2023-01-10: Monster

• Log: Monster
• Cast: Leina Ashta, Elisa Kafim
• Where: Near the Mass villa/in the Silent Castle (Video call)
• Date: January 10 0097
• Summary: Leina initiates negotiations with Elisa over a particular set of matters. They both develop opinions.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

When the appointed time comes, Leina Ashta isn't in her home. She's not in the Villa grounds, within range of their security measures.

She's seated on a simple worn picnic table, a few kilometers out, the Valencian coast predominating the background. She's dressed in a tan pantsuit, with a dark blouse beneath, and beneath the table her pair of flats has been switched out for a pair of trainers - but the flats are still there.

Nearby, there's someone keeping an eye on her, with certain instructions on how to respond to different kinds of behavior from her. However, they're nowhere in sight, and while Leina can sense them, it doesn't precisely work like a radar.

She's also notably unarmed, though there's a weapon nearby for her use if need be, she just doesn't have access to it.

Her burner video phone is cradled in front of her, and there's a smile on her face, she's done her makeup, there's a nice jeweled barrette on the left side of her hair.

When the call comes, she answers, her smile positively sunny, "Hello, it's very nice to see you again Doctor Kafim. I hope the day finds you well."

And then she lets Elisa take over, to set the initial pace of conversation. She's still not quite certain whom or what she's dealing with, so the last thing she should be is presumptuous about the initial conversation.

She does however try to mark any signs of green Jewelry, and where they are on her person.

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.

Elisa Kafim's face appears on the screen. She is in fact wearing some green crytal earrings. Rather than the black attire she wore before, she is in more ordinary clothes today, a violet dress with makeup of her own. She is veyr well put-together. The wall behind her is cold, gray stone. And...

She is smiling. Vaguely.

"Good day, Miss Ashta. I am pleased that you have made use of my number." A pause. "Oh, yes. I am well. And you?" It is like a script she remembers to follow. But once the pleasantries are dealt with...

"So, as to your request. I will tell you when I am prepared to move on it. We can discuss that, if you like, but I have little else to say for the moment about it. I simply must test her tolerance for the treatment."

She pauses, then. "...But your suggestions were interesting to me. They suggest an... issue, with the Major and the Institute. I would like you to tell me more of your feelings on this."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Leina marks that Elisa is in normal clothing today, and that her earrings are some kind of green crystal. She does briefly check for rings or other jewelry that might have the same. Mostly though she notes how subdued her intentionality is.

It's vaguely on her but...

... not much else what it might be.

"Quite well, thank you for asking." As she completes the small talk, like an actor in a play, reading her own lines back, noting how Elisa exchanges pleasantries.

She then quiets down and listens, and when she's finished,

"Thank you. No, there's no need to discuss it further. You already understand my desires for the condition I want her to be returned in, so nothing else needs to be discussed at this time."

To you, she doesn't add, because she feels any other details of the matter - however, she does mark of course what Elisa's priority is, it is as she suspected before. Leina doesn't know what she's dealing with, and isn't certain if she can define their dynamic in the standards of human relationships.

"Of course, I'd be happy to discuss this. To put it plainly I think the institute is a poor fit for your Yuliana. Certainly you understood this already from your talk of 'correction' of the Major and Doctor Devi. However, I believe it goes beyond that. When I made my suggestions to you the other day, Yuliana was actively uncomfortable. This implies she has a traumatic response merely even to their presence. Of course, I now respectfully withdraw those suggestions, knowing her discomfort."

Leina keeps her tone sedate through all of this, trying her best to remain blessedly neutral in how she describes it.

"I'm quite familiar with men like Major Vinh Pham, and I had cause to watch them interact at a party they were attending together. I was not impressed with his treatment of her, namely he treats her as if she were merely this unruly weapon under his control, playing house as a woman. Honestly, I have my suspicions of how he regards you and your marriage, that he was trying to sow the seeds of suspicion, to attempt to turn her against you long term - but at this time I have no direct proof save that I know men of his kind and how they think... I've also seen visions of Doctors at the institute, and their treatment of Yuliana over the years. I have to say, I do not like any of it. I would like the institute to be shut down."

She continues smoothly to the next thought however.

