2023-06-30: A Time to Breathe

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<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

What a-- not even a week. But more than a day? What an awful, stressful, no-good, but ultimately extremely cathartic few days.

For some of the crew, it had all started with tensions on the Ra Mari II between her crew and the local Sleeves finally boiled over. Erstwhile comrade turned against erstwhile comrade. Lives were lost in the ensuing mutiny. But to make matters worse, the Federation, smelling blood in the water and driven by the Vist Foundation's desire to extinguish the Vessel of Possibility, chose that exact time to assault the beleaguered ship. And then, after repelling both the Sleeves and the Federation... The Banshee finally caught up to its sister unit, and the climax of several terrible engagements, betrayal and no small amount of torture finally came to a head.

...And in its wake, Leina Ashta was freed from Vist's control. But difficulties do not end just because the princess of mass destruction was saved from her wicked stepmother. For her, and for the crew of the Ra Mari II-- and of course, for those Sleeves who decided to stay behind and fight for new friends and compatriots, there were wounds to heal and work to do.

A scant handful of days after the climactic final battle, Trevor Teach, renowned (sorta??) dread pirate (sorta????) has finally stumbled more or less intact out of medical and has decided to do something for the crew.

...And come clean on the fact that he'd secretly been stashing several bottles of high and stunningly low end liquor in various compartments throughout the ship, by setting them all up in a corner of the mess hall and sending a message to his friends in the Garancieres Crew: He figured they'd all been through a lot, and it's probably good to take stock. Bring food. (He has other refreshments covered)

...Of course, such as it is, news travels fast aboard a ship. And surely, other people will hear and attend to the siren call of a time to relieve heavy burdens among... friends. Maybe even family, for some.

At this point, for Trevor at least, the Garancieres and its crew is the closest thing to family he's got in several light seconds.

Trevor himself is sitting among a glass menagerie of colorful bottles, only some of which are actually glass. He's relatively humbly dressed in casual attire, but only because his arm's still in a cast from a partially dislocated shoulder. His eyepatch is present, but slung over a set of bandages wrapped over his brow from when that damn missile strike slammed into the Isadore.

It seems-- he's already poured himself a glass of middling quality bourbon on ice.
Suberoa Zinnerman teleports in.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


It wasn't good, that's for sure.

The stashing of liquor can be forgiven; at this point, the people left on the Ra Mari II are those who want to be there, regardless of prior affiliations. Take stock, bring food...

Eight York has heard of this, and is in a unique position; her role as leader can do a lot for a meeting like this, without the utter formality of the current Acting Captain showing up. That is, it's fine to drink in front of Eight out of uniform. Though she doesn't go for any herself...

For obvious reasons.

"How are you feeling?" Eight asks as she walks in, in a red dress with a nice brown jacket, and some boots. Artificial gravity is restored, and so she can simply walk along.

"I'm out of uniform, don't go getting all formal," she assures those present. "I'm technically on leave, you know."

Then a smile. "I'm glad you're with us."
Angelo Sauper teleports in.
POT: Angelo Sauper is now set observer. 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


Rena Lancaster isn't going to turn down someone doing something for the Ra Mari II's crew. As the flight commander, she is part of that crew -- and she is something of the unofficial-but-official morale officer for the Three Ships Alliance.

If she is told to bring food, she does just that.

She arrives with a large platter -- you know it's large because it has two handles, and is being carried two-handed -- full of chocolate chip cookies, which is hot still.

She is wearing a black jacket, with blue lining, over a dark blue shirt and blue jeans. She steps in, a little after Eight, then she smiles.

She can't quite wave.

"Hello, everyone!" she says. "Ah, it's good to see you all here! And, um, thank you for organizing this, Mr. Teach."

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Someone who would certainly not be expected to show up today is Nova Stellar, known avoider of large gatherings and by last reports, still unconscious in medical. Not externally wounded, the most likely cause appeared to be severe overexertion. Though the fear may have been there that it could be more than that. Even if nobody quite knows for sure, it's at the least suspected that she's doing something with her mind to control her machine. Who knows what could happen if anything went wrong with that.

And yet, who so happens to stumble in but the self-proclaimed Miracle Worker herself. Looking perfectly fine, if still a little groggy and bleary-eyed. She must have gone straight here after waking up, beating any reports of her recovery there. She had no idea there was some sort of event happening, she only came because she was hungry. Really, really hungry.

So naturally, she zeroes in on one particular thing only: Rena's tray of cookies, making a beeline straight for it, snagging one before even saying anything. And dropping it again immediately. "Ow, hot!"

Blowing on her hand, it finally starts to sort of register who else is here. She's having a bit of trouble putting her thoughts in order still, as she looks from Eight to Rena, directing a summary of her concerns in their general direction "...Are we okay?" Kind of open to interpretation, but give her a second, she's been sleeping for several days.

Trevor too gets a look, and needs a double-take for her to identify him. Which she does with the words, "Oh. It's the delinquent." ...To be fair, last time she saw Trevor, he was advocating storming the stage at a concert. Besides, it's just a statement, there's no judgment there. She can hang with delinquents. There was a time when people called her one, too. Seems so long ago now. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

A lot has happened for the Ra Mari II and everyone in its immediate vicinity. Now, though, they finally have some peace. Quiet? Maybe not so much. But, it's a good time to assess everything and take stock of their situation and where they all stand.

Conveniently, Trevor has provided an opportunity to do just that.

And so, when Rena arrives, Anita arrives right along with her. She's also dressed casually, in her signature hoodie and jeans combo. She also carries with her a pot full of her chili, which some might remember from the last big Ra Mari II get-together. Her Haro walks reliably next to her, carrying a container with various items for customization and dipping.

(Anita has also brought drinks for herself, because while she can drink alcohol it does nothing for her, so might as well save it for those who can use it.)

"Hey, everyone." Anita greets, setting the pot down - and then picking up the container from her Haro and setting it down right next to it. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"Okay, okay. Not the beach one." Banagher furrows his brow, scrolling through the few available free video-call backgrounds. "Not the space one. How about..."

---

Ring ring! Ring ring!

Trevor's little Haro -- Yaro -- lights up with an incoming call. When did Banagher get the pirate's number? Who knows. It's fine. All true Haro fans are connected, after all.

Should Trevor accept the call, Banagher and Leina will appear! Projected from Yaro's sole good eye, perhaps the image isn't the greatest quality. All the same, they both look much better than the last time they were seen. Cuddled together against a background of a generic picket-fence back yard, Banagher keeps an arm around Leina. There's something protective in his eyes. If anyone even looks at Leina wrong, his expression promises consequences.

"Hey, everyone!" Banagher greets, smiling softly. "Not sure how long we'll stay, but I wanted to make sure to make an appearance, at least. I didn't really check on anyone after the battle... I'm sorry about that. Are you all okay?"

Despite a little bandage across his nose, Banagher looks healthy and rested. His shoulders are relaxed. The hazy energy of fury and grief that had been hanging on his shoulders since the battle at Dakar is mostly banished.

