
[2011-02-03 18::05:55] Doink: In order to distract the public from asking too many questions about this, PR has decided that this would be the best opportunity to announce that the Pilots will, for the first time, be on hand to answer questions themselves.
[2011-02-03 18::09:15] Doink: So today, you find yourself in the balmy Arkham City, hundreds of feet below the snow, sitting on stage in an "outdoor" amphitheater. The pilots on the left, Dmitriy on the right along with Commander Carter and Subcommander Reeds. Thomas White, PR liaison, stands ahead of everyone at a podium, as groups of reporters file in out of the multiple levels of security checkpoints into the seating area.
[2011-02-03 18::10:44] Doink: It's not a very large crowd, but its certainly larger than any you've dealt with before. The reporters are about an even mix of older, hard-looking reporters for major networks and younger, casually-dressed journalists from magazines and blogs. It's pretty easy to tell who is here for what.
[2011-02-03 18::10:47] » Mia_al-Misiri left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::14:07] Henri_DEllaine: shuffles in his seat a little. "I've... certainly never dealt with a press release before."
[2011-02-03 18::15:26] Dmitriy_Platonov: is separated from pilots, and thus not able to control them. It certainly fills his heart with dread. No way it's going to end well. And yet he must keep his impeccable outlook and a polite charming smile.
[2011-02-03 18::16:11] Ruru_Fields: flicks her bangs out of the way with a smirk, easing them into place tp curl about an ear with a smirk. "I expect this to be simple and flawless. I'll just irect all of the attention to me and the rest of you can just deign not to comment."
[2011-02-03 18::16:18] » Anti-Goth joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::18:18] Doink: Carter seems as neurotic as ever, sitting rigidly in his chair. Reeds is impassive. "Don't worry," he says quietly. "We've vetted every reporter here. They know what questions not to ask. Otherwise they wouldn't be here."
[2011-02-03 18::19:59] Dmitriy_Platonov: "I expected no less from our security." - Dmitriy replies, without getting a smile of his face.
[2011-02-03 18::20:18] » Mia_al-Misiri joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::21:48] Doink: The reporters finish filing in, and the murmurs of conversation die down as White steps up to the podium.
[2011-02-03 18::23:11] Doink: White: "We will begin this press conference with NERV's official statement regarding the anomaly which appeared on January first."
[2011-02-03 18::25:58] Doink: White: "At midnight on January first, an anomaly, similar to the ones which had previously attempted to assault the city of Arkham, appeared in low-earth orbit directly above NERV airspace. It maintained that position for several days, during which it was visible during the daylight hours in the eastern portion of the North American Union and throughout the Northern Hemisphere during the night."
[2011-02-03 18::26:39] » Henri_DEllaine left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::26:50] » Henri_DEllaine joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::26:51] » Henri_DEllaine left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::27:23] » Henri_DEllaine joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 18::28:57] Doink: White: "Thanks to the combined efforts of NERV's Research and Development division and our Evangelion Pilots, a solution was developed to force the anomaly from orbit, and it was successfully neutralized several days later, with minimal damage to Arkham infrastructure."
[2011-02-03 18::29:25] Mia_al-Misiri: sits quietly because she was told to sit quietly and nobody has managed to distract her from her objective yet. Though it's a bit hard and boring!
[2011-02-03 18::32:22] Doink: White: "This concludes NERV's official statement on the matter. We will now take questions."
[2011-02-03 18::32:45] Doink: Hands shoot up all over the amphitheater.
[2011-02-03 18::32:53] Dmitriy_Platonov: inhales, bracing to the impact.
[2011-02-03 18::33:18] Henri_DEllaine: puts on his press face.
[2011-02-03 18::35:46] Doink: White selects the first reporter, a stern, official-looking man. "Can you shed some light on the claims being made that this 'anomaly' had some other purpose besides assaulting NERV? The radio transmissions and so-forth."
[2011-02-03 18::39:02] Doink: White smiles. "NERV has, of course, investigated all reports of incidents relating to the recent anomaly. Even then more... outlandish ones. We have yet to find any evidence that the various transmissions which emanated from the anomaly where merely a result of its structure, and not evidence of any particular purpose. Any cases of "Night Madness" were merely the result of stressed individuals reacting negatively to the strangeness of the anomaly."
