2022-11-15: Without Regret

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<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita doesn't have the same awareness that some of her friends do. She can't hear the screaming, or feel the emotions rising. But she still has a good sense of things from her perspective, so she can tell something's up when parts of the Ra Mari start being cleared out. This feelings are confirmed when she's asked to help with the situation.

Of course, she accepts right away.

Moments later, when the hangar bay doors of the Ra Mari open, the VF-25 Messiah Rosetta emerges to greet the Unicorn. It helps guide the mobile suit inside, to the safety of the hangar. Once it is safely at rest, it lands once more and Anita emerges.

She doesn't know the full severity of the situation, but she can tell things are serious. She'll offer her help, whatever they might need her for. 

<Pose Tracker> Kamille Bidan has posed.

Seconds before he feels the pressure of the Psychoframe, Dr. Bidan drops his pen. Something is wrong. Something is wrong with Callisto, with...someone else?

And then he gets the call and the alarm, and he starts barking orders to the medical team. There's no time for Newtype Panic when he has to do his Actual Job. No one is going to die. No one else...

Following Eight's advice, he sets aside the ward for a 'contagious patient' so Banagher (banagher! banagher!! not him, please not that kid) and has staff wheel out a stretcher. He's out there with it soon enough, staring in horror at the Unicorn's condition before steeling himself.

Get the patient to surgery. Get the patient stabilized. Banagher won't remember /this,/ and Kamille will get through it the way he always does, by thinking of 'the patient.' 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

---One Day Later---

Still clinging to Leina's hand, Banagher drifts in and out of sleep. Telling her everything that happened was exhausting, and he's still a little woozy from pain medication and anesthesia. But he's alive, and well. Audrey is safe, Leina is safe, the Unicorn is safe. It's enough to bring him peace, for the moment.

Audrey has finally been talked into sleeping herself, resting in her quarters. If they have any luck at all, the young lady hasn't been spotted by anyone aboard the Ra Mari that would use that information to put them all in danger.

Waking up once more, Banagher smiles at Leina. "Sorry. I keep dozing off. I didn't expect to be so tired after all this. Do you think I could see Dr. Bidan sometime soon? I really need to thank him. And Captain York, and Anita... Everyone, really. They're taking such a huge risk taking care of us." 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Leina's wearing a green short sleeved blouse with a slight v neck and tan tapered pants as she holds his hand, Leina looks amused, "Hey no need to apologize for that. That was me what, a month and a half ago?"

With a sunny smile she squeezes his hand, "Dr. Bidan already knows you're up and - I told the Captain. So I'm sure they'll all be in soon." 


<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

A day later, Eight has managed to keep things under wraps, but she won't be able to forever. For now it's fine. But she's glad to hear that Banagher has woken up, for his own sake and also for the sake of her ship.

"Hey, Annie," she says, walking by her as she goes. "He's awake. Let's go see him, yeah?"

She doesn't go into detail. Talking quietly together is enough for that, and in short order, the Captain of the Ra Mari is in the medical bay. "Hey there," she says, and while she's friendly, she is not as effusive as she might be. She's concerned!

<Pose Tracker> Kamille Bidan has posed.

Kamille has managed to keep prying eyes out of the 'contagious' patient ward. At least a stab wound like that is easy to treat, and the lingering pain receptive to sedatives. Still, he didn't sleep very well waiting for Banagher to awaken. Medical knowledge is one thing, emotions something different entirely.

He appears in the doorway when he hears the voices, in his medical officer gear and with faint dark circles under his eyes. "You don't need to thank us," he insists. "I mean, if you want to commend the medical team's work, or Eight's fast thinking and Annie's quick assistance..." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

A day has passed. Anita is worried about the new patient, but there's not a whole lot she can do but wait and be ready to lend a hand if it comes down to it. Eventually, though, she receives news - good news, for once.

"Really? That's good to hear. Yeah, right behind you." Anita replies with a nod. She follows Eight down to the medical bay and, as she steps into the room where Banagher is resting, she offers a wave of greeting toward Banagher and Leina.

