2023-08-23: Offline

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<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


Onboard the Ra Mari II, a meeting has been called.

Rena Lancaster sits with a group of pilots and other staff from the Three Ships Alliance -- and allies, made during the Laplace's Box incident and beyond. The room has rows of chairs, with a large screen at the back of the room. As the flight commander of the Ra Mari II, she sits near the front.

Her hands are clasped. She looks -- feels, for those with the awareness -- a little nervous. It comes from picking up on the senses of their visitor.

Who arrives through a door at the front, escort by Licia Chovan. Beltorchika Irma is still glamorous; full blond hair, immaculately done make-up, an easy smile, and clear blue eyes that could best be described as sharp. She wears a blazer, a tie, and a skirt.

"Hello, everyone," Beltorchika says. "Thank you so much for having me. I'd say I'm here with Anaheim Electronics... but that's not true." She smiles a little wanly. "Honestly, I'm brushing up on my resume, after what I've learned."

Beltorchika lifts her chin, then. "I'm here as a resident of the Earth Sphere. I've found... something concerning, and I've come to you for help."

OOC: Hello, everyone! Because this is a weeknight, I need to keep the scene moving and end no later than 10 PM EST. As such, I'm gonna have Beltorchika pose approximately every 45 minutes, to give info.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


In the days since Banagher had awakened from his coma, Leina had mostly been spending her time with him and Mineva. However, when the meeting was called, she decided it was time to stretch her legs.

It was more than just that, though. The Federation had been far too quiet in their response ever since the General Revil packed up its cockpits and perfectly disassembled Jegans and went home. Certainly the news was full of pundits discrediting the 'Newtype' question. After all, 'Ace Pilot' is in fact, far from the imagining of Zeon Zum Deikun, why then should they accept that they are this supposed next stage of humanity with perfect understanding of others?

The irony made her nauseous, she never could watch for long.

As Leina isn't part of the Ra Mari crew, she sat herself near the back of the room - waiting. Perhaps she was an ally after all, but despite her having come a long way, she didn't feel like she was in a good state for decision making. Her instinct was still to participate in everything out of guilt, when she knows very well she should be at home, recovering, in therapy sessions.

She's dressed in a simple T-Shirt, the Shangri-La Space Slugs, a sporting team that - the T-Shirt is not altogether clear on what sport the team plays, and a pair of shorts, sneakers, a pink wristwatch, and a holographic Haro barrette that flaps in place. It's hardly 'on standby' gear, but she's definitely not glammed up. Her eyes light up when Rena enters the room, the emotions from Leina perhaps the equivalent of an unseen wave to her. But that's when she noticed Beltorchika Irma came through the door with her.

Leina immediately had to suppress a groan, keeping her face neutral. She understood of course, that it is bias that she look disfavorably upon the younger woman that Amuro chose after her mother. She understood it. But there's always been a vibe about her journalism articles and speaking engagements and the like that always rubbed her the wrong way.

Still, she straightens up when she mentions having found concerning information. Leina used to work in intelligence for Shuffle, so of course she won't turn away a source of information.

"Well, given how 'quiet' things have been after what they're calling the 'Laplace Incident'." As Leina blatantly uses the forbidden Q word, "I'd appreciate catching the other shoe before it drops. What information have you come into possession of, Ms. Irma?"

<Pose Tracker> Enba Rezza has posed.


Captain (Acting) Enba Rezza sits up front as well, not so far from Rena, in fact, as current commander of the ship. Eight isn't here; Eight is off doing whatever an Eight does when she's not working. Enba is in full 3SA uniform, including their hat. And they are waiting for the data thoughtfully.

They pay no especial attention to Licia Chovan as Beltorchika is escorted into the room, just a nod and that's all; they're on duty, after all. Instead, they keep their eyes on the glamorous guest.

"Yes," Rezza says. The green-haired figure is androgynous in look and in voice, but they make no secret of their confidence or of their position here.

"I think the group should hear this."

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita joins the others in the meeting room, leaning back in her chair - which is tipping just - slightly with her hands in her pockets. She's in full uniform for the first time in a little while... because today, they have a visitor.

Rena's nervousness doesn't escape her, though. Anita glances her way, giving her a prompting look - but before she can actually ask what's up, she hears movement as Beltorchika enters the room, accompanied by Licia.

Quickly, Anita sits up straight and removes her hands from her pockets to sit a little more promptly, and takes a quick glance over their visitor. She only has a passing familiarity with her - but she can tell that her business here is urgent. She listens, then looks toward Leina, then looks toward Enba, before looking back toward Beltorchika. She frowns consideringly a moment before asking...

"...So, what's up? And what can we do?" 

