/ACEG/ RPG Session 6.5 (Combined)

April 24th, 1995
Valais Air Base

[19:06] <Val> It's a long, hard flight home. While flying is normally not the most carefree experience, nursing your wounded planes home is an exhausting endurance event that leaves you physically, mentally, and emotionally drained by the time Valais Air Base comes into view.

[19:15] <Frostbite_1-1> Gerald was getting close to the base. It took everything he had to keep focused on the  flying wreckage that was his plane instead of looking where his leg might or might not be. He couldn't feel it. The idea of it not being there was something he didn't want to think about. In fact the state of his plane helped him ignored it. He was getting closer to the runway and he needed to focus now more than ever. His plane slowed down, time felt like it stopped. He could hear his plane wanting to tear itself apart. Not yet he thought, you can fall apart when I get out and as if hearing his request the plane held itself together and it came to a stop.
[19:25] <Avalanche_1-2> As Yuki lands the plane normally, the landing gear fails, the plane screeching down onto the runway, grinding across, and eventually sliding to a stop.

[19:54] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha's tired. The miserable failure of the mission, compounded by the fact that it was at least partially due to her diversion from the final mission target, is a weight on her shoulders the size of an aircraft carrier. But that's still nothing next to the loss of Magpie and his WSO. The image of the fireball that engulfed his plane still hangs in her mind, and a part of her still wonders if it's possible they survived. She could put up the money for a CSAR attempt, possibly. But it may already be too late for that. With a heavy sigh, Sascha pulls her plane down to land it, hoping nothing came loose during the earlier attack. She just catches sight of Avalanche's plane buckling to the ground as her own plane makes contact with the damaged airstrip. Distracted, she gets caught off-guard when her tire runs across a particularly sharp piece of debris still sticking out of the runway. It's not much, but it's enough to destabilize the damaged plane. It jerks to the side, and that's all the loose landing gear can take. The plane trips over itself, and the nose plants itself into the ground, hard. Something flies loose from the controls as it sparks and burns, and a  piece of shrapnel embeds itself in Sascha's gut. She manages to pull herself together enough to notice the spreading of the flames, and she quickly moves her hand to the ejection lever, praying it will still work in this state. Luck, such as it is, is with her, and her seat rockets into the air. The chute deploys good, but by the time the seat meets the ground, Sascha's barely conscious.

[19:56] <Val> Emergency crews, ready and waiting, are only seconds away. They quickly smother the flames with fire suppressant foam. It is perhaps fortuitous that none of your planes were carrying any ordnance following your encounter with Scythe Flight, otherwise the results could have been more explosive.

[20:02] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Seeing the mess on the runway Ivan curses to himself. Then he saw it. The sight of Sascha's crash landing makes his stomach sink. Panicking he rushes his landing approach. Although a rushed landing he manages to land. However being distracted by the mayhem on the runway he runs over a serious pothole breaking off one of his landing gear. The plane slides across the runway making a terrible sound before crashing into a pile of debris. Many old Yuktobania curses fly out of the old man's mouth. His plane severly damaged he managed to only injure his left leg. He lies in his cockpit for a moment in pain before seeing Sascha's chute deploy. He quickly grabs the photo of his old wingman and opens the canopy cursing as he slides down the ladder. When he reaches the ground his injured leg causes him to fall to the floor in pain. He tries to stand up and run to his wingman's aid but only to fall again in pain. He continues to try and limp but eventually works his way to a crawl before giving up. "...why does this keep happening to me..." he says to himself.

[20:04] <Val> Medical teams hurry towards the wounded pilots, stretchers at the ready. The pilots are stabilized where they are, and then carried to the infirmary. A good a place for the debrief as any. At this point, most of the people who weren't going to recover from the bombing have passed on, those who couldn't be cared for were airlifted out, and those who got better have done so. Aside from some minorly injured ground crew, the normal loss of digits and broken bones that comes with handling ordnance, your flights have the place to yourselves. Baba and Eagleclaw find themselves in adjacent beds.

[20:08] * Cavalier_3-3 seeing all of this unfold from his quarters, Gabriel begins rushing over towards the runway as not one, or two, but three planes manage to embed themselves into the ground - albeit he is quickly redirected to the infirmary, doing so, as to not interrupt the emergency's team delicate work. After the worst has come to pass, he walks through the infirmary door with some hesitation, taking in the...sights.

[20:08] <Val> Frostbite, of course, is provided with bandages and a pair of crutches, enough for his relatively minor wounds.

[20:20] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki sees Eagleclaw trying to maneuver with his leg bent out of shape. "Hey, Ivan, you'll just make it worse!" He rushes over, ignoring the pilot's attempts to brush him off. He cuts off the flightsuit's leg and examines the wound. "Well, looks like no breaks, so I'll just have to move it a little. Don't worry, I've seen tons of kids do this that were stupid enough to get type 3 bindings."
[20:22] * Cavalier_3-3 blinks a couple times, looking at Avalanche attempting to set a knee the moment he walks in. He tactically looks off to the side - no need to look at the grizzly details. Mostly.
[20:22] <Eagleclaw_2-2> "Don't fuck it up. I swear to God."
[20:23] <Eagleclaw_2-2> "Make it quick, Yuki."
[20:22] <Avalanche_1-2> He has Ivan turn over, and straddles the leg to get leverage. With one strong heft, he forces the leg back into its joint in the right direction, taking care to not tear a ligament. He immediately braces for screaming.
[20:25] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Ivan screams in a bit of pain. "Ah you son of a bitch!" He jerks his body to force Yuki off of him.
[20:27] <Avalanche_1-2> "It's already back in place, but I wouldn't thrash around too much, the docs haven't even x rayed you yet."

[20:27] <Val> "What the hell are you doing!" An officer yells, poking his head into the room, taking in the tableau before him. "Pilots..." He mutters, shaking his head and backing away before continuing down the hall.

[20:28] <Eagleclaw_2-2> "Thanks, kid. That didn't feel too good but I'll be walking eventually. How are you doing?"
[20:28] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha groans from her bed. The medication they gave her for the laceration across her gut hasn't set in yet, but at least there's no metal left in her. That she knows of, anyway. The middle of her flight suit's been torn away to allow for treatment of the wound, leaving the gauze-wrapped injury still mostly visible. She lays back into the bed, staring at the ceiling. She turns her eyes at the sound of the commotion next to her, but the neck brace they strapped onto her makes turning to look almost impossible, or at least incredibly painful given it would require her to turn her torso. "Damn it... Ivan... Shut up," she croaks.

