8/18 A Tyrant's Troubles

Captain Hoss would swiftly make his way over to the cells in the old royal castle with his trusty Sergeant Docro in tow, notebook still clasped on the earlier visual profile and precursor sketch he'd made prior to their arrival at the cells.

Approaching with clear fascinating and respectful, zoological interest to the bars, the bionic frontiersman would scan over Tyranny with a thoughtful hum, clicking his teeth together with contemplation.

"Olivia, this is going to be FUN! Think of all the questions we could ask! Actually think of them, and then ask them. Two eccentric minds of science work better than one."

Hoss would nod firmly. Them's were the breaks. They were science cowboys now.

"But of course, where are my manners. Tyranny, I've heard of you, but I am Captain-Attache Gallagher J. Hoss of the Diamond Eagles company, representative of the State University of Barsburg upon the frontier of these lands. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Hoss would offer a scholarly tip of his hat with a nod. It was clear having half a machine brain made him not prone to more common emotions associated with his element, such as anger or resentment.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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Olivia trailed into the jail behind her newly promoted Captain, hands behind her back until they reached the cells proper - catching sight of something out of the corner of her eye, her right hand came up and her fingers rapidly curled inward as if crushing something in her grip. In response, the stray cap on the floor of the cell promptly tore itself apart as gravity tugged at it in opposite directions, the remains bursting into flames. As stoic as she so often was, she had a certain utter contempt for litter.

And as she came to Tyranny's cell, she turned, head tilting slightly, eyebrow rising only just so - and then slightly more as Hoss prompted her to think of questions and ask them. He was in this for science - that much was plain. Hoss was a man who always seemed to state his intentions with pride.

Olivia, however, was more... difficult to get a read on; she was an obvious schemer, sure, but the ends and even the means of those schemes were utter mysteries most of the time. This was one of those times.

Her arm shifted, left hand coming up to touch the brim of her cap in thought as she stared at Tyranny. Her question wasn't scientific in nature at all - though Hoss could probably spin it as such, depending.

"...I thought they were loyal to you."

Actually, that wasn't even a question.
(Olivia Docro)
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 Reiko rolls her jaw softly and turns to look over at Lt. Hoss, and now Sergeant Docro. A simple salute was given to both to acknowledge their presence, but this was most likely ignored as the two took immediate interest in the demon king.

Reiko done her task, she got to boot a demon into a cell. Yet, the sour mood from the overall loss of the incursion into the Dreadwoods was present on her expression.

"Tha' prisoner is in his cell. . . do as ya' please Lieutenant, Sergeant." Then her salute would ease.

Reiko would then proceed to dismiss herself if not addressed. The click of her boots were heard as she left.
(Reiko Viveiros)
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 Olivia shifts into a more symmetrical position, returning Reiko's salute in acknowledgement.
(Olivia Docro)
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 Gallagher would nod in approval to Olivia's starting inquiry, offering a warm smile, a wink, and a thumbs up before returning to his notes as Tyranny began to speak.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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How embarrassing.

Tyranny sat against the wall facing the bars, his missing right arm occassionaly spilling black blood against the floor. He was not happy.

Not at all.

"My evolution is beyond your paltry science. Your work lacks the passion and ambition that has caused all those before me, including your imperator, to grow."

"All you do is create naught but soulless abominations. I have no words for you."

But his gaze shifts to Olivia. His glower grows ever-icier. "You lost against a handful of my kindred, and you truly think they are willing to give up what was needed for their survival for a single leader?"

His flame does not falter. "You people disgust me, you have never been loved by your country. You have only given, and have been taken from. Not like I have done for my Kindred."
(Tyranny)
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 Here she was, ready to go and pop open the Teraphim and begin heart research as instructed by the recently captured Captain. Instead Hoss was here cheating on her with some other girl, talking to the captured Tyranny. She stepped over and peered in curiously.
(Matilda zos Dalen)
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 Hoss would snort at Tyranny's answer with amusement, clear unoffended by his cantankerous nature. Would one complain about a monkey being a bit wild in a cage? This was basic zoology.

Scribbling away notes on Tyranny's responses with a thoughtful hum, he'd chuckle once more as he idly shook his head with an ambient click of his teeth.

