2023-01-26: Wandering Dressing Room
- Cast: Asciel Colette, Julia Ampere, Ai Martel, Sonia Sophia-Grace
- Where: Tsutsujidai South Floodgate
- Date: U.C. 0097 01 26
- Summary: Almost immediately after its anchoring to reality, Tsutsujidai becomes a safe haven for the outside world's intrusions - a respite for those who've made enemies aplenty...
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
The seizure of the Macross 13 was all well and good as a capstone party trick - a crime surely worthy of repute. For a solitary individual and her accomplice to make off with and conceal a ship of this size is no easy feat!
...the impracticalities of doing such a thing, however, swiftly rear their ugly head.
Asciel's nature at least solves the colossal manpower requirements - she's more than capable of moving this colossal thing where she pleases on her own processing power, though it takes a fair bit of doing to parallel aspects meant to operate a city, and aspects meant to drive an aircraft carrier. But even now, she's needed Ai Martel to do oh so many countless little tasks here and there - and many of them just...aren't safe or practical for her to do. And it's not easy to keep something like this concealed in space - there's only so many harbors that can handle something of this size, and most of them will demand far more paperwork and logistics just to let this thing take up space - let alone actually procure needed repairs and supplies.
How fortuitous then that the Tsutsujidai PLANT appeared practically right in front of Asciel's face as she made her escape! Amidst the chaos and turmoil following its sudden fixture into physical space once more, the Macross 13 barely - just barely - manages to squeeze its way into a docking point on its underbelly, bringing a grand sigh of relief. A place to rest, for just a little while, is oh so important - after all, she's been terribly, unsustainably restless this whole past week, hasn't she?
The next step is friendly contacts - and fortunately, two promising candidates are pinged and assessed. One, a fellow Amalgam contact - the other, an admittedly tenuously trustworthy infamous master criminal more associated with BioNet. There's value to be arranged there, surely.
The contacting of the two leads them to a secluded space past the railyards and docks - the still largely abandoned areas linking the town of Tsutsujidai to the outside world. It won't stay this way for long - soon enough Britannia will have to leave, and soon enough the PLANT will trade with the outside world.
For now...it's the perfect place to set up - - - is this genuinely a maid cafe established in an old rusty warehouse?
It is affirmed to indeed be one of those, when Asciel herself, in all seven and a half feet of slightly ungainly mini-Arm-Slave glory, strides out in an oh so sporty and perky 'maid cafe'-ish maid outfit, short poofy skirt and big poofy headband and everything. Welcoming her guests in this somewhat hastily set up cafe for two, a little table and umbrella overlooking the sort of unsightly industrial areas.
"Fufufu. It's wonderful that you both made it~ We have plenty of important things to discuss - but first things first, do let me know what drinks you yearn for. I have plenty of provisions and too few people to share them with, after all!~"
<Pose Tracker> Julia Ampere has posed.
The heroes of Tsutsujidai had pulled off a miracle. The colony had returned to normal space and peace, at last, would now begin to settle on this once-city-now-colony.
Julia, of course, had not troubled herself with any of it. She had done her part and played her game. It was up to them, after that, to do the best with what she had provided them.
This, of course, had nothing to do with the fact that all but one of her darling Electrocrawlers had been destroyed in the scuffle over the electronics she stole, nor that the Dynamo Queen was still gradually being repaired. Certainly not.
But, as the stars finally return to Tsutsujidai's sky... Julia receives a most interesting message. And when her curiosity is piqued, there's nothing for it - her thirst for knowledge must be sated. So, she agreed to meet up, of course, and when the time comes she makes her way carefully through Tsutsujidai's railyards and to the designated warehouse -
...Or, maid cafe...? Julia pauses and double-checks the provided coordinates.
No, this is the right place.
Julia enters, and regards Asciel with interest as she emerges in what is undoubtedly a maid cafe outfit. She offers a smile in greeting, and a polite bow.
"Many thanks for your kind invitation. It was a... pleasant surprise, to see it lead to such a place as this." Julia greets. "You look lovely, I should say."
With that said, she slides into one of the provided chairs.
