Avens, Kaylee and Emmanuel (PM) chat, Voandrath

SKY:
 "[color=orange]Well, I think you're already halfway with dispensing them anyways,[/color]" Avens points out.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"The formalities? Well, it's against my nature, ma'am."[/color] Kaylee remembered that despite the isolation from most of the 'normal' part of humanity, discipline was to be held above all. [color=yellowgreen]"If I've a choice between respect and liberty, I'd choose respect."[/color]

She wondered if it was safe to send in a video transmission, but decided against it. Did Avens know about the situation?

[color=yellowgreen]"So tell me, where is the rest of the rescue force? Though I'm quite impressed at the power of your friend there. That cursed thing was busy raining hell on our position before suitable repairs to my Mech were given."[/color]

SKY:
"[color=orange]Rescue force?[/color]"
Avens hesitated.
"[color=orange]I am not aware of one, Corporal, and am not in the position to receive intel about such. In fact, it's coincidence that brought me here — didn't know there was a force on this planet before I heard from you.[/color]"
Avens felt the beginnings of guilt stirring. She had a suspicion, a suspicion at what situation Kaylee's company was in.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"C-coincidence?"[/color]

Kaylee's joy was diluted by that fact. Their signals, however crude, we're not escaping the planet. Three months, and nobody wondered about what happened to the 76th Mechanized, as well as General Versen. While this was Quarantined space -- the presence of the Consumption -- she had hoped that there would at least be a faction that cared!

[color=yellowgreen]"Well- a-alright. I just thought that someone would've at least cared about us."[/color]

Then a thought struck her. [color=yellowgreen]"But you're still in the position to report to the General, right? He's still alive as well as a fragment of the original force sent to hold this planet. You can carry a message to the rest of humanity that we're alive!"[/color]

SKY:
Avens felt a stab of something• — sadness? Guilt?

"[color=orange]Well... The truth is, no-one cares, Kaylee. No one gives a damn about the good soldiers dying at the front-lines for the precious Federation, the sacrifice they make for the big people upstairs. You know the phrase. Batte may be lost, but the war can be won? This is the battle right here. I suppose you knew that deep inside.[/color]"

As she spoke, memories of Emmanuel arguing or agreeing with her over this loint and that were recalled. At that time, she was also the "upstair people" sort.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"Well- I guess..."[/color]

Kaylee was wounded, not by any physical weapon, but by the words of her superior. For three months, she and the rest of the army stationed in 'Hell' had been living on the hope that their signals were received by some other entity, and that someday they would be saved.

How would she break this to the General?

[i][color=yellowgreen]"Excuse me Sir, but nobody cares about us. We've been left for dead."[/color]
[color=red]"Why, you insolent-"[/color][/i]

The mental imagery wasn't good, coupled with much swearing, to say the least.

[color=yellowgreen]"People do die, and in a war, death is inevitable. But our lives are for something! We have information! Our medical personnel gained a foothold on the Consumption that wiped out Sol so long ago!

"The infection can be fought! We can be cured!"[/color]

SKY:
Infection?

Avens offhandedly flicked the "relay" switch from Kaylee to Emm's channel. It might be useful.
"[color=orange]Infection?... Corporal Kaylee, report on casualities. Brief me, please.[/color]"

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"Yes ma'am!"[/color]

Kaylee went into a sonorous monologue regarding the start of her mission, along with the 76th Mechanized in the objective in holding Hellstal - now known as Hell by their people after what had occurred in the past three-and-a-half months. The loss of mostly all of the residing army, as well as the total abolishment of the 76th, the status of the infected personnel, and...

Information regarding the infection itself. Sent in a datapad format. The font was as you expected it to be.

[quote][font=comic sans ms]
Biological status:

<Consumption Infection -- DNA shift>
>50% -- Total disability of human sentience, replaced by a primordial urge to sate hunger; rational thinking is lost, infection is transmissible.

~30%-50% -- Unknown whether subject retains conscience or voluntary control, severity of infection is increased, yet sentient brain signals have been recorded. Cell mitosis increases exponentially, resulting in tentacle-like growths on any part of the epidermal layer: mutations in the genetics of the subject also result in the appearance of scales and general reptilian features. Infection is not transmissible.