[20:29] <Avalanche_1-2> "The plane took some hits landing, but I'm fine. I was more worried about you guys."
[20:30] * Cavalier_3-3 pauses for a moment, before clearing his throat, speaking towards Avalanche and Ivan - the two that seem to be the most talkative at the moment  "Should I come in later, or may I stay? I came in running once I saw what happened in the runway, so..."
[20:31] <Avalanche_1-2> "That's up to these guys more than me. Although Baba sounds like she needs some quiet rest."
[20:31] <Eagleclaw_2-2> The sound of Sascha's voice startles Ivan. "Oh my..." Relieved to hear Sascha talk Ivan tries to limp over to her bed again but falls again. "Dammit... Yuki give me a hand."
[20:32] * Cavalier_3-3 glances at the hammy Yuktobanian "...Well. *That* might be hard."
[20:34] <Avalanche_1-2> "Look, you're gonna want to stay off that for a while, plus the doc'll be here soon to make sure you're okay to start moving. Don't go scaring Baba, I already checked for shock once, I don't want to have to again."
[20:35] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Ivan manages himself into a chair and rolls over to Sascha's bed. He is silent for a moment looking at the wounds. "...hey kid. How are you doing?"
[20:36] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki shifts his attention, taking a look at Baba's wounds, bewildered a doctor hasn't shown up yet.
[20:37] * Cavalier_3-3 pinches his nose at the stubborn old man's antics, slowly shifting his view back over to Avalanche - and the wounded Baba, shaking his head afterwards.

[20:39] <BabaYaga_2-1> "My stomach feels like someone keyed it, but I'll live. I think." She coughs, and grunts in pain. "Cav..." She grimaces, and tries to tilt her head up enough to look around. It doesn't really work. She lets her head fall back in defeat, blonde hair sprawling on the pillow. "Stay. You deserve to know this." She looks over to see Ivan and Yuki hobbling over, then stares back up at the ceiling.
[20:39] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Magpie's dead. Krieger too. Their plane fireballed and there weren't any chutes. I'm... I'm sorry."
[20:40] * Cavalier_3-3 glances over towards Sascha, for a moment. Perhaps surprisingly, his expresison does not...change much. Only a grimace, for a moment, before a solemn nod "I...thought so. Once I saw two planes missing..."
[20:40] <Cavalier_3-3> "Let's just focus on...you guys right now, yeah? Get you up to speed. You're still alive."
[20:42] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Seeing the pain in Sascha's face as she breaks the news Ivan gently places his hand on Sascha's forehead almost as a way to tell her to rest. "Yeah...the stubborn Belkan refused to go home even when severly damaged. He was committed to the flight...and yet I doubted him. We probably wouldn't have been able to escape if he didn't sacrifice himself taking out a cluster of AA...."

[20:43] <Cavalier_3-3> "He was a good man. From the days I spent with him , I...well. I'm just sorry for your loss. Did...Drider...?"
[20:44] <Avalanche_1-2> "Yeah, stalled out his F-16 and refused to eject."
[20:44] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Crazy goddamn bastard..." Sascha's voice sounds sadder than angry.
[20:44] <Cavalier_3-3> "Bloody hell..."
[20:44] <Avalanche_1-2> "After we'd already surrendered, too. Would've been a furball if he pulled out though."
[20:45] <Avalanche_1-2> "His last wish was for us to attack them anyways."
[20:45] <Eagleclaw_2-2> "That kid was crazy...I'll never understand what was going through his head at times. Such a pointless casualty."

[20:45] * Cavalier_3-3 shakes his head, grimacing. His voice gains a bit more of a somber tone. "If it's any consolation the - the fleet. It made it through Futuro Canal. They suffered some losses - but. The operation itself suceeded."
[20:46] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha nods. "Good. I'm glad you guys made it. Glad someone did." She sighs, and finally goes to swat Ivan's hand off her head. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat me like your sickly grandmother, Ivan."
[20:47] <Avalanche_1-2> "Well, we did what we had to. Air superiority was part of this mission, right?"
[20:49] <Cavalier_3-3> "I'm just glad those crashes weren't fatal. When I saw everyone plummeting to the ground I...must admit I expected the worst."
[20:51] <Avalanche_1-2> "Eh, the mountain gods' aren't letting off that easy."
[20:51] <Eagleclaw_2-2> "Take it easy kid." Ivan sits back in his chair pulling the photo out of his pocket. Looking down at the picture trying to keep it out of everyone's sight he appears to be zoned out in another world.
[20:52] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Fuck, my plane..." Newfound sorrow finds its way into Sascha's voice. "Damn it. It's probably a bonfire by now."
[20:52] * Cavalier_3-3 gives Avalanche an odd look, but doesn't question it. He folds his arms, seemingly lost in thought for a few, scant seconds. "I saw it outside, it's...it's not recoverable, yeah. Sorry."

[20:54] <Avalanche_1-2> "If those mother fuckers hold out on payment over one AA gun, they won't have a squadron to fly."
[20:56] <Avalanche_1-2> He sticks his head into the hallway, looking in either direction. "And can you fucks send a doctor to your own god damn hospital? I swear on my ancestors, I'll do it my self!"
[20:59] <BabaYaga_2-1> "I'm going to need to get a new plane. Hopefully I've got enough left over to afford one at this point." She winces at Yuki's shouting and raises her hand in his direction. "Yuki, dial it down. My head's still spinning from that chute. Those seats aren't as fun as they look."
[21:00] <Cavalier_3-3> "Yeah - relax, Avalanche. If it really was immensely serious, I doubt they'd just have left them out here to bleed."
[21:02] <Avalanche_1-2> "Intel couldn't even tell us to expect the Winds of Futuro. I really don't believe in their opinion." He starts doing concussion protocol for Baba.
[21:03] <Cavalier_3-3> "Winds? What?"
[21:05] <Avalanche_1-2> "They call the Ace squadron pairs stationed at Futuro 'The Winds of Futuro.' They're held in very high regard."
[21:06] <Cavalier_3-3> "...That's strange. We didn't run into anything like that defending the fleet."
[21:07] <Cavalier_3-3> "I mean, there was a pair of Jamming Aircraft and a pair of A-6's, but I doubt those were confirmed aces."
[21:07] <Avalanche_1-2> "During the briefing they couldn't give me a clue as to whether or not they'd show up, or what they'd be flying. And it's a bit of a clusterfuck for them, so they scrambled wherever. I'm assuming at least one squadron went to go handle Galm."

