TSW 21

[18:07] IcePickLobotomy [Time, July 24, 1988, 1:13pm Local Time. Location, Pilot Housing.]
[18:07] =-= Pale_Wolf is now known as Arina
[18:11] IcePickLobotomy Arina: You've /finally/ stopped bleeding out of your eyes and ears. Though you still feel a tad light headed when you move too fast, they have let you out of the medical room in Layer 12 and you've returned to the apartment on a sunny Sunday, just after lunch.
[18:12] Arina   opens the door, waving slightly to whoever's around.
[18:14] IcePickLobotomy Walker waves from her chair "Good to see you back." You hear Artyom say something but the exact words are lost of the the clanging of pans and the fan. A noticeable haze lingers in the apartment, smelling rather strongly of something spicy, enough to make your eyes water slightly.
[18:15] Arina   "Good to be back. And, well, not bleeding."
[18:19] JohnH   "yet"
[18:19] JohnH   "We'll make a man out of you, yet."
[18:19] JohnH   "But seriously, glad to see you've gotten over the whole bleeding from the eyes thing."
[18:19] Arina   "I should hope not. That would be quite awkward."
[18:21] JohnH   "Hey, I'm a man, and it's not awkward for me."
[18:22] Arina   "But then all my skirts wouldn't fit."
[18:23] JohnH   "But then you could pee standing up."
[18:24] IcePickLobotomy You hear Walker make a sound that resembles a cough and a strangled laugh
[18:25] Arina   "Doesn't really seem like a fair trade..."
[18:26] JohnH   "Pants are cheaper, anyway. Trust me, you'd win in the long run."
[18:26] =-= Napscya is now known as Mary
[18:28] Arina   twirls slightly. "Can you put a price on styyyy-?"
[18:28] Arina   stumbles a little. "All right perhaps I should save the dancing for after I have a little more blood."
[18:29] JohnH   "That might be good. Also another reason to wear pants. You don't have to twirl."
[18:29] Mary    "Well then maybe ARTONYM should offer you some nice rich STEAKS instead .." She says loudly towards the kitchen.
[18:30] IcePickLobotomy "Fine, fine you win. I'll make steak /and/ stir-fry." He half-grumbles/shouts from the kitchen.
[18:31] Arina   chuckles. "Sounds like a good dinner."
[18:32] JohnH   "Steak is good" John drools
[18:41] IcePickLobotomy There's a knock at the door.
[18:45] Arina   turns around, moving up to get the door since she's probably still the closest. "Hello?"
[18:48] IcePickLobotomy A tall man in a METI unform is standing at the door. He's somewhat pale, but handsome with a sharp face framed by short black hair. The insignia denotes him as a Captain within TacOps, and his nametag reads "C. Schofield."
[18:49] Arina   curtsies. "I'll get Walker for you?"
[18:49] IcePickLobotomy There's a noticeable British accent (Oxford you think, but it's hard to tell) "Hello Pilot Alkaeva." He nods to you with a small smile.
[18:50] IcePickLobotomy "Schofield."
[18:50] IcePickLobotomy "Walker, you are looking well I see."
[18:51] Arina   steps aside and out of the way of them.
[18:51] IcePickLobotomy "So what brings you to my doorstep?" There isn't quite anger or dislike, but Walker's voice is certainly strained. He takes Arina's movement as a invitation to step inside.
[18:53] IcePickLobotomy "I can't drop by to visit a old friend Amanda?"
[18:53] IcePickLobotomy Walker gives him a flat look.
[18:53] JohnH   stiffens at the mention of her first name
[18:54] Arina   hums, cocking her head and glancing between the two.
[18:54] IcePickLobotomy "Always so stiff," He sighs "I'm here for Pilot Sinclair."
[18:58] IcePickLobotomy "She's in her room." Walker stands up "What's going on?"
[19:03] IcePickLobotomy "Command is going to talk with her, I cannot say more, but I would suggest getting her in her formal uniform if she has one."
[19:03] Mary    does not look happy, sadly her being cross and looking intimidating do not quite work out so well with a pink miniskirt and black tights
[19:04] IcePickLobotomy Reagan: There's a knock on your door. "Reagan? Get your uniform on, we're going to talk to Command."
[19:04] IcePickLobotomy Schofield clears his throat "Actually I will be escorting her personally. You are to remain here with the other pilots."
[19:05] Reagan  unperturbed, calls "Coming," and leisurely gets ready.
[19:05] Arina   simply raises an eyebrow at hearing that. "Mm. Interesting."
[19:06] IcePickLobotomy "And why would that be?"
[19:06] IcePickLobotomy "Those are my orders."
