#NervSiberia
Episode 09

[19:36] <@Night10194> Alright...today, then, shall be a tour of the research building. Or at least, the parts they're willing to show to the Pilots and their OD.
[19:38] <@Night10194> As well as some primers on EVA science!
[19:38] <@Night10194> Almost everything you learn will likely be a lie!
[19:39] <@Night10194> Miko shall still be in testing, for the moment, as her existence in the story remains in flux, and Griet...well...don't get too close. Griet has the horrible stomach virus that is 'My Player Isn't Present'.
[19:40] <ElsaFaustus> The greatest killer of PCs.  Far more than anything the DM does.
[19:41] <@Night10194> Say...what day is Valentine's Day?'
[19:41] <ElsaFaustus> Feb 14.
[19:42] <@Night10194> Should probably do something on that day, I suppose...So we'll TM for 4 weeks worth, to take you guys to February 12th.
[19:42] <@Night10194> What's everyone working on?
[19:42] <Dostov> Physical training. Toughness.
[19:43] <ElsaFaustus> I'll try strength training, trying to fit in with the Russians.
[19:43] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya's going to keep it up with strength training as well.
[19:44] <@Night10194> Week 1... Dostov, 1 Success, Tanya, 1 Success, Elsa, 1 Success.
[19:44] <@Night10194> You two train strength by, I don't know, punching Dostov?
[19:44] <TanyaIvanova> With love! They're LOVE punches. :p
[19:45] <Dostov> How sweet. That makes the bruises ache less.
[19:45] <NathanielDurond> Uh. AG I think for me.
[19:45] <ElsaFaustus> Beats Tanya punching me.
[19:46] <Dostov> Does this mean he can hug them?
[19:46] <TanyaIvanova> Yes.
[19:46] <@Night10194> Sacre bleu! 3 successes for the Frenchman! Agi+1.
[19:46] <@Night10194> Next week?
[19:46] <Dostov> More toughness.
[19:46] <ElsaFaustus> Same.
[19:47] <TanyaIvanova> ditto.
[19:47] <NathanielDurond> lets go with per.
[19:48] <@Night10194> 2 Successes for Dostov, 1 Success for Elsa, 3 successes for Tanya, 2 successes for Duround, +1 Per!
[19:48] <@Night10194> Duround spends all week staring at eye charts, swearing silently at their power.
[19:49] <@Night10194> Week 3.
[19:49] <NathanielDurond> same thing again
[19:49] <ElsaFaustus> Keep at it, though I imagine Tanya might start bench-pressing me.
[19:49] <Dostov> Mooore toughness
[19:50] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya does not start bench-pressing Elsa. She does, however, keep at strength training. :p
[19:50] <Dostov> Dostov can lift 90kg, soon that'll go up
[19:50] <TanyaIvanova> she might try to bench-press Natasha...
[19:51] <@Night10194> Elsa: 2 Successes, +1 Str!
[19:52] <@Night10194> Dostov: 1 Success +1 Tough, I believe.
[19:52] <@Night10194> Duround: No successes. Le eyestrain!
[19:52] <@Night10194> Tanya: 3 Successes, +1 Str. GRRR!
[19:53] <@Night10194> Final Week before Research Tour and then possible Valentines Shenninagans.
[19:54] <Dostov> Agility! Practice by running away from the girls punching him.
[19:54] <TanyaIvanova> Ha – Tanya was going to work on Agi this week now anyway. NOW SHE HAS SOMEONE TO CHASE.
[19:54] <Dostov> Dostov is okay with this.
[19:55] <ElsaFaustus> I continue my disciplined strength regimen, watching the other two run in circles around her.
[19:55] <NathanielDurond> Same hing.
[19:55] <@Night10194> Tanya: 1 Success, Dostov: 2 Successes. Elsa: 2 successes, +1 Str! Duround: 2 Successes, +1 Per! Per now takes 3 successes!
[19:57] <@Night10194> Well done, pilots. You have now Trained Very Hard. Also gained 4 Time Surplus!
[19:57] <@Night10194> February 12, 2015.
[20:01] <@Night10194> Today, you have been informed that you will be touring Level 1, Clearance D and C sectors of the base's research facilities, in order to promote a better understanding of your Evangelion units. Did anyone buy any BUPs recently?
[20:08] <@Night10194> So, Pilots, who's excited to follow the Frenchman downstairs into the Basement?
[20:08] <ElsaFaustus> I am.
[20:08] <TanyaIvanova> TANYA IS.
[20:09] <Dostov> Well...it's something to do.
[20:09] <@Night10194> Griet calls in sick...possibly because she doesn't care for icky organs?
[20:10] <@Night10194> Any general lab-visitor-safety advice for your Pilots, Major?
