oh lord bitchfest

[07:11] <Earthflame> Back on Mid... Tazzari has gone back to brown and grey, heading into the cafeteria for lunch after helping some of the others with their homework. Even if they didn't know it... When you design security protocols you leave backdoors, and she was only violating their privacy to make sure they didn't fail!
[07:14] <Ikiryo> Altea required a lot of help. She's also starting to get more than a little obsessed with firing herself from cannon-golems...
[07:15] <Earthflame> That made Tazzari giggle... And draw up a few schematics. You never know what might come in useful.
[07:16] <Ikiryo> In the cafeteria she sees a blue haired girl about her own age sitting along at a table. She's slim and doesn't look particularly strong, though her movements show a fair bit of grace. Her long hair is pulled back into a ponytail and she's dressed in blue jeans, a grey top and a short brown jacket. No one else is sitting with her...and all the other tables are taken.
[07:18] <Earthflame> Tazzari moves over, not really paying much attention, her computer idly tasting the local traffic.
[07:21] <Ikiryo> Mostly it seems fine...save for the girl she doesn't recognise. She hits a metaphorical brick wall with her, whatever she's doing much too well encrypted for her to passively access. She looks up at Tazzari as she heads over. "Good Day." Her accent is...non-existant, speaking perfectly but without a hint of where she comes from.
[07:22] <Earthflame> ...Tazzari's eyes narrow slightly. "...Hello." She settles down with her tray, beginning to eat... Flicking glances at the other girl. But... The LT had gotten annoyed at her prying. She didn't want to be denied access to Anai. But anything she couldn't get into easily was so Interesting...
[07:25] <Ikiryo> "You are Tazzari Quindici, yes?" She looks up from the sandwich and mandarin she has been eating.
[07:26] <Earthflame> ...And her entire body goes rigid. She slowly turns hard eyes towards the new girl, mind racing. "...It's Tazzari Killough. Never mention that other name again, please."
[07:26] <Ikiryo> "Was I mistaken? If so, I am terribly sorry." She raises an eyebrow.
[07:27] <Earthflame> "You were. Who are you, and how do you know that name?" More walls... This girl is worrying.
[07:28] <Ikiryo> "I am Circe. I'm Atalanta Delta's replacement as Observer to the TSAB." She returns to peeling her mandarin.
[07:28] <Ikiryo> *I am
[07:30] <Earthflame> "...You can't *Replace* people." She almost spits out, glaring at her.
[07:33] <Ikiryo> "...I can..." Her defences crumble under Tazzari's assault...she's got a few moments to look up one or two things before the system can stop her. "I have been installed in her position as observer. Is there a reason I cannot?" She seems a little confused.
[07:38] <Earthflame> Broad strokes capabilities... Letting her computer run through standard analysis protocols as much as possible. Her mind is elsewhere. "What was the matter? Atalanta having too much independent thought, not being brainwashed by the monsters who keep making people like us?" Her voice is quiet, but hard.
[07:39] <Ikiryo> "That is incorrect. Muse Mneme has decided that while her reports were largely positive, it was unsure if her mental state was uncompromised and thus had me commissioned as a more independent and skilled version." She nods "I look foward to serving in that capacity."
[07:45] <Ikiryo> She has a functional linker core...as well as an extensive hacking system that's nearly on par with Mneme's. Minor cybernetic enhancement...closer to Tazzari than Atalanta though, mostly focused on faster processing and target analysis. She's also got a system that Tazzari doesn't have access to called AEGIS.
[07:59] <Earthflame> She laughs, a spiteful sound. "Oh good. Another obedient little doll sent to tell us how Hyperion isn't all that bad. They just make people as Things, spending their lives like bullets in a gun."  She looks over Circe again. "...Interesting. It looks like the bastards are getting closer to replicating the Doctors work, even if it's still crude... So how are you settling in? That bitch Mneme
[07:59] <Earthflame> putting words in your mouth, so you can feed more propaganda back to Hyperion in service of the regime?"
[08:00] <Ikiryo> She pauses, blinking a few times. "...I beg your pardon?"