[19:06] Mary    "Ma'am Sir with the recent troubles it does make sense for us to acompany one another . Permison to join her?"
[19:06] IcePickLobotomy "Denied."
[19:07] Arina   "Private meeting, I suppose."
[19:07] Arina   "When will she be back?"
[19:07] IcePickLobotomy "That depends."
[19:07] Arina   "Oh? On?"
[19:08] IcePickLobotomy "Are they always this nosy?" he asks Walker.
[19:09] IcePickLobotomy She shrugs "They're worried about their team-mate."
[19:10] Mary    "Well and we don't want her to get misplaced. She is small and easily lost if one forgets about her"
[19:10] Mary    is not happy with this.
[19:12] IcePickLobotomy "Charles, mind filling us in, as a favor for a old friend?"
[19:12] Reagan  finally exits her room, dressed up and shooting a curious look at Walker. She stops short when she sees the other Captain.
[19:13] Arina   glances at Reagan as she arrives. "Ah, hello."
[19:14] IcePickLobotomy He sighs "Not as though you wouldn't find out tomorrow anyways. Pilot Sinclair is being brought up for a disciplinary hearing."
[19:15] Reagan  "Excuse me sir, what was that?"
[19:15] Arina   frowns. "... I don't think there were any disciplinary issues...?"
[19:15] IcePickLobotomy "I said Command is bringing you up for a disciplinary hearing."
[19:15] Mary    is clearly bristled by that "WHAT?"
[19:18] Reagan  "What's that about, now? Captain?" She glances at Walker, obviously perturbed.
[19:18] IcePickLobotomy Walker looks as surprised as the rest of you.
[19:28] IcePickLobotomy She shakes her head "I have no idea but I'm going to find out."
[19:28] IcePickLobotomy Schofield gives her a sympathetic look "I'm sure you will but for now my orders are clear, Pilot Sinclair with me."
[19:29] Reagan  sighs and goes obediently to the door, looking firmly at the wall.
[19:30] Mary    "Hey, you can't just take her !"
[19:30] Mary    walks onwards and takes Reagans hand as she pushes herself between her and the asshole
[19:30] Reagan  "Now Darlin, he ain't taking me anywhere, I'm going."
[19:31] Arina   holds up a hand. "... He can. Let's not give any actual 0x1dbasis0x1d to this disciplinary hearing."
[19:32] IcePickLobotomy "I have no quarrel with any of you." he reaches into his pocket and withdraws a folded over paper and hands it to Mary. It's a set of orders to escort Reagan to a disciplinary hearing immediate by METI Command-Division.
[19:33] Mary    huffs but then lets go of her , clearly not too pleased.
[19:33] Reagan  "What's it say, there? Just a summons?"
[19:34] IcePickLobotomy "Just a summons, if you want to read it go ahead."
[19:35] Reagan  shakes her head. "Let's just get going."
[19:36] Arina   "Good luck, Reagan."
[19:36] Reagan  "Thank you, sweetheart, but I won't need it."
[19:37] Arina   chuckles. "Fair enough. Good 0x1dshow0x1d, then."
[19:37] IcePickLobotomy "Charles?" Walker sighs "Do me a favor and keep an eye out for her, please?"
[19:38] IcePickLobotomy He hesitates a moment "I'll. . . see what I can do. For old time's sake."
[19:38] Mary    gives Reagan a hug "You go girl, and kick there ass "
[19:39] Reagan  pats Mary's back. "Thanks, honey."
[19:44] Arina   frowns as she leaves. "... Where in hell did this come from?"
[19:44] Mary    is not amused "No Idea...."
[19:44] IcePickLobotomy THe two walk off.
[19:45] IcePickLobotomy And Walker shakes her head. "I'm going to head down to the office and see what's going on, you going to be fine on your own? I'll call once I get news."
[19:45] Mary    "Shall I help you out there by acting distrangly like a teenager?"
[19:46] IcePickLobotomy "I think I'll be fine but if you can help I'll call you down."
[19:49] Arina   "We'll keep, thank you."
[19:49] Mary    nods all determined
[19:49] Arina   "Please figure this out."
[19:52] IcePickLobotomy Walker pulls her jacket on "I will."
[19:58] Mary    fuses and starts to walk up and downh
[20:00] Arina   exhales heavily. "Calm, Mary. We'll just have to hope this is fairly routine."
[20:07] Mary    "I..argh"
[20:11] IcePickLobotomy There's another knock on the door
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[20:12] |<--    RobinE has left irc.systemnet.info (Ping timeout: 123 seconds)
[20:12] =-= RobinE_ is now known as RobinE
[20:13] Arina   "This had 0x1dbest0x1d be better news..."
