2022-05-22: The Lively (K)nights To Ensue
- Log: 2022-05-22: The Lively (K)nights To Ensue
- Cast: Orpheus Zevon, C.C., Karma Sato, Kallen Kozuki, Emilia Eschonbach
- Where: Area 11
- OOC - IC Date:
- Summary: Under the cover of night, the Black Knights assemble for a meeting to discuss their next potential plan of action while indulging in pizza. Though tensions rise from within as the discussion of a new potential recruitment method is taken into consideration.
<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.
The call's out and with it, the time and place has been set for a meeting of the Black Knights. The contents of the meeting had yet to have been discussed. Though if something had warranted the signaling of the members it was something of vital importance, or at the least something that had some value of being brought to their attention. The whereabouts of this meeting would have been none other than the somewhat newly accommodated base that Zero had acquired for them. What would have been a stowed vehicle of a rather gratuitous size. What could have only been described as a bus of such size and luxury that simply calling it a 'bus' seemed like an insult to the spacious vehicle, that to which was large enough to contain a second floor.
As those come in however, seating's already been accomodated. Some to which were already situated as part of the furniture of this base on wheels, couches and chairs that were clearly situated about, and then some other foldable chairs placed about to the side need be. In the corner near the kitchen area upon the counter as if someone had been informed to bring 'that' to assure certain individuals made their way here, were boxes of Pizza Hut lined up with a variety of different pies. Drinks assorted by beverage though nothing alcoholic had been brought, perhaps to assure everyone was to be able to focus on what was being elaborated. For the most part much of the decorum wasn't anything new for those who had already found themselves with the vehicle, with the exclusion of the monitor that was being set up at the one end of the vehicle. . .And a certain unfamiliar woman who had been sitting inside.
At first glance it appeared to be a rather young woman, perhaps no older than her teens and yet. . . The look in her eye that wasn't covered by those white bangs that went down to her collar seemed so mature and elegant. though regardless of how elegant or not, how old or young, there were a few things that those who had entered would have likely realized of the woman. . . No one in the Black Knights had surely seen her before, and she definitely wasn't Japanese, and without any warning she was tinkering with their equipment without notice. . .
Lina Lombardi has arrived.
POT: Lina Lombardi is now set observer.
<Pose Tracker> C.C. has posed.
While expansive by vehicle standards, this mobile base is still something road-legal and inherently constricted on occupational capacity. With that in mind...why -are- there so many surprisingly big, poofy, luxurious couches in a space where every square inch is key?
Trick question! It's because C.C. was there to oversee the furnishings and has spent the leadup to this meeting laying down lazily on every single one in sequence, testing their capacity for lounging, napping, stretching, sprawling, splaying, nestling, and rolling. (These are all highly formal Couch Statistics.)
Pizza held dramatically on high above her face, the witch wastes little time giving the strange tinkerer a bit of a surly look. "Well, let's not beat around the bush. When we're called to gather and see a total stranger, it obviously begs the question...who exactly are you?"
<Pose Tracker> Karma Sato has posed.
Of course there has to be a late comer and it appears that Karma gets to pull that short straw today by pure coincidence. As he approaches the meet up location he notices the bus and there is a moment of confusion followed by a moment of curiosity as he circles the bus. Standing outside the bus for a few moments he looks around before he casually just lets himself in. Worse that can happen is that it belongs to some brittanian who is going to have him arrested and given corporal punishment or something.
Stepping onto the bus he relaxes a little when he spots C.C. and begins to look around taking in the new wheels "Sorry for running a little late, this large order came in right before I could end my shift. They wanted a stack of pizzas with a large variety of..." Karma trails off as his eyes fall upon the stack of pizza boxes, "Oh it appears you are aware."
Stepping deeper into the R.V. he continues to 'inspect' things, whihc amounts to opening every cabinet and drawer and almost totally ignoring the unknown person currently present for the time being. If C.C. wasn't concerned about her then who was he to say something.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
Kallen has been taking it pretty easy lately. Letting herself wind down, especially after that incident out at sea. She'd been focusing primarily on her school life, or so it might seem at least. A more accurate statement might be that she was focusing on her humanity, and her bonds with people. Keeping herself from becoming somebody who only lives on the battlefield. It doesn't hurt that she's started to see some examples of what a life focused entirely on the mission can do to a person. Though there has been a second priority. One of... investigation. That's not important at the moment.
But now, she's come in to have a meeting. Not the one she's been planning for, most likely. She wants to talk out most of her grievances in private. But she'll just have to see what direction tonight's festivities turn toward. Luckily perhaps, for C.C., Kallen brought her standard pistol along tonight in the event there's a problem. She always does, on business, but it's not exactly common knowledge. It's not easily noticed, since she conceals it in a pouch on her uniform, alongside a knife. And fortunately for Kallen herself, she's wearing her hat and visor, that serve to hide her face. Given she walks directly into the confrontation between the mysterious green-haired woman with the mannerisms of a cat, and the more mysterious woman in white, who she has NO knowledge of whatsoever. She's not drawn either weapon yet. But one hand is down by it, ready to pull at a moment's notice. "More importantly, what is it you think you're doing there?"