[20:12] <NathanielDurond> "Pilots, we've been granted access so that you can understand your units better. That having been said, please remember to avoid touching things that should not be touched. If you are not sure if it should be touched, it should not be touched. And be sure to be polite to the nice men and women responsible for making sure your EVAs are in proper repair." Lecture over, Nathan smiles. "Well,
[20:12] <NathanielDurond> this should be fun."
[20:13] * Dostov shoves his hands into his hoodie pockets.
[20:14] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya nods. She hadn't been thinking of touching things, but now she's thinking about not touching them … and, by extension, touching them.
[20:14] <@Night10194> Ready to head down?
[20:14] <TanyaIvanova> mhm!
[20:15] <ElsaFaustus> Ja.  I stroll along behind the officer, adjusting my cap as we enter the restricted areas.
[20:15] <Dostov> Da.
[20:16] <@Night10194> Alright...EVA Biological Enhancement Bay D is a bustle of activity. Doctors, biologists, and simple technicians and engineers are scurrying about, looking like ants next to the massive figure of Cernobog, who looks even worse than usual with his armor off. Underneath it lies black, hard-scaled skin and horn, which has been slit open in several places to make room for muscle and organ
[20:16] <@Night10194> augmentation...
[20:17] <@Night10194> An entire team of techs are working on extending the range of motion of the jaws, as well as strengthening the jaw muscles and augmenting the fearsome, bladed teeth, implanting strange organs underneath the pallet, as well.
[20:18] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya is beaming, completely in awe of the work being done on her EVA. And smiling. That weird thing that happens sometimes.
[20:18] <ElsaFaustus> "I wonder if they have to worry about infections?"
[20:18] <@Night10194> Dr. Tuchechev is overseeing the work, naturally. From the way the head's been open, it's also clear that the creature under all that armor has a surprisingly undeveloped brain. Very little of it is intact, the creature giving the impression of having been heavily lobotomized. Are any of the pilots (or OD) particularly squeamish about blood or organs?
[20:19] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Not especially, though we still sterilize the treatment areas to be safe. Can you guess why not, Pilot?"
[20:19] <ElsaFaustus> Depends on how it smells, I guess.
[20:19] <ElsaFaustus> "Nein, frau doktor."
[20:20] * NathanielDurond supresses a shudder, disturbed not by the gore, but by the a reminder of the beast within.
[20:20] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "The EVAs are based on alien biology. Very few earth-based infections are actually prepared to attack them. In addition, they're also incredibly resilient beings..."
[20:22] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Tanya? You should find plenty of extra power behind Cernobog's jaws, when we're done here."
[20:24] <TanyaIvanova> "So I see – he's a wonder to behold, but … what are they doing elsewhere on him? More importantly: when do I get the chance to give these upgrades a test run?" She starts hovering by the Doctor a bit, and is still rapt at the work being done.
[20:25] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "The next time a Vrag sees fit to show up. They're enhancing his muscles and organs further, and implanting his jaws with the ability to generate an extremely powerful acid, based on samples we've reverse-engineered from VRAG-01's corpse."
[20:26] <ElsaFaustus> "Frau doktor, this is the most expensive, large, and sophisticated weapons platform ever made.  Why are you focusing on making it bite?"
[20:26] <TanyaIvanova> "Fascinating … because its bite is *fantastically powerful*, Schnitzel."
[20:28] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Indeed. Cernobog is designed to hold the enemy in place, to engage in hand-to-hand combat. His arms may be busy grappling and holding a target for you and the others to shoot."
[20:28] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Hence, he can still bite. With enough force to take off another EVA unit's head in one chomp."
[20:29] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "As well, I'm not certain I would call them the most 'sophisticated' weapons ever made." She sighs a bit.
[20:29] <ElsaFaustus> "What is, then?"
[20:30] ->> e :Unknown command
[20:30] * Dostov listens somewhat, more interested in watching the actual work being done.
[20:32] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Anything that isn't as...hacked together as the EVAs. Remember also that Cernobog is one of our earliest models. We were not certain we would have EVA-scale guns and blades in time, so he was designed to fight with his claws and teeth."
[20:32] <ElsaFaustus> "That reminds me...  Is my own EVA a newer, more refined model?"
[20:33] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Your EVA is German designed."
[20:33] <TanyaIvanova> "It's more fun that way. Guns are useful, but you don't get to *feel* anything with them. …except the recoil."
[20:33] <NathanielDurond> "Considering the way that the AT fields have changed the tactical equation, claws and teeth can be plenty effective."
[20:33] <ElsaFaustus> "Why would you *want* to feel alien flesh in your gullet?"