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[20:13] Arina   moves up to open the door again. "Hello?"
[20:13] =-= Reagan_ is now known as Reagan
[20:13] IcePickLobotomy Arina: It's Hikari
[20:13] |<--    Kasra has left irc.systemnet.info (Ping timeout: 122 seconds)
[20:13] =-= Kasra_ is now known as Kasra
[20:13] IcePickLobotomy "Hello Arina! I wanted to drop by and see if you were back yet!"
[20:14] Arina   "Ah, good afternoon." She steps aside so Mary can see the door. "I just got back in, thank you."
[20:14] IcePickLobotomy She sniffs "Something smells good, hey Mary, hey John."
[20:15] JohnH   nods his head in Hikari's direction
[20:16] Arina   "Artyom is preparing dinner. Some kind of stir fry, I think?"
[20:16] Mary    "Hey hikari " She says , clearly showing herself as still upset, but not at her.
[20:16] IcePickLobotomy ". . . What's wrong?" She steps inside and gives Arina a brief "welcome back" hug.
[20:17] Mary    "METI Acting like total assholes "
[20:17] Mary    will deliver her welcome hugs also
[20:18] Arina   waves a hand. "Some kind of administrative... thing."
[20:32] Mary    "Yes its. URgh.. So.. how are you?"
[20:33] IcePickLobotomy "I'm doing alright, mom wants to take me back to Japan to visit my grandparents, Dad doesn't want us to leave here though, says we're safer here."
[20:34] Arina   hums. "It is certainly the best-defended city on Earth."
[20:34] IcePickLobotomy "Which," She plops down in Walker's now vacant seat "is true."
[20:38] Mary    "Well, you know that we are here for you in that regard."
[20:38] Mary    continues to tiger up an down
[20:45] Arina   takes a seat herself, sighing. "If you're feeling that energetic we can go for a run, Mary."
[20:46] Mary    "Urgh"
[20:46] Mary    sits down visibly disgusted "No more running"
[20:51] Arina   chuckles. "So let's do something else, then."
[20:52] IcePickLobotomy "You guys want to go see a movie? There's a interesting Russian film playing down on the cinema at floor 32."
[20:52] Arina   "Oh?"
[20:53] IcePickLobotomy "Yeah, I heard it was really good, but depressing. Uh, post apocalyptic film set in the Moscow metro after a nuclear war."
[20:54] Arina   "People always say Russian media is depressing..."
[20:54] Mary    "hmhmhm"
[20:54] IcePickLobotomy "I mean, I'm sure we could find something less depressing too if we wanted."
[20:55] Arina   "Oh, it sounds interesting, really."
[20:57] Mary    "Well it is okay , Well it might not be to scary with a full stomachje and some sweets as desert
[21:00] Arina   "Wasn't lunch an hour ago?"
[21:02] Mary    "and..?"
[21:10] Arina   "... Fair enough."
[21:11] Mary    "And hikari would also say that "
[21:11] IcePickLobotomy The girl nods in agreement.
[21:12] Mary    "hmh we should  also ask RobinE  there?"
[21:12] Arina   "Girls only? John is looking a little at loose ends over there."
[21:16] Mary    "okay we could ask him also, if he isnt exploding because its a soviet film"
[21:17] JohnH   "The only thing I think they've done right is vodka. And women. But mostly vodka."
[21:17] IcePickLobotomy "Typical boy."
[21:18] JohnH   "There's nothing wrong with asian girls either." John winks
[21:18] Arina   "Oh my, hitting on two women at once? How bold."
[21:18] Mary    "Boys... "
[21:19] Mary    rolls her eyes
[21:19] Mary    makes a retching sound
[21:19] JohnH   "Don't be upset, Mary. American girls are great. They're american, after all."
[21:21] Arina   ticks off with her fingers. "0x1dThree0x1d..."
[21:22] IcePickLobotomy "Wow, he really has no shame does he?" Hikari stage-whispers
[21:22] Mary    employs a couch cushion as throwing instrument.
[21:22] Mary    "piiiig "
[21:22] IcePickLobotomy "Hey, Arina? Mary? Has he hit on Walker yet?"
[21:23] JohnH   "She's my CO. No dice."
[21:23] IcePickLobotomy "Forbidden love~" She sing songs
[21:23] Arina   "His quest for her hand will, unfortunately, face many challenges yet."
[21:24] JohnH   "Eh, I've got my eyes on a different prize." John's gaze slowly turns to the kitchen
[21:25] Mary    "He only looks at her backside when she leans down"
[21:26] Arina   "Oh 0x1dmy0x1d..."