Kallen does look a bit less than intimidating though, as she has in her other hand, a particularly large bottle of cola. To go with the pizza, you see. She's prepared for many eventualities, and one this mundane was a no-brainer. The possibility nobody else thought to pick up drinks.
<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.
It's been more than a month since Emilia has been to base. It's likely only due to people seeing her at school that anyone even knew she was still here at all. But she's here tonight. She's dressed casually: Pastel pink pink denim jacket, white t-shirt, pale blue skirt, sneakers, and a messenger bag. None of them new. She makes her way, making sure she's not followed, into the luxury vehicle.
It reminds her a little of how she imagined her Grandfather's campaign bus was, though she was never allowed inside.
She is... somehow less small after stepping on the bus. Like this is a place where she's able to occupy space. She's no less fragile than usual. Cyzarine is here... without her accent. And Longshot's pilot... P-1? And Kallen, who is frankly reassuring. If Emilia had been to more parties. She doesn't know the girl with white hair, though. A new recruit maybe? It's probably fi-
Then C.C. challenges her, as does Kallen and Emmy's whole body tenses, turning towards her.
It's a pity she can't really fight without arms and armour. She really is useless without a KMF.
<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.
"She's with me. . ." A voice rings down from above the others. Looking up towards the stairwell, another non-Japanese face could be seen, though one that was much more familiar. Long locks of Blonde-hair tied down and trailing down just slightly below the shoulder, green eyes like emeralds, and a little beauty mark just below his left eye. Someone who was considered both Black Knight, and not Black Knight. The one who had always been referred to amongst the rest of the Knights as Oz.
It's at this point the young woman's attention had shifted up for a moment, "Or-- " There's a quick scowl the young man returns to the mysterious woman as she speaks up, "Oz, I thought you were going to tell them I was here before they showed up?!" All of a sudden the more mysterious nature seemed to have vanished in a moment as a more child-like demeanor came upon her face as she spoke to Oz as if the two had known each for ages, sounding as if she were trying to chastise him on the matter.
"If I had, I'm sure there would have been complaints, and I figured it'd be best for you to explain everything directly rather than just having me parrot it. He makes the statement without even facing her way, not exactly returning familiarity. His eyes veered away from her own almost as if trying to push the young lady away. Though it's also in this moment that his eyes drift to Kallen who even though holding her drink seemed to be the most hostile of the moment. Almost as if to tell her she can stand down. "This woman is X. Before being called in by Rakshata, she was the one to help organize jobs as a PMC. Despite her appearance, her intel gathering capabilities are top notch and she's the one who acquired intel pertaining to why we were called here today.
Still looking slightly peeved, cheeks puffed ever so much, she looks back to the others trying to give a more pleasant smile in greeting. "Well, that's the jist of it. I didn't mean to spook anyone suddenly. . ." As she makes that remark, she tries to give an apologetic gesture towards Emilia, seeing that her worry was the most apparent of the others. Though she quickly turns back to Oz for a second, "I guess it's my fault for thinking this one would go the extra mile for me! Oh well. . .But yes, like I said, feel free to call me X, or Miss X if you're feeling formal. I hope it's not too problemsome for you all to call me that. I've heard quite a few of you Black Knights go by alias so I don't think it should be an issue?"
As she makes the remark she starts turning towards C.C. in particular with that same casual smile. Nothing too menacing or anything, more cheeky if that. As if she's been told somewhat about the lady of mystery "Anyway, it's a pleasure to meet all of you in person finally. I've been told so much. Oh, except for you. . .Karma was it? I believe we've spoken recently. Thank you again for taking the order, and so quickly too! She beamed ever so cheerfully towards Karma as her voice might sound. . .A bit familiar? The one who ordered the pizza over the phone was supposedly a woman after all. For a moment it looked like this girl was ready to chat up all the members she thought she was familiar with, though with a low cough directed her way from a familiar face, that excitable demeanor faded with a small sigh. With it the man upon the stairs slowly made his way down to one of the less occupied seats in the area, calmly waiting for her to begin. It almost made one wonder if perhaps he just brought her along simply so he wouldn't have to explain what it was that was going on.
"Hai, hai, let's get to business then. Before we begin, I guess I should ask but how many of you are familiar with the Kyushu Zone?"
<Pose Tracker> C.C. has posed.
"Very resourceful, Oz-kun, getting in contact with someone as auspicious as this," C.C. muses, assessing Ms. X from toe to tip as inscrutably as the waters. Cheekiness met to the cheeky witch doesn't throw her rhythm off too much.
"Ah yes, the Kyushu Zone. The domain trapped in time and kept under the demon queen's eye. It's been a matter of particular curiosity for me, and I've gotten in touch with Build Base a few times to talk about their expeditions...and maybe they took a tip or two from me." It's rare to see C.C. talk so proactively like that...proof enough that it's something she does indeed have a bit more of a stake in.