"Thanks for setting this up, Trevor. And, Eight --" Banagher addresses her casually, noticing her outfit. "How is the Unicorn doing? I'm sorry to have left her there without managing repairs myself."

"As for us, or, me, I guess. Leina can speak for herself." Banagher kisses her cheek quickly. "I'm safe. Recovering. Full Frontal gave me a pretty nasty concussion, but it's nothing serious, really. It's good to be able to rest.. I didn't realize how tired I was." 

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


Roux Louka comes in with Rena and Eight. Well, not quite with. She is lingering behind.

Roux does not look great. She is wearing a loose blouse and a pair of gray leggings along with some foot wraps that don't quite hide her toes. She has visibly lost several kilos and has not been able to get any of her usual glossy glamour together. She has her hair in a loose ponytail with a ribbon more or less lashing it together. She has an eye bandage over her left eye, and her left arm is entombed in a cast-and-splint combination which was applied during triage and not... corrected, even if it wouldn't be ideal care. It looks like gray cement and immobilizes her wrist, too.

But you know what she doesn't look like? A dead person.

Or, for that matter, an unhappy person.

"So, thanks for the help, Mr. Pirate," Roux remarks directly to Trevor with a faintly wistful smile. "Have you been planning your next daring raid or anything?"

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

Riika Sheder has had a busy few days. Even disregarding the battles against the Banshee (she'd never been in a position to engage it), there was a mutiny that exploded faster than she expected it to, and an attack by Federation and Sleeves both. People were hurt, equipment damaged, but she came through it with little more than bruises (and she recovers from those quickly)...

...and she's in the engineering department.

Fun fact: did you know that every after any conflict inside a ship (mutiny, boarding, or otherwise), you have to check the entire ship for sabotage?

Additional fun fact: did you know that the Ra Mari II is approximately 1.2 kilometers long?

There isn't a single person in the engineering or mechanics disciplines that hasn't putting in extra shifts in an attempt to repair all the mobile units *and* cover as much of the ship as possible, which may explain why Riika hasn't really been seen a whole lot since then.

She looks pretty alert for someone who must have been running on minimal sleep for the last week, though there's some signs of fatigue and stiffness if you know what to look for - she's pretty good at hiding it though. She has changed out of uniform, at least; short skirt and leggings and a pale blue blouse.

"I'm sorry," she says, apologetically. "I didn't have time to cook anything; I've only been off shift for about forty-five minutes and I spent half of that getting clean. There's a *lot* of access shafts we still need to check. But I thought I'd like to at least say hello."

<Pose Tracker> Marida Cruz has posed.

         Marida had recovered enough to finally leave the infirmary of the 'Junior,' hardly even the worse for wear. Far from it, she was in the best condition she had been her entire life. She was sitting off to the side, in a black t-shirt and gray khakis, a few bandages on her arms and face and a mug of coffee in her hand (one cream and five sugars).

         "I'm just thankful we've finally got some time to breathe. The Vists will likely be licking their wounds, giving us opportunity to further pursue the box."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


It's such a simple thing. The idea of a video call, of getting her used to talking to people outside of a select few in her safe space. A number of people.

Leina was still very early in her therapy, and had trouble trusting what was going on in her own head. Yet, she understood the value of such a thing.

And here on a video call, she had the ability to retreat if necessary. Still, she found herself pre-medicating so to speak.

When the call comes on, initially she's out of frame, but as Banagher calls her over, she moves into the picture, taking his hand and squeezing it as she sits down and looks at the phone.

It's Leina, and right now she's in a set of violet/pink pajamas that clashes a bit with the picket fence. Unless she's the type to just, be in her pajamas outside? "Hey everyone." She starts quietly, as if uncertain what to expect from everyone at her appearance.

It's hard to know where to go next. She can't trust the feelings in her own head. How much guilt should she feel for what she did? Should she apologize? For what? How much?

Instead of trying to navigate those questions in the moment, she squeezes Banagher's hand, sounding nervous as she continues, "I'm... getting the help I need right now. I'd like to thank all of you for, knocking some sense into me. I'm not sure where I'd be right now if you hadn't."

Her other hand makes a discreet wave towards, Roux, then Eight in frame before she quiets down.

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

The wake of a battle like this is always a cocktail of emotion. The relief of survival, intermingled with mourning for those who gave their lives to ensure that those who made it still breathe. Paying your respects to your enemies' dead, all the while keenly aware of the uncertain future hanging over your side.

But they are still here - and that's something that should be celebrated.

Trevor has brought the booze - Zinnerman's going to have to keep an eye on him if he moves onto the Garencieres Jr. full time, clearly - so it's Gilboa's duty, as ship's cook, to bring some absolutely massive bowls of his specialty stew for everyone to enjoy.

The old salt's eyes track over the assembled, a faint smile appearing on his face as he recognises people from many walks of life - formerly across enemy lines - coming together like this.

"Mister Teach." He nods to the piratical man. "Thank you for this." He turns and nods to Marida. "We've bought time - but not without a grave cost. However..." His smile warms, to the young lady he's still adjusting a little to honestly calling his 'daughter' - "We can afford to spend some of that time recovering. We have wounds of our own to treat, after all." He puts a hand across her shoulders, drawing her into a gentle half-hug.

Trevor's Haro beeps, its eye crackling and projecting a video call. "Banagher." The captain's warmth only increases at the sight of the young man. "It's good to see you again. You look... much better." Zinnerman too is standing taller, brighter-eyed than Banagher's ever seen him. The stormcloud that hangs across his shoulders may never fully fade, but it is much, much less intense.

"... Miss Ashta." His expression fades into something gentler as Leina comes into view on the screen. "We did what we could. I'm glad it was enough, altogether." 

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

"Missus York," Trevor inclines his head at the ship's non-acting-captain. "Glad to have you along. And... glad to be here, heh. I just wish it were under less dire circumstances." But they are all alive. He glances at Zinnerman and Marida, even as he takes a bowl of hot stew into his safe keeping. Zinnerman will probably need to keep an eye on him. Just in case he magpies some kind of vital macguffin and buries it under a pile of junk in his quarters or something. "...We are staying, aren't we? Just, to be certain. I know hunting down the Box is a priority, but..."

Having a few more hands to help in the work of it all would be... nice.

"Trevor's ring tone is a sea shanty because of course it is. He has to maintain kayfabe, after all. But it is at least punctuated by a happy Haro (Yaro) sing-songing: "Yaro! Yaro! Banagher Phone! Yaro! Yaro! Banan--" Trevor chuckles and taps the top of the roly-poly violet orb. In his defense, while Yaro only has the one eye, its OTHER eye has been kitted out with a heck of a patch. It's got three rotating lenses, one of which just happens to be a slightly higher quality projector lens than most Single-Haro-Eyes mount. Banagher-- and Leina-- are soon beamed into the mess hall against a background that might be described as 'charmingly domestic.' "Hey you two--" Trevor begins to say-- but then Banagher kisses Leina's cheek and his lips curl into a clever smile, "--Looks like you're both getting along well. I'm glad to hear you're getting the care you need, though. I can... understand how much of a relief it must be."