[21:28] Mary    "He like the Short skirts "
[21:28] Mary    said that while wearing a mini+leggins
[21:28] JohnH   "Oh do I? According to who?"
[21:30] Arina   glances at Mary's skirt, then raises her gaze to meet Mary's eyes and raises an eyebrow.
[21:32] Mary    "Acording to you eyes whenever you see one lean over "
[21:33] Mary    is not detecting any hypcracy no mam
[21:34] JohnH   "You may need to get those checked, then."
[21:34] Arina   makes no comment, but her expression looks like she definitely 0x1dcould0x1d find something to say if she wished.
[21:37] JohnH   "What is it, Arina?"
[21:37] Mary    "Oh please if either Hikari or Arina did it your eyes would be on them like mine on a piece of chocolade"
[21:38] IcePickLobotomy Hikari gives John a once, then twice, over. "Oh I wouldn't mind all that much. . ."
[21:38] Arina   shakes her head. "Oh no, don't worry about it."
[21:39] Arina   "Yes, it wouldn't be the most terrible fate, really."
[21:40] Mary    rolls her eyes "And here I thought you had more taste then just looking at his body"
[21:40] IcePickLobotomy "Who says I just want to look Mary?"
[21:40] JohnH   "It is a pretty good body."
[21:42] Arina   "He certainly does work on keeping it in shape."
[21:44] Mary    "brr all of you and your obsession of running in the night"
[21:45] IcePickLobotomy "Well Mary I could probably convince my mom to let you join us for our exercise routine. Kendo is a great workout you know."
[21:45] Mary    "is that like Karate?"
[21:46] Mary    "Hijjja"
[21:46] IcePickLobotomy "But with swords!"
[21:46] Arina   "With a sword."
[21:46] Mary    makes a exagerated motion
[21:46] IcePickLobotomy "Well. . . wooden ones at least."
[21:46] Mary    "Well the last time that I used a baseball bat was to make some idiots go away so I am already used to that."
[21:47] Arina   "Ah, prior experience."
[21:51] IcePickLobotomy The phone rings.
[21:53] IcePickLobotomy "I got it." Artyom says before picking up the phone.
[21:53] Arina   "Ah, thank you, Artyom."
[21:55] IcePickLobotomy A short conversation follows before he hangs the phone. "It was Walker, looks like it was over Reagan running away during the last fight, but from how it was phrased they don't have much to make it stick."
[21:56] Mary    "What? Thats stupid"
[21:56] Arina   hums. "Ah."
[21:57] IcePickLobotomy He shrugs "She mentioned something about "damned polotics getting in the way again.""
[22:01] Arina   's eyes narrow. "... 0x1dAh0x1d."
[22:01] Mary    "Urgh"
[22:06] Mary    "Well at least that means its over for now and good so"
[22:07] IcePickLobotomy "Command doesn't drag their feet, I expect we'll know how things go by the end of the day."
[22:08] Arina   nods. "They certainly are quick when they care to be, yes."
[22:16] Mary    "if they care to be "
[22:18] Arina   "Quite."
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[22:33] |<--    Kasra has left irc.systemnet.info (Quit: ChatZilla 0.9.92 [Firefox 47.0/20160604131506])
[22:41] |<--    RobinE has left irc.systemnet.info (Quit: ChatZilla 0.9.92 [Firefox 45.0.1/20160315153207])
[23:03] Mary    "So, at least that lets us return to happier things
[23:04] JohnH   "Like the knowledge that there is steak for dinner..."
[23:05] Mary    "Out, that is for Arina Doctors orders to get some Iron in"
[23:06] JohnH   "We could pump iron, too. That could work."
[23:08] Arina   "No, the pumping pumps it 0x1dout0x1d."
[23:10] Mary    "No sweaty stuff allowed for her"
[23:12] JohnH   "What about morning runs?"
[23:13] Arina   "Low-energy, yes, I need to get moving again. Though catch me if I faint."
[23:14] JohnH   "Anytime."
[23:14] Arina   smiles. "Appreciated."
[23:17] JohnH   "You're not gonna faint anytime soon, right? I don't have to be on guard?
[23:17] JohnH   "
[23:18] Arina   "Well I don't really 0x1dplan0x1d on it, but I'm going to be exerting myself more in a run than I've been able to all week, so I thought it wise to warn you ahead of time."
[23:21] JohnH   "Fair."
[23:21] JohnH   "Well the sooner you get back on your feet, the better."
[23:23] Mary    rolls her eyes and looks at hikari
[23:23] IcePickLobotomy The girl shrugs. "Wonder if I should try fainting around John. . ." She ponders
[23:23] Arina   giggles. "Oooooh?"