[20:33] <TanyaIvanova> "The satisfaction of ripping vragi to pieces with his bare hands."
[20:34] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Your bare hands, Tanya. Cernobog does not feel anything when you fight. As you can see...there's barely enough brain to keep him breathing and living. Everything else is supplied by the pilot."
[20:35] <TanyaIvanova> "well, yes, but my bare hands don't have claws..."
[20:37] <ElsaFaustus> "So...  It's as smart as Tanya?"
[20:38] <@Night10194> Tuchechev actually looks offended by Elsa's comment for a moment, then composes herself.
[20:38] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Major Duround, as for technical specs, the EVA unit's bite should be capable of cutting a naval cruiser in half, now."
[20:39] <TanyaIvanova> "…The flaming meatloaf aside, Schnitzel, I'm not stupid. …and you weren't even *there* for the fire."
[20:39] <Dostov> "Think of more as a big flesh suit without a thought in its head, so it's only as smart as the pilot in it. That's my impression."
[20:39] <ElsaFaustus> "Hmm?  Just saying when you're operating it, it's all you."
[20:40] <ElsaFaustus> "No... enhancement."
[20:40] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya's shoulders slump a little bit now that we're back on the subject of Cernobog not being sentient, and she's going to hover by Dostov, now. She abruptly wanders from Dr Tuchechev's side over to his, hands in her pockets, and stands there quietly.
[20:40] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Ah...yes, that is the case. The EVAs are only as skilled as their pilots."
[20:41] <NathanielDurond> "That isn't encouragement for you to practice biting naval crusiers outside of your EVA though."
[20:42] <Dostov> "Question."
[20:42] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Yes?"
[20:42] <TanyaIvanova> "…why could I bite a naval cruiser? …where would I find a naval cruiser to bite?"
[20:43] <ElsaFaustus> "Maye the Trident counts as a land cruiser."
[20:43] <Dostov> "If their brains only function enough to breath and move, why is it some of us think the EVA is actually...there. I dunno how to put it, but even I get little feeling from Pizdetz."
[20:44] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "A tendency to anthropomorphize and the fact that the thing has some minor unconscious actions based on your nerve link, such as howling to match you screaming in pain when feedback spikes."
[20:45] <Dostov> "Oh." He doesn't seem to fully understand, but she's the scientist here.
[20:45] <NathanielDurond> "It sounds a bit like the phantom limb phenomena, but in reverse."
[20:45] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Exactly. When you're hit, you feel pain, yes?"
[20:45] <Dostov> "Da."
[20:45] <ElsaFaustus> I nod.
[20:46] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "And when you feel pain, you have the urge to cry out or scream?"
[20:46] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya nods. "Also to hit the person back."
[20:46] * Dostov chuckles.
[20:47] <ElsaFaustus> "Prick EVAs, do we not bleed?  Tickle them, do we not laugh?  Wrong them, do we not seek revenge?"  I chuckle. :p
[20:47] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Heh..." She smiles. "Well, the EVA responds to those urges, even if you manage to keep them silent. Hence, the EVA will howl when wounded, etc."
[20:49] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya is wearing her best Sullen Teenager face and pouting up at Cernobog.
[20:49] <ElsaFaustus> "Are you planning to do any work on Mephistopheles, frau doktor?"
[20:50] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "It is...difficult to work on him. There are several devices in his armor and systems that I'm afraid the technicians cannot decipher."
[20:50] <ElsaFaustus> "Really?"
[20:51] * Dostov nudges Tanya and leans over to whisper. "You pilot it, believe what you think is true."
[20:52] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "I need to speak to Major Duround about that, in fact. Technician Clarke, please, take them to see EVA-41 while I speak to the Major, if you will?" A short-haired, scruffy looking man in a heavy protective suit nods to the doctor. "Sure, no problem. Needed a break from industrial scale surgery anyhow, doctor."
[20:53] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya grabs onto his sleeve and whispers back, "Did you see that?" She looks back up at Cernobog, wide-eyed.
[20:54] <ElsaFaustus> I follow the technician, curious.
[20:54] <@Night10194> He starts heading over to Bay C, where they're working on Pizdetz.
[20:54] <Dostov> "Come on." He follows after.
[20:55] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya follows as well.
[20:56] <@Night10194> The much less bestial, more streamlined and...for lack of a better term, 'fit', EVA-41 is being worked on in the next bay. They have his stomach and chest slit open deeply, down to a dull, red orb-like core, just like you've seen on the xenos, where they're working on some odd irregularties in the surface, and implanting similar organs into the mouth to promote acid spit.
[20:57] <Dostov> "Stratstoicha, Pizdetz Vsemu." He mumbles.