A little too viscerally, in fact. He did sort of... drink from the firehose that was Leina Ashta's trauma. Part of him is still scarred from the experience. In fact, taking the initiative of putting this whole thing together may have been at least partially motivated by not wanting to feel the lingering memory of that... that all-crushing loneliness. Not for a while longer yet, anyway.

(Of course, he then immediately told people about it. Truly a rogue, taking what isn't bolted down. Even secrets of the heart and soul...)

Others appear. Rena brings cookies-- hot, warm, squishy cookies. Trevor has-- Only ever had the kind that come in pre-wrapped packages. The sight and scent have him peer greedily over at the tray. He'll have to grab a few before they're gone. Surely they'll be in high demand, sparkling as they are with little chocolate gems. Chili, too. That was a rare treat back home. "'Course, glad t' be of service-- and I'm a pirate, not merely a delinquent." Trevor huffs softly. "Stay as long or as short as you need," he says to Riika. "I saved a bottle of the good stuff for the Chief." Of engineering, that is. It MIGHT BE Eight's beau. "Right there, behind the coffee maker. Mind bringing it his way if you're headed over?"

And then-- Roux.

"Happy to be of assistance, Miss Police OFficer," Trevor says around a charming-- perhaps even roguish-- smile, "Don't you worry. I've been too busy being knocked around and lapsing in and out of sleep to plan anything just yet. But I guarantee that when I do find something worth taking, I'll have quite a plan laid out for it." 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


"We have the circumstances we have," Eight says, in the tune of 'sometimes it's like that'. "I wouldn't miss it, though."

Even Lavnadim Orlodhari has been working, though only administratively, through his wound. The medical staff couldn't uite get him to stop, given all that had to happen, and only Eight's insistence got him to rest at all. He called the gunshot a 'minor injury' otherwise. It's fine. He's out of the infirmary by now!

But Eight is the one here, and Eight takes a cookie. "Thanks, Rena."

She looks over the others--Roux's injuries are not news to her, obviously, but she smiles at her to see her out and about. And Anita!

And there, when Banagher and Leina appear--

"It's good to see you both," Eight says. "WI'm glad to hear you're getting what you need, Leina. Banagher, the Unicorn's intact; we haven't had a chance to give her her full repairs yet, with the damage to the ship, but she's stable and on the list for more of a touch-up."

"Oh, yeah?" Eight says of saving the good stuff for the chief. "Nice."

Then she laughs a little at the matter of 'something worth taking'.

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


"C-Careful, Nova!" Rena says, as she goes right for the tray of cookies. "They're just out of the oven."

She glances sideways at Anita, flashing a grin at her -- and then she looks at the chili, then the Haro (with its container), with a hungry look. "Haro's being helpful today, huh?"

She sets her cookies down, next to the chili, and then she smiles. She looks back at Roux, then, and there is a concerned look on her face -- the wounds she took are a little concerning -- but she smiles at her.

Then, she looks at Riika -- and she shakes her head. "It's okay," she says. "I know we've had you and everyone else in engineering working overtime..."

Then, she looks at Marida, then Suberoa. She smiles, and she nods. "We've got a little time," she says. "I'm glad you're both here with us, though. I wonder if we're the Four Ships Alliance, now."

(Maybe they'll ultimately need a new name.)

She looks at Eight, and grins. "You're welcome, Octo," she says. "Tell me how they came out?"

She knows, realistically, Eight will say they're great. But it's nice to hear.

"Banagher!" Rena says, as the screen comes up from Trevor's Haro. "And Leina! It's--it's so good to see you both again." She smiles, leaning forward a little, and then she tilts her head to the side. "You're both okay? You're--ah--I'm glad you're getting help."

She hesitates for a second. "It's so good to see you both," she says. "I, um, I was worried, but... I knew you'd be okay, if you're both together. But come back as soon as you're up for it, okay?"

Then, she looks at Trevor. "Go ahead and have one," Rena says. "They're really good." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Yup. It's always nice to have an extra pair of hands." Anita agrees with a nod and a grin.

The Haro accompanying Trevor projects a video call, and it's... Banagher and Leina! Anita offers a smile.

"It's great to see you two." Anita greets with a smile, settling in. She's fine, for the most part, sitting back and taking everything in - there's a lot going on, and she's fine with being a passive, relaxing presence. 

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

"It's all right," Riika says, to Rena. "It has to get done, no matter what, and I don't mind doing it. It's just taking a while... it's a big ship and there's a lot to do. At least we've got most of the mobile units operating again - there's a few that aren't, but the bulk of them are up and ready to go."

She looks over at Banagher... well, Banagher's projection. She's not sure how good his return vision must be - Yaro doesn't seem to have many cameras after all and it certainly can't look every direction at all. "The Unicorn is one of those, I'm afraid - one of the ones that isn't complete. I didn't know if you wanted it touched, honestly. If you do I can work on it the next time I'm on mobile unit duty instead of ship duty."

"It's good to see you, by the way. Both of you." That with a nod to Leina, and a smile. "People were worried!" She leaves it at that. It's best not to be pushy.

Riika actually then takes a seat, which is the surest sign she's actually tired. But not hurt, so she makes sure Roux is on her way toward one before she settles in, to see if she needs a hand - Riika is perfectly willing to provide one.

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Nova's take two of the all-important Obtaining Cookie task goes better, with better preparation for their high temperature and lots of blowing on them before finally getting that sugary goodness she craved. Everything certainly seems to have panned out alright, even if she clearly has a lot to catch up on after being out of it for that long. The matter of the Sleeves still present for one thing. Seems like some are on their side now? She can't really process everything right now, still waking up.

"Pirate, okay, cool," she just kind of takes Trevor's statement in stride, which she might have done even if she had been more awake. She's a bit more animated in her reaction when Roux shows up, raising her voice in an, "Ah! You're alright! Thank goodness!" She did say that she would back up the Strike Zeta in that fight against Angelo, and that went kind of miserably. Thankfully not fatally so. Though when the wounds register, she falls quiet, still feeling a little guilty about not doing a better job with that promise.

However, then Banagher's communique happens, and she's roused back into a more cheerful mood, especially after Leina appears there with him. There's a sigh of relief from her, followed by a bright smile when seeing they at least managed to resolve that matter positively. "...You did it. Nice going, Unicorn Boy!" She gives a thumbs-up to the Haro-camera.

Leina looks... as well as she reckons could reasonably be expected, following an ordeal like that. She's not immediately sure what to say, or if she should even feel spoken to. She kind of just... dove in there, and vaguely recalls that she may have said some embarrassing things in the heat of the moment. Does she deserve thanks for her part in this?

When in doubt, try to play it cool. "Just following my motto: If there's anything you can to do help, you should do it!" She can't quite leave it at that, though, fiddling with her left braid as she adds in a softer tone, "...Take your time. You're gonna be okay."

Finally, something else registers, and there's a gleam in her eyes, muttering to herself. "Hm hm, the Unicorn's repairs aren't done yet, you say. Could this be my chance...?"

...Don't wory, someone will surely stop her from doing anything we'll all regret. 

<Pose Tracker> Marida Cruz has posed.