"A latte would be wonderful. I have not had a proper coffee since I arrived." She asks. "...Do excuse my appearance, by the way. I have not had access to my usual... amenities, you see."
She has, as always, made steps to make herself appear presentable, of course, but for lack of tailor access her coat has begun to show signs of wear and the purple streak on the right side of her hair has long since faded out, leaving only her natural silver.
<Pose Tracker> Sonia Sophia-Grace has posed.
With the awakening of Tsutsujidai, come many wonderful things. Open communications, for one. This has made things a lot easier for Sonia and her crew to facilitate, and is why she recieves her communique from Asciel on the private band. Finding that she has a place at Tsutsujidai is a surprise, however - Sonia suspects that had Asciel been here the whole time, She Would Have Known.
How, then, did strange friend find her?
The directions to the so-to-say derelict part of the docks does get an eyebrow raise, but that strangely secluded spot is eventually found, and approached, and ... ah. Of course it's a maid cafe. Of Course It's A Maid Cafe. Sonia resists the urge to laugh, but she's definitely emanating amusement. She knows little of Asciel, just their connections through their shared faction - but she's somehow not totally surprised by this result.
She's in her normal skirt and top combo, and continues the trend of looking like one of the high-schoolers on the PLANT who just happened to wander into the wrong place. "Well this is a lovely surprise. If you have the items for a latte, can I get a ..." ... "... water?" Smart-alec.
<Pose Tracker> Ai Martel has posed.
A maid cafe in such a place...
On the face of it, it feels rather silly, doesn't it?
But theatrics are Asciel's forte. Why do something normally if you can do it *excessively*?
It's a tendency Ai's come to like quite a lot. One she feels the urge to follow along with.
And so today, as Julia and Sonia seat themselves, a second maid--this one blonde, her figure rather excessive--steps onto the scene with a serene smile. A parasol hangs from her hip. "I don't believe I've made either of your acquaintances," she says with a bow, "I'm Ms. Colette's associate, Ai Martel."
A small chuckle at Sonia's order, and she glances in Asciel's direction. "I'll procure one, and you the other?" she offers.
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
A most curious hazy effect crosses Asciel's orange-hued eyes when Ai emerges - swiftly settling one of her arms around Ai's shoulders, tucking her consort tight to her towering frame, a most vivid, satisfied smile crossing her lips. "I feel like one order is a liiiiiiiittle more involved than the other. Since I've been asking so much of you the past few days, I'll take care of the latte then-!"
With a little spin, Asciel marches her way behind the bar, setting up an...admittedly less than 'home made' sort of coffee appliance. She's plentiful in supplies from the Macross - it being a military ship, a lot of those supplies are on the utilitarian side, so she's mostly just...putting a powdered latte in some hot water. Maybe it's not really asking more of Ai at all to get just the water.
With that steamy cup in tow, Asciel spares nothing on presentation at least - giving Julia the cup on a little plate, complete with a tiny inset tray with milk and honey in cups to their side. "I'd heard rumors of some strange stuff happening at this 'Tsutsujidai' place for a while, but - from even just a glance at what a wreck this place is, tumbling from nowhere and having a bunch of contacts MIA suddenly re-appear - it's so, so, so fascinating! Hehehehe.~ I bet a lot of information is filtering your way too from some of the explosive events of the past month. Just~ so~ you know - the big crazy coup attempt right on the Emperor's doorstep that's probably abuzz in their media..."
Asciel gives a most proud tousling of her hair from front to ponytail, nearly sparkling - (no wait, she's actually emitting some sort of sparkly holo-light effect!?) "All my doing~ Indeed, the purpose of that very scheme is why I'm here. I'm in need of some scarce materials and supplies...and spaces to hide something faaaaaairly big, and you two I think can help me there. In exchange - surely you both have aspirations of your own that my great and overwhelming power can aid you with! Even something as humble as giving you a safe exit from this space is more than within my reach - you can consider me a most opportune angel of safety!"
<Pose Tracker> Julia Ampere has posed.
Julia looks toward Sonia as she arrives, offering a polite incline of her head. The other chair must be for her... They haven't met, but if she's here... she can make a few assumptions.
As Sonia seats herself, there arrives... a second maid!
