TSW 36: The Blood Knows.

[18:21]	IcePickLobotomy	"French Separatist clashed with Federal Police in the outskirts of Paris this morning, 13 have been comfirmed dead. This marks the third day of Riots in France, and the EF Chancellor has declared marshal law within Paris. Federal Police units have been deployed, our Correspond-" Walker changes the channel to another news network "-just now received confirmation from the Kremlin and Berlin...
[18:21]	IcePickLobotomy	...that there was a exchange of fire last night over the Polish boarder. While initial casualties are not know at this time, witnesses in the area described a hour long firefight at a checkpoin-" She changes the channel again, more fiercely this time.
[18:24]	IcePickLobotomy	"=The protests," This time a reporter is standing amidst a large crowd of people, many wielding anti-nuclear armament signs and the like "against the installation fo the first Anti-Missile System here in Washington DC has only gotten more tense over the last few hours." She gestures over to a knot of black men, one of them carrying a flag with a clenched fist over a red star "We've seen a...
[18:24]	IcePickLobotomy	...larger massing of Police as well, but so far it's been peaceful."
[18:25]	IcePickLobotomy	Walker leans back on the couch and hesitates before she lets the remote fall back onto her lap.
[18:29]	Arina	rubs her temples. "The world just keeps on exploding, huh...?"
[18:31]	IcePickLobotomy	"Not really, this is really pretty typical. Things mellowed out a lot over the last 3 or 4 years, what with the Intruders keeping everyone from making to much a mess." Walker takes a drink from her tea "This is just buisness as normal, well a bit more but they're making up for lost time I think."
[18:32]	Mary	"Hmh, been a while since they showed the Panthers being active " she says from the couch leaning against walker while Meagan is walking at the edge of the couch, holding herself to it.
[18:33]	Arina	"I guess we were lucky, then."
[18:33]	Mary	"I wonder if they will use that to ban more guns after the last time that whiteys got scared about us also having them."
[18:33]	IcePickLobotomy	She shrugs "Well you also had to deal with the Intruders, personal I'd take this," she gestures at the TV "Than them."
[18:37]	IcePickLobotomy	On the TV a woman in a shorts approaches the line of police and. . . showers them with flower pedals, blows them a kiss, then heads back into the crowd. Much of the tension seems to drain out of the two sides, and you can hear the jeering chants start to die down.
[18:37]	Mary	"Well that went much better then I had assumed, instead of another Kent."
[18:38]	IcePickLobotomy	"No kidding,"
[18:38]	RobinE	"If only it were always that easy," Robin shakes her head.
[18:39]	Arina	"It usually is, that's why we remember the bad ones so much."
[18:40]	IcePickLobotomy	"Oh right, wanted you all to know the Award Ceremony is going to be in 3 days. It's going to be on the Enterprise as well." Walker says, turning down the TV
[18:41]	RobinE	"yay," Robin throws out sarcastically.
[18:42]	IcePickLobotomy	"What, never wanted to rub shoulders with a bunch of old and self-important old men?"
[18:42]	IcePickLobotomy	bunch of self-important old men?"
[18:44]	RobinE	"among other things."
[18:44]	Arina	"Well, that will be exciting. Who's going to be there?"
[18:47]	IcePickLobotomy	"Let's see, the Vice Presidents of the United States Iran, and the USSR, the EF's joint-Chairman for starters."
[18:48]	Mary	"Well, that one makes it less likely for one of them to try to remove us "
[18:49]	Arina	whistles. "Impressive."
[18:50]	IcePickLobotomy	"A decent number of other politicians from our member states, Generals and admirals and the like, personal from most of our divions internally, and some of our partner groups. Basically anyone and everyone important enough to be worth inviting to a "we won" party."
[18:51]	Arina	nods.
[18:51]	IcePickLobotomy	"you don't have to go to the reception, but attending the ceremony itself is mandatory."
[18:56]	RobinE	"yeah alright," Robin pouts, crossing her arms.
[18:57]	Arina	smirks slightly. "No speeches required, right?"
[18:57]	IcePickLobotomy	She snorts "None that you need to make. Don't be surprised if you gota listen to some though, lot of those guys like to hear themselves talk."
[18:59]	Arina	chuckles. "That part seemed a given, yes."
[19:01]	IcePickLobotomy	"And Class A's, or else white tie attire."
[19:02]	Arina	nods. "Understood."
[19:02]	Arina	leans into her boyfriend. "Hey John, want to help me shop for a dress for the ceremony?"
[19:02]	Mary	"So...if I where a SEler,, that is kind of ideal to hit the party?
[19:03]	IcePickLobotomy	"Yeah, but they'd have to get through the US 2nd Fleet, on high alert."
[19:04]	JohnH	"I suppose I could do that."
[19:05]	Arina	pecks him on the cheek. "Good."