[2011-02-03 18::40:42] Doink: This seems to placate the large majority of the reporters. White selects another, a younger woman near the front. "May I address the pilots? I'm sure most people here would like to know a little more about them."
[2011-02-03 18::40:54] Doink: White nods.
[2011-02-03 18::41:34] Mia_al-Misiri: looks up from her lap, scanning the audience, looking a little confused
[2011-02-03 18::42:56] Doink: The woman turns towards the pilots on stage. "Well then... I guess we'll start with the general. It's common knowledge that you all attend the quite prestigious Miskatonic Academy, along with your duties as Evangelion pilots. What's it like, balancing the two?"
[2011-02-03 18::43:24] Ruru_Fields: steps forward with a smile.
[2011-02-03 18::43:32] Mia_al-Misiri: "It's okay!"
[2011-02-03 18::43:37] Mia_al-Misiri: shouts back immediately.
[2011-02-03 18::43:56] Mia_al-Misiri: smiles and waves back at the woman.
[2011-02-03 18::44:27] Doink: There are murmurs of amusement from the crowd. The woman smiles.
[2011-02-03 18::45:09] Ruru_Fields: "Oh it's all very easy, NERV gives us the very best support we need for training both as pilots and as students. I am a straight A student myself and have made use of our organizations provided tutors to keep such a rigorous academic record. Really I spend more time on school than on piloting."
[2011-02-03 18::46:24] Mia_al-Misiri: looks to Henri for approval of her response.
[2011-02-03 18::46:27] Kazimir_Prochazka: continues holding his pose: arms crossed, face nondescript. Ruru does not seem to visually phase him.
[2011-02-03 18::47:04] Henri_DEllaine: gives Mia a smile and a nod before leaning over towards Kaz. "Someone's certainly laying it on, oui?"
[2011-02-03 18::47:25] Mia_al-Misiri: beams back at the crowd.
[2011-02-03 18::48:01] Dmitriy_Platonov: could have expected worse start. But he doesn't relax. Something will happen. Ruru can't hold them off forever.
[2011-02-03 18::48:02] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Yeah."
[2011-02-03 18::48:54] Doink: She nods, seeming satisfied. Another reporter stands. "Again, for the pilots. I know you all come from very different backgrounds, but you seem to be able to function well as a team. Did that come naturally? Did NERV give you any particular military-style training?"
[2011-02-03 18::49:11] Mia_al-Misiri: grins again.
[2011-02-03 18::49:12] Mia_al-Misiri: "No!"
[2011-02-03 18::49:22] Mia_al-Misiri: waves at the woman again.
[2011-02-03 18::50:15] Henri_DEllaine: stands up. "Some of us have been with Nerv for much longer and have recieved much more training, but we are all exceedingly well trained for the roles we fill."
[2011-02-03 18::51:04] Ruru_Fields: "And a lot of it is just natural!" She grins and twinkles. "We've worked will since the first encounter. Everything just seemed to fit."
[2011-02-03 18::51:48] Mia_al-Misiri: stops smiling and looks confused again at Ruru's massive lie
[2011-02-03 18::51:57] Kazimir_Prochazka: turns his stone-faced demeanor into a subtle glare as he watches Ruru speak.
[2011-02-03 18::52:01] Mia_al-Misiri: 's expression drops hugely as a result.
[2011-02-03 18::52:13] Dmitriy_Platonov: raises a hand in a laid-back manner, as if he wants to make an addition.
[2011-02-03 18::52:17] Ruru_Fields: grins right into Kaz's eyes.
[2011-02-03 18::52:44] Henri_DEllaine: does his best to keep a straight face after Ruru's addition.
[2011-02-03 18::54:53] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Just to make it clear, ladies and gentlemen. We do train them, but it isn't military-style training. No drill sergeants are involved." - Dmitriy smiles. - "We try to build willing collaboration, not a order-based strict vertical structure in this case."