"Why, it's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Martel. You're quite lovely, as well - I am quite fortunate indeed to have been invited by both of you." Julia says, looking between Ai and Asciel. "I am Julia Ampere, world-renowned Energy Thief and expert in robotics and electrical engineering."
She listens for Sonia's name - and then, when Asciel returns with her latte, regards it appreciatively.
"My. Exquisite." She compliments. She stirs in some of the provided milk and honey, though she listens in as Asciel explains.
"Yes, it has been quite an exciting month-and-a-half. I am not privy to all the details, mind you, but it would be simplest to say that until just recently, from your perspective... we did not exist." She explains. "...And now, we grace the world with our presence once more."
She nods.
"It is true, however, that I have missed out on much... It will take some time to assess the current environment for my field of work." She says.
And then, Asciel explains why she called them here.
"Materials and supplies? Well... while I usually deal in energy, I am quite capable of getting my hands on whatever I desire... I could certainly contribute my skills to you, as well." She says. As for a safe exit, Julia smiles. "That would suffice - for a start. We can consider where our relationship goes from there, hm?"
With that said, she takes a sip of her latte.
"Ah, delicious. You have my gratitude." She says.
<Pose Tracker> Sonia Sophia-Grace has posed.
"I'm Sonia, Sonia Sophia-Grace.... and if I must tell, then I shall: I'm a NERV captain." Sonia says, incling her head. "It's nice to see you all in person, but I am ... admittedly curious - most of them minor curiosities, mind you, but a couple larger than minor. That is not a here conversation though, nor a now - perhaps in the future." She murmurs, accepting her drink when it returns.
"Thank you, Ms. Martel; please don't let Asciel bully you too much." She says, with a slight smile underneath the words, clearly teasing the taller one of the two maids.
"Now, bear in mind virtually nothing I have here on this PLANT belongs to me - aside from my time and my own skills. I have no actual need of a safe exit, but there is someone I am curious as to what colony or area they call home, if that is possibly an acceptable gift you can give in exchange."
<Pose Tracker> Ai Martel has posed.
Ai leans into Asciel's grip, giving her a fond look. "Well, of course. It would be rude of me to leave you with the harder task if you didn't *want* it." The truth--that she doesn't know how to make a latte--is safely secreted away.
(For now.)
... Or perhaps she knows well enough, given the supplies at hand. Regardless, she glides behind the bar as well, filling a glass with ice chips and water, served with a wedge of lemon perched upon the rim.
"Mm. Whatever happened must have been quite unexpected--the calls for help went out, but none of my sources could tell me much more--simply that it was gone. It's... heartening to know that it wasn't *truly* gone, but much of the mystery remains."
"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ampere... and Captain Sophia-Grace of NERV, my, my!" She looks impressed. "Our fair organization attracts all sorts... myself, I teach history at Ashford Academy by day." A brief pause. "Though I'm taking a brief vacation at the moment, of course."
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
There is such a glowing look upon Asciel's expression on the prospect of 'bullying' Ai - accompanied by juuuuust the slightest tease of a fingertip across Ai's cheek, just dodging the corner of the shorter maid's lips. "And it's a good thing she did go on this 'vacation' with me. I'd certainly 'prepared' to do it all on my own, and I'm sure I'd have made it here in one piece, but Ai here made it so much more comfortable and easy and rewarding."
For a little while, Asciel closes her eyes, still standing upright, strangely quiet for a bit. ...there's a slight, faint whirring in her that slows down for a while. A stark contrast from previous lulls, where she seemed to only intensify there.
But a minute passes, and her eyes blink back open, irises spinning a brighter glow of orange to reorient. "Skills in robotics and electrical engineering...yes, I have a great need for that, though the vastness of this need won't fall fully on your shoulders right this second. I've diligently priortized the most urgent areas for repair and reconditioning, so I know exactly where to request your services, Ju~lia~ As soon as you've finished up with your drink, I'd be glad to unveil the scope of what I've achieved...~"
Sonia's request raises an eyebrow. "A certain person that you're curious about? Interesting, interesting..." Asciel tips forward at the hips, a hand on her chin as she assesses Sonia a little more in detail - careful in her intent to contact an Amalgam affiliate at the same time as a stray element. "Fortunately, I think such a task suits me well. And in case it's beyond my immediate scope, I do think I have a very high treasure trove of raw information that may well have what you seek. ...I do think I plan on staying here in Tsutsujidai for a little while longer, but I may have to make a hastier escape than expected if unwelcome guests converge on us. Those Britannians encamped there haven't given you too much trouble, I'd hope..."