[19:07]	Mary	rolls her eyes at the pair and employs the weapon of the teenager, the remote
[19:20]	IcePickLobotomy	-------------
[19:20]	=-=	IcePickLobotomy has changed the topic to “September 17th, 1988. Gilbratar.”
[19:25]	IcePickLobotomy	It's one thing to hear and know that the Enterprise is 1.2 kilometers in length. It's another to see it up close. The destroyers look like toys next to it, the missile cruisers only seem to come up to a third it's height above the waterline, and are only fractions of it's length. Only the large armored bulk of the battleships even compare, and even they are at most a fourth it's length. The...
[19:25]	IcePickLobotomy	...Enterprise's deck is a flurry of activity as small private jets and helicopters displace the sharp angled lines of the F-19s, the heavy bulbous shape of the A-9s and the myriad of other aircraft.
[19:30]	JohnH	"She'
[19:30]	JohnH	s so beautiful"
[19:31]	Arina	"It's definitely impressive to see up close."
[19:31]	IcePickLobotomy	"Don't tell my father that!" Walker shouts over the rotors "We'll never hear the end of it. Way he goes on about it I think I've got a younger sister sometimes."
[19:32]	JohnH	"I might have to talk to your father, then. He appreciates true craftsmanship."
[19:32]	IcePickLobotomy	"Do it away from me!"
[19:32]	Arina	"Do you even know her father?"
[19:33]	JohnH	"No, but he sounds like a smart man."
[19:33]	IcePickLobotomy	"He will," the helicopter swings around the deck as Walker points out a figure waiting by one of the landing pads. "There he is."
[19:34]	Arina	"Oh, he's the captain?"
[19:34]	IcePickLobotomy	"Yeah."
[19:34]	JohnH	's jaw literally drops
[19:35]	Mary	"Well then I promise I won't say that to my brother then " She says with a smirk as she holds her dress down
[19:35]	IcePickLobotomy	"We don't talk much. He never really approved of me going into METI."
[19:37]	Arina	nods. "I'm a little surprised."
[19:37]	RobinE	"I wouldn't want anyone I know to go work for METI."
[19:38]	IcePickLobotomy	Walker fiddles with the beret. "It's not that he doesn't like METI, more that he wasn't happy that I was out where he couldn't keep an eye on me. We may not talk much but we're still family."
[19:39]	IcePickLobotomy	The helicopter starts starts to descend to the flight deck.
[19:41]	Arina	nods. "I can understand that..."
[19:41]	IcePickLobotomy	"He's a good man, so don't let our issues have you think less of him. If nothing else he *is* God on this ship, so be respectful."
[19:46]	IcePickLobotomy	It sets down on the deck gently, and one of the flight officers pulls the door open and jumps out, ushering the rest of you onto the deck.
[19:50]	Arina	steps out, looking around at all the works.
[19:51]	Mary	Mary walks our carefully as the wind flutters around her legs
[19:52]	JohnH	hops out and immediately looks around to catch a glimpse of the Ship's captain
[19:52]	RobinE	makes her way out behind the others.
[19:53]	IcePickLobotomy	Arina: It's busy, the roar of jet-turbines and helicopter rotors is front and center, the wind less loud but just as present as it tears and pulls at your hair and clothes. The air is heavy with the scent of oil and sea-water. Men and woman in brilliant yellow hazard vests scurry around, often hunched over. You can see the dignitaries, well dressed men and woman, standing at odds with the...
[19:53]	IcePickLobotomy	...weathered and gun-metal surroundings like pearls in a steel-foundery.
[19:54]	IcePickLobotomy	JohnH: he's just beyond the "DO NOT PASS" line around the landing pad.
[19:54]	IcePickLobotomy	Walker immediately salutes. "Permission to come aboard?"
[19:55]	JohnH	follows the salute, saying nothing
[19:56]	Arina	curtsies rather than saluting.
[19:57]	IcePickLobotomy	"Permission granted, welcome aboard all of you." He salutes back He's dressed in the blue naval uniform, rimmed with gold and a navy cap over his head. His chest is adorned with a modest selection of medals. His hair is grey, edging on white, with a walrusly mustache covering his upper lips. His skin is tanned and wrinkled, and flinty grey eyes look you over as he smiles. "I hope you all had...
[19:57]	IcePickLobotomy	...a pleasant flight?"
[19:58]	Mary	also curtsies
[20:03]	IcePickLobotomy	"Pleasant enough sir. Weather was fair." Walker says back easily.
[20:06]	IcePickLobotomy	"You're not in my chain of command, do we really have to be so formal tonight Amanda?" He asks tiredly.
[20:12]	IcePickLobotomy	"I suppose not dad."
[20:12]	IcePickLobotomy	"Anyways, should probably show you all to where the ceremony is going to be then?"