[21:08] <Cavalier_3-3> "I guess me and Nadir got relatively lucky. We went up short-handed , I...Don't think we could've handled a pair of aces."
[21:09] <Avalanche_1-2> "We didn't know they were aces. I was told to engage, so I had to."
[21:10] <Cavalier_3-3> "I know. What I meant is, you went in with six people. We went up with just four."
[21:10] <BabaYaga_2-1> "The pilots we fought called themselves Scythe squadron. They were miles ahead of us in terms of skill." Sascha's tone is somber as she continues. "We were idiots to try and engage them."
[21:10] <BabaYaga_2-1> "We're lucky we came back at all.
[21:11] <Avalanche_1-2> "They had beter planes too. Don't forget that. We have a ragtag group of twenty year old rust buckets. They had Flankers."
[21:11] <Cavalier_3-3> "Noted."
[21:12] <Avalanche_1-2> "But you guys saw the escorts they sent with them to the base last week. Strike Eagles. I don't know how our CO thinks we can keep up like this."
[21:12] <Cavalier_3-3> "Eagles? Do you mean Galm, or?"
[21:13] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Coming back to reality Ivan interjects. "We shouldn't have went in after them. Should have finished the mission and went home."

[21:14] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki suddenly freezes, like a cold wind swept into the room. He stares off for a bit before snapping back to conversation. "You mean... the Su 27's weren't mission tagets?"
[21:15] <Avalanche_1-2> "And I mean the escorts they had when they were bombing the base. They sent 6 F-15 strike eagles."
[21:15] <Cavalier_3-3> "Ah, I see."
[21:15] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha's face pales further than it already has. "That's... right." She looks away, ashamed at her part in diverting from the mission.
[21:18] <Avalanche_1-2> "Don't worry, I get that. You're not the one who commanded clover after them."
[21:19] <Eagleclaw_2-2> "...well no use worrying about it now. What's done is done. Now we just need to focus on recovering and rebuilding. We all make mistakes..." Ivan looks away. "At least most of us made it back..."
[21:19] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki stares off again. "You didn't blow the mission and send your wingman to die for a paycheck."
[21:20] <BabaYaga_2-1> "If you guys hadn't been there, Ivan and I would have been joining Magpie even quicker. Don't forget that."
[21:21] <BabaYaga_2-1> "The only one to blame for Dave'd death is himself. He refused to eject, and even if he'd pulled out he would have died fighting those pilots."
[21:24] <Avalanche_1-2> "Oh, I know that. Fucker tried pretending he didn't know better to fire on civillian ships while we were taking on the AA the minute Frostbite disappeared."

[21:24] <Avalanche_1-2> "You still shouldn't kill a man because you see dollar signs above his plane."
[21:26] <Avalanche_1-2> "And I'm sorry I broke the chain of command calling for a ceasefire. I know it wasn't my place, but I wasn't going to let more people die out there."
[21:26] <Avalanche_1-2> "Couldn't stop Drider, though."
[21:27] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha shakes her head. Or... mostly tries to. "Don't worry about it. I'm just glad they were willing to listen. You made the right call. The one I was too scared to make."
[21:28] <Cavalier_3-3> "So, they...let you go?"
[21:28] <BabaYaga_2-1> "And Frostbite had retreated. You were the defacto lead for Clover. You didn't break the chain of command."
[21:31] <Avalanche_1-2> "He retreated the airspace and didn't radio that over?" Yuki laughs and shakes his head. "Of course. Why would he? That would be important information."
[21:31] <BabaYaga_2-1> "They contacted us over an unencrypted channel and introduced themselves. We engaged them, but they outmatched us despite our numbers. We had them in a tight spot - they were low on missiles - but it was still too close. I think the only reason we were able to negotiate was because they didn't have enough missiles to take the rest of us out. But that'd still leave us with too many casualties."

[21:32] <Avalanche_1-2> "Well, aside from Drider we keep it pretty clean, especially you guys in Basilisk."
[21:32] <Cavalier_3-3> "Sounds more like some manner of honor or somesuch to me but...whatever works, really."
[21:32] <Avalanche_1-2> "People have heard of us, and I'm sure they will again."
[21:33] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Hopefully they don't hear about all the times we crash unceremoniously into the ground."
[21:33] * Cavalier_3-3 frowns "The runway's a right mess."
[21:40] <Avalanche_1-2> "Well, 55 degrees is still in one piece, so they'll have to wait on me for that."

[21:56] <Frostbite_1-1> After taking some time to get used to the pain, Gerald made his way to where the rest of the pilots had gathered.
[21:58] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki doesn't even let Frostbite sit down before "Why did you have Clover focus on a non-mission target?"
[22:00] <Frostbite_1-1> "Because they would have been on our tails before we could leave the mission area. It was better to attempt to engage the two aircraft instead of having them shooting at our six."
[22:02] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha says nothing. It's the same justification she gave herself, but the doubt in her heart is too heavy to support it anymore.
[22:06] <Avalanche_1-2> "All of us? And instead of leaving the airspace?"
[22:09] <Frostbite_1-1> "Tell me this Avalanche. How many did we lose to those Su-27s?"
[22:10] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki narrows his eyes. "Your second in command."
[22:10] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Leg slightly feeling better Ivan decides to walk away from this situation and give himself some silence to think things over. "Well...I'm gonna see if I can walk this off a bit."
[22:13] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Don't fall over, Old Man," Sascha calls. "I don't want you back in here because you hurt your back again."
[22:14] <Eagleclaw_2-2> Almost forgetting his photo sitting on his bed he picks it up quickly. "Yeah yeah I'll be fine. You just worry about relaxing otherwise you'll never heal, kid." Ivan walks out of the room.

[22:14] <Frostbite_1-1> "Are you sure about that? From what I saw he stalled his plane and instead of ejecting he chose to be stubborn and paid the price for it."
[22:15] * Cavalier_3-3 glances at Frostbite, briefly biting his lower lip at his bluntness, shifting around on his feet. Awkward.
[22:16] <Avalanche_1-2> "Oh yeah, I remember it pretty well now. He was doing air show tricks and suddenly stalled his plane out. It had nothing to do with the missile he had to avoid."
[22:17] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Cav." Sascha beckons Patchwork's roommate over toward her. "When I get out of here, I need to come talk to you about getting Magpie's... affairs... in order. I don't know what all's going to need to happen, but if he had any family, we're going to need to send them his belongings."
[22:17] <Avalanche_1-2> "Best case scenario he'd be freezing his ass off, under some trees, hoping the incoming ground forces don't mistake him for Belkan forces."
[22:18] * Cavalier_3-3 glances over at Baba. He nods at her "I understand. I'll help any way I can, Sascha."
[22:18] <Cavalier_3-3> "His things are still....well, everything's all in there. Although he didn't keep much in the room."

[22:22] <Frostbite_1-1> "And in that scenario is he dead yet? Is he incapable of doing anything to survive in that situation?"
[22:24] <Avalanche_1-2> "No, but in that scenario, a member of clover went down in a dogfight."
[22:24] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Thanks, Cav. He was... a good man. He fought hard." She grimaces, then closes her eyes. "But... don't worry too much about that right now. Like I said, we'll go over that later. How's Phebe? She go up with you guys on your mission?"
[22:24] <Avalanche_1-2> "Drider was no saint, and he made stupid decision, but pretending you're not responsible for your own commands is going to make you worse in the end."
[22:26] * Cavalier_3-3 shakes his head at Sascha "No, she...couldn't make it. Her Mig-21 got busted again. I was the only Apogee up in the air again."
[22:28] <Cavalier_3-3> "Last thing I heard, she's replacing it with an F-5."

