2023-01-25-Phenex In The Hangar

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<Pose Tracker> Lockon Stratos has posed.

In the weeks prior a notice had been sent out to all available Meisters and agents. The debrief regarding the next mission would be taking place back within the expanse of space. All members and agents upon the planet's surface had been requested to make their way to the Orbital Ring and prepare for rendezvous with the Ptolemaios. All those within Celestial Being's Flag Ship would be informed to make it to the bridge for more information.

"Oi, oi, oi, you're sure this is fine? We gave them permission to dock? Seriously?" To those that arrive early enough they can see the look of shock and concern on a certain engineer's face. Yet even with that concern a younger man pats him on the shoulder. Still adorned in his Meister's suit left his appearance in a fully emerald green appearance, brown hair down to his shoulders, and an easy-going smile that seemed way too laid back for someone considered a Mobile Suit Pilot.

"Yep, Miss Sumeragi already cleared it. We got a spare container available for docking at the moment anyway so it--"

The voice shouts back, "Don't you dare say it's fine! Have you seen that thing?! If that thing can't fold in its wings it's gonna be a mess! Do you even have a clue?!"

It would solely make sense there's such concern from a technical standpoint on all that which had to be brought up. Yet the entire time, the one dubbed Lockon Stratos just keeps smirking with one hand scratching behind his back. "Hey, hey, it's not like I asked for schematics or anything. I would have thought it was your job to figure that out ri--"

"NO ONE TOLD ME SHE WAS PLANNING TO DOCK THAT THING HERE!!! What were you--" The panic rising in Ian's voice turns into full out shouting before another voice interjects.

"Unit RX-0 G 03 P has requested docking. Preparing to open hatch three." A pinkette speaks up from one side of the room, her face buried into her screen as she prepares for a certain person's arrival. "There ya have it, too late now. Anyway, let's calm down for a moment, mkay? It's not good to be yelling in front of everyone, especially guests."
% rLockon would turn his head towards the door to those who would begin arriving. There's surely familiar faces that arrive at the Ptolemaios at this time, then there's faces that may not be as familiar, faces perhaps that have been stationed on Earth for quite some time...And then...Behind everyone else, "Oh, and speaking of guests. Here's the one of the hour..." That person being none other than...A pink...Haro?

Yes, it was without a doubt a pink Haro that had seemed to have made its way through the ship in the zero-gravity, floating about as casually as can be before Lockon reached out to grab it, holding it so it faces front before setting it aside it down at the front of the bridge so that it could face all those that have made it thus far.

It's at this point, Lockon steps up once again into the center of the bridge. "Alright, good to see everyone, but before we do any catching up with each other, we got an important announcement. And thus, I'll leave it to the person who brought it to our attention to, please say hello to-- Just as Lockon is about to give out a name, from the bridge's monitors and windows something trails by. A golden light that comes and goes so quickly so brilliantly, that even as one dared to look at it, they probably would have questioned it for themselves. Even the one who had been announcing having the glimpse is caught flat-footed and wordless for a moment. So much so that well...

"Okay, I definitely can't beat that kind of an intro. I think I'll just have her introduce herself..." And thus...Stepping away, his attention turns back towards the Pink Haro, as if giving the queue for them to make their debut.
Setsuna F. Seiei teleports in. 

<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.

A long journey through the stars has brought the Phenex to the Ptolemaios. Though still battered from her recent battles, she's ever a vision of otherworldly beauty -- shining gold in the light of the hangar. Ian's distress is noted, by the Phenex, and she gently slides her wings into the hangar first, leaving them nicely arranged to the side of the enormous room. Then, the Phenex herself enters. Cloaked in azure brilliance, she floats carefully to an empty space, then settles in. There is no extinguishing of engines, or shutting off of thrusters. She was silent coming in, and she's silent now. The only change is the blue flame surrounding her flickers out.

Silence. No movement from the cockpit, nor radio signal from whoever must be inside.

It's only polite to wait to be introduced. As Lockon begins to speak, the Phenex's beloved takes a breath. Everything rides on this moment. It's time--!

Incandescent radiance glows from the Phenex, coalescing just outside the cockpit in the form of a glowing, golden bird. Twin tailfeathers stretch out behind her as she soars, making a quick circle around the hangar to make sure her greater self is safe. Satisfied, she flies toward the beacon of Lockon's soul.

As she makes it to the meeting room, she tucks her wings in, glowing blindingly bright for a moment. When she can again be looked upon, the bird has been replaced with a young woman -- perhaps in her early 20s. A white sundress falls to her thighs, and cloudlike blonde hair floats around her waist. A smile is ever-present on her face, and her eyes are otherwordly. Green, as green as the miracle that saved the world.

Landing softly on the floor, she walks toward Lockon, taking the little pink Haro from the bridge. A bright smile is offered to each and every person in the room.

"Hello, everyone! My name is Rita Bernal. I know some of you already, but it's so nice to meet the rest of you!"

For those who are particularly psychically sensitive, they would hear the sweet, breathy voice of a young woman. For those who are not, well... They'll see a floating Haro, projecting someone's words in its mechanical voice.

"I'm here today to request your help. A terrible fate will come to one of your members if action isn't taken. Her fate can still be changed!" Rita promises, hugging the pink Haro close to her chest. "And an institution promoting and profiting from war can be stopped. The opportune moment is almost upon us." 

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.


Dressed all in black--a floor-length crushed velvet dress, and a wide cloak, the hood back--Elisa Kafim floats forcefully onto the bridge. She is known to Celestial Being as 'Viridesca', but she does not conceal her face today.