[08:05] <Earthflame> "You're a plant. Atalanta was captured, they never predicted it... But you? Comissioned by Mneme, not more than a few months old... Even given prototype systems. I've not heard of the Vedic branch, but I'm not involved in military intelligence... Unlike you." Tazzari's expression softens a bit. "...I hope you can learn better. I hope Atalanta will, too. Even if they sent you here, they can't
[08:05] <Earthflame> control you. But if you try to hurt my friends or the TSAB... I'll show you just what they're trying to replace." Her eyes flicker back to hard again, carrying a purple shine for a moment.
[08:08] <Ikiryo> "...you seem to have misinterpreted my nature. I an an independent observer. I am here to replace Atalanta in that role. I have no orders to harm anyone here." She shakes her head "That would be counterproductive to my nature as an independent observer." Her face shows slight confusion though her voice is just as unemotional as before.
[08:15] <Earthflame> She feigns surprise. "You're independent? Oh, okay then. I'll just allay all my suspicion and accept you with open arms." Her eyes narrow. "Oh wait. The woman who comissioned you is a cruel spy who sets bombs, steals secrets and always has an ulterior motive. Why would I trust anything to do with her?"
[08:17] <Ikiryo> "Because I am being honest." She says it completely unironically. "And I have given you no reason to distrust me? Beyond a clearly evident irrational dislike of me?" She munches on a piece of mandarin.
[08:18] <Earthflame> "You knew my *Name*" She almost shouts, barely restraining herself, overcompensating with a growling whisper as she continues. "...The name He gave me. The name I left behind, that I grew Beyond... The only way you'd know that name is from Mneme."
[08:21] <Ikiryo> "It was part of your file, yes. I have studied it, like I have studied the files of all the other notable individuals here. Tazzari Quindici, also known as Tazzari Killough. TSAB-Created Cyborg. Is knowledge reason to hate someone? I was unaware that academics would be hated such."
[08:23] <Earthflame> "I *told* you." She snarls out. "Do not call me that name. And don't Lie to me. Unless they're lying to you too. Why would they bother telling their pawns the truth? They might actually start thinking for themselves."
[08:24] <Ikiryo> "My purpose is to observe and to think. I was augmented to be the best cyborg for that purpose." She tilts her head slightly "Is some part of your file incorrect? I can amend it."
[08:26] <Earthflame> "That name was given to me by a monster. I left it behind when I was set free. And you can't be That good at observing or thinking if you have to have that explained to you!"
[08:27] <Ikiryo> "It is still an accurate designation, even if you chose not to answer to it. The file will remain unamended, save for a note about preference for adressing. Is that acceptable Tazzari Killough?"
[08:29] <Earthflame> "No." She turns hard eyes towards her. "I will Not be defined by who made me, or how. You wouldn't either, if you hadn't been raised to believe it was right from the start. Try being your own person for once, and not just Hyperion's slave."
[08:31] <Ikiryo> "I see...I will amend the irrational hatred to be aimed at Hyperion, rather than specifically at me." She nods "Does the concept of having me replace Atalanta Delta for this purpose offend you in some way?"
[08:34] <Earthflame> "There's nothing irrational about hating monsters who create slaves and brainwash them. And I'm offended at being reminded that they're Still at it... Still manufacturing people as things." She shakes her head. "Atalanta is irreplacable... And so are you, if you give yourself a chance to Be yourself. But I've got no time for loyal little dogs following at their masters heel." She stands to
[08:34] <Earthflame> leave, planning to eat elsewhere.
[08:36] <Ikiryo> "I am myself, as I was made to be. What else would I be?" She seems confused. "...would it help alay your anger if I allowed you to work out some of that excess agression on my defences?"
[08:38] <Earthflame> "How you were made doesn't define who you are unless you let it. And I've no interest in beating up an inferior model." She says with a sneer.
[08:39] <Ikiryo> "...inferior?" She twitches slightly. "I am not inferior. While Scalietti may have been a genius, we have generations of experiance. Rather than one TSAB war criminal."
[08:40] <Earthflame> She laughs. "You really bought into all the propaganda, didn't you? Compared to the TSAB, even rogues and monsters, Hyperion is woefully obsolete."
[08:42] <Ikiryo> "Propaganda? No, I am fully aware of my capabilities. The AEGIS system gives me capabilities that not even Scaglietti could have achieved with his copies of Hyperion technology."
[08:43] <Earthflame> "Meaning your scientists finally managed to reproduce his work and the PR office hyped it up rather than admitting it was an inefficient imitation?" She laughs again. "Believe what you want. You're Nothing, Circe." She moves to walk away.