[2011-02-03 18::55:35] Doink: Another stands. "This one is for the Command staff. There's been talk in the UN of extending NERV's extra-national powers outside of the Arkham Autonomous Zone. Is this true, and if so, how do you answer allegations that this would provide effectively give a paramilitary organization authority to operate in any territory without any form of oversight?"
[2011-02-03 18::56:37] Mia_al-Misiri: inhales to speak but then realises she isn't actually command staff
[2011-02-03 18::56:51] Kazimir_Prochazka: cocks an eyebrow before leaning to Henri. "What's all this about?"
[2011-02-03 18::58:07] Henri_DEllaine: "Sounds like political red tape stuff... Maybe they're worried about intercepting one of those things outside of Arkham. I mean... imagine if it showed up in Canada or something."
[2011-02-03 18::58:47] Doink: Commander Reed's impressive frown deepens. White immediately steps in. "Our mandate is to protect the world from external threats, and this of course requires us to have a certain degree of flexibility. As NERV is under the UN's jurisdiction, we would of course accept any decision made by the Security Council, and no matter what authority we are given, we always ultimately answer to the UN, and therefore the public in general."
[2011-02-03 18::58:48] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Or the middle east?", spoken with a grin.
[2011-02-03 18::59:58] Henri_DEllaine: gives Kaz a look before turning back to the crowd.
[2011-02-03 19::00:30] Doink: This sends a murmur through the assembled reporters. White selects another reporter—a less serious-looking one this time.
[2011-02-03 19::03:10] Doink: "You kids are aware of your celebrity status, I'm sure," a young woman asks. "Do you find that people treat you any differently, knowing that you're /the/ Evangelion pilots?"
[2011-02-03 19::03:47] Henri_DEllaine: "No, not especially. There's a degree of respect and whispering, but we're not treated much different."
[2011-02-03 19::05:02] Mia_al-Misiri: shouts.
[2011-02-03 19::05:04] Mia_al-Misiri: "Yes!"
[2011-02-03 19::05:55] Kazimir_Prochazka: facepalms
[2011-02-03 19::06:34] Doink: The reporters at the front laugh. "We're getting contradicting reports," the woman says. "You can't tell me you haven't been affected at all by this. No fans? No... special admirers?"
[2011-02-03 19::07:37] Mia_al-Misiri: "I have one!"
[2011-02-03 19::07:55] Henri_DEllaine: runs a finger, curling some hear behind his ear. "No admirers we didn't have before we were put in the spot light."
[2011-02-03 19::08:46] Kazimir_Prochazka: gives Henri a pat on the shoulder in affirmation before adding "Big robots are like sports cars. It'll catch eyes, but you don't get the girls by just having that."
[2011-02-03 19::09:12] Kazimir_Prochazka: then tries his best to ooze back into his seat and out of the conversation, although with a bit more of a smile on his face.
[2011-02-03 19::09:50] Doink: You get an appreciative laugh from the audience. Obviously a quotable moment.
[2011-02-03 19::10:41] Ruru_Fields: "I would say that if we do get treated differently it is on account of our service, not any fame."
[2011-02-03 19::13:19] Doink: She nods, seeming satisfied. Another reporter stands. "So far, despite constantly mentioning new scientific breakthroughs, NERV has held all technologies it's developed very close to the chest, so to speak. When can we expect to see some of this research finding civilian use?"
[2011-02-03 19::17:41] Doink: White: "Like all new technology, it takes some time for certain uses to become apparent, and naturally NERV must focus on pushing our technology towards our particular needs, even if at the expense of potential everyday useage. However, we /do/ contract a certain amount of manufacturing work to outside companies, and they have liscenced certain technologies we have created here at NERV for other uses. Unfortunately, there aren't all that many uses for ten foot tall knee joints in civilian tech..." This gets a polite laugh from the audience.
[2011-02-03 19::19:58] » Mia_al-Misiri left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 19::22:04] Doink: Another reporter stands in the middle of the crowd. "As was brought up before, the Pilot team is a very varied mix of children. We've been told that the Evangelion system requires children below a certain age in order to operate them, but can you shed any light on the particular reason these children were chosen?"