"Oh, and thank you for providing the drinks~" she cat-smiles to Kallen, swirling her foam cup of fizzy brown sweetness like it was the finest goblet of wine. "The true, immaculate pairing of refreshment and dinn- ...Karma please, what in the world are you doing - scanning for bombs or bugs? We bought this from a car salesman under the guise of being an aluminum mining magnate getting something to tour Japan's scenic vistas in...if even -these- are prone to being spied upon, Britannia's truly abhorrently anal-retentive about this colony..."
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
Kallen's inner thoughts come to a screeching halt, for various reasons. As if the tracks simply vaporized out from under the train of her mind. Thankfully, the voice of an ally makes her aware that the mystery woman isn't hostile, but... It's still a surprising weight to drop on her. Well, if she's with Oz, it's not a problem. If anything, it gives her grounds to tease him. To try and drag the boy to an emotional response of some kind. Why is she trying to make her allies more sociable and well-adjusted people? Well... it's better for them, bluntly. They'll lead happier, healthier lives that way, even if they're less singlemindedly mission-ready. Some people probably wouldn't like her doing that... she doesn't care.
She sets down the bottle to provide drinks, which is quickly seized upon by C.C., and steps forward, offering a hand in greeting. "Nice to meet you. And for the record, anyone who complains about non-Japanese allies and membership can report to me for a prompt boot up their ass. I won't tolerate discrimination based on heritage, no matter which direction it's coming from." Oooh, seems like the implications struck a hard nerve with the resident ace pilot.
There's a question about Kyushu, and doesn't that just bring a whole mess of pain bubbling up in her mind. "Callsign Q-1. And yeah, I'm familiar. I was in the area recently." On mission. A mission that went pretty pear-shaped quickly, given the results. Miracle what the medical facilities did for her, really. Given the unfortunate shape she was in at the time. By all rights she should be in a bodycast right now... and yet, she's healthy, active, and most importantly alive.
<Pose Tracker> Karma Sato has posed.
Looking up from one of the cabinets he was digging through he looks at C.C., "Please I am just getting an idea on stoarage capacity, as well as making sure that the people who sold it to us didn't cheat us. It looks fine on the outside but you get in there and suddenly you find panels missing and the cabinets falling off the moment they are opened. Were you anal-retentive enough to check everything?" Still he gets the point and closes the cabinet he was looking in.
Instead he looks over at X and listens to the introduction. As it is mentioned he Karma does indeed recognize the voice, he was the one who tried to talk her out of some fo the more unpopular varieties requested. Really so few people were ever happy with supreme, it was just chosen as a catch all and people could pick off what they wanted. Still in the end that was in the past, "Yes and the delivery person was quite happy with the tip, Ms. X."
Looking at the others for a moment as he weighs what is being asked, he eventually makes his way over to a chair and swings it around to sit in it backwards. "Less then I should, more then I wish I knew." As he listens to the others he looks at C.C. with a look of confusion, "I am going to sound like an idiot for asking , Do you mean a real demon queen or is that just someones nickname?"
<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.
Emilia glanes up when Orpheus speaks, and relaxes a little. But not much. She does, the threat gone, flush a little at the sight of Miss X. She walks towards the food, looking at the pizza arrayed. It's a lot of flavours. "...I... Know it exists." Emmy admits, a little ashamed. She's only been in Japan less than a year.
She opens the boxes. Cheese. Okay. Familiar flavour, but stuffed crust and thick. There have to be other options. The next. "...is that... mayonnaise?" She asks, a little hesitant. Also stuffed crust deep pan. No. Kallen speaking reminds her that she hasn't introduced herself. "Oh, um, I'm-" She pauses. "I... My Burai. Is Jack. I don't..." She still hadn't had a full codename assigned to her. Or if she had, she missed it. The next pizza. Double shrimp. Hard pass. She opens the next one- Oh good pepper-
She pauses. "...jalapenos?" She squints more. "Hot sauce?!" She grimaces. No. Hard no. It's disappointment after disappointment and Emmy is starting to get tense again.
She pauses at talk of a demon queen. "What...?" That pauses her for a second but then. At last. NORMAL Pepperoni. A Normal Flavour. She picks up a piece, and a plate, and instictively tries to fold it, but only serves in squishing the crust and getting cheese on her finger. She lets out a noise of frustration, and puts it on the plate. She looks at the drinks. Coke, no. No root beer. And finding pineapple soda her seems difficult. Mountain Dew it is. She pours it into a red cup, and sits next to Kallen. Closer than she normally sits with people.
There's a quiet pause, as she looks to Karma. She has to ask if the pizza place is hiring- and hiring Britannians- later.
No channel with that name or alias found.
<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.
