IronMaiden VI

[22:37]	<[GM]Mary>	After a few more hours of physical training, the group takes a break to have lunch in the mess hall. Blaekesprutte returns from another platoon in the company, borrowed by one of the Captain's lieutenants to assist in a training program.
[22:38]	* CaptainFarina	bread, coffee, etc.
[22:38]	* [kiri]Urzula	just follow everyone from afar.
[22:40]	<CaptainFarina>	So, I'd like to take this chance to discuss something.
[22:40]	* [Pyg]Anstice	looks up from her meal, swallowing the food in her mouth so as to give her captain her full attention.
[22:41]	<CaptainFarina>	I've noticed that some of you don't seem to fully understand the RoE. If anyone has a question, now would be a good time to ask. Or, you know, look in your field manual. Like you're supposed to.
[22:42]	* [kiri]Urzula	hands up.
[22:42]	<[kiri]Urzula>	p... permission to speak, sir.
[22:43]	* CaptainFarina	starts to feel like an elementary teacher.
[22:43]	<CaptainFarina>	Yes, Miss Rafale?
[22:44]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Should we get uh, like, specific formation? I'm skilled as shock trooper, so...
[22:46]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	is keeping her eyes on the captain but still eating, having been worked like a dog, today. Those people in Squad Seven are jerks.
[22:46]	* [kiri]Urzula	fidgets. She doesn't like speaking in public.
[22:47]	<CaptainFarina>	Oh, really. Perhaps there's something you could tell us about it, then? Being such a skilled shock trooper, you should have them memorized.
[22:47]	<[kiri]Urzula>	S...sure, but....
[22:47]	* [kiri]Urzula	try to retreat.
[22:47]	* [Nom]Locke	knows to avoid talking until he has at least finished his lunch
[22:47]	* [Ru]Andrea	has set her silverware down and sits perfectly upright with her hands folder on the table. She avoids commenting.
[22:49]	* [Zem]R1N4	is not eating, but is seated at the table in front of an empty plate as if she was.
[22:49]	<CaptainFarina>	Buuut? Come on, just give us one thing. What's the one thing that's always happening to the RoE? I'll give you a hint: It starts with a 'c'.
[22:50]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	would probably pound the entire flask of coffee down, but that might look kind of weird, so she doesn't.
[22:50]	<[kiri]Urzula>	C..... code?
[22:51]	* CaptainFarina	headdesks.
[22:51]	* [kiri]Urzula	just want to get the hell out of here and hide in the trash can.
[22:51]	* CaptainFarina	. o ( Never. I'll never make Commandant with soldiers like this. )
[22:52]	* [Nom]Locke	finishes his lunch, and deems it safe to raise his hand
[22:53]	<CaptainFarina>	...Close enough. The one thing it always does is "Change". When you enter a hamlet, you may have strict orders to only attack when attacked, but sometimes it'll be changed on the spot to "free fire zone". That's an example, anyway, and not a very uncommon one.
[22:54]	* [kiri]Urzula	nods.
[22:56]	* CaptainFarina	sighs, and stands herself back up with an elbow on the table. Yeah, whatever, I'm a captain, fuck manners
[22:58]	* [Ru]Andrea	wets her lips in minor derision. Such rules had been mentioned only in passing to her, let alone in the field. But, then again, her case had been different...
[22:59]	<[kiri]Urzula>	and?
[22:59]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	has her seventh cup of coffee. No jitters here.
[22:59]	* [kiri]Urzula	try her best to listen. She's not really bad, but not really good either.
[22:59]	* [Zem]R1N4	is commiting Farina's words to crystal memory.
[23:01]	<CaptainFarina>	Of course, they often conflict with the individual soldier's morals. Some of you may not be too likened to a free-fire zone in an area full of kids and mothers, while others may argue defending the unit takes top priority, as we never know who attacks may be made from. Remember, kids, your enemies don't wear uniforms and shiny armor.
[23:03]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	gestures to the lieutenant, conveying a polite request for the basket of rolls.
[23:03]	<[Zem]R1N4>	...they don't?
[23:03]	<[kiri]Urzula>	...they don't.
[23:04]	* [kiri]Urzula	confirms the statement.
[23:04]	<[Nom]Locke>	"They might."
[23:04]	* [Nom]Locke	decides to try to sneak in seconds instead of following through
[23:05]	* CaptainFarina	sends the basket Blake's way.
[23:06]	* [Nom]Locke	watches as the rolls slip past him. Blast.
[23:06]	<CaptainFarina>	In any case, I'll make my orders clear.