[2011-02-03 19::25:35] Kazimir_Prochazka: leans over to Henri at this and quietly adds: "Good question..."
[2011-02-03 19::25:35] » Mia_al-Misiri joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 19::27:34] Henri_DEllaine: "I'd think you, I, and Ruru's selection is rather obvious given our skills, but there's always been the question of Mia... Even John..."
[2011-02-03 19::28:18] Dmitriy_Platonov: "To properly answer this question, we would need to hold a week-long scientific lecture with maths and graphics." - Dmitriy smiles. - "But, in layman's terms... There are only few children that are able to pilot. So we need to find them and distribute them according to their skills and compatibility to particular Evangelions. It is a game of making matches."
[2011-02-03 19::28:36] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Huh."
[2011-02-03 19::31:04] Mia_al-Misiri: speaks, rather than shouts, to Henri.
[2011-02-03 19::31:07] Mia_al-Misiri: "What do you mean?"
[2011-02-03 19::31:14] Mia_al-Misiri: sounds almost upset.
[2011-02-03 19::31:18] Doink: "Really? It must be an incredibly rare thing, seeing as you were forced to take this particular group." The reporter is still standing.
[2011-02-03 19::32:29] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Are you... questioning our group, sir? I, as their direct supervisor, have no complaints. Can you elaborate about your doubts, please?"
[2011-02-03 19::33:14] Doink: "Two of your pilots are related to well-known criminal or terrorist organizations! One was an abuse victim! And the other two—" his microphone cuts out, but he continues to yell over the crowd. "The other two don't even seem to have histories at all! How do you explain this?!"
[2011-02-03 19::34:00] Kazimir_Prochazka: goes white.
[2011-02-03 19::34:04] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Fuck."
[2011-02-03 19::34:24] Henri_DEllaine: Leans over to Mia, but before he can even respond his mouth just drops agape.
[2011-02-03 19::34:48] Doink: The assembled reporter's whispers have increased almost to an uproar. From your place on the stage, you can see plain-clothes agents working their way through the crowds towards this man, still shouting, his voice now drowned out amidst the chaos.
[2011-02-03 19::35:29] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Silence, please! If you want this question answered, everyone calm down and listen to me!" - Dmitriy finally stands up.
[2011-02-03 19::35:48] Kazimir_Prochazka: "You know, I really was enjoying having a normal-ish life.
[2011-02-03 19::36:11] Henri_DEllaine: is still speachless.
[2011-02-03 19::37:27] Ruru_Fields: taps her chin and tugs on Dmitriy's jacket.
[2011-02-03 19::37:49] Doink: Only half the crowd seems to notice Dmitry. The other half is occupied with the reporter, now slumped over, being dragged out of the arena by the agents.
[2011-02-03 19::38:03] Ruru_Fields: "I can fix this, if you want me to." She subvocalizes out of the mic range.
[2011-02-03 19::38:33] Mia_al-Misiri: talks to Henri again, fairly calmly.
[2011-02-03 19::38:35] Mia_al-Misiri: "What did he say?2
[2011-02-03 19::41:02] Henri_DEllaine: is starting to recover from the shock. "He... asked about things we've all tried very hard to hide."
[2011-02-03 19::41:12] Dmitriy_Platonov: "Wait a second" - Dmitriy whispers in Ruru's direction and proceeds. - "You are asking such questions, hoping for a sensation, but have you thought what your dirty gossips and half-truths will do to those people, those children, who protect you and your life?! Where's your respect for privacy and their rights? I find this desire to run through dirty laundry disgusting."
[2011-02-03 19::41:15] Dmitriy_Platonov: He sits down and makes a small gesture to Ruru.
[2011-02-03 19::42:03] » Mia_al-Misiri left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 19::42:06] Ruru_Fields: stands up and clears her throat. "I have a direct answer to that, if everyone would be quiet and would allow me, a pilot, one of the people in question to make a comment."
[2011-02-03 19::43:05] Doink: The crowd finally begins to die down.
[2011-02-03 19::47:12] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Oh god. Ruru's in front of a camera and speaking. We're doomed."
[2011-02-03 19::47:19] » Mia_al-Misiri joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 19::47:55] Henri_DEllaine: "You really think anyone besides her can pull us out of this?"