"She indicated to me before your phone call that she is becoming disenchanted with her country, that she's even punishing them in certain ways. She told me of how distraught she was to find out how they regard her as a Cyber-Newtype. I believe she is beginning to understand that nearly everything they have had her do for her country is part of a campaign of manipulation and control - to prevent her from ever considering leaving. Her... wetwork, so to speak, is only to convince her the penalty for leaving is death - and that there is no escape. You and I both understand of course, that that's not true. Plenty of people have left, and live lives outside of the REA. It is only the careless, or the powerless that fall victim, and you are neither of those things."

Leina's tone only subtly shifts at this point, however it is a slight positive upswing, as if she felt there was hope on the matter-

"This loyalty, this fear is so deeply ingrained within her mind, that I believe she will need your support to convince her to cross that line. Even so deeply disenchanted, it is a struggle for her, given how tangled up she is in their web."

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.

Elisa gives off little. Perhaps even nothing. That could be the distance... but no, that isn't how it works, is it?

She doesn't show her hands or her arms.

"Lovely."

Indeed. She understands. And that is enough for now. And as they discuss, Leina indicates her feelings about the Institute and about the REA both. She thoughtful as Leina speaks; her expressions are much more subdued than they were when she was dealing with Yuliana, superficial in their way. She is listening, but she is not /reacting/ very much at all. SHe considers... Respectful withdrawal of those suggestions. Yes.

"Allow me to say first," Elisa says, magnanimous, "That you are correct about Major Vinh Pham. Did you know? When I spoke with him, he attempted to persuade me to submit to the REA's scientists as well. Obviously, I did nothing of the sort. But your suspicions are correct. He does not view her as a person. He views her as a tool. And it makes me..." She considers her words. "Quite angry."

"The seeds of Dr. Devi's destruction have already been sown. But her country is... a more complex matter."

"I will, of course, support her in whatever she does. But my hands are tied, as regards the REA and the Institute. I have the power to dismantle it--but I cannot. I have promised her her autonomy in her work, and that I would not destroy her countrymen as a rule. ...No matter how vile their intentions and actions."

"Your visions interest me--but I have seen the Institute for myself. I was unable to stop its operations entirely without attracting undue suspicion, but as Yuliana indicated, I have spared her much of their attentions by giving the scientists more... interesting things, to research. Regardless, I agree. There is trauma."

"Do you have a solution?" Elisa asks, her eyes focusing.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

The distance is very much not a factor in Leina's case. Thus it is eerie to feel so little. As it is to watch Elisa's reactions to all of this. And there is also so very little, when Yuliana is not in the picture.

It speaks volumes about what she's dealing with, but also gives her so very little simultaneously.

"While it's good to have my suspicions confirmed... that is upsetting." Leina says of Major Vinh Pham, "Men like him anger me as well." She has very good reason to be angry at men like him.

She furrows her brow at her country being a more complex matter, nodding along as she says. As she says she has the power, but cannot, part of her is disappointed - but also relieved. She cannot imagine what would happen to the other victims if Elisa were involved.

Her words do make sense however. Leina listens to her in full, and then-

Does she have a solution?

"A solution..." She echoes, looking thoughtful under Elisa's focused gaze, "Let us suppose hypothetically for a moment that I and a good friend of Yuliana's had a personal interest in shutting this place down. That I can guarantee that your Yuliana's life will be protected by said friend of hers who is quite powerful in her own right - should she make the decision to defend the Institute with her life. That the casualties of her countrymen would be kept to the barest minimum, and that their victims would be extracted."

Leina smiles thinly at Elisa.

"Would this purely hypothetical scenario be something you feel you could allow to go forward unimpeded without breaking your promise to your Yuliana?

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.

At least Elisa doesn't drown out the feelings of /others/. There is that.

"It is," Elisa agrees, upsetting. "I think they should anger more of us," Elisa says of such men. But the complex matter... yes. It is probably relieving, really. But for the moment, Elisa is most concerned with a potential solution, and so Leina offers one. A good friend...

'Her' Yuliana. Yes, Leina knows her place.