[23:08]	<CaptainFarina>	If, in your mind, you attacked to protect yourself, your comrade, or the innocent, then it was the right decision. Also, as far as my power will reach, you will be judged based upon your actions at the time, not in hindsight.
[23:09]	* [kiri]Urzula	o 0 (So we're free to do things we think it's right to do so. Noted.)
[23:09]	* [Nom]Locke	raises his hand again, having given up on more lunch
[23:11]	<CaptainFarina>	...Yes, Locke?
[23:12]	<[Nom]Locke>	"And what if we're asked to attack an innocent, a comrade, or, even, ourselves?"
[23:13]	* CaptainFarina	sighs.
[23:13]	<[huh]Freya>	Are you suggesting the Miss Commander would give such an order?
[23:14]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"She may not give the order, but that sort of scenario is certainly a possibility.
[23:14]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"That's just how it goes."
[23:16]	* [Nom]Locke	simply waits for the Captain's reply
[23:17]	* [kiri]Urzula	is also curious about this matter.
[23:18]	<CaptainFarina>	Right. This is a fucking stupid question, but I'll bite. Those that are "innocent" are decided on a case by case basis. This is why the RoE often changes - if a unit reports an attack from the inside of a home, it is safe to assume that those within are to be considered "enemies". Of course, I expect you to use good judgment in such cases, but accidents happen, and we can never really be...
[23:18]	<CaptainFarina>	...fully sure of who the badguys and goodguys are in such situations.
[23:19]	<CaptainFarina>	As for comrades and yourself, I'll quote the manual. "Thou art not to wage war against thee brother-in-arm or ye self, as such conduct is counter-intuitive to protecting the peace."
[23:20]	* CaptainFarina	tries not to laugh at "protecting the peace".
[23:20]	<[Nom]Locke>	"With respect to you, Captain, and none to the manual, we're hardly the benevolent arm of the law. I thought we were hunters and killers."
[23:21]	<CaptainFarina>	Oh, no, no. We're "peacekeepers". Peacekeepers that sign contracts.
[23:21]	<[Ru]Andrea>	...RoE's intent is to facilitate the appropriate tactical exertion of force while limiting it's excessive use. As such, it is relative.
[23:22]	* [Ru]Andrea	recites what she was told.
[23:22]	<[Nom]Locke>	"The taint of mutation does not really discriminate. Should -we-?"
[23:22]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Locke, we fight so the other people don't have to.
[23:22]	* [kiri]Urzula	is glad that the attention shifts away from herself, and retreat to sit besides Blaeksprutte , quietly eating her meal.
[23:22]	* [huh]Freya	glares at Locke.
[23:24]	<[huh]Freya>	What we do is necessary, Locke. Call it an evil if you wish, but it is the lesser of two.
[23:24]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Never said it. Just wanted to make sure we're killing them right."
[23:25]	<[huh]Freya>	I don't understand what you mean.
[23:26]	* CaptainFarina	lets someone else answer questions for a change
[23:26]	<[Ru]Andrea>	"Killing them right" is, emphatically, the idea, sir.
[23:27]	<[kiri]Urzula>	I can't wait until we actially have mission...
[23:27]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Ku ku ku ku...
[23:28]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Have you ever fought before, Urzula?
[23:28]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Ah-Y-yes!
[23:28]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Here's a classic. Let's say we're to investigate an outlying village for taint. Standard purge. We find a mother of two children, coming down with a rogue strain of pox. Fry her? Sanction her kids too, to be safe?"
[23:29]	<CaptainFarina>	Locke brings up a good question. What do you say to that, ladies?
[23:29]	<[kiri]Urzula>	I'll... uh... kill them both.
[23:29]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Duty above all else.
[23:30]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Questions of an ethical or moral nature are to be considered and decided on by the acting officer.
[23:30]	* [Ru]Andrea	is beginning to sound like a textbook.
[23:30]	<[huh]Freya>	I see now what you're saying, but in situations such as those, it is up to one's own good judgement. Such situations are too varied and can come with too many aspects to be able to cpnsider all of them before they arise.
[23:31]	<CaptainFarina>	Well, your LT is busy. Can't get anyone on comms, and you have to pull out in ten mikes. What do you do, Andrea?
[23:33]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	offers the basket of rolls to Urzula. Silently, as she's still working on the last of them, save the three that still remain in the Vale of Basketon. Foolish resistance army! I'll leave you to be crushed by my comrades, then.
[23:33]	<CaptainFarina>	These hypothetical situations happen all the time. While the books follow a strict number, it's almost never that organized on the actual field. Forces get spread thin, too, with more and more grunts making tactical and moral decisions on their own.