[08:46] <Ikiryo> "That is factually incorrect. I am willing to prove it. You are being hypocritical and needlessly cruel. I had no intention of starting a fight but I also will not accept needless cruelty or insults to Hyperion."
[08:46] <Earthflame> "If you want to be humiliated, come to the range in half an hour. I need to let off some steam."
[08:47] <Ikiryo> "Very well. If it will aid in reducing your anger and proving you incorrect I will do so." She nods. "I wish you a good day until then."
[08:48] <Ikiryo> Tazzari notices her own file being updated. 'Unstable Anger: Possibly related to nature as Scalietti Cyborg?'
[08:48] <Earthflame> Tazzari leaves without a word, furiously eating her lunch... And planning quite extensively on how she is going to Destroy Circe.
[08:51] <Earthflame> She arrives early, setting up a basic arena and spending time spiking shots into increasingly complex and difficult sets of targets, warming up her combat systems.
[08:52] <Ikiryo> Circe arrives exactly on time, sans her jacket. "Good day Miss Killough." She nods
[08:52] <Earthflame> She glances at her. "Oh, you actually showed up. I thought you'd check my record and realise what a Bad idea this was."
[08:54] <Ikiryo> "My own record is technically undefeated. It is also non-existant. This shall be an interesting learning experiance."
[08:54] <Earthflame> "I'll try not to scramble you too hard, so you can remember it."
[08:56] <Ikiryo> "I will endevour to do likewise." She nods "Do you wish to pick the area? I am currently unfamiliar with the systems used for this."
[08:57] <Earthflame> "The system has a number of duelling arenas by default. I set it on random- I'm not going to try and put you in a position where I have More of an advantage."
[08:59] <Ikiryo> "I thank you for that. Do you wish to start now then?"
[08:59] <Earthflame> "No time like the present. Shining Hope-" Her staff gleams in her hand, pulsing purple as she takes her position.
[09:01] <Ikiryo> "I did state that I would use it...thus I shall. AEGIS System, Online." Black gloves appear on her hands, with silver lines through them like circuitry. She likewise takes position.
[09:02] <Earthflame> "...Interesting. An attempt to replicate Scaglietti's IS? I guessed as such." She smiles at the girl. "I can beat you without using mine."
[09:03] <Ikiryo> "If you wish, you may. It is also not an attempt to replicate his work. It is superior."
[09:04] <Earthflame> "You'll see the truth soon enough."
[09:06] <Ikiryo> The arena forms around them, a large football field walled by barriers...
[09:12] <Ikiryo> She starts to move up towards Tazzari...not really moving that fast for a cyborg or even a combat mage.
[09:16] <Earthflame> "Constellation- Spiral Arm." Her device echoes her words, flecks of purple light spinning out from her in a whirling pattern, making it almost impossible to approach without flying head first into one. She raises her hand towards Circe, eye glowing purple with the faint hint of a crosshair. "Cosmic Collapse." She wants to come close... But precision shots can keep the distance and maneuver
[09:16] <Earthflame> inside her guard, a cluster of purple stars falling in towards her from every angle.
[09:23] <Ikiryo> ...and like dying stars, they wink out as a clear barrier forms about her. An AMF field...and an incredibly strong one. "AEGIS functionality confirmed."
[09:24] <Earthflame> Tazzari laughs out loud. "An AMF? You stupid girl, Scaglietti's Drones had those systems. A sufficiently powerful mage can break through them easily. And failing that..." More stars flicker into life. "Area saturation is more than sufficient."
[09:25] <Ikiryo> "AMF is not it's only function. Reflection." Tazzari's own shots wink back into existance...and start firing back at her.
[09:27] <Earthflame> A barrier flares to life... A second late to stop a single shot, which scatters on the shoulder of her barrier jacket. "Well, they've been inventive in their imitation. But copying weakness isn't the best idea."
[09:28] <Ikiryo> "It is not an imitation. At least, not of Scalietti. It is likely the reverse. AEGIS is based off technology older than him."
[09:30] <Earthflame> Another laugh. "The Belkan invaders! Of course. Alexa would have a fit." Tazzari's glare is firm as her eyes glow purple again. "Of course your only option when faced with a superior magical foe was to dig up the scraps of the people who destroyed you the last time. I wonder if they'll be like so many other fools, and have their world flicker out in a local dimensional distrubance?"