[20:13]	RobinE	"Sure."
[20:13]	Arina	smiles. "That'd be helpful, thank you."
[20:16]	IcePickLobotomy	"We've been clearing out two of the hangars for this," He motions for you all to follow him to the Island. "A tad disapointed we've never been cleared to really engage in the fighting but her," he pats the hull of the ship "predecessor," he blinks and falls silent "Well, anyways. I hope you like her."
[20:17]	Arina	nods. "It was still good to have you at our back."
[20:21]	IcePickLobotomy	He leads you into the cramped passageways, bare steel lined with pipes adorned with signs and hazard symbols. It's just wide enough for one and a half persons to walk beside each-other, so you have to twist and press yourself against the walls when someone passes by, which is quite often. While none of the men stop to salute, most of them looking quite busy, each and every one of them gives...
[20:21]	IcePickLobotomy	...him a respectful nod or "Hello sir," when he passes by. Several stare at you and your age, a few mutters pertaining to you being Pilots are heard, always in respectful tones.
[20:23]	IcePickLobotomy	"I'd love to give you a tour," He says.
[20:23]	IcePickLobotomy	"I'm sure he would," (Captain) Walker mutters under her breath at this
[20:23]	IcePickLobotomy	"But no time tonight I am afraid, some other time perhaps." he continues, either not hearing his daughter or simply looking the other way.
[20:29]	IcePickLobotomy	He leads you into a large space, the rumble and thrum of the engines below you and the aircraft above is subdued here. A large array of chairs have been set up beofre a raised platform with a podium, the flags of the US, USSR, Iran, and the EF hang behind it. Wires run along the flower as camera and audio crews work on the finishing touches. a fair number of the chairs have already been...
[20:29]	IcePickLobotomy	...filled by men and woman in suits, dresses, and military uniforms. The admiral bids you goodbye and promises to speak with you all during the reception later.
[20:39]	IcePickLobotomy	JohnH, Arina the Vice-President (of the United States) is a older man, short but lean with a long face and watery blue eyes. He seems rather bland really, you're eyes skipped over him at least twice trying to look for him. He's quietly speaking with a man in a Red Army uniform, his Russian is good to Arina's ear, if accented modestly.
[20:42]	JohnH	stands at attention, unsure how to proceed with a greeting to the vice president of his favorite country
[20:43]	Arina	smiles, coughing lightly into a hand.
[20:43]	IcePickLobotomy	"Ah, Pilot Hunter, Pilot Alkeava, how are you? Please, let's not stand on formality tonight." He offers his hand "George Newman, pleasure to meet both of you."
[20:44]	JohnH	flicnhes, surprised to be greeted, by name, by the VP of the US of A
[20:46]	Mary	meanwhile is a bit in the backround compared to these two but still close by.
[20:46]	JohnH	"It's...an honor, sir."
[20:46]	Arina	takes the hand to shake after John. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
[20:47]	IcePickLobotomy	"Ah, and I see Miss Robinson as well," he steps forward to offer his hand "A pleasure to meet you as well."
[20:52]	IcePickLobotomy	"Well I'm glad you think so Pilot Hunter, though may I call you John? Feel free to call me George if you like. And I feel the same to meet all of you and shake your hands. My boss was quite upset when the Secret Service told him he couldn't go."
[20:53]	Mary	"A pleasure Sir, I found your arguments in terms of the ACLA after the Rothhouse debate, even if I did not quite concour with the one about Davison versus Missisipi"
[20:53]	JohnH	"Y-you may call me anything you like, Mr. Newman. It's a shame he couldn't make it, but I'm sure there are important matters that he must tend to."
[20:53]	Mary	returns the handshake
[20:53]	Arina	chuckles. "Really, the Vice President is impressive enough."
[20:55]	IcePickLobotomy	He nods "Glad you think so Ms. Robinson, one of my prouder moments of my career I'd say. And even if you don't agree I'm glad that you actually payed attention to what I said." he nods to Arina "Ah flattery still works on me I see."
[20:57]	Arina	smiles. "I imagine we can work our way up on figures of state, Vice President is a pretty good start, really, don't you think?"
[20:58]	IcePickLobotomy	He chuckles "Better move fast then, me and Mike are on the way out in a few months and then you'll have to start over."
[20:59]	Arina	nods, glancing at the Red Army man - anyone she recognizes?
[21:04]	IcePickLobotomy	Arina: you don't but he is wearing a Air Force uniform. The tag reads "D. Chenkov"
[21:05]	Arina	curtsies to him. "Good evening, Comrade Chenkov."
[21:06]	IcePickLobotomy	He nods his head "Good evening Comrade Alkaeva."
[21:06]	JohnH	salutes
[21:08]	IcePickLobotomy	He salutes back "And greeting to you as Comrade Hunter, Comrade Robinson." His English is decent, if accented and somewhat stilted, as he thinks over each sentence carefully before he speaks.