"Hey there." She greets with a smile, as well as a grateful nod toward Kamille before looking back toward Banagher.

"How're you feelin'? Need anything?" Anita asks. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"You were way cuter, though." Banagher says, trying a wink again. It's a little messy, but he succeeds! "Thanks for letting everyone know, Leina. Do they know Audrey's here?"

As if on cue, Captain York, Anita, and Doctor Bidan arrive. Along with someone he doesn't recognize, but if she's trusted by the Ra Mari crew, she must be fine. Banagher smiles at all of them, half-sitting up. Ow.

"Captain York, thank you -- so much." Banagher says, emotion heavy in his voice. "I don't think I'd be alive if you hadn't taken us in. I know this is against your orders, and -- I'm putting you all in danger. I won't stay longer than I have to, I promise."

Dr. Bidan's appearance inspires a bit of concern. Banagher can see the exhaustion on his mentor's face. "Dr. Bidan! You really are here. I don't know how the Unicorn found you, but -- I'm so thankful. For all of it! The medical team's work, Captain York and um --" A glance at the unknown person. "Annie? It's nice to meet you. Thank you, too." Back to Dr. Bidan. "Are you alright?"

"Hey, Anita." Another smile. It really does feel great to be visited. "I'm a little fuzzy on everything that happened before now, but I'm so much better than I expected to be. I don't think I need anything, but--" A glance at Leina. "Have Leina and Audrey been eating enough? I know when I was watching over Leina in the hospital, I lived on vending machine food."

"I should really explain what happened." Banagher murmurs, sitting up fully with a slight grimace of pain. "I had a passenger with me in the Unicorn. We were trying to save Loni Garvey, and heard she appeared. But she's like Amuro now, and -- it didn't work. The battlefield was really awful."

His voice is soft, and he doesn't meet anyone's eyes through the explanation. "My passenger gave up on trying to fight Loni after..." A very long pause. it's difficult to think of a sufficient explanation without violating Callisto's privacy. "Things went badly. She cut herself out of her harness with some kind of knife, and then um." A gesture toward his chest. "I don't know if she meant to or not." 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

"Flatterer." Leina replies to Banagher with a wink, "And yeah. Though I'm trying to keep her a little bit on the down low."

As they all appear, one by one. Leina lets go of Banagher's hand for just long enough to lightly propel herself towards Dr. Bidan in the microgravity and... gives him a hug.

"Dummy." She tells him affectionately with a smile, "As if I wouldn't thank you for this."

She's not fully recovered herself, undergoing PT right now but... with the conditions of microgravity she's at least mobile without extreme pain or chance of reinjury.

"Thank you."

Leina moves to Kamille's side after for a time, listening to him thank everyone, and ask questions. Banagher asks if her and Audrey have eaten well and she gives him an incredulous look, with a hint of mirth, "What? Don't believe me? Three square meals at the Mess hall. And I've made sure Audrey is eating too."

He explains what's going on... and Leina's expression takes on a bit of a grim cast when Banagher says he's not sure if she meant to or not. Leina's turned over what Ennil was trying to do in her head... if it was intentional, then it must have been on impulse. If it was accidental...

... well people make all kinds of stupid decisions when driven by guilt. Given what happened next, this is likely one of them. She decides not to weigh in, as it will lead to... an awkward discussion, on how she knows her.

Banagher doesn't discuss Callisto, because Leina asked him not to... as not all of the Ra Mari knows the entirety of... her past. It was an agreement that she'd update them on that part. So once he finishes, she starts up.

"...Banagher gave me the update on Callisto."

And without asking... Leina presses the button to shut the door to the Sick Bay. "I can't say everything without breaking her privacy, but..."

The Newtypes will feel the white hot anger from her, no matter how much her walls are up. It's strange how calm she sounds in contrast, "... Full Frontal used some deep conditioning sleeper command on her. Somehow he knew such a thing existed... I don't think Callisto herself did. She turned on everyone who was fighting the Shamblo with her and shot them all down."