[23:34]	* [kiri]Urzula	whisper a thanks at Blaeksprutte, and munch on them.
[23:34]	* [huh]Freya	watches Andrea for an answer.
[23:34]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	devours the last of the members of the bready resistance she had captured.
[23:35]	<[Ru]Andrea>	I would act in a manner that would best serve me in completing the objective then, ma'am.
[23:37]	<[huh]Freya>	Isn't that avoiding the question?
[23:37]	<CaptainFarina>	So, what do you do? Orphan two kids? Barbecue an entire family? Waste the CO's time on check-ups? Hell, why not burn down the whole fucking hamlet?
[23:39]	<[huh]Freya>	That's where one must trust to human decision and rationality, right?
[23:40]	* [Ru]Andrea	looks down.
[23:40]	* Kiri	trying to stay close to that one person who gave her basket of rolls. She seems to be a good person.
[23:41]	<[Ru]Andrea>	I would... do what I think you would order me to do in that situation, Captain. I sincerely hope that would be sparing them.
[23:42]	* [Pyg]Anstice	returns to her food.
[23:44]	<CaptainFarina>	What I order? I just told you, I'm not there. I'm too busy trying to reinforce a roadblock twenty clicks north. It's just you and a few other grunts.
[23:50]	<[huh]Freya>	She means what she believes your command would be if you were there, I think, Miss Captain.
[23:51]	* [Ru]Andrea	clears her throat.
[23:51]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Well, first and foremost, has the immediate objective already been met?
[23:52]	<CaptainFarina>	The objective is to clear out any possible tainted or hostile forces, as Locke has said.
[23:56]	* [Pyg]Anstice	gulps down her entire cup of water. It bothers her a little that the subject of protocol is being discussed at meal time. Honestly, these people, it's all right to take a break and relax once in a while.
[23:56]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Then, there is no question what measures would have to be taken. The mother would be eliminated, and the children would be restrained and isolated.
[23:56]	* [kiri]Urzula	finished her meal. Whew.
[23:56]	* [Ru]Andrea	is clearly not speaking with her own voice, but tries not to show it.
[23:58]	<CaptainFarina>	Ch. yeah, right. However, that is within correct protocol. As far as the state's concerned, it would've been the right thing to do.
[00:00]	<CaptainFarina>	Sounds awful, I know. But you're all volunteers. None of you were forced to come here.
[00:02]	<[huh]Freya>	Miss Captain, would you say it is a wrong answer to leave the children as they are, then?
[00:02]	<CaptainFarina>	Right and wrong is a matter of perspective, even on the battlefield. Perhaps especially.
[00:03]	<[kiri]Urzula>	the atmosphere is getting heavy...
[00:04]	<[huh]Freya>	I see.
[00:04]	<[Ru]Andrea>	...But Captain, how would you instruct us to act, were you present? I don't mean to infer that you condone breaking protocol. Just a question.
[00:05]	<CaptainFarina>	I myself would strongly consider the situation at hand, but you got to realize. There's a million things you have to be doing at once. What if the woman wasn't carrying the mutagen? She's still obviously ill. Will she survive? If she dies, could her kids live without her to provide? Do you have the time and resources to investigate all of this? Is it safe for you and your unit?
[00:07]	<CaptainFarina>	It's a lose-lose situation. However, if I were there and had access to reasonable resources and a small amount of time, I would pull out my trump card.
[00:08]	* [Ru]Andrea	stares at Beatrice expectantly.
[00:11]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Captain, if we get an infected person in controlled circumstances, I want to see if I can heal them with my special resources. I am obviously immune to infection, and may be able to do some good.
[00:12]	* CaptainFarina	's trump card answers before she gets the satisfaction of revealing it. Oh well, better luck next time, Beat.
[00:13]	* [Ru]Andrea	smiles. She had thought that might be it.
[00:14]	<CaptainFarina>	...Yeah. That's part of the reason I put down so much money for a prototype. It's a relatively safe way to determine infection.
[00:16]	<CaptainFarina>	Such conveniences as robots are hardly readily available, however. I suppose you should look for examples in the battalion record.
[00:17]	* [Ru]Andrea	looks relieved.
[00:17]	* CaptainFarina	finishes her food and gets ready to leave.
[00:17]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Hmph, back in my day we didn't have fancy robots. We did our purging the hard way. Barefoot. In the magma."
[00:18]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Yes... not everyone would make such an investment for that purpose, Captain.
[00:18]	<[kiri]Urzula>	I'd like to hear that in details, if you don't mind?
[00:18]	<[Ru]Andrea>	And I am glad we have you, Rina.