She comes to a stop on the edge. She is not in a pilot suit, of course. Her long purple hair is down. And her eyes are bloodshot.

Rita speaks, and Elisa stares at her--into her, not at the Haro, but through the brilliant light of Rita Bernal's spectral form. And she speaks...

"My Verdiska has been taken," Elisa confirms for Rita, giving her code name instead of her true name. She does not introduce herself as yet. She is utterly single-minded at this.

"She must be rescued. And I..."

She grinds her teeth in anger. "...I cannot do it alone," the witch says quietly.

Yes, yes, stopping war. She believes in that well enough. But this is her wife.

"She is among our number. I would... appreciate your assistance." 

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        To the outside of the Ptolemaios, a personal transport, vivid pink in hue, slides elegantly into one of the container pods - and from it, clad ~begrudgingly~ in a normal suit as per protocol aboard the Ptolemaios, Observer Liu Mei Wang drifts forth - a little sluggishly and unresponsively. The normal suit is, at least, distinctly Hers - colored a deep crimson and accented with vivid gold, she ~almost~ matches the distinct color scheme of the Red Comet, though hers is more dark and classy, luxurious even.

        When she at last emerges onto the bridge, helmet hissing free, letting long, dark hair fan and flow out openly, she's a -little- jealous that she was told to arrive in such a stuffy getup, but Elisa and Rita - - - hm??? Rita's presence is one that makes Liu Mei rub her eyes in uncertainty. When they open, the girl isn't there, just a drifting pink Haro. Odd.

        Flashing, briefly, a light little low-effort wink to Lockon, Liu Mei holds onto the back of the captain's chair a liiiiiittle impetuously, one puffy-gloved hand resting on her cheek as the Haro - no, that's - who is that? That's...just a Haro - foretells of plight befalling 'Verdiska'. Ah...so soon after such a magnificent wedding...

        "...well. This is an awfully big assembly for a question that...normally, we'd await Veda's input on. But I take it we are 'left to act on our own judgment' on this one, or something like that. Something that clearly unsatisfies someone as notably independent as you."

        Both hands fold over to prop up Liu Mei's chin - stifling and hiding a long, poorly slept yawn as much as she can. The sense that someone familiar - yes, she's seen that girl in a dream once - but which girl, and where-? is throwing her off, a constant tickling at the side of her mind. "...Well. On this one, I've got little but to defer to the Meisters and other operatives who'll risk their necks to save another member. Protocol can raaaather often be that captured personnel are not to be retrieved - if anything, we're supposed to deny they work for us to begin with..."
Li Yao teleports in.
That's not a valid player name. 

<Pose Tracker> Tieria Erde has posed.

         Tieria is mostly observing from the back, leaning against the wall by the door out of the bridge, arms crossed. He didn't much like being asked to be held accountable for the mistakes of others. It was Verdiska's own fault she got captured. Granted, there was the issue of a potential leak of intelligence during interrogation, but he knew enough about Verdiska to know she wouldn't talk.

         His attention is more grabbed by Lockon's unexpected new ally. Now where in the world had that womanizer come across a mobile suit like that? This incredible psychic energy...had this "Rita" transcended to a higher form? Without the aid of the Innovators? Veda had not told him anything about this. Aeolia Schenberg should have accounted for this...troubling.

         "The last time we did a prisoner retrieval, it turned out to be a trap. I'm not sticking my neck out for that again." 

<Pose Tracker> Ujico Issa has posed.


        Feldt Grace got a silent nod of greeting from Ujico when the latter arrived. neither of them is very outgoing, but Ujico likes to imagine that they're automatically kind of friends by virtue (or by dint) of them both having pink hair.

        She isn't thinking about that today.

        Her pilot suit is matte black and glossy cherry red, but she left her cat-eared helmet with Palisade. The horned alien's found a place not too far from the door to post up, floating pensively in zero-G.

        She had just been to visit Yuliana last week! How could something like this happen so soon...?

        She's very glad when Lockon finally gets Ian Vashti to stop shouting, and then Rita and Liu Mei both show up, which is reassuring - for different reasons, of course. Ujico can relax a little bit, some of the stiffness leaving her limbs. Elisa may be less reassuring, but it's certainly only because she's [fraying] at the edges.

        She's mostly content to be quiet and listen... mostly. "We can't leave her there," Ujico protests plaintively. "Even if it's..." Supposedly reasonable. Rational. 

<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.


        The old man of celestial being, Li Yao, had been hiding out on the orbital ring since that macross had first shown it's head, and that white gundam decided to see if it was stronger a missile. Yao couldn't help but still chuckle at the thought of someone trying that. So mostly he has just been doing his thing , meditating, napping, meditating and napping, drinking tea and eating things that gave one a decent old man smell and telling people its for his health. This meeting was a nice break from the routine.

         As he slips into the meeting room the first thing he notices his Rita, which after a moment of awe he stands up straight and bows to her, "It is a pleasure to meet you again pure one." There is a bit of respect and reverence in his voice as he speaks. It would not be surprising if this came as a shock to anyone, simply because the new comer is getting a whole lot more respect then he gives to most the other people in this room.

         Moving on he finds a seat in the back and lets the meeting take place as he listens to the problem at hand. At the mention of the capture of Verdiska though, there is a snicker and Yao can not keep his mouth shut, "So the ice queen is in the ice box now huh? Seems fitting. " Still a moment is passed as he looks to Tieria before he looks towards Elisa, "So when do we leave and where are we going?" 

<Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.


         Setsuna's here for the meeting, mostly because he couldn't weasle his way out of it with Lockon around. Since it's a meeting between mostly Celestial Being members, he's not bothered to hide his face behind a helmet, revealing to the world both his unruly hair and sharp and seemingly angry gaze. Also, surprisingly, despite his near death encounter with the Macross previously, the only signs of that skirmish is some white gauze tapped on to one of his cheeks.

         When Rita appears, however, his face softens just a bit. It's her, the ghost. The spirit of the Phoenix. Had Lockon been up front with what this was about, he wouldn't have needed to coerce him into joining. Then again, Setsuna supposes that complicating things is just how he is.

         It's whatever, the more important thing right now is that she's petitioning help. Tieria raises a good point, however. How do they know it's not a trap? This woman isn't a member of Celestial Being. Her information hasn't been vetted. She could very well be a siren trying to lead them all to their death. But even so...

         "I believe you."

<Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.


        Standing--magnetized to the wall--at a cautious distance, unsure how to handle a briefing [this] unconventional, is a woman clad in a red and white pilot's suit. There are faint outlines from patches that have been removed, as well as a few places that have obviously been re-sealed with commercial patch kits, like the ones in the overstuffed messenger bag floating up from her shoulder. Her helmet floats close by, tethered to her bag, and instead a pair of large opaque sunglasses glint from below a breton fiddler's cap.

        The mobile suit, the pink haro's melodic voice, and the dazzling light phenomene are all a little more than she's used to experiencing. The emotion in the voice from that haro, though...It doesn't take a Newtype to figure out there's something special going on. She clacks her boot one step forward.

        "Of course it could be a trap. Why should that stop us?" 

<Pose Tracker> Lockon Stratos has posed.

As the Phenex makes its appearance there's definitely shock and awe that fills those that see it. Though for Ian it's definitely more nerve-wracking than anticipated! Actually, it's just as nerve-wracking as anticipated! The idea of one of the hangars getting banged up stirs him with worry all the way to the last moment, his eyes drifting to Feldt's monitor's still the last moment.

"Steady...Steady..." He mumbles to himself with such concern that even Feldt finds her gaze looking a bit worried for him. "Gundam Phenex has docked without issue. No damage to the container or the Phenex detected." A long sigh escapes the older man's lips before he speaks up again, "Alright, well, if that's the case...I'll be getting ready for this mission in my own way. I already got filled in on most of this stuff, so I'll let you all get catched. Lockon, give me the spark notes later if something pops up."

Lockon catches Elisa's anger. It doesn't take a genius to realize from the weight in her voice the sincerity of her request. Even if Elisa's reputation had been a bit...Tricky, surely that wasn't enough to deny aid, especially to one of their own, right? Though, there were certainly those who would attest.

Tieria makes his stance right out of the gate. A very valid reasoning pertaining to the events that had them caught in a mess the last time. The other opposer offers a wink, to which Lockon does try to offer a generous smile in return as well as a nod. Though as she brings up the mention of Veda's input, the Gundam Meister finds himself interjecting.

"Mmm..." He was really trying not to bring up the V-word as she brought it up. Especially when a certain purplette was in the room, especially when he himself didn't know what VEDA had deemed appropriate given the circumstances. "Miss Sumeragi has already given us the go ahead making this a top priority mission for a few reasons. Feldt, pull up the maps, please?"

The pinkette looks back towards him with a nod, to which he can return much more warmly. To which...Maybe it was just her hair in her face but she did seem a bit more pink for a second there? It's pretty hard to tell when her face was buried back into the computers again.

On the bridge display, maps displaying several hundreds of miles of terrain appear, with a certain spot on the map marked off. A thumb points over his shoulder as he speaks up again. "We've had VEDA look into little Rita's intel and there was no mistaking it. For ten years this place's been off our radars, and apparently...Been preparing to mass-produce cyber-newtypes to be deployed across the earthsphere. Miss Rita here has also confirmed with us that they're experiments for soldiers start rather young as well..." He'll let those words fall on the room for a moment, letting the implications fall to the floor even in this space where no gravity was abound... Child experimentation and soldiers.

It's at this time that the voices of those like Ujico, Li Yao, and Setsuna come through. Two that seemed to have no issue going even with the ever present risks. It didn't matter for them, and for that alone a smirk came along Lockon's face. It's only then does another voice speak up from another pinkette in the room. "I...Think we should help them too. Celestial Being is like...A family, and for some...They really are." Feldt can be seen looking to Elisa as she says those words. As someone who considers the whole of CSB family, it was easy enough for her to resonate with her feelings. Though that's all she'd say on the manner before turning to Ujico, a small smile showing on her face. Pink-haired solidarity is real. Especially when it's the pink-haired ones who speak to aid first...Even if Ujico wasn't as resolute in saying it!

Spoken like true Gundam Meisters...And..." It's at this point he turns his attention back to Tieria and Liu Mei, that casual demeanor returning, "As far as this Meister is concerned, this place should have been handled by us long ago. The fact that it's one of our own whose in danger only makes more of a reason we need to intervene. Miss Sumeragi also thinks the same which is why she's already preparing her forecast for this mission."