[20:57] <@Night10194> Under all his armor, the EVA is actually a soft, snow-like white.
[20:57] <ElsaFaustus> "Is spitting the new Russian doctrine?"
[20:58] <TanyaIvanova> "On the corpses of the Vragi, most hopefully."
[20:59] <@Night10194> Clarke: "It gives the teeth a lot of extra power. And no offense, Lt? You saw what it did to EVA-41 when the Vragi did it."
[21:00] <ElsaFaustus> "Just thank God I do not have a Pallet Gun any more..."
[21:00] <Dostov> "The red orb thing...is that like what the Vragi have?"
[21:01] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Yeah, it's your shield generator. Oh, by the way." He grins a bit. "Bad news, your EVA has cancer."
[21:03] <Dostov> ". . ." He tilts his head. "It can...get that? Alien cancer?"
[21:03] <ElsaFaustus> "Are you zapping the alien cancer with lasers?"
[21:04] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Well, sorta. In the Core. But the scientists were able to keep it benign, even beneficial. They're actually cultivating it some. It should help you spread your shields more easily, acting like an array."
[21:05] <Dostov> "Oh...well that sounds better."
[21:06] <ElsaFaustus> "So the alien cancer gives it psychic powers."
[21:06] <Dostov> "I didn't know his mouth could open. It never has before." He grips the rail and leans closer.
[21:06] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Well, better ones. Wish I could do what you guys can in the EVAs. Be nice to just reach out and gesture and have stuff fly to my hand, or go flying away..."
[21:07] <ElsaFaustus> "Mine does not move much, let alone fly."
[21:07] <@Night10194> Clarke: "I meant the whole...psychic power AT field stuff you can do."
[21:07] <Dostov> "It waddles valiantly, Elsa." He grins over his shoulder.
[21:08] <ElsaFaustus> "It does not waddle."
[21:10] <@Night10194> Clarke: "We're hoping the core array thing will also boost AT Field strength, but...as far as we know that's based more on the pilot's link to the EVA than any function of the EVA."
[21:11] <ElsaFaustus> "Interesting.  Do you know why?"
[21:12] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Well, it's a bit above my pay grade, but from what I've seen, I'd gather it's a matter of how much actual power you can tap into. Like the EVA has a huge pool of AT power and needs your consciousness to direct it."
[21:13] <ElsaFaustus> "Wonder how to do that..?"
[21:15] <@Night10194> Clarke: "EVA-41's a beauty, but he takes a lot of work to keep him going."
[21:16] <ElsaFaustus> "What about EVA-43?"
[21:16] <@Night10194> Clarke: "We don't talk about him, much. Well designed, not as pricey to keep all the parts working, but...well, he's a weird one."
[21:17] <ElsaFaustus> "Weird?"
[21:17] <@Night10194> Clarke: "I'm mostly a bio-tech...but I've heard there's some stuff in his design we don't understand terribly well. Moreso than with most EVAs. The techs are afraid to poke it for fear he'll stop working."
[21:19] <ElsaFaustus> "It seems more... technological than these two, I think.  More metal and machinery, less jaws and muscle."
[21:20] <@Night10194> Clarke: "As a bio technician, I have to object to muscle and jaws not being classified as technology. Hell, they're more impressive than the machines. Genetic engineering alien tissue and augementing it to these levels? You think that's natural?"
[21:21] <ElsaFaustus> "Nein.  Just feels... messy and icky."
[21:29] <Dostov> "Whatever it takes to defeat the Vragi."
[21:35] <ElsaFaustus> "What do you think it will take?"
[21:35] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya finally tames her wandering eyes and joins the conversation. "Everything we have. If not more."
[21:36] <ElsaFaustus> "It's kinda hard to give what you don't have."
[21:37] <TanyaIvanova> "Well, we give everything we have, and then we keep fighting because that's what you do when saving people is on the line."
[21:37] * Dostov nods.
[21:38] <@Night10194> Clarke: "You kids have been doing great so far, you know."
[21:38] <Dostov> "But how long will that last?"
[21:39] <ElsaFaustus> "I wonder how many there are?"
[21:39] <@Night10194> Clarke: "We have no idea, from what I've heard." He looks to Dostov, chuckling. "Sometimes, the only thing that makes me regret emigrating is how much I miss American optimism."
[21:43] <ElsaFaustus> "Wonder what the Amis are doing about this?"
[21:43] <@Night10194> Clarke: "They have their own EVA unit, the USEVAF, based out of Nevada."
[21:43] <@Night10194> Clarke: "They're working with us and the UN on weapons and armor development, some."
[21:44] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Hell, the railguns are partly adapted from naval cannon work they were doing pre-impact."
[21:47] <ElsaFaustus> "So what are you all working on in the back?"