"Nothing is beyond science. Science is the study of all that there is. But you are right, your evolution is...fascinating. The pinnacle of mutation by brutality and survival. Forged and sculpted not unlike an artifice by the circumstances that offered you suffering. Such experiences put down on paper would make you nothing less than a celebrity."

The scholar would nod steadily as he took a steady drag from his cigar, glancing over with an amiable wave to Matilda as he hummed away with eccentric cheer.

"Losses happen, the machine isn't infallible, or there wouldn't be a need forreplacement gears. It will be a learning experience with certainty, and we'll grow stronger for it."

Hoss would nod.

"It's called pragmatism. Unlike them not giving up one of the only impressive members of their lot. One of dignity and leonine pose, a sense of code and honor, a warrior race's pride. It's fascinating, and I mean that with no sarcasm."

The captain would click his teeth away.

"Love is meaningless in the pursuit of knowledge. Science is its own reward, my compatriot!"

The captain would flick his finger, gravitic weight steadily placing a dining table comfortably before the cell. Table settings and chairs followed before, after a brief moment, a time speed, explosively cooked steak would sit upon the table.

There were two other plates, one for Matilda, and another for Olivia that wafted of cloves.

Filling up a cup of brandy for himself, he'd begin to enjoy his steak dinner with a steady drag of his cigar as he glanced over to Tyranny.

"Also you said you had no words for us, but you clearly desire to talk. Sergeant Dalen, you can still handle tht fugitive Terraphim. Sergeant now, you and Sergeant Docro have been promoted."

Hoss would nod lightly.

"Ask the next stunning scientific inquiry Olivia!"

(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 How unfortunate, that Hoss was captain and so his bizzare influence would become unavoidable in everyday life. The typical debate afore the demon began, with Matilda rather curious as to how a higher intelligence would answer it all.

Sceptical eyes fell upon the seating arrangements before she settled down, looking from Tyranny over to Hoss. Then, she was issued a promotion. In much the same vein as others had been here on Esshar. Without prompt and without context.

The girl blinked slowly. This didn't feel very exciting. "But... I didn't do anything," she muttered.
(Matilda zos Dalen)
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 "You don't know anything about me or my aims, pup," the Docro said quickly, the suggestion of a lack of ambition managing to strike a nerve - however briefly. Her voice remained calm, sure, but there was that obvious undercurrent of suppressed emotions threatening to run wild. Perhaps it was for the best that her Captain cut in then - it gave her the time to put herself back together.

"And you also don't know anything about the Machine, either, if you think today's assault was anything more than a warning shot. The woods burn next time," she told him, his glowering being met with a similar look from the Kitsune. Hoss chalked it up to an error, a minor setback, losing the battle but not the war - Olivia wouldn't even give that much leeway.

Her hand slipped away from her cap, hovering in the air off to her side as she changed gears, gaze shifting off to the side to Hoss for a moment: "But hey - what do I know?" Shegave a tiny little grin then. "I thought the great king of demons would weigh a bit more than a few replaceable parts, but..." Her hand dropped, shoulders rising and falling. "Guess we were all wrong about that one, huh?" Her little smile broke out into a large grin as she let out a mildly unprofessional "Wow!"

...Though she was briefly distracted when the subject of the imprisoned Teraphim came up. Seemed she had a horse in that race, too - at least enough to steal her attention for a half-second or so.

"But- you said so yourself. We create - something only humans can truly do at the end of the day, isn't it?" she mused, giving a small tilt of her head. "Certainly more than your barbarians in the woods are capable of - destroy, destroy, destroy..." Her hand came up, waving with each repeated word.

And so on and so forth.

"You're the scientist here, Captain - me, I don't have any other questions. Have to break his pride first." She shrugged again, both hands coming up, "Or just slap a slave collar on him either way. If there's no trade, this is all a useless venture anyway."

She stepped back. No mind for the advancement of mankind's knowledge, it'd seem.
(Olivia Docro)
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 Gallagher would turn to Olivia with a flash of his toothy, adventurer's grin to Olivia.

"We're all scientists here, Olivia. You're just interested in a different field!"

A wink, before another bite of steak.

"As for you Sergeant Dalen, you've served rather well so far as my aide, I believe competence and consistence shouldn't be unrewarded. Besides, we had two sergeants to replace as I've made Gavril replace my own empty spot as Lieutenant in the meantime."