"You make it sound like you were expecting something less. X is as good as they come." There's a bit of a beaming in her eye as the unfamiliar support hears those words, her attention returning to her partner in crime for a second before again he gives her a look that seems less like a friend and more like a scolding older sibling or one's boss. She deflates for a moment just about ready to focus on the work at hand before she finds a hand propped right in front of her. Looking up from her seat to see Kallen so generously greeting her continues to leave a bashful grin on her face. The gesture met in kind as she took the hand in both of her own to shake it. "Thank you so much. My, you're much different from what I expected. Oz swore that you usually seemed as hot-headed as that fiery head of hair you have. But you seem so sweet."
It almost sounded like Oz was already way ahead on making teasing remarks than Kallen had been about him. Though. . .Oz. . .? Making teasing gestures. Even now looking at him, his expression seemed less than acknowledging of such. If anything his arms simply folded over one another as if waiting for all the chit-chat to finish up.
Will she though? Not yet! There's so many people to greet and new faces to familiarize herself with! They're all basically coworkers now, right?! All the more reason to get along, hence she finds herself slowly shifting her gaze towards Emilia as she tries to introduce herself, or rather to her skirt of all things and for a few moments just stares before a tiny sound escapes her lips, "Hnnnnnnghhhhhh-- It's so cute. . ." Again a little twinkle shows in her eyes as she stares at Emilia like treasure, "That blue is so your color and that skirt's amazing! Is that something made here in Area 11 or did you order for it?!" There's a bit of gushing about for a moment, though just as if intentionally catching her off guard, she leans in ever so slightly as she grabs for her drink. "Emilia Eschonbach, right?" Just as she whispers the name, she pulls away before keeping a more humbled smile. "Oz did say it was rare to see other Britannians here, so I took a guess, ehehe. Still, I do hope Oz hasn't been bullying you becau--"
"X. . . " A voice trailed for a moment, and with it the girl jumped a bit, though she looked at her reprimanding figure with a look that just gave the expression of 'Just five more minutes?' to him, and with the same expression. . . He gives up. She'll finish eventually. Unfortunately for him it's not immediately as Karma recalls her as well. Again the white-haired woman seemed to be working the room well enough. She gives an easy going nod as she speaks up again.
"Of course, pizza driving around the streets of Area 11. It might as well be a battlezone of its own. Though don't thank me too much just yet, I'm expecting some excellent payback from you on this next mission to make up for that tip." It wasn't even a tip for him, and yet now she was telling him that he was going to be paying for it? For someone who was working with Oz so much, she definitely seemed his opposite.
"I changed my mind. I think I'll start us off--"
Agh--I'm coming! I'm coming! Oz!!!"
In a panic once again with the slightest blush to her face she begins typing away at the laptop. Whoopsie! Probably should have focused more. Though getting into her work it's like a switch, that relaxed demeanor does seem to focus a bit. It takes some time of her messing about but soon enough, the television taking up nearly the entirety of one wall begins to turn on and with it, begins to appear what was essentially a slide-show of maps and different visuals.
"Just as Miss C.C.'s said. For about 50 years or so the area has been filled in nothing but an abnormal fog. All those that had been consumed by it at the time were never seen from. . .Till recently." Another slide comes and with it shows a small group of tents, people, and what appears to be that very same fog. "Within the last year, apparently there have been those that have been slowly released from the fog just as they left. For the world fifty years has passed without batting an eye, but for them it's only been a few minutes at best. Half a century passed by without warning. . .Thousands that have come out have thankfully been handled by humanitarian efforts to provide them shelter and support. The release of the ones captured has been great news for researchers. The recent situation has incited curiosity into the zone, and those that have been caught up in it were essentially considered time capsules of information. Especially to any high target individuals that had been lost all those years ago. But at the same time. . ."
"This situation has displaced thousands of Japanese." X finds herself cut off by Oz's remark, but with a solemn expression and nod she continues as she changes the slide.
"Obviously disappearing for fifty years, people have all but been assumed lost in the times. People have lost homes, their loved ones, and some have even speculated that this might also have something to do with the recent influx of incidents with the Jama Empire's monsters in that area. . .Though ignoring all that there's one issue even more important to the Black Knights I believe." Another slide shows up this time a heatmap of what was now considered Area 11. X began to point upwards at the monitor from the Area and the Kyushu Zone within.
"In the fifty years since some have been gone some within the Kyushu Zone have had to swallow a hard pill depending on where they lived. . .They may no longer be considered Free Japanese since their lands have been taken in by the Britannian Empire." She doesn't immediately say more than that. Partially to give those some time to saunter over her words and their potential implications.
<Pose Tracker> C.C. has posed.
"I guarantee you that I didn't check every little door and cabinet myself," C.C. affirms to Karma, rolling over atop the couch once she's finished her current slice of pizza, hands holding onto the edge. "...I got Ohgi to do that for me."
She does note Emilia's rather fussy fretfulness when it comes to picking out a pizza, and C.C. absolutely leans in to tease. "Going for the plainest option of all? Pizza is about luxury and indulgence, you know. It's supposed to be a spectacle for the senses, all laid out on a platter of divinely fluffy bread. I've always held that plain pepperoni's a terribly understimulating option, so I do hope you can push past your fears and try the excellent options I helped pick out."