[21:47] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Well, we built your laser rifles."
[21:47] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Well, laser *guns*. They lack rifling."
[21:49] <@Night10194> Here comes Herr Major!
[21:51] <ElsaFaustus> ...When?
[21:52] * NathanielDurond jogs up to where the pilots and Clarke are gathered. "Ah, how are we doing? Been learning from Technician Clarke here?"
[21:54] <ElsaFaustus> "Jawohl, herr major."  I salute as the officer returns.
[21:55] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Ech...back to work, then. Good luck out there, kids."
[21:57] * NathanielDurond returns the salute. "As you were. I trust Technican Clarke was informative and inordinately proud of his mother's apple pie?
[21:57] <ElsaFaustus> "...Sir?"
[21:58] <@Night10194> Clarke: "He means I'm American, Pilot."
[21:58] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Originally, anyway."
[21:59] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya is just giving the Major a Look, as if he's sprouted a second head. ;p
[22:00] <ElsaFaustus> "Oh.  How'd you get here?  Thought you were British."
[22:02] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Moved out this way about ten years ago, after getting a full ride at Moscow State University. Things are less strained here than back home, and there's plenty of work to be had."
[22:03] <@Night10194> Clarke: "Anyway, as I said, I should get back to work. Good luck, kids."
[22:03] <Dostov> "Pajalsta."
[22:04] <@Night10194> Ready to head back upstairs?
[22:04] <TanyaIvanova> mhm!
[22:05] <NathanielDurond> onwards!
[22:05] <ElsaFaustus> Yeah.
[22:05] <Dostov> Onward and upward.
[22:05] <@Night10194> Onwards, then! TO VALENTINE'S DAY!
[22:06] <@Night10194> Anyone got any plans for the 14th?
[22:06] <Dostov> Yeees.
[22:07] <ElsaFaustus> Kinda awkward. Four girls, one boy, and I'm not particularly close.  No special plans.
[22:07] <TanyaIvanova> Having conquered the meat loaf, Tanya wants to attempt cooking again. Commence, Operation: CUPCAKES. :p
[22:07] <ElsaFaustus> Pink ones?
[22:08] <TanyaIvanova> No, red.
[22:08] <TanyaIvanova> Pink is red's less bloodthirsty cousin. :p
[22:08] <@Night10194> Holy crap! Tanya is actually going to succeed pretty well, though her unskilled nature means there's going to be more, uh...floursplosion.
[22:08] <TanyaIvanova> YAY
[22:09] <@Night10194> Dostov, what were your plans?
[22:10] <Dostov> Mini chocolate cakes for those able to eat and enjoy them, each with a special surprise inside.
[22:10] <ElsaFaustus> Is the surprise an aphrodisiac?
[22:11] <Dostov> No, he's too honest.
[22:11] <@Night10194> Also has no access to them.
[22:11] <ElsaFaustus> I enjoy the free cupcakes and cakes, not sure what to do on a holiday of romance while very single.
[22:11] <Dostov> It's a hallowed out marzipan heart. Different fillings for different pilots.
[22:12] <ElsaFaustus> What's mine?
[22:12] <Dostov> Orangeish-flavored cream.
[22:12] <ElsaFaustus> Creamsicle filling.  Nice.
[22:13] <TanyaIvanova> What's Tanya's? XD
[22:13] <@Night10194> THE BLOOD OF HER ENEMIES!? :p
[22:13] <Dostov> Dark chocolate fudge with a hint of spice to it.
[22:13] <TanyaIvanova> Next best thing to the blood of her enemies. :D
[22:14] <Dostov> Griet's would have been gooey caramel, and Miko's would have been sweet red bean paste but, too bad for them.
[22:16] <@Night10194> Ah...sweets and awkwardness.
[22:17] <ElsaFaustus> "You like Tanya more than me, don't you, Dostov?" I suppress a grin, nibbling on my cake.
[22:17] <TanyaIvanova> "…is this a first for anyone else?" Tanya asks, still covered in flour from the SPLOSION.
[22:17] <ElsaFaustus> "First what?"
[22:17] <Dostov> "Why is my kitchen always covered in flour or fire now?"
[22:18] <TanyaIvanova> "…Valentine's Day spent with people who aren't parent figures?"
[22:18] <TanyaIvanova> "…Variety is the spice of life? :D"
[22:18] <ElsaFaustus> "Yeah, this is a first, then."
[22:19] <Dostov> "Why would you ask that?" As if just now registering Elsa's question.
[22:19] <ElsaFaustus> "Because she got fudge and I got orangey creme stuff?"
[22:20] <Dostov> "It's what came to mind when I...though...of you two." He clears his throat and looks away.