         "I do wonder...I suppose the 'Garencieres' has been made persona non grata by the Sleeves at this point after what Lieutenant Sauper did." She takes another sip of her coffee and almost imperceptibly leans into Zinnerman's hug.

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


Roux smiles at Leina, quietly. There isn't a lot more to be said than that. Or what she said. Sometimes that kind of thing is enough. Then Roux turns her attention back to the one-eyed monster that Trevor's fondling in front of all of them.

Her attention turns back at the others - and despite her sedate and perhaps lightly sedated demeanor, something pricks up at what Trevor says. "Oi," she says, her hand going on her hip. "First things first, I am *not* and I have never *been* a cop. I was yelling at you about being a pirate because I'm a mercenary contractor, *not a cop*. Get it? Got it? Great."

Roux drifts towards a seat. "Oh, thank you," she says when Riika positions herself to ensure that Roux gets one; she accepts gratefully. In micro gravity she might just stretch out, but gravity here is decidedly unmicro. Roux then reaches out to collect a cookie.

"Huh?" Roux comments to Marida. "I don't mean to butt in about how your people do their stuff, but weren't you kind of doing what the Sleeves are trying to do...? You guys must have badly messed up the General Revil and you've made the Federation show its entire ass!" A pause. "At least some crack," Roux concludes.

PAIN MEDICINE RULES

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

"Trevor, thank you." Banagher smiles. "I heard you fought hard, too. Thank you for that, and -- I hope everything's alright. I know the Isadore is important to you. Is it doing alright?"

Though Newtype feelings don't resonate quite as well through Haro-projected images, Banagher feels a twinge of worry for the pirate captain. There's something in his expression that makes Banagher think more went on in Trevor's fight with the Banshee than a simple exchange of attacks...

"Hey, if you ever need to talk... Yaro's got my VERTEX handle. I'm around most of the time." Banagher offers. "If nothing else, it'd be nice for Haro and Yaro to meet. I'm always looking for more friends for Haro."

Leina squeezes Banagher's hand, and he looks to her with such an expression of gentleness and love, it's a wonder that his heart hasn't broken. "You're doing great." He murmurs to her. "Everyone's here to support you."

Though Banagher tells himself he's here to support Leina, it's clear how much strength he's gaining from her presence, too. Having her safe next to him is a relief he can't even fully express. It makes the whole world feel less horrible, and his impossible quest feel just a bit more possible.

"Captain!" Banagher brightens up, grinning at Zinnerman. "You look better too. And Miss Marida, hello. I'm so happy you're both safe. How is the crew doing? I'm sorry I didn't check in before I left -- it was kind of a rush. After what Full Frontal and Angelo did, um --" A glance to Eight, then back to Zinnerman. "Are you guys -- okay, on the Ra Mari II?"

Not that Banagher doubts Eight herself. Quite the opposite -- the fact that she's on leave now is what makes him nervous. After an attempted coup, some of the Ra Mari II's crew must have hard feelings toward anyone even slightly aligned with Zenon. Will they all understand the crew of the Garencieres Jr. have truly switched sides?

"Thank you, Eight. Don't put the Unicorn ahead of the ship, of course, but -- please keep me updated when you start repairs on her." A glance toward Leina. Should he ask about the Banshee? Instinctively, he understands that would be a bad idea. "...my friend Takuya can help. I'm sure he already is. How are you doing? How is the baby?"

Rena's voice makes Banagher smile all over again. She, at least, Banagher trusts fully to be on Leina's side. Rena always has been. "Rena, it's great to see you're doing well, too. There was reason to worry, but -- we're safe." Another squeeze to Leina's hand.

"I'll have to come back soon. Vist won't let this peace last." Banagher closes his eyes briefly. "I have to end this, or nobody will be safe. I'd... like to talk about that soon. Maybe not today, but -- soon. I can't do this alone, and I'm sorry to ask for more from all of you. But please." Banagher's eyes are serious. "Please help me put an end to this chase, when the time comes."

"Don't worry, Riika." Banagher's voice gentles again. "I appreciate your efforts, but please don't push yourself. As long as the Unicorn is stable, that's be enough. I just want to make sure she's ready to go in case VIst tries anything. Thank you so much for being willing to help. If you could talk to Takuya, I'm sure he's already got a plan. He was the best of the best at Anaheim Electric."

'Unicorn Boy', Nova dubs him, and Banagher has a momentary of expression that seems to say, 'who, me?'.

Of course. Who else?

"T--thank you! My name is Banagher Links. I'm not sure I know your name, miss, can I ask?" A somewhat-hesitant thumbs up is given in return. "Uh -- what was that you just said though? About the Unicorn..?" 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


A smile at Banagher's kiss, for now she just squeezes his hand though. 'You're doing great. Everyone's here to support you.'

It's hard for her head to believe it in the moment, from that place of feeling that Vist brought her to by tampering with her memories.

She just has to trust him when he says its true.

We are." She affirms to Trevor. Her seagreen eyes give him an almost apologetic look as if understanding how those... emotions lashing out might have affected people, even if the words don't come in the moment.

"Also it's true, Roux is definitely not a cop." A thoughtful look, as her eyes wander up, "Unless you're actually Mondo in a pirate disguise? But everyone kinda has to be a cop around him, or they just wouldn't have 'stuff.'"

Well she still has something of a sense of humor in this situation at least, probably a good sign.

Captain Zinnerman may find Leina's eyes on him even before he addresses her, as if she were on 'high alert' of sorts. Her anxiety is likely quite strong right now.

"Thank you for your assistance, Captain Zinnerman. It was exactly what I needed at the time."

In the end, it gave her the ability to start her recovery. And she's needing to trust all of them in that recovery. A brief glance to Marida within his hug, she just smiles, but doesn't address her, as if uncertain if she'd be intruding.

Eyes upon Eight, she gives a nod, and- "I hope the damage isn't too severe." She says of the Ra Mari II. She doesn't bring up the Banshee Norn's repairs because well- it may be a bit of a controversial topic in the room right now. "The Federation didn't... hold back, on this one."

But as Roux points out, the Federation showed it's whole ass, or at least some crack.

She falters on the topic, and quiets down again as if feeling guilty on the matter, before looking to Rena, "I'm okay, Renalle." At least, as okay as she can be right now, "I'll be out and about again once we can address the security concerns. I- technically the Federation has an execution order out there for me, right now, I guess? And... we haven't dug out all of the... conditioning, yet. So it's not safe, I'd be a liability for all concerned."

There's something just, matter of fact in her tone about that, like she accepts that her situation is what it is. That she feels helpless? A prisoner of things within her own mind? She doesn't need to bring it up.

As Nova tells her she's going to be okay, her expression basically becomes 'I hope so'. "It's a good motto." She replies, "Still... not sure about the anime part?" She offers haltingly, with a small laugh, "But... it did shock me pretty well in the moment." She does look amused, coming down from Unicorn Boy. "And... you're right. He did do it."

Leaning over, she plants a kiss on his cheek lightly and as she breaks contact, she tells him, softly, "Good going, Unicorn Boy." As she cracks another smile, and winks at the room over the camera of the phone.