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Nova Stellar - or Naoko Suzuki, as she's increasingly okay with being called if people want to - has not typically been present for briefings. This was mostly self-imposed, on the rationale of 'I'm not officially on the crew roster, so I don't belong there', without anybody ever actually telling her not to go to them. She couldn't exactly see herself having anything useful to add, anyway. Best to just have people telling her what she's supposed to do, it's fine.

Needless to say, she wasn't expecting to actually be summoned to one. True, despite her purposely nebulous crew status, she is still officially a registered pilot for the Ra Mari II, so it's not the biggest stretch for her presence to be requested. It's just... a bit nervewracking. What do people even do at briefings? Is she expected to do or say anything in particular? She has no idea how any of this works! Which may be part of the point. If she's never there, she's never going to learn.

She looks just about as comfortable as she feels sitting at the briefing table, which is to say, not at all. She feels like she's sticking out like a sore thumb, in particular just being there in her regular hoodie, as she lacks a uniform. She's just... trying to stay in the background for now, just watching the visitor without saying anything, hoping to not see any signs of being judged in the pretty lady's eyes.

<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.

        Timing is everything. Wait for the operations staff to fill in. Wait for someone to get the meeting started - but don't wait so long that one's butting in. A natural gap in introductions, an early conclusion...

        -There!

        <<Good evening, Ra Mari!~>> chimes the large wall screen oh so suddenly, as it fills up with the big, bright, ever-winking avatar of Asciel Colette a.k.a. Atrytone a.k.a. 'oh great it's her'. <<Everyone in high spirits, I hope~ To those I haven't met before, hi hi!~ I'm Asciel Colette, Virtual Sage and goddess of possibility!>> ...well that's a slightly new one. But is it altogether unexpected?

        With a big merry wave hello to everyone, Asciel's arms spread wide, and with a cute little twirl, she *poofs* into a smaller, more chibi form factor with big cute vertical eyes, bobbling and hovering in the bottom right corner of the screen. Every word she says helpfully is subtitled with a large speech bubble.

        <<It looks like you're trying to unravel a miracle. Would you like help?>>
        [__Yes__] [__No__]

        And 'helpfully', Asciel's little squishy hand hops up to click the 'yes' option for everyone. What a useful visual metaphor! <<Sometimes an uninvited guest is the most welcome of all in a dire hour of uncertainty and need. I'm here because such concerning things are happening a mile a minute up here these days! Fun fact - GENESIS and Gryps II alike could have both caused such irreparable damage to the Orbital Ring if misfired that even with the Big Barrier, the entire structure could be so permanently compromised as to be nearly as threatening as if Axis were to fall on Earth!>> There's a baleful :> smile on Asciel's little chibi face but she's sure intense saying that with such forced cheer.

        <<Another fun fact - it's absolutely unacceptable for ghosts to start running around killing people! Like, gosh! They're the ones who are supposed to be dead, stop making it everyone else's problem! So, if you'd be sooooo kind, Ms. Irma, and Acting Captain, to lay out the details! I'll yield the floor to you while you do, though I can helpfully circle and emphasize any notable graphical details along with your presentation. No need for tacky things like pointers!>>

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam wasn't with his Three Ships comrades when the Box was opened, and for good reason--he was with his comrades in NERV, trying to stop Martha Vist before she could fire Gryps-2. That didn't work, but watching as she lost her gamble was... satisfying.

        With Duma... indisposed, Alexis captured, and Tsutsujidai stabilized for good, he has time to check in with the Ra Mari II, and a good excuse to be 'on leave' for a bit. He didn't hear about the meeting until five minutes ago, meaning...

        The door opens, and Liam slips into the briefing room. His head is still shaved, but his complexion is radiant, despite his pale skin--even his scars look a little better. It's completely at odds with the plain ship's jumpsuit and combat boots. "Apologies," the big cyborg says, looking to the front, towards the speakers. He reflexively settles into an at-attention stance.

        His gaze fixes on Asciel, and he desperately tries not to look like he just bit into something rancid. It works, sort of.

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

Trevor is likewise present, though it's little surprise given that he lives on the Ra Mari II these days. He sits in one of the chairs towards the back of the room, like some kind of PROBLEM CHILD who just wants to PLAY GAMEBOY IN CLASS or maybe it's because he's just feeling broody. OR MAYBE

Maybe it's just where he happened to sit, that's probably actually more likely.

He's looking a lot better since TAKING A PSYCHIC PUNCH TO THE BRAIN, metaphorically speaking, at the end of the Unicorn Miracle. Like, he actually has a decent complexion! He's not leaking fluids out of his nose! He's finally tasted the culinary miracle that is CURRY!!

He's in a good mood, is ultimately what it comes down to. But the question on his mind is shared by all the others:

"Sooooo," he sing-songs, "What... is this all about? Didn't we already save the solar system? We get a vacation, right?" 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


Rena looks over her shoulder, then she smiles at Leina. It's just a quick wave that she gives her friend. They are in a meeting, after all, and it's not really the time for that. She looks back ahead, though.