[09:32] <Ikiryo> "...not belkans. Before the belkans burned our world, we had a magical culture. Including fortifications that required orbital bombardment to clear."
[09:33] <Earthflame> "So you're copying the technology which failed against Belka, a predecessor of the TSAB. Hyperion really must be desperate. Then again, they must be desperate to keep comitting the crime of creating Cyborgs."
[09:35] <Ikiryo> She twitches slightly and Tazzari gets the feeling that she's starting to get under Circe's skin, despite her unemotional face.
[09:36] <Earthflame> Tazzari gestures again, the stars collapsing in once more... Not focused on Circe but on the ground beneath her feet, arcing under her guard or blasting the very earth, destabilising her and forcing her to back away before the relentless cascade.
[09:41] <Ikiryo> She manages to block most of the strikes...but a piece of rock under the earth shatters as Tazzari hits it, going right through her shield. She jumps out of the way of the spray...or mostly. As she stops moving Tazzari can see that her top is now dirty and some of it, including the top three buttons, have been destroyed by the spray of rock.
[09:41] <Ikiryo> She raises an eyebrow at Tazzari "...was that deliberate?"
[09:42] <Earthflame> She blushes a little at that. "N-no!"
[09:44] <Ikiryo> She gestures again "Reflection." Shots spring into existance around Tazzari, spiraling in at her...even as a clear solid hologram block appears just behind her feet. If she steps wrong she could easily lose her footing and her firing stance...
[09:45] <Earthflame> ...She steps over it without even looking, simulations racing as shot after shot is intercepted. "It's almost a shame my magic is so weak... That system would be much more impressive if it worked against people with real strength."
[09:47] <Ikiryo> "The theoretical limits of a fully implemented AEGIS system emplacement will null an Arc-En-Ciel. Again, you are incorrect."
[09:50] <Ikiryo> "Dimentional Step." The barrier closes on her...and she's gone, reappearing within arm's reach of Tazzari...
[09:51] <Ikiryo> She doesn't cast this time...instead covering her hand in the same clear barrier as her shield and driving it towards Tazzari...
[09:52] <Ikiryo> It doesn't honestly look like a very hard punch...
[09:54] <Earthflame> ...Tazzari steps into her, getting close, a barrier springing up from her arm like a shield to send the blow askew, eyes ablaze as she stares straight into Circe's.
[09:54] <Ikiryo> "...unexpected. Concidering your previous target, I would have expected your eyes to be elsewhere."
[09:58] <Earthflame> "I only have eyes for one woman." A collapsing field of stars fall in around the two girls... And then Tazzari's staff flicks up right below Circe's chin, the tip glowing Brilliantly with purple light. "And she loves me more than you could ever know." And then the stars fall, and the staff fires...
[10:02] <Ikiryo> ...and she's standing, seemingly untouched...though she does look a little tired.
[10:02] <Ikiryo> "Then what was your actions with my shirt? I am confused."
[10:03] <Earthflame> "An unintended consequence of you not having a decent barrier jacket."
[10:04] <Earthflame> The pattern of stars that remains pulls in close around Tazzari as they get some distance between them again, stance steady. "Although there's one thing I didn't mention earlier... That will probably make you think twice if you believe you're doing well up till now."
[10:05] <Ikiryo> "Yes? What would that me?"
[10:05] <Ikiryo> *be
[10:09] <Earthflame> A single star lances from the defensive cluster. "I'm not sure you'll believe me."
[10:10] <Ikiryo> "I cannot promice I will." She reaches up...and the star orbits her before returning straight towards Tazzari. "I will, however, listen and observe impartially."
[10:14] <Ikiryo> She moves her hands...and more stars flow from Tazzari's orbit into her own...and back towards Tazzari [Redirection]
[10:42] <Earthflame> ...They both stop mid flight, waver and rejoin their regular orbits. "You really think you can control my magic better than I can? I'm weak... But that means I am the Best at using what I have."