[00:18]	* [kiri]Urzula	eyes sparkles.
[00:18]	<CaptainFarina>	Well, that's enough about that. If anyone has any questions, send them to me or the platoon leader.
[00:20]	<[huh]Freya>	Understood, Miss Commander.
[00:20]	<CaptainFarina>	If I recall correctly, Rina has some physicals to do. I'm ordering a break in the schedule for all of you to get that out of the way.
[00:20]	* CaptainFarina	says to Rina directly,
[00:21]	<CaptainFarina>	Be thorough. This is not only for their health, but for Iron-sizing.
[00:22]	<[Nom]Locke>	"...That's not even a word, Capt'n."
[00:22]	* [Pyg]Anstice	the word "physicals" finally makes it to her ears. Her eyes land on the surface of her table. She totally forgot about it. No doubt the captain will likely subject her to it like the workout earlier.
[00:27]	<CaptainFarina>	Right. Anyway, hop to it. I want this done now.
[00:27]	* CaptainFarina	gives her orders and departs.
[00:28]	* [kiri]Urzula	is finishing up as well.
[00:29]	<[huh]Freya>	I've already taken my exam, so...
[00:29]	<[huh]Freya>	Am I free for now?
[00:35]	* [Zem]R1N4	pulls out a paper copy of a schedule and a pen. "Okay, I need to schedule your physicals in some order. Who wants to do it first?"
[00:35]	* [Ru]Andrea	decides... not to consider what just happened too seriously.
[00:35]	* [Pyg]Anstice	speaks up.
[00:35]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Get mine over with first."
[00:36]	* [kiri]Urzula	sighs. At least she don't have to do it now.
[00:36]	* [Nom]Locke	quietly applauds the LT's bravery
[00:39]	<[Zem]R1N4>	"Okay." So eventually, times are arranged for everyone to arrive. Rina takes Anstice into the office.
[00:43]	<[huh]Freya>	Rina, what can I do to assist?
[00:44]	<[Zem]R1N4>	...I don't know. I've never had an assistant before.
[00:45]	<[huh]Freya>	Well, I'll just do what I can.
[00:47]	* [huh]Freya	tries to remember the kind of things Rina did with her during her checkup. She blushes slightly.
[00:50]	<[Zem]R1N4>	I hesitate to ask this with Freya here, but I need you to take off your clothes.
[00:50]	<[huh]Freya>	We're all girls here, right? It shouldn't be a problem...
[00:52]	* [Pyg]Anstice	sits quietly on the examination...bed? Table? She could never be sure what the proper term for this thing was.
[00:52]	* [Zem]R1N4	watches Anstice to see her reaction to removing her clothes.
[00:52]	<[Zem]R1N4>	If it helps, I could remove my clothes as well.
[00:53]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	N-no, that will be all right, I'll bear with it.
[00:56]	* [Pyg]Anstice	gets to work stripping down keeping her eyes at the floor.
[00:57]	* [Pyg]Anstice	is at least thankful she doesn't have to do in front of a man.
[00:59]	* [Nom]Locke	Locke strolls past the front of the medical room, and sees Andrea and Urzula waiting around
[00:59]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Ah-
[01:00]	* [kiri]Urzula	salutes. It's the proper thing to do.
[01:00]	<[Nom]Locke>	"What are you ladies doing waiting? Too shy to all get checked at once?"
[01:00]	* [Ru]Andrea	begins to salute, then decides against it. He already stated he'd rather avoid such formalities.
[01:00]	<[huh]Freya>	So... should I take her measurements?
[01:01]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Yes, that would help.
[01:01]	* [Zem]R1N4	has a clipboard.
[01:01]	<[kiri]Urzula>	I've been ordered to do so, sir.
[01:01]	<[kiri]Urzula>	so yeah.
[01:02]	* [kiri]Urzula	un-salute, seeing that Andrea didn't do it she feel a little bit lonely.
[01:02]	* [huh]Freya	nods and grabs the measuring tape.
[01:02]	<[huh]Freya>	Then, uh, Anstice, if you'll excuse me...
[01:03]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Don't remember an order like that. I'm sure Rina can handle a few more."
[01:03]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Should I lift my arms up?"
[01:04]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Hm... I suppose that makes sense.
[01:04]	* [Ru]Andrea	knocks on the door.
[01:05]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Yes, that would help.
[01:05]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Who is it?
[01:05]	* [huh]Freya	begins taking measurements.
[01:06]	* [Pyg]Anstice	reflexively moves to cover her chest.
[01:06]	* [kiri]Urzula	is a bit troubled. This is girl's physical examination and Locke is right there watching.