It's only when Christina brings up her point as she steps forward does he take a hand pointed her way before pulling it back like shots have been fired. "Stole the words right out of my mouth." From here, he looks back at Elisa again. It was clear to everyone she surely must have been the most concerned...But with the vibe of the room as it was, did those feelings still linger. He won't focus too much on her expression though as he turns back to Tieria. "We're Celestial Being, our interventions aren't gonna get stopped just cause we're afraid of a trap or two, are we?" Another final look is given to the pink Haro, and one final smirk encourages her to follow up with the energy. "Got anything to add to that Miss Troublemaker?"

<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.

Elisa is there, waiting. Rita gasps aloud when she speaks, immediately slightly in front of Lockon -- a protective gesture the tall man surely can't see. Even being this close to the witch is terrifyingly cold, as though the tendrils of her power reach out for Rita even now. This woman stands to threaten everything Rita's fought for, and here she is, unguarded. It'd be easy to grab her, with her own powers, and simply...

Rita's smile flickers. No. In this, they're united. Yuliana's safety comes first. For now, Rita won't take any action against the void witch.

"Verdiska." Rita repeats, to remember it. "Thank you, Elisa. I'll be there to help, no matter what's decided here today."

"It's nice to see you again, Liu Mei." Rita says, with a smile. Haro cheerfully relays her message, waving its winglets to emphasize this. "I recognize this is against your normal protocols, but it isn't a normal situation." A nod to Tieria. "The place currently holding her is..."

Rita turns to face Lockon, tilting Haro up so its looking the Meister in the face. "Lockon, may I use a computer screen? I have data, put together by your Shuffle Alliance allies. They will be joining in this operation." A quiet pause. "I also have personal evidence to contribute."

As Rita waits for his answer, Ujico gets a little wave and a quick smile. Her support earns an appreciative nod.

"Mister Yao!" Rita greets, as though they were old friends. She bows in reverence to him, as well, a soft blush on her cheeks from the treatment. Playing at being a prophetess is one thing, but being treated like it..! How does Michele cope? "Thank you so much for your support." His snicker is very politely ignored. "I have all the information you'll need, don't worry."

Lockon lays out the details of the mission, and Rita smiles, thankful she won't have to take the task on herself. Speaking in front of so many people is scarier than she thought it would be.

Setsuna's kindness echoes out through the physical plane, touching Rita's soul. It's such an unfamiliar sensation, still, despite the friends she's made. Part of her wants to race over and hug him. Despite his own suffering, he still has a heart so warm... The youngest Meister is treated to a gentle smile, and a flicker of auroric light from Rita's eyes. "Thank you, Setsuna."

Chris raises a good point. Rita's green eyes turn on her, and she gently nods.

"I apologize for making this personal, but it's time I'm fully honest with all of you. When I was a child, I had a vision of Operation British, and with my friends, managed to save an entire town from the Colony Drop. Because of this, we were taken by the Titans. They discovered I was the true source of the vision, and sent me on to harsher testing. Despite this, I never offered them the true strength of my ability."

Rita takes a breath. This is such a risk. "I can see the future. I know when bad things will happen, far in advance. For proof, I offer the Phenex's presence these past months. If you look up where she has appeared, you will see disaster followed shortly. You will also see, in many cases, my ability to fight put on display. I'm willing to use my ability and my strength to help advance your cause."

"If." Rita says, softly. "You help me save my friend."

"Verdiska has been taken by G-Hound." Rita begins. She raises a hand from the Haro and holds it in the air. "Miss Feldt, may I go ahead? I won't damage your systems, only project an image through the screens."

Granted an affirmative, Rita places her hand on one of the bridge consoles. Immediately, the screens around the room light up. Static covers them, at first, as Rita adjusts, then--

"Verdiska has been taken by G-Hound. They'll fit her with a bomb collar to discourage any rescue attempts," A glance toward Elisa, as though the warning is just for her. "but soon she'll be transferred to the Institute for Continuing Study."

A zoomed out view of the Earth appears. As though using satellite technology, it zooms in, focusing on the REA. Closer and closer, until buildings are visible. The Institute is displayed, then the 'camera' settles above the building and reveals its floorplan. There seem to be an abundance of cells and surgical suites.

"They have taken in children and young adults for decades now, experimenting on them with manufactured consent, or no consent at all. Whenever they've received too much attention, they move, and change their name. Their cruelty can't be overstated."

Words fill the screen, like multiple documents opening at once. They detail experiments and procedures the subjects are put through. No pronouns are used besides "it". Death and torture is written about as though it were a weather report. Even for hardened warriors, it may be difficult to read the matter-of-fact suffering of so many children.

"Beyond these crimes, they intend on pushing their anti-Newtype project further yet. As Verdiska has broken free of their control, they intend on finalizing their surgical explorations on her, then." Rita hesitates. Her image flickers. Those that can hear her true voice will hear it shake, ever so slightly, as she goes on. "They intend on destroying her. They will forcibly mature the alien cells inside her brain. Those create her anti-Newtype field. This will lead to absolute brain death for Verdiska. The REA plans to keep her body alive and harvest those cells from her cerebrospinal fluid, in order to implant them into new test subjects. They'll create an army of these soldiers under their control. Their prior attempts to clone cells from Verdiska failed... because the alien cells were still inhibited. Once they're fully activated, nothing will stop the REA from creating as many anti-Newtype agents as they please."

Green eyes stare directly at Tieria. "This would change war. It would accelerate humanity's destruction. A weapon of this caliber should not exist, nor be in the hands of such a cruel establishment." 

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.