...Back to brass tacks, with Ms. X's strategic overview of the situation in Kyushu after her more whimsical diversions.
"Ah yes, the humdrum question of 'once the monsters -are- dispelled, who actually owns the place, and how do we set up to make it in our favor'. Of course...we're viewing that as a matter of course, but we can't take it for granted, and assume the Jama Empire's about to tumble without us using resources we'd use to further our own goals. After all..."
C.C. gives a pointed little look to Kallen. "...we nearly lost our cute crimson ace there, and that alone could've caused a huge shift in our priorities. Was it an encounter with the monsters in question, Kallen, that gave you a terrible time?"
"Yes, we should consider the distinct possibility of the Jama Empire not simply withering away so easily. It could well wind up being yet another political force we actually have to negotiate with."
Karma Sato
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
Kallen isn't really in a position to argue with the notion that she's a hot-head. Because she IS... she just has places to focus it, instead of blasting her rage at everything in sight. Plus she has plenty of practice keeping it in check, given her other disguise. "Ah, well I can be a touch excessive on the field. Especially if they're looking down on us. That's where we've had the most consistent contact, so I understand getting that impression." She briefly thinks back to fighting that airship woman, and the girl in the Flag, but pushes the memories back down so she doesn't get lost in them.
There's a smile on her face of course, though it grows a touch stiff. "If you wouldn't mind though, we're still Japan. Please don't call it Area 11." Her eyes trail over to Emmy, glancing to make sure X isn't causing her any distress... She's well aware the girl has trouble with people suddenly being too familiar, especially bringing up her name. If there's a problem, she'll figure out something to help. "I suppose you know all our identities beneath the callsigns as well, hmm?" Well... probably not either of the masked guys who run the majority of the operations. But it might not hurt to fish for that info at some point. See how far her trail leads, and if it corroborates Kallen's own guesses about her fellows on the student council. Her own identity isn't really a secret within the Black Knights, given the original cell knew her as a child, and a few saw themselves as older brothers and sisters. ...Deeply frustrating older brothers at that.
Back to Kyushu, and C.C.'s questioning. She doesn't mind recounting the situation. "The Jama had taken over a creature NERV refers to as Angels... Yes, that beast, a fusion of Jama sorcery and alien biology was what caused the Guren's present state, and Miss Rakshata's recent sleepless weeks. It swallowed up myself and several other pilots on both sides. We had to make a joint effort to kill it from within and escape from its... aggressive interior." Very nonchalant about being eaten alive. That's worrying... though C.C. at least may notice. A little spark about the pilot that hadn't been there, originally. Like a flower waiting to bloom. Fitting, for the pilot of the red lotus.
<Pose Tracker> Karma Sato has posed.
Karma looks over at the green hair imp and accepts her answer, "Oh well if Ohgi did it, you should have just led with that." Apparently the reliability of Ohgi is legendary enough to quiet even Karma as he settles in for story time.
As Karma listens to the explanation of the situation he does his best to suspend disbelief. It sounds like a bunch of magic mumbo gumbo, as strange and weird as that whole getter incident in Britannia, New York. It all feels hard to believe but at the same time he had been swallowed by the same monster as Kallen a few weeks back. C.C.'s question to Kallen seems to bring the memories further up to the surface but Kallen seems to already be speaking to that.
Iinstead he looks at X as she explains about the people returning home, " So even though they weren't here fifty years ago, some of them are being welcomed back by there new overlords to inform them, oh right you are less of a person now." His eyes rolls and he looks at the floor with a heavy sigh.
<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.
Emmy is caught off guard by Miss X. Mostly because while she knew all this, she's not used to compliments. "O-oh I uh..." She gulps. "I don't. Know." Another pause. "I... got it se-second hand." She then looks down as X says her full name, her body tensing at the sound of her surname and her hand going to her locket. "Y-Yes. Just... Just Emilia, please." She also takes a quick breath in at talk of Oz bullying her. She knew not every Black Knight would accept her. She was an invader after all. Her expression turns dark.
She listens quietly to X's explanation. A lot of this is over her head, but she tries to take it in. But people losing their homes to time and Britannia.... C.C. disrupts her, though. "...It's too much." She says, with a firmness she usually doesn't have. "This much crust... costs flavour. And the slices are tiny." She takes a bite. It's fine, but... she starts tearing off the stuffed crust. Needless embellishment. "...simple is good. " She pauses again. "...needs oregano." The New Yark slice on her rare outings was a rare enjoyment. This is.... a pale imitation.
'We nearly lost our cute crimson ace in there...'
Emmy blanches. She knows it was a risk. She knows. They're fighting but. But that was before Kallen had reached out.
That makes it different. She looks to the redhead. And... NERV. They're the ones in charge of Getter. Her soft tearing of the crust becomes a sudden harsh tear, squeezing cheese on to her hand. She looks down at herself, and is suddenly embarrassed. Reaching for a napkin to remove the grease, she looks up at Kallen. "...it... ate you?" She missed so much, Behemoth, this... Could she have helped? Or were they better without her.