Hoss would nod sagely.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Welcome Lieutenant Zero, glad to have you here. We're having a chat with Tyranny here."
 Awilix Zero says, "Mhm. We met once, already. Briefly. He didn't like me being on his lawn."
 "My loss was to my greatest rival; not one of you passionless cogs. Even disarmed as I am, I could snap the necks of all of you with my bare hands."

His eyes squinted at Olivia. "Why don't you come in here and show me you're not a spineless coward who hides behind her father's shadow, kit."

More of the Barsburg soldiers would come to gawk, and it annoyed him. "You all understand so little about my kind. It's amusing."
(Tyranny)
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 Cosmas says, "Eh."
 Cosmas says, "He's gotten pretty mouthy."
Tyranny says, "Do something about it."


 "But on the contrary." The newly arrived Kitsune comments, catching plenty of the disdain in that stare that cuts outwards, that hunger to crush his enemies so rightfully infused into him.

Any prideful being would feel the same. She, too, would fume from behind bars like this. She can sympathize, but she does not pity, no.

"I am passionate. And I would love the opportunity to learn about your kind. Another ascended chided me so, after easily dispatching me- that I cannot understand the primal passion of your kind."

Hands tuck behind her mouth. Lips purse. A slow smile forms. It is a particularly passive air. She isn't looking to agitate him beyond reason. It was a good opportunity.

"...So why is your ascended state so human, compared to your lessers? Why is your form of true growth and progress as a kind, to come closer to what we are? I'm curious, genuinely."
(Awilix Zero)
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 By the end, Olivia was talking purely to Hoss; by the time she brought up the topic of slave collars, she had likely ceased to view the caged hound as something even worth addressing. Above her pay grade, maybe, or simply not relevant to her personal goals. She was, however, happy to let Hoss continue his probing. Hoss and the Firefox could debate him on the topic of passion - she'd not bother in as dense a room as this one.

...So she'd merely continue to talk about the demon right in front of him, unquestionably one of the rudest things anyone could do in circumstances like these.

"Is this what they call baiting?" she asked Hoss. "Taunting? It seems upset. Do you think it's that you're eating steak and it's in there eating... uh..."

Her gaze shifted back to the cell for a moment, completely ignoring Tyranny telling her to step into the cell. "Nothing - yeah, that's it. Nothing. We're not being very gracious hosts, are we?"

She looked back to the cell, a question suddenly coming to mind - and it was clear in that moment that she'd never take this subject as seriously as Hoss would've liked her to. "Hey - what does your kind eat?"
(Olivia Docro)
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 Hoss would offer a warm smile to Awilix upon her arrival, tipping his cat as the newly appointed Captain scribbled away in his notes. Every bit was informative in its own way, a fascinating look into the psyche of demons.

"Yes, if you couldn't tell Tyranny, we're all rather passionate here for one reason or another. It's likely one of the few things you won't find a lack of in the great machine. We all do our part."

The captain would nod with a drag of his cigar.

"And you're likely right. You ARE far stronger than me, Tyranny. That is fascinating, might is deeply interweaved into the theory of your evolution by brutality and trial. It's an admirable benchmark to set for myself."

Ever chipper, that Hoss.

He'd flash another smile to Oliva at that as well; it was also a good question.

"What do you value most, Tyranny? What ideal?"
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Perhaps the most normal of the lot (until Cosmas arrived), the woman rose after it was clear nobody else was going to sit down, feeling like right fool. A dry glance was given to Tyranny before she looked back over to Cosmas, expression faintly bemused.

Despite her position in the demon capture corps, she didn't have an inkling of interest in captured demons. And when one looked like and acted like a human, even the faint spark of mysticism from their giant forms evaporated.