As Liu Mei Wang mentions that standard protocol would be to simply disavow Yuliana, Elisa's fingers notably twitch. When Tieria mentions he will not stick his neck 0out, she turns to regard him coolly. Then, when Li Yao speaks of the 'ice queen', she prepares to be offended in silence--but then smiles, widely, as he looks towards her and indicates his assent. It is almost pleasant! She has the normal amount of teeth.

"Yes," she says. "I am glad that you see reason." She sounds... happy? Well, as happy as she can be, considering. It's fine; it's like Ujico's assessment, she's not very reassuring because she's frayed at the edges! Speaking of Ujico--Ujico gets a smile that's a little less toothsome.

But she is appreciative of Christina, too. "Yes... Such danger is hardly an impediment to such forces as ours."

As it happens, when Lockon looks--Elisa has calmed. Her fingers are no longer bound up in fists; her jaw is no longer set, her teeth no longer grinding. She's still not particularly happy, but perhaps that can be forgiven.

She nods back to Feldt. "Indeed," Elisa says. Family...

She doesn't comment on everything. She has a different way of supporting than providing intelligence, after all.

"...Thank you," Elisa says then to Rita, as she indicates that she will help regardless. "I will remember your assistance. That you are her... friend."

There is something about Rita that offends Elisa. But she is not a creature solely of her impulses. The Light that she bears can be allowed to shine, for now. In this they are united.

Seeing the future... Yes. That could be a problem. Elisa is very thoughtful, at that. Very interested, too.

The bomb collar... Elisa grits her teeth again. But she does not interrupt. She does not show much reaction to the documents. She will not share why.

"Yes. The bomb collar, the security precautions... They are why I cannot storm in myself." Apparently, she feels confident in doing so otherwise. She continues to float, ominously(?).

"I agree. Such a weapon cannot be allowed to exist. The gifts of the Void are not for man's playing. To use them at war, instead of for the advancement of our existence--it is an abomination."

"Even if I did not love Verdiska more than life itself, I would not be able to tolerate this. And I believe none of us should."

But the cells... Elisa must consider how to address this.

"But you see now the gravity of this situation. It is more than my selfish desire. It is... vital." 

<Pose Tracker> Tieria Erde has posed.

         Tieria clicks his teeth and turns his head. He did have a point. The fact that this facility hadn't crossed their attention before was incredibly concerning. A factory for cyber-newtypes...soldiers created at the highest bidder. Though did it have to be LOCKON that was right? He would have even taken this from the hologram.

         "Fine. The Virtue is still being looked at after the offensive on the Cerberus. I suppose I can assist if I'm able."

         Tieria swallows a lump in his throat, that pesky pride that screamed at him to leave this pesky woman to her own devices. This organization...Tieria wondered if the mission statement of Celestial Being ended up attracting people too soft-hearted to do what was neccessary to achieve it. Of course, he would never verbalize such thoughts, no no no.

         Tieria also made a point in his head to have a private chat with Miss Rita sometime. He must know more... 

<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.


        Yao listens carefully as he floats in the back crosslegged, as he listens to Lockon and then as Rita explains in depth what they are going to do to Verdiska and frowns. To think his countrymen would do something like that, " No one deserves to be treated like that. One should be allowed an honorable death." This from the guy who was once willing to poison people, perhaps the old man is just being on his best behavior for Rita.

         Finally it appears the explination is over and he raises the question, "So do we know when the transfer is happening? Can't we just go after whatever is holding her, hit it hard and fast and then use particles to make sure they can't remote activate the bomb?" If a fleet of mobile suits dropped in on the transfer and hit it hard and fast, Yao doubted they would be able to react quick enough to blow the collar.

         Still though , he isn't exactly the tactical type as he looks towards Lockon, "Did Sumeragi provide one of her plans for the rescue?" 

<Pose Tracker> Ujico Issa has posed.


        If Rita were the type to lead them to their deaths... well, they could be forgiven for believing in her, couldn't they? Nobody could blame them.

        There's nothing wrong with wanting to believe in miracles. Ujico finger-waves back at Rita and Feldt in turn. Elisa, too, gets a small smile.

        Perhaps Ujico is less surprised than some when Lockon and Rita explain just what the facility has been up to. Yuliana had explained a little of it; child experimentation hasn't been new for a long time. [Humans] are terrible creatures, after all. Ujico is very still, watching the data load onto Feldt's screens, except for a hand coming up to lazily rub at the base of one of her horns.

        Her eyes flicker to Elisa for a moment. She's holding together. Nobody needs to be a Newtype to see the strain of knuckles, or the grind of teeth. It's normal. Her wife...

        It had been a lovely wedding too, for a while.

        "I want to go," she speaks up again, making herself lower both hands to her sides. Alien cells... Ujico says nothing to that. There's nothing to say.

        "It's just another black site," she continues stubbornly. "VEDA sends me after those all the time. Please let me go to this one too."

<Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.


        All of these various words haze out into a droning buzz as the images scroll past. Only Rita's voice, itself barely reaching, fades in and out, until the slides stop flipping, and Chris notices the tingle of iron and zinc on her tongue. She adjusts the strap on her bag, collecting herself. Another girl, a little flashy but nearer the back, catches Chris's attention--'just another black site'. Even in space, nothing is a vacuum. Christina turns back to Rita and Lockon.

        "And this is in the middle of a city?Sounds like Side 6's Flanagan. Monsters in arms' reach... Who's funding it? What are their logistics contractors?" 

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        There's just the hint of glazing eyes at the presentation Rita gives outlining the scope and scale of the project underway with Verdiska in captivity. An army of anti-Newtypes...