[01:06]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Patients, Rina. Coming in now."
[01:07]	<[Zem]R1N4>	I already have a patient.
[01:08]	<[Nom]Locke>	"And now you have more. Bulk bill them."
[01:09]	* [Pyg]Anstice	sighs. She went first because she wanted to avoid this.
[01:09]	* [Pyg]Anstice	notes to herself that that damn Locke is at fault for this.
[01:09]	<[Zem]R1N4>	It is impossible for me to focus my full affection on them- attention! Attention!
[01:10]	* [kiri]Urzula	is looking back and forth between Locke and the door.
[01:10]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Should I... should I.....?
[01:10]	<[huh]Freya>	Ah, Anstice, all that's left is your arm length and chest... if you could uncover them, please...
[01:11]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Locke, get the hell out already!"
[01:11]	<[Nom]Locke>	"You're not admiring them, Rina, just inspecting--"
[01:12]	<[Nom]Locke>	"--Woah, woah, an LT."
[01:12]	* [Nom]Locke	lets go of the doorknob like its on fire
[01:13]	* [Ru]Andrea	grabs Locke from behind reflexively and kicks the back of his knees before yanking him to the side.
[01:14]	<[Nom]Locke>	"--Ah, down I go."
[01:14]	* [kiri]Urzula	, due to confusion, end up standing over the door and blocking the way. Both in and out.
[01:14]	* [Zem]R1N4	starts setting up curtains.
[01:14]	<[kiri]Urzula>	what what what?!
[01:15]	* [Nom]Locke	rubs his back
[01:15]	<[huh]Freya>	What are they doing out there...
[01:15]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Sorry, Sergeant.
[01:16]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Anstice, get in here. *She indicates a small curtained "cubicle" she has set up.*
[01:16]	<[huh]Freya>	Seems like I'm going to have to teach Locke common courtesy as well.
[01:16]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Ow ow ow. What was that for?"
[01:16]	* [Pyg]Anstice	heaves another sigh. Really, this is being more troublesome that she initially thought.
[01:17]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Apologies, sir. It was a reflex... what had -you- planned on doing?
[01:19]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Didn't we just go talk about restraint this morning? Ah, my old man hip."
[01:19]	<[huh]Freya>	Uh, Anstice, if we could continue...
[01:20]	* [Nom]Locke	stands back up and dusts himself off
[01:20]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Fine, send them in. I'll sort them out.
[01:21]	* [huh]Freya	pulls Anstice inside the curtain.
[01:21]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Well, you heard her."
[01:22]	<[Ru]Andrea>	For what it's worth, Sergeant, I left my weapons behind today. I might have... "reflexively" drawn those as well.
[01:22]	* [Ru]Andrea	smiles "pleasantly".
[01:22]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Uh, sir... I prefer that you leave the area first before I open the door.
[01:23]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Hmm, that's worrying, Andrea. Remind you to assign you some exercises to help with that."
[01:23]	<[Ru]Andrea>	Of course, sir.
[01:23]	<[huh]Freya>	It should be fine here, right?
[01:26]	<[Nom]Locke>	"And Urzula, Urzala. What will the Captain say? Before we are men and women, we are soldiers. You have to trust your comrade to watch your back, so to speak."
[01:27]	* [kiri]Urzula	look at Andrea, as if to ask for opinion.
[01:29]	<[Ru]Andrea>	With due respect, sir, I can't help but wonder if our backs are what you'd be watching.
[01:30]	* [Ru]Andrea	briefly catches Urzula's gaze before breaking eye contact, uncomfortable.
[01:32]	* [Pyg]Anstice	complies with her examiners and raises her arms back up, though a little reluctant.
[01:32]	<[huh]Freya>	There you go.
[01:32]	* [huh]Freya	takes a couple quick measurements.
[01:32]	<[kiri]Urzula>	A-anyway! Please leave, sergeant!
[01:32]	* [kiri]Urzula	blushes.
[01:32]	<[huh]Freya>	...
[01:32]	* [Nom]Locke	sighs
[01:32]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Let's not be so rude, shall we? We have a long and arduous career together in the future."
[01:32]	<[huh]Freya>	You've grown since i last saw you.
[01:33]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Anyways."
[01:33]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Hmm, I haven't noticed."
[01:33]	* [Nom]Locke	undoes his cravat and ties it around his eyes
[01:33]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Better?"
[01:34]	<[kiri]Urzula>	I still don't get it why you have to be here....
[01:34]	* [kiri]Urzula	step away from the door, ready to open it.
[01:34]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Checkup, Urzula, checkup. Weren't you listening?"
[01:35]	* [kiri]Urzula	knocks.
