What do you mean Sa was executed!? why did we not hear of it

[02:09:43] <Ratty_GM> With Linhua and Sa in chains, Pham in tow, and some new information to go by, you left the temple in the cover of the night, and managed to stuff them all into the hovercraft, where four more people you met along the way were already waiting, without anyone escaping.
[02:10:02] <Ratty_GM> Needless to say, Elysia wasn't very happy about Eriko's decision to leave the bhikkhuni be, but you have eventually managed to convince her. She seemed on the edge the entire way, eyeing Pham and Sa suspiciously - because of that as well, you have managed to get some sleep.
[02:10:25] <Ratty_GM> On the way, Kelzang rang to tell you where to come with the prisoners, which led you to be dropped by the hovercraft at a certain height where the pilot didn't feel safe anymore, and scaling a mountain toward the noon, until you've arrived to the Seventh's mountain complex on feet. There is something to be said about the Seventh and this practice of doing things the hard way.
[02:12:45] <Ratty_GM> Following Kelzang's orders, you brought Li, Nastasja and Laxmi alongside the two physical prisoners you had, and three cultist Soul Gems. You had to say goodbye to Annabelle, who was to stay back at the hovercraft, however, since it seemed some transport was already ready to detain her. Elysia stayed back at the hovercraft to guard her until they come, prompting you to go on ahead.
[02:13:59] Fuyuki_Kagamine pulled out Laura's Soul Gem as they trudged along, checking to see if it needed cleaning. She didn't want to have a Girl suddenly Witch Out inside her Inventory since she'd heard stories of what would happen if it came to that; none of them particularly good.
[02:14:13] <Ratty_GM> This time, it seemed Sa was the one paying attention to Pham, bitterly shouting at you to get her when she got a little less visible around a corner of the mountain ridge.
[02:15:46] <Ratty_GM> At last, you stood before the facility, and the three people that were to be sent to Silent Rooms have been carried away by guards. A secretary stopped by, telling you to come to the Incubator's office for debriefing, and which of you want a drink, and what should the drink be.
[02:16:21] <Eriko> "...I'm going with water," Eriko says warily.
[02:16:59] Liese_Brandt nods in agreement, it's been a while since she's had something -without- alcohol in it. Or hereitcalcohol
[02:16:59] <Ratty_GM> Nastasja ordered cofee quickly, and led you to the office the way she knew. And now, here you are, sitting in a half circle on brought-up chairs in an office, in front of what seems to be a cat wearing a scarf.
[02:17:36] Fuyuki_Kagamine sighed in exasperation as Pham tried to book it when she thought she could get away with it, visibly tired of Cultists trying to ruin her day by the time they *finally* entered the Mountain Base. She asked for coffee, as strong as they had, while letting Eriko take the lead.
[02:18:36] <Kelzang> The whole situation looks like a session of anonymous alcoholics, really, but at least you get snacks.
[02:19:54] <Kelzang> It seems he is still leisurely going throuhg some paperwork, wating for you to get comfortable, or start talking yourselves.
[02:20:00] Eriko lets out a sigh, like she's been holding it in for days now, and slumps into a chair.
[02:20:09] Oriana blows bubbles in her chocolate milk as politely as she can
[02:20:56] Liese_Brandt is mildly distracted with other things and thoughts, so she just remains calm and composed, in a straight and proper position, if albeit with a slightly absent look.
[02:20:58] Jordan_Ramses curtly asked for water. A sure sign of her displeasure at the situation. She has not been know to ever touch coffee.
[02:22:06] <Eriko> "I remember when my targets were drug kingpins and human traffickers," Eriko says glumly.
[02:22:07] Jordan_Ramses pets Phyto who clearly quite enjoys the attention not caring for the atmosphere in the slightest.
[02:22:17] <Eriko> "Y'know, people you didn't feel bad for."
[02:22:35] <Liese_Brandt> "I can relate to that, you know."
[02:23:09] Eriko slowly turns her head until she can see Liese.
[02:23:38] <Eriko> "That so?"
[02:23:38] <Liese_Brandt> "I mean, I was in the same kind of situation, before Romania."
[02:23:45] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Same. I'm starting to miss staying up for days at a time to scope out the local Yakuza groups." Fuyuki laments as well, perking up visibly the moment that the muddy brown liquid touched her lips. Ahhh, coffee.
[02:25:50] <Eriko> "Mhm. None of that 'people just trying to get by' or 'looking for a purpose in life'. Just the absolute worst kind of scum knowing exactly what they're in for."
[02:26:13] Liese_Brandt nods, once more in agreement.
[02:26:17] Jordan_Ramses swirls her water and peers down into it as it it were a hard drink. She could have done it. They weren't even flying that high. What's a three hundred foot drop to a magical girl anyway?
[02:29:06] <Oriana> "Is it really that hard to not be a terrible person?"
[02:29:56] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "When you don't have many other options? Yes." Fuyuki replies somberly, gazing contemplatively at her tea-cup.
[02:30:09] <Jordan_Ramses> "It can happen without you even realizing it." Jordan speaks up in response to Oriana.
[02:30:14] <Kelzang> "I too beg you to reconsider, Callidus Tenko." the incubator lifts his head from the paperwork. "While benevolence of course has its limits, it could be that the only difference is being able to relate yourself."