<Pose Tracker> Julia Ampere has posed.
"A NERV captain? My. It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain. Do keep my profession between us, if you would?" Julia says, glancing over to Sonia. She looks back toward Ai, then, with a nod.
"Indeed. One moment, I was conversing with a colleague - and the next, nothing! And outside my window was naught but a gaping void! Imagine my surprise." Julia explains. "I remained cool and collected, of course. I do have a reputation to uphold."
She listens with interest as Ai explains that she teaches history at... Ashford? Interesting.
"A teacher, hm? How fascinating - and, of course." She replies with a nod, of the vacation. This here and now, presumably - which Asciel confirms. Julia smiles.
"Pleasant companionship does wonders for enhancing life's joys and tribulations both, doesn't it?" Julia comments with a smirk. "You two make quite the darling pair."
She watches, though as Asciel... closes her eyes and goes quiet for a moment. Julia waits patiently, and... Ah, there she is again.
"How fascinating. Now you have me curious, dear. But, yes, one thing at a time." Julia replies. She sips - and it isn't long until her cup is empty yet again. "My compliments."
She glances toward Sonia, then. She is, of course, curious about what it is she's after. ...Not that it's any of her business, but that's not going to stop her from being curious.
<Pose Tracker> Sonia Sophia-Grace has posed.
"Oh, don't worry. It's not like they pry into what I do on my downtime." Is ... Sonia being sarcastic, or...
"Ashford... Heh. I never had a chance of going there, myself." The technical Brittanian-in-the-room remarks casually. "I wasn't in that area, being on one of the -other- Area islands...." That done, she sips her water, humming faintly. "Thank you, by the by. Ice water is truly a treat."
Then, an aside, "I need to know Miss Lombardi's location, or at least what garage I can stop at, in case we cannot get her machine standing up again. Amuro Ray kicked teeth in although we took him down eventually."
Ai Martel says, "Mmn. And I have contacts of my own," she explains with a nod. "Ah, a machine missing its pilot, I see--" Ah. Wait. That name. "Amuro Ray... in *here*? While the PLANT was trapped on the, er... other side of wherever you found yourselves?" She frowns."
<Pose Tracker> Ai Martel has posed.
Ai grins likewise at the suggestion of 'bullying', giving a soft chuckle. "One should never go on such a journey alone," she tells Asciel simply, as she goes still and quiet... "Ah-- give her a moment. She is... a touch distractible at times," Ai explains to the other two. She's blushing, just a touch.
"Mmn. And I have contacts of my own," she explains with a nod. "A machine missing its pilot, I see--" Ah. Wait. That name. "Amuro Ray... in *here*? While the PLANT was trapped on the, er... other side of wherever you found yourselves?" She frowns.
"Hum... it seems the nightmare he represents is a vivid one, indeed." She bites a silken-gloved knuckle. Truly, this era is full of horrors...
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
"Miss Lombardi... I'm not familiar with anyone by the name, though I'll do my best to seek her out~ ...I've -certainly-, on the other hand heard of Amuro Ray, and it's certainly...something haunting to see him in that sort of state." A little stiffness runs up Asciel's spine - a dull flash overcomes her eyes with a more flat, consistent, even hue as opposed to the usual way they sparkle.
"The final miracle that guarded the planet - a meteor of doom descending upon the wide blue world - - such immense willpower that stopped it. Something hitherto missing, unthinkable, unplannable. On that day the world should have died. Instead, one person sat at the locus of an impossible event, and then - they reappear, as an envoy poised as though to fix that perceived mistake. As though to mock the world for having dared to live onward. Should the Cosmic Law be possessed of some unconceivable cruelty intent on destroying even hearts...But perhaps it is but an arbiter of fate. Perhaps the impossibility of the 'miracle' cracks humans apart, for they lack the strength to shoulder the world. If that is the paradigm in play, then the method to save the world must be changed - it requires a means to adjourn its destiny that will not succumb to greater forces."