"...it's awful." Emilia says, with a sigh. "Britannia just have more Elevens to hurt... and their whole world is gone..." She wants to hurt someone. She wants to take her rage out on the knightpolice.
It would be nice if that was out of care for the new Elevens. Not her rage... at... Britannia....
Emilia looks down again. She did it again. *Again.* "...I"m sorry. I'm sorry..." Don't hate me, Kallen. Please don't hate me.
<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.
There's a small smirk for once that Oz shows on his face as he listens to C.C.'s remarks. A look so content and full of himself that it perhaps could have reminded her of another individual with a rather pungent disdain for Britannia. "The Jama Empire will prove to be a force that needs to be handled."
X could only cover her lips as she had taken heed of Kallen's remark. It was perhaps inappropriate to call it Area 11 in the Black Knights still. Something she'd need to think about more in the future. In the meanwhile though, it seemed it was her que to go,"Mhmm. We know about the recent events that transpired with Jama and Nerv. Though we'd like you for the time being as long as Jama doesn't actively involve itself in the next mission to consider them an entity not to engage. In fact. . .Our highest priority right now should be. . ."
From the corner she can hear Karma's remarks of what the Japanese released from the fog would be handling and she nods again. "Exactly what Karma said." The young man's given his time to shine before she continues.
"Since the territory is internationally recognized there's not much that can be done about it. It'd likely be simple if Britannia just agreed to allow the Free Japanese to take them in, but I don't believe they'd allow for anyone to try and say on the world stage that their Areas are somewhere that people try to escape from in flocks. . . So more than likely they'll take in who they can and from there. . ." It probably didn't need to be said. Their situation would become just like all the other Japanese having to live in Area 11, life in poverty and struggling as lesser citizens. Only now that problem would be exacerbated with population growth out of nowhere.
"Though from this situation comes opportunity. . . " At this point there's a strange detachment between the two. X's expression souring perhaps a bit. "Yes. . . Currently we have a few connections within Free Japan and outside the country that seem willing to take in the Kyushu Refugees if we can get them out of Britannian Territory. A majority of the logistics for taking in such a large number of people has already been handled thankfully but. . .The security detail for such a mission will be intense. Coordinating multiple vehicles on viable paths with defense teams, handling pursuit from Britannian forces right from the get-go, and while it's unlikely. . .Britannia could get support from other Blocs that could come in depending on if Britannia requests it. . .Some likely'll be obligated to throw their hat into the ring even if they don't support it behind closed doors. Frankly, if things escalate on this mission. . .The skirmishes that the Black Knights have taken a part in against Britannia will be nothing compared to what might be brought to Japan's doorstep."
It might make sense to a certain degree after all, messing with refugees being supported by the federation and the Blocs was likely something along the lines of what could be an international incident that no longer played on the scale the Knights had to usually handle just dealing with the Britannian Forces alone. In a literal sense, it could end up being a situation of the Black Knights versus the world. . .
"I believe we should still do it. Hence..."
This time it's Oz that ends up changing the screen as he picks up where X left off. "This mission will need to be split into several phases. The first being to make actual contact with the refugees. It doesn't matter how efficient or secure our defense is if we're unable to convince the refugees that what we're offering is worth the risk. So to do this we'll be taking advantage of Ashford Academy."
Again, X's expression began to hide behind the computer. Almost as if a bit ashamed of what was coming next. "A plan will be proposed to the student council to establish a trip near the Kyushu Zone to support the refugees. For the school and Britannia it would likely provide them good publicity that the nation is open and willing to support them. Though in the same vein it'll allow some of our members to sneak into the camps unsuspectedly and inform the refugees of the escape opportunity. Due to the risk of this information leaking through more than likely a few days will need to be taken to scope out which refugees would be more willing to leave, which would likely leak our plans, and which would potentially consider joining our cau--"
"Oz!" Ultimately the voice speaks up from behind the monitor. A look on her face was more serious than ever. "You're not seriously thinking of that are you? These people have just gotten out of a time bubble and you'd ask them to fight?! That's too much. . ." As if seeking acknowledgement from the others, she turns towards the others. C.C. , Karma, Emilia, Kallen, all of them get a look as though she's expecting some sort of chivalrous remarks from them as the Black Knights. Yet in the same breath, looking out to them. . .Oz also speaks a word.
"These people are phantoms of the past. . . Perhaps some will willingly pass on and leave to new horizons. Though there will always be those lingering spirits that choose to stay tethered, that'll choose to haunt those that have robbed them even if they can never get back what is lost. . ." Up to this point, the young man's voice seems. . .Disturbingly grim. For those still indulging in their pizza, it sadly could have left a sour taste in their mouths, and yet he continued.
"Even if we were only able to get a small fraction of the Kyushu refugees to join our cause, that'd be hundreds if not thousands of Black Knight members ready to take up arms. It's the kind of manpower that Mafty, Zero, and the Knights will need if they want to take down the likes of Britannia. Ultimately, the final choice of executing the plan will fall on Mafty and Zero. Though if you perhaps have the same kind of concerns as X here, all of you can feel free to voice them to the two. . ."