[01:35]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Uh... we're going in now, okay?
[01:36]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Okay. I can still only handle one person at a time, but at least you'll all be ready. Locke, please leave until I need to give you a physical.
[01:37]	* [kiri]Urzula	nods at Andrea.
[01:37]	<[Nom]Locke>	"...You are the most inefficient robot I have ever sunk my paycheque into."
[01:38]	<[kiri]Urzula>	please escort sergeant to his quarter, or anyway really, please.
[01:41]	<[Ru]Andrea>	It appears that what may or may not be your intent is not conductive to the efficiency of the group, sir. In the interest of promoting a respectful and dignified environment...
[01:43]	<[Nom]Locke>	"I'm beginning to think I'll be short on both respect and dignity around here. Ah well. What can you do."
[01:44]	* [Nom]Locke	steps back out, still biindfolded
[01:44]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Uh...S-Sergeant Locke! You still have my full respect, sir! but...
[01:44]	<[kiri]Urzula>	It's, uh, embarrassing to have guys around.
[01:44]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Well, if you need me, you know how to find me. I hope you don't, though."
[01:45]	<[Nom]Locke>	"I'll be around. Holler or something."
[01:45]	* [Nom]Locke	steps back around the corner, and out of sight
[01:45]	* [Ru]Andrea	salutes, still "smiling".
[01:45]	<[Ru]Andrea>	(I don't doubt it, sir...)
[01:46]	* [huh]Freya	sighs.
[01:46]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Thanks a lot, Andrea... I couldn't possibly disobey Sergeant Locke if he...
[01:46]	* [kiri]Urzula	shake Andrea's hand.
[01:47]	* [Ru]Andrea	returns the shake, albeit slowly.
[01:47]	* [huh]Freya	gives Anstice a brief hug.
[01:47]	<[Ru]Andrea>	I'm just citing standard regulation... I-it's nothing that impressive, really. But thank you.
[01:47]	<[huh]Freya>	It really is good to see you again.
[01:48]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Now...
[01:48]	* [kiri]Urzula	opens the door.
[01:48]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Okay. I want everyone to get into a different cubicle. They're kind of small, but they will ensure your privacy and that of your fellow soldiers.
[01:48]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Hello.
[01:49]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	finally finds her way to where everyone else is.
[01:49]	* [Pyg]Anstice	pats Freya's head.
[01:50]	* [Ru]Andrea	follows in suit and enters a cubicle.
[01:50]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Oh. Who put this room over here?
[01:50]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Cubywhat?
[01:51]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Um, anything else...?"
[01:53]	<[kiri]Urzula>	I don't know. Just do what she said.
[01:53]	* [kiri]Urzula	enters the cubicle room, and wait obediently.
[01:54]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	just finds a little stall like everyone else is doing and tries not to freak out, man.
[01:55]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	Shit's gonna get crazy, so she's gotta keep a level head. That way it totally won't get crazy.
[01:55]	<[huh]Freya>	Uh... just whatever Rina needs to ask you, I think.
[01:55]	* [Nom]Locke	is standing in Blaeksprutte's cubicle, with an open dictionary, but still blindfolded
[01:56]	<[Nom]Locke>	"A cubicle, Blaeksprutte, is a small compartment that is, ironically, not really shaped like a cube at all, but is more of an oblong."
[01:56]	* [Zem]R1N4	returns to Anstice.
[01:57]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Ohhh.
[01:57]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Okay, I'm going to need you to take a deep breath.
[01:57]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Cool, thanks.
[01:57]	<[Nom]Locke>	"You're welcome."
[01:57]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	whistles as she strips.
[01:57]	* [Nom]Locke	disappears again, his job done
[01:57]	* [Zem]R1N4	puts a stethoscope on Anstice's chest; true to medical tradition, it is chilled to near-freezing temperatures.
[01:58]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	has the best hallucinations ever.
[01:58]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	...but they generally don't start until Bad Times.
[01:58]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	ponders that a moment, and then shrugs. Whatever, dude.
[01:59]	* [huh]Freya	pulls aside Blaeksprutte's curtains.
[01:59]	<[huh]Freya>	. . .
[02:00]	<[huh]Freya>	I-I guess I was mistaken. Please, pardon me...
[02:01]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	blinks, and waves.
[02:01]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Hi?
[02:02]	<[huh]Freya>	Ah, uh, Locke didn't happen to be in here a moment ago, was he?
[02:02]	* [Ru]Andrea	gets undressed, covering her shoulders with her hands.
[02:02]	* [huh]Freya	is blushing from embarrassment
[02:02]	* [Pyg]Anstice	can't help but shiver some more at the extra feeling of cold.