[22:28] <Frostbite_1-1> "Listen to me clearly you idiot. Drider's actions are what go himself killed. Not the missiles, not the Belkan Su-27s. Drider. He only has himself to blame for his death. Don't you dare say that my actions are why a pilot chose to fight with his aircraft to the end especially when the fight was already over. Do I make myself clear?"
[22:30] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Damn. That's rough. I'd give you guys a loan for something better, but... after that last mission, I think I'm going to be needing that money myself."
[22:31] <Cavalier_3-3> "I understand...hopefully, I can help Phebe out. My airframe's undamaged still, so - that's a huge plus. And I've got some savings on the backburner, too."
[22:35] <Avalanche_1-2> "You can keep try and running from your decisions. You can keep telling yourself it was someone else's fault, with Drider, with the bombers getting through, with whatever. But if you want to stop fucking around and be a flight lead, you'll realize your job isn't to place blame. It's to make sure the same shit won't happen again. And I don't see that. I'm gonna go check on Basilisk."
[22:39] <Frostbite_1-1> "I'm not a child who get upset when something doesn't go his way." Gerald says as he leaves the room.

[22:40] <Cavalier_3-3> "...Anyway. Anything I can get you, Sascha, since you're still stuck there?"
[22:41] <BabaYaga_2-1> "You're a good man, Cav. Thanks for sticking with her. I'm fine, though. Maybe some water, but," she grunts, trying to sit up and winces at the sting in her gut. "Maybe it's just better for me to stay here for now."
[22:42] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki, heading back over, chimes in "Anyone take a look at that stomach wound yet?"
[22:43] <Cavalier_3-3> "Hm - well, I'll go fetch it for you. And right on time, you got Yuki to worry all over for a moment."
[22:44] * Cavalier_3-3 turns around, briefly walking out of the infirmary, giving Yuki a tap on the shoulder as he passes by.
[22:50] * Cosmo_4-1 loiters outside of the infirmary for a few moments, watching as people exit. Eventually, she drops the cigarette in her mouth to the ground, making her way inside.  She approaches the bed, glancing between the two. "I heard the situation was, uh, pretty bad," she said uncertainly.
[22:51] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Not yet," Sascha responds to Yuki's question. "Still stings, but the pain meds are kicking in a bit."
[22:53] <BabaYaga_2-1> She turns to Lydia, nodding as best she can in the plastic neck brace. "That's one word for it. I'd call it a clusterfuck myself." She gives a sardonic grin at the ceiling. "We lost. And Magpie and Dave are both gone because we fucked up."

[22:56] <Avalanche_1-2> "Alright, well, we've waited long enough for the doc, and if you keep that nasty flight suit on it's gonna risk getting really nasty." He pulls a pair of fabric scissors from the cabinet. "Don't worry, I'm just going to cut the suit away below the chest."
[22:56] <Avalanche_1-2> "Unless I see more wounds."
[22:57] <Avalanche_1-2> "And... sorry you had to hear me with Frostbite. You guys don't deserve that."
[22:59] * Cosmo_4-1 crosses her arms, looking rather reserved. "My condolences," she says briefly, not really recognizing the names of the perished beyond basic recognition. "You uh, mind if I ask how they went down?"
[23:01] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha grimaces, but pulls her arms up into the closest approximation of a shrug she can manage. "If you have to do it, do it, but don't think I can't hit you from here if I need to if you start doing anything that doesn't need doing. I'll trust you to back me up on this, Lydia. As for Frostbite, go easy on him. He made the same call as me. We just happened to be wrong at the same time in the same way." She turns to Lydia as much as she can. "We lost Patch to some AA fire. He cleared them out but they got good hits in, and that was enough. Him and Krieger are gone. Drider... Well, shit." She waves to Yuki. "You tell her."

[23:02] <Avalanche_1-2> "Drider stalled out after evading a missile. He didn't want to eject with us still all in the air."
[23:02] * Cavalier_3-3 makes his way back insdie the infirmary, carrying a plastic bottle of water along with him, glancing at Cosmo and Baba as he overhears the end of the recounting.
[23:02] <Avalanche_1-2> "Dumb thing is we'd already surrendered when he gave up the ghost."
[23:03] <Cavalier_3-3> "...Hey, Cosmo. Sascha, I'll set the water over next to the table by the bed."
[23:03] * Cavalier_3-3 does exactly as he said.
[23:05] * Cosmo_4-1 turns her head, looking to Cavalier. She waves a hand slightly before turning back. "I'm sorry to hear that," she says dully. "You know, I hate to sound like I'm going through the motions, but, uh, if you need anything, Nadir's got you covered."
[23:08] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Thanks, Cav. You too Lydia. I appreciate it, really. As it is, I guess we're going to need to do some recruiting. This mission was proof enough we don't have enough people."

[23:14] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki cuts out a stomach portion of the flight suit, revealing a wide, but fairly shallow gash going across Sascha's abdomen, along with the stench of trapped sweat and blood. "Looks like you got pretty lucky with the cut. Didn't go too deep. This might sting a little." He starts washing the area with disinfectant.
[23:14] <Avalanche_1-2> "And hey, you could always poach Clover."
[23:15] <Cavalier_3-3> "...Yuki, didn't they already perform first aid on her?"
[23:17] <Avalanche_1-2> "Yeah, basic. We've been waiting for a doctor or nurse to show up since then. They haven't."
[23:17] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Can't hurt to redress the gauze," Sascha adds uncomfortably. "At this point we may as well join into one flight, but I wouldn't ask that of you guys. We need new meat. Hopefully people who know what they're doing."
[23:19] * Cavalier_3-3 shakes his head a touch "You're worrying too much, but...ah, well."
[23:20] * Cosmo_4-1 looks down at the laceration, and then towards the door. "They'll probably send someone to stitch it up eventually," she says flatly. "But, you know, it's good to be on top of things."
[23:25] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha chuckles, then regrets it. "Yeah. Can't hurt too much to keep an eye on things." She lays back and brushes hair out of her face. "I better not be stuck here long. These beds suck."