[22:21] <ElsaFaustus> "Really?  When you think of us, you think of fudge and orange creaminess?"
[22:21] <TanyaIvanova> "…are you suggesting that we taste good? …well. I taste good, apparently. I don't know what orange creamy Schnitzel tastes like."
[22:23] <ElsaFaustus> "Melts on your tongue.  Sweet and citrus."
[22:24] * Dostov hangs his head, cheeks red. She had to be messing with him, right? It was still embarrassing.
[22:26] <ElsaFaustus> "What?  Am I mis-interpretting what it is you are trying to say?" I grin a little, mixing up some Tang to go with the citrus snack.  "I have a little left, Tanya.  YOu can lick mine if you want to see how I taste."
[22:26] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya scoots her chair closer to Elsa's. "…Mishka. Are you … feeling feveri – oooh, really?" …and she completely misses the subtext.
[22:27] * Dostov doesn't. He's brighter red than ever, so he gets up and goes to hide in the kitchen, looking busy.
[22:27] <ElsaFaustus> I nod, pushing my plate over to Tanya, sipping my Tang.
[22:30] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya takes a taste of Elsa's cream filling. "…that *is* sweet. …and tangy. It's not very orangey, but – creamy yes. Good, definitely yes. …do you want to try some of mine?"
[22:31] <ElsaFaustus> "I'd love to, ja."
[22:31] * TanyaIvanova nuges her plate at Elsa. is learning about SHARING.
[22:32] * ElsaFaustus picks up Tanya's sweet treat, daintily nibbling and tasting it.
[22:32] <Dostov> "...how did it get on the ceiling?"
[22:33] <ElsaFaustus> "We'll tell you when you're older."
[22:33] <TanyaIvanova> "…the flour? …it was rebellious. We got in a fight."
[22:33] <ElsaFaustus> "Who won?"
[22:34] <Dostov> "The flour I think."
[22:34] <TanyaIvanova> "Well, I did. The cupcakes came out successfully and nothing got set on fire."
[22:35] <ElsaFaustus> "I really liked your cupcakes, by the way."  I lick out a little of Tanya's sweet filling.
[22:36] <TanyaIvanova> "Thank you! :D …I thought the picture in Mishka's book looked appropriate for a Valentine's Day."
[22:37] <Dostov> "They turned out really well. You may have a talent for cooking."
[22:38] * TanyaIvanova shrugs. "Not as much as you. I just did what the book said."
[22:38] <ElsaFaustus> "Ja.  I'll have to enjoy them before Griet crawls out of bed and takes them all."  I chuckle.
[22:39] <@Night10194> Poor Griet.
[22:39] <Dostov> "I should take Natasha hers before it disappears too."
[22:39] <TanyaIvanova> "I should take some of the cupcakes to the Doctor … would Natasha like cupcakes?"
[22:40] <ElsaFaustus> "Who wouldn't?"
[22:40] <Dostov> "Exactly."
[22:41] <TanyaIvanova> "Someone who's allergic to eggs? Or delicious sugary frosting? Or who thinks the cupcake-maker is scary?"
[22:41] <@Night10194> Tanya scurries off to give treats to surrogate mother?
[22:41] <TanyaIvanova> Indeed she does!
[22:42] <@Night10194> She's in her office, working, when you arrive.
[22:42] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Hello, Tanya...It is good to see you, as always." She smiles.
[22:43] <ElsaFaustus> I just sit at the kitchen table, sipping some more Tang, trying not to laugh at Dostov's embarrassment.
[22:44] <Dostov> "Teasing aside, did you like it?" He's got out a bag for piping frosting.
[22:44] <ElsaFaustus> "Ja.  What's that for?"
[22:44] <TanyaIvanova> "Hello! …So, with it being Valentine's Day, I decided to try baking something, and Elsa and Dostov seemed to like them well enough … so I brought you some cupcakes. :D" And she is very pleased with herself upon presenting them.
[22:45] <Dostov> "Nataha's. Banana-cream frosting. Honestly, I put more work into yours and Tanya's."
[22:45] <@Night10194> She smiles a bit broader. "You're getting along well with your comrades." She accepts a cake.
[22:45] <ElsaFaustus> "Oh?  Why is that?"
[22:46] <Dostov> The chocolate-frosted cake gets some trimming and designs in the banana-cream. "You're all... ... ...precious to me." He mutters.
[22:48] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "I'm glad of that. I worried you might have trouble with it, Tanya."
[22:48] <ElsaFaustus> "Me?  Precious?"  I chuckle.  "And what of Miko and Griet?"