[21:09]	IcePickLobotomy	He seems a tad unsure of what to do here. He's holding himself rigidly as he does his best to not stare at Newman.
[21:13]	IcePickLobotomy	"Mr. Newman," Arina: A distincive and familar figure cuts through the crowd. Arina JohnH: She's tall, dressed in a somewhat dreary Soviet Officer's uniform, and missing her left arm at the elbow. Her black hair is cut in a short bob just past her ears, frame a severe face and sharp brown eyes. She eyes Newman like a sheepdog would eye a stray that's come to close to it's sheep. "Already...
[21:13]	IcePickLobotomy	...making nice with the Pilots I see."
[21:15]	Arina	curtsies. "Good evening, Comrade Stepanova."
[21:16]	JohnH	salutes
[21:16]	IcePickLobotomy	"Good evening Comrade Alkaeva." She nods to you, still locking eyes with Newman. The man simply smiles "Ah, Comrade Stepanova, how are you tonight?"
[21:17]	IcePickLobotomy	"We'd just finished exchanging introductions." He continues at ease.
[21:19]	Mary	"Madame Vice President. Mr. Chenkow , a bit of a surprise to see you here considering how your work seems to have overtaken you in the last few months and disrupted your publishing"
[21:20]	IcePickLobotomy	He blinks "You are familiar with my work?"
[21:23]	Arina	raises an eyebrow, glancing between the two of them.
[21:24]	IcePickLobotomy	The stare off continues for a few more moments before the woman nods to herself and relaxes somewhat. "Hopefully the speeches will not be too long this time. I skipped lunch."
[21:25]	IcePickLobotomy	Newman nods "Well /mine/ is short at least. Not a fan of long speeches if I can avoid it."
[21:25]	Mary	"I found your excurse about the problem of Truth maintenance in a Backwards Chaining Program quite fascinating I have to say."
[21:29]	IcePickLobotomy	He nods eagerly as he smiles "Yes, I do not meet many in this place who know of my work like you. What do you think of Dr Dewart's theory on the need for emotional stressors to truly make a AI on par with a human?"
[21:30]	Arina	"Ah, were you involved in developing the MAGI, then?"
[21:30]	IcePickLobotomy	"Mine as well," She says "Unlike most of these blowhards."
[21:31]	IcePickLobotomy	Chenkov snorts derisively "As if I would cheat by using organic components. A shortcut for fools unable to make a true AI."
[21:33]	Arina	"Ah, well, I'm not familiar with your field but they work well enough for me."
[21:33]	Mary	"I think the idea about them is based on your you determine the difference between Inteligence and Personality because as noted passing the Turing test is doable without those , but the Human element in regards to a stressor would make them more reletable to us which certainly can have long term possitive effects but it also of course has the potential for
[21:34]	Mary	Dissuse as you need a different kind of care with them then as the emotional versus the intelectual aspect does influence how you raise them."
[21:35]	IcePickLobotomy	He nods "Yes, but my point is that a AI is not, nor will it ever be human. To treat it as such, or to expect it to act as such is a fool's errand. Make them as they should be, not in our own image. Humanity is. . . flawed."
[21:37]	IcePickLobotomy	"But there is certainly parts you would seek to emulate I am sure." Newman interjects
[21:39]	Mary	"Ah but the paperclip optimiser is also flawed in a certain way, and as the interest in the understanding of Humanity requires that a AI should beyond the indea understand what emotions are , not to note that they need to be slaved to them. Because if we create them as creature of pure Logos, well it is the difference betw
[21:41]	Mary	Between Gnosis, and Sophia here I would say that is also important to them. Man is a Heuristic system of mind and body so leaving the biological component behind of course makes them different then us as there form lacks the vagueries of that kind of chemistry."
[21:42]	IcePickLobotomy	You notice a upsurge as people start to filter to their seats.
[21:42]	IcePickLobotomy	"We'll have to cut this short," Stepanova says "Time for us to take our seats."
[21:46]	Arina	nods. "It was good to meet you, thank you." She curtsies.
[21:47]	Mary	"Well, duty calls then, it was a pleasure meeting you."
[21:50]	IcePickLobotomy	The Ceremony itself is what Walker implied it would be. A 2 hours long series of pretty speeches by various dignitaries. Then the awards, Walker, Yeffim, Verbeck and several others are recognized on varying levels. Then it's your turn.
[21:53]	IcePickLobotomy	Stepanova steps up to the podium first. "on behalf the People of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I recognize and acknowledge Pilot Kasra Nariman posthumously with the Hero of the Soviet Union for his efforts in defending humanity. He made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of his friends, and humanity at large. A moment of silence for Comrade Nariman, and all the others who gave...