[10:54] <Ikiryo> "I was unsure. It seemed worth a try." She nods
[10:54] <Earthflame> Tazzari takes a deep breath... Shaking, the amount of magic she's used wearing on her, but she raises her staff again. "I am a Combat Cyborg... I was the last Combat Cyborg, the final Number. What do you think that means?" Her device chants [Starfall], and star after star rises and crashes down around the girl, ripples spreading through the ground beneath her, stars changing course at the last
[10:54] <Earthflame> moment, Tazzari's fins extending again as her mind whirrs, calculating her opponents downfall...
[10:57] <Ikiryo> ...and the bolts, one after another start to flow about her...circling around her and being redirected back at Tazzari in a volley of shots. [Mirror Shield] "That there are none after you?"
[10:59] <Earthflame> More barriers, more glancing blows. "That... And something else you're not seeing."
[11:01] <Ikiryo> "...I am afraid I am not, no. Could you explain please?"
[11:03] <Ikiryo> One of Tazzari's bullets, behind her...stops and shoots towards the back of her head.
[11:03] <Earthflame> Her head rocks forward... And she laughs again. "My shots are so weak... It's embarrasing, really."
[11:04] <Ikiryo> "That is good. I would not wish to harm you. I hold you no ill will."
[11:12] <Earthflame> Fingers tremble around the staff, and she bites her lip. "...But the people you represent, the people who created you... They're creating more like you. People told they are Things. I won't stand for it-!" Knuckles go white, as more and more stars cascade out, a galaxy lf flashing lights closing in on Circe...
[11:13] <Ikiryo> "Technically I am, for the moment, unique. Otherwise it would become mass-scale magical..." She was talking too much and takes several hits.
[11:19] <Earthflame> The shots home in, battering her arms from every direction, leaving them sore and slow to respond. Tazzari grins a little... But she's looking exhausted, barely staying on her feet.
[11:25] <Ikiryo> She winces and raises an arm. "AEGIS Mode: Zeus Strike." A shot begins orbiting her hand, spinning faster and faster....and then, faster than the eye can see it lashes straight out at Tazzari. Her sensors identify it as a kinetic-enhanced magic strike...like what a Weapon Device does...but as a ranged shot and with enough force to buckle steel without effort.
[11:27] <Earthflame> She throws up every barrier she has... But as it blasts through, her Barrier Jacket takes the brunt... And as the smoke clears, and steam vents from her cooling fins, she lets out an "Eep!" and hurriedly covers her hands over her chest, her barrier jacket torn to shreds. "And you were complaining to Me about damaging your outfit!" The system forcibly shuts down, a safety feature to stop people
[11:27] <Earthflame> going too far... And Tazzari is left sitting there, panting, the staff lying on the ground by her side.
[11:29] <Ikiryo> "...that was unintentional...I was going for center of mass..." She reddens a little...taking a step and falling to her knees, looking utterly drained.
[11:31] <Ikiryo> She's not breathing hard...but her linker core looks heavily drained and she's white-faced.
[11:32] <Earthflame> "...The thing I was going to mention to you?" Tazzari looks up at her. "...I'm number fifteen because I was never finished. I was discarded from the production schedule as being low quality raw material... My implants and augmentations were never completed. I am the weakest Combat Cyborg Jail Scaglietti ever made... And each and every one of the others is Far stronger than me. And Nanoha still
[11:32] <Earthflame> beat *all* of them."
[11:34] <Ikiryo> "...I am not designed to fight the TSAB. I am designed to represent Hyperion and facilitate understanding between the two cultures."
[11:37] <Earthflame> "While Hyperion manufactures people, there can Be no understanding... The people who made you are just as great a monsters as Jail... Maybe more so. He only made fifteen Combat Cyborgs... Your people make, what, thousands? Thousands of people born to be slaves, made into weapons and tools, denied free will?" She Glares at the girl again. "The TSAB defeated one monster creating Cyborgs. And I
[11:37] <Earthflame> am going to dedicate my life to stopping any others."
[11:39] <Ikiryo> "...I am trying to reach an understanding here...I had hoped that by beating on me that you'd use up some of the agression. I do not wish for the situation between us to be hostile..." She sighs "Part of my analysis is to be if the Myrmidon Project is required to maintain our protection or not."
[11:41] <Earthflame> "You represent criminals, monsters and liars." Tazzari stands, wobbling. "When you send your report to Mneme, make sure she knows I'm tired of her shit." She turns to leave at a wobble, her barrier jacket falling away and her staff flickering back around her neck.