[23:27] <Cavalier_3-3> "Well, I'm no doctor - but it doesn't look particularly serious, so."
[23:27] <Cavalier_3-3> "...That ejection must've been hell. I saw it all go down."
[23:27] * Cosmo_4-1 rolls her shoulders, uncrossing her arms. She leans against one of the stands. "Yeah, sucks to be you," she says inconsiderately.
[23:30] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Yeah. I'm getting that," Sascha says dispassionately. "And you'd be right Cav. Those things are designed to work from the ground at a stop, but that doesn't make it any more comfortable. And damn, but they're fast."
[23:31] * Cavalier_3-3 shakes his head "I'll be a happy man if I don't ever have to eject in my life. Fuck those things."
[23:33] <Cosmo_4-1> "Well, knowing your flight style, Cavalier, you'll be at Mach 2 when you need to eject."
[23:34] <Cavalier_3-3> "Look, it's not my fault the targets keep being across the whole damn operation field..."
[23:34] <Cavalier_3-3> "And I just happen to fly something that's ridiculously fast."

[23:35] * Australis_3-1 cracks the door and pokes her head in with a furrowed brow.
[23:35] * Cosmo_4-1 raises a hand, scratching her forehead. She nods, "God, that was fucked up," she says, recounting the memories. The AShMs, lord the AShMs.
[23:35] * Cavalier_3-3 shakes his head "I just hope it did something..."
[23:36] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha hears the door creak, but can't turn her head to look at it. Instead, she just ignores it until whoever it is reveals themselves. "Sounds like it was rough."
[23:37] * Cosmo_4-1 shakes her head, looking down at Baba. "I'd rather not talk about it, you know. Not after what you guys went through."
[23:37] * BlindSighter_4-3 enters the room, past Australis, pushing it fully open while carrying a brown bag in his off hand. He has not shaved since his last flight.
[23:38] * Australis_3-1 slips through the door and closes it behind her before leaning on the wall, resting her left hand on her hostlered pistol, and listening quietly.

[23:38] <BlindSighter_4-3> "So I named my new plane."
[23:38] <Cavalier_3-3> "...You got a new plane?"
[23:38] <BabaYaga_2-1> "You name your planes?" Sascha looks incredulous in their general direction. Apparently she never had the conversation with Yuki about his.
[23:39] <BlindSighter_4-3> "After a flight like that? Yes."
[23:39] <Cavalier_3-3> "What is it? What'd you name it?"
[23:39] * BlindSighter_4-3 ignores BabaYaga, taking another swig
[23:39] <Cavalier_3-3> "If it's something like "bullseye", I swear, I'll suplex you out of the infirmary."
[23:39] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Joyeux."
[23:39] <Cavalier_3-3> "Joyeux, huh."
[23:39] <Cosmo_4-1> "I was thinking of naming my plane the Fucker 5000. You think the Ustians would mind if I painted that on the side of it?"

[23:39] <BlindSighter_4-3> "The name of Lancelot's sword."
[23:40] <Cavalier_3-3> "Huh. I see, Blind."
[23:40] <Cavalier_3-3> "And, that sounds like something Drider would do, Cosmo."
[23:40] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Pretty sure they'd have some objections to that, Lydia. Not that I'd know until you tried it."
[23:40] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Because we lost the Chivalry. And... excalibur."
[23:41] <Cavalier_3-3> "...To be fair, I was planning on doing something for the Excalibur too. But naming my craft Excalibur seems a bit...disrspectful."
[23:41] <Cavalier_3-3> "And Cavalier already goes with Chivalry."
[23:41] <BlindSighter_4-3> "And Lancelot failed his king- left his nation, and I think I might make that my call sign."
[23:41] * Cosmo_4-1 looks at Cavalier, apparently troubled by that comment. She leans forward, making her way past the two and towards Australis. She posts up on the wall as well, glancing over. "You hear about what went down?"
[23:42] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Lancelot."
[23:42] * Cavalier_3-3 glances at Blindsighter for a long moment, assuming a deadpan expression
[23:42] <Cavalier_3-3> "...Blind, knock it off."
[23:42] <Avalanche_1-2> "Wait, you're not supposed to name planes?" Asks yuki, throwing a small blanket on top of Sascha to restore a semblance of modesty.

[23:42] <Cavalier_3-3> "You fucked up, stop angsting over it and move past it."
[23:42] <Cavalier_3-3> "You're a great pilot, now stop putting yourself down. And potentially getting shitfaced all day."
[23:43] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Of course I'm a great pilot, you jackass. Lancelot was THE BEST."
[23:43] <Cavalier_3-3> "Well, you're talking about failure and desertion, though."
[23:43] <BlindSighter_4-3> "But why would we go up in the air if it weren't for the people on the ground? We can't just ignore what happens when we fuck up."

[23:43] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Hey, it's your bird, Yuki. Do what you want. Can't say I understand it though." Sascha grunts as she tries to tilt her head up before giving up yet again. "Hey, could you put a pillow up behind my head too? Getting tired of staring at the ceiling."
[23:44] * Australis_3-1 nods dully to Cosmo. "Yeah, I was at tower when they came in..." Phebe sighs and snaps her holster open and closed idly.
[23:44] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Also, I'm drunk. Logic doesn't into much when."
[23:44] <Cavalier_3-3> "I'm not saying ignore it, Blind, I'm saying...well. Just that you can't change the past. Learn from it, sure. Just don't let it eat at you."
[23:44] <Cavalier_3-3> "..That is also an excellent counter-point, my friend."
[23:44] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Learn from the past, right? That's what I mean."
[23:45] <BlindSighter_4-3> "The Belkans killed Chivalry, Cav. Literally destroyed it."
[23:45] * Cosmo_4-1 glances over to Blindsighter, clearly concerned that angst levels are reaching critical capacity. She averts her eyes, looking down to Australis' holster. "Thinking about going postal?" she says, jokingly.

[23:45] <Cavalier_3-3> "Well...yes."
[23:45] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Well, we can't let them get away with that!"
[23:46] <Cavalier_3-3> "Well, we won't."
[23:47] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Lancelot is the first thing anyone thinks when they think 'knight'. So I've decided to stop fucking around and shape up into someone that can actually pull out the win we need."
[23:47] * BlindSighter_4-3 "And that means a new plane." He goes to drink before pausing. "And more whiskey."
[23:47] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha perks up a bit at Phebe's voice. "Hey, there you are. Doing alright?"
[23:47] <Cavalier_3-3> "Fair enough. What model did you get, anyway?"
[23:47] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Because that's what 'Chivalry' is. Doing the hard thing because it's the right thing to do."
[23:49] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki, making sure not to move the neck brace, adjusts the pillow. "If the Belkans killed chivalry, I wouldn't be adjusting this pillow right now," he says flatly.