[02:30:17] <Liese_Brandt> "For some, it seems to be, but that's what friends and mentors are for; or should be for, right?" She speaks with a cold determination, not sounding sarcastic or dry in any way.
[02:31:16] Jordan_Ramses points to Liese in acknowledgement.
[02:31:29] <Kelzang> "I recall a human writer who said, that the world breaks everyone, but some are stronger for being broken. it is an accurate description of human psyche."
[02:32:01] Eriko looks up at the incubator. "I'm not going to budge on Sa's sentence. She knew what she was doing. Being some kind of... of sensation seeker who found love and kindness not 'good enough' for her..."
[02:32:31] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Friends are a little hit and miss on that regard, but yeah." Fuyuki replies to Liese.
[02:32:36] <Eriko> "I mean I don't think that she can do anything other than continue down a dark path."
[02:32:43] Liese_Brandt remains silent this time
[02:32:52] <Eriko> "Trying to find something that makes her feel fulfilled."
[02:33:03] <Eriko> "Regardless of what happenes to everyone around her."
[02:33:42] <Kelzang> "That too is human. Is it not relatable? Not that Sa's sentence merits any question. Should you strip benevolence from our officio, this is likely most of what would be left."
[02:33:56] <Kelzang> "The struggle for perfection, without context, is after all, selfish."
[02:34:16] Liese_Brandt pouts slightly at the cat's words.
[02:34:19] Eriko picks herself back up. "That is true," Eriko replies, nodding in agreement.
[02:34:28] Fuyuki_Kagamine looks over her shoulder to Liese, wondering why the Vindicare would fall silent.
[02:34:31] <Liese_Brandt> "So isn't. Not if you do it for the sake of others."
[02:34:41] Jordan_Ramses siiiiiiiiiips.
[02:35:12] <Kelzang> "That is the very context I meant, miss Brandt." he lays down the papers.
[02:35:33] Liese_Brandt blinks and leans back, taken slightly aback. " O-oh..."
[02:35:42] <Kelzang> "So, now that we are not using precious bandwith, could you give me a more detailed report?"
[02:40:22] Eriko takes a deep breath and launches into her report. About their arrival, the murder, the tracking down leads, Pham's confession, and the apprehension of Sa. She doesn't leave out anything, though in some parts she gives her two cents, like why she thinks Pham was devestated magical girls could have kids.
[02:40:33] <Kelzang> "Circumastances of Hye Kong's rescue are not needed, incidentally, unless it's strictly necessary to explain the circumastances of Linhua Tung. That assignment overall, though, is ot our Officio's jurisdiction..."
[02:40:59] <Kelzang> "...I see."
[02:42:06] <Kelzang> "So that is what happened to Samten. What is your reasoning for not bringing her?"
[02:42:09] Fuyuki_Kagamine opted to stay silent this time around. She doubted that Kyuubey would appreciate one of his Callidii having loose lips.
[02:43:32] Eriko shrugs. "She seemed like somebody who wouldn't go out of her way to cause any trouble. In fact, she was quite displeased when she heard what Sa did."
[02:45:03] <Kelzang> "That is a little disputable. While she is nowhere near as facetious as Sa, she does have a history of dishonesty. That said, she is a weird case, since her issues are caused by her powerful wish."
[02:45:20] <Eriko> "Oh?"
[02:45:29] <Kelzang> "Indeed, it is possible that you having let her go is her wish at work. What a problematic contract she was."
[02:46:37] <Oriana> "Did she wish to be left alone or something?"
[02:46:45] <Kelzang> He paces around the table a little, like a person trying to think, his scarf fluidly flowing after him as if it was  apart of his body.
[02:47:41] <Kelzang> "With her being a rogue, I suppose it can be disclosed. No, she wished to become and be an exemplary bhikkhuni. Nothing more an nothing less."
[02:48:05] <Kelzang> "But the wish was made for the exact reason that her character was wholly unfitting for it. So she forced herself into it."
[02:48:25] <Kelzang> "Even after the wish, she would look for loopholes to commit misconduct, however..."
[02:48:30] <Eriko> "I see."
[02:48:58] Liese_Brandt leans back as she mulls this over, thinking back on her own wish which had been eerily similar to this one.
[02:50:04] <Kelzang> "As it is with wishes, the world may be aligning herself around her a little bit to make her wish true, so much of the misconduct would become wit post fact. It may be a little difficult to explain right now. But it made her very difficult to work with in practice."
[02:50:46] <Eriko> "So, you'd rather I brought her in?"
[02:51:05] <Kelzang> "Well, yes. But enough about her. Aside of this decision, which I don't fully agree with but which you may not be to blame for, I must say I am very impressed with your performance."
[02:51:38] Eriko scratches her head. "Thank you," she murmurs quietly.
[02:51:46] Liese_Brandt takes in this information without a word, with the sudden realization that Kelzang's explanation also happens to explain the strange incoherencies with her assignment in Romania, the subsequent events in the Witch's Barrier, and then the transfer...
[02:52:16] <Kelzang> "Managing to apprehend a criminal like Sa without battle is a feat that should be an inspiration to all of our employees. I wish others were this careful."
[02:52:27] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> 'Still, there are worse reasons to Contract for.' Fuyuki chimes in with her own Contracting in mind.