[11:43] <Ikiryo> She stands up, offering a hand to Tazzari. "...I do not report to Mneme. She commissioned me but I report to the diplomatic division...the division trying to make peace with the TSAB."
[11:45] <Earthflame> "And that's why the Special Situation Subsection implanted you with cutting edge, taboo magical technology?" Tazzari shakes her head, clenching her fingers. "...And even if what you say is true. Even if all that is true... You *still* make Cyborgs. Still commit people to lives of being told they're Objects, not People!" She turns, tears streaming down her cheeks, shouting herself hoarse.
[11:47] <Ikiryo> "...I was implanted with magical technology for self defence...the last time we sent people, they were caught in a bomb attack. My systems are nearly exclusively for self-protection and...I just told you the continued existance of that project is part of my analysis..." She sighs. "...this is doing nothing to convince you, is it?"
[11:47] <Earthflame> She pauses. "...Wait. The bomb attack hurt Your people? But... I was sure Mneme planted it..."
[11:49] <Ikiryo> "...I said caught in, not hurt. If you check the reports, Achilles dived onto it, preventing damage to the shopping center it was placed in. Achilles is...unique...in construction however and I could not be made as tough as him...so AEGIS was Authorized."
[11:49] <Earthflame> "Achilles was with Mneme... And I don't trust Anything she's involved with."
[11:51] <Ikiryo> "That will be noted." She nods "It was the crux of the Authorization of the AEGIS project for my usage. In turn, she commissioned me. There is a logical link between them if that claim is correct. Though evidence would be required, obviously."
[11:55] <Earthflame> Tazzari scowls a bit, wiping her cheeks. "...I know there are good people from Hyperion. I Like Atalanta... But every day you commit a crime against humanity... A crime I, the TSAB, Can't tolerate... And while there are good people from your world, there are bad ones too." Tazzari looks at her again. "...Maybe you're sincere. But if they're still working in Improving cyborg technology, that
[11:55] <Earthflame> doesn't show any willingness to abandon it. You're just a sign that the horrible things they're doing aren't going to stop."
[11:56] <Ikiryo> "...do you listen? I have stated, twice, that I am analyzing if the TSAB has it's stated capacity to provide our protection and thus, if such projects are still required."
[11:58] <Earthflame> "...I'm listening. But I'm also assessing facts. Continued investment in research like the AEGIS system strongly implies that such projects are only getting more investment. And Atalanta seems to think that Hyperion would never give up to the TSAB. Even if you're not lying, you might just be naive."
[12:00] <Ikiryo> "Actually, the AEGIS system is designed to be compatible with devices and emplacements, not just cyborg technology. The diplomatic division required that be part of the project due to it's calls for compromise, regardless of the beliefs of the special situations subsection.
[12:00] <Ikiryo> More details, I am unable to state due to them being state secrets...and unknown to me, mostly."
[12:03] <Earthflame> "...We'll see. The best thing for everybody would be if Hyperion stopped doing that to people... But between Atalanta and Mneme..." She shakes her head. "...And I'm still not sure if I can trust you. Not entirely."
[12:04] <Ikiryo> "How much are you aware of the nature and status of Myrmidons and other Cyborgs on Hyperion? If you have any questions, I could answer them. As long as I know, my knowledge of state secrets is limited."
[12:05] <Earthflame> "...Atalanta seemed perfectly happy to be a tool. To be something created to serve the needs of Real people." She scowls. "I know they're created to be soldiers, and not given a choice to be anything else."
[12:08] <Ikiryo> "Myrmidons also have equal rights to citizens and higher priority in some places. While they are not citizen, they are not mistreated as you seem to assume. The question of choice is also questionable due to how they are mentally made. Mneme or I, for instance, could have been Myrmidons."
[12:13] <Earthflame> "How they're mentally made?"
[12:15] <Ikiryo> "The minds are created inside virtual simulations with each other. It allows for a full eighteen or more years development in a community in a matter of months rather than the needed time. When they are ready, they are transfered to a division and a body that is fitting for thier nature, purpose and desires."
[12:16] <Ikiryo> She nods "I, however, have only had seventeen years development."
[12:18] <Earthflame> "...And how much are those influenced? How much are those controlled? Jails Cyborgs had developed personalities... But they were all still loyal to him, until given a chance to choose otherwise."