[23:24] JohnH   "You're more than welcome to."
[23:27] IcePickLobotomy Hikari flutters her eyelashes, dramatically sighs and faints into John.
[23:27] Mary    "Urgh , if that goes one I am getting Meg to barf on you " She says amused " after hikari had her fun "
[23:30] Arina   chuckles.
[23:30] JohnH   makes no motion
[23:31] IcePickLobotomy "Wahwahwah!" She flais her arms and impacts the floor with a hard crack." . . . Ow ow ow. . . I tink I browk my nose." She stammers, a pool of blood already forming where her head is laying.
[23:31] JohnH   launches out of his chair "Are you alright?"
[23:32] IcePickLobotomy She looks up, a stream of blood pouring from her now crooked nose. "No"
[23:32] Mary    "Shit, Hikari"
[23:33] Mary    jumps up and walks over to her to help her up. " Arina, get me some of the ice please"
[23:33] JohnH   "Arina, call a medic!"
[23:34] Arina   jolts to her feet. "Right!"
[23:34] IcePickLobotomy Artyom saunters out of the kitchen with a damp rag and presses it to Hikari's face. "There's a clinic down a few floors. I will take her. Please watch the food."
[23:34] Arina   "Ah, thank you..."
[23:35] IcePickLobotomy "It's ok! I'be browken worse!" She gives you a cheerful wave as she and Artyom exit the door
[23:35] JohnH   "Thanks Artyom. Sorry about that Hikari! Feel better!"
[23:36] Arina   "... Well that could have gone better..."
[23:36] IcePickLobotomy "John is a meanie but I forgibe you!"
[23:36] Arina   grabs some paper towels and detergent to clean up the pool of blood.
[23:38] JohnH   doesn't hesitate in the assistance of the task
[23:38] Arina   smiles at him and crouches down to start mopping up the mess.
[23:42] Mary    looks very cross with john
[23:43] JohnH   gives her the inquisitive eyebrows
[23:45] Mary    "Really john?"
[23:45] Mary    is not amused as she cleans up
[23:46] Mary    (wait)
[23:46] Mary    sights and turns her backside to him as she looks at the food
[23:47] JohnH   "I didn't tell her to do it, I told her she was free to do it if she wanted. It's not my fault that she /actually/ fell over."
[23:51] Mary    grumbles, like a giant cat that just had some steal there mouse away
[23:53] JohnH   "Sorry Mary."
[23:53] Mary    "You......"
[23:54] Arina   "You weren't expecting her to fall, mm?"
[23:54] JohnH   "Not without a bit more of an obvious reaction, at least."
[23:55] Mary    "That was clearly visible to anyone with eyes, which you, sir seem to be lacking"
[23:55] Mary    turns and exits stage left by walking into the kitchen.
[00:03] Mary    seems to loudly engage the kitchen utensils
[00:03] JohnH   "Whats wrong, Mary?"
[00:05] Arina   hums, dunking the first few paper towels in a convenient bucket and pulling off a new set to resume scrubbing the floor, listening carefully.
[00:05] Mary    shows no reaction
[00:08] Arina   "Mm. I suppose she doesn't really feel the need to answer - she's just displeased that her friend fell into your hands... literally in this case... and got hurt."
[00:08] Mary    continues to do kitchen things.
[00:09] JohnH   "Well if I knew she was going to do it - or at least had a good reason to think she was going to - I would have caught her."
[00:11] Arina   "I'm sure you would, but Mary's friend still got hurt, you know? She's probably not feeling very charitable right now."
[00:12] JohnH   John lowers his voice a bit "I'm pretty sure Mary hates me anyway and this didn't help."
[00:13] Arina   lowers her voice to match. "Also that. It's not really 0x1dhatred0x1d but she's... not particularly charitable to you to begin with."
[00:15] JohnH   "I've noticed. Not to mention that I think I've hurt her feelings in more than one way, more than once."
[00:16] =-= YOU are now known as IcePickSlumbers
[00:18] Arina   "It's... complicated, and not something she's really eager to talk or think about. Which can make it very difficult to navigate around."
[00:18] Arina   "Mostly, your best bet is to be as unthreatening as feasible."
[00:20] JohnH   "Am I threatening to you?"
[00:26] Mary    continues to maintain the foood
[00:26] Arina   handscales. "A 0x1dlittle0x1d. Not too much."
[00:27] JohnH   "I wonder what it is."
[00:30] Arina   "You're military, it's sort of your 0x1djob0x1d to have at least a little threat going on."
[00:31] JohnH   "Yeah, there's that. Maybe we could make her realize that its a protection thing, not a threatening thing?"