[02:52:54] <Kelzang> "Of course, it would be more impressive if you actually truly convinced her to step down and did not do so using your powers, but this is still something rare in a report."
[02:53:09] <Jordan_Ramses> Jordan's eyebrow twitched, but otherwise, she remained still with her arms crossed.
[02:54:10] <Eriko> "I might have tried harder, if I wasn't so... angry at her."
[02:54:13] Liese_Brandt starts to wonder how much of her achievements and realizations were nudged by her own Wish, and how much were her own skills and determination. The thought that she may not be to fully deserving of her accomplishments is a very bitter and cold prospect...
[02:54:56] <Kelzang> He turns to Jordan. "You are Jordan Ramses, correct? A Hyades Maerorus created by Mitsuko Tomoe of the Tenth. Interesting."
[02:55:23] Oriana chokes on her chocolate milk at this
[02:55:52] Liese_Brandt nevertheless retains her composed expression and smile, letting none of those somber thoughts filter through and show. As always...
[02:56:02] <Kelzang> "You see, I am tempted to withdraw Eriko Tenko from the Eighth now, because she may not be as much of a troublemaker as it seemed, formerly."
[02:56:25] Fuyuki_Kagamine pinches the bridge of her nose as she could hear Oriana choking. Oh boy...
[02:56:33] <Kelzang> "But her performance is likely tied to yours. To be honest, this is a little unfortunate for me. At least we can probably gather some data this way."
[02:56:47] Eriko blinks. "Sir?"
[02:56:47] Fuyuki_Kagamine turns around, her crimson eyes scanning the group. They eventually fall on Liese_Brandt...
[02:57:27] Jordan_Ramses does something uncharacteristic of her and clamps down on her impulse to speak without thinking.
[02:58:13] <Kelzang> "Do not worry, nothing had changed about your situation. The contract I have signed with my Eighth brother lasts half a year more, and I cannot back off on it either way. He wished to prolong it by another half a year by the end, though. We will see about that."
[02:58:38] <Eriko> "I, I see."
[02:59:13] Jordan_Ramses expels her held breath out of her nose. This train has air brakes apparently.
[02:00:11] <Kelzang> "Now, the matter of punishment is at hand..." he sifts through the papers.
[02:00:53] <Kelzang> "How do you believe we should deal with Linhua Tung, and the leftover traitor in the Bengali cell?"
[02:01:41] <Kelzang> "The impression I had was that you wanted to plead for them, because their actions were influenced by Sa Yenlong."
[02:03:32] <Jordan_Ramses> "I only want to speak for Pham." Jordan slips in before anyone else does.
[02:04:02] <Kelzang> c"Make your case, then." he waves his tail expectantly.
[02:04:46] Eriko folds her hands in her lap, and looks to Jordan. "Yes. Though they were guilty of planning and conspiracy to murder, Linhua was misled and extorted, and Pham didn't know what the knife would do."
[02:05:14] Eriko looks to Jordan. "Yes, Jordan?"
[02:05:42] <Eriko> And actual murder, Eriko adds mentally.
[02:09:37] Jordan_Ramses unfolds her arms. "After I spoke with her personally, I discovered that Pham is a lot like me. I believe she is a girl going down the wrong path which is the same path I walked not all that long ago. I believe she can be saved with help from the right kind of people, me especially. I'm pretty much living proof of that. I ask that she be given a second chance with me as her mentor."
[02:11:17] <Kelzang> He considers it for a moment.
[02:13:51] <Rattop> "I can assign her as Tenko's bodyguard in america in some time, if you are willing to deal with the danger of her. Her skillset is in theory very well suited for the kind of subtlety that you lack. But if that is done, Callidus Tenko would be responsible for any negative consequences."
[02:14:00] <Rattop> "How do you feel about it?"
[02:14:40] <Eriko> "I think I can convince her to behave herself, powers or no."
[02:14:58] <Eriko> "Without, uh, using my powers."
[02:15:38] <Kelzang> "It will be very difficult to prevent her from simply fleeing if she wishes to do that. Some sort of an implement should be made to prevent it. For one, I can have your souls linked."
[02:15:47] Fuyuki_Kagamine turns from Jordan, to Eriko, and then to Liese. She knew the Eversor could be pretty lenient towards former enemies but offering them a chance at redemption was definitely a first. The Callidus looked to the other girls to gauge their own reactions on the matter.
[02:15:54] Jordan_Ramses sighs. "I'd much rather be the one held responsible for her actions. It's only fitting, but if this is what can get me to teach her personally, I can't really complain."
[02:16:40] Eriko nods.
[02:16:53] <Kelzang> "With such a soul link, there will be a maximum distance she can be away from you, and you can terminate her Soul Gem at will. Many employees find it bothersome, especially if they don't especially like the person."
[02:17:02] Liese_Brandt couldn't really object in any way, since she had done much the same for Deborah. Needless to say, dropping back to check on the Seer had been on her to-do list for some time now...
[02:17:52] <Kelzang> "Do you want to go through with it? Expect the main part of her punishment and therapy being done in a month, then you will have to come here to establish the link."
[02:18:02] <Oriana> "What happens if she exceeds the maximum distance?"