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

"You're welcome!" Riika seems honestly pleased to help Roux.

She doesn't sit herself, though - because she picks up the bottle indicated by Trevor, glancing at it. "I can bring this to the Chief, sure. Though I don't guarantee it will get drunk any time soon," she says with a smile. If it'll last, he might save it until Eight can have it...

...or not at all; she doesn't know if he drinks. It's never come up before.

Riika does return to her seat afterwards, tucking the bottle next to it so she doesn't forget it. "I'll pass that on too," she promises Banagher. "And it's not really pushing myself, it's... all right, I suppose it is a little; but that's fine, I'm supposed to be working. I'm sure she'll be ready, though..."

Leina sounds awful, even if she says she's okay. Riika isn't sure whether it's best to confront it head on, but follows her heart: "You're not the only person the Federation has an order out for, so if that's what you're worried will set us against helping you, I don't think you have to be worried about that," she says. "You tried to help me and mine even when that was nearly impossible; I don't intend to do anything else."

Riika smiles, one of her sunnier ones. It doesn't even look forced.

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

"Mm. I doubt we have a place in Full Frontal's hierarchy any more," Zinnerman agrees. "His goals with the Sleeves are... very different." He understands, now - the Side Co-Prosperity Sphere plan will just, in the end, lead to more resentment. More Globe City disasters. "Lieutenant Sauper certainly sees us all as enemies and is functionally in charge of the remaining Sleeves forces right now."

"We can work out names later," he says to Rena. "Besides, the Garuda would make it five." It's certainly large enough to count as 'a ship' in its own right, after all.

He looks back to Banagher, thoughtful. "Mineva has made her choice and course perfectly clear, and we're staying at her side. I do not expect things to be easy, going forward, but I have every confidence in my crew's ability to prove trustworthy."

"Oh, so no pressure then, boss?" Gilboa quips from where he's managing the stew pots. Zinnerman chuckles quietly, before continuing. "We're with you to the end, Banagher. We can talk about what happens after that... when we get there. I know Tomura will be happy to work on the Unicorn again."

As for Leina: "I'm glad it helped. Please take all the time you need in your recovery - I know the Sants are planning to send you a gift basket for Palau." At that, Gilboa offers the projection a thumbs-up and a grin - "S'not gonna be much, but... It's important for us to show our 'ppreciation."

He looks down at Marida, silently encouraging her to speak up to Leina. 

<Pose Tracker> Marida Cruz has posed.

         Marida glances up at Zinnerman, giving a slight nod and turning her gaze to Leina. "Leina, I....I am glad you're okay. I...apologize for any harsh words I may have said to you in our previous encounter. I was in the heat of the moment."

         Another sip, slightly bashful. "And...thank you." 

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

Roux is Not A Cop! Trevor makes a noise that sounds like 'hmmmmm' as if the distinction Out Where He's From isn't exactly cut and dry, but he ultimately lets it slide with a nod. Can't be stirring the space-waves up into a white void frenzy now of all times. "Fair enough, Miss Mercenary Contractor then. That's a little long, though. How about 'Miss Roux' instead?" It's much shorter, and much punchier! But also, Leina brings up an excellent point: "Who's Mondo? Name like that... Sounds like he might be trouble?"

NOT THAT HE HAS ROOM TO TALK.

Rena says Words That He Wants To Hear. Trevor's ears perk up (but not really because he's only got a little bit of Zentraedi in him. Not enough to have the Ears. CERTAINLY not enough to have the Prehensile Hair) at the offer of cookies, free for the taking. Part of him is just a little sad that he won't get to enjoy the thrill of sneaking one off, but this is fine too. "I'll gladly take you up on that, then," he chimes, plucking a cookie up gingerly with his good hand and plops it onto a folded napkin. It's hot, after all. And he still has stew to eat! There's a proper order to Food Consumption. It does incentivize him to eat a little faster before the cookie cools completely, though.

"Technically speaking, we only beat up the 'Endeavor,'" Trevor clarifies at Roux's assertion. Though they really did beat that one up, hoo boy. "The Ra Mari's crew and her main gun have to take most of the credit for raking the General Revil over the coals."

Banagher has an offer. Trevor's expression softens somewhat, and he allows himself a self-effacing little chuckle. "I'd like that. I'm sure Yaro would love the company, too." The purple haro's flaps flutter in confirmation, though he can't really speak right now (being a phone and all). "Izzy's doing fine. Thankfully, he's not too hard to repair." Just slap on some compatible parts and he's good as new! Which is-- a stunningly large array of parts. Really, that machine seems to be able to take most anything as long as it can be adapted to the joints.

...Though recent events might provide a clue as to why.

He offers Leina an understanding tilt of the head. He's just glad she isn't angry about him spilling the beans. But if psychologists are obliged to be a Mandatory Reporter of certain privileged information, then... Well, he couldn't just not tell her loved ones, right?

That information was... important to get out there.

"...That's about what I'd figured," he affirms to Zinnermann. They're essentially persona non grata among the Sleeves, now. Them and anyone else who decided to stay with the Ra Mari. "Well, I didn't exactly have a horse in Frontal's whole ideological race, anyway, so that arrangement is perfectly fine by me." Vesta is a little too far out to get swept up in certain self-destructive Post-Zeonic ideologies, it seems.

"Appreciate it," he adds to Riika. "And hey, as long as it gets savored someday, that's all that matters. It's uh, good to have you aboard, Riika. Nice to have more people around from the Before Times." Even if they've probably only met... once? Twice before? 

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.


They might need a new name eventually... Indeed, it's up to many by this point. But Eight doesn't dwell on that for the moment. Riika's got Lavhi's alcohol handled meantime, so there's little else she needs to do except laugh a little. "That's true," of Roux definitely not being a cop. And as for Banagher's concerns...

So far it's been fine; the Garencieres and Trevor in particular fought with and for them. It's the sort of thing that helps forge bonds, make them stronger.

The matter of the Unicorn...

"We can include Takuya, if he's not already involved. Miss Sheder..." S he pauses, and laughs. "Actually that's Mister Orlodhari's job to determine. So nevermind." The baby?

"Things are going well," Eight says to Banagher. "I have an announcement, actually... but this isn't the time or the place."

And the chase, "We will help you. We aren't going to leave you alone to this--even if Vist would leave us alone after all this."

"...For better or worse, it's bigger than their hunt for you, now, to us. We're with you, all the way."

"As for the Federation, it was a group effort. They'll have to find a way to escalate from here, I'm sure." She pauses. "And the Sleeves..."

"I don't thnik there's any room for common ground there if you aren't interested in just moving around who does the suffering. If I'd encouraged them to leave sooner, maybe we could've avoided the fight.... But maybe not, too. We know too much about them to be let alone."

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


"Really big ship," Rena says with a smile at Riika. "I'm glad we've got you working on it."

She reaches a hand over -- taking one of Anita's and squeezing, for a second, before she goes for some of the chili, and starts to fix herself a plate up.

"I don't think anyone on this ship qualifies as a cop," Rena opines. Then, she looks at Zinnerman -- and she hesitates, before she cracks a smile. "Yeah. I'm just glad you're with us, now. Let us know if we can help, okay?"

