Thanatos 08

[12:21] <Nephilm> The large windows overlook the test chamber, where Unit 01 lies within its restraints. A blonde woman in a labcoat gazes intently at it, ignoring the multiple holographic data feeds around her.
[12:21] <Nephilm> "Disengaging lock... synchronization ratio leveled at 71%" Informs Mackenzie.
[12:21] <Nephilm> "How's the pilot?" Asks the 'doctor'.
[12:21] <Nephilm> "...Stable. No abnormalities in the data stream. No adverse synaptic responses."
[12:21] <Nephilm> "This will do, then. Stand by for shutdown procedures."
[12:21] <Nephilm> "So... we're going to start training them soon?" Asks another woman as she approaches the window.
[12:21] <Nephilm> "That was Shishigami's recommendation."
[12:21] <Nephilm> "I'd like to watch." It is not a request.
[12:21] <Nephilm> Ionides takes the unlit cigarrete out of her mouth and regards it's misshapen form for several seconds before deciding to take a smoke break.
[12:21] <Nephilm> ===
[12:21] <Nephilm> August 13th, 2020. The pilots are in their flooded entry plugs, ready for their combat simulations. They've been left free to talk with each other while final preparations are made.
[12:22] <DJ_Hammond> "Never gonna get used to that," DJ says, referring to the LCL flooding the plug.
[12:23] <DJ_Hammond> To his credit he stayed in the seat during it this time.
[12:23] <Miu_Setogiri> "It is amazig we can breathe it."
[12:24] <Lianna_Cien> "Really? I find it's a lot easier now...just relax and think of it as a bath."
[12:25] * Miu_Setogiri tugs at her suit. "I like the colors too."
[12:25] * Abraham is adjusting his suit, loosening and tightening it to find a good fit.
[12:26] <Miu_Setogiri> "How does this all work?"
[12:26] <Lianna_Cien> "I've also learned something about myself...I like tight-fitting clothing on occasion...and, we don't really know the specifics..."
[12:30] <Miu_Setogiri> "Having them fit like with a button is much easier than putting on tight clothes normally. It's very nice."
[12:43] <Nephilm> For the three who saw combat, even the sensations of being the Evas are realistic, if somehow muffled.
[12:43] <Nephilm> ************
[12:43] <Nephilm> The dimly lit panels of the plugsuit are suddenly replaced by a surreal, wireframe landscape. Moments later, the ground shifts to solid terrain, then structures, and finally a cloudless blue sky. The children realize they're in the ruins of a city in the desert, buildings falling apart from years of disuse and exposure to the elements. It's quite a realistic environment, having simulated even debris and trashed cars at their feet, and
[12:43] <Nephilm> the more perceptive among them can spot dust devils popping in and out of existence.
[12:43] <Nephilm> For the three who saw combat, even the sensations of being the Evas are realistic, if somehow muffled.
[12:47] * Abraham is getting comfortable in the plug, setting things up and adjusting without instruction or guidance.
[12:47] <Nephilm> A communications window opens, displaying the words AUDIO ONLY.
[12:47] <Nephilm> "Communications check... pilots, can you hear me?" Asks a soft female voice.
[12:47] <Miu_Setogiri> "Yes!"
[12:48] <DJ_Hammond> "Loud and clear"
[12:49] <Abraham> "Reading."
[12:49] <Lianna_Cien> "I hear you just fine."
[12:50] <Nephilm> "Audio, checked." She mutters. The window displays static briefly before turning into the image of a young brunette dressed in NERV's black, red-trimmed uniform.
[12:53] <Miu_Setogiri> "So how do we save the world?"
[12:53] <DJ_Hammond> "Giant robots."
[12:53] <Lianna_Cien> "By destroying giant monster aliens with giant humanoid robots."
[12:55] <Nephilm> "O...kay. Pilots, we'll be running simple combat exercises to familarize you with Evangelion equipment."
[12:55] <Nephilm> Next to each of the Evangelions, weapon racks materialize, holding some kind of Eva-sized rifles.
[12:55] <Nephilm> "To your rights you should be able to spot the Stiegers Mk1 Pallet Rifle. Please take ahold of it."
[12:55] * Abraham takes it, checks if it's loaded.
[12:56] * Miu_Setogiri picks up the weapon, holding it more like people do in movies then a trained soldier would.
[12:56] <Nephilm> Just by looking at the rifles, the visual field of the evas is overlayed with information regarding the gun, such as effective range and current ammo capacity, and diagrams showcasing usage.
[12:59] * Lianna_Cien snatches up the rifle...though she seems rather unfamiliar and clumsy with the weapon.
[12:59] <Nephilm> As soon as everyone takes ahold of their gun, firing targets appear on the far end of the lanes each Eva is in.
[12:59] <Nephilm> "Please try firing at the targets," the woman says.