[2011-02-03 19::48:15] Ruru_Fields: "It is a fact of life that we live in a post-Impact world. Tragedy, injustice, and accidents abound. My family..." She sniffs a bit, purposefully. "My family was the victim of just such. When NERV came to recruit me I was living in what was once a juvinile detentionfacility, where they put orphans. Surely you've heard of such facilities. There aren't enough families to go around anymore." (cont)
[2011-02-03 19::49:27] » Dmitriy_Platonov left the chat room.
[2011-02-03 19::49:27] Kazimir_Prochazka: "I don't think this is her pulling us out. This is her drawing them in. She's going to make the world watch us like vultures."
[2011-02-03 19::50:03] Kazimir_Prochazka: leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. "I think I'll just have to give up hiding my skeletons then."
[2011-02-03 19::50:25] Ruru_Fields: She whipes at the corner of her eye. "I was in a dead end, with no hope, and NERV gave me a second chance. Think about the world, all the stories that aren't so lucky. Well my fellow pilots all have stories like this, that's my generation. We weren't given choices, options, hope..." She lets that hang in the air for a momment. "So when NERV came to us and offered us a second chance, a chance to
[2011-02-03 19::52:14] Ruru_Fields: Be more, a chance to be a part of something good, to save the world. Well on't you think it's only right that we're the disperate castoffs of this post-impact world that we are inheriting? Don't you think there are plenty of kids out there with no records, kids who got caught up in things they didn't understand, pressured by adults, pressured by society, pressured by the need to survive..."
[2011-02-03 19::52:30] » Thinik joined the chat room.
[2011-02-03 19::53:00] » Thinik is now known as Dmitriy_Platonov.
[2011-02-03 19::53:49] Ruru_Fields: She's openly crying by this point. "Isn't giving us a second chance the least that could happen? Isn't letting us do -good- the only thing that matters? Aren't we just ki-" She chokes up. "Sorry." And she stumbles back off the podium to her seat.
[2011-02-03 19::54:35] Kazimir_Prochazka: looks at Ruru as she sits. No particular emotion is on his face.
[2011-02-03 19::55:52] Doink: Whisper are racing around the gathered crowd. White takes this opportunity to seize the podium. "I think that's enough for today, everyone. Thank you all for coming, any additional questions can be routed through the normal NERV PR channels."
[2011-02-03 19::56:36] Doink: He turns his back to the crowd and, finally, his eternal smile drops just a little bit. "Well that was a disaster," he says quietly.
[2011-02-03 19::57:09] Mia_al-Misiri: pouts a little bit, disappointed.
[2011-02-03 19::57:14] Mia_al-Misiri: "That was going to be fun..."
[2011-02-03 19::57:18] Kazimir_Prochazka: raises his hand a bit before speaking:
[2011-02-03 19::57:28] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Is there any way I can avoid coming to these again? Ever?"
[2011-02-03 19::57:47] Mia_al-Misiri: turns to him, almost in despair.
[2011-02-03 19::57:50] Mia_al-Misiri: "Whyy?"
[2011-02-03 19::58:36] Doink: "It won't happen again." Carter is getting to his feet. "This was a terrible decision, White."
[2011-02-03 19::58:44] Doink: He exits briskly.
[2011-02-03 19::58:51] Kazimir_Prochazka: ignores Mia, but instead speaks to no one in particular: "I don't really want my dirty laundry drawn out into the open again. I tried to avoid this in Britain too."
[2011-02-03 19::59:15] Dmitriy_Platonov: has a stone-faced expression. Nothing can be changed at this point. "Pilots, follow me, please." - he gets up and goes after Carter. - "We are leaving."
[2011-02-03 19::59:46] Mia_al-Misiri: looks to Henri again, still saddened, not knowing really what to do.
[2011-02-03 20::00:01] Kazimir_Prochazka: gets up and begins to move out.
[2011-02-03 20::00:12] Henri_DEllaine: puts his head in his hands, rubbing his face. At Dmitriy's insistence, he stands and extends a hand to Mia. "Come on, we can talk about all of this when we're out of here."