...A buzzing sound is emanating from Asciel at this. Yet once more, an odd low-responsive tick.
>dfhdhfdhfhdfhdh what is wrong with me hang on hang on hang on i can fix this i can FIX this-
With a sudden start, Asciel comes back to earth - or does she? "And that greater force is what I bear to you!~" Her voice gains its cheery lilt back, as she raises one arm skyward - giving a flamboyant snap of her fingers, loud and clear. And suddenly, what was once a warehouse hastily decorated with the idea that it is a maid cafe churns - splits - rumbles and cracks apart, two halves extending and unveiling behind a false facade - a spire of vivid purple, light lilac, and accents of gold. It's unmistakeably a battleship bridge of some kind - and Asciel quickly begins leading Sonia and Julia towards one of the doors, tiny on the frame of even what's clearly a New Macross-class's 'head'. "Ahahahah~ Once, this was known as the Macross 13 - with fortune, my means of feigning its destruction have succeeded, though I imagine there are those too clever for their own good who've seen through me - thus a liiiittle bit of caution is still needed. Soon, it will be reforged into a means to change the world - as the very first ship of its kind changed it all those years ago. Indeed, the refinement of this wonderful form is what I pursue - and the reason I have sought your aid."
A tablet with a map of the Macross highlighting a very specific few rooms is handed to Julia and Sonia alike - largely for the former's instruction. "These are the spaces I am authorizing others to inhabit and operate with at this time. There's pleeeenty of space - the only other person aboard lately is Ai here, after all, so numerous quarters to rest in are included. And these are what I'll be needing repaired and adjusted..."
As they enter the spacious, but hauntingly empty and inactive bridge, its many screens and displays dark, Asciel asides to Sonia, "Oh! I know not if it will help, but several of those have databases that might know of the person you seek. Obviously if she was here in Tsutsujidai I won't have data on it here, but I intend to leave imminently and take care of a few curiosities in this interesting little town, so as long as I know what she looks like..."
<Pose Tracker> Julia Ampere has posed.
"Of course." Julia replies with a nod at Sonia's comment. She takes it in stride, sarcastic or not. A Miss Lombardi, hm...? And Amuro Ray... a name that anyone would know.
"Ah, so he, too, was a participant in that big fuss a few days ago. Most fascinating." Julia remarks, curiously. ...It's a shame she didn't have any over her Electrocrawlers active to spy on it for her.
Ai explains that Asciel is... distractible, and Julia nods.
"Of course, of course. I, personally, am in no rush." Julia says.
...Speaking of distractibility, Julia regards Asciel with interest as she speaks of Amuro.
"You've quite a way with words." Julia remarks. Now her curiosity has definitely been piqued - what provoked that little change...? Asciel certainly has her interest, now.
But what happens next is fascinating in a different way. Julia stands up as the maid cafe - and the warehouse itself - gives way to a battleship bridge.
"A Macross. You do nothing in halves, do you, Miss Colette?" Julia replies with a fond chuckle. "Such a bombastic display - color me intrigued. I've always had a fondness for such things."
She follows after her, and when she's handed a tablet, she studies it with interest.
"Hmm, I see... What a remarkable construction..." She murmurs to herself as they enter the bridge itself, then looks up at Asciel. "You say you wish to change the world... May I ask what you intend to change it into?"
<Pose Tracker> Ai Martel has posed.
Ai watches Asciel as she speaks, looking perhaps *touch* concerned--and just a bit more than a touch, as the towering woman stops and *buzzes*. She looks toward the other two. "Lost in thought, I think," she says calmly, even as she worries inside.
But all is well. She doesn't engage Asciel's contemplations on Amuro, perhaps wisely.
What doesn't concern her--indeed, she barely even reacts--is the reveal of the Macross 13's bridge. A grin crosses her lips, instead, and she twirls to face it, skirt spreading, parasol taken from her hip to rest over her shoulder as she follows close behind.