[12:59] * Abraham lifts the rifle, aims and fires.
[13:00] * Miu_Setogiri takes aim for a while, then fires off a shot.
[13:00] <Lianna_Cien> "Alright...guns aren't my thing, but I'll give it a shot..."
[13:04] * DJ_Hammond picks up the gun and fires, his bullet shooting well past the target
[13:04] * Miu_Setogiri frowns as her shot doesn't go anywhere near.
[13:06] * Abraham puts a trio of shots right into the target.
[13:09] * Lianna_Cien holds the gun somewhat shakily, steadying her hands as much as she can as she lightly squeezes the trigger and...surprisingly, nails the target.
[13:11] <Nephilm> "Good. We'll be doing a difficulty progression. Do your best to hit the targets."
[13:11] <Nephilm> As the pilots hit their targets, they disintegrate into static, and others appear in their place, more distant, at different angles, eventually moving.
[13:15] <Nephilm> This goes on for some time, the pilots showcasing diverse degrees of ability, but none of them able to consistently hit their targets.
[13:19] * DJ_Hammond (~Nick@who.was.phone) has left #ThanatosIC
[13:20] <Nephilm> "Hey, Patty~" the pilots hear a voice come in from the operator's comms window. The brunete turns to look at the source, a plainsclothed blonde.
[13:20] <Nephilm> "Ma'am."
[13:20] <Nephilm> "Why are you having them train with those things?"
[13:20] <Nephilm> "It-it is in the instructions I was given..." she replies awkwardly.
[13:20] <Nephilm> "But those guns are so bad. Here, load the nice rifles." The interloper reaches into the console and types in with one hand. She then leans forward, stares at the camera for a couple seconds and waves hi.
[13:21] * Abraham nods to the sub commander.
[13:23] <Lianna_Cien> "Wait...ma'am, why am I even being trained with a gun? My Unit doesn't have one."
[13:28] <Nephilm> The woman shrugs. "Reiko-chan's insistence. In my opinion you should just beat each other with claws and teeth but she seems to insist on 'traditional' combat training. As if you aren't just a bunch of monsters."
[13:28] <Nephilm> The Pallet Rifles in the Evangelions' hands disperse into artifacts, and the weapon racks are restocked, this time with a more sofisticated looking weapon.
[13:29] <Miu_Setogiri> "What?! I'm not a monster!"
[13:30] <Abraham> "Can you not override the captains orders?"
[13:33] <Lianna_Cien> "I won't say I'm a monster, 'cept in a fight~"
[13:34] <Nephilm> The woman giggles. "Alright children," she says, "these are simulations of prototypes . Those other guns are what we have in stock but bleh," she sticks her tongue out in disgust, "now these are more like something I'd use to gun down vermin." She leans in closer to the camera, covers the side of her mouth with her hand amd whispers "...but they're never going to be produced."
[13:35] <Abraham> "The newer weapons? Or the pallet model?"
[13:36] <Nephilm> She looks down then at the camera. "A bit slow aren't you?"
[13:36] <Abraham> "Why will the newer versions never be produced?"
[13:37] <Lianna_Cien> "He's not just slow, I swear the boy acts like an emotionless, nihilistic tobot."
[13:37] <Lianna_Cien> robot*
[13:38] <Nephilm> "And ask too many questions~?" She pouts. "What's next, why I was born? Who's my daddy?"
[13:39] <Nephilm> She giggles at Lianna's comment.
[13:40] <Abraham> "Those are both irrelevant questions."
[13:40] <Miu_Setogiri> "It's good to know who your parents are."
[13:40] <Abraham> "My question stands however, it is a common fact the pallet gun is ineffectual, why will the newer models not be made to replace it."
[13:43] * Abraham (~elric@Rizon-DC580D04.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) has left #ThanatosIC
[13:43] * Abraham (~elric@Rizon-DC580D04.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com) has joined #ThanatosIC
[13:46] <Nephilm> "Common fact? You say the most amusing things." She gives the camera a mischievous look. "But you don't get to question your superiors. That's a right reserved for real people." She kisses her hand and blows a kiss before moving back from the camera. On her, you spot her grabing a lock of the other woman's hair and smelling it while she makes a very uncomfortable face.
[13:47] <Nephilm> *on her way
[13:47] * Abraham simply sighs, and returns to practice.
[13:49] <Miu_Setogiri> "Are these the only weapons we're going to use?"
[13:52] <Nephilm> In response to Miu's question, a window appears detailing diverse melee weapons currently in stock, and several listed as 'in development' but available for use in simulations."
[13:53] <Lianna_Cien> "You know...I probably do need to consider some options...seeing as how all I have in use at the moment are a giant box cutter and teeth."
[13:57] * Abraham swaps out the rifle for a spear and shield combo, starts practicing close range with the targets*
[13:59] <Nephilm> The operator takes a moment to gather her wits then addresses the pilots. "Okay, resume exercise using the BR-02s."