[00:38] Arina   "She has a few other things going on, so it isn't 0x1djust0x1d that. I think your best bet is to just try and be unthreatening - you have better odds of her getting to accept you 0x1dpersonally0x1d than overturning her fears of what you represent as a whole. People are much more approachable than organizations."
[00:43] JohnH   "I mean, I'll do my best, but I'm not even trying to be threatening."
[00:43] JohnH   "It will probably take a miracle to get her to not hate me."
[00:46] Arina   "I know, it's rather 0x1dvague0x1d advice, really. You'd honestly have to exert active effort to be nonthreatening, pay attention to what you think might bother her, restrain your first reactions... it isn't really easy, and it's up to you how much you want to work on it."
[00:55] JohnH   "I'll do what I can. I'm not trying to win her over, but it would at least be nice to know that she doesn't hate me."
[00:58] Arina   "She doesn't, honestly."
[00:58] Arina   "She hates things that you represent to her."
[00:58] Arina   "It's a bit of a thin difference, admittedly."
[01:02] JohnH   "What do I represent that could be so bad?"
[01:07] Arina   "I don't know 0x1dall0x1d the details, and I don't believe it'd be right to say them even if I did, but for just one element... well, the United States Army is not a symbol everyone associates with protection and safety."
[01:07] Arina   "I won't say she's right about that - I'm watching from another country entirely, after all. But she does come from a community that has sometimes had a very hard time with the government of the United States."
[01:09] Arina   "I don't know what all her experiences with the US Army were, but I get the impression that she did not enjoy them."
[01:10] JohnH   "Well she must not see the good that they have done."
[01:11] JohnH   "Look what we're here doing now. Defending humanity. Thanks in part to the US military. In /big/ part."

[19:43] IcePickLobotomy Reagan: Schofield escorts you to a sedan parked at the front entrace. He ushers you into the backseat before joining you and giving the driver a signal to start the car. "No hard feelings about this you understand, I'm simply the messenger here."
[19:44] Reagan  "Yes, of course, Mr...?" She holds out her hand daintily.
[19:45] IcePickLobotomy "Captain Schofield." He gives it a brief shake "Although protocol states it would be a salute."
[19:47] Reagan  "Ah, yes of course--never quite gotten used to that, our own Captain encourages familiarity with her..." She offers him her best salute in addition.
[19:48] IcePickLobotomy "45 degree, and you hold it until it's returned in most cases. And yes, Walker never liked standing on protocol unless it suited her."
[19:49] Reagan  "I see it as she's simply lonely, it's natural for a woman to be kind with children."
[19:52] IcePickLobotomy "She always did have a soft spot for them."
[19:53] Reagan  "Do you have children, Captain?"
[19:53] IcePickLobotomy "In spite of the insistence of my mother, no I do not. I haven't found the time to settle down really."
[19:54] Reagan  "Not the easiest time to be raising children, I understand." She smiles.
[19:57] IcePickLobotomy "Few things worth doing are easy."
[19:58] Reagan  "Ah, that's very true. Harder to decide that for your children, though."
[19:59] IcePickLobotomy "I'd disagree, I've found that parents are far more willing to do what they need to for their children's sake than other's would for their own."
[20:01] Reagan  gives a polite laugh.
[20:01] Reagan  "I wish you luck if you do decide to start a family, Sir."
[20:02] IcePickLobotomy "Perhaps when things settle down here I'll retire and do so."
[20:03] Reagan  "You're not married yet, are you, Captain?"
[20:03] IcePickLobotomy "Not for a lack of trying."
[20:05] Reagan  "Oh come now, you don't mean to tell me there aren't any eligible ladies left alive who wouldn't be battin' their eyelashes over such an officer? Sir?"
[20:11] IcePickLobotomy "Oh there's no shortage of that."
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[20:29] Reagan  "Then what, if you don't mind me askin', has impeded you thus far, Sir?"
[20:30] IcePickLobotomy "It'd be easier if I knew the answer to that." The car pulls into a elevator and the sky disapears beneath the concrete and pale yellow lights.
[20:31] Reagan  takes the hint and lets the subject drop.
[20:32] IcePickLobotomy "Layer 9, Section-0." The MAGI announce in that eerie genderless voice. Schoflied exits the car "It's not to far," He looks you over "And your uniform is in order, good."
[20:34] Reagan  "Thank you, sir," she says as she steps out.
[20:36] IcePickLobotomy He guides you out of the garage and into a long hallway, a pair of double doors with armed guards waits at the other end. He leans over "Now, do try to not let Command intimidate you, they like to play up the theatrics a bit, but do not underestimate them. These are, arguable, the most powerful men and woman in the world you are speaking with."