So she'd move to settle next to the man. "I got promoted," she said dryly.
(Matilda zos Dalen)
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Gallagher J. Hoss says, "And yes, that is baiting Olivia. It is...generally ineffective if you are eating steak."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "And drinking brandy.'"
Tyranny says, "My meals are diverse. Steak, chicken, a bit of fish, Kitsune..-"
Tyranny says, "A well balanced diet. You, however, would be like eating stale bread. "
Tyranny says, "Dense, and unworth the effort."
Olivia Docro says, "Write that one down. That's actually interesting."
Gallagher was infact writing that one down. It WAS interesting. Go team, go science.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Awilix Zero says, "So you must not've been hungry when I was tresspassing."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "That is generally a positive."
 Awilix Zero says, "Given, I am made of a lot of metal. Maybe you could tell."
 Awilix nods, unfurling a small pocket notebook from a hip pocket. She makes some note somewhere about demons being able to sense the flesh-to-machinyer ratio within those with cybernetics.
(Awilix Zero)
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 Tyranny says, "I could smell it. "
 Awilix Zero asks, "Also, I suppose since I am completely free to ask now- was the item I secured just before you threatened me yours, or did it just happen to fall into your territory?"
 Awilix brandishes it on queue.
(Awilix Zero)
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 Tyranny says, "I gave it to someone. It used to belong to me. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Ooooh."
 Tyranny says, "I have no need for it."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Fancy."
 Awilix Zero says, "They left it in the fields. Sad."
 He was here to watch, but the proposal Tyranny offered isn't ignored. The corporal considers it over a few moments. Get the gears moving. In the end, he lets his superiors probe the beat and instead directs his attention to Matilda and her news.

"Congratulations," he says, genuine despite his lack of enthusiasm. "Hear about Captain Orlov?" he asks, knowing her to be close to the Eagles captain.
(Cosmas)
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Matilda zos Dalen says, "Yeah. Shame."
 Cosmas says, "Don't sound all that bothered."
 Tyranny says, "Disgusting. "
 Matilda zos Dalen exclaims, "Well.... it happens!"
Cosmas says, "Yeah."
Cosmas says, "At least we got this mutt."
 He looks over to Tyranny.
(Cosmas)
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Captain Hoss would swiftly glance over the broken sword with his remaining eye, adding it to the list of sketches in his journal with a quick flurry of his quill. Another piece of material evidence for the betrayed archon.

It was all fascinating.

"Sergeant Docro, I can sense you're getting a bit antsy. You're dismissed to go gather up some...variety of food for the prisoner? It will ensure his answers remain sharp."

Hoss would nod, offering a flash of a smile to the Sergeant as he tipped his hat, turning his gaze to Tyranny once more.

"Lieutenant Zero and I will continue our discussion with him in the meantime. It does occur to me, does your consciousness have a starting point Tyranny? When did it all begin for you. Was it violent even then?"

Hoss was definitely taking notes.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Tyranny says, "You would die if you took a single step within this room. "
 Cosmas asks, "Yeah?"
 Tyranny says, "I would be full, and your comrads would be laughing."
 Matilda zos Dalen says, "I dunno, he's kind of boring..."
 Olivia Docro says, "I'll have some recruits bring some fruit or something over, then."
 Tyranny says, "No. The one who thinks he's strong. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Go team."
 Tyranny says, "That is food."
 Olivia salutes Hoss on her way out. Go team.
(Olivia Docro)
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 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We'll chat later then. Venture forth."
 Cosmas says, "He's boring but he's strong."
 Tyranny says, "Come on! Don't be scared."
 Cosmas says, "He'll be a good war hound."
 Tyranny says, "I don't bite."
 Matilda zos Dalen exclaims, "Yup!"
 Matilda zos Dalen says, "I'll be back."
 Cosmas says, "Later."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Safe travels Sergeant"
 "I grow tired of this show of false science. You'll get no answer when surrounded by apes trying to puff out their chests when they wouldn't last a snowball's chance in Helheim if they entered into my new dwellings."

Hungry eyes move to Cosmas. He talked, and talked. Truthfully, he could go out in a blaze of glory. Ripping and tearing through the chaff until being put down by the collar.

"I was born into this life. As is all other demons, at least the ones who are worth anything. No beast is worth anything born into captivity, they are mockeries of my kind."
(Tyranny)
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[Cosmas left his glaring gaze upon Tyranny in silence for a few, long drawn-out moments. As if half-taunting the demon 'king'. In the end, he lets his gaze drift off.

"Right."
(Cosmas)
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Lieutenant Hoss would nod at that, tapping his chin. He was here for answers.

"Corporal Cosma, you're dismissed."

The captain would wave his hand idly at that.