[02:18:53] <Jordan_Ramses> "Can the link be done with me instead? Oh wait, can you even...damn."
[02:19:00] <Kelzang> "Generally, her Soul Gem would terminate. There are more complicated measures if the Gem was somehow resistant to it."
[02:19:16] <Kelzang> "And no, miss Ramses, it can not."
[02:19:34] Eriko bites her lip.
[02:19:35] <Kelzang> "Both scientifically and politically, that would be a very poor move of me."
[02:19:54] Liese_Brandt winces visibly, clearly uncomfortable with all those mentions of termination.
[02:19:59] <Eriko> "I'll do it, then."
[02:20:00] Jordan_Ramses curses her own condition, something she hasn't done in a while.
[02:20:11] Fuyuki_Kagamine stands up, her feet itching for movement, as she moves to sit next to Liese. "Can't say I expected Jordan to actually go through with something like this." She comments to the Vindicare. "But then again, considering what she did back in Kolkata..."
[02:20:22] Liese_Brandt is starting to think this may be the one alien cat she finally ends up disliking.
[02:20:27] <Kelzang> "Very well." He comes over to a computer, and starts mashing some flat buttons with his paws.
[02:25:48] <Kelzang> "In regards to Linhua Tung." he comes back to you. "I would find it difficult to execute her. She has served the Officio for nearly ten years now, and disposing of an Apothecary would leave a rather expansive figurative hole in the Officio, in her shape."
[02:26:32] <Oriana> "Surely you can't just expect her to go back to work as though nothing happened."
[02:28:44] <Kelzang> "No, she will be confined in a Silent Room for at least several months. We are hoping that we can make her see sense through discussion. Until others are certain they are safe to work around her, they will simply have to work harder for her lack of presence."
[02:28:57] Fuyuki_Kagamine felt her eyebrows rise at that. Nearly a decade as a Magical Girl? Linhua was probably the oldest girl she'd met then.
[02:30:28] <Kelzang> "Incidentally, I would have trouble executing Hye Kong as well. Both of them have too much potential to simply get rid of, which makes the situation simply tragic."
[02:31:00] <Eriko> "She could have just asked for the papers," Eriko murmurs.
[02:33:12] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Hmmm, actually, there might be a way to guarantee Linhua's loyalty." Fuyuki finally tosses in her two cents into the discussion as she remembers something.
[02:33:31] <Kelzang> "I see, do go on."
[02:34:01] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "If I remember correctly, she murdered Hye and went Rogue because she wanted to save her boyfriend. Right?"
[02:34:24] <Kelzang> "So it would seem."
[02:34:28] Fuyuki_Kagamine then remembers why that wasn't feasible... deflating like a balloon as she did so.
[02:34:47] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "... Shit. That Clown girl took that tub containing her boyfriend."
[02:35:28] <Oriana> "That one is dangerous. Ought to be put down."
[02:35:52] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "What, the tub? You could use it as leverage on Linhua if it was recovered."
[02:36:13] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "If it's not with that Clown girl then it might be back at her hideout in Kolkata."
[02:36:21] Liese_Brandt clicks her town lightly at the Italian Eversor's interjection and crosses her arms.
[02:36:34] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Err, underneath the Temple that Samten was in."
[02:37:02] <Kelzang> "You did not bring it? I suppose it was too large."
[02:37:50] <Kelzang> "Well, that is how it used to be. She could not stray too far from the Officio after her first count of grave misconduct, because we held her research hostage, so to speak."
[02:38:33] <Jordan_Ramses> "Oh, so that's what that goop was."
[02:39:08] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "I'm not sure if it was still there. I think the Clown girl took it." Fuyuki replied to Kelzang, looking positively embarrassed that her 'brilliant' suggestion immediately fell flat on its face.
[02:39:09] <Liese_Brandt> "...Yes, that was what it was."
[02:39:36] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "I apologize." She bows to the Incubator before taking her seat once more.
[02:39:39] <Jordan_Ramses> "Maybe I shouldn't have told her to take it then." Jordan shrugs.
[02:39:53] Eriko sags in her seat again.
[02:40:11] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "What...?" The other Callidus turns to Jordan this time, exasperated.
[02:40:13] Liese_Brandt DEADPANS WITH THE MIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS.
[02:41:01] <Eriko> "Jordan..."
[02:41:02] <Jordan_Ramses> "Hmm?" Jordan quirks an innocent eyebrow at Fuyuki as the wheels start turning in her head. "What, it's not like I knew what that stuff in the tub was."
[02:41:30] <Eriko> "...I probably should have mentioned what it was at some point," Eriko says, sighing.
[02:41:42] <Kelzang> "You really aren't making yourself very many favors on making me trust you with my Callidus, Ramses." the incubator says.
[02:41:43] <Jordan_Ramses> "Also, I was outnumbered three to one with no magic left to fight with. She had a really big fish."
[02:41:50] <Liese_Brandt> "I thought I mentioned what it was at some point." She adds, unamused.
[02:42:24] <Jordan_Ramses> "Calm down, Scarfcat. I have her contact info. I can get in touch with her again."
[02:44:59] Eriko sits back up. "Can her phone number be traced?"
[02:45:04] Jordan_Ramses taps her lip, "I could probably get it back if you absolutely need it..."
[02:45:16] <Kelzang> "That sounds very suspicious."