[23:49] * Australis_3-1 clips the holster closed again and crosses her arms. "What? no. Just uhh..." Phebe looks over Sascha's stomach. "She gunna... make it?" she whispers to Cosmo with a faint smell of gin on her breath.
[23:49] <BlindSighter_4-3> "I'm getting an EF-4C and upgrading her into an F-4G when I get the money to spare."
[23:50] <BlindSighter_4-3> "So long as Joyeux flies, it'll carry Chivalry and Excalibur with it. That's a fact."
[23:50] <Cavalier_3-3> "Hm. Sounds good. Sounds good..."
[23:51] * Australis_3-1 glances to Sascha. "I'm fine. Not like they hit the base again." she says curtly before looking back to Lydia for an answer.
[23:51] * Cosmo_4-1 looks to Sascha as well, running a hand through her hair. "Yeah, it's really not that bad. Just a shallow laceration. Probably going to need some stitches, but otherwise," she waves her hands, "she's fine."
[23:51] <Cosmo_4-1> "Physically, at least.

[23:51] <BlindSighter_4-3> "You can't take your money or your medals or your kills with you in the end. The only thing you take with you to the grave is your ideals."
[23:52] * BlindSighter_4-3 waves his open hand. "Now where's a garbage can? I'm going to sit down until the room stops spinning."
[23:53] * Cavalier_3-3 very offhandedly points at a garbage can at the corner of the room.
[23:54] * Australis_3-1 nods to Cosmo and kicks off the wall, walking over to the bed.
[23:55] <Australis_3-1> "How ya doin', kid?" Phebe asks Sascha with a faux cheeriness in her throat.
[23:56] * BlindSighter_4-3 dumps his bottle in the trash and sits down in the closest open seat- or leans up against a wall otherwise.
[23:57] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha smiles up at the other pilot, trying to return the sentiment. "Rough, but I'm just glad I made it back to the base alive. Others... weren't so lucky."

[23:58] * BlindSighter_4-3 looks around the room again, and his eyes open with alarm. "Fuck, where's Geist? Don't tell me he..."
[23:59] <Cosmo_4-1> "Nah, nobody from Nadir or Apogee went up today. Geist's fine, probably just sleeping off a bad hangover or something. Dunno where he's been."
[00:02] <Australis_3-1> "Well, get better quick so we can pay those assholes back, right?" Phebe smirks and looks around the room at her fellow pilots.
[00:02] * Cosmo_4-1 nods, "You're god damn right."
[00:03] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Only if we fight in the air. I'm fucking sick to death of bombers."
[00:04] <Cosmo_4-1> "After that last flight, I'm sick to death of the fucking air, honestly. I'd rather go back to smashing up SAM sites."
[00:04] <BabaYaga_2-1> "... Yeah. Thanks, Phebe." Sascha pushe sher hair back again and tries to scratch  her neck. "Be careful what you wish for. Trust me."

[00:05] <BlindSighter_4-3> "What's the point in fighting someone who can't fight back? At that point you're just bullying people."
[00:06] <Avalanche_1-2> "Hey, be careful you two, at least until Sascha's neck brace comes off."
[00:06] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Like those fucking scumbags who lit up our home."
[00:06] <Cosmo_4-1> "I don't know about you, man, but I'm almost certain that AA Guns and SAMs can fight back."
[00:07] * Australis_3-1 scowls and Blindsighter and then look back to Sascha, relatively cheery again. "You really hurt your neck or is it just some over protective Doctor?"
[00:08] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Flight lead, I'm drunk. Can I call you Lidia? I'm calling you Lidia. We're friends, right?"
[00:09] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Rough ejection. Nothing serious, just a precaution. Damn thing itches, though," she gripes.

[00:10] <Cosmo_4-1> "No, but you may call me Ms. Bolivar." She laughs at her own joke, before continuing. "Yes, we're friends. And, as a friend, I'd advise you to lay down if you're so drunk, Timothy."
[00:12] * BlindSighter_4-3 rolls his eyes. "Yes, MOM. I mean, Ms. Boliviar. I just wanted to make sure..." he stops his sentence suddenly.
[00:13] <Australis_3-1> "Well damn, I'd offer to help but I don't want to hurt you." Phebe gives an empty chuckle and shrugs at Sascha.
[00:13] <Cosmo_4-1> "No offense or anything, Blind, but if you were a child of mine, I'd beat the shit out of you."
[00:14] <Cavalier_3-3> "...Riight, now you're just really embarassing yourself, Blind."

[00:15] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Man, what do you want me to do, juggle?"
[00:15] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Don't worry about it. I grew up with a bunch of rowdy brothers. I can handle some cuts and bruises." Sascha just grins again, slowly taking account of the scent of alcohol in the air. "Seems you guys have been celebrating your mission already, at least."
[00:15] <Cavalier_3-3> "Please do not juggle while drunk."
[00:16] <BlindSighter_4-3> "I'll juggle if I want to. Telling me what to do is Cosmo's job."
[00:16] <Cosmo_4-1> "Hey, you should juggle."
[00:17] * BlindSighter_4-3 points at Bolivar. "See?" He holds out his hands. "Now, what should I juggle, Ms. Bolivar, for the enjoyment of all present?"

[00:18] <BabaYaga_2-1> "Just... do it away from my bed, alright, guys?" Sascha winces in anticipation of what's to come.
6[00:18] <Australis_3-1> "Well, blind certainly has... I could sneak something in, ya know, if you need it. Phebe pulls up a chair and sits to look Sascha in the eye, sparing a glance to blindsighter with a grimace.
[00:18] <Cavalier_3-3> "I fear this."
[00:18] <Cosmo_4-1> "Well, Blind, how about you give me all of your money and juggle the crippling debt and feeling of regret?"


[00:19] <BlindSighter_4-3> "That's what my ex-wife told me. Then she got run over by a bus. Complete coincidence."
[00:20] <Cosmo_4-1> "Uh, did you just implicate yourself in a murder, Blind?"
[00:20] <BlindSighter_4-3> "...Were you not listening? I said it was complete coincidence. I was inside the bar when it happened."
[00:21] * Cosmo_4-1 nods slowly, pushing herself off the wall. She reaches over, patting Blind on the shoulder. "Hey, buddy. You want to get some rest? Sleep off the booze?"
[00:22] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha frowns, honestly considering Phebe's offer. "It's tempting, but I don't know if it's a wise idea with the stuff they gave me. Tuck that offer away for later, though, I might take you up on it when I'm out of here." She sighs, trying to ignore the impulse to scratch at her belly, where the newly applied gauze is taped over her abs. The blanket Yuki gave her is good for warmth but it still feels awkward.
[00:23] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Yeah, whatever you say. Need to be ready for the next flight, right?"
[00:24] * Cosmo_4-1 pats his shoulder again, before stepping away. "Yeah, gotta be ready for anything." She shoots him once with a finger-gun, before moving back to the nightstand.
[00:24] * BlindSighter_4-3 steps out, but before he does, he points to Sascha. "Right. And I need to get you a get-well card."