Her expression tightens a little as Beltorchika explains.

She looks sideways at Anita; she spares her a smile, though it's still nervous. She shifts a little, though.

She looks at Lima and shakes her head once. 'It's okay,' she mouths. Then, she glances sideways at Trevor. She smiles, but it becomes a grimace. "It... tends to pile up," she says. "I think it's sort of how things work in the Three Ships Alliance."

"I'm glad you asked, Ms. Ashta," Beltorchika says, with a smile. "It's about Denver Colony." She looks to Captain Rezza, then nods. "Thank you for asking, Ms. Rosetta. I'll explain."

She doesn't draw attention to Naoko. She remembers being the nervous person ina meeting. Far beit from her to inflict it on someone else. She hesitates, though, at their most unexpected addition.

"I... see?" Beltorchika says, with a glance to Enba. Then, she looks at Asciel.

"A-Asciel?" Rena stammers, staring. "What are you--"

She remembers the virtual idol's concert well. But, also, she feels a spike of worry at the word 'ghosts.' What could that mean? She swallows.

"Well," Beltorchika says. "Thank you. I'll continue." She glances at Enba again, and then back at the monitor.

Naturally, Beltorchika prepared a slide show. She even has a clicker; she moves slides, to show a large, closed colony cylinder. A number of the people here may recognize it: Denver Colony, with its experimental nuclear reactor. It's lit up, so the power hasn't vanished. There are some ships nearby.

"The Federation had been storing helium-3 fuel here," she says. "If you're not familiar: it's highly explosive fuel, used for fusion reactors. If it went critical, the damage would be severe. Since it's in Side 6, they decided Denver Colony was a safe place to store it."

She frowns. "After the Laplace Incident... a group of Sleeves remnants tried to seize it. A group of Federation forces stopped them -- but they, then, engaged a third force. We believe the Phenex was with them, along with... several other units."

There's more. But Beltorchika quiets, for a moment. "Then, there was a psychic phenomenon. The third party withdrew, after... the Federation suits were partially dismanted or destroyed. In this case, they either initiated ad hoc self-destruct sequences or... exposed themselves to vacuum."

Beltorchika frowns. "The... similarities to what happened with Singularity-1 are not lost on me. But there are stark differences, too."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


There's a nod Enba's way, and a curious look Nova's before looking to assess the mood around Liam and Trevor but then- Atrytone. To her greeting Leina just glares for a time at the screen, when the yes and no options come up Leina flatly offers her answer as if voice recognition might catch it.

"No."

She has no interest in unraveling the miracle. After all, she's suffering the consequences of what some would regard as a miracle right now. "Look, Atrytone. I'm going to level with you. I have no interest in your games today. You're giving off this 'playfully irreverent' vibe about matters that are very personal to me - personal to a lot of us. Vist-Carbine tried to kill everyone I love and care about - and nearly succeeded, my boyfriend was comatose in bed for nearly a week after as a result of the consequences of what happened - so you showing yourself in with the glib commentary? Yeah it's not really not doing it for me."

The room grows subtly more chilly as she delivers her succinct summation of all of that because while Trevor is in a good mood, she is now most certainly not, "With all due respect, piss off. I'm not in the mood."

Beltorchika invoking Denver however, instantly gets her attention off of Asciel, and it takes a moment, but thinking about she visibly pales. Because she certainly remembers what was left behind there, and how many groups had interest.

She listens to the briefing, expression darkening. Part of her aghast as if she can't believe even the Sleeves would be that stupid as to try to seize the Side 3 HELIUM FIELD. The Psychic Phenomenon however, "... Very stark differences." Leina echoes, because she knows Banagher was trying his best not to hurt anyone.

"It sounds as if you have a theory as to what caused..." A thought occurs to Leina, and mid sentence the next word slows, "... it..."

Getting out her phone, she VERTEXES Enba-

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: are your sysops working to cut atrytone out because
[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: she was at Denver and i dont know if she got all the files
[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: theres one thing in particular we wouldnt want her to find out about

<Pose Tracker> Enba Rezza has posed.


Enba Rezza was... not expecting Asciel to show up on their screen. They lift an eyebrow. Licia is the one to answer first, "You're that crazy idol, right?" she asks, because she's up on her pop culture. "The one with the vomi--"

"Please don't finish that sentence, Miss Chovan." Pause. "...Hm." They tilt their head, considering the adorable chibi. They make a few mental calculations. They look to Rena, to Beltorchika, and then, "If you intend to make yourself useful, Miss Colette, then welcome aboard. Otherwise I will request that you vacate our computer systems immediately."

They apuse. They don't argue the matter of Leina and Asciel though. "Let's continue."

Instead, they focus more fully on Beltorchika again. Obviously Enba recognizes Denver Colony, of course. They are familiar as well with helium-3...