[14:00] * Miu_Setogiri goes back to shoot with the new gun
[14:00] * Lianna_Cien shrugs and pulls out a rifle, this time trying to see if she can't learn to aim.
[14:01] * Abraham aims and fires on targets.
[14:02] <Nephilm> The new weapon is better, if only slightly so in the hands of the inexperienced pilots.
[14:04] <Nephilm> "Oh ho ho..." You hear Chase say, "why don't you pit them against a real enemy?"
[14:04] <Nephilm> "Ma'am?"
[14:04] <Nephilm> "You know, load up the data we have on the 8th."
[14:04] <Nephilm> "This isn't part of the..."
[14:04] <Nephilm> "It's fine, just do it."
[14:04] <Nephilm> The targets disappear. In front of the pilots materializes a monster similar to the one destroyed weaks prior, but without the long neck or wing-like bone potrusions. In the clear light and immobile, it looks almost comical.
[14:07] <Lianna_Cien> "...That's the thing that fried robo-boy? I'm ashamed to have been scared of that fuckin' clown."
[14:09] <Abraham> 'I am not a robot."
[14:11] <Abraham> "If we could build robots, we would not need pilots."
[14:13] <Nephilm> "Uh... pilots. If you'd please use your weapons against the target?" The operator requests. Overlays appear around the monster, indicating known data as well as marking the red sphere on its chest as a weak point.
[14:13] <Lianna_Cien> "Walks like one and talks like one....oh, right."
[14:13] * Miu_Setogiri aims carefully and takes a shot at it
[14:14] <Nephilm> The round hits the creature's flesh, and blue blood begins to seep out. It doesn't react.
[14:15] * Lianna_Cien aims for the sphere and fires.
[14:16] <Nephilm> A crack appears on the red orb.
[14:18] * Abraham takes carefully aimed shots at the core.
[14:19] <Nephilm> Eventually, under the combine firepower the core shatters and the creature falls, disintegrating into artifacts.
[14:20] <Miu_Setogiri> "Good job everyone!"
[14:20] <Miu_Setogiri> "We did it."
[14:24] <Nephilm> The monster reappears, but this time it twitches and tilts its mask-like face. The eyes flash, and the virtual representation of Unit 01 is annihilated. Miu feels a slight shock and the screens of her entry plug go dark, red signs indicating the evangelion was defeated.
[14:24] <Miu_Setogiri> "...I'm sorry!"
[14:25] <Abraham> *opens fire on the new angel.*
[14:25] <Lianna_Cien> "Fuck! Rip this thing to pieces!"
[14:27] * Lianna_Cien blasts rifle shots at the monster's head first.
[14:30] <Nephilm> The 155mm caliber rounds bounce ineffectually off it, and it responds to the aggressors by instantly closing the distance to them with a burst of light. With a swipe of its claws a halo of light appears, neatly bissecting Unit 04. Lianna feels a jolt and her terminal marks her as defeated.
[14:31] <Abraham> *backpedals away from the angel, spreading his field*
[14:31] <Nephilm> It turns to face the other two evangelions and spreads its arms. The battle doesn't last long.
[14:35] <Nephilm> The 'training' lasts hours, the group having allowed access to melee weapons half-way through, and finally ending when they managed to defeat the enemy, albeit at the cost of all Evas defeated but thankfully without pilot casualties. By the end, the pilots are exhausted.
[14:36] <Abraham> *once were out of the plugs, gets out of the suit, showers and gets back into his normal clothes quickly.*
[14:37] <Lianna_Cien> "...that...was one of the most thoroughly tiring things I've done in years...but I won't lie, I love these sims."
[14:38] <Miu_Setogiri> "I will.. do better.. next time.."
[14:38] <Nephilm> While they recuperate inside their plugs, waiting to be disconnected, the blonde woman, presumable the Vice Commander, approaches one last time.
[14:39] <Nephilm> "That was fun to watch," she chimes, "just as I thought, you're better off fighting like savages. No finesse. I'll be sure to give Reiko-chan my thoughts on that."
[14:43] <Miu_Setogiri> "A savage?"
[14:43] <Lianna_Cien> "Lady, I've fought up, close, and personal for as long as I can remember. It's what I know."
[14:45] <Nephilm> The woman laughs. "Patty, do you think it's possible to load my combat data into the- wait, that'd be too unfair. Maybe we can load Reiko-chan's?"
[14:45] <Nephilm> "Ma'am... I wouldn't know. Perhaps if-"
[14:46] <Nephilm> "Right, I have ask the Witch. I'm sure I can convice her with a pack or two."
[14:47] <Miu_Setogiri> "Onee-chan fought in them too?!"