[21:53]	IcePickLobotomy	...their lives in our defense."
[21:54]	IcePickLobotomy	The rooms grows silent, many heads bow.
[21:54]	Arina	bows her head.
[21:56]	RobinE	bows her head.
[21:58]	JohnH	bows his head
[21:59]	IcePickLobotomy	She raises her head after a long and heavy moment. "And I also recognize Comrade Arisha Alkeave, Comrade Mary Robinson, Comrade John Hunter, Comrade Reagan Sinclair, and Comrade Robin Evans for their efforts as well. Each and every one of them has risen to the call of duty admirably. I recognize all of you with the Hero of the Soviet Union for your actions, and let it be known that all of...
[21:59]	IcePickLobotomy	...you are welcome within the Soviet Union. And I personally thank all of you for your service, as does Premier Sablin who asked me to convey his gratitude in person."
[21:59]	Mary	head of course is also bowed
[22:00]	IcePickLobotomy	Walker discretely nudges you all to go up to the podium.
[22:01]	RobinE	follows Walkers direction and heads up.
[22:01]	Arina	moves up to the podium, swallowing.
[22:03]	IcePickLobotomy	She hands each of you certificate acknowledging the award to you. The Vice-President Newman steps up to the podium.
[22:05]	Mary	takes a deep breath as she walks up there as she works at keeping herself together.
[22:06]	Arina	nods thankfully to the woman as she takes hers, not entirely sure what to say.
[22:09]	IcePickLobotomy	"And in recognition of your actions, on behalf of the United States of America and her peoples, for your efforts to safeguard not just the United States but the earth as whole, I present each of you with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest award that can be awarded to non-military persons." He steps forward and places the medal around each of your heads.
[22:09]	IcePickLobotomy	"And to Cadet John Hunter, on behalf of the Commander and Chief of the United States of American, in recognition of your exemplary service to your nation, I award you the Distinguished Service Medal for your efforts in securing the safety and well being of the United States of America."
[22:09]	IcePickLobotomy	"To each of you, you have not just my own thanks but the thanks of the United States as a whole. We owe you a debt that is beyond precedence. Never before has so much rested upon the efforts of so few."
[22:12]	Arina	curtsies. "Thank you, Sir."
[22:13]	RobinE	looks around the room after receiving her medal, her eyes watery "Thanks."
[22:15]	JohnH	stays stoic
[22:15]	Mary	shivers whispers something , before squinting for a moment.
[22:18]	IcePickLobotomy	-------------
[22:23]	IcePickLobotomy	Shortly thereafter the ceremony ends and people begin to filter into the next room, a large hangar (well disguised at least). Curtains cover the bare steel walls and long tables of food and drink ring the room. A raised ballrooms platform sits in the center, and a live band plays inoffensive instrumental music softly. Walker is talking with Kirmani, the latter enjoying a flute of campaign,...
[22:23]	IcePickLobotomy	...you see Schofield lurking about the edges of things as well. Yeffim has laid claim to a corner of the room and his put on his best "Do Not Approach me Aura" that has left him a decent chunk of space. Vernbeck is talking with a few toner people, pointedly not looking in your direction. Newman and Stepanov are each engaged in their own talks as the mill about.
[22:25]	IcePickLobotomy	RobinE: You also see Elly, you almost don't reckognize the girl as her formerly blue-hair is now a sharp red, matching a long crimson evening gown. She desultorily sipping at a flute of champaign.
[22:26]	RobinE	points over to her, "oh look, its Elly."
[22:28]	Arina	blinks. "Oh wow, she looks different with that hair."
[22:29]	Arina	smiles, moving over to where Elly is. "Hey, nice to see you here."
[22:30]	IcePickLobotomy	"Oh thank god." She sighs "Someone who isn't going to stare down my dress."
[22:31]	Mary	"Well you could have chosen a more conservative one " she notes as she looks the dress over.
[22:31]	Arina	looks around with a very :< face. "... Is there anyone in this room less than three times our age?"
[22:32]	IcePickLobotomy	She snorts "Mom made me get ride of my blue hair, so I had to take a stand somewhere," She gestures to the dress and the plunging neckline "And no probably not. You're young enough that they'd *probably* think twice about hitting on you at least."
[22:32]	IcePickLobotomy	"I'm legal and thus fair game."
[22:33]	Arina	"Twice your age isn't exactly a great improvement," she points out.
[22:34]	Mary	blushes and mutters some
[22:35]	IcePickLobotomy	"And the music is kinda. . . bland." She frowns "Anything more exciting would probably give most of these guys a stroke though so I guess it's fair."
[22:35]	Arina	chuckles. "It's well-done, but they do have to go for pretty universal tastes here."
[22:36]	IcePickLobotomy	"Yeah. So how're you three doing?"