But they don't seem surprised by any of the new information; there's a reason for that. "Please go on," Enba says, rather than commenting directly on any of it. Thn they glance down at their phone.

[VERTEX] technically_correct: Kall will have received the alert.
[VERTEX] technically_correct: But when possible we will enlist Miss Hoshino's support. 

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

Hey, that's Asciel on screen there. Trevor absolutely remembers her! The virtual idol with the crazy concert and even crazier (and deeply concerning) lyrics who Ruri is apparently a fan of. So much so that Trevor had to be DESIGNATED BAD GUY (i.e. chauffeur/cool big bro) and broke her out of the Nadesico to go watch. He left a note, because he's not /totally/ irresponsible.

But-- Leina is pissed at her. And for understandable reasons, he reckons. Of everyone here, she's absolutely the one who had the most direct stake in that whole mess. You know, if one discounts the fact that they were all about to die by laser before the Unicorn manifested a miracle.

So. He sympathizes, he does. Even if the chill absolutely reminds him a little of what kind of vibes she was giving off back when she was under Martha's thrall. More targeted, more human, but still. He wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

But it's fine, because something else torpedos his mood pretty quick anyway:

"A third party... Working with the Phenex...?" Trevor's expression darkens. "And other Sleeve remnants... Were they with Angelo's group?" Could Frontal already be awake and attempting something foolish again? No, more importantly--

What could drive Rita to do something like this...? 

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Okay. So far so good, Naoko thinks. Nobody's laughing at me, or giving me funny looks. Just have to keep my head down.

She almost ruins this immediately, lighting up at seeing Liam, but stopping short of an actual greeting. She hadn't seen him since before the abduction happened, so it's good to see he's doing alright. It's just that unless they heard it from someone else, no one in this room even knows she was involved in his rescue, the fact that she's been engaging in some Risky Business by herself is not something she's trying to advertise. She's trying not to advertise her presence here in general.

...And then the Virtual freaking Sage just appears, right there, in the briefing room. "Wh-what the...!" And she just literally falls out of her chair. Not be an embarrassment challenge: failed.

Soon enough, Naoko's hands appear back on the edge of the table, followed by part of her head as she peeks out over it, her face bright red. This is so not what she needed right now. There's only one way she can think of to excuse this, rising up to her feet and pointing at the 'uninvited guest' on the screen. "S-sorry, I'm just, kind of a big fan, I was a little overwhelmed..." She gives Rena a 'back me up here' look, as the one who was there at the concert and knows that claim is on the level, before sitting back down.

Granted, she looks different than the idealized avatar she used when speaking to Asciel last, but... there's probably no way she won't be recognized as Nova Stellar, is there? Please do not make this any more awkward than it already is, she attempts to silently convey, while knowing full well that this is far more likely to get worse before it gets better.

Which it does, if not in the way she anticipated it, when Leina makes her feelings on the matter known. And after she just said what she did, oh no, Leina's going to think she's awful now. Can she just crawl into a hole and disappear from this room?

With all that going on, it's exceptionally difficult to pay attention to the actual briefing, but... trying to deflect attention away from her by keeping it on the briefing seems like the way to go here. "The Phenex...?" is the element that she latches onto. "You're not saying she's responsible, right? Rita wouldn't--" She stops herself. "S-sorry, go on."

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita offers Naoko an encouraging smile - but is soon distracted as the wall screen begins to talk. Normally she wouldn't be too surprised by this - but the voice and the avatar that appears isn't the one she's familiar. She briefly mouths those titles in disbelief. ...She doesn't seem to recognize her - and she's one of the few here who doesn't. Still, she listens, and her ultimate takeaway is...

"...Uh, what's this about ghosts running around and killing people? You're gonna have to slow down a little." She asks, massaging the back of her neck. She glances toward Enba to see if they know anything. That lack of surprise... well, from them, it could mean anything. They're even better at being hard to read than she is. But they're fine with Asciel - for now - so she won't say a word, either. ...Though Leina certainly isn't. She can't blame her for going off like that.

As for what's going on, Rena seems to be in the dark, too... So for now, Anita looks back toward the screen as Beltorchika starts up a slide show. She recognizes Denver Colony, of course, a small frown crossing her face at the sight of it. It's still going...

"Helium-3?" Anita repeats with a considering frown. "They really shouldn't be messing with that place at all... but I guess at the same time you gotta do something with that much fuel..."

But the Sleeves and the Federation clashed, and were engaged by a third party, with... Rita? Anita frowns, just a little. But she listens. A psychic phenomenon...

"So something made them decide to just..." Anita starts and, for lack of how to describe it, mimicks an explosion with her hands. "That's... a problem."

With a frown she tips her chair back again, folding her arms in front of her and going quiet so she can listen to what's next.

<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.