Leina inhales sharply, "Lieutenant Alma Stirner is likely with her right now. The two have a connection which... I can't really go into, but I promise if they're together, then she'll take care of her." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

"You let me worry about 'orders'," Captain York says. "...But I appreciate that all the same."

Eight is used to seeing Kamille tired, so it's not super weird, but she doesn't tell Banagher not to be concerned. Instead she listens. "I've even see her eat some of them," Eight comments on the square meals.

But...

"Oath Over Omega," Eight says of 'Like Amuro'. "I see. I'm glad you got away from that as well as you did."

But Callisto...

"So that's what I felt," Eight says, and that heat of anger flushes through her as well, her aura burning red. "That she could be put through that..." Her hand curls, but she doesn't lose her cool. Not since Yuliana...

"All right. As long as she's taken care of. But I want to see her for myself, as soon as I can. She's..."

Eight stops, and shakes her head. "She's like a big sister to me. I won't let this go unanswered." 

<Pose Tracker> Kamille Bidan has posed.

Not addressing his own condition because HE IS THE DOCTOR THAT IS HIS JOB, Kamille shudders. "It's...taking more people, then? Though I hate to say it, but Loni might be safer with /them/ even if she's not safe to be around in that state..." He digs his pockets into his coat. How frustrating to see someone lost to that force and think, at least they're being used by the universe and not their superiors.

And then he hears about Callisto, and that wave of anger Leina displays is magnified by a blaze of his own, even if all that happens outwardly is his gaze goes cold and his eyes narrow.

"Fuck. I don't care if he is or isn't-that's /unforgivable./ He's going to pay for that, on her behalf and yours, I promise." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"That's our Eight. She's got her priorities in order." Anita comments proudly. It might be against orders, but it's helping someone who needs it. If that's against orders, then those orders aren't worth following. Banagher asks about Annie, though, and Anita raises a hand. "That's me! My pals call me Annie."

He says he's a little fuzzy, but better than he expected to be.

"That's good. A lot better than any of us hoping, honestly, so that's a pleasant surprise." She comments. Banagher says he doesn't need anything... but, Anita can't help but grin when his most immediate worry is whether or not Leina or Audrey have been eating.

There you have it." Anita says with a nod as Leina confirms that she has, in fact, been eating properly, and she's made sure that Audrey has been, too. "You're recovering from a pretty nasty wound, so it's okay to worry about yourself a little too right now, you know? Lemme know if that changes and I'll grab you something right away."

But, Leina has something to say about Callisto. Anita's expression, which up to this point had been friendly and casual, goes serious.

"...What happened?" Anita asks. And Leina explains - Full Frontal used some kind of conditioning command on her... Anita doesn't often become visibly angry, but anger crosses her face now. She looks away from everyone for a moment.

"...Seriously? That rotten..." Anita mutters darkly. She shakes her head. "...Yeah, I can't let that slide, either."

She's a little relieved, though, to hear that Callisto is with Alma.

"She is...? That's good, at least. Alma, she's... she's good people. Callie's in good hands." Anita says. She doesn't know their connection, but Alma's a friend of hers, too. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Leina's winks are so much more powerful than his own. Banagher blushes immediately, a silly grin on his face.

It feels like he's going to spend the rest of his life thanking people. "I'll leave it to you, then, Captain." What a relief, one less worry on the young pilot's shoulders.

"Thank you." Banagher says to Leina, still smiling, but his voice is serious. "I'm so thankful you've both had each other. And thank you for watching over them as well, Captain York." Nobody deserves to survive on those weird, over-sweet frosted cookies and graham crackers. It was a dire time.

Thinking back to the Unicorn caught in the Shamblo's grasp, bathed in orange light, Banagher can't help but shudder a little. "It was a close thing. Loni had us for a little while, after --" Thankfully, Leina saves him from explaining further.

As Leina brings up Callisto, Banagher's face is grim. He watches everyone's reactions, curling in on himself a bit at the sheer strength of anger in the room. A hand comes up to cover his right eye, and he breathes softly. Ride the wave, Shelby said. He can do that.