[22:38]	JohnH	mumbles something
[22:38]	Arina	"Fairly well all things considered. I'm actually surprised to see you here! I didn't realize your family was a big-shot?"
[22:39]	IcePickLobotomy	"Mom's uh, fairly involved with METI, never could get what she did out but she's pretty clearly a higher up."
[22:40]	Arina	blinks. "Huh, I didn't know that. Still, it was a nice surprise to have a friend here."
[22:41]	IcePickLobotomy	"Yeah I can say the same, I was about to hang out by Colonel Yeffim to get some peace."
[22:41]	Mary	"Ah, you do know him from earlier then?"
[22:43]	IcePickLobotomy	"Nope, but if everyone else is giving him a wide berth I could take advantage of that." Yeffims head swivels in her direction and she lets out a small eep when his eyes lock on hers "Or not! Gee, that guy is scary."
[22:44]	IcePickLobotomy	You watch as Yeffim heads out the nearest doorway.
[22:45]	Mary	"He is .. not quite as bad as he appears to be ."
[22:45]	IcePickLobotomy	"That doesn't mean as much as you think it means." Elly deadpans
[22:46]	Arina	"Well, I like him."
[22:48]	IcePickLobotomy	She nods "The fact that he's non-verbally giving everyone a "Fuck off and die." puts him in my good books.
[22:52]	Mary	"Well Why are you here then ,considering your oppinion of the whole of it?"
[22:53]	IcePickLobotomy	"Mom wanted me to be here, seeing as I live in the area. That and my apartment got wrecked so I'm couching with her."
[22:57]	Arina	winces. "Yyyyeeeaaaah sorry about that."
[22:58]	Mary	shivers and and shakes her head "sorry " she mutters as she takes a sip.
[22:58]	IcePickLobotomy	"It's fine, better than the alternative, besides, it's just Stuff. I'm alive and well, which is more than a lot of people can say." She eyes the now empty flute and then replaces it with a full one.
[22:58]	Mary	will not answer the question how she got a drink.
[23:00]	Arina	sighs, nodding and getting a drink. "I suppose it is."
[23:01]	IcePickLobotomy	"So, how's does," She gestures to the medals "How's that feel?"
[23:02]	Arina	purses her lips. "I'll get back to you when I figure it out."
[23:06]	IcePickLobotomy	"Fair answer, and sorry if I hit a nerve."
[23:07]	Arina	"No, you didn't, it's just... mm. I don't really feel all that special, I suppose?"
[23:08]	IcePickLobotomy	She smirks an glances over at John who's speaking, and in awe of, Admiral Walker. "I can think of at least one person who's say you're pretty special."
[23:10]	Arina	giggles. "Well that's a thought."
[23:12]	IcePickLobotomy	"Who? Oh your boyfriend?" She smirks "I was talking about your mom. Mother's almost always think their daughters as special, well when we're not driving them up the wall."
[23:14]	Arina	"So, about ten percent of the time?"
[23:16]	IcePickLobotomy	"10 Percent? My you're much better than my own daughter." A older woman, looking quite like Elly, if shooter and with grey hair steps up. "Doctor Nancy Hayes, the poor woman who gave birth to this little monster."
[23:16]	IcePickLobotomy	8Shorter
[23:16]	Arina	smiles, curtsying slightly. "Good evening, Doctor Hayes."
[23:18]	IcePickLobotomy	"Good evening Miss Alkaeva," She curtsies back before she turns to Elly and looks her over "You actually wore that. . . piece of cloth."
[23:19]	IcePickLobotomy	"Yes. Yes I did,"
[23:20]	Mary	"Doctor Hayes " She nods at her .
[23:25]	IcePickLobotomy	The woman shakes her head "I remember being you age. And even then I wore more."
[23:25]	IcePickLobotomy	"You could have let me keep my hair."
[23:25]	IcePickLobotomy	"You looked ridiculous. Blue hair? Really? Who has blue hair?"
[23:26]	IcePickLobotomy	Elly harumphs and folds her arms under her chest. "So you say, I thought it looked good. My blue hair looked good, right Mary? Right Arina?"
[23:28]	Arina	"Well, I thought so."
[23:29]	Mary	"You did write the paper about Metbio induced instability in RNA Polymere right, or do I mix you up Doctor Hayes?"
[23:30]	Mary	smiles friendly at her
[23:30]	IcePickLobotomy	"I am the same, rather heavy reading though, surprise you have much interest in MetBio."
[23:31]	Arina	"Ah, you work more on the theoretical side then?"
[23:31]	IcePickLobotomy	"Theory is the basis of action, and we only find the theory by seeing where our knowledge gets fuzzy."
[23:33]	Mary	"Ah I am having a somewhat far reaching interest in these things, even if I am more of a autodiact in this area , even if I do put it into practical effect also. But then you did after all work at Pioniering the T-Babel if I remember it right."