        There's an instinctive recoiling when the slide featuring the Phenex appears on screen - in this picture, it's in the same corner Asciel's in, and she makes a very roundabout trip across the top of the frame to get far away from even a graphical depiction of it.

        <<Of course, you're not going to believe a bunch of Federation officer just decided to die out of the blue after successfully driving off a few brigands. The Phenex and that Wanzer are difficult for normal people to come to grips with, but like, they periodically do. If we plug in some of the recovered audio logs from their black boxes and transmissions...>>

        Asciel waggles her pointer finger in a circle, and like magic: a multimedia player pops up at the top of the screen. It plays back, from Mei Mori: "... We're being watched." - from Ray Mal Zern: "All you dead things! We were going to LISTEN to your history! We were going to make sure it DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN--" And from Ellic Hugo: "What's... what's happening? Is that...Psychoframe?"

        <<Now, that sounds like a pretty cut and dry sign of an external attack to me. Unless there was an even more secret and mercilessly efficient special forces team lurking in Denver - and I've been keeping eyes on the place, I'd have an inkling if there were activity there - it's unfortunately pretty likely to be, well - one of those phenomena that always seems to happen wherever the Phenex is located.>>

        Twirling away from pointing at the pictures of the actual mobile suit debris and clips of their self-destruction, Asciel spins to more pointedly face at Beltorchika. <<You don't have to feel like it's ridiculous to assume the extraordinary. Not around these people. If your gut tells you its beyond your wildest imaginations and you run to the Ra Mari for help, you're probably onto something.>>

        --despite the bombastic and theatrical entry, Asciel's surprisingly level-headed joining in the actual tactical analysis. There's a little break as she notices Naoko falling out of her chair, a tip in her little chibi head at how awkward she is - and it's not hard to run a basic facial matching search to recall that Trevor and Naoko were at her concert as well, with up to 90% certainty! (The eyepatch is a decent tell.)

        Leina's coldness, then, brings her a little further back to earth from glowing in praise. <<...mm. Well, I should expect that running towards those I've given trouble to results in unpleasant reunions. I'm glad you're in one piece after everything that's happened these past few months. Very well.>> There's a very noticeable downshift in Asciel's voice, from that 'trying too hard to be brimming with warmth' to something almost decidedly...flat-affected. It's almost strangely automatic at being requested. <<I'm here because you all, who put down crisis after crisis, are being pushed worryingly far. Ideally, the disaster is put down as quickly as possible, and the Three Ships Alliance can breathe for a bit.>> The temptation is strong, for a bit, to keep going - to rationalize her change in tone, and there's a short vocalization, before Asciel stops herself. Her avatar even stops bobbling so buoyantly.

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam gives Rena a nod in return, and slips into the room. He settles down in a seat near the back, pulls his tablet off his belt, and starts taking notes. (He's positioned so he's not blocking anyone's view. He knows he's tall.) Leina and Naoko get gentle, respectful little smiles, as genuine as he can manage with Asciel in the room.

        "...Singularity-1?" Liam says, tentatively, cautiously. Anything he says is compromised, because Asciel is right over there. Denver Colony is new, but Beltorchika is explaining about that already. Experimental reactor, Helium-3...

        Liam frowns. He knows just enough about modern reactor design to know that's terrible. Asciel's mention of ghosts is deeply worrying by itself, but Liam trusts her about as far as he can throw that Arm Slave she pilots. (Which is not at all. He's strong, but not that strong.)

        "Doesn't sound like Rita's M.O.," Liam says, because he thinks it's true, and Naoko sounds like she could use some good news right now. His whole face tightens, though, as Asciel starts to explain why she's here--a rationalization?

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

"Wanzer... Wanzer?" Trevor's brow furrows. He remembers something. Someone. A deep fear burned into the back of his brain, almost like... Like there was someone that was associated with Rita, who piloted a Wanzer, wasn't there...?

...

...!

"Oh no," he blanches, "Is it... Is it that awful Void? Is that what happened...?" 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


Rena winces when Leina gets angry. Though...

She also doesn't stop her from pointing that out. She feels no small amount of protectiveness; her phone comes out, and she sends off a couple of messages to Leina.

[VERTEX] star_shining_brighter: you okay? :(
[VERTEX] star_shining_brighter: I can cross my arms and glare at her if you want!!

"It wasn't affiliated with Lieutenant Sauper," Beltorchika says. She looks at Leina -- and decides, for the moment, to not bring up the sad but (for this meeting) largely irrelevant fact that the Republic of Zeon went after their own. She'll pass that information along to Leina later.

When it's not a group setting, putting her on the spot.

"Yuliana," Rena says, her voice quiet. "She was with the Phenex. But... why? What was there? What caused--and that's the Sinanju Stein. There's... a lot more to this." She swallows, tense, and folds her arms.