[22:48] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya nods. "We've had fun together when there aren't Vragi to deal with. …Elsa might be a bit delusional, though. She thinks Dostov flirts with me. I think. …and then she called Cernobog my boyfriend, and she never explained that. …but she's very talented. And fun, if confusing."
[22:49] <Dostov> "If they weren't busy or sick they'd have gotten them too. I even have all the ingredients still."
[22:49] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "You are a very special child, Tanya...And very dear to me." She smiles. You don't understand the emotions of others well enough to detect the naunce in it.
[22:50] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "You and Cernobog are made for each other."
[22:50] <ElsaFaustus> "So the four of us are all equally precious to you, hmm?"  I sip my drink, relaxing.
[22:51] <Dostov> "Is that hard to believe?"
[22:53] <ElsaFaustus> "Well, you said you put more into mine and Tanya's.  More than your sister's.  So we are more precious than your family?  Just curious what you value." I chuckle.
[22:54] * Dostov frowns a bit at the cake as he finishes it up, thinking that over.
[22:54] <TanyaIvanova> "…you're very dear to me, too?" Tanya is confused, but she smiles, because it's good to be dear to someone, right? "And you know, I've felt that, too? About Cernobog, I mean. I know what everyone says about him not being sentient – but there *is* something special about him, and … are EVA units supposed to smile? …I mean, I might have just been seeing things, but I'm *certain* that he smiled at me. The other day, when we were all do
[22:56] <TanyaIvanova> * when we were all down watching the technicians work?"
[22:56] <ElsaFaustus> I pour myself a refill, watching the wheels turn in the boy's head.
[22:57] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "You did?"
[22:58] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya nods. "It was just before we went to see Unit-41. The technicians were taking a break … and he smiled at me."
[22:58] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "That's impossible. He's unpowered."
[22:58] * NathanielDurond wanders into the common area, frowning at his PDA, and muttering to himself. "Must of left it by my bunk..."
[22:58] <ElsaFaustus> I salute.  "Guten tag, herr major."
[22:59] * Dostov glances up at the Major as he enters. "Prievyet."
[22:59] <TanyaIvanova> "I know … but I definitely saw his jaws move."
[23:00] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Even if he were capable of independent action, he had no power and no ability to move. What you describe cannot happen."
[23:01] * NathanielDurond returns the salute absentmindedly. "As you were." Nathaniel blinks a couple times and then looks towards the two. "Actually, Pokryshkin, give me a hand would you, need to find some files, I think I left them in our quarters."
[23:02] <Dostov> "Of course, Major." He puts down the frosting and washes his hands.
[23:03] <ElsaFaustus> "Require assistance, herr major?"
[23:03] <TanyaIvanova> "…but it *did.* And when Miko did her … group synch thing? Something felt different – more than just being in a group synch. I – I felt somewhat uncomfortable on my own, but then there was something … not me? Something not-me that disliked the feeling even more. And it can't be *Cernobog* if he's non-sentient … but it wasn't me, and there were just the two of us."
[23:04] <NathanielDurond> "Only briefly. Just need to find some paperwork. Go ahead and enjoy your snack."
[23:05] <ElsaFaustus> "Ja, major."  I stay in the kitchen, snacking.
[23:05] <@Night10194> She frowns. "I will look into things, Tanya. Perhaps there is something to what you say. Keep this to yourself, however...it may be unique to your EVA, and you should not trouble them with it. Cernobog is...a unique unit."
[23:06] <Dostov> "What are we looking for...exactly?"
[23:07] <TanyaIvanova> Tanya nods. "Of course. …Thank you, Doctor." and the smile might be inappropriate, but Tanya can't help getting a little one over Cernobog being *unique*
[23:07] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Surely you have noticed he is much stronger than the other EVAs. His body is simply superior, even if his weapons and armor are not."
[23:09] <NathanielDurond> "Manila folder labled "Febuary Requesitions forms A6 through AZ12." Nathaniel lies blandly as he walks into the door. "I think I left it by a behavioral psychology reference manual."
[23:10] <Dostov> "Uh...right, okay." He scratches the back of his head.
[23:10] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Cernobog is a monster, made to fight monsters on their own terms, and show them how much stronger than them we can be."
[23:11] <NathanielDurond> "Could you look over there?" Nathaniel says, pointing at a stack of books by his nightstand. In a quieter voice he says. "It gets easier you know."
[23:12] <TanyaIvanova> "Of course I have – but it's good to hear, as well. …And there really is nothing quite like piloting him and charging into battle. Ripping up the Vragi, telling them in very clear terms to get off our planet." All of this said with a bigger, more cheerful smile.
[23:12] <Dostov> "Hm?" He moved to the designated stack of books and starts looking.
[23:13] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Yes...this is our world. Russia has suffered enough indignities at the hands of humans. No monster will cow us, or break our resolve."