It's only now that Oz takes off from his seat and begins making his way over to one of the boxes to eat. X only watches from her spot as he does so before looking back to the others as if still waiting for what their answer would have been. It had seemed at the very least the mission briefing had concluded. What followed was up for debate. . .Literally.
<Pose Tracker> Karma Sato has posed.
Karma listens to the plan as it is laid out focusing more on the now then the ripples it will cause later. At the mention of not antagonizing them he nods , " I don't think anyone who went through it the last time is to willing to go through fighting another monster like that again." A shiver down his spine as he remembers the crunching sound of his Burai.
When it comes to seeking support from him about the people he meets Xs eyes, " When they come for you after they have come for everyone else no one else is left to speak up for you. You can go quietly into the night or you can choose to fight." Yes it was a mishmash of things but the point stands as he looks at Oz.
Looking over at Oz he raises one question he wasn't sure about, " What about the rest of us black knights who are not associated with the academy? Do we just watch from the sidelines for phase 1?" He looks around the room for a moment realizing that for the people not associated may just be him and Ms. X.
<Pose Tracker> Kallen Kozuki has posed.
A great deal of information has been exchanged... Kallen has much to think about here. But something takes precedent. While she's listening to the briefing on the Kyushu Zone, and a plan she'll have to express criticisms with soon enough, she raises a hand. A subtle, light squeeze to the shoulder of a girl losing herself to a panic spiral. Reassuring. A promise that she's okay. And while she noticed the slip... she also knows exactly how much deep conditioning is done on the families of money in Britannia. It's going to take time to completely stop thinking of it as Area 11, or stop from accidentally slipping and saying it without meaning to. That's why she reminds people carefully, if there's no malice in their words. Anger wouldn't accomplish anything there. She taps out a message one-handed on her phone, to quietly show her. She's pretty sure it's dangerous to send an actual text message yet. 'We'll talk about it after the meeting if you want to, okay? Please don't worry.'
And then refocusing completely. She understands the point being made here. About a refugee crisis. About how YET AGAIN 'Free Japan' is powerless, because of that spineless man. ...She begrudgingly respects Mazinger Z and its pilot, even if she has some resentment for him. She does understand the politically precarious position that would come from using the famous robot against human invading armies. However, she does NOT respect Gennosuke Yumi. That man... she'd love few things more than to punch his teeth in on live television. And most of those other things involve Britannian tyrants. "I'm fine with taking them in. Helping them find new lives and identities. Smuggling them out to other countries with fake identities if they like. But we won't ask them to join. Don't press them to it. It's true we need allies, but best we have those who want to fight of their own accord. If they feel like there's no choice before them... no. That only breeds resentment. And our mandate is that we're knights who bring justice for those with no power. With no-one who will stand up for them. Protectors of the disenfranchised and abused. An image we need to be working on mending and enhancing, considering its present state." She doesn't say why, but it's fairly obvious from her wording, that she disapproves of the recent Behemoth mess. Oh yes, she has many choice words about that clown show, but in private. She's aware it wouldn't go over well to say it in front of certain people who would vehemently disagree. Or certain other people who can't keep their mouths shut.
<Pose Tracker> Emilia Eschonbach has posed.
This is. This is *a lot*. Emmy's trying to follow. This is the sort of thing Zero should be discussing, shouldn't it? Not... her. And then he mentions Ashford. "W-wait-" That just... Hang on... "W-w-would this- would this- would this blow back on..." She takes a deep breath. They're making Britannia look good... and then... and then risking the one place that's accepted her? Risking...
"This... this doesn't do anything. Against Britannia..." She speaks before Oz had finished, and then slams her mouth shut like she's expecting to suffer for it. Oz is dangerous. She knows that. Dangerous and ruthless. Like she was supposed to be her. More like them. Kallen's hand reaches her shoulder, and the slight squeeze is... her arm shudders but she accepts it. She looks at the messages, and nods cautiously.
"They're... alive." Emmy responds, something messy rising her heart. "They're still alive. They. Not phantoms." She's not sure what she's trying to say but she's getting angry. The words are jumbling. "It... They." She bites her lip as Kallen speaks up. What she feels the Black Knights should be... but it's not that easy either, is it. It's not. It's.
"Wouldn't it... wouldn't the way Zero... recruited us be better?" She tries to work it. She saw the message. He assessed her. She made the cut. "If they. Want to fight th-th-then we should give them... give them the tools but if we... if we pressure them..." She grimaces. "Isn't that... what Britannia would do?"
The words out, she starts to retreat. She wants to hurt Britannia she doesn't... Maybe she's too naive. Maybe she needs to be harder. Maybe she...
This was easier when it was attacking a Knightpolice Headquarters. Can they go back to doing that? Simple revenge. Simply hurting a facsimile of the person who hurt her. She could manage that.
<Pose Tracker> Orpheus Zevon has posed.