[14:51] <Nephilm> She glances at the camera, smiling. "In the Evas? Of course not. If she could, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
[14:54] * Miu_Setogiri nods. "What did she fight with?"
[14:55] <Nephilm> She licks her lips. "Ask her... why they call her the Mad Dancer."
[14:57] <Nephilm> "And with that, I take my leave. Ciao~" She waves her hand dismissively and walks away.
[14:58] <Lianna_Cien> "...Sounds like either a blade nut, or she has some really funky fans..."
[15:03] * Miu_Setogiri waves goodbye.
[15:05] <Nephilm> Once the Vice Commander leaves, the brunette returns to her station and takes a deep breath. "She creeps me out," she mutters.
[15:09] <Miu_Setogiri> "Are we going to do this every day?"
[15:09] * Miu_Setogiri doesn't seem like she's afraid of the answer being yes.
[15:10] <Lianna_Cien> "I doubt it will be daily...but close to it."
[15:13] <Nephilm> "Pilots, stand by for removal. Good work."
[15:13] <Abraham> "Thank you."
[15:14] <Lianna_Cien> "Alright..."
[15:21] * Miu_Setogiri waits quietly to get out and then to change.
[15:23] <Nephilm> Night has settled in by the time the pilots leave NERV headquarters. DJ apparently had a commitment and had to leave right away, leaving the girls and Abraham on their own, waiting by the bus stop.
[15:24] <Abraham> "If they'd just give me a damn car..."
[15:24] <Miu_Setogiri> "You can drive?"
[15:24] <Abraham> "Yeah."
[15:24] <Abraham> "Not legally, but I know how."
[15:24] <Lianna_Cien> "Not sure I want to ride with him...he'd probably drive us off a cliff."
[15:25] <Abraham> "You prefer the captains driving?"
[15:25] * Miu_Setogiri laughs nervously "I'm sure he wouldn't do that."
[15:25] * Abraham asks with a grin, his emotions rising up again.
[15:25] <Miu_Setogiri> "She's good. Very fast!"
[15:26] <Lianna_Cien> "At least she's sane...and more human than you are."
[15:26] <Abraham> "She can't turn for shit, I've been asking her for a while to take lessons but..."
[15:26] <Abraham> "Hey hey hey, can't gauge humanity."
[15:27] <Lianna_Cien> "Don't know how to break it to you, but shut-ins live more exciting lives than you do."
[15:27] <Miu_Setogiri> "You need friends, that's all!"
[15:27] <Abraham> "Not the first time i've been told that..."
[15:28] <Miu_Setogiri> "That's because it's true. Everyone needs friends."
[15:28] <Nephilm> A bus approaches, the route that takes the girls closest to their home.
[15:29] * Miu_Setogiri smiles "Would you like to come have dinner with us, Abraham?"
[15:29] <Abraham> "Sure."
[15:29] * Abraham hops on the bus. "Sick of pizza...god, never thought i'd say that."
[15:29] * Miu_Setogiri gets on as well.
[15:29] <Abraham> "Now..heres a question, does a dog count as a friend?"
[15:29] <Abraham> "Cuz i'd love a dog..."
[15:30] <Miu_Setogiri> "I think they can, but you should have people as friends too."
[15:31] * Lianna_Cien also leaps into the bus. "People would be healthier."
[15:33] <Abraham> "So, Lianna...hows it going with the conquest? Eyes still set on putting the entire school under your thumb?"
[15:35] <Lianna_Cien> "Damn right. The council is being run by a single girl who treats everyone else like slave labor."
[15:35] <Abraham> "Not surprised actually...what are ya gonna do?"
[15:36] <Lianna_Cien> "Dethrone her and set thigs up so it runs even better...and actually incorperates other people's desires into the changes."
[15:37] <Miu_Setogiri> "Everyone else thinks she's bad too?"
[15:37] <Abraham> "Ehm...and how do you plan to go about doing that? Rally the people?
[15:37] <Abraham> "
[15:39] <Lianna_Cien> "As a start, yes. Her only support seems to be her boyfriend, and it seems he gets into a lot of fights."
[15:39] <Abraham> "Take him out first? Hell, maybe DJ will wanna help."
[15:40] <Miu_Setogiri> "Take him out?"
[15:41] <Abraham> "Put em in the hospital...force em to change schools...maybe see if you cant get his family deported to another city?"
[15:41] <Miu_Setogiri> "Just for being someone's boyfriend?"
[15:41] <Abraham> "For being in the way of your plans?"
[15:42] * Miu_Setogiri gives Abe a concerned look.
[15:42] <Lianna_Cien> "I'm not that cruel...at most I'll just beat him in a fight, one on one."
[15:42] <Abraham> "Assuming he abides by the same...whats the word."
[15:43] <Abraham> "Old timey warriors had em."
[15:43] <Lianna_Cien> "Honor code?"
[15:43] <Abraham> "Stupid stuff like chivalry..."