        ...Liu Mei has to be the one who slightly raises her hand. "...All of those things are fairly horrible to do to one of our operatives. Don't get me wrong when I say what's next - it sounds like an ethical situation in in need of resolving somehow, and I'm glad more people are on the same page in somehow busting out Verdiska."

        "...but...accelerate humanity's destruction? Change war?" One of Liu Mei's eyebrows raises - letting go of the captain's chair to hover placidly at an angle towards the ceiling. "...Wasn't one of the big things that came up during the One Year War how terrible it was exploiting the whole Newtype phenomenon to enhance weapons? I don't see how being the 'cancelling' effect is something catastrophic in nature. It'd just bring us back to where we were before we knew of Newtypes at all. Not unless 'anti-Newtypes' are capable of some form of weaponry that outclasses it. We're not talking an arms race here..."

        Her lips purse, and her gaze falls over the spinning map of the Earth on the Ptolemaios's displays. "...well. I guess reverting to what came before isn't acceptable in its own right."

        Twisting back to a more 'upright' position, one of Liu Mei's hands is folded behind her head, as her other pulls up her PDA, scrolling through a list of contacts. "...I'll start making calls, then. It won't have to be a totally top-down operation where we bust heads from orbit. There's a little bit I can do to clear the air, I'm sure. Maybe if I'm lucky, I have strings on some of the prison operators...heh, don't count on a miracle there or anything though. No magical key for Verdiska's collar - just a few lockpicks for the sheds in the yard, so to speak."

        Her head finally turns away from -trying to process Rita- towards - an unfamiliar face, as of yet, though one far from unknown. Christina MacKenzie, a most esteemed company. It's probably odd for a veteran with experience all the way back to the One Year War to see a fellow observer not even half her age. "Well well well. First I've had the pleasure of your company. Your eyes don't deceive you, I'm indeed the sweetheart of Da Han Zhong, the one and only Wang Liu Mei you've probably seen on a few too many magazines. ...I'm buying you a new normal suit ASAP, something as patchwork as that is just unacceptable." ...what a way to make a first impression- 

<Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.

Setsuna is unusually silent at the explanation, his brow furrowed in thought. Children. It's always adults abusing children. To be killers, to carry on their legacy, or simply for their amusement. It's just one of the many multi-list long reasons as to why he fights. The fact that the woman from the Christmas party had been captured as well is also a problem.

         "You want us to destroy the weapon and save the woman?"

         It may be reducing what was said to the bare essentials, but for someone like him, it's always good to say these things and get to the point of the matter, lest he spend a lot of time thinking about every detail. Not that he needs to think about this a lot, he's already got an answer, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

         "I'll help. Even if you didn't ask. Even if people tell me not to. That's my mission as a Gundam Meister. No, as Gundam."

<Pose Tracker> Tieria Erde has posed.

         "Don't...concern yourself with that last part. We've mostly gotten used to it." 

<Pose Tracker> Lockon Stratos has posed.

Lockon just offers up a smile to Tieria as Rita begins requesting access to the monitors. It's not like he's trying to be the guy in the loop, but when you're the one people think of as a leader, the people (and intel) will come to you first. "That's the spirit, we can't go in without Tieria and our big guns, now can we? And don't sweat it, I bet Ian's already looking into those repairs now."

On the other side of the room, Feldt can be heard responding to the pink Haro. Again... Pink Solidarity (Sorta). "Mmm, request for access to the bridge displays has been approved. Just remember to continue using the channels you've been permitted and you'll be fine Miss Rita. " And so, as long as Rita, even while using the monitor made sure they weren't overreaching into VEDAs access outside of what they'd been granted...There'd be no issue The monitors proceed displaying as Rita desires with no issues.

With images displayed, talk of the mission comes to light and one of the first details that appears to be a topic of popularity is that of the collar. Obvious concern for Elisa is brought up, and before Lockon can even speak it's Li Yao that makes mention of a certain idea that has him let out a whistle in surprise. "You sure you weren't peeking into Sumeragi's forecast debrief early, old man?" The way he says it his equal parts surprised, impressed, and simply teasing with his remarks. "Supposedly there's some testing Ian needs to do to inorder to make sure that using GN particles to disrupt a signal to a collar like that works, and make sure there's no failsafes, but that's definitely on the menu."

"Miss Liu Mei..." What's probably not good to have on the menu though is the remarks that Liu Mei brings up. He had planned to just give a look that might persuade her to abstain. Nothing disrespectful obviously but perhaps a little shift of the eyes. Though her following remarks do seem to redeem her in a fashion. It seemed he clearly did underestimate her ability to handle a room. Which thank goodness, he did not want to have to do that to a sponsor, especially one he wasn't able to make the birthday for...He'd like to continue having the Dynames getting fancy things please... "Well, they do say...You gotta be able to change. " It's from here as she makes mention of making some calls that he jokingly lowers his head to her in appreciation. "As expected of our sponsor. If you do happen to reach to find out any information about the suppliers, we can probably get some schematics or something. It'd be way easier to figure out if our plan would work then. Who needs Newtype abilities when we got a power like yours?"