[20:37] Reagan  "I appreciate the advice, Captain." She gives him a bright smile. "I'll keep it in mind. "
[20:37] IcePickLobotomy He comes to a stop at the doors. "I'll be waiting for you here when your down." he pays the grim faced guards no mind. "Just go on in."
[20:39] Reagan  "Roger that, Captain." She salutes him, and goes on in.
[20:41] IcePickLobotomy It's dark inside, your footsteps echoing across the vast space. A single spot of light waits for you in the center of the room.
[20:43] Reagan  hesitantly steps into the light and stands at attention, looking around the dark room with just her eyes and blinking.
[20:46] IcePickLobotomy The light dies. You blink, attempting to readjust. In the gloom you can make out a tall bench, much like a courtroom. You can make out the silhouettes of a handful of people in the gloom.
[20:46] Reagan  squints and waits, wringing her hands behind her back.
[20:48] IcePickLobotomy "Pilot Sinclair, Designation Indigo-9." You can't tell who's speaking but it's a woman with a trace of a Russian accent. "After reviewing the events of July 15th's engagement, we are questioning your place in the program."
[20:48] IcePickLobotomy "From your point of view, explain the events and actions of Operation Justicia." Says a new voice, a man with a faint Texan drawl.
[20:57] Reagan  breathes deeply and begins, "We were deployed, I started off in Sector Eight. The intruder met us, went after Kasra, I believe. My first blow missed, the second connected, but didn't damage. Then...it turned shape from, from a square to a person. started glowing all bright. It went hard after Pilot Nariman, his, his outrider was defeated. But before the intruder detonated, he warned us,...
[20:57] Reagan  ...and...Pilot Evans and I ran for cover."
[20:57] Reagan  head jerks like she had a crick in her neck.
[20:58] IcePickLobotomy "So you admit to abandoning your squadmates and leaving a downed Outrider at the mercy of a the Intruder?" The third voice asks, sharp enough to cut glass.
[20:59] Reagan  "No, Command, I was heeding orders from a squad mate with more experience than I."
[21:00] IcePickLobotomy "We have reviews the data-logs Pilot Sinclair. No order to retreat was given." You can see one of them lean forward "I do not suggest lying Pilot. It will not serve you well here."
[21:03] Reagan  narrows her eyes. "I'm sorry sir, but if you're talking about a command from the bridge, there wasn't one. It was Pilot Nariman's advisement." After a small pause she adds, "He knows the outriders, is more devoted to METI than anyone, and I'm afraid to say in battle I heed his suggestions more than any other a' my teammates."
[21:07] IcePickLobotomy "Falling back was a advisable course of action. Flatly leaving your squad mate is unacceptable. As you yourself stated, Pilot Nariman represents a /significant/ amount of training and resources."
[21:09] Reagan  "Command, I understand where you're comin from, but I know Pilot Nariman would disagree with you in this instance given the circumstances. If he'd'a said fall back, he'd'a said it. But he told us to run, and..."
[21:11] IcePickLobotomy "He told you to fall back, not to flee and abandon your unit."
[21:12] Reagan  "Respectfully, sir, he told us 'run.' I ain't about to forget that moment, it is seared into my brain."
[21:13] Reagan  asks concernedly, "Is Pilot Evans under scrutiny as well then?"
[21:16] IcePickLobotomy "We have already cleared Pilot Evans of wrong doings on mental health grounds."
[21:17] Reagan  "Oh certainly, she's a little girl, you can't hardly expect her to be able to handle that kinda' pressure." '
[21:18] IcePickLobotomy "Nor you it seems."
[21:19] Reagan  "I think Command will agree that I was chosen based on my SR scores, and not my history of combat experience."
[21:21] IcePickLobotomy "Your SR scores were borderline Pilot SInclair.  Were it not for additional concerns we would have passed you over based on your suitability to the program. And while your overall performance has been. . . satisfactory, we still have our concerns."
[21:24] Reagan  "And now what would those be? I'll ask Command to review the hits I've made on intruders verses the damages my outrider has taken. I have not been a passive entity in the field."
[21:27] IcePickLobotomy "And we have found your performance satisfactory for the most part, but not extraordinary." A new voice "Enough, this is going no where. We have decided to let you remain on the active duty roster, however should your performance falter again we will replace you. We have that option now. Unlike the others you do not have additional skills to make up for eccentricities."
[21:28] Reagan  frowns slightly. "If that's for Command to decide, then that's that.
[21:28] IcePickLobotomy "You are dismissed. It is best that we do not have to speak with you again."
[21:29] Reagan  "Thank you." She pauses and gives a salute, then walks back the way she came.