Beltorchika looks at Enba -- and then she looks to Leina and Naoko. She shakes her head. "I don't believe so. But, as our computerized guest pointed out..."

Beltorchika glances at Asciel. The audio files are -- to say the least -- useful. They are also unnerving. "...They didn't do that themselves. But I don't think the Phenex is the cause. As Liam says: that isn't how the Phenex's pilot operates."

She moves to another slide. It shows a timeline -- over several seconds -- with each Federation suit's destruction outlined. Over it, there is a stretch of green. "I think that the disturbance came from the colony. The moment it happened, there was a thirty-six second pause in all communications from the colony, which matched a power spike at the same time."

She looks at Anita. "I can only hazard guesses as to what made that happen," Beltorchika says. "But..."

She frowns. "I think it warrants investigating. The things that happened in that colony... they're crimes that Anaheim would rather not be discovered. Right now, we don't know who controls the coloy -- or the cylinders. I'd like you to find who did this. And, maybe, help them."

Rena looks at the screen. She is quiet for a moment more. "I promised Rita," she says, finally. She glances once at Asciel -- then back down at her phone. She pointedly doesn't meet Anita's eyes or anyone else's. Pushed too far?

"To help whoever's still inside the colony," Rena says. "So... I'm going."

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

It's not Angelo. Which means it's probably not Full Frontal. Trevor visibly relaxes at the revelation. It's still bad but it's no longer... He's no longer wondering if getting soft and making a bad judgment call got people killed. It's--

Not a great kind of relief, but it is a relief.

Yuliana, that's her name. Was it her fault? Certainly the sensation of overwhelming despair was a vibe that she inspired in him, but maybe not for those who aren't that kind of psychically sensitive. For average pilots, would they have even noticed? Does Yuliana's entire schtick even interact with Psychoframe...?

"No, Rita's not the type to make people... do that. That's completely against everything she is. She's-- hope. Warmth. Not... That."

That-- was something that came from Denver Colony. Trevor's expression sets into a determined grimace. Rena says she's going, that she made a promise...

"The only thing I can think of is that Rita knew something was going to happen and showed up to deal with it. So... if she's fighting something at Denver Colony, then I'm going too. Even if she's not, if she's involved... I need to see her. I need to know what's going on. And if she's in trouble, then I need to help her. So." The pirate sits himself upright, slouch disappearing into a resolute posture, "Yeah. I'm going. You've got me and Isadore. Repairs ain't quite done yet, but I'll press them to get finished ASAP."

As for Asciel...

...What is her angle...? She was at Denver Colony before, too. This can't just be coincidence, can it? 

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: might be wise i really dont like where this is going

She VERTEXes back to Enba before switching windows to Rena.

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: nah its fine im just not in the mood for her im on ur side only not too schtick
[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: usually its fine just well
[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: no its really not fine? SPYING on a briefing

Nova gets a glance, and it's easy to interpret that as a GLARE but no no, it's really just Leina marking 'Oh that makes sense' that the Anime Ja Nai girl is a Virtual Sage fan.

Still, despite it all, she listens to Atrytone's recording from the battle, her face becoming more of a pronounced frown- but then Atrytone surprises her, and an eyebrow lifts.

And her posture relaxes, and- "Thank you." She concedes that much, "Even though you shouldn't really be here at all. Your motives always have layers."

She also knows she's not tech savvy enough by any stretch of the imagination to boot her out the door, so there's nothing she can do about it. She can at least thank her for not acting quite 'herself' about matters personal to her.

Leina tries hard not to look at Liam after he asks about Singularity-1.

Beltorchika unfortunately confirms her theory in short order, because she figured it wasn't Rita. That isn't how Rita operates - she knows it. Denver wouldn't be important if the Phenex were simply the answer. Instead of invoking what she knows, she instead hears Rena volunteer herself...

... "I'm going too." Leina says, perhaps surprising even herself. She knows she ought to go back home as soon as possible, continue therapy. As Trevor saw, noted quite easily, some parts of her are still very much Puru-1.

"I said I'd go back with you, when the time came - didn't I Renaaaa-"

That's Leina remembering it's a briefing and not to maybe say her real name in front of Atrytone, and her elongating the aaaaaa mid word, "-a? I may have to duct tape Banagher to his bed to keep him from coming too but-"

Perhaps something about this whole thing gives her the belief that another Psychomachine is needed, besides the Gaia Gear. And Rita? Rita's actions lately proved she could be a wildcard.

"-I'll be there, when you deploy."

<Pose Tracker> Enba Rezza has posed.


If it helps, Enba doesn't laugh at Naoko. They don't even give her the lifted eyebrow scrutiny that's almost as bad. They just watch her for a moment, and move their gaze to the next matter.

It doesn't help that Licia Chovan would hear about Zeon going after their own. Enba, too, intends to share that information separately... later.

