2022-11-22: Empress
- Log: 2022-11-22: Empress
- Cast: Lilith Aiden
- Where: Von Braun City, Vist Offices
- Date: U.C. 0096 11 22
- Summary: Lilith, desperate for the power to fight Yuliana, makes a deal with the devil she was warned against.
Lilith Aiden doesn't make it to Von Braun that often. She finds the city of industry stifling, a sign of the endless war of the Universal Century. But now, the situation is urgent.
Dressed in a suit and pants, lilac hair up revealing her burn scar on her forehead, she steps into the office upon the fated time, eyes cold. A chair swivels, showing even colder eyes.
Martha Vist Carbine is practically the most important woman on the Moon. Getting an appointment is difficult, and keeping her attention even more so - but when you've been invited, and are answering that call, it's easier.
"Captain Aiden. Take a seat." There's little emotion in the elder woman's voice, as Lilith obliges, sitting down, body arced straight and determined.
"I'm here about your offer. I'd like to accept." Lilith's voice is hollow, but serious. Martha looks over her, briefly, before responding.
"I'm not stupid - of course that's why you've come. However, it's been weeks. We've begun looking at other candidates. Why should we continue to consider you, especially when you call on short notice?"
Lilith leans forward. She could say 'I need this', 'please'. Neither would have any positive effect. So she taps into that cold professionalism that Martha is likely to be receptive to.
"None of your candidates possibly have the degree of intel on the target that I do. Even disregarding his short stay on my ship, I have been informed of intel on his past - the kind that makes men doubt themselves - and I know every weak link he has. But knowledge isn't everything, and we both know that."
Martha seems faintly more interested, and bids Lilith to go on.
"I'm willing to pursue Laplace's Box at any cost. I have more piloting experience than likely several of your candidates put together. You've read my file. I have a lot on the line, and I'm not worried about ethics anymore. What I have, more than knowledge, is determination and relentlessness."
Martha closes her eyes, folding her hands across themselves. It's only mere moments before she decides - she had made part of her decision when the captain had arrived.
"Very well. We'll discuss terms of your contract-"
Lilith interrupts. The real reason she's here.
"I have an immediate condition."
Martha sighs. Of course she did. "Go on."
Lilith folds her hands across her lap, eyes focused on Martha with every word, yet distant from her. "Whatever weapon you want me to pilot, whatever tool you're having me use, because there's no other reason you'd want me - I want to use it to clean up a mess in the Federation, ASAP." Her euphemism is specific. There's no alternative for what she means.
Martha hides her expression behind a stone-cold mask, keeping whatever thoughts she has from her face, but her words are sharp. "You want us to permit you to use, what you presume is a prototype weapon, for a personal call?"
Indeed, Martha had Lilith's number. It was absolutely personal.
"Yes. And if you give me one shot, one chance to clean up this mess, *I'll be yours* afterwards. I have something I need to protect, and I'm willing to sign my soul away to you for this."
Martha thinks it over once more. "A devil I've been called many times. You're asking quite a lot."
"Consider it a test run." Lilith suggests, making a gesture of the hand. "If it goes bad, write me off, destroy my career. If it goes well…then you made the right choice. I know you can brush aside any consequences. You're goddamn Anaheim."
Martha finally laughs, mildly. "Indeed I am. Fine. Prepare the details within twenty-four hours. But remember what you've said. One chance, success or fail, and the terms are set."
"You won't regret this."
As Lilith left the office, she felt she'd won a minor battle. But the war had just begun.
Martha knew, as the door closed, she was the real winner of the dialogues.