[21:31] IcePickLobotomy The doors shut behind you, and Schofield is leaned against the car in the garage, wisps of smoke trailing out from the cigarette. "I hope things didn't go too badly Pilot."
[21:32] Reagan  "Thank you, Sir. I suppose they didn't, though I can't hardly tell whether I changed their minds or no." She pulls out a cigarette pack from her uniform pocket. "Got a light?"
[21:33] IcePickLobotomy A engraved silver zippo lights up with a practiced motin and flourish. "Took me almost 3 years to get that down you know."
[21:34] Reagan  "Impressive, Sir." She holds the cigarette up to the flames and takes a couple puffs.
[21:35] IcePickLobotomy "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"
[21:35] Reagan  "Not at all, Captain." She mirrors him, leaning back against the car.
[21:36] IcePickLobotomy "How's Amanda doing?"
[21:38] Reagan  "She's tired, as can be expected of her station, but the Captain is holding together, Sir. I must confess we butt heads together more than we confide in each other, however."
[21:42] IcePickLobotomy He nods "She always did run herself ragged, whatever her flaws are she does work hard for those under her care. You could do far worse for a commanding officer."
[21:43] Reagan  "She's been quite kind to us, Sir."
[21:47] IcePickLobotomy "Good to hear." He snubs the cigarette butt under his heel "Finish up and I'll take you back to your apartment."
[21:48] Reagan  "Yes, sir." She takes another long drag, shakes off the ash, and then pulls out a little metal box, putting the last half of the cigarette in. "If you please."
[21:49] IcePickLobotomy He steps into the car and the elevator grinds to life, bringing the car back into the sun.
[21:52] Reagan  "Was the matter discussed in the disciplinary hearing confidential?"
[21:52] IcePickLobotomy "Not that I am aware of."
[21:54] Reagan  "Thank you."
[21:55] IcePickLobotomy "Uh, Pilot Sinclair, I do have a favor to ask you, purely personal you understand."
[21:56] Reagan  "Please do, Captain."
[21:57] IcePickLobotomy He hands you a envolpe "Will you make sure Amanda gets that? And let her know I'll be in town for the next few weeks. I'd like to catch up if she's willing."
[21:58] Reagan  takes the envelope, starts to say something and then stops, glancing up at the Captain with a coy smile.
[21:59] Reagan  "Now what was we were talkin about Sir, about eligible women?"
[22:03] IcePickLobotomy "That it wasn't for a lack of trying."
[22:05] Reagan  taps the letter against her palm. "She's a busy gal, you know working women. Maybe I'll put in a good word."
[22:05] IcePickLobotomy He chuckles "I've been busy myself, I do more than sit around looking pretty you know."
[22:09] Reagan  laughs. "Coulda' fooled me, Sir."
[22:10] IcePickLobotomy The car comes to a stop before Tower 3. "No one expects the good looking ones to be clever." he winks "And being underestimated isn't that bad."
[22:11] Reagan  "Oh my, a double threat! You've got it all figured out, haven't you, Cpatain." She chuckles and climbs out of the car, turning and giving him a last salute.
[22:12] IcePickLobotomy He gives you a snappy salute followed by a wave back as the car pulls out onto the main road.

[22:24] IcePickLobotomy July 25th, 7:07am. Before you head out for school the phone rings. "Arina, phone for you." Says Walker.
[22:25] Arina   blinks. "Ah?" She puts down her stuff and goes to get it. "Hello?"
[22:26] IcePickLobotomy "Pilot Akaeva." The voice is the genderless, synthetic tones you associate with the MAGI announcements.
[22:26] IcePickLobotomy *Alkaeva
[22:26] Arina   "Yes?"
[22:27] IcePickLobotomy "We request a meeting with you at 4:30pm." There's a pause "We have been advised that for your comfort guests may be brought at your discretion."
[22:29] Arina   "Ah... may I ask who this message is from, that I'll be meeting?"
[22:29] IcePickLobotomy "We are the MAGI."
[22:30] Arina   nods. "Delivering the...?" She pauses, and slowly, slowly blinks.
[22:30] Arina   blinks again.
[22:31] Arina   "... Please let me apologize, my training apparently greatly understated your sophistication."
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[22:35] IcePickLobotomy There is a very long pause. "Our true capabilities are not advertised."
[22:37] Arina   "I... imagine not."
[22:38] Arina   licks her lips. "... All right. 4:30 today?"
[22:38] IcePickLobotomy "Correct. We are located on Layer 13. Dr. Kerenski will meet you at the primary access elevator."
[22:40] Arina   frowns slightly, and then nods, frown clearing away into a small smile. "Thank you. I'll be sure to be there."