[15:43] <Abraham> "Honor code! Yeah!"
[15:44] <Abraham> "Assuming he abides by the same code of honor..."
[15:45] <Abraham> "Otherwise he could just backstab you at some point."
[15:45] <Lianna_Cien> "Doesn't matter. Been in fights where I was outnumbered."
[15:46] <Abraham> "I mean in the long term."
[15:46] <Miu_Setogiri> "I don't think school politics are supposed to be so violent."
[15:46] <Abraham> "Whats school like in japan, anyway?"
[15:46] <Abraham> "From what i've heard, you've got serious population problems..."
[15:50] <Miu_Setogiri> "No, it's nice. The school here is a lot like it."
[15:51] <Abraham> "Huh, good to hear things aren't as bad out there then."
[15:52] <Nephilm> No too long after the group disembarks and it's a short, quiet walk to Reiko's house from the bus drop-off. The automated exterior lights are on, but there doesn't appear to be anyone home until the group enters, which seems to be norm: not in the 3 days the girls have been living here has she done more than pass through seemingly to check on them, much less stay the night.
[15:53] <Miu_Setogiri> "We bought food. I can go make something. Unless you'd rather cook tonight, Lianna?"
[15:53] <Lianna_Cien> "I kinda wonder where she actually stays at night...and sure."
[15:53] <Lianna_Cien> "Though...it is your turn."
[15:54] <Miu_Setogiri> "Oh, right, it is. I'll go get started!"
[15:54] * Miu_Setogiri pulls off her shoes and dashes into the kitchen.
[15:54] * Abraham starts inspecting the apartment...moseying through and looking around.
[15:55] <Abraham> "Considering she's a NERV officer, i'd assume she has somewhere to stay in the base itself..."
[15:55] <Abraham> "Are you sure this is actually her home?"
[15:56] * Miu_Setogiri works busily, steam can be heard from the kitchen. It sounds like she's making stir-fry again.
[15:56] <Lianna_Cien> "She said it was..."
[15:57] <Abraham> "She may be lying...though that wouldnt be neccessary."
[15:57] <Abraham> "Where is her bedroom?"
[15:58] <Lianna_Cien> "Large one, look for the bed that isn't made."
[15:58] <Abraham> "Hmm..."
[15:58] * Abraham hunts around for reikos bedroom.
[15:59] <Abraham> "...Why is there a mirror on the ceiling?"
[16:00] <Lianna_Cien> "That's why I took the other bedroom."
[16:00] * Abraham flops onto the bed, lying in the middle of it and staring up at the mirror.
[16:01] <Abraham> 'I've never heard of something like this...completely uneccasary, dangerous, waste of money....why?"
[16:01] <Nephilm> The bed, however, is the most comfortable one Abe has ever laid on.
[16:02] * Miu_Setogiri arrives not long after, "It's ready, the rice is still cooking but it should be done.. why are you in onee-chan's bed?"
[16:02] * Abraham stares into the ceiling...
[16:02] <Abraham> "There has to be a reason for this...she can't be so vain she likes to watch herself sleep..."
[16:03] <Abraham> "Maybe theres something she can see through this...?"
[16:03] <Nephilm> The ceiling silently stares back.
[16:03] * Abraham hops off the bed and starts rummaging through her desk.
[16:03] <Miu_Setogiri> "Hey! Don't do that!"
[16:04] <Abraham> "Are there any...lumps, in the walls you can see from outside?"
[16:04] <Abraham> "Misshapen closets?"
[16:04] <Lianna_Cien> "None that I've noticed."
[16:04] * Miu_Setogiri steps between Abe and the desk. "Dinner is ready, you should go downstairs and not invade someone's privacy!"
[16:04] <Abraham> "...No...no, of course they wouldnt put anything here."
[16:05] * Abraham shakes his head, and puts a hand on his temple.
[16:05] <Nephilm> The desk contains nothing but Miu's school stuff and a picture frame.
[16:05] <Abraham> "Your right...sorry, thank you..."
[16:05] * Abraham drags his feet downstairs, eyes darting around.
[16:07] * Miu_Setogiri goes with them and serves up plates of stir-fry and rice for each. "Would you like something to drink?"
[16:07] <Lianna_Cien> Lianna quietly thinks to herself. /Once he leaves I can look around properly...don't trust him not to snitch./
[16:07] <Abraham> "Ehm...water?"
[16:08] <Miu_Setogiri> "Okay! Lianna? Can I get you something as well?"
[16:08] <Lianna_Cien> "Anything's fine, just toss me something."
[16:09] * Miu_Setogiri comes back with a glass of water and a can of soda.
[16:10] * Miu_Setogiri has a glass of orange juice herself.
[16:10] <Abraham> "Did she leave any instructions?"
[16:10] <Abraham> "A set of keys?"