"Hmmm...." She considers. "Hypotehtically," she says. Leina smiles at her. Elisa does not smile back; she is thoughtful enough that she forgets to put on such an expression. "I have no issue with rescuing the others. That would be... nice, in fact. So long as Yuliana remains the top priority. Her countrymen... Yes, she would prefer that, I think."

"If this hypothetical solution were to become real... Then yes. I could allow it to go forward. I did not promise to /protect/ the Institute or the REA, only that I would not destroy them. And it would be good for her, as you say." Pause. "Oh, and..."

"Her friends, the 'Nega Force'. Attempt to protect them as well."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Elisa forgets to put on a smile.

This is fine.

Elisa responds to her hypothetical with what one might do in this scenario. "It sounds then as if we have an accord under these purely hypothetical conditions. Naturally, I would want to see the Nega-Force protected, and offer them the same opportunity to depart from the REA."

With that it certainly sounds as if the call would be settled. After all, Alma and Yuliana's fate, and the fate of all the Cyber Newtype subjects of the lab are her only concerns right?

A hand slowly touches the other arm, rubbing it, she averts her gaze only subtly, trying to keep her focus on the earrings.

"You know. Your Yuliana once told me of how she sees the world. There was a lot that we had in common, for example... sometimes, I feel the hollow spaces where people ought to be. She allowed that I may indeed understand something, of the nature of emptiness."

This is dangerous ground, thus she's being extraordinarily careful, careful, framing it entirely in terms of Yuliana's allowance of her within her life.

They know far too little about this dimension hostile to their reality.

"I was hoping you could tell me more of it... and the eyes, I sometimes feel upon me."

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.  

Elisa's resting expression is not particularly malevolent. It's just... distant. Distance in her eyes, distance in her face, like she's not entirely part of this world. Which may well be true. However...

The earrings don't glow.

"Good," Elisa says of the accord, and then she listens. "Hmmm. So she believes that you have seen into the depths...?"

Elisa is interested in this potential truth. She's very interested indeed, and Leina may feel Elisa's full attention upon her; she is no longer distracted, no longer so distant. It is very much like a snake's eyes, watching intently. And that allowance...

"If you succeed in this endeavor," Elisa says, "You will be worthy of more of that information. But it seems that you have seen Her. ...She awaits, in the Void. Calling. My Yuliana is dear to her..."

"Hm hm. Yes. If you can succeed in this endeavor, I will tell you more. But be wary. There are truths which, once revealed, can never be un-revealed. I will not give you such a truth casually. But know that they exist. For now... It is best if you move on from that topic. She does not like to be disturbed."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

"She has allowed that I might have." Leina answers simply, not confirming with absolute certainty something she is almost wholly ignorant of.

Leina's eyes are upon the green crystal of the earrings the whole time, and when Elisa's move on to her like a Viper's, it is hard not to flinch. She thought she knew Vipers, Neo-Zeon was a den of them - Aristocrats fighting each other almost as much as they did the Federation.

This predator is far less human, and she feels the whole weight of that gaze.

"Yes, I believe I have." Seen her, "And ... I thought that might be the case." Of being disturbed.

Yuliana is /dear/ to that gaze. Gods, what has she gotten herself into. She definitely does not cite Shari's words of 'She doesn't like you.'

A truth not to be spoken casually. "I understand, then I will not bring it up again until that condition has been met."

She needs intelligence, she needs to give Sayaka something to work with, something, her mind is whirling on what else she can bring up. However it becomes apparent that the more she tests her patience, the worse off she'll be. Right now she's kept her respect, and her attention.

If she probes more on her powers, her intent becomes obvious. Too obvious. Her eyes remain on those green crystals. If only she could procure one for Sayaka safely...

... but she's not certain she can, not from her, and not from Alma.

A small idea does occur to her however, "... I have one final concern to bring to your attention, this relates a touch to Alma but not of her release." She begins slowly, "Recently she assaulted me and someone dear to me. Understand that I don't want for her to be punished... but she made use of your gifts, upon us both." Leina offers quietly, "I came out mostly unscathed, but her sense of self was harmed deeply. I want to know if there's anything that can be done to hasten the recovery process. ... I ask this out of concern for her future well-being."

This at least seems safe enough, out of concern for her loved one, even Elisa can understand that, and it does not seem too probing... it sounds worth the attempt.

She hopes.