[02:45:25] <Jordan_Ramses> "She didn't give me her number."
[02:45:49] Eriko slumps again. "Linhua won't cooperate without the tub o' boyfriend."
[02:46:20] <Jordan_Ramses> "But they also aren't going to do anything with that tub either. It's too valuable."
[02:46:46] Fuyuki_Kagamine made the good impression of a fish as she struggled to find *something* to say. Unfortunately, she did not. She sinks into her seat like a marionette without strings.
[02:47:29] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "She didn't know..." She muttered to herself, audible to Liese by their close proximity, while resisting the urge to punch something.
[02:48:38] <Kelzang> "It contains a human being, with Witch Flesh grafted onto their body, in coma. An impressive work, considering a regular human would get immediatelly poisoned from such operation. While it is not really useful for anything, lest someone wants to make a cheap army of super-soldiers with the assumed final result, her research really is something." Kelzang comments.
[02:48:49] Liese_Brandt just shakes her head. The amount of Not Wanting To Be Here she's hiding under her fake smile is rising and rising and rising...
[02:49:24] <Oriana> "Given the danger posed by the insane clown and her posse, as well as the value of the contents of that tub, I imagine they will be hunted down by your girls or the Second," Oriana says to Kelzang.
[02:49:28] <Liese_Brandt> "A regular human, huh?" She then repeats faintly, with a curious tone.
[02:49:40] <Kelzang> "It may not survive without her presence, actually. I recall there was a specific concoction the body had to be fed periodically, to cheat the immune system." His voice doesn't really have a tone.
[02:50:14] Liese_Brandt has now found something to be interested in. Not Wanting To Be Here levels: Decreasing.
[02:50:40] Jordan_Ramses and Phyto sighed in unison. "Had I known these things we would have devised a different plan."
[02:50:51] Phyto nods in agreement.
[02:51:20] Phyto meows up to Jordan encouragingly.
[02:51:28] <Kelzang> "The crux of her issue was the energy that accumulated in the body through the Witch flesh, which would eventually lead it to produce a Grief Seed, making it impossible to control... and likely overwriting the consciousness she has managed to preserve in the brain."
[02:51:47] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Either way, you won't be able to guarantee Linhua's cooperation without that tub." Fuyuki says to Kelzang as she finally stands up, getting over her exasperation. She looks to Liese, noticing that the bored Vindicare looked incensed now. She wondered what got the blonde interested.
[02:52:15] Liese_Brandt takes out her journal and begins scribbling notes. runesrunsrunes. This is actually very relevant to her interests, finally.
[02:52:59] <Kelzang> "Yes. Hence she is arrested. It is a messy affair. I really do not want to be associated with such experiments, yet at the same time, do not wish to dispel her passion."
[02:53:49] <Eriko> "Would she be better off in a different Officio, do you think?"
[02:54:13] <Oriana> "Who would take her?"
[02:54:43] <Oriana> "Besides which, it doesn't sound like Kelzang wants to put in all the effort to get her back just to hand her over to someone else."
[02:54:53] Liese_Brandt looks up from her scribbling and glances between the two in turn, cautiously deciding to wait for the cat's reaction before speaking.
[02:55:08] Fuyuki_Kagamine frowns, unable to read whatever Liese was writing. Knowing her, it was probably something about Kelzang's mention of Human-Witch Flesh hybrids.
[02:55:28] <Kelzang> "She was originally contracter by the Thirteenth, and they don't want her back in." he explains "Aside of that, I don't see an Officio that would profit her better than ours, other than, possibly, no Officio at all."
[02:55:40] <Kelzang> (*contracted)
[02:56:17] <Eriko> "Mm. I see."
[02:56:51] <Kelzang> "More importantly, as I already explained, I wish to hold onto her. She is an important asset of ours."
[02:57:13] Phyto mewls to Jordan, sharing a back and forth between her for a while.
[02:57:22] Liese_Brandt goes back to her scribbling, yeah, that was pretty much what she had gathered from just observing the 7th so far.
[02:57:45] <Jordan_Ramses> "Oh, that's a thing. Maybe Roxy's on her way over here with the tub now?" Jordan ponders out loud.
[02:58:15] <Kelzang> "Allow me to doubt that."
[02:58:26] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Is she even a member of the Seventh?" Fuyuki pointed out Kelzang's doubt as well.
[02:58:33] <Jordan_Ramses> "Well, follow us for a bit here."
[02:59:33] <Eriko> "I really don't think she'd do that."
[03:00:05] <Jordan_Ramses> "She didn't seem like she wanted that tub for any other reason than to bargain with. That's a heavy tub. She probably knows it has a time limit, even if she doesn't, she knows the only one who considers that tub to be valuable is here."
[03:01:04] <Jordan_Ramses> "So, she can only make a profit for herself by trying to use it quickly. It's dead weight, soon it'll be a huge loss for her once it expires."
[03:01:29] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "That implies that she knows our current location in the first place."
[03:01:44] <Jordan_Ramses> "Who doesn't know where the HQ of an officio is?"
[03:02:42] <Kelzang> "I think the time limit was about two weeks. We may be able to arrange something until then."
[03:02:56] <Kelzang> "It depends on the last time he was fed, I suppose."