[23:14] * NathanielDurond chuckles warmly "Women."
[23:15] <Dostov> "Oh." He stops for a moment. "I know how I feel...or I think I do...but I don't know how to say it properly."
[23:17] <NathanielDurond> "Well, what is it that you want to say?"
[23:17] <TanyaIvanova> "None – even if they think they're being creative by being … swarms of bugs instead of a centralized beast." She picks up a cupcake – and now she is going to toast with said cupcake, in lieu of having drinks to toast with. "For the Motherland."
[23:17] <Dostov> "Maybe I shouldn't say anything. We're here to fight..." Back to searching.
[23:18] <NathanielDurond> "And why do you fight?"
[23:20] <Dostov> "I don't like fighting. I'd rather have a quiet life, when I think about it. I'm here to protect people. My family...my fellow pilots...everyone."
[23:21] <Dostov> "Is this it?" He holds something up.
[23:27] <NathanielDurond> "No. Its going to be a bit larger than that. Try that stack over there." He says, pointing. A bit quieter "Thats a good reason to fight. You have to protect your fellow pilots Dostov, and you'll do it best when there is as little hanging over you as possible. Dealing with women is a lot like a battle: you have to know when to play it safe, when to take risks, and you get better with
[23:27] <NathanielDurond> practice."
[23:27] <@Night10194> Tuchechev: "Just...stay safe while you crush them in the name of glorious Russia, Lt." She grins, toasting you with a cupcake.
[23:28] <Dostov> He smirks, moving over to the next stack. "How do you know when to take the risk and when not to?"
[23:31] <TanyaIvanova> "I'll do my best. …Take care, Doctor." and on that note, Tanya is going to meander back down to the quarters/kitchen.
[23:31] <@Night10194> Sure thing.
[23:32] <NathanielDurond> "Experiance teaches you. You get better at reading the enemy, and figuring out when they're just playing with you, and when they're actually dangerous. Trust your instincts."
[23:32] <ElsaFaustus> "Ah, welcome back, komeraden."
[23:33] <Dostov> "Should it really sound that much like war?"
[23:34] <TanyaIvanova> "Hello again." Tanya looks around when she rejoins Elsa at the table. "…where did Dostov go?"
[23:34] <TanyaIvanova> "…he didn't get ill like Bobo and Miho did he?
[23:35] <ElsaFaustus> "The major took him into his office.  So Dostov could take a file off of his shelf for him.  It's a private talk."
[23:36] * Dostov holds up another one.
[23:36] <ElsaFaustus> "I think he's being subjected to the major's philosphical lectures."
[23:37] <NathanielDurond> "Keeps you sharp. Ah, here it is. And you see why I need help." Nathaniel says, pointing at a "file" of requestion forms half a foot thick. "The U.N. demands at least six copies of everything."
[23:37] <Dostov> "That doesn't seem efficient."
[23:37] <NathanielDurond> "It keeps many, many people employed."
[23:38] <NathanielDurond> "Grab half of that, would you?"
[23:38] <ElsaFaustus> "So, was your bounty well received, Tanya?"
[23:38] <Dostov> "Da."
[23:38] <Dostov> He ends up just picking up the whole thing though.
[23:39] <TanyaIvanova> "Ah." She eyes the flour mess in the kitchen. "…what philosophical lectures? …It was, da. Though cupcakes are not meant to be complicated, and I'm still somewhat confused."
[23:40] <ElsaFaustus> "You haven't had private time with the major?  He likes the long talks on metaphysics and why you fight.  So complicated.  I am ordered to fight and I am quite happy to obey this noble purpose."
[23:41] <ElsaFaustus> "Is simple, ja?"
[23:41] <TanyaIvanova> "…It's very simple. Who does he think he's helping with this … ?"
[23:42] <ElsaFaustus> "Perhaps it his way to get to know us."
[23:43] <ElsaFaustus> "Drink?  I have more Tang.  Have an entire cupboard full of it for some reason."
[23:43] <TanyaIvanova> "There are supposed to be games that could help with that. The way I've heard, some of them involve rhyming, some involve short-term memory tests, and some involve drinking."
[23:44] * NathanielDurond comes out of his and Dostov's shared quarters, with a small stack of papers in hand. "Thank you for carrying those." he says over his shoulder.
[23:44] <Dostov> "No problem Major."
[23:44] <ElsaFaustus> "Right, we're in Russia..."  I chuckle and shake my head.
[23:45] <@Night10194> I think we shall outro on this note, as it is nearly midnight.
[23:46] <@Night10194> Standard 200 non-combat session EXP, especially as you all did a significant amount of training and actual learning stuff about the EVAs!