[00:27] * Australis_3-1 leans back in her chair and groans. "Yeah... a get well card, Blind." Phebe looks at ground, curses to herself under her breath, and rubs her temples. "What a god damn day..."
[00:31] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha gives Blind a weak smile and waves to him. "Thanks..." she manages, then relaxes once he leaves. She turns her attention in Phebes general direction and gives a small nod. "Yeah. I've... got a lot I need to attend to when I get out of here. I need to see to Magpie's affairs, figue out if he had any..." She trails off, her expression getting serious for a moment. "Sorry, don't worry about it. I'll handle that when it comes. Thanks for stopping in though, Phebe. I appreciate it."
[00:32] <Avalanche_1-2> "Yeah, I've had to make those calls before. It's never easy."
[00:34] <Australis_3-1> "I... Don't expect we'd be able to contact Patch's family, considering."
[00:35] <BabaYaga_2-1> She yawns, the adrenaline from the day now fully drained from her body. "I think either way, it's something to worry about after my own affairs are back in order. To that end, I'm going to get some rest, alright?"
[00:36] <Australis_3-1> "Yeah, you sleep well sasch'."

[00:37] * Cosmo_4-1 crosses her arms, nodding. She pushes herself from her nightstand, looking over. "Get well soon." Reaching into her backpocket, she withdraws a packet of cigarettes, taking one out as she leaves.
[00:37] * Australis_3-1 stnads up and slides the chair back to where she found it and following Cosmo into the hallway.
[00:38] <Australis_3-1> "Hey Cosmo, has Cav been behaving?" Phebe asks quietly as they walk.
[00:38] <BabaYaga_2-1> Sascha offers the other pilots a little wave before closing her eyes and trying to relax. The events of the day weigh heavily on her mind, but sleep is heavier, and soon she's off.
[00:41] <Avalanche_1-2> Yuki searches the room, realizing that still no medical professional showed up in this shit hole. "Looks like I'm on night duty, too," He says to himself. He changes into a fresh gown, desperate to get out of his flight suit. He pulls a red cross badge out of his bag and pins it on, so the incoming doctor won't think he's a patient. After one last check on Sascha and Ivan, he slips into an empty bed and goes to sleep.

[00:43] * Cosmo_4-1 looks over to Australis, giving a nod. "Yeah, I don't know if you heard about our last operation, but things got pretty fucking bad." She runs a hand through her hair again, "But he's been dependable, sure." She places the cigarette in her mouth, lighting it.
[00:49] <Australis_3-1> "Good to hear... I trashed that old MiG, I'm not getting grounded again, you wont need to babysit him again."
[00:50] <Australis_3-1> "But I, I appreciate you keeping the kid alive. Thanks." Phebe smiles grimly.
[00:52] * Cosmo_4-1 smiles lightly, nodding. "Don't mention it, honestly. We were down a person during that operation anyways. It'll be good to work with you again."
[01:04] * Australis_3-1 nods again. "Can't wait to be in the sky again, honestly... Shit's happening and I'm just sitting around waiting on mechanics."
[01:09] <Cosmo_4-1> "We definitely could have used you on that last operation." She shakes her head, remaining silent for a moment. "So many fucking anti-ship missiles. You wouldn't believe it."
[01:14] <Australis_3-1> "I read the reports, no need for the recap..." Phebe says quietly.

[01:19] <Australis_3-1> "And uh, I'm sorry about being so absent. Not really fair to you and your flight..." Phebe looks at the floor as they walk, staring at her feet intently.
[01:21] * Cosmo_4-1 glances off to the side, rubbing her hands together. "You don't have to be sorry for shit, there's nothing you could have done about being a busted plane." She shrugs her shoulders, "I guess I just wanted to relive a bad memory." She reaches down into her pack of cigarettes, digging one out and offeirng it over. "Want one?"

[01:23] <Australis_3-1> "God, please." Phebe extends her hand to take the cigatette between two fingers. "Where're you from, Lydia?" she asks conversationally.
[01:24] * BlindSighter_4-3 continues to walk the halls, unable to sleep despite his dizziness. Where do they keep the food around here? I just need some bread or something.
[01:27] * Cosmo_4-1 hands off the cigarette, shoving the pack back into her pockets. She reaches into the pocket of her pants, offering over a lighter. "Sapin, lived in Laurus for most of my life, but I moved to Oured in Osea just before the war. That's where I got contracted." She looks over, "What about you?"

[01:32] * Australis_3-1 takes the lighter and lights her Cigarette before handing it back. "Emmeria, San Loma. Did about 10 years in the air force. This shit started up and I figured I might as well..." Phebe sighs heavily. "Kinda just came here to get rich honestly..."
[01:35] * Cosmo_4-1 takes the lighter, shoving it in her back pocket. She nods as well, "I was in Sapin's Air Force for a few years as well. But, you know, Sapin's been neutral for years." She laughs lightly. "I came here to get rich too, so I'm not judging you. I could give less of a shit about Ustio and Belka, if I'm honest." She shrugs.

[01:38] * BlindSighter_4-3 steps out of a side hallway before stopping and making eye contact with the two flight leads. "Oh, it's you. I was looking for the mess."
[01:41] <Cosmo_4-1> "Well, you found 'er." She motions to Australis, before laughing at her own joke.
[01:42] <BlindSighter_4-3> "...That's not funny. Is there, like, a waffle house open this late nearby?"
[01:43] * Cosmo_4-1 rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. "Fuck you, I'm funny."
[01:45] * Australis_3-1 nudges Lydia and mutters a good natured "Funny-ish" before shrugging at Blindsighter. "I think there was a vending machine in the Mechanics briefing room."
[01:45] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Okay. Have a nice night. I need to find my wallet."
[01:47] * BlindSighter_4-3 walks off silently, swaying only slightly.

[01:47] <Australis_3-1> "Hold on a second, kid..." Phebe roots through the pockets of her flight jacket for a few seconds before extending her left hand with a few dollars in change in it.
[01:49] * BlindSighter_4-3 takes the money only after realizing she means him to have it. "Thanks, Austrailis. Remind me to pay you back."
[01:51] * Cosmo_4-1 shoves her hands in her pockets, idly puffing on her cigarette. "Hey, Blindsighter. You want to fetch me something too?"
[01:51] <BlindSighter_4-3> "What do you want?"
[01:53] * Cosmo_4-1 thinks for a moment, "Uh, get me some chips or something. She rummages around in her pockets, offering over some change."
[01:53] <Cosmo_4-1>  "Uh, get me some chips or something." She rummages around in her pockets, offering over some change.*
[01:53] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Just pay Aust. This has a few dollars."
[01:55] * BlindSighter_4-3 begins to walk off with the change. "See you when I've got the chips."