~1-29% -- Flaking scales appear, subject displays tendencies for raw animal meat over cooked meat, or plant food products. Infection is not transmissible.

<1% -- Generally, safe. Presumably, minor appearances of scales are seen, though the subject is considered 'normal' in all other aspects.

{The plague} is vague, generally causing mutations of scales, tentacles and reptilian features. It spreads through blood-contact and wounds incurred.

It is possible to fight the plague, however no successful reproductions of tests have been observed.
[/font]

[hr]
[hr]

[center][font=georgia]Personal status[/font][/center]

[font=georgia]Kaylee Averys, Corporal  of the 76th Mechanized Division
Age: 18 Earth years
Gender: Female

Genetic Status: 0.05% Infected
Life signs: Normal[/font][/quote]

[color=yellowgreen]"I hope that is everything, I didn't check the records myself, told that I should send them to the higher ranking officers when help arrives..."[/color]

Noticing another frequency tuning in, it seems that Avens had connected the pilot of the derelict mech to her comm channel. This would be interesting.

[color=yellowgreen]"Greetings soldier, that is quite a mech you've got there! Err, excuse my lack of formalities. It's been three months since we've seen any semblance of humanity...Could I request your name, and rank?"[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"I asked what is your full name, Kaylee."[/color] Emmanuel asked once more through the comms. The girl probably hadn't heard him right.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"Well, aren't we the insistent one?"[/color]

Kaylee was suspicious on the tone of the pilot, she only heard static from the Mech until Avens shifted channels. It was nice of her to act as a silent relay as they talked.

[color=yellowgreen]"I'd bet you've been listening in on our chat, soldier? Kaylee Isolde Averys, Corporal of the 76th Mechanized Division serving under General Verser. Yes, I know my name spells out K.I.A. No, I do not know who you are. Yes, I know who Avens is.

"And no, I received nothing about you or your mech...you really aren't here to save us?"[/color]

CAEL:
((We could start relaying this to the GM in case he wants to join in as Bubblegum or simply watch it. Is it fine with you?))

[color=gray]"My comms systems are working perfectly. Your mech probably just didn't accept my transmission. And I think Avens is either taking a nap or decided to let us talk."[/color] Emmanuel said. It was painfully obvious the Godsplitter's systems hadn't powered down totally, or he would have died without breathable air in the cockpit already.

As she said her full name, the young man smiled wide.
[color=gray]"Kaylee? Well, I'm Emmanuel Samaan, I don't know if you still remember me."[/color] he said. He surely remembered her and her quips. They were childhood friends, but ended up separated when her military studies took her far away from him. It had already been a few years since the last time he had saw her.

It seemed that day was a day for a few pleasant suprises.

TIR:
((Do it! Four-way Party!  :P))

[color=yellowgreen]"Samaan? [i]The[/i] Samaan?!"[/color]

Unexpected joy. It [i]was[/i] Emmanuel! No wonder the voice was so familiar -- though deeper and more pronounced than she remembered.

[color=yellowgreen]"Emmanuel! [i]You're[/i] a Mech pilot too? Damn, to think I'd meet you and Avens in the same place and time! How'd you get that Mech? My scanners don't register it as...recognizable."[/color]

The same kid that she met years ago, the very one -- though younger than her -- had ideas of a sage. An idealist at heart, she couldn't be more blessed.

[color=yellowgreen]"So, Eman. Mind if I call you that again? You and Avens aren't part of any scouting or rescue force? Small wonder to see you here, out in the dark of space and fighting with a sword of the stars. It's real great to see you with Avens- I mean ma'am Avens, officership and the like...

"Oh look, we've passed the exosphere...General Versen would be proud to meet both of you talented people!"[/color]

Kaylee was giddy with excitement, she couldn't wait to inform the general of her find!

CAEL:
[color=gray]"This mech isn't a standard version one. And no, we aren't part of any rescue force."[/color] Emmanuel received and analyzed the informations about the infection, frowning as he read it.