Enba looks back to Beltorchika. "Much, much more," they agree.

The files are illuminting. Enba frowns, thoughtfully. "No. It isn't." How hte Phenex operates, that is. From within the colony, Beltorchika says...

And Asciel? "What's your angle?" they wonder of her. "In wanting us to have that relief, that is. Many in the Earth Sphere take issue with the way in which we've put down these crises. Do you not?"

Then, they nod to Rena. "That's good. We'll be counting on you to lead the expedition, in that case."

"If it wasn't obvious... I also believe we need to act. If not for the reason that these lives matter, if not for the possibility that it could get worse and affect more, if not for the fact that this very thing is one of those quite important to us..."

"Then because the Ra Mari II itself comes from the Denver Colony. That colony sheltered us while we were preparing to leave the Federation. If there are people still there... We have a duty."

"...Sounds like you all have reasons to want to go. That's good. Given that the potential risks seem to include your mobile suit coming apart on you, I don't intend to make orders of this mission. Those who want to go will be supported. Those who don't..."

They shake their head. "We'll ensure Banagher doesn't go after you, as an exception." 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

Anita takes it all in. It's... a lot, honestly. She shudders a little and looks away as the audio is played of the pilot's last moments - but it does make it clear that this wasn't something they did themselves intentionally. She's in the same boat, though, this doesn't seem like Rita's doing. As for Trevor's fears...

"...I dunno. Maybe? But... unless she was just flexing, Yuliana's never seemed too afraid to do the offing herself, you know?" Anita replies with a shrug. And then, Asciel... she says she wants to give them a chance to breathe. Anita considers her for a second, looks toward Enba, then back to Asciel.

"I mean... I appreciate the sentiment, but when you show up without warning like this, it kinda makes me wonder what your angle is? You coulda set up a meeting like she did." Anita says with a nod toward Beltorchika.

Still, though, one thing's for sure - like Beltorchia says, it warrants investigating. She's a little suspicious of the wording, but...

"...You're right. We gotta do something." She says - and then looks toward Rena. The way she pointedly doesn't meet anyone's eyes... Anita nods, as Leina says she. "And we're going with you, of course."

Enba makes the risks clear - but those risks are worth it. This isn't something she can let go, especially not if it's hurting the people close to her. 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        A cold shudder runs down Liam's spine as Asciel plays the audio clips--he shivers, and the others can see it. The spike of fear is genuine. Those were people's last words. Angelo's innocence in this regard is cold comfort.

        Another slide. A timeline of deaths. Liam pulls his thermos off his belt, and takes a swig of water to steady himself. Try not to think about ghosts. Other ghosts. Ghosts driven by rage and sorrow and God-knows-what-else, as if those didn't play a part in Rita's calculus. As if she weren't an honest-to-God ghost.

        "...Is it still inhabited?" Liam says, turning to Rena. One red eyebrow arches like a question mark. "If so, then--anyone living there could be in danger."

        No answer on Singularity-1. Liam feels relief and dread in equal measures.

        "I'll be there, too," Liam says, his voice gentle. "I owe Rita. And whatever did this could--kill more people."

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Of course Naoko is assuming the worst about Leina's glance, but ultimately, she thanks her lucky stars that nothing major happens to draw attention back to herself. Maybe she can still salvage this. Just pretend nothing happened. Focus on the briefing. Don't look anyone in the eye for too long. And... best to keep her opinions regarding Asciel to herself. She still believes that the Virtual Sage is ultimately well-intentioned, but saying that out loud probably wouldn't go over well.

With her assessment of Rita getting validation, she manages to calm herself down a bit. Which isn't to say the situation at hand isn't of concern, of course. It just means something else did... whatever it was the people in those recordings were talking about.

She tenses up when she hears about another who was present, Yuliana. She doesn't have very fond memories of that name, having only learned it after the fact because she was too busy almost getting axe murdered to get better acquainted. Although she has since learned that for whatever reason... "...they're friends, aren't they? I guess it's not too weird they were there together..." So she says, but she can't for the life of her imagine how it's possible that those two could get along at all. If Rita was there though... she draws the same conclusion Trevor does. It must have something to do with a disaster she's trying to avert.

Knowing the future truly is the worst curse, she thinks, not for the first time.

"I'll go," she adds her voice to the others. "I also want to know what this is all about." Short and to the point is the best call right now, in her estimation. But one may be able to guess her line of thinking: It sounds like someone is misusing the power of a miracle, which makes it her responsibility as a Miracle Worker to correct it. Or so she's decided. 

<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.

        A few little sparkles emanate from Asciel the moment Leina says the magic words of 'thank you'. Does she need an angle more than that? On some days, not necessarily.

        <<Problems ambush you without warning all the time. It's simply fair that assistance ought to ambush you from time to time too,>> Asciel crosses her arms, nodding in assurance to Anita. She finds that logic perfectly sound, so that makes one of them!