[01:56] * Cosmo_4-1 nods, turning Australis. She offers her the change.
[01:57] <Australis_3-1> "Thanks, we'll probably be in our bunk."
[01:57] * Australis_3-1 takes the change and puffs on her cigarette.
[01:58] <BlindSighter_4-3> "I'm not going to field the implications of that."
[02:00] * Australis_3-1 smirks and chuckles at Blindsighter. "Damn it..."
[02:01] * Cosmo_4-1 rolls her eyes, looking to the side. "Yeah, the implication that we're going to play cards or some shit."
[02:01] <BlindSighter_4-3> "Whatever. Chips will be had."
[02:02] * BlindSighter_4-3 walks off without a word afterwards. Only after the base has settled down will Cosmo receive her chips.

[02:03] <Australis_3-1> "Not a bad kid." Phebe smiles pleasently. "Reminds me of my sister's first boyfriend actually."
[02:05] * Cosmo_4-1 nods, thinking on it. "Yeah, except that he's not all that young." She brushes a hand through her hair, "My sister's boyfriend was a jackass, but uh, in a funny way."
[02:07] * Australis_3-1 tilts her head in interest. "Do tell."

[02:10] * Cosmo_4-1 shrugs her shoulders, recouting the story as she began to walk again. "Ah, well, you know. He was the type of dude that liked to pick fights he couldn't possibly have fucking won. Always ran around getting beat up. It was a little fucking annoying, to say the least."
[02:13] <Australis_3-1> "Sounds like a class act." Phebe says sarcastically. "Why'd they stick together?"
[02:16] * Cosmo_4-1 rolls her eyes, "Only the Lord knows. My sister was a pretty shitty judge of character. I wasn't much to lecture her, either. Was more concerned with my own issues." She glances over, "What about your's, eh? Surely you've got some interesting stories."

[02:24] <Australis_3-1> "Bout my sister? Well, I guess." Phebe thinks for a moment. "Back when she was in college, she went to the arts college in San Loma, She and her freind," Phebe pauses again, thinking for a moment.
[02:31] * Cosmo_4-1 nods, listening silently.
[02:33] <Australis_3-1> "She would always party a bunch, they were never as rough as flight school parties -- less testosterone and fist fights -- BUt if you ever go to San Loma you'll probably see this modern art thing they have, it's like a dolphin I think, but made out of old driftwood, and it's big. Like, taller than I am probably." Phebe pauses for a second to catch her breath, looking up at the ceiling as she walks.
[02:40] * Cosmo_4-1 reaches up to her cigarette, taking it from her mouth. She drops the butt on the ground, stepping on it as they pass. "Eh, I was never really one for art, just a personal thing. Guess I never really got the meaning." She shakes her head, "Was more of a technical person, honestly. Tried to get into drama once, but I'm a fucking terrible actor.":
[02:41] <Australis_3-1> "And I get a call on like a tuesday night in October, and it's Alex -- Her friend -- and she's in hysterics, obviously drunk, it's like 2AM, and she's laughing her ass off and all she can get out of her mouth is 'Jen is stuck in the dolphin' and she says I need to come to the school and get her. And I try for a few minutes to try and figure out what she's on about before she just hangs up. So shit, I have to go down to the arts college at like 3am in October, the whole way I'm wondering what could be going on."
[02:48] * Cosmo_4-1 reaches down to the bridge of her nose, pinching it. She laughs loudly, throwing her head back. "Jesus Christ, now I can see the appeal of art." She shakes her head.

[02:52] <Australis_3-1> "So I get there and there and I park, and I walk over to this Dolphin thing, it's just in front of the doors so it's easy to find, but it's surreal. There's all these art kids right, just sitting around this thing in like a loose grouping. It's probably 3AM by this point, and I just go straight to the statue --they're basically having a house party but in the little... square in front of the college and in the center is this driftwood fish sculpture. -- I found out later that they figured out the only night security guard for the place was out for surgery so there was nobody there to stop it. -- And I walk up to this sculpture thing, and it doesn't really look like anything is going on, excluding all the drunk and high 20 year olds."
[03:01] * Australis_3-1 stomps out her own cigarette and continues. "So I'm confused, I'm thinking this is all some joke I've been a part of but I decide to walk around a bit and when I get around this sculpture, there she is, my sister. I guess she... she got on top of this fish but on her way down her leg slipped in between two of these wood pieces." Phebe motions with her hands. "And she got wedged on her way down, But she's just got her arms wrapped around this thing and she's giggling and her leg is stuck between two of the pieces and her other leg is just kind of dangling. Alex -- Her Friend -- is about ten feet away and my sister hasn't noticed me yet but she has and she's already up and walking. So I'm very confused and I ask her what's going on and she explains to me, she says that  Jen got really drunk, she climbed up this thing, she got stuck, blah blah blah."

[03:03] * Australis_3-1 chuckles to herself and sighs. "You should've seen her face when she noticed I was there. Sheet terror. Took us an hour to get her off the thing. Mind, we had her leg free in 10 minutes. She just didn't want to let go of it! I don't know, she was really high I guess..."
[03:04] <Australis_3-1> "Shit, I really miss her, ya know?" Phebe looks to lydia and frowns.
[03:11] * Cosmo_4-1 nods once, twiddling her thumbs. "Yeah, I suppose so. My sister, not so much, I'm tired of dealing with her boyfriends. But, I should probalby get around to writing her sometime. She probably thinks I've been in some kind of accident." She rolls her eyes, "She's so anxious all of the time, will probably get on my ass by the time I get back to Sapin." She motions to the sky, "I mean, I guess I'd be pretty worried if I had someone that I knew out fighting in a war."
[03:11] <Cosmo_4-1> "But.. that story will probably trump anything I ever fucking tell you." She turns, making her way down the pathway towards the remaining undestroyed barracks.
[03:15] <Australis_3-1> "Yeah I mean, I was meaning to call my Fiance and my sister but the payphone blew up with the O-Club. Maybe I should just write, that's probably the best plan..."
[03:19] * Cosmo_4-1 nods solemly, taken aback. "Yeah.. we got fucked up during that bombing, didn't we? I can't help but feel a little bad." She shrugs her shoulders, "My plane wasn't even prepared for an air engagement, I couldn't do shit. If I'd been on the ball, we probably wouldn't all be stuffed into a bunk, you know?"

[03:25] <Australis_3-1> "Don't beat yourself up over it. We can't win em all, ya know?" Phebe pauses for a second before continuing. "'sides, it ain't all bad. Case in point, roommates to break up the monotony."
[03:30] * Cosmo_4-1 nods slowly, turning as she approaches the door to the barracks. "Yeah, I suppose you've got a point. It's not like I don't enjoy the company." She makes her way inside, "But, you know, we're a roommate down, for now, at least."
[03:35] <Australis_3-1> "Right... I'm gunna get some sleep."
[03:35] * Australis_3-1 slips into the door and closes it behind her.