Kaylee was infected. Even if only a little, 0.05% according to the report she had just sent them, he could not help but feel worried for the girl he had shared so much time with when he was younger. Emmanuel was afraid she could be overtaken by that curse, and their reunion wouldn't last long.

[color=gray]"How about the Infection...Do you know how fast it takes for it to develop? Are you going to any worse?"[/color] he asked, genuine worry on his voice.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"As far as we know -- with what we know spanning more than three months and dozens of experimental procedures on the...captured -- this thing won't develop any worse unless you get stricken by those who bear it more. Meaning getting wounded by those monsters yet again. The General bears the same percent value, but I'm not sure where his symptoms are."[/color]

Kaylee smiled as she recalled the hope on the men's faces as they sent out every type of code their signalling officers knew, including the 'abominations' that were sent out as perimeter patrol duty...

Now how would they take in the news?

[color=yellowgreen]"We've got a problem now. I can't return and deliver an empty report -- short of the plagueship destruction [i]and[/i] explain to the General both your arrival and Avens. Save your story on how you got that Mech for later, Eman. We've got to cook something up for Sir Versen or..."[/color]

She wasn't sure what would actually be given; the General was an irate man, tripled now from the sight of his whole army being wiped out and infected. How would he react if she told him the straight truth?

[color=yellowgreen]"I...need your help here."[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"That is great to hear."[/color] he answered with a smile after being told she wasn't in any danger of getting worse, at least unless she was wounded once again.

His face clouded a bit over. General Versen. His fame was known to most people with a little of common knowledge as a scheming, ruthless military man...Needless to say, Emmanuel didn't tend to judge people quickly, but it was hard not to believe Versen was the personification of most things the young man hated and tried to eliminate.

[color=gray]"How should or could I help you? Also, try not to get hit by the infected anymore...So you have any scales already?"[/color] he asked, the last part in a mischievous tone.

TIR:
Kaylee smiled as her hand backed away from the video transmission switch. She would surprise him when they got to maintenance, they were cleared anyway.

[color=yellowgreen]"Perhaps. Anyway, I think we've our cover story."[/color]

Thinking along the lines of that derelict ship, perhaps there was a way to connect these events?

[color=yellowgreen]"We avoid questions by going after that derelict ship. The General won't have time to ask for anything until we complete whatever we can do...but that'd mean having to wait for repairs on your Mech, Eman.

"Hmm...this is harder than I thought. Umm...Did you already say your rank, Emmanuel? What about your company?"[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"I think my mech isn't damaged, only out of power."[/color] Emmanuel stated, looking around the cockpit, his gaze shifting over some of the many powered-down screens.

The armor plating of his mech was undisturbed and flawless thanks to both Emmanuel's on-the-fly piloting and Avens' assistance after the Godsplitter powered down. The silver lining and sigils still gleamed in an unusual display for a combat-oriented mech, built to fight, destroy and avoid being eliminated in the process.

[color=gray]"Rank and company?"[/color] he chuckled as he said it. [color=gray]"I don't have a rank nor a company."[/color]

TIR:
Kaylee blinked. How did he get the Mech, then?

[color=yellowgreen]"And you're riding a Mech like an Ace, with a sword as bright as Sol- ok..."[/color]

The dots below slowly became distinct, shifting into more recognizable forms of pseudo-civilization, or ghosts of what was once a civilization. They were nearing the base, now.

[color=yellowgreen]"So how did you get that Mech? If it's not Federation-type...I'll have a [i]lot[/i] of explaining to do."[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"Well, I guess you didn't ever see this one, but it was deactivated in a certain hangar...I may explain the specifics later, they aren't too important right now."[/color] Emmanuel answered.

[color=gray]"Isn't helping you what matters in the end?"[/color] he asked in a good mood, fully aware it wasn't. They would start asking questions...Hell if he would allow them to catch him alive. Even if the federation wasn't exactly a bad organization, having a mech like his was a blatant capital crime.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"Yes, and now's the time..."[/color]

The Mechs touched down on the planet ground seconds later, approached by miniature objects that looked much like people. Or giant ants.