Speaking of funding turns to the opposite side of the spectrum though. It's this time that Lockon doesn't have a genuine answer to give immediately for Chris. "Hard to say. It'd be hard to imagine a single bloc keeping this underwraps on its own. All these years under the radar, with that kind of tech, I wouldn't be surprised if it's got quite a few backers from all around. Especially if they're talking about sending out soldiers on a global scale...It's all the more reason for all of us here to play our parts. "

Ujico gets a look as she seems to get so tense as he says those last few words. It's a clear reassurance that everyone here was brought here for a reason. She's not going to be excluded, especially if she was requested to be here. Yet, as his gaze goes to Ujico, they follow up to the pink Haro, and to Rita again...This time trying to look where her gaze would have been. He is one of the few not so special enough to be able to see her properly but...He knows all too well the power that one can use when they look into another's eyes. Especially when inquiring about if she knew anymore about those involved behind the scenes.

Setsuna's words that follow...They're said enough that Lockon almost wants to chuckle at them. It was like the boy's mantra. Though instead of laughing...He makes his way over to the tiniest Meister and places his hand atop that messy head of hair. "Ma, ma, I think Setsuna's cut straight to the point. At the end of the day we'll do it. That's just all there is to it." 

<Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.


        Behind the definitely-extremely-effective disguise of her defintely-not-Bajeena-knockoff aviators, Chris's eyes widen slightly when she sees the flash of recognition in the woman's eyes. '(I've never been particularly public until the past three years, but, even without introductions... This woman is very sharp). After her recent recruitment, Lockon had mentioned, briefly, a shrewd backer, but this was their first meeting.

        "I've spent some time in the DHZ, were you on some kind of advertisement? Please, Miss Wang, this suit can still function. I'm sure it can manage an 18th year."

        Chris looks down at it--the padding around the neck is admittedly a bit deflated, and the suit has been having pressurization issues... but that's her own problem to solve, and it's easily solvable. Just have to figure out where those leaks are...

         Tieria's commentary draws her from her self-assessment, and she responds, thinking of another wealthy, aggressive caregiver.

        "I agree, it's good to have someone generous and considerate looking after you, isn't it? It takes a lot to get used to"

        Chris smiles at both of them before turning to Lockon, her gaze stilling. In a way, there's a lesson she can apply from Tristan.

        "If you're right... that kind of network has flexibility and redundancy as its advantage, but coordinating so many different parts, with different speeds and processes...There's room to introduce disruptions. The complex communication required could give us the operation window we need." She watches the interactions between the men, feeling a rather complex mix of joy and remembrance. "You can count on me--I'll do everything I can to bring us all home." 

<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.

"We'll get her back, Elisa." Rita promises, softly. No matter where their paths lead, this is the woman who makes Yuliana happy. For now, that's enough. "Please take good care of her for me. I wish I could've been at the wedding."

"As smart as an idea as that is, Mr. Yao, I'm afraid the bomb collar runs on a local activation. If we can get Verdiska away from her handlers, that will be the time to move in." Rita's voice is so soft, regarding the older man. It seems the fondness he has for her is mutual.

Ujico is looked on with quiet sympathy. "I'm so sorry you've faced this much, Ujico. But I'm so thankful you'll be with us! Your expertise will see us through, I'm sure of it." However, Christina looks... unwell. Rita doesn't wish to draw attention to this, but it must be dealt with, all the same. "This mission is likely to expose us to horror and suffering. Please be certain you're able to face such things and perform your duties capably, everyone."

Liu Mei's words get a serious look from Rita -- though, again, she never stops smiling. "The way to end exploitation of Newtypes is not to shift the suffering to another group. The REA's actions will create an arms race like what was seen during the Titan's reign. Anyone with special abilities taken and carved open and implanted with whatever alien horrors can be found."

"Beyond that..." Rita says, quietly. "As Elisa has said. Experimentation with the void will lead down a path humanity cannot recover from. Though the disaster may not be in the immediate future, what comes from it..."

"Perhaps answers lie in exploring the recent battle at JOSH-A." She very carefully doesn't look at Elisa. "Or the Frontier. Consider this power being in the hands of the highest bidder."

Setsuna speaks up again. Rita always pays attention to him. They have an odd sort of kinship, as she exists this way. "Yes." She says, simply. "Thank you, Setsuna. I feel the same way as you. Even though I wish it was under better circumstances... I'm looking forward to flying together once again."

Tieria's interjection is greeted with a soft, bell-like laugh. She looks at him as though he's just told a fantastic joke. Who knew Tieria was funny!

"Thank you, miss Feldt." Rita beams at the pink-haired woman, hugging her Haro tightly. It'll be easy to keep her promise, as Rita has no idea how to explore a computer beyond just projecting her thoughts onto it.

Again, Rita focuses on the screens, and again, they briefly blur to static before displaying an extremely professional looking intelligence report. "This comes from your Shuffle Alliance allies, compliments of Spade-7!"

https:'docs.google.comdocumentd1iuWI1hhOiIdzo_KYaWMwbGc1fs8Bfb3HOyDZ7cyB5bgedit?usp=sharing
"It has the details of the Institute's funding, along with significant people we can expect to encounter. Spade-7 has suggested we split our forces into two groups." Rita gestures with a hand, and the Institute's floor plan appears on-screen. It zooms in to one of the outer walls, adjacent to a room labeled 'security'.

"I will destroy the wall at this point. Our first group will enter on-foot in order to rescue prisoners, detain Institute operatives, and secure their data. By striking here, I should kill a large amount of their guards. The on-foot team will have a much easier time of things!"

This is said cheerfully, in the same tone Rita might describe a nice dress, or the Haro in her arms.

"Our second group will deploy in their mobile suits and prepare to meet armed combatants in the airspace outside." Rita wiggles a finger, and the screens display the airspace above the Institute. "Many of those who we face will be brainwashed test subjects."