"Now, if you could. The question is very compelling."
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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Cosmas says, "Yes Lieutenant."
Tyranny says, "How boring. Depriving me of a meal."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Quid pro quo. I am hungry for answers, and I have a steak dinner uneaten right here."
 Gallagher J. Hoss asks, "When did it all begin?"
 Tyranny says, "When I was born. Like every other demon."
 Tyranny says, "Do you truly believe we simply just- exist? Poof into reality? "
 Gallagher J. Hoss asks, "No, but how did it start. When does your consciousness truly begin?"
 Tyranny says, "I just told you. When I was born."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Was this essence of violence and evolution present even in those earliest glimmers of memory."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Yes, what surrounded you? What circumstances were you born into."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "What made you the titan you are. The proud warrior that stands back straight even behind bars before me. "
 Awilix Zero says, "I still hold to my original question, but do take your time..."
 Awilix uncorks. The flask.
(Awilix Zero)
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 Tyranny says, "I fought. "
 Gallagher was way ahead of her, his scotch glass half empty at this point.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Tyranny says, "I fought for the Coven, for the Woods, for my people."
 Tyranny says, "It is how I was born. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "For the coven. Was it FOR them, or was it through compulsion."
 Tyranny asks, "Does it matter?"
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "It always matters."
 Tyranny says, "To you, maybe."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "To history."
 Tyranny says, "To the hunted. To Prey."
 Tyranny says, "Demons have existed far longer than you, and will continue to exist beyond your reach. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "For now."
 Tyranny says, "That is what you do not understand. That our existance is as apart of the balance of life as any other."
 Gallagher would take a drag from his cigar, blowing a cloud of minty smoke up towards the rafters.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Awilix Zero asks, "Ah- that might answer my question, then. Do you think humans were modeled after the ascended form of your own kind, then...?"
 Tyranny says, "No. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I think it's the other way around."
 Awilix Zero asks, "Mmh. Then it remains. Why is it the other way around... ?"
 Tyranny says, "There are qualities that humans have that demons do not."
 Tyranny says, "Compassion. Hope. Loss. "
 Tyranny says, "All great warriors have these feelings. These emotions."
 Tyranny says, "It is what seperates a man from a beast. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss asks, "And you have been both, haven't you?"
 Tyranny says, "That is why I stand at the apex."
 Tyranny says, "You, who barely even understand yourself could not comprehend a being who understands both."
 Gallagher would nod poignantly, writing that down in particulary. "That is why I stand at the apex."
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Awilix has a flask in one hand, and a notepad in the other. The only one here to see any treatment, any attention, is the mouth of her flask- but her attention is rat, make no mistake.
(Awilix Zero)
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 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I understand that I can be more. That is enough."
 Tyranny says, "But you will never be more than that."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Not with that attitude."
 Gallagher would offer a rogueish wink.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Tyranny says, "No. By your own mottos and creeds, you will never be enough."
 Tyranny says, "By the very nature of the Machine, you are not designed to be enough."
 Tyranny says, "You will work. You will toil. Eventually, you will die."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I will be as much as I need to be in the moment, that is what it means to be a cog in the machine."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "No more, no less. Ever refined, but always diligent in service."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Using no excuse of potency for effectiveness."
 Tyranny says, "That is why you are worthless. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "That is why I am priceless."
 Tyranny says, "No. That is exactly why you are replaceable. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Exactly."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "To know this and be proud of it is to be immune."
 Tyranny says, "A thousand Gallagher J. Hosses can be born. They can live your life, emulating your every movements. They might even be perfect."
 Tyranny says, "But they will never be more than that pathetic cog. Than that singular mechanism. "
 Tyranny says, "Never seeing the forest, only living as a blade to cut down a tree."
 Gallagher would smile dreamily at that.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "And I'll be a cog that did his duty, and saw the world doing it.*"
 Awilix Zero says, "But, of ocurse, there is more than that. A cog is only one part of a machine, of course. And there are a hundred more, with a thousand purposes."
 Tyranny says, "Then I pity them."
 Awilix Zero says, "A pile of cogs don't spin on their own. A machine is not driven by a pile of mundane metal with similar shapes."
 Tyranny says, "Their meaningless lives, their loveless existances. They, who would give everything and recieve naught in return. "
 Awilix Zero asks, "There must always be the expendable- surely you understand that...?"
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "You know nothing of what the machine gives us."
 Awilix Zero says, "If everyman was great, every piece significant."
 Awilix Zero says, "Then none would be."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "There are large cogs, there are small cogs."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "But all play their part."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "That's why the empire remains."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Where others have fallen."
 Awilix Zero says, "It is the differences that define. It is thew reason you are the apex- because you, too, are different than the common animal, the common man."
 Tyranny says, "So you will reign in mediocrity. "
Tyranny says, "That, because you have been conditioned to lose personal ambition, you advance a cause you barely have a choice of understanding. "
 Awilix Zero says, "Some may. I intend to push the bounds of flesh and metal, working in symbiosis."