Kaylee was relieved that instead of questioning them or anything of the sort, they were led back to the base and their Mechs to the receiving repair and maintenance platforms -- still existing from before the whole cataclysm.

She felt the air decompressing as she went out of her mech, turning to the two others to see how they looked in turn. From her viewpoint, it was like looking upon giants -- white and grey metallic giants which towered in the light.

Nearby, she heard Versen's loveable voice.

[quote author=filiusenox link=topic=115942.msg3618459#msg3618459 date=1347915643]
[color=red]"Good job. Mercs, I'm guessing?"[/color]
[/quote]

Picking up her radio, she whispered a few short words, covered by an act of 'checking the comm' before saluting the General.

[color=yellowgreen]"Mission Accomplished, Sir!"[/color]

((Return back to in-game?))

CAEL:
Emmanuel sighs as he stops at the middle of the street, looking around as he does so. There was no need for such violence from Bubblegum's part. If people who try to be kind are treated so badly, why even trying to do it?

He hadn't done anything deserving of a knee to his groin, and to make matters worse, she complained about having to sit on his lap when it was her fault she had sat the wrong way, probably on purpose. Emmanuel wasn't in the best of moods.

[b]Look around the nearby area of the city.[/b]

FIL:
The city is nearly desolate in the scorching heat of the white sun, which sets against the pale blue sky like a diamond on a cloth.

A few men and women, wearing ceramic plate, most bearing scars and scales patrol the dusty, sandy streets, between leaning houses of adobe and rusting, twisted iron. A few of the patrol pauses when they catch sight of you, before one or two nod and continue on. With a passing glance, you notice many of them carry swords, or axes, or warhammers, as well as guns. All of them look tired, wounded, sun-burnt and battle-weary.

Craters litter the streets, the houses, the roofs, and rubble sometimes choke the alley-ways. When you step down a street, you notice something heart-wrenching. A red child's shoe, sitting right before the collapsed rubble of a building, half buried in the sand.

A helpful map informs you of the underground portion of city, which seems at least twice as large as the above ground section. After asking around, a soldier informs you that's where most of the force and citizens dwell, now, due to the Burrs and Mutants launched by the Plagueship.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"Avens!"[/color]

Kaylee was happy to see that Em and his companion were not in the current area as she returned, hefting a Pressurized Socket set from her search. She told the General on the coordinates of the ship-in-distress from earlier before turning to her friend.

[color=yellowgreen]"It's been a long time, where have you been all these years?"[/color]

SKY:
"[color=orange]Well, I've been mostly on Monaj, doing my duty to the... people, of the Federation. How bout you? How long on Hell[sup][sub]stal[/sub][/sup]?[/color]"

CAEL:
Emmanuel sighed, arms behind his head. Now that both the pain had subsided and he had got some insight into the situation, he felt like moving back to the place near the mechs.

After all, he didn't have time to explain anything to Kaylee, and he was confident at least she wouldn't try to attack him violently. She was always a kind person for as long as he remembered, and it only reinforced the fact he should talk to her and explain matters. Aside from that, it seemed like she had wanted to surprise him somehow.

With that in mind, Emmanuel starts to walk back, intent on talking to Kaylee, finding her trying to catch Avens' attention. He smiles and waves towards her.
[color=gray]"Hey there, Kaylee, my bad about that."[/color]

TIR:
[quote author=Skyrunner link=action=profile;u=51466 date=1348031981]
"[color=orange]Well, I've been mostly on Monaj, doing my duty to the... people, of the Federation. How bout you? How long on Hell[sup][sub]stal[/sub][/sup]?[/color]"
[/quote]
[color=yellowgreen]"Can I say it's been like Hell?"[/color] Kaylee said, smiling. [color=yellowgreen]"Four months, including the three that kept us stranded here and the one where we set up our operations and established a foothold. The General seems busy w-"[/color]

[quote author=Caellath link=action=profile;u=54107 date=1348033460]
[color=gray]"Hey there, Kaylee, my bad about that."[/color]
[/quote]

Kaylee's hand went straight over the scale below her left eye, as if nursing pain by pressure. She forgot that Avens didn't know, but it seemed that she was polite enough not to point it out!