Rita leaves that sentence to hang in the air. All those listening can draw their own conclusions and make their own standards of engagement.

"I have personally made a promise to protect Verdiska and her immediate companions, the Nega-Force. I will do my best to disable them peacefully, but I don't expect they'll do us the same courtesy. I ask that they're not killed, if possible. If it comes down to it." Rita gazes at the screen. "You are not sworn to the same promise I am."

"Of particular interest is Alma Stirner. Aside from Verdiska herself, Alma is the highest-value rescue target." Rita chooses not to elaborate on this. The details are in Spade-7's document, for those who wish to know more.

"And finally... You have access to the specializations of the Phenex, in case you doubt my words." Rita smiles, squishing her eyes closed. "You'll find us up to this task, I promise you!"

Lockon's gaze finds Rita's with uncanny ease. She smiles at him, though he can't see it. "Lockon. You're a good man. I'm very grateful for you." It must be said. It should be said more often...

Rita takes a deep breath. So many words..! It's exhausting. How does Leina manage this so often?

"That's all the official information I have. I can't give a precise date for Verdiska's transport, or her surgical death. The future is too changeable. But I know we must move before two weeks go by."

With that, Rita floats slightly off the ground and hugs her pink Haro tightly. "Ohh, I don't want to give you up, you're so cute! I always wanted a Haro!" It may be a bit of a task to get the little robot back from her... 

<Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.


        Li Yao watches the screens and listen for a moment , closing his eyes while listening. There is truly a lot to process and he must consider his actions carefully. Then he straightens up from the sitting position,, " I will be ready when the time comes. " Floating towards the door he stops when he is near Elisa, "If you are interested, come by my room before you head out we can share tea and I can tell you some funny stories about your wife. The type that she would throw something at me for. "

         As he reaches the door he hesitates for a moment before he looks back at Rita, "Niu, you are the purest light in this room. Unfortunately that means we can not promise to keep those people alive who hold her prisoner. They may know to much." With that the old man opens the door and floats out. 

<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.


Elisa will remember all of this. She will remember that Celestial Being is willing to help as well in her own--in Yuliana's--time of need. As for the hastening of humanity's destruction... Elisa will let that stand for the moment, because it is indeed a path that cannot be un-trod. Instead...

"Our friend is right." Elisa pauses. "It is quite possible to weaponize this anti-Newtype field, and its effects. It must not be placed in the REA's hands--or any government's hands."

She does not comment on the battle at JOSH-A otherwise, though.

Instead, she adds, "I will assist the on-foot group. My skills and abilities are more useful in such an environment. I have promised my Verdiska that I would not slay her countrymen, but I am capable of disabling them nonlethally with sufficient effectiveness."

"I, also, will be protecting her friends in the 'Nega Force'... But my Verdiska and Alma are my top priorities, in that order. Verdiska's safety is paramount; there is nothing, nothing I will not do to ensure it."

"...As for Alma," she says, "I promised that I would keep her alive while I investigated a matter. I keep my promises."

"While you do your own research, I will be observing in my way as well. but when it is time to act... I will act."

The old man...

Hmm. "I may do this," she says to Li Yao.

The purest light in the room... it's true.

Will it be a problem? 

<Pose Tracker> Ujico Issa has posed.


        --Is that the best way to offer someone a new normal suit? It's not how Ujico would have done it... Once again, another one of Liu Mei's actions gets added to the '[observe, do not imitate]' file.

        It's funny, how some people can say whatever they like and still be [charismatic]...

        Setsuna's single-minded determination is contagious. Everybody is willing, everybody is ready. Everybody will save Yuliana. She tilts her head to Lockon, hoping that he'll understand what she means.

        She tilts her head again, this time to the side, at Rita. "...It's okay. I signed up. It's important work." Ujico's job is to destroy places like this, so they can't be used to hurt people.

        If humans can't play nice, she will take their toys away.

        It's more fun to watch Rita playing with Haro. If all the humans had been more like her... 

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

"...18th year? You've had that suit for 18 years? Vintage clothes are one thing - safety equipment older than I am is another." A grousey look furrows across Liu Mei's lips, fingers reeeeeeaching out to a particularly 'are you sure this is space-worthy'-looking repair done to Christina's suit. "I thought you'd been in an especially bad scuffle recently or something - there's ingenious and careful field repairs, and then there's---"

        She shakes her head, and simply files away the knowledge of 'potential gift' for later...

        "So Verdiska's...deal...is worse than just 'negating Newtype abilities', huh? In its own way, that's kind of..." ...This probably isn't the right time and place to get sniffy about 'hey maybe we can't rely on abominable powers beyond our comprehension', because somehow she's a little bit outnumbered as far as an opinion on that. "Well, I'm glad at least that Spade-7 is coming through so well for us. Honestly, the intel-sharing agreement with the Shuffle Alliance is perhaps the best move I've made so far~ Heehee.~"

        Procuring a familiar silver fan from one pocket (the one Li Yao gave her!), Liu Mei snaps it open over her mouth, gracefully landing from her floating position and catching a handrail. "I'll get started, then, making life a little easier for you all when you touch down. After all, the REA is hardly an easy place for us to conduct operations - you're pretty much always watched and pretty much always disturbing a very singular hornets nest. Supplies earthside en route will be key to survival. It does us little good if you jailbreak Verdiska only to find yourselves stranded outside prison, so you can rely on me for that much~"

        So many phone calls to make, though...

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