Then, Rena smiles at Trevor. "Let me know what you think," she says. "And, um, thank you for..." She pulls up her drink. "...the booze?"

Is that part of being a pirate?

She looks to Eight, and then her brow furrows. "...Yeah," she says. "We tried. But... I think we'll have to fight them, too. And... we'll get through it together, right?"

She looks back at the screen, then, and she nods. "I'm okay," Rena says. "A bit worn out, but... I'm just relieved. I know we don't have long to relax. But I'm glad I have the chance to catch my breath, too," she says. She smiles. "We'll go plush hunting soon as we have a chance, okay?"

He did say he would hold her to that.

Then, she looks at Leina -- and Rena hesitates, for a second, before she nods. "I understand. We won't let the Federation get you. But... you have to do what's best. Take your time, okay?"

Rena smiles a little more. "We're all gonna be here, when you're good for it, Leina."

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


"See," Roux says with a nod at what Leina says, even as she settles back in her seat. Her face tightens abstractly, but it passes; must have been shifting around. Roux takes a bite out of her cookie then, looking with some wonder upon Rena.

"Seriously, try one," Roux tells Riika. "Did you already? I am still getting over this." Riika continues to get an update. "I had this bone shard that had gone up against a nerve and I didn't notice it right away but even *now* it hurts. Yesterday they stuck one of those internal camera needles in and cemented down the bone shard and squirted in myelinatrix but..."

Grimace.

The grimace intensifies when Zinnerman speaks and reveals something to Roux that she had not known she had wanted to not know: That being, of course, what has happened to Lieutenant Angelo Sauper. Or will it be Commander? Captain? Roux's grimace shares her opinion of Sauper's likely field promotion clear and crystalline.

"We're the wrong kind of Spacenoid for him, I think," Roux grumps to Trevor, though it seems her urge to unburden herself - which only really landed on Riika SO FAR - has been calmed, or at least gone back into abeyance.

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


While everything else is going on, Nova is having more than her share of Rena's awesome cookies. She's hungry and has a massive sweet tooth besides, of course she's going to grab however many she can get away with. She seems to be having a little trouble keeping her attention to things, as if she doesn't quite know where to look, but that could just be the residual drowsiness.

But when Banagher addresses her directly and says his actual name, she's quick to face in the direction of the video feed, nodding several times. "Right, Bana... Bana-gher, I knew that." She actually did. Stumbling over his name like that might have been part of the reason why she wasn't calling him that. Speaking of made-up names, she's all too keen to introduce herself when prompted.

"Me? I'm Nova Stellar, Miracle Worker - and pilot of the NS-1 Sukeban!" One hand on her hip, and the other displaying a v-sign, the classic introduction pose. It's been a while since she got to do that. "You can call me Nova. You cannot call me 'miss'." She's pretty sure that's never going to sound right. Especially not from someone who looks around her own age.

She's quick to wave a hand when he brings up what she said regarding the Unicorn. "Don't worry about it, it's in good hands. My greatest miracles happen in the hangar bay!" Exactly what she would like to do to it is... better left unsaid. Thankfully by now the Ra Mari crew knows better than to let her work on other people's machines unsupervised. She'll just have to keep testing her ideas for cool new weapons with her own robot, sigh.

As for Leina... Nova knows a thing or two about feeling like there's nothing to be done but going with the flow, while knowing things are Not Okay and being unsure if they're going to get better. That's what she imagines must be the case here, so she offers what little reassurance she can. Can't do much more but try and stay optimistic. She does look embarrassed when 'the anime part' is brought up, rubbing the back of her head. "Ehehe... well, you know. I call 'em like I see 'em." Weird in hindsight or not, she still doesn't think anything she said was wrong.

Then Leina moves to kiss Banagher and she sharply looks away to take a bite out of her cookie, a little red in the face. So that's why she's been avoiding looking directly at the feed for very long. 

<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.

Leina falters, and Banagher immediately turns his attention away from the screen and back to her. As she brings up the 'execution order', he can't quite keep his expression neutral.

"That'll never happen." Banagher promises. "You're going to be safe, and heal, and everything is going to be just fine. It's just going to take some time. And that's okay. There's no rush at all, love."

If there was more he could do, he would do it. But for now, all Banagher has to offer her is love and reassurance. He knows how awful the sessions are, to remove her conditioning. Pressing his forehead against the side of Leina's face, he does his all to radiate love and reassurance.

His anger doesn't matter. Not really. Not compared to Leina's recovery. Everything else can come later.

"Unicorn Boy, huh?" Banagher raises his head, laughing softly. "Not the worst nickname I've been given."

Chris still has the record for that one... And Possibility help Banagher if Leina ever hears what it was.

With a soft flush at the kiss, he squeezes Leina's hand. "I--it was definitely a group effort... But thank you. I'll always be here, Leina."

If he's Unicorn Boy, will Leina be Lion Girl..? No, it's definitely not time for thoughts like that.

"Riika, you look exhausted." Banagher says, as the conversation moves. "Please, get some rest, okay? Have a cookie. You can't help anyone if you burn yourself out. Promise me you'll get some sleep tonight."

Banagher stares at her until his request is granted.

"Hi, Mister Gilboa." Banagher waves, just noticing the man in the background. "Thanks for taking care of everyone, as always."

A nod to Zinnerman. "Okay. We can't delay too much longer, but for now, I think we all need the rest. Trying to fight when we're this beat up would be really stupid."

A Sant care package? Banagher beams at the idea. Staying quiet as Marida speaks, the young pilot of the Unicorn makes sure to keep an eye on Leina's expression as Marida speaks. It's a heavy subject, but an important one. Leaving these feelings unspoken would be far harder in the long run.

"I'll VERTEX you after this and set something up." Banagher smiles at Trevor. "I know we had kind of a rocky start, but -- I'm really glad you're here, Trevor. I know I can trust you. I'm glad, um. Izzy," is it okay for Banagher to use the nickname? "is okay. I've been worried about you both."

Eight hints at Baby News, and Banagher tilts his head slightly. "Oh..? Alright, I'll be waiting. I hope it's good news, Eight." A more serious nod, at her words about the Vist Foundation. "Thank you. I know this isn't a decision you're making lightly. The Federation, the Vists... Whatever they try, I'll be with you. I don't expect you to fight my battles for me."

"I'd like to talk to you about the Box, and about." A soft breath. "Permanence. When you have time. There's some things I think -- you might want to be a part of, that I promised her spirit."

If the young pilot's eyes shimmer with a little extra light, in the holographic projection, he blinks rapidly. Like Eight said, this isn't the time or place.

Banagher is quiet for a few moments, taking strength from Leina's presence. "I'll be waiting, Rena." A smile toward Rena. "I've got a lot more of a budget now." That smile turns into a grin as Banagher looks toward Leina. "I hope you're ready for a life-size pony plush, or something, love. Rena and I are going to go all out."

"Miss-- ah. Sorry." Banagher cuts himself off, embarrassed. "Nova. That's a really cool name. And wow, a Miracle Worker... That's amazing. I'd love to hear what Miracles you've been a part of!"