"He's a lot stronger than I'd like him to be." Banagher says, quietly. "That man was literally created and groomed to be Char Aznable, and all his piloting skills definitely came through. We have to take him down, but -- please be wary. He doesn't care about anyone or anything, as long as he accomplishes his mission. In order to get Unicorn, he was willing to even kill Audrey."

"I wish I could've done something. I was so focused on Loni that I didn't even notice Full Frontal was there until it was too late. But Leina and Anita are right -- Miss Alma is wonderful. She took care of me when I had no idea what I'd stumbled into. If you ever get the chance, her cookies are amazing. I'm certain Callisto is eating some of them right now."

"Thank you very much, Anita." Banagher smiles at her. "I'm sure I'll be really hungry once I'm more awake. I'll be counting on you."

After a bit of a pause, Banagher looks at Leina, then the crew of the Ra Mari. "Full Frontal cares about the Box more than anything. And he has this weird obsession with Amuro Ray. If either the Unicorn or Amuro is somewhere in the open, I'm sure Full Frontal would appear. If you want me to, I'll happily serve as bait, and we can try to take him down. But we need a really solid plan. He's not someone to take lightly." 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Banagher offers his own thanks to the Captain, and so too does Leina, "And thank you, Captain for being willing to bring him and Audrey aboard. I know it's a big risk for you and your people."

There's a lot of anger in this room right now over Callisto between Banagher, herself, Eight, Anita, and Kamille. Leina looks at Eight and there's an interesting dynamic present. Eight is older, but Callie is like a big sister to her. Leina is younger, but she's like a little sister to her.

And she can guess why.

Part of her wants to smile again about the family she's found, but it's buried beneath a mountain of anger.

"Yeah. Me too. As soon as possible. I've hesitated asking you, Captain, to put in a call to the Gwennangorn because... Vist has commandeered their crew before for their own purposes..."

She clears her throat, "... when they illegally detained me at my school. So it's quite likely they're watching them. And I don't want the Ra Mari to attract their attention right now for... obvious reasons."

Like having the Unicorn, Banagher, and the Princess of Zeon on board all at the same time.

She does manage a smile at Anita finally, "She is. She's the reason why... well, I'm out of that situation at my school. She stood up to Vist, even though she knew it would mean punishment for her."

There's a prolonged pause as Banagher explains Full Frontal and his strength. And Leina's expression grows... concerned, "I don't really like the idea of using you as bait, Banagher. I know you feel responsible for him... but surely there's a better way than that? I agree that Full Frontal doesn't care about anyone or anything but the box from the way he spoke to us but... that makes him even more dangerous. He'll have no qualms going to any lengths in order to capture you. Even if it meant sacrificing all of his subordinates to do so." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

Eight smiles at Anita, if briefly. She appreciates Anita's faith in her. As for the thanks, well...

"I'm just doing the right thing. So you're welcome."

Eight has encountered Alma, but not as closely as the others; the reactions are a relief. But FUll Frontal, and what he wants...

"We're not going to just use you as bait," Eight says, quashing perhaps the entire idea on that front at once. "...As for the Gwennangorn, I'm not planning to risk any other people becoming involved with all this. And the longer we go without me having to openly talk to Vist, the better, because I'm not interested in being commandeered."

"...As for 'bait', we /don't/ have such a good plan, and we're not desperate enough to try it without one. So don't even worry about that; it's not on the table right now. I don't like using people that way. If anything, we might be better off finding this 'Box' before he does."

"But Annie's right. Worry about yourself some, Banagher. I insist." 

<Pose Tracker> Kamille Bidan has posed.

Kamille seems to cycle through anger and confusion as Banagher explains more about Full Frontal. That, and there's a spike of hurt underneath it all. He would shield it if he could, if he had the concentration at the moment.

To use his own memories of Quattro against him, to lie to him like that...it /is/ like Char. Is it?