"If you wish you can attempt to sneak in as a refugee at some point. Though the risks to entering would be higher for you. Not being a student means that if you're caught attempting to enter the zone and you're identified as someone from Area 11, questions will likely arise. However. . . " He takes a small breath as he looks Karma dead in the eyes. "You're full-blooded Japanese. If you're able to get in without being caught, tell your story, you'll likely have more weight convincing others than Kallen, Emilia, or myself would all have. It's just a matter of risk." It was high risk, high reward. If he was brought in, it would for sure be a credible source, but in the same vein if he was discovered at any time well. . .Their plans could go up in smoke upon his discovery. "I won't be too concerned though. I imagine either Zero or Mafty will have a way to get those not within the school without issue. . ."
It was a pretty straight forward discussion that ensued with Karma, but what came after well. . .Turning back to where X stays sitting there's a bit of a tough pill she finds herself swallowing as she hears Karma's remarks. It's a sentiment she understands, but there was so much more depth to it than that in her opinion. She finds herself slowly curling into a little smile as she sees Kallen's remark though. Orpheus on the other hand continues to eat his pizza calmly. He takes his time indulging in the slice like a certain green-haired woman, though as he finishes up, casually responding to one of Emilia's remarks as if it was a side question. He just stares at Kallen for a moment. He stares at this ace of the Black Knights and for a moment, the briefest moment well. . . It almost looks like he's looking down on her? Yes, it's definitely a look that feels condescending. It's the kind of look she's familiar with, and only emphasized by the fact that the one giving the look is of Britannian blood. Why he does it he doesn't say but well. . .
"That's fine. There's no need to ask those sorts of people to join." His eyes stared deeply into her own as if offering to let her view a piece of his soul. What would she see perhaps? "That's because they'll be the first ones to ask us to take them in. I hear that the Japanese are quite proud of their heritage, and plenty of them talk about preserving their homeland. . . It's truly noble like a knight for one to decide to take up arms to protect their allies, to protect what they have left. . . But. . .The darkness behind the mask. . .The black. . .That's a much simpler motivation. After all, before we're Britannian or Japanese. . .We're just people. It's simpler for people to take up a fight for something they lost themselves than fighting for. Or at least, that's just my experience in working for PMCs. I bet even someone like Zer--"
"ORPHEUS!" As she says the name aloud, the young man's eyes flutter for a moment. A small twinkle caught for Kallen to see if only in an instance of what felt like cold death. Though there's an irritated look as he turns back to X. Like she did something she really shouldn't have done. At this point he looks back to the rest in waiting with a long sigh. There's a look of annoyance, of guilt, and of fault to him before he begins to speak "It looks like I may have stepped out of line. . .Let's forget what we said here shall we. . .?" Partially he wished to have those last words muffled for convenience, though another part just wanted thoe last words not considered or thought of too much by the others from what X had said. Ultimately, he began to make his way out of the vehicle as well. . .
X however, she hadn't left just yet. In fact, she ends up getting up from her spot looking towards both of them, especially to Emilia and Kallen in particular and lowering her head.
"I know what you heard was nasty but please don't hold it against him. I know I was upset with him earlier too, but I know that Or--Oz wouldn't force anyone into this kind of life or put anyone in danger if he wasn't sure he could protect them. That includes those at your school. . ." She looks at Emilia as she makes that remark. Knowingly aware of her concern. "He doesn't say it often but he's someone who believes that the only ones who should be on the battlefield are those willing to kill. If the plan is to have the school involved in some way I don't think he plans to put them in a situation where they'd be harmed, and even if something were to. . .I know he doesn't show it. . .But he wouldn't let a finger be put on innocent people!" She says this with such confidence towards the two. As she speaks of this man that just spoke so harshly. As she spoke of this man who was only thought of moments ago as dangerous and ruthless. Still, she says those without a doubt, this person who likely knows Oz better than any other. It's something she's adamant about if anything. "But. . ."
X looks back towards the door, as if in contemplation of what to say next. As if it was okay to divulge things without his permission, especially after that little instance. The choice she makes though as she looks to them is though that:
"He won't deny those who want to get back at Britannia. Even if it means for them to choose clinging to a lost past, to. . . Stop looking towards a better future. He can't ignore that. I think that's what he meant by calling them phantoms. Because even if they're alive. . .Their lives. . .What he thinks they'd be fighting for is in the past. The things they can't get back. It'd be like acknowledging their inner demons as a reason to fight, He won't deny them that as a reason to fight. Cause it'd be the same as denying--" At this point, X finally stops. It's like she realizes that she's about to cross a boundary even she's not ready to cross. Clearing her throat she looks back towards everyone again with a smile, "Well, I imagine it'll be hard to convince you all one way or another. But if anything. . .I don't think Oz has given any of you reason on a mission to think he'll let you down. So I hope in this mission you'll think the same. Anyway. . .It was a pleasure to meet you all but I'm going to take my leave her as well." With another humbled lowering of her head, she'd take up her laptop and proceed to leave from the hideout.