Emmanuel looked happy as she turned to greet him, but she couldn't feel the same. Uncertainty was the best description.

[color=yellowgreen]"Oh. Hello Em. Where is your friend?"[/color]

[i]She's right there...

Let him speak![/i]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"My friend is there."[/color] Emmanuel made a vague gesture towards where Bubblegum was. [color=gray]"She decided toknee me in the crotch because I was trying to be nice to her. I guess it happens."[/color] he sighs.

Then he seemed to remember something, clicking his tongue.
[color=gray]"Aaaand she is just a friend. Not aside from that. She asked to come with me and the cockpit is cramped, but I've been using a pillow to alleviate the problems of having her sitting on my lap."[/color] he completed, noticing the scale under Kaylee's eye.

[color=gray]"That scale actually adds a bit to your charm."[/color] he said with a smile.

SKY:
"[color=orange]Yes, you swear nothing happened. I believe you.[/color]"

Avens grinned, before saying, "[color=orange]How did you meet her?[/color]"

TIR:
[i]I don't even-[/i]

[color=yellowgreen]"How did you even see it?"[/color] Kaylee said, her hands falling down to show the scale in all it's beauty. [color=yellowgreen]"Nevermind that, at least you know what happens when you go off with strangers..."[/color]

She wondered if his friend knee'd him intentionally or not. The presence of a pillow was...unconventional in it's taste.

[color=yellowgreen]"Alright, I believe you. She's just a friend, then. Tell me her name later.

"As for when we met, it was a long time ago when everything was much simpler and we were young-er. For the details, I'll leave Em to answer it."[/color]

SKY:
"[color=orange]Y'know, sudden hand movements attract the eye more. You should have covered it with something like, I don't know, base paint, then powder if you wanted us to not see it.[/color]"

Avens laughed.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"You know as well as I, that I hate make-up..."[/color]

The thought of using camo paint was an intriguing idea, though.

[color=yellowgreen]"Well, secret's out. I have a scale right on my face. Woohoo!"[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"I escaped to a station my family used to deal with. Things got bad and the feds found me, so I had to run away and she was apparently left near Godsplitter as a guard."

"We had a short conversation before she tried to bash my brains out with a pipe, I disarmed her before she did so, we talked a little more and she asked to follow me, since she didn't have much of a future in the station."[/color]

Emmanuel felt a bit like hugging Kaylee. It had already been years, and they had been good friends when they were younger, but she was a soldier, it would probably be better to avoid that kind of thing. [color=gray]"So, what've you been doing this time, Kaylee?"[/color]

TIR:
[quote author=Tiruin link=action=profile;u=42689 date=1348061378]
[color=yellowgreen]"Surviving."[/color] said Kay, checking on the General.

His back was turned and he seemed to be in a conversation with someone else at the moment. Em's words didn't seem to attract his attention. She wasn't sure if he heard it though.

[color=yellowgreen]"You meant the woman, right? Because I know that our past is much more...detailed than that. Nice to see you here, again."[/color]

She returned the gesture with a a handshake, unsure if hugging him would show tact. She really did want to show Em how much she missed him, but perhaps that would have to wait for later on.

The pressure of others watching gave her guilt. She hated it. Avens would understand, but...in the presence of the [i]General?[/i] How far did formalities go before you could show someone how you truly appreciated them?

[color=yellowgreen]"And when I mean surviving, I mean trying to get everyone off this hell-hole of a planet and into safer grounds. I'm listed as K.I.A. or M.I.A. -- not my abbreviated name, mind you. All we know, is that everyone believes us dead. Unsure about the big cheese there...

"It's great to see very familiar faces though. I thought all hope was abandoned!"[/color]

SKY:
"[color=orange]Met as part of the Fed guard? That could be suspicious. She might be a spy, ready to stab your back at an order.[/color]"
Avens looks serious as she speaks, though there's still a remnant of the laughter that was there a while ago.