[12:19] <Ikiryo> "Could I ask the same of the TSAB? It provides the education and entertainment for your worlds, thus it has control of such things itself."
[12:22] <Earthflame> "It's different... Citizens of the TSAB are given the education necessary to find their Own path... They're not assigned or directed down a path. They're free to choose and to change their minds... Not like Atalanta. She's a fanatic, about being a weapon to protect Hyperion..."
[12:24] <Ikiryo> "And you are a fanatic about the TSAB. I am impartial and have yet to decide...though the welcome I have recieved I will admit has not been welcoming. Your TSAB does not like Cyborgs, even those not designed for combat."
[12:26] <Earthflame> "...The TSAB saved me. It defeated a monster who would have used me as a weapon, and gave me a chance to live my own life in the way I choose. The Numbers who joined the TSAB are respected and valued members of the organisation, because they've freely chosen their own path. I've never experienced any hatred or fear because of what I Am... But that doesn't make my existence a good thing. It
[12:26] <Earthflame> would be better if Cyborgs like us didn't exist."
[12:28] <Ikiryo> "I have not yet formed an opinion either way about cyborgs. In addition, moral judgements are outside what I am supposed to analyse. I am to check more practical things." She nods "I am fully aware that my limited real experiance makes my moral judgements of little worth."
[12:30] <Earthflame> "...No. The only thing that would make judgements worthless is if they weren't Yours. If you want to prove to me that Hyperion really does give you freedom? Take the chance to be your own person. Here in the TSAB... Show me that you can embrace life, that you can explore the world find your own path. After all... If the diplomatic service is successful, and we achieve peace... All Cyborgs,
[12:30] <Earthflame> including you, would be free to do so. If you blazed that trail first, it would be a lot less scary for the others."
[12:32] <Ikiryo> "Incorrect: I will gain experiance and form my morals before I make judgements. As you said: My judgements would be worthless if they were not mine. The diplomatic division does not want a parrot...though you have implied that Mneme might."
[12:34] <Earthflame> She smiles a little at that... And offers her hand. "...I hope you're right. I hope I can believe you. And if Mneme does mess with you... I'll help." She smiles hesitantly, looking a lot more nervous and uncertain after the righteous fire has burned out.
[12:35] <Ikiryo> She takes the hand. "I take any interferance in my objectives, from either side, very poorly." She looks at Tazzari "That applies to Hyperion and the TSAB equally."
[12:36] <Earthflame> "The TSAB has nothing to hide... And nothing to prove. They save people, and they keep saving people... You'll see."
[12:38] <Ikiryo> "Incorrect: They have much to prove if they wish to earn trust. As for hiding, I am uncertain."
[12:38] <Earthflame> She smiles a little bit. "...You should come over for a movie night. Um. Nanoha's work is inspiring..."
[12:41] <Ikiryo> "I have been made aware of that propaganda piece, though I have not seen it. It will be interesting to view." She nods "I did enjoy our sparring match. Perhaps some time we could have another? With you using your IS and with approval for me to use AEGIS' full capacities? I currently lack some external devices for that."
[12:43] <Earthflame> "...I don't like using my IS, if I can help it. It was designed by a monster to help hurt and kill people."
[12:44] <Ikiryo> "Very well. I will respect your decision." She nods again.
[12:45] <Earthflame> "...And they're not propaganda..." She mumbles.
[12:46] <Ikiryo> "From all accounts, they are. They are designed to provoke feelings and inspire in a particular direction. They may, however, be entertaining."
[12:47] <Earthflame> "...It's true. I saw her..."
[12:48] <Ikiryo> "Did I say it was not? Achilles has done most if not all of the things he is shown to do in his propaganda films. Disiplinary charges for harrassment notwithstanding."
[12:49] <Earthflame> "...There's propaganda about Achilles?"
[12:50] <Ikiryo> "Yes. He is concidered a hero. Did you expect otherwise?"
[12:50] <Earthflame> "...I hadn't thought about it. Um... Is there any recent stuff? That Atalanta wouldn't have seen?"
[12:51] <Ikiryo> "There is, yes. Not full movie, no. The TSAB passed along the footage of the bomb situation. The Special Situation Subsection has prevented it's wide release but it has had a limited screening."