[02:02]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	blinks.
[02:02]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Uhhhh...
[02:03]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	No. Just a figment of my imagination.
[02:03]	* [kiri]Urzula	is still holding on to her clothings to the last minute.
[02:03]	<[huh]Freya>	What?
[02:03]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	dismisses any such worries, and resumes stripping.
[02:05]	<[Zem]R1N4>	From what I can tell, you appear to be fine.
[02:10]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Well that's good."
[02:11]	<[Zem]R1N4>	I'll be sure to pass the information on the Captain. You can get dressed again if you want to.
[02:11]	<[huh]Freya>	...
[02:11]	<[huh]Freya>	If you'll excuse me, then...
[02:11]	* [Pyg]Anstice	gets off from her seat and gets to putting her uniform back on.
[02:11]	* [huh]Freya	closes Blaeksprutte's curtain.
[02:14]	* [Zem]R1N4	steps into Urzula's cubicle.
[02:21]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Okay, you've already undressed. That's good.
[02:23]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	It's allll good, sister.
[02:23]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	?
[02:28]	* [Zem]R1N4	tilts her head curiously, then sets about the examination.
[02:33]	* [huh]Freya	heads off in search of Locke. She's still not entirely convinced.
[02:33]	<[Pyg]Anstice>	"Will you girls need any help in here? I'm no expert in medicine though."
[02:34]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Ah---!
[02:34]	* [kiri]Urzula	notice Rina.
[02:35]	<[kiri]Urzula>	well, so, uh. what?
[02:37]	* [kiri]Urzula	is still fully clothed, by the way.
[02:38]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Blaeksprutte does seem a bit off, doesn't she, Freya?"
[02:38]	<[huh]Freya>	Dammit, Locke, where are you?
[02:38]	<[huh]Freya>	...
[02:38]	* [huh]Freya	turns.
[02:38]	<[huh]Freya>	SO do you admit you were there, then?
[02:38]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Hmm? I was where now?"
[02:39]	<[Zem]R1N4>	I need for you to remove your clothes.
[02:39]	<[huh]Freya>	In the medical room.
[02:39]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Um, okay....
[02:40]	* [kiri]Urzula	is a bit reluctant, but begin undressing anyway.
[02:40]	* [kiri]Urzula	, after a while, finished. She's still keeping her underwear and bra where it is.
[02:41]	<[Nom]Locke>	"I'm obviously here. Unless I'm a figment of your imagination as well, in which case I recommend you stop talking to me lest you look crazy."
[02:42]	* [Pyg]Anstice	shrugs and leaves the clinic. Can't do much to expedite the process without knowledge in the practice. She decides to spend the rest of her free time elsewhere.
[02:42]	<[Zem]R1N4>	I need you to remove those as well.
[02:42]	<[huh]Freya>	You're here now. I'm asking where you were before.
[02:43]	<[kiri]Urzula>	C... can I keep it? I mean, it's not really necessary, right? It's just a thin fabric after all!
[02:44]	<[Nom]Locke>	"What a strange thing to ask. Were you looking for me?"
[02:44]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	leans back against the wall, and closes her eyes. Naked naptime!
[02:45]	<[huh]Freya>	It's my business if a person like you was lurking around in a room where ladies were undressing.
[02:46]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Really? Why?"
[02:46]	<[Zem]R1N4>	It is necessary. I need to do a complete checkup of everyone, captain's orders.
[02:46]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	z~
[02:47]	<[huh]Freya>	Because the Miss Captain has made it my responsibility to shape you up. This, of course, includes preserving proper morals.
[02:47]	<[kiri]Urzula>	If... if it's an order, that can't be helped....
[02:47]	* [kiri]Urzula	finally undress. Sheesh, being stark naked in front of someone is really embarrassing!
[02:48]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Hmm, so if a person -not- like me was lurking around a room where ladies were undressing, it would be all right?"
[02:51]	* [Zem]R1N4	starts the examination, with blood pressure and heartrate checks.
[02:53]	* [kiri]Urzula	shiver as the cold touch running all over her body.
[02:53]	<[huh]Freya>	If that person was honorable and trustworthy, yes.
[02:55]	* [Zem]R1N4	checks temperature, pulse, and draws some blood for later analysis.
[02:56]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Ah, so the real issue is that I am not honourable and trustworthy. If I was, then I should be allowed to do as I please?"
[02:57]	<[huh]Freya>	More-or-less.
[02:58]	<[kiri]Urzula>	So.... is that all?
[02:59]	* [kiri]Urzula	asks, nervous.