[16:11] <Lianna_Cien> "Not particularly..."
[16:11] <Abraham> "Hmm..."
[16:11] * Abraham slowly picks at the stir fry, still thinking.
[16:12] * Miu_Setogiri sits and bows her head before starting to eat. "Itadakimasu!
[16:12] * Lianna_Cien digs into the food like a starving animal.
[16:13] <Miu_Setogiri> "We can open the front door without a key. They have us saved to it."
[16:13] <Abraham> "Electronic locks?"
[16:14] <Lianna_Cien> "Aye...no keys for anything with normal locks."
[16:14] <Abraham> "Thats...no, this can't be right."
[16:14] <Abraham> "Too much money has been sunk into this place."
[16:14] <Miu_Setogiri> "What do you mean?
[16:15] <Abraham> "Do you have any proof Shinigami actually lives here?"
[16:15] <Abraham> "Hung up pictures? Photo albums, personal files?"
[16:15] <Lianna_Cien> "...Well, there is the fridge...stocked with more beer than any human could ever hope to drink."
[16:16] <Miu_Setogiri> "She could have more than one home."
[16:16] <Miu_Setogiri> and stays there to give us privacy here."
[16:16] <Abraham> "I doubt it, wouldn't be surprised if there are laws against that due to housing concerns..."
[16:16] <Abraham> "But still, something just doesnt add up."
[16:17] <Miu_Setogiri> "This is her home."
[16:17] <Miu_Setogiri> "She might not be here right now, but it's hers."
[16:18] <Lianna_Cien> "Maybe she comes to sleep when we're in class."
[16:18] <Abraham> "Thats...possible, actually."
[16:18] <Miu_Setogiri> "Yes! She might have a late work schedule."
[16:19] <Abraham> "Oh...whatever, shimigami is harmless anyway..."
[16:19] * Abraham knocks back some water.
[16:19] <Abraham> "Ionides on the other hand...christ, woman is terrifying."
[16:19] <Miu_Setogiri> "Who?"
[16:20] <Abraham> "Doctor Ionides..."
[16:20] <Lianna_Cien> "What happened this time...?"
[16:20] <Miu_Setogiri> "The god-woman?"
[16:21] <Abraham> "Shes just....so...she disregards boundaries?"
[16:22] <Miu_Setogiri> "So you are similar?"
[16:22] <Abraham> "Whaddya mean?"
[16:22] <Miu_Setogiri> "You went into my room without asking."
[16:23] <Abraham> "Oh, you're using that room?"
[16:23] <Abraham> "Sorry, didn't realize."
[16:23] <Miu_Setogiri> "If I wasn't it would still have been rude!"
[16:23] <Abraham> "But...no, Ionides is worse...we're talking like."
[16:23] <Miu_Setogiri> "That's her room too."
[16:23] <Abraham> "If I were to just lean across the table and blow in your ear."
[16:23] <Abraham> "Thats the kinda shit Ionides pulls."
[16:24] <Lianna_Cien> "So, she's a pervert that engages in sexual harrassment."
[16:24] <Abraham> "Wouldnt be surprised..."
[16:25] <Abraham> "Considering how Chase was treating those bridge officers, someone must be spiking the water coolers."
[16:25] * Miu_Setogiri changes the subject abruptly. "How is the food?!"
[16:25] <Lianna_Cien> "It could be worse. She could have been assigned to stay with you guys."
[16:25] <Abraham> "What did you use in this?"
[16:26] * Abraham spears and spins himself a fork of noodles.
[16:26] <Lianna_Cien> "It was great Miu, as always."
[16:27] <Miu_Setogiri> "Onions, peppers, carrots, soy sauce, um there was a few pieces of pineapple left from last time and I put in a tiny little bit of hot sauce to make it warm."
[16:28] <Abraham> "Hmm...been a while since I ordered chinese, first time tried it home made."
[16:28] <Abraham> "Good change of pace."
[16:29] <Lianna_Cien> "...Abe, she's Japanese, not Chinese. Biiiig difference."
[16:29] <Miu_Setogiri> "No, he's right."
[16:29] <Miu_Setogiri> "It's a chinese style of cooking."
[16:29] <Abraham> "Oh, cool."
[16:30] <Miu_Setogiri> "I just like it because it's easy for me to make taste good."
[16:30] <Lianna_Cien> "Ah, okay."
[16:31] <Miu_Setogiri> "Do you have a favorite kind of food?"
[16:36] <Lianna_Cien> "Me? Spicy stuff."
[16:36] <Abraham> "Whatever I can get delivered."
[16:36] * Miu_Setogiri looks at Abe "You never make food?"
[16:36] <Abraham> "No."
[16:37] <Miu_Setogiri> "Do you not like to or..?"
[16:37] <Lianna_Cien> "He can't cook to save his life."