[03:03:45] <Jordan_Ramses> "I can mediate. She knows me just a bit more than anyone else here."
[03:06:19] <Kelzang> "That would be helpful, though I somehow doubt your success."
[03:08:21] Jordan_Ramses shrugs, "Well that tub isn't of much worth to me. I'm just trying to help you out here. These are just the things we deal with as part of our regular irregular jobs as an elite squad. I mean, we did get Sa back here without a huge fight."
[03:09:07] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Better that we try. Once the contents of that tub expire, and it will, there's no guarantee that Linhua will ever cooperate again. I'll go with Jordan as well if need be." Fuyuki volunteers.
[03:09:43] Oriana crosses her legs. "Are you able to do that without consulting your Officio?"
[03:10:03] <Jordan_Ramses> "In fact," Jordan snaps her fingers. "I think I know a place where I could meet her."
[03:10:35] Jordan_Ramses waggles her eyebrows at Liese.
[03:10:54] <Oriana> "Do you honestly think she would agree to meet somewhere she didn't designate herself?"
[03:11:14] <Jordan_Ramses> "Oriana."
[03:11:31] Fuyuki_Kagamine turns to Oriana. "Operatives are expected to be able to work without Officio supervision for long stretches of time. And you're looking at one." She replies with a smirk. She did not bust her ass in Romania just to come out empty-handed.
[03:11:33] <Jordan_Ramses> "She does Coc-er Flesh of Fallen Angels."
[03:11:54] Liese_Brandt stares back for a moment before raising one hand. "It better be the place I'm thinking of because I am NOT getting dragged to yet -another- country for charity work. Woland is going to get pissed at me."
[03:11:55] <Jordan_Ramses> "And cocaine probably."
[03:13:34] Jordan_Ramses throws her hands over her head, "Untz Untz Untz Untz Untz" She beatboxes while bouncing in her chair.
[03:14:06] Liese_Brandt lets out a small sigh of relief as she relaxes. "Good. -Good-."
[03:14:29] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "So... back to Kolkata with us then?" Fuyuki asks, ignoring the beatboxing Eversor.
[03:14:47] <Kelzang> The Incubator sifts through some more papers again, apparently content. "Well. That only leaves the matter of the Soul Gems recovered while assisting Elysia Baker on her mission. Being unkown magical girls without bodies to identify them by, Hashmallim has requested these Soul Gems specifically, for the purposes of inquisition."
[03:14:47] Eriko tilts her head in confusion.
[03:15:19] <Eriko> "The gray one is Mona," Eriko answers.
[03:15:59] Liese_Brandt raises an eyebrow, immediately spotting an incoherency. "No bodies? We didn't exactly overdo it. Unless the 2nd beheaded all of them while we weren't looking they -should- have been recoverable."
[03:16:25] <Eriko> "Did we bring the bodies with us?"
[03:16:47] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "I'm pretty sure I buried Mona's back in the Ranch, sorry." Fuyuki scratches her head.
[03:17:11] <Liese_Brandt> "We mostly mean those from when we tried to rescue Juliet."
[03:17:25] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Oh."
[03:17:25] <Jordan_Ramses> "One of them didn't have a body left to carry."
[03:18:08] <Kelzang> "Mona's judgement will be postponed until her body is recovered. However, these Soul Gems you recovered are to be sent to the Second. I hear it would be the best to pass them through Oriana Belmonte, who was also on the mission."
[03:19:15] Oriana inclines her head. "I am not a member of the Second, but the Second and Fourteenth tend to get on better than other Officios, so that may be so."
[03:19:38] <Kelzang> "It does not seem good for her, but it also seems unfair to let Pham go and punish Mona severly."
[03:19:51] <Kelzang> "And yes, there seems to be a route to sent them prepared for you."
[03:20:12] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Reminds me: could I have that Soul Gem you were holding onto?" Fuyuki turns to Liese_Brandt, asking.
[03:20:28] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Vivian, I think her name was."
[03:20:50] <Liese_Brandt> "Hm? Oh, sure."
[03:21:35] Jordan_Ramses hands Oriana the soul gem she had on her.
[03:22:12] Liese_Brandt somewhat reluctantly does the same, but it isn't showing.
[03:23:54] Fuyuki_Kagamine takes Vivian's Soul Gem with a grin. "Thank you. You doing alright? You've been fairly quiet today." The Callidus asks as she slips the Soul Gem into her Inventory.
[03:24:37] <Liese_Brandt> "Eh I'm fine, just don't really have anything to say or do here. My mission orders pretty much ended back in Siberia soooo, yeah..."
[03:25:06] Liese_Brandt sighs and rubs the back of her head. "I hope Woland won't give me scheisse for taking so long to get back."
[03:26:00] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Could ask Kelzang to give Woland an explanation. I could ask my own Incubator as well." Fuyuki shrugs.
[03:26:54] <Oriana> "Kelzang, what does... what does the Second do in cases like this?"
[03:29:13] Liese_Brandt shakes her head and her smiles grows a bit warmer. "I'll be fine, as always, so there's no need to be worried."
[03:29:31] <Kelzang> "They review the context in which the gems were recovered, and then hold court. In general, the gems end up getting executed by example."
[03:29:57] Liese_Brandt twitches ever so faintly.