Banagher's only been a part of two. If Miracles are Nova's whole job, she must have a number way, way higher than that.

A blink of golden eyes. Hangar Miracles... "Okay. Just please be careful with her. The Unicorn isn't just a mobile suit, she has a soul. I want to make sure nobody tries to hurt her after everything we've been through. You and Takuya are going to get along so well."

Banagher's gaze shifts to Leina. Low enough that the mic can't pick it up, he asks, "Are you doing okay? Getting tired, or anything? We've got water and snacks here if you're even a little bit hungry or thirsty."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


"He's... something else." Is Leina's simple answer to Trevor on who Mondo is. She isn't upset about Trevor reporting such things to her loved ones.

After all, she recognizes now that she needs help. That what was done for her isn't normal, or her, not really. No matter how much her own head tells her it is.

She's at least able to tell herself that she's in good hands, that know her better than she knows herself, in the moment.

Banagher tells her it'll never happen, and Leina gives him a look of uncertainty, because she certainly knows... there may be need soon.

But the uncertainty fades as then gives Banagher an affectionate look as he squeezes her hand, "It was a group effort, that still doesn't mean I don't... appreciate your contributions in particular."

Rikka however, addresses similar, on her safety, perhaps diverting her attention from the reason why she didn't address that point to Banagher, "Ah-!" Leina seems to stumble over Riika's words mentally, as she addresses her, for a moment, discombobulated over how to address her, "No it's- 'a' worry- but Mrs. Vist-Carbine has bigger concerns than dealing with me, unless I'm careless."

Indeed, she's still more worried about Mineva, Banagher, and the 3SA for helping them. She doesn't expect the help to stop because of the danger, though she'd be understanding if it did.

"Ah, I did. Um. The political dynamics have changed with the end of the war but, if you're still interested then Sayla- Mom- might, be able to help."

It was a small stumble, she seems unused to saying the word, calling her that. Her eyes shift to Captain Zinnerman, than Gilboa, "I know she's in good hands. Even if I don't have to say it... please take care of her."

And then as Captain York and Rena affirms it, there's this slow nod, "Thank you. I wish... you weren't put in this position, but given what's going on- I appreciate that you're willing to help us." Before she then tells Rena, "I'll... try. I may only have so much time before, I need to be back out there."

That's an unusual statement perhaps, does she mean before the Fed forces her back out of her recovery before she's ready or-?

"But I promise, I'm not trying to rush things more than - than I have to."

There is the hint of baby news, and Leina's eyes linger on Eight for a time, but she doesn't press in this public forum.

Her eyes blink, seeming flustered at Gilboa and Captain Zinnerman's words, "Ah- that's- thank you. I'm just glad your family- that all the families of your crew are- are alright."

Some part of her still tells herself that she had an ulterior motive, she tries to ignore it.

Then Marida, her big sea green eyes blink, "Please if- you don't need to apologize, Marida. Everything you said, was reasonable in the moment. I feel like I owe everyone here this long apology but..." She closes her eyes, and takes a breath, "... what they did to me is still there. And, it's hard for me to know what's... real, and fake about, how I feel when it comes to the guilt. What should I apologize for? How much of what I did am I responsible for?"

A helpless shake of her head, "I'm not- sure. I'm in a weird place right now. So I'll just say, I'm sorry for all the trouble I gave all of you, and the harm I did while under their control."

Eyes opening, she looks at Marida, and then more quietly, "... And thank you. Your help means more to me than you could know."

Those watching may see Leina leaning forward, just subtly, to look straight at Nova as she looks away. Even if her head is messed up, her eye for detail when it comes to such things just picks up on it.

Subtly, the corners of her lips turn up in a smile. "Dark Magical Girl arc was a little on the nose, but I can't fault you for- as you say, calling it like you see it, Nova." She says to address her, in order to see if she can't... make her look at the feed again.

"Say, was wondering, what do you think of Shoujo romcoms?" She asks, with an air of innocence, eyeing Roux to see if she'll voice her opinion on anime being for perverts right now.

Would the look she'd give her say 'Guilty!'

Okay maybe Vist couldn't change who she was THAT much, in the end. Which perhaps, is more disturbing. How much separation is there really from the person Leina was, and the person she became?

How easily could a man like Murasame do this to anyone?

In the end, Banagher diverts her attention from attempting to melt Nova into a puddle, "Ah- I think I'm okay so far. This was... good for me." She smiles at him, "Well... sure, I can't say I'm not jealous of the cookies I'm seeing on the feed... maybe something sweet."

Promptly, she kisses Banagher on the cheek again.

<Pose Tracker> Riika Sheder has posed.

"The same to you! I didn't think I'd see you again, after... well, after everybody broke away," Riika replies to Trevor. "Both you and I... we all found our own routes, I suppose. I'm glad they met up again, though. I've... really appreciated my time with the Three Ships."

She gives Eight a smile too, and then: "You're on break, Cap'n, so you definitely don't need to tell me. But I have a pretty good idea of the mobile suit repair roster right now since I've been looking at it; it's his decision, of course, but I'm pretty sure there's a gap, and if he's qualified..."

This is practiced ZAFT-ese (where the ranks are sometimes a little fluid and obscure for people outside the actual division in question) for 'don't worry, Captain, it'll be handled', with a side of polite 'so no need to butt in'. But Riika says it with a smile and that goes a long way to make it sound nonaggressive, if a little casual.

She gives Banagher a smile. "I do get sleep. Six hours a night. Promise," she says, and on average she's not even lying; she got five last night but she got seven the night before that and that's mostly the same thing. "But I won't burn myself off. We've got a lot of work to do, but not all of it needs to be done by me." Even if she is a perfectionist, and prone to overwork.

Riika agrees with Leina: "It's hard, I know that. You probably feel like they're out to get you... but you're right, and other people can help. You're strong for just trying. I'm not going to push anything, but if there's anything else I can do to help, please let me know."

But... oh no, Riika is being dumped on!

She seems okay with it from Roux. "I've got one," she says. "They're very good! I'm always amazed by the fact that Rena can bake... I never really got the opportunity to do a lot of it, and I can cook a little, but I'm not what I'd call an expert. I just follow the directions and it usually works out."

She asides to Roux, more quietly, "I know about that too. A while ago I broke my hand in a MS crash... they had to do some work around the fingers and joints. It's no fun, but it really does recover pretty well if you let it rest properly. You can't even see where it happened." It's a little uncomfortable to talk about because of the situation, but not because of the injury; she flexes her left hand as if to show off that it has its full range of motion (it does) and it's not lumpy (it's not).

Riika adds, louder and brighter: "Shoujo romcoms aren't quite my *usual* thing, but I've definitely seen a lot worse..." Maybe she likes seeing the lighter topic come up. 

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

Shoujo romcoms? Dark Magical Girls? Trevor's expression is as innocently blank as a fresh sheet of office white paper. "Oh, uh. What's... 'anime?'" Beat. "Is it... Oh, is this like that 'Gekiganger' thing Hikaru was talkin' about?" 