[2011-02-03 20::00:13] Doink: Reeds gets to his feet as well. "Director. We will begin interrogation in an hour, if you would like to be present." He then exits as well.
[2011-02-03 20::00:24] Doink: White is left standing nervously by the podium.
[2011-02-03 20::00:51] Mia_al-Misiri: takes it quietly, standing up, radiating misery, shoulders heavily slumped.
[2011-02-03 20::01:04] Henri_DEllaine: leads Mia out with the other pilots.
[2011-02-03 20::02:51] Kazimir_Prochazka: takes a glance back at Ruru to see if her expression has gone from melancholy incarnate to a victorious grin yet.
[2011-02-03 20::07:49] Ruru_Fields: moves up to White before she leaves and says. "For what it's worth, I think you prepared just as much as you could have." And then returns to catch up to Dmitriy, waiting till she's well out of the room before giving a giggle.
[2011-02-03 20::08:37] Dmitriy_Platonov: holds back for a little, as if to herd pilots from behind, but actually to talk to White. He has not so much to say, but it's better than nothing. "Mr. White, we've lost only a battle. Not a campaign. We need to prepare a cover-up, and decide how to use that reporter in future. Twisting facts, playing the better aspects.
[2011-02-03 20::08:37] Dmitriy_Platonov: I think you know how to do your work, so I hope we'll all get through this."
[2011-02-03 20::10:20] Doink: "Er, yes, of course. We'll do everything we can." White seems to pull himself back together a bit.
[2011-02-03 20::11:55] Dmitriy_Platonov: "I'm counting on you. It really went better than I expected before that. Goddamnit. I'm sorry, I must go now. Good luck." - And Dmitriy hurries after the pilots.
[2011-02-03 20::12:30] Doink: [SCENE CHANGE]
[2011-02-03 20::14:13] Doink: Back at Ward Hall...
[2011-02-03 20::14:48] Ruru_Fields: waits till she gets inside then cackles, bee-line for the fridge.
[2011-02-03 20::16:04] Henri_DEllaine: is still leading Mia as they enter the hall, but he soon lets go to careen face first into one of the couches in the living room. He's practically white as a sheet.
[2011-02-03 20::16:40] Mia_al-Misiri: has cheered up. She stands over him.
[2011-02-03 20::16:44] Mia_al-Misiri: "What is it?"
[2011-02-03 20::17:12] Kazimir_Prochazka: walks by Henri and offers up a cigarette. "De-stressifier?"
[2011-02-03 20::18:20] Henri_DEllaine: sits back up, taking the cigarette immediately lighting it. "I'd... just rather not think about it..."
[2011-02-03 20::18:21] Mia_al-Misiri: smiles up at Kaz.
[2011-02-03 20::18:24] Mia_al-Misiri: "No thankyou!"
[2011-02-03 20::19:47] Ruru_Fields: rummages around for a bit and comes back with her scarf undone and cracks open a caffinated beverage,
[2011-02-03 20::20:15] Ruru_Fields: "So, was I awesome, or was I superb? It's okay, you don't have to answer." She drinks deeply.
[2011-02-03 20::20:35] Kazimir_Prochazka: lights his cigarette, following Henri's disregard for not smoking indoors before speaking flatly:
[2011-02-03 20::20:44] Kazimir_Prochazka: "My name is Ruru Fields and I'd like to thank the academy..."
[2011-02-03 20::20:53] Henri_DEllaine: Just drags on the cigarette, his hand shaking a little.
[2011-02-03 20::21:12] Ruru_Fields: peals a happy golden bell of laugher at that.
[2011-02-03 20::21:22] Ruru_Fields: "Shame on you, flatterer, I'm not -hat- good."
[2011-02-03 20::22:06] Mia_al-Misiri: looks at her, very very confused.
[2011-02-03 20::22:11] Mia_al-Misiri: "What is hat good?"
[2011-02-03 20::22:53] Kazimir_Prochazka: "Right."
[2011-02-03 20::23:13] Kazimir_Prochazka: puncuates himself with a long drag of the cigarette before walking outside.