 Awilix Zero says, "I want to redefine what limitations are- break them."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "some"
 Tyranny says, "You do not inspire hope for a future generation. You prepare them for a grave."
 Tyranny says, "Dig it for them. Give them the shovel when you die halfway through. "
 Tyranny exclaims, "Your empire is naught but a train barrelling to destruction, fueled by endless, meaningless war!"
 Tyranny asks, "What happens when the war stops? When you exhaust your resources?"
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Yes, some say I want to be the man that hunts a dragon, and builds one of scale and steel stronger than before. To see the world and its great beasts, and shoot them for science."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I have my passions, my personal ambitions. And I serve the machine."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "They are not mutually exclusive."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We are soldiers."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We know what we're here for."
 Tyranny says, "Yet, you are tempered to it's whims."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Everyone does. Some die. Some thrive. And yes."
 Awilix curls fingers together, beaming a grin, proud fangs on display. The false eye's retina spins rapidly, glowing a low red. It's a fun talk, it is! She's enjoying herself.
(Awilix Zero)
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 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Tempered, disciplined, unbroken."
 Tyranny says, "It is disgusting. "
 Awilix Zero says, "It's nature."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Indeed."
 Tyranny exclaims, "Then your nature is wrong!"
 Tyranny exclaims, "A man should choose how he dies, on his own terms!"
 Gallagher would offer a warm smile to Awilix before chuckling, drinking more scotch.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Tyranny exclaims, "Not bound by a machine he has no chance of ever understanding, of ever truly knowing!"
 Awilix Zero says, "All have a choice."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "There is no illusion of choice. We all came here for a reason."
 Tyranny says, "Every demon I have ever known was given the chance to follow, or run free. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "And it wasn't paperwork .Well, except for me, but that;s more a personal hobby."
 Tyranny says, "They have lived and died by their own rules. -THAT- is life. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We do the same. We're not so different, you and I."
 Awilix Zero says, "It is entirely his own choice, whether or not he seeks gratification on his personal scale, or a grander scale. A man can be taught, trained, even conditioned."
 Awilix Zero says, "But one cannot completely break free will. It is infallible."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I just have a mustache, and you've been betrayed by people while our espirit de corps is unyielding."
 Awilix Zero says, "At worst, it can only be suppressed."
 Awilix Zero says, "And humans are..."
 Awilix Zero says, "Not efficient, if they do not believe in what they do."
 Tyranny says, "The work that was planned required those lives. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Very true."
 Tyranny says, "They have already been broken by a deal by Myllenoris. "
 Tyranny says, "When the machinations of disgusting Teraphim and misbegotten humans made us lose two lives, instead of one."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "You have lost everything, and still you stand tall."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "A noble beast, the last of his kind."
 Tyranny says, "Because I have not bent to the whims of another."
 Tyranny says, "I will die on my own terms. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I have never bent."
 Tyranny says, "You were -born- bent. "
 Gallagher would flash a smile.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Accurate."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I did have scoliosis."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Before the machine fixed me."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We help our people too."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Don't forget it."
 Tyranny asks, "What meaning did you learn from that injury?"
 Tyranny asks, "Before that lesson was ripped away from you, like your individuality?"
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "That I was born bent."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "And the machine could fix me."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I was a scholar long before I was a soldier."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "But then...."
 Tyranny says, "The irony of this next sentence doesn't fail me, but you've made a deal with a devil."
 Gallagher would chuckle amiably, taking another drag from his cigar.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We all do our part."
 Tyranny says, "You gave up your life, your -own- life, to walk."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I didn't have a life until I chose to walk."
 Tyranny says, "Then you are ignorant. "
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "No, just educated."
 Tyranny says, "It's like talking to a brick wall."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Yes, accurate considering my density."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I am a gravity magi."
 Tyranny asks, "Will your visits be nothing but endless postuation of proproganda, or do you have anything else?"
Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Hmm."
Gallagher J. Hoss says, "No there will be further inquiries, but one last question for now before we depart and allow you your brooding."
 Tyranny says, "What."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Who did you desire most to kill before we captured you."
 Tyranny says, "I have a list."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "The top of the list."
 Tyranny says, "Walter."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Fitting."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "No further questions for the evening."
 Tyranny says, "Then begone. "
 Tyranny says, "You people disgust me."
 Gallagher would offer a tip of his hat and a flash of his roguish grin, waving behind him as he gestured for Lieutenant Zero to follow if she chose.
(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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[00:29] Gallagher J. Hoss says, "A shame, I've found you rather pleasant conversation."
[00:29] Gallagher J. Hoss says, "You can't win'm all, shucks."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "It may be one of her staring blankly moments. I'll be at the square Lieutenant. Until next time Tyranny, it was informative."