[16:37] <Miu_Setogiri> "Oh!"
[16:37] <Lianna_Cien> "I did all the cooking when we actually cooked."
[16:37] <Abraham> "That and the kitchen is...well, I don't even know what the essentials would be."
[16:38] <Miu_Setogiri> "You can come over as often as you like. Maybe Lianna and I can show you how to too?"
[16:38] <Abraham> "I'l see what I can do..."
[16:40] <Miu_Setogiri> "It's fun once you learn how! You can try different styles and mix things too."
[16:42] <Abraham> "Like what?"
[16:44] <Miu_Setogiri> "You could steam salmon and try it with a teryaki sauce!" she considers this for a moment "Maybe I should try that." she looks back at the others "What I mean, the food has so many things it can do, you can try all kinds of ways to make it."
[16:44] <Abraham> "But aren't there pre-determined recipes?"
[16:45] * Miu_Setogiri nods. "Those are good to start with but it's more fun to try new things!"
[16:45] <Lianna_Cien> "Yes, but there are infinitely more recipes nobody has dared to test."
[16:45] <Abraham> "Hmm..."
[16:47] <Abraham> "I'l look into it, I'd need to upgrade the kitchen then..."
[16:47] <Abraham> "Do I have a fridge...?"
[16:48] <Lianna_Cien> "Yes..."
[16:48] <Abraham> "Oh, alright then."
[16:48] <Lianna_Cien> "Dimwit...how do you think we stored food?"
[16:48] <Abraham> "We ate it before it went bad?"
[16:50] * Lianna_Cien slams her hand onto her face, sliding it down and away before chugging her soda.
[16:51] * Miu_Setogiri laughs. "I think you will like it, Abraham."
[17:08] <Nephilm> The group is interrupted by sounds coming from the entrance.
[17:09] * Reiko_Shishigami (~Nephilm@BE45E3C3.704C1E18.A073A89C.IP) has joined #ThanatosIC
[17:09] * Reiko_Shishigami walks in.
[17:09] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Evening." She greets them with usual cheeriness. "Are you having dinner?"
[17:09] <Lianna_Cien> "We were just finishing up."
[17:09] <Miu_Setogiri> "Onee-chan! I can make more if you want some."
[17:10] <Nephilm> "No, that's fine, I already ate," she says while looking over the plates. "Abe, you're here too? And DJ?"
[17:10] <Abraham> "Dj had other matters to attend to."
[17:11] <Abraham> "As for myself, I was just leaving...thank you for the food, miss Setogiri."
[17:11] <Miu_Setogiri> "Goodbye, Abraham. It was nice to eat with you."
[17:11] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Oh."
[17:12] * Abraham jerkily gets up, sliding his chair in and takes his plate to the sink before heading to the hallway.
[17:12] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Wait, Abe, eto..."
[17:12] <Abraham> "Yes, captain?"
[17:12] <Reiko_Shishigami> "How was training? I'm sorry I couldn't make it, but I had other responsibilities."
[17:13] <Abraham> "Standard procedure, vice commander Chase allowed up access to the prototype models of the new battle rifles."
[17:13] <Abraham> "And made several harsh criticisms, claiming you allow us to fight like savages."
[17:13] <Abraham> "Personally, I do not see a problem in that."
[17:13] <Lianna_Cien> "She said they would never get made though..."
[17:14] <Miu_Setogiri> "I heard you used to fight too."
[17:15] * Reiko_Shishigami makes an awkward face.
[17:17] <Reiko_Shishigami> "...I'd suggest you didn't talk to that woman, but it can't be helped if she initiates contact with you. Just, don't pay too much attention to what she says." She says while rubbing the back of her neck.
[17:18] <Miu_Setogiri> "Okay, but what's Mad Dancing?"
[17:18] <Abraham> "She does seem extremely off kilter."
[17:18] * Reiko_Shishigami is off put by Miu's question.
[17:20] <Lianna_Cien> "...Is it related to a form of matial art, or just a nickname?"
[17:22] <Reiko_Shishigami> "That's... just a nickname," she answers, "more importantly, I just left you some basic exercises today but from now on I should be on every training session, making sure you become the best Eva pilots in the world." She ends cheerfully.
[17:23] <Miu_Setogiri> "I'll do my best!"
[17:23] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Right? That's the spirit!"
[17:25] <Lianna_Cien> "Just...one question. Why have those of us who can't even use a gun train with them?"
[17:28] <Reiko_Shishigami> "That's because ranged firepower is important. Melee combat isn't always an option."
[17:28] <Miu_Setogiri> "We have to do anything to save the world, so practicing things we're not good at makes sense."
[17:29] <Reiko_Shishigami> "That's right!"
[17:29] <Lianna_Cien> "Alright, I'll do my best then."
[17:31] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Good. I hope the same from you too, Abe."