[2011-02-03 20::23:45] Ruru_Fields: "Hat trick, don't you know the turn of phrase?"
[2011-02-03 20::23:57] Mia_al-Misiri: "No!"
[2011-02-03 20::23:59] Mia_al-Misiri: smiles.
[2011-02-03 20::24:14] Ruru_Fields: "Just more proof you're not really a person."
[2011-02-03 20::24:28] Ruru_Fields: smiles pleasantly and takes another sip of her drink.
[2011-02-03 20::24:47] Mia_al-Misiri: just looks confused again.
[2011-02-03 20::27:27] Henri_DEllaine: flicks the finished cigarette onto the coffee table and stands abrubtly. "Jesus Christ, Haru, do you think about anyone but yourself? I realize you just pulled our asses out of the fire, but can you empathize with the rest of us for five seconds? This isn't a god damn game. Mia is a god damn person. You needlessly antagonize everyone. You're not a team player and everything you've been saying about looking out for the rest of us
[2011-02-03 20::27:28] Henri_DEllaine: horse shit."
[2011-02-03 20::29:19] Mia_al-Misiri: stares at Ruru for a moment longer, then her eyes widen.
[2011-02-03 20::29:20] Ruru_Fields: raises a brow at that.
[2011-02-03 20::29:26] Mia_al-Misiri: "Oh, that! Yes."
[2011-02-03 20::30:21] Henri_DEllaine: "What you're just going to sit there and stare at me? Why don't you quip some more you damned braggart."
[2011-02-03 20::30:54] Ruru_Fields: "Et tu Henri? You going to act like Dmitriy and chastise me for success? I'm -sorry- if I insult you with my very prsence but I did good and looked out for everyone, I could have left out the bit about kids without official identities but I even wrapped Mia in my blanket of symppathy."
[2011-02-03 20::31:56] Ruru_Fields: "But no, just never good enough for you is it?" She sips her soda. "Why should I keep bothering, I could have just handed them all the little fractious details and spun it all to make me look like a saint."
[2011-02-03 20::39:11] Henri_DEllaine: "You don't get it. You're not apart of the team, you're just an opportunist sitting by and waiting. We slug it out with those things and then you jump ontop of us to take the last shot. We get our dirty laundry aired to the public, and not just things that are painful for us but things that complicate everything, and all you do is brag about how you turned it around. We're furniture to you. Don't you even want to know which one of us was
[2011-02-03 20::39:11] Henri_DEllaine: terrorist? The criminal? Or even why? No, you walk in here giggling and expect us to praise you for something you did for your own satisfaction, not to help anyone."
[2011-02-03 20::39:44] Kazimir_Prochazka: enters back in, hearing the tail end of this conversation.
[2011-02-03 20::40:12] Kazimir_Prochazka: quietly sits somewhere on the edge of the room watching the exchange.
[2011-02-03 20::44:50] Ruru_Fields: makes duckface at Henri then takes another sip. "There -is- no team, first off, stop pretending like there is. Maybe you boys have all come to some unknowable man-agreement but seriously? It's tiring. You know what? I -don't- know who theterrorist is, I don'tknow who the criminal is and you know what? Whomever it is isn't doing that shit today! You want me to judge you based on where you
[2011-02-03 20::45:33] Mia_al-Misiri: protests.
[2011-02-03 20::45:37] Mia_al-Misiri: "But there is a team!"
[2011-02-03 20::45:46] Mia_al-Misiri: stomps her foot a little bit.
[2011-02-03 20::46:59] Ruru_Fields: come from and what you've done? That sounds bass ackward from how people normally like to be treated. I fired at the target to the best of my ability and the best of my ability just also -happened- to be enough to permanently defeat the enemy. Because of me people will look at you like a pilot and not a whatever, shouldn't you be happy about that?"
[2011-02-03 20::49:45] Kazimir_Prochazka: calmly enjoys watching his fellow pilots rise up against Ruru, if only to put her in her place. He smiles and continues watching.
[2011-02-03 21::04:27] Henri_DEllaine: fingernails dig into his palms. "She doesn't understand and she never will," he thinks as he storms off into the kitchen, kicking over the coffee table as he goes in utter frustration.