[12:52] <Earthflame> "...Um. You bring a movie, I bring one too?" She smiles a little bit. "...If they are propaganda, at least we can make it balanced..."
[12:53] <Ikiryo> "I will review what I have, see what is most appropriate. It would be advisable to not bring a TSAB-related one, I imagine." She nods "I can do that, however."
[12:54] <Earthflame> "...Um. Sorry."
[12:55] <Ikiryo> "Sorry? What for?" She tilts her head slightly.
[12:56] <Earthflame> "...Getting angry and insulting you and being mean. You didn't, um, deserve all of it..."
[12:58] <Ikiryo> "Though accurate, the designation I used for you was ill-advised." She shakes her head "Mneme's notes are...incomplete... in some areas and Atalanta's reports are informal. Achilles' are unusable."
[13:01] <Earthflame> "I guess it's good, um... If you can do it properly. The TSAB is kind... They're good people, they really are. I believe in them because without them... I would be dead, or worse."
[13:02] <Ikiryo> "I will take your opinion of them under advisement...though the end decision will still be mine."
[13:04] <Earthflame> "Of course." She smiles. "...But I'm confident, um. If you really are, um, impartial and open minded... You'll see how wonderful they can be. I only recently got back from, um, helping save a whole city from a dangerous Primal Spirit... And I'm only a cadet."
[13:08] <Ikiryo> "I was made aware of it. As well as the cause of it. The end result is rather...neutral. Though clearly fueled by good intentions."
[13:11] <Earthflame> "...The real cause of it was Orryx. He manipulated Claire..." She mumbles. "...It's why the TSAB has to be extremely careful with Lost Logia... Even with good intentions, they can go wrong..."
[13:14] <Ikiryo> "Irrespective of that, she did cause it." She raises an eyebrow "And I assure you, Hyperion is fully aware of what magic can do."
[13:15] <Earthflame> "...Incidents still happen. And without the skill with magic to control things... Um. The Aegis technology, and things like it... They'll be necessary if Hyperion develops a magical infrastructure... To keep things safe."
[13:16] <Ikiryo> "Or sufficient technological expertise to supplant a requirement for magic. Many factions, including the Myrmidon high command, are unwilling to give up Autonomy for promices of safety."
[13:18] <Earthflame> "...I know, um, everyone knows the dangers... But that hasn't stopped many people suffering for them... As recently as Belka, as ancient as Al-hazard..."
[13:19] <Ikiryo> "And perhaps the TSAB in turn?"
[13:20] <Earthflame> "...They were, um, founded from the ruins of Belka... And they, um, very strict in limiting research... Some people say too strict but, um..."
[13:22] <Ikiryo> "And perhaps the TSAB in turn?"
[13:23] <Earthflame> "...We've learned from our mistakes. And, um... We act fast to fix things, if they go wrong."
[13:24] <Ikiryo> She raises an eyebrow "So you think it could not happen to the TSAB?"
[13:24] <Earthflame> She shakes her head. "Not that it couldn't... That me, and people like me... We won't let it happen."
[13:29] <Ikiryo> "And no one in Belka or in Al-Hazard had your willpower or courage or determination to not let it happen?"
[13:30] <Earthflame> "Well, no..." Tazzari smiles a little. "...But that's when you've just got to believe in yourself. That you, um, can do better."
[13:33] <Ikiryo> "I will stand by statistics, if you do not mind."
[13:33] <Earthflame> "...Um. Maybe. But, um... With your AEGIS... You should, um, believe you could do that for Hyperion, too."
[13:36] <Ikiryo> "I believe that it will do it's best, if approved and implemented. That however, is uncertain."
[13:37] <Earthflame> "Sometimes, um... When you're not certain... You need to resolve to Make things certain. Um."
[13:38] <Ikiryo> "I cannot make things certain. In addition, I cannot make decisions for others and such a decision is out of my hands."
[13:38] <Earthflame> "...Um. I'm not explaining this well..."
[13:39] <Ikiryo> "No. You are not."
[13:39] <Earthflame> She sighs. "...I'll go shower and, um... See you around? Um... Later?"
[13:41] <Ikiryo> She nods. "I would expect so."
[13:41] <Earthflame> "...Bye." Tazzari slinks away, looking extremely guilty.
[13:44] <Ikiryo> "Farewell. I hope you have a good day."