"Captain and Leina are right," he says instead, crossing his arms. "You're not responsible for him or for anything he does. I can say if he's drawn to Amuro Ray, it's because of that-what you said about him being conditioned to be a new Char. Those two are tied by some kind of fate. In the meantime, doctor's orders are that you get some rest, and I know I can't ask you not to put yourself in danger again, but...do it wisely."

He knows this a hypocritical thing for him to say. He knows!

His expression softens just slightly at Leina. "Is that why you were 'detained' at school that one time? Should have known." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"...Sounds like you both have had a really hard time. I'm sorry." Anita says apologetically with a shake of the head, looking between Banagher and Leina. Between everything happening to Banagher right now and Leina being detained by the Vist Foundation... neither of them deserve any of this.

She exhales, letting her anger cool down for a bit. ...She's relieved, though, when Eight makes it clear she has no intention of using Banagher as bait. She sends a smile her way.

"Something's gotta be done about him eventually, yeah, but... we've got time. No need to rush into things. Just relax and take things one step at a time." Anita says.

She smiles, then, and nods toward Banagher.

"No problem - glad to help." She says. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

It's Banagher's turn to broadcast a hot burst of anger, now. "I still can't believe they would do that. I'm so sorry, Leina. I'm thankful Miss Alma was there." Another thing he'll have to thank Alma for, the next time they meet.

At everyone's reaction to his offer to serve as bait, the young man looks almost bewildered. "You're all so angry with him. He's hurting so many people. Are you sure? I could do it. Unicorn and I are strong enough."

Of everyone present, Leina's reaction makes the most sense. Banagher nods, looking at her apologetically. "I could never fight the people I've spent time with, even if it meant taking Frontal down. It's... if we could isolate him, maybe..." It isn't likely. Banagher knows that, but he's so eager to help the people who have sacrificed to save him.

Eight gets a soft nod. "Alright. Thanks, Captain York. I admit, the search for the Box has been stalled out since Torrington. We have the next coordinate, but getting there when the Unicorn is on everyone's wanted list is practically impossible." At her insistence, Banagher smiles shyly. "Yes, Captain."

That is, really, the problem that led to Torrington. But Banagher will never try a 'distraction' plan again.

Banagher has felt Kamille's hurt and anger about Full Frontal before, but it's stronger now, with the man's walls down. There's a sense of regret from the young pilot that he has to bring this news to his mentor and bring him even more pain. Banagher's 'Are you sure?' seems mostly directed at the doctor. Golden eyes watch him carefully, but Kamille seems genuinely against this plan. Banagher nods to himself.

"I can't say no to that." Banagher says, his voice quiet, thankful. "I'll rest for as long as I can. This bed is a lot nicer than the one in Sweetwater. Before I go anywhere -- I'll talk to you. All of you. I know I can trust you, now."

Anita echoes the words of her comrades. The crew of the Ra Mari is so in harmony, it reminds Banagher of the Garencieres in a way. Different kinds of families, brought together by terrible circumstance. "Thank you, Anita. I -- well. If you all wanted me to do this, I would. But I admit I'm scared of him. Frontal tracked Audrey and I down and put a heat axe through the ceiling of the building we were in. I was terrified." A soft pause, Banagher remembering the crashing of wood drywall. "I'm not in any rush to see him again." 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Leina's glad that EVERYONE ELSE are the ones telling Banagher to worry about himself. It's much more effective than her doing it when the room is unanimous. If it makes her a hypocrite? Well that's not something she has to examine right now.

She's also just as glad that everyone is shooting down the 'use himself as bait' plan. Because she knows Banagher is far too eager to offer himself as it, due to the way she feels.

"In a sense I chose this." Leina confides in Anita, "I knew fully what I was getting into asking this guy out - but, that doesn't mean it excuses Vist.

As Kamille asks, Leina just nods with a sort of nonchalant expression, "Afraid so. They were hoping to intimidate me into revealing where he was."

With the push of a foot, she moves herself back to the bedside, where she takes Banagher's hand anew and squeezes it, "Didn't really work out for them. So they've been surveilling me ever since hoping I'd lead them to him. Captain York helped me lose them in Londenion."