[23:34]	Arina	just nods politely.
[23:34]	IcePickLobotomy	"I was involved in that, but mostly in a advisory fashion. The late Nariman's were central to that effort."
[23:35]	Arina	's expression freezes, before smoothing over into a placid smile.
[23:38]	IcePickLobotomy	"Probably too involved in my work," She says eyeing Elly "This one clearly got away from me at some point," She says in good humor
[23:40]	Arina	"I don't know, I'd say she's done well for herself."
[23:41]	IcePickLobotomy	"Yeah Mom, I run my own magazine even."
[23:41]	IcePickLobotomy	"And I'm a published author and co-founder of a entire field of science."
[23:44]	Mary	"Well I will need a bit before I am accept for something like that. Sending in a whiteboard with a proof is not quite as accepted if you are lacking a title before your name , even if it is only a B.A."
[23:45]	IcePickLobotomy	"Well then," She waves over Vernbeck "Dr. Vernbeck, am I, or am I not one of the co-founders to MetBio?"
[23:46]	Mary	"Please, no its.."
[23:46]	Mary	winces visibly
[23:47]	IcePickLobotomy	"you **are** " he admits slowly "Even if I did come first."
[23:47]	IcePickLobotomy	"You
[23:48]	IcePickLobotomy	're still upset that *i* had the gall to prove one of your theories for you."
[23:48]	IcePickLobotomy	"That's.  . . not untrue. . ."
[23:49]	Mary	Fidges and even someone with bad empathy can see how conflicted she is as he comes over , and how guilty she feels
[23:50]	IcePickLobotomy	"Do you really need me to settle schooyard disputes with children Dr. Hayes? You're slipping."
[23:50]	Arina	"I... don't believe there was a dispute in the first place, really?"
[23:50]	IcePickLobotomy	"Oh but Dr. Vernbeck, you're so much more convient." She says cheerfully. Elly makes a gagging gesture at her mother's sweet tone.
[23:53]	Mary	gulps
[23:54]	IcePickLobotomy	Arina: you've only noticed now but. . . you've been getting more and more thirsty ever since Dr Hayes showed up. And the now empty flute holds testament that it's easily quenched. You can feel yourself starting to slip into the same fugue state as in the temple, her voice whispering in your ear, but you don't let it pull at you, little more than a distracting tug.
[23:55]	IcePickLobotomy	And then Hayes gives you a small smile and it's everything you can do to not slip away. "Are you feeling allright Miss Alkaeva? You look a tad pale." She asks.
[23:56]	Arina	feigns a cough, holding her palm up to her mouth and /biting/ down while it's hidden.
[23:58]	Arina	pauses, wiping her mouth, and smiles. "Mostly, please excuse me."
[23:59]	IcePickLobotomy	As Arina slips out of sight Hayes smiles "Mary Dear? You may want to check on your friend, she looked a tad ill."
[00:02]	Mary	"Oh yes, but i would like to talk to you later about your ..work" she says and then walks after her , as good as she can on her slightl heels
[00:11]	|<--	JohnH has left irc.systemnet.info (Quit: JohnH)
[00:20]	IcePickLobotomy	"What the fuck just happened?" Elly asks as everyone departs.
[00:27]	[ERROR]	Connection to irc://irc.systemnet.info/ (irc://irc.systemnet.info/) reset. [Help]
[00:27]	-->|	YOU (IcePickLobotomy_) have joined #TSWIC
[00:27]	=-=	Topic for #TSWIC is “September 17th, 1988. Gilbratar.”
[00:27]	=-=	Topic for #TSWIC was set by IcePickLobotomy on Friday, January 27, 2017 7:20:24 PM
[00:27]	|<--	IcePickLobotomy has left irc.systemnet.info (Ping timeout: 122 seconds)
[00:28]	=-=	YOU are now known as IcePickLobotomy
[00:32]	IcePickLobotomy	Mary: You step into the bathroom and find Arina collapsed on the floor, a trickle of blood coming from a cut on her finger, a nearby pen-knife with blood smeared on the blade. You can see a smear of blood on her lips as well.

[22:51]	IcePickLobotomy	JohnH: You find the Admiral enjoying a platter of shrimp.
[22:53]	JohnH	approaches the god-like entity that commands the ship "Admiral Walker?"
[22:54]	IcePickLobotomy	"Ah, Pilot Hunter. How are you? Here, try some of the shrimp, they're quite good."
[22:56]	JohnH	reflexively salutes at the mention of his name
[22:57]	JohnH	"Uhh, I will. Thank you."
[22:59]	JohnH	tenderly eats a few shrimp, so as not to seem impolite."
[23:00]	IcePickLobotomy	"So, what brings you over son?"
[23:01]	JohnH	"I wanted to meet you, sir."