"It's been comfortable," Ai explains at the note that she's been the only one aboard. "You'd be surprised at the magic that pleasant company can work, even in such cavernous halls." She winks toward Julia. "Regrettably... while I can offer an extra pair of hands and eyes, I'm not the most technically-minded of people. Learning! Quickly, in fact. But not enough to do more than follow instructions, when it comes to working with a Macross."
A grin to Julia. "My dear, Asciel feels with her whole heart, and acts with her whole self. She is... *singularly* passionate."
<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.
"What I intend to change it into..."
Asciel pauses in her affirmed striding through the room, pivoting on one heel, briefly making it a point to stand just a bit too close to Julia. Just a bit too imposingly gazing down at her from on high. Her smile broad, vast, accepting - her eyes shimmering like the sunset, with just the vaguest hint of cloudy purples peeking in to accentuate that.
"It is simple, yet vast. Many elements converge on this dream. Purely and simply - I intend to fulfill a [promise]."
Slowly tipping forward. Almost meeting Julia on her level - though still ensuring that locking eyes keeps her acquaintance's head aimed upwards. "My promise...to answer the world's questions, to heal the world's malaise. To make it all function in harmony and peace, as opposed to the endless piling on of lives into a pyramid that shall need more and more to grow each inch taller. It's a promise I made from the moment I drew breath - a promise that shall make even the impression I've made on you today feel small and humble by compare."
Her eyes half-lid into something...warm. But this 'warmth' - is one easily oppressive and stifling. Like the dizzying feeling of a cable car without enough air passing through its tightly packed confines. Her voice softens, to a low, soothing whisper that pampers the ears. "...I realize oh so suddenly I'm entrusting quite a lot more than I should to you, of course - - - aah, but you won't make it a problem, I'm sure. I hold faith that the light I seek is one that everyone has an urge to flutter towards, as moths do to a flame. Tell me...the horizon that your heart has been set to fly towards. Don't listen yet to the candle-light that may have risen in your heart. That will be nourished into a hearth later. If ever the winds of the world threaten to blow it away..."
Asciel's breathing in is long - longer than it should be. And it's all for the sake - of lifting her finger between her eyes and Julia's...and giving it the softest, shortest little exhalation, blocking that wind with her digit. "I'll re-light it for you.~"
And after that moment's indulgence of occupying Julia's bubble - Asciel's retreated as forcefully as she entered, taking a seat upon what was once the Macross's captain's chair, pulling Ai in to share the seat with her, bright and content and protective of her consort. "As swiftly as possible, I'd of course rather you not have responsibilities like these, much as you seem to relish in them. It's adorable that you're willing to extend your limits for my sake, and you're a worthily strong person...but all the same, do take care not to let your heart tumble down one of the boundlessly deep holes that such technical work is. Your role is much more...well. Much more like what we're sharing right now.~"
<Pose Tracker> Julia Ampere has posed.
"It happens to all of us." Julia excuses, when Ai says that Asciel is 'lost in thought'. She's patient, of course. She smirks at her reaction, and how proud she seems of what they've made.
"Oh, I imagine." She chuckles in respond to that wink, and then nods. As for what she can offer... "It's quite alright. Extra hands are more than enough. I will do my best to instruct you as we go."
Asciel approaches, then. Approaches closely. At six feet, Julia is tall, herself - but Asciel eclipses her still, at a foot-and-a-half more. She has to crane her head upwards to meet her eyes - but she recognizes the technique for what it is, and a smirk crosses her face, her arms folding in front of her. She listens, politely and intently, as Asciel speaks. She doesn't interrupt her. But the gaze that meets those half-lidded, oppressively warm and stifling eyes...
...Is one of amusement.
"...My, my. You are an ambitious one, aren't you?" Julia remarks. "To think to ensnare even me."
She chuckles.
"Can you do it, I wonder? Unite and heal the world. You have the power, here. And the ambition. And," She nods in Ai's direction, recalling her words. One arm unfolds, tapping at her cheek. "The passion, certainly. But is that enough...? I wonder."
Julia smiles - briefly adjusting her glasses.
"...Regardless. It promises to be very entertaining to watch you try. I'm quite intrigued to see how far you can go."