<Pose Tracker> Roux Louka has posed.


Others speak. Roux draws her focus outwards. Something about Eight and Banagher. Roux's attention turns backwards. An announcement! What is she announcing? Roux squeezes her eyes shut for a moment, opens them again. Permanence.

Permanence. Roux's shoulders sink for a moment. Her eyes turn towards Marida for a moment when Leina looks at her, and she finishes off her cookie, leaning backwards. She lets out a warm breath afterwards, as she perhaps can tell she is being discreetly needled.

"Do you want me to say I was wrong and ask you for cartoon recommendations?" she pouts at the screen. "... I don't get what she said but you did, and that's what matters, Leina. Not everything will ever be about anyone. Maybe we're making movies in our heads of our lives, but life itself isn't really like that. We're all just -- just -- EDITING!"

"Sorry," Roux says. To Nova, she says, cautiously, "I guess you two bonded over it, huh? You ever watch Tarabaman?" THAT IS NOT DIFFERENT, ROUX

Back to Riika, whose hand she looks at. "Euuugh," she says. "They said this was bad enough that I shouldn't expect to do more than a little wiggling with the arm for a month... I'll see how fast it actually goes. That's why I'm not getting into Captain Pirate here's bourbon, incidentally. Also the painkillers..."

"I was lucky," Roux huffs out. "They told me the reactor actually started blowing up or something. I couldn't really focus." After this, she looks at Trevor. "It's cartoons with serial plots." ... hey, that's social progr"mostly for young kids and weirdos." or not

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


"The wrong type?" Rena asks, looking at Roux. She tilts her head. "I think you might be right. Sauper...didn't like how we saw the world at all, it felt like."

She looks down, frowning as she thinks about that. And she stays quiet at the thought of Permanence. The other Newtypes can feel that pang of regret, guilt, and mourning from her.

She grins. "Yeah," Rena says. "Banagher has a bigger budget and it's a plush for you, so I have some good ideas about what to get you, too. It's going to be amazing."

She winks. Then, her expression becomes more solemn; Rena nods, but shakes her head a moment later. "It's okay," she says. "When you have to get back out there, we'll be right there with you, okay?"

She hesitates a second more. "We're here and helping because we want to be. It's not something to be sorry about," she says. "It's a choice we made."

She stays quiet about the baby. But there is a smile; she knows something. She just isn't revealing that.

She hesitates, though, when Leina talks about apologizing. "Just... take it slow, okay? You can think it out."

She glances sideways at Nova -- then grins a little when she sees her get embarrassed. She files that away. But, she volunteers: "Nova's amazing with computers. She tuned up the combat OS I wrote for the Gaia Gear, and it makes a big difference. I was really blown away."

Then, she hears about shoujo romance, and... Rena coughs and looks to the side. Yeah, guilty as charged.

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Naturally, talking about the Miracles she'd worked is something Nova could do all day! She's visibly quite pleased with the praise of her name and profession, puffing up with pride. "Well well, in that case, Nova Stellar will be happy to teach you all about the way of the Miracle Worker! Visit me any time you're ready for a lesson!" ...Probably not the sort of thing she should be saying if she doesn't want to be referred to as any sort of 'miss', but shush, she's on a roll here.

She's undaunted by the claim of the Unicorn having a soul. That in fact just seems to make her more enthusiastic. "Reeeeally now. Well of course I wouldn't dream of damaging anything, couldn't call myself a Miracle Worker if I broke more than I fixed! It's gonna be fine, trust me!"

The maintenance crew is probably not even going to allow her near the Unicorn and she knows it. Doesn't mean she can't be full of confidence about what she could do if she were! Maybe she can convince Banagher later...

Unfortunately, she is rather easy prey for Leina's schemes. She'd have been all too keen to go deeper into the nuances she saw that made her draw the Dark Magical Girl parallels... right after laying into Trevor for committing the sacrilege of conflating different genres of anime as if they were all the same thing, and Roux for not appreciating the classics. But that's all off the table because Leina asked That Question, making her mind go blank.

"Wh-what do you mean? Why are you asking me that?" Others may be able to roll with this sudden change of topic, but she evidently can't deal with it so well, getting progressively more red. That's because she knows exactly what it means - it means that Leina's noticed her trouble with... certain aspects of social interaction. And while she said the first things that came to mind, she absolutely doesn't want Leina to actually answer those questions, and so doesn't leave much of an opening before turning on a dime.

"Oh, look at the time," she says, while not actually looking at anything that shows the time, "I've gotta head to the hangar, check on Sukeban's condition." An obvious excuse and not the least bit subtle, she's just literally running away.

She does however pause halfway to the exit, turning back around, directing herself to the Ra Mari II party in general. "Oh, and uh, when we get back Earthside, I'll have to go for a little bit." As her only explanation, she takes a PaPPy box out of her hoodie's pocket, holds it upside down and shakes it to display its lack of contents. "Snack run."

She's not lying. She's also not telling the whole truth. And she's definitely not sticking around to explain herself any further. Well, you can't be a Miracle Worker without being a little eccentric, right? It's fine, she's fine, probably. 

<Pose Tracker> Suberoa Zinnerman has posed.

"Take your time," Zinnerman advises Leina. "Piecing everything back together is going to be a complex task, even with the expert help you're getting. I know it must be a tremendous amount to deal with - but I know that you have two wonderful partners who'll be there to help you through it as much as they can."

He offers her a warm smile. "Don't be in too much of a hurry to rush through it, and don't be afraid to reach out - I'm not sure what my team can do, but if you need anything - and that goes for you too, Banagher - don't hesitate to contact us."

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

VERTEX promises are made. Trevor nods slowly, "Eh, don't mention it. There was a little bit there where I was so into chasing you down that I didn't even realize you were living on the Garancieres! So it's at least sixty percent my fault." He was getting paid bonuses for Significant Finds at the time, after all. "I'm glad to be here, too. It's a lot warmer than the last place, that's for sure. Like Roux said..." He glances her way with a shrug, "...In the end, I don't think I was the kind of Spacenoid that the Lieutenant and Frontal were interested in fighting for. Even though I'm pretty sure I'm from way further out in space than either of them."

He sounds a little harrumphy about that. But it does seem it's mostly bluster for the sake of it.

"I'll be sure to let him know," Trevor adds, of Banagher's message to his giant robot. "Don't you worry, we'll get him fixed up good as new soon." Or as close to 'new' as something like the Isadore can get.

They'll have to VERTEX chat later though, yes.

. . .

Once Trevor figures out how to... properly set that up. Hm.

He nods to Riika, then. "Aye, that we have. That was a real mess, everything that happened with Le Creuset. I'm beginning to suspect that the kind of people who casually wear masks to meetings and briefings for no good reason are probably not the most trustworthy. As I said though, things here are a lot... warmer." Speaking of, he bites into his nice warm cookie. Still gooey, still delicious. Trevor would cup a cheek in sweet culinary jubilee, but his non-eating-arm is still immobilized, so instead he just projects Tastiness Sparkles. "Oh man, these are good. Real cookies are totally different...!"

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