[03:01]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Of course, if I were to assure you that I am already honourable and trustworthy, you would not believe me, thinking me dishonourable and rather untrustworthy. What a dilemma we have here."
[03:01]	<[huh]Freya>	Of course. You'll have to prove yourself through deeds, not words.
[03:03]	<[Zem]R1N4>	That should be everything.
[03:03]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Whew.
[03:03]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Good thing there's no groping and such. I'm relieved.
[03:04]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Then should it not work both ways? Until I demonstrate myself neither honourable or trustworthy, we should just assume I am, and you will have no problems letting me go about my business."
[03:05]	<[huh]Freya>	I'm too jaded for an "innocent until proven guilty" mentality, sorry.
[03:07]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Ah, so the fault lies with you, not me. Perhaps it would be best if you restrained -yourself- from lurking around rooms where ladies undress, no?"
[03:08]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	zz~
[03:08]	<[Zem]R1N4>	You can go now.
[03:08]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Thanks.
[03:09]	* [kiri]Urzula	dress up, and make sure she didn't forget anything.
[03:09]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Thank you for your hard work, miss.
[03:09]	* [kiri]Urzula	bows, then leave.
[03:10]	<[kiri]Urzula>	[on the ground there's white-blue striped panties lying there.]
[03:11]	<[huh]Freya>	I'm a girl. It doesn't matter if I look at naked girls.
[03:13]	* [Zem]R1N4	picks up the panties, then considers running after her, then shrugs and stuffs them in her pocket.
[03:15]	* [kiri]Urzula	walk past Locke and Freya.
[03:15]	<[kiri]Urzula>	Wha---! you're still here?!
[03:16]	<[Nom]Locke>	"I thought you said this was about honour and trust. It would be hypocrisy to say you are exempted."
[03:16]	<[huh]Freya>	The point is that I am not the one being examined. You are. And as I said, there is nothing dishonorable from seeing someone of the same gender naked.
[03:17]	<[huh]Freya>	Moreover, I was even supposed to be there.
[03:17]	* [Zem]R1N4	finally enters Blaeksprutte's cubicle. "It's time for the examinaton."
[03:17]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	wakes up.
[03:17]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	exwha?
[03:17]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Oh.
[03:17]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Yeah.
[03:17]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Okay.
[03:20]	<[Zem]R1N4>	You already got undressed. That's good.
[03:20]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Tsk, tsk. Double standards. Hardly an honourable thing to impose. Your fellow women allow you to look upon them because they trust their own. You earn your position on the basis of trust."
[03:21]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Who is to say I was not supposed to be there as well? If Blaeksprutte trusts me, that is enough, no?"
[03:22]	<[huh]Freya>	Not for everyone else. Were they not all telling you to leave?
[03:23]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	It is?
[03:23]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Ah, but only you have come chasing after me on some groundless suspicion. It is telling."
[03:23]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	It's all good in the hood, maaan.
[03:23]	* [kiri]Urzula	trying to slip past them by.
[03:24]	* [kiri]Urzula	o 0 (but this discussion is getting out of hand... should I stop them?)
[03:25]	<[huh]Freya>	It is, as I have said, because I am the one in charge of you. Not them.
[03:26]	<[Nom]Locke>	"But you would be fine with me if only I was honourable and trustworthy. And thus we come full circle."
[03:26]	* [Nom]Locke	takes another piece of cloth out of his pocket
[03:27]	<[Zem]R1N4>	Um... what?
[03:27]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Won't you join me for a simple exercise? A trust building exercise, in fact."
[03:27]	<[huh]Freya>	What would that be?
[03:27]	* [kiri]Urzula	move in closer, interested.
[03:28]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Oh, it's simple. Simply wrap this cloth around your eyes, and then I shall take you on a walk."
[03:29]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	I dunno. You need to check stuff, right?
[03:29]	* [Nom]Locke	smiles warmly
[03:29]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	Like, feel me up and take my pulse and shove something hard down my throat and touch me all over?
[03:30]	<[huh]Freya>	...I'll agree to it. If nothing else, I must have some faith in your goodwill.
[03:30]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	That's what those jerks in Squad Seven said checkups were like.
[03:30]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	But I think the part about having to dance was probably a lie.
[03:30]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	That's good, too, because I don't know how to dance.
[03:31]	* [Atai]Blaeksprutte	looks at Rina, a little disheartened.
[03:31]	<[Atai]Blaeksprutte>	...Man, you don't want me to dance, do you?
[03:39]	<[Nom]Locke>	"Excellent. We can all go."
[03:45]	<[GM]Mary>	Uh, right. Until next time!