 Awilix Zero says, "He still never directly adressed my question, I feel like."
 Awilix Zero says, "I wonder if it bothers their kind."
 Awilix Zero says, "A fun question, at least."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Yes, there is a lot I still wish to ask him..."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "But we'll need to work on him progressively, it's clear his pride is wounded."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "We'll get our answers, Lieutenant Zero. The two of us can take on any argument."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I wonder if we could augment him with bionics as well....the synthesis of the apex of demon physicality with the mastery of Barsburg machinery...."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Hmm...."
 The Captain would flash a warm smile to Awilix as she arrived by his side, clicking his teeth together idly as he dragged away at his cigar with contemplation at the table with his notebook open and scribbled. A phrase was underlined three times and bolded.

"That is why I stand at the apex...."

Hoss would take a long drag from his cigar, blowing a cloud of minty smoke up towards the distant horizon as his burning hazel eye settled upon Lieutenant Zero's visage.

"There is much more to learn, of that there's no doubt. I have to thank you, by the way....the encouragement was appreciated, and together we managed to even exasperate him and get some real answers."

The Captain would nod steadily, humming softly as he took another sip of his scotch.

"...It distracted me from the reality I must now fill the shoes of the Captain. He was ever present, a symbol of strength. I cannot disappoint him by failing in my new dutiesand responsibilities..."

Hoss would nod firmly at that.

"We will get him back. No matter what."


(Gallagher J. Hoss)
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[01:01] She quirks a brow as he borrows from the demon's vernacular, calling himself the apex briefly in that before she allows him to continue without a word to pause it.

But that got her attention more fully, albeit briefly, before she retracts back into her previous form of vague indifference and lax shoulders.

"You'll be fine." She waves a hand, dismissive to the worry. "Can't say the same for him, maybe- but. That's the way it is. You can only control what's in your hands, after all."

Such lax unavailability of responsibility caused by her lack of allegiance to any one company put her in the prime position to be recognized by merit and rank, but immune to the specifics of duty beneath a specific captain.

It was the way she preferred it, until truly necessary.
(Awilix Zero)
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 Arch says, "Lieutenant Hoss, I've a report."
 Arch says, "Ignore my lack of uniform-..."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "I will."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Try."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "It's Captain Hoss now."
 Gallagher J. Hoss says, "Welpo he's hone."
Arch says, "-- Captain Hoss."
Arch says, "-... Hel."
 Arch says, "I missed a lot."
 Arch says, "So. Corporal Dalen is about to go into conflict with the prisoner, Philip ras Petrakis -- Who refused to leave to prison cells."
Arch says, "They were also goaded by the ascended demon, Tyranny."
 Hoss would flash a warm smile to Awilix, placing a hand briefly upon the Lieutenant's shoulder in thanks before rising from the seat to glance over to the Corporal.

"Thank you Lieutenant Zero, you're right. Even if we can't get him back, we'll keep moving forward and the machine will carry on. It always has. There's clearly more to learn."

The Captain would secure his hat before nodding firmly to Arch.

"Saddle up then, let's go see what's going on."
(Gallagher J. Hoss)