"[color=orange]Hey, you should be careful. It's only a step from MIA to [i]really dead.[/i][/color]"

Avens gave Kaylee a quick embrace and a clap on the shoulder.

"[color=orange]I think you're still rather alive, so no worries yet.[/color]"

CAEL:
[color=gray]"Yes, I meant her...And why haven't you asked me about why I'm escaping the feds?"[/color] Emmanuel asked Kaylee. [color=gray]"Remember that 'terrorist' organization that tried to fight for freedom in planets dominated by dictatorships? I'm part of it, and it seems I accidentally pissed off the wrong people."[/color]

He then turned to Avens.
[color=gray]"She's the best actress I know then, and she had quite the chance when I stopped in that moon. And if she was really a spy, I suppose she'd be trying to win my favor, not hitting my genitals with her knee."[/color]

Emmanuel took the opportunity of Avens' embrace to hug both of them lightly, quickly breaking off.
[color=gray]"At least we're together, and we won't die so easily."[/color]

TIR:
The thought of others still caring about you does things to the desperate person.

Kaylee suddenly felt shaken, her facade of training and toughening up from past experiences crumbled upon itself due to the most simple of actions. She felt like breaking down.

All to a hug.

After a quick glance at the General, she decided that she didn't care anymore. These two people in front of her, spirited away from time and space for more than a year, were the ones that mattered.

She could feel tears welling up in her eyes as she nodded solemnly to her superior's words. Eyes cast down as she pretended to take care of her sleeves for the moment.

[color=yellowgreen]"Well, I'm alive now."[/color]

SKY:
Avens shrugged.

She said, in an exaggerated tone,
"[color=orange]Why, you were a terrorist, Emm? No wonder you didn't die. They do say them terrorists are tougher than chicken paste and cockroaches combined! At least you'll be nice and alive along with Kaylee here.[/color]"

After a pause, she added, "[color=orange]Really, I didn't know you were a terrorist.[/color]"

TIR:
Blinking away the tears, and glad that nobody noticed, Kay returned to the usual dialogue of eyes-and-ears, resuming after Avens.

[color=yellowgreen]"Well. A...terrorist. Against the dictatorship..."[/color]

It took quite some time for her to identify what sounded wrong with it.

[color=yellowgreen]"Hush before the General notices. Why didn't you tell me this earlier? If anyone on this base -- save for me -- finds out, they'll kill you on the spot!"[/color]

His words sounded sincere enough, and she never recalled a time wherein Emmanuel would concoct lies up to save his own skin.

[color=yellowgreen]"It isn't too late to join the Federation you know, I stand against the dictatorship, yet I'm still serving humanity as a whole...Why'd you join the terrorists anyway? Have you heard what they [i]do[/i] to those who don't- agree with them?"[/color]

CAEL:
Emmanuel sighed. [color=gray]"I was more of a member of the organization than a proper field fighter anyway. Some of my comrades were sent to try and help civilizations under oppression break free, but I had to stay behind...And hey, I only mentioned that because I didn't want to lie to Kaylee."[/color]

SKY:
"[color=orange]Yeah, haven't you heard what you do to people who disagree? I heard it involves nuclear weapons, explosives, and a fluffy white cat.[/color]"
Avens would wink at Emm, but Kaylee would see her.

TIR:
Kaylee wondered why the two were suddenly talking to each other. Eavesdropping was bad, but was it still the case if she was standing right in front of them? The only thing she could make out was cats.

[color=yellowgreen]"Could you let me in on this conversation, please? What just happened?"[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"Hey, Kay. It was less of joining and more being born into. My parents are also members of the group, and I think their reasons are true enough. Sorry if I told you so soon and so quickly, but better than you discovering later, getting a wrong impression and deciding it would be good to deliver me to the authorities."

"I know the federation isn't too bad, but they do tend to overlook serious matters - such as totalitarians regimens - if everything is right and well on the surface."[/color]

Emmanuel sighs before smiling once again. [color=gray]"Yeah, that terrorist group has the nasty habit of trying to kill those who try to kill their people. And they tend to use white fluffy cats as a weapon of mass destruction."[/color]

SKY:
Kaylee was torn between service, and the good of her friend. His smile made it even worse, but she kept her poker-face on.