[03:30:03] <Kelzang> "They have a lot of such games, so they actually have to spend some grief seeds and hold some gems in stasis, to properly serve justice."
[03:30:19] <Kelzang> (a lot of such games)
[03:31:00] <Kelzang> "It is a little like their bread and games. It seems that the contractees of the Second enjoy such a show, in which somebody who doesn't have a mouth to respond with gets called a heretic repeatedly.
[03:31:29] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Sounds pretty cruel of them." Fuyuki replies with a frown.
[03:31:49] Liese_Brandt makes a small gagging motion at the thought, which she makes no effort to hide. She then mutters something under her breath.
[03:31:56] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "And unbecoming of an Officio touting themselves to be Crusaders."
[03:32:20] <Jordan_Ramses> "I knew they couldn't be trusted."
[03:32:27] <Kelzang> "If it wasn't miss Baker who encountered the cultists, it would be possible to send rough descriptions of the girls to various Officios alongside the information that their soul gem had been found, and maybe some of them would be saved, but Hasmallim's involvement basically seals the deal."
[03:32:52] <Liese_Brandt> "I'm starting to feel sick I ever helped one of them in the first place..."
[03:33:17] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "That's the nature of our job, sadly." Fuyuki sighs.
[03:33:17] Liese_Brandt has, uncharacteristically, lost all of her usual warmth and friendliness.
[03:33:28] <Kelzang> "Well, their position is that someone has to carry out the job, since their body data is lost, and it is better than letting them fall to the Dark."
[03:33:54] <Jordan_Ramses> "Sounds like a bunch of ruthless savages to me."
[03:33:55] <Liese_Brandt> "As an Incubator, can you really believe that?"
[03:33:56] Fuyuki_Kagamine reaches for Liese's shoulder, stopping short of actually touching the girl to gauge her mood.
[03:35:06] <Kelzang> "As cultists, killing them does not carry significant repercussions to begin with, unless it was a mission to recover them, for example to extract information. I fail to see how killing them some time later is different."
[03:35:32] <Oriana> "Death before Darkness."
[03:36:22] Liese_Brandt 's expression darkens as she slumps back in her chair, muttering something about 'foolish waste'.
[03:36:27] <Jordan_Ramses> "Killing people just because they know they won't get punished? Yep, savages."
[03:37:24] <Kelzang> "What I say is all from the rare reports I receive." the feline explains. "It is possible that the actual process makes more sense."
[03:40:28] <Jordan_Ramses> "Then it only makes me happier that I can save the one that I can. Sounds like there are plenty more girls out there that could do with some protection, too."
[03:40:54] <Liese_Brandt> "Yeah, no kidding... if anything, from the likes of these savages..."
[03:41:02] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Moving on, are we going to meet up with Roxanne for that tub or not?" Fuyuki chimes in, derailing the discussion towards a direction that was (hopefully) less grim.
[03:41:37] <Kelzang> The Incubator doesn't comment. No that it doesn't concern him, he has no good advice on the topic.
[03:42:56] Steph [[email protected]] has joined #mgnw
[03:43:01] <Oriana> "What are you planning to trade for the tub, Jordan?"
[03:43:09] <Jordan_Ramses> "Yeah, about that. Pretty sure she's going to want something of near equal value for that tub. "
[03:43:44] <Oriana> "Like what?"
[03:44:16] <Liese_Brandt> "We'll have to figure it out. We don't even know what she wants yet.""
[03:44:17] <Jordan_Ramses> "I don't have anything on me. It's not my tub, and I'm just going to mediate after all. You should ask Scarfcat."
[03:44:36] <Liese_Brandt> "...That too."
[03:44:36] <Oriana> "Kelzang, are you willing to treat with these rogues?"
[03:45:16] <Jordan_Ramses> "I'm sure Lin would be willing to at least explain what it is she was trading for it."
[03:45:48] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Worst comes to worst. We can arrange a meet to discuss the terms before making the trade, whatever it is."
[03:46:25] <Oriana> "I would rather Roxanne wasn't aware of the value of what she has. It's bad enough that she knew to take it."
[03:46:53] <Jordan_Ramses> "Of course she's aware. You don't get something like that without knowing what you're dealing with."
[03:47:47] <Kelzang> He considers it. "I do not want to negotiate with terrorists, on principle."
[03:48:17] <Liese_Brandt> "Guess the plan's torched after all, then."
[03:48:27] <Kelzang> "But the results may be worth it. If you find out they have a particular need for something, the Seventh could probably provide it."
[03:48:40] <Liese_Brandt> "...Or not, spoke too early."
[03:48:48] <Kelzang> "Of course, I would be gladder were it medical supplies, rather than a neutron bomb."
[03:49:11] <Liese_Brandt> "That, I think we can all agree on."
[03:49:20] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "We'll have to see. I've only seen that Roxanne when we went to the Temple so Lady-knows what she wants."
[03:49:27] <Kelzang> "I will be able to give you a better assentment of what I can do for you, once I know what I have to do for you."
[04:11:26] <Kelzang> "If you can yet do that, it would be an immense help." Kelzang concludes. "You aren't obliged to at all."
[04:11:33] <Kelzang> "Dismissed."




[04:14:00] <Jordan_Ramses> "Drinks are on me tonight, guys."