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.

Might have. That is sufficient, for the moment. Elisa notices the scrutiny of her jewelry, of course... but does not comment on it in the moment. No, her inhuman gaze is only for Leina in this moment. As she believes... Yes.

"It is clear, isn't it?" she asks, "If you have seen Her, to realize that much."

But the truths? "That is wise," Elisa says to Leina. "I will gladly tell you more... once that condition is met. And once you can make an informed decision as to what you will be learning."

Elisa doesn't offer the jewelry, though.

Instead, "Hm... I see. It is unfortunate that that occured. It was certainly beyond her remit. I prefer not to have my gifts spread too widely, you understand. There are many who would not comprehend my goals. Who would fear what is to come."

She considers. A sense of self... "I could rebuild her sense of self for her," she says, "But that would involve using more power, not less. No, if you wish to hasten the recovery process, the best you can do is to have her avoid Alma, or others with these gifts."

"Of course, there is another option. If she meditates upon the Void, and comes to accept it... then she could strengthen her sense of self in this way, as well. But I assume you and she are not yet ready for these truths. So just avoid mention of them in the meantime."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Leina rubs her opposite arm, only paling a touch, as she says a touch absently, "It's quite clear, yes."

A more informed decision? That's... ominous, if one has to explain it, like a medical consent. Leina suddenly feels far more hesitant, as perhaps the truth may not be delivered by /words/.

If that were the case, she could not take that risk.

"Alright then - I can be patient. It would be foolhardy of me to rush headlong into the void. I shall wait until I can make a more informed decision."

Is she then a fool, for probing this much further? These are questions she asks herself.

Elisa then covers the subject of Alma, and- "Yes, your Yuliana made me aware that it was." Still, her Yuliana also did not deny that if Mineva had been collateral damage... that she would have minded.

She was so close to writing Yuliana off but then... she let her go to him.

Leina however, awaits her answer and... more power, not less. it would require time. Leina nods thoughtfully, and - "If that is the case, then I think it would be best if we simply wait it out, away from others you have granted these gifts."

Respectful, respectful. She will tread lightly here, she's already received plenty of information from that.

"Thank you for that... she is dear to me, so I appreciate the information. As for our 'hypothetical scenario' I will inform you if anything changes."

A pause then-

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss at this time?" Leina asks, respect, respect, treat her time as valuable.

God, what kind of creature is she dealing with. Is it some polar opposite to Haman Karn, the demon of psychic energy?

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.

Elisa does not elaborate on what is necessary to learn the 'truth'. She does acknowledge Leina's patience. "Indeed," Elisa says. "To rush into the void without thought is dangerous. It is waiting... but it can wait, yet. There is time, before what must be."

Maybe she's a fool, and maybe she isn't, but she keeps saying 'your Yuliana' and Elisa enjoys that. It is well. And then...

"Yes, that sounds best. The gifts of the Void are not noted for their... reversibility." She smiles lightly. "You are welcome. Your collaboration in this matter is appreciated."

Something else to discuss? Well...

"Not at this time. But I will remain around. Send me a message, if you wish to arrange another meeting. I will hear you on such a matter."

She smiles. "Do take care, Miss Ashta. I will eagerly await your progress."

Whatever Elisa is... She does not establish it for now.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

"Very well, I shall do that if it becomes necessary."

Leina Ashta is all smiles.

"Have a pleasant day Doctor Kafim, I hope to deliver good news to you soon."

The call ends. Leina holds up a hand, makes a certain signal with four fingers, than two. Then drops the hand, and makes a gesture of three and five fingers with the other. Shortly after, someone comes out of hiding.

"Who do you belong to?"

"Myself and no other..."

"What do you think of Yuliana Kafim?"

"She's an abused Cyber-Newtype in the REA, caught in the horrifying next step of this cycle of manipulation and abuse." A beat, "She's a victim and an asshole." She adds absently.

"Who should the Gundam Unicorn belong to?"

"Banagher Links."

"What do you think of Doctor Elisa Kafim?"

Leina hesitates, and looks away, the voice repeats.

"What do you think of Doctor Elisa Kafim?"

Leina brings her hands down, one of them absently massages a cheek and then nearly inaudibly-

"... Monster."