[23:02]	JohnH	"This ship is magnificent and I wanted to meet the man who commands it."
[23:03]	IcePickLobotomy	He smiles "You certainly know how to get into my good graces. Always complement a navy man's ship if you want to get on his good side." He pops a shrimp into his mouth "And I'd like the chance to talk to you as well."
[23:03]	JohnH	looks surprised "About what, sir?"
[23:05]	IcePickLobotomy	"A few things, nothing to odious I promise. I;m curious, what are the units like? I talk to pilots of all kinds but I think that what you drive is a bit out there."
[23:06]	JohnH	stammers a moment, still reeling from being recognized by the admiral "I don't know the best way to describe it."
[23:06]	IcePickLobotomy	He nods "That's alright."
[23:07]	JohnH	"It's like an extension of yourself. Imagine being a couple hundred feet tall, walking through buildings."
[23:07]	JohnH	"It feels like I'm only a pilot by description."
[23:07]	IcePickLobotomy	"So it's more as though you're. . it? A extension of yourself?"
[23:08]	JohnH	"Yeah, thats a good way to describe it."
[23:09]	IcePickLobotomy	"And how well would a Unit hold up against something other than a Intruder? The umbilical cord no withstanding."
[23:10]	JohnH	"Well, I'm not sure what applications it could be used for, but I'm sure not much would be able to stand against one of them."
[23:11]	JohnH	"You could pretty easily stop any ground forces."
[23:14]	IcePickLobotomy	He nods "That's what the reports I've read have said." he pats you on the back "Keep and eye, there'll be need for someone with your experience in the US in the coming years. Leverage that right and you'll go far."
[23:15]	JohnH	gets a humongous grin for a brief second before reigning it in
[23:15]	JohnH	"Tell me about your ship, sir. I'm very curious how something of this size is run."
[23:18]	IcePickLobotomy	"Not easily. I leave most of the day to day activities to my XO out of necessity. But I stay involved when I can. It's honestly more like running a naval base than a ship."
[23:19]	JohnH	"How many people does it take to crew her? Where has she sailed? What kind of combat capabilities do you have?" John continues on with many much more questions
[23:21]	IcePickLobotomy	"About 13 thousand personal. We've mostly been stationed in the Atlantic, sailed down the coast of South America, stopped over in England for a bit, and mostly patrolled in the Eastern Atlantic,"
[23:28]	IcePickLobotomy	"We carry about 400 aircraft of various types. So suffice to say we can wipe out entire air forces of other nations."
[23:31]	JohnH	"Does this vessel have nuclear capabilities?"
[23:32]	IcePickLobotomy	"We're powered by 6 nuclear reactors, and we do carry a complement of nuclear arms."
[23:33]	JohnH	"What would you say is the most impressive part of this station?"
[23:33]	IcePickLobotomy	"The crew," he answers without thought "Steel is important, but without flesh and blood it means nothing."
[23:33]	JohnH	nods
[23:34]	JohnH	"How long have you served in the navy? And how did you get to be in charge of such an impressive feat of engineering?"
[23:36]	IcePickLobotomy	"I've been in the Navy since I was 17, so. . " he thinks a moment "This'd be my 46th year. And the short story is that I was too senior for my own good, either they'd put me in a desk in the Pentagon, or stick me here. I'm enough of a maverick that the paper pushers really didn't want to be in arms reach of me." He grins
[23:41]	JohnH	"A man of action, huh? I can appreciate that. I am not a fan of sitting around."
[23:41]	JohnH	"Did you get any say in the design of the ship? Where was it built?"
[23:42]	IcePickLobotomy	"No, not so much. I'm no naval architect. She was built in New-York, had to build a new shipyard just for her."
[23:43]	JohnH	"Are there any plans for another ship like it? Has she seen combat yet?"
[23:44]	IcePickLobotomy	"No combat yet, and maybe. It's really going to come down to how the budget looks like. She's not a cheap date by any means, and is a bit of primadonna."
[23:45]	JohnH	"How so?"
[23:47]	IcePickLobotomy	"She's a big ship, that costs a lot of money, a lot of experimental systems that cost even more. And the upkeep for all of those isn't a small sum. Then all of the men here need pay, they need support staff and facilities,which cost money, the aircraft and weapons cost money. We're about 5 times larger than a conventional carrier, and cost almost 20 times more."
[23:51]	JohnH	"Does she require a specialized crew?"
[23:51]	IcePickLobotomy	"No more so than any other carrier, just a larger one."
[23:55]	JohnH	"If and when we can decommission our Outriders, would you want to see one stationed on board the enterprise?"
[23:56]	IcePickLobotomy	"mmm, maybe, probably not. Power draw would be a issue and their too big. Now a say, much smaller one? Or some sort of AT Field projctor? Oh yes I'd love that."