[04:17:38] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Frankly, I'd rather just find a bed and collapse on it." Fuyuki yawns as she stands up with the rest.
[04:18:49] Jordan_Ramses nudges Eriko.
[04:19:05] Eriko pats a troubled Liese on the head. She looks at Jordan after being nudged.
[04:19:23] <Jordan_Ramses> "Want to do our announcement now?"
[04:19:29] <Ratty_GM> Li rises from her own chair. "What about us, sir? Any changes in our schedule? Half the cell is gone."
[04:20:37] <Ratty_GM> The Incubator turns to her. "Oh, yes. Nastasja, being the oldest serving girl in the cell, is to be promoted to a Squad Leader in a few weeks. She has to remain at the location, lest she refuses the promotion."
[04:21:25] <Jordan_Ramses> "Guys, guys, before we leave. We've got a big announcement to make." Jordan waves everyone over.
[04:21:37] <Ratty_GM> "You two can remain in the cell, though this is a good opportunity to change your careers slightly. I would appreciate at least one of you stayed there, though..."
[04:21:41] <Ratty_GM> He turns to you curiously.
[04:21:43] Eriko smiles and nods, grinning hugely.
[04:21:58] <Jordan_Ramses> "You want to, hon?"
[04:23:19] Fuyuki_Kagamine stops in her tracks, turning to Jordan and the group. She half-expected the Eversor to say something about getting married to Eriko, knowing her.
[04:23:48] Eriko nods, and holds up her hand.
[04:24:19] Jordan_Ramses lets Eriko have the floor.
[04:24:38] Liese_Brandt is 100% expecting the declaration to be the exact same thing the Japanese Callidus is expecting.
[04:25:27] <Eriko> "Well..."
[04:26:01] Eriko turns a little pink in the cheeks as she says, "Jordan proposed to me, and I said yes!"
[04:26:23] Liese_Brandt nods to herself, nailed it.
[04:26:39] <Oriana> "Congratulations, you two!"
[04:27:24] Jordan_Ramses jumps for joy and then turns to Kelzang. "Hear that, Scarfcat? We're going to be in-laws!"
[04:27:54] Liese_Brandt raises an eyebrow and glances between the two.
[04:28:05] <Ratty_GM> His expression is unreadable. "Congratulations." he says, probably because he understands it is the custom.
[04:28:09] Fuyuki_Kagamine had to stop herself from calling it audibly. She grins regardless, happy to hear some good news for once.
[04:28:57] Eriko giggles.
[04:29:31] <Jordan_Ramses> "Oh, and everyone in the squad is invited to our wedding of course. Liese, extend one to Edith."
[04:30:40] Liese_Brandt blinks twice and nearly stammers, clearly shocked by that. "W-wait.. what.. you mean.... why?"
[04:31:33] <Jordan_Ramses> "And I'll be sending ones to Alex and, ugh, Sofie, and who else..."
[04:31:41] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "That... doesn't sound like a good idea, Jordan." Fuyuki comments upon seeing Liese's bothered state.
[04:32:41] <Jordan_Ramses> "Eh? Oh, it's if she wants, I mean we only met briefly."
[04:32:53] Liese_Brandt starts to fidget, though it's more from nervousness than any hostility or ill will. "It's.. really been a long time since I've seen her and.. nowadays she's always with.. those two new friends she made..." She sounds a bit distant, which is rather unlike her usual composure.
[04:33:16] <Liese_Brandt> "And they're always so busy with their stuff..."
[04:34:09] Fuyuki_Kagamine places a re-assuring hand on Liese's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "A brief call from an old friend wouldn't be too much for her, would it?" She suggests gently.
[04:35:03] <Liese_Brandt> "Well, I mean.. I guess she was.. she can't really hate me since she helped us solve the case, kinda.. she was the one who identified that damned knife for me a few days ago."
[04:35:18] <Jordan_Ramses> "Ah, there's so much to plan!" Jordan holds her rosy cheeks full of giddiness.
[04:36:03] Fuyuki_Kagamine keeps that little tidbit about Edith in her mind. "Then I'm sure she can at least hear you out and catch up on things. Maybe even thank her for all the help, y'know?"
[04:37:00] Jordan_Ramses hugs Eriko in excitement to reassure her that it is in fact still a real thing that will happen.
[04:37:03] Liese_Brandt nods and takes a deep breath. "Yeah.. I really should.. I think."
[04:37:38] Eriko is really there. And is really hugging Jordan back. Just because she's quiet doesn't mean she's not excited.
[04:37:56] Jordan_Ramses nuzzles.
[04:38:03] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "Nobody said you have to do it now though. Take your time and get your thoughts in order." Fuyuki pats the panicking Vindicare on the back.
[04:38:20] Liese_Brandt merely nods twice as she does her level best to do just that.
[04:41:48] <Jordan_Ramses> "Alright, now we can get out of Scarfcat's hair. I'm up for hitting up the bars after I deliver my crate."
[04:43:03] <Fuyuki_Kagamine> "And Liese? You may not want folks worrying about you but I'd like to think that I know you well enough. Try to take care of yourself more, alright? From someone who doesn't do enough of it herself." The Callidus chuckles at that, knowing how hypocritical she was.
[04:44:05] Ratty_GM pulls the curtains down.