She never played poker though, so she hoped a straight face would do instead.

[color=yellowgreen]"The authority right now is that man over there, to our side...And, seriously? Cats?"[/color]

Emmanuel was like the brother she never had -- being an only child. Avens also played the role of a sister, like the three were a small family in a place where the only bonds people had were intangible thoughts and memories.

It was harrowing to decide one over the other at the moment.

She sighed, waving away the hypothetical question with a hand. [color=yellowgreen]"What matters now is, how do we get you [i]both[/i] out safely? We've at least one week, due to how shoddy our supplies are here and I'm sure that the General keeps his records ready.

"Should we walk away or...well, what can we do in a week? Patrol duty is assigned to the rest, so I guess I can spend some time with you two- three, I mean. I'd like to get to know your 'friend', Em. All I'll be doing as a coverstory is to [b]tell the General that I'm acquainting you two while you stay.[/b] We cannot help the ship in distress earlier, so I'm guessing that [b]the General will have to deal with it...[/b]"[/color]

((Fil: [b]@General: Use coverstory to roam freely with my two buddies. We [u]cannot[/u] help NUKE until repairs are finished![/b]))

SKY:
"[color=orange]Wha...? What did I do?[/color]"
Avens wondered how Kaylee seemed to know the general had a bone to pick with her.

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"What did you do?"[/color]

Kaylee was confused. What was Avens asking about?

((Kaylee knows that Avens [i]currently[/i] knows that Em is with the terrorist org, thus [i]not[/i] yet knowing that Avens is with Em. Also...was that assuming Kay knew that the General had something bad for her?

Kaylee doesn't know that Avens is also in the terrorist org.))

CAEL:
[color=gray]"I'm sorry for being so blunt, Kaylee, but better than lying to you then having you hearing a twisted version from another person. At least this way I can prove I'm not [i]really[/i] evil, you know. Avens would have attacked me by now if I were."

"People create a lot of stories about our group, like we that one that says sacrifice people to our eldritch gods. That one was actually funny."[/color]

Emmanuel kept his smile.

[color=gray]"Oh, so you are bringing her with us? ...Fine, I guess."[/color]

CAEL:
[color=gray]"Kaylee, what happened since the last time we saw each other? I think you left for the academy..."[/color] Emmanuel asked, trying to avoid thinking about how awkward a city exploration with Bubblegum would be.

[color=gray]"I mean, mine wasn't exactly exciting, I guess."[/color]

TIR:
Kaylee was glad to have a smooth conversation going on with Em, just like back in the day. Now made better by the presence of Avens.

[color=yellowgreen]"Well, yes and no. Long story short, I entered the Federation, spent my time whiling away on the differing and varying learning curricula before trying my hand in...deeper work involving the mundane anatomy of living things. Had to do it, self-defense and all, but it was interesting nonetheless.

"Then I became part of the Mechanized forces, they said it was due to aptitude in piloting and multi-tasking. I'd say it was because of how I was brought up and from the great people that helped me by. Following that, my first ever mission after rising in the peaceful ranks -- getting sent here."[/color]

She shrugged. [color=yellowgreen]"I was overjoyed to be working straight under a veteran General, and then stuff all came apart. Lost most of the people I lived with, worked with, and trained with in the first wave...glad I was knocked unconscious for most of the time; had to be pulled back by the remaining forces. We dwindled one by one, losing p-"[/color]

Kay blinked, this seemed to be delving too far into the uncomfortable yesterday. [color=yellowgreen]"Am I overdoing this? Well, this is the result."[/color] She gestured at the scenery surrounding her. For all it's arid beauty, it was now but a ghost of it's former shell. A husk of a civilization from war and famine.

[color=yellowgreen]"So...how about the terrorists? Why are they...terrorists in the first place if you aren't going all gung-ho on killing and causing, well, terror?"[/color] she said, breaking eye contact upon finishing.

CAEL:
[color=gray]"Good to hear you enjoyed yourself, then."[/color] he said as he walked by her side.