[17:31] <Abraham> "I don't really have a choice."
[17:31] <Abraham> "Is there anything else?"
[17:32] * Reiko_Shishigami shakes her head.
[17:32] <Reiko_Shishigami> "That's all. You're free to- ah, do you want me to give you a ride?"
[17:36] <Abraham> "If you'd be so kind."
[17:36] <Lianna_Cien> "We'll see you two later then."
[17:37] * Abraham grabs his jacket or whatever he brought along, then goes outside and waits by the car.
[17:38] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Has everything been fine, is the house to your liking?" She asks the girls.
[17:38] <Lianna_Cien> "Yes...though, the mirror on the ceiling seems an odd choice."
[17:40] <Reiko_Shishigami> She chuckles. "It came with the house, I didn't have much of a choice on the decor." She leans in closer, her demeanor turning serious. "You haven't found anything weird, have you?"
[17:41] <Miu_Setogiri> "There is a lot of beer..."
[17:41] * Reiko_Shishigami slowly nods.
[17:41] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Anything else?"
[17:42] <Lianna_Cien> "It's been...a lot quieter than I expected...aside from the guy who randomly runs by screaming every night."
[17:44] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Oh, hehe..." She rubs her neck. "Well, this is a quiet neighborhood, so it's supposed to be that way. If anything weird happens just let me know, okay?"
[17:47] <Lianna_Cien> "...like...if I hear gunfire?"
[17:47] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Yes, something like that."
[17:50] <Lianna_Cien> "Okay, weirdest thing I've hear was bagpipes last night."
[17:50] <Lianna_Cien> heard*
[17:51] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Eto... probably normal." She thinks for a moment. "Anyway, I better get going."
[17:53] * Reiko_Shishigami says her goodbyes and meets Abe back at the car, unlocking it with the keys as she walks past towards the driver's seat.
[17:54] * Abraham gets in the passangers seat, quiet until they get onto the roads.
[17:54] <Abraham> "Ehm...captain?"
[17:54] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Yes?"
[17:55] <Abraham> "When I was hospitalised...the commander mentioned you were punished because I didn't listen to you?"
[17:57] <Reiko_Shishigami> "..." Her expression darkens.
[17:57] <Abraham> "I wanted to apologize."
[17:58] <Abraham> "I didn't want to bother anyone...you shouldnt have been punished for my actions."
[17:58] <Abraham> "I'm sorry."
[18:00] <Reiko_Shishigami> "It was my fault," she says after a while, "my plan was flawed. There are many things about... the evangelions that we don't know, but I should've realized by then that in the end they're piloted by untrained children. So it was my fault."
[18:01] <Abraham> "No, it isnt."
[18:01] <Abraham> "I made the conscious decision to charge ahead, and it's unfair that you were punished for it."
[18:02] <Abraham> "I'l make it up to you...and don't give me that "Just fight the angels" crap because i'm doing that anyway."
[18:02] * Abraham has turned to her, emotions flaring up again.
[18:05] <Reiko_Shishigami> "You got nervous. That's not a conscious decision." She turns to him, a distant smile on her face. "I made rash, bad decisions the first time I fought, too."
[18:05] <Reiko_Shishigami> "...I almost died."
[18:07] <Abraham> "Still, I feel bad for making you suffer through god knows what that man cooked up."
[18:13] <Reiko_Shishigami> She laughs. It's a soft laugh, but it feels completely honest. "Don't worry about me. There's no punishment that's too harsh for me."
[18:14] <Abraham> "It was still unfair."
[18:15] * Reiko_Shishigami shakes her head.
[18:15] <Reiko_Shishigami> "The person at the top exists to take responsibility."
[18:16] <Abraham> "But...but...oh fine."
[18:16] * Abraham slumps back in his seat.
[18:16] <Abraham> "I'm still gonna repay you somehow."
[18:17] <Reiko_Shishigami> "If you really want to repay me..." she says, deep in thought.
[18:21] <Nephilm> The car pulls over, slowing to a stop.
[18:22] <Abraham> "Captain?"
[18:23] <Reiko_Shishigami> "...then put all your effort in everything you do. That includes school." She points out.
[18:24] <Abraham> "A-alright!"
[18:25] <Reiko_Shishigami> "Good. Then, I'll be seeing you."
[18:26] <Nephilm> Abraham notices that they're just outside his apartment building.
[18:26] <Abraham> "Thank you captain."
[18:27] * Abraham gets out, waving to her as she drives off.
[18:28] <Nephilm> The boy is surprised at the smoothness of the drive, however, his face goes pale when he realizes she was driving on the opposite lane.
[18:28] <Abraham> "Reiko! Reiko!!!"
[18:29] * Abraham tries to get her attention before she leaves.
[18:29] * Reiko_Shishigami waves goodbye and disappears past a corner.
[18:30] * Abraham gives up, heads home.