She can feel his hurt over the whole situation, but she can't muster up the courage to ask him to talk about his feelings on Quattro and Full Frontal to... everyone. Leina just gives him a sympathetic look...

... before turning back to Banagher, "And I'll enforce that. Strict bedrest until Dr. Bidan says otherwise." Leina tells him before winking playfully, "Payback for not letting me try to walk to the pool during physical therapy."

Banagher discusses how terrified he was at the event, and Leina just squeezes his hand, "I can only imagine... I was only on the phone throughout all of that... and I was terrified for the two of you..."

Reaching out with her opposite hand and... puts her finger right on his nose, "... so no more planning on how to take down Full Frontal from a hospital bed, alright? Think a little smaller. Like maybe focus all that mental energy on planning our next date instead." An eyelid descends in a wink, "Think that'd be way more fun." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

Eight nods to Anita. There's a lot going on, but... They can take care of their /own/ actions at least. "Listen to her," Eight suggests.

Eight... /can/ believe they would do that. She saw similar things for herself. But, for Banagher, "It doesn't matter that you're strong enough to handle it--people should never just be a means to an end. I won't use you like that."

The Box... hmmm.

"Good," Eight says of Bangher talking to them. She looks concerned at the matter of a heat hawk through a /building/, but. Well.

"I did," Eight answers about helping in Londenion. "It was when I was on that date with Lavhi," she explains for Anita's sake. "That's why we came back early. Oh, but don't worry," she says to Leina, "We still had plenty of fun." A wink. She knows it's not that important in the greater scheme, but...

"She's right. You should plan dates instead of battles. They're a lot more fun." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Banagher assures that he can do it, that he and Unicorn are strong enough. Eight says it doesn't matter, and Anita nods with a smile.

"...Yeah. That's not our way." She agrees.

Anita chuckles good-naturedly, then, as Leina confides that she chose this, and then nods.

"Oh, yeah, they're one-hundred percent at fault. You two should be able to just spend your time with each other, not having to dodge creeps who just want to use you." She replies, shaking her head. "It's gross."

Eight confirms that she did help out Leina before and Anita smiles as she brings up her and Lavhi's date.

"Oh yeah? I was wondering what was up with that... Glad you two still got /some/ quality time in." She says.

Banagher thanks her, then, and admits that he's afraid of him. Anita offers a sad, sympathetic smile.

"...Yeah, I don't blame you, after something like that... That's just awful." Anita replies. "And, hey - it's alright to be afraid. If you need to talk about it, I'm sure any one of us would be glad to listen sometime." 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Banagher laughs lightly as Leina confides in Anita, blushing a bit. "Sorry..."

A grateful look as Leina returns, and he squeezes her hand back. Everything feels so much more bearable with her by his side. "Yes ma'am." Another wink, and another blush from Banagher. "It's only fair. But I don't regret it, not for a second."

"Thank you, Captain, and you too, Anita." Banagher's voice sounds tired. "I really owe you guys after all this."

Eyes soft, Banagher tries to put himself in Leina's shoes during that phone call. The noise, hearing him and Audrey scream -- "It must've been horrible. But you're the reason we got out of there. I'll always be grateful." Going a little cross-eyed as Leina boops his nose, Banagher grins. "A date! I do owe you the best one ever. I guess now's the perfect time to work that out."

Turning to Eight, Banagher playfully asks, "Captain York, maybe you could give me some tips? You seem like a pro, and I've only ever been on one date."

Anita is given a surprised look once again. Her kindness for someone she's only met once... "Thank you. I -- think I might take you up on that."

Before Banagher can say anything more, he yawns, sinking back into the bed. He's been fighting back exhaustion for a while now, trying to keep himself awake through this conversation. But now... "I think I'm falling asleep." He murmurs, eyes half-closed already. "Thank you all again, so much. I'm... really grateful..."

And he's asleep, one hand still holding tight to Leina's. Banagher looks so much more like the child he is like this. Perpetually messy brown hair half-obscures his eyes as his breathing evens out.

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