[quote author=Tiruin link=action=profile;u=42689 date=1348083079]
[color=yellowgreen]"So...how about the terrorists? Why are they...terrorists in the first place if you aren't going all gung-ho on killing and causing, well, terror?"[/color] she said, breaking eye contact upon finishing.
[/quote]
[color=gray]"Well, we are called terrorists because we kill and cause terror. But both are focused towards those who oppress and kill the common folks. For example, our group hasn't tried to kill any figure from the Feds, because they are fairly tame."[/color] he continued, staring into her eyes, as if trying to make a point. [color=gray]"I know it may not seem a good image, but sometimes violence is the best answer when faced with violence. My organization was a pacifist one in the beggining, until our members started to be taken down by politics who weren't very interested in the uproar they caused."[/color]

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"So why not the dictatorship?"[/color] Kaylee replied, knowing the limitations of human limits on power and force. [color=yellowgreen]"Control comes from there, why not aim for the head and not the servants under it?"[/color]

The three started their walk, excusing themselves from the General who gladly gave them freedom to move about. Kay was sure they were being watched, though.

[color=yellowgreen]"And who is that other woman that you brought along? Part of your group that you...recruited, I suppose?"[/color]

TIR - errata?
((Wait, guh. Didn't see the update... FIX'D))

[quote author=Tiruin link=action=profile;u=42689 date=1348101532]
[color=yellowgreen]"So why not the dictatorship?"[/color] Kaylee replied, knowing the limitations of human limits on power and force. [color=yellowgreen]"Control comes from there, why not aim for the head and not the servants under it?"[/color]
[color=orange][s]
The three started their walk, excusing themselves from the General who gladly gave them freedom to move about. Kay was sure they were being watched, though.[/s][/color] [Nope]

[color=yellowgreen]"Also, I told you the General can hear us..."[/color]

Kaylee spun around to salute his order, with a heavy heart to leave her friend this early. At least she'd have Avens.
[/quote]

((Back to the main thread for me.))

CAEL:
Before Kaylee left, Emm answered her question, noticing she was blissfully ignorant to what his group did.
[color=gray]"Yes, we attempt to cut the head off. Fighting endless hordes of drafted soldiers is not what we have in mind. We always go for the leader."[/color]

He then completed as she hurried off to her mech, repeating what he had already said:
[color=gray]"Well, told you she was guarding my mech in the station when I tried to run away. She tried to attack me, I disarmed her, talked to her, she said she wanted to escape with me and I brought her, that's all there is to it. She isn't part of my group."[/color]

TIR:
[color=yellowgreen]"Take care then, Em!"[/color] Kaylee shouted as she clambered up the ladder, while waiting for Avens. [color=yellowgreen]"Check your pockets! I've slipped in your...uh, pay! Yes, your pay while you weren't looking! Stay safe!"[/color]

(( :P))

CAEL:
Emmanuel raises an eyebrow. He would surely had felt if she had tried to put something in his jeans (the pockets aren't too spacious, front ones are easy to notice people poking on them and the ones on his back...well), and concentrated enough to remember something he thought that wasn't important poking him.
[color=gray]"Take care, come back safely and stop touching a man's pockets!"[/color]

He then checks his pockets, just to make sure if she really left something.

TIR:
[i]In the pocket of your finding, you see an aged note as well as a metallic coin, supposedly of the antiquity years.[/i]

[quote=Note]
[i]Emmanuel Samaan,

When you do read this, and I hope you do, years would have passed since our meeting during our time in the training fields and the academy. I can still remember the times we had as kids, taking every liberty to create something worthwhile. I should've given this to you before we parted ways earlier...on that station, I guess? Forgot which name.

I'm currently operating as a Mech pilot, would you believe? At this young age and not even near adulthood! Anyway, I just want to return the favor you did for me a long time ago, on that incident with that...'merchant' when we explored too deep inside one of the stations around our sector.

So, cheers! Payment in return. Hope that you're safe and well, my friend. I'm blessed to have met a guy like you.

--Kaylee Averys, Lance Corporal, 76th Mechanized[/i]
[/quote]

[i]Well...[/i]