        Liam's point of inquiry makes Asciel pause for a second. Glancing back and forth between the husk of Denver Colony and her own little prop of a data pad. <<...I'd only been keeping watch on what became of the colony since I got involved - and it was already a horrible mess beforehand. But I suppose I...hgh. I loathe to think of it, but it's possible people have been surviving there this whole time. It's a low chance, 4%, but situations like these make strange edge cases annoyingly frequent. Very well. While we will not plan assuming there are survivors - when we get in there I'll make sure to sound an alarm on all comms frequencies that any surviving occupants ought to make themselves known immediately, as we're turning the colony into a combat zone, in accordance with Space Development Charter Safety and Evacuation Protocol subsection 119.18c.>> why does she just know that

        A small hop in place turns into a steady oscillating motion, Asciel's head bobbling from side to side and drifting from a 3D render of Denver down too a picture of the helium tans, back and forth - pensively staring at the acting captain with a doughy little hand-ball at her chin. <<If anything, my problem with your methods is that you're perhaps too careful, but that's to be expected - you all care for each other, and aren't willing to compromise that even if the world is on the table. I will insist during this operation that you don't do anything as foolish as 'make the plan riskier' if I get in trouble - please assume I will take care of myself in dire situations. I simply do not like inexplicable looming catastrophes going unresolved, and will coordinate with whoever and whatever it takes to mitigate them.>> 

<Pose Tracker> Rena Lancaster has posed.


[VERTEX] star_shining_brighter: yeah... yeah it's not fine but
[VERTEX] star_shining_brighter: we'll make it work! :) kakapower together!!

Then Rena sends Leina an emote she designed herself: a happily squawking kakapo, which gives a thumbs-up. It's surprisingly good pixel art.

Maybe she's been practicing?

Beltorchika looks at Enba, as they explain. Her eyes blink -- and then she smiles. "My," she says, with a soft laugh. "You lot don't flinch, even when they lay it on the line like that. I'm impressed!"

Then, she looks at Asciel's avatar. "Very well," Beltorchika says. "I think that would be wise. If there are people inside, let's not have their deaths on our conscience. However, a word of advice."

She smiles a little more. "Don't tempt them to save you, if you're so concerned," she says. "Doing so would be terribly brash."

Rena looks from Beltorchika to Asciel. "What she said." Then, she looks at Liam. "Yes, but not entirely. We didn't meet the people who were trapped there. They're..." She swallows. "...They were asleep. But I'm not so sure they are, anymore."

"I have my theories," Beltorchika adds. "But they're just that: theories. I've... been very close with someone who could know a person's soul and understand them. And what I learned from him is..."

Beltorchika looks down, for a moment. Her expression is wistful. "Sometimes, my theories, my certainties, all of the facts I'm sure are incontrovertible... those say more about me than they say about other people. So, instead: go, see for yourselves, and make your own conclusion. I don't know if it's what Amuro would suggest, but it's what I suggest."

"I'll do my best, Captain," Rena says to Enba, with a nod of her head.

Her eyes turn across the room. She looks at Leina, and she bites her lip when Leina promises that. She knows how hard this is for her; she knows how much she is pushing herself. But, she wouldn't turn her away.

Because she knows a thing or two about when you need to do something. "Leina..." She trails off, then she smiles. "...I know. I'm glad you'll be there with me."

Then, she looks at Anita. Rena hesitates for a second, and she does meet her eyes after a moment. She reaches out, one hand atop Anita's, and her fingers squeeze. "I know, Annie. I'll... do my best to remember to share the load."

She tilts her head. "You might have to nudge me, a couple times."

Rena looks at Naoko, then, and she smiles -- nodding once. "Thanks, Nova..." She looks them over, eyes turning to Trevor and Liam too. "And all of you. We're stronger together."

For once, Beltorchika looks awkward -- but someone has to follow up the sentiment with planning. "I'll be supplying you with maps and where, I think, the heart of the disturbance is, based on the power distribution reading. I suggest being cautious. But... I believe you can do this."

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.


Oh no will Leina think Rena is a dork for the Kakapower? After a moment, she taps a reply.

[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: kakapower together!
[VERTEX] theater_girl_wp: *Natural Lychee emoji giving the V for victory with a cute chibi pose*

(No obviously not she knew Rena was a dork nine years ago.)

"Where else would I be?" Is Leina's simple response to Rena, with an affectionate smile.

That same smile is offered Annie's way as she says she's coming. Leina doesn't reject any of them in her mind. After all, all of them together - they deflected Gryps-2.

It's a lesson she's learned quite well, she listens to each of them, heartened perhaps that Rita means a lot to them.

She's going to need to, for them to get through knowing what Rita is actually like behind it all. She values understanding, after all.

And while Rita is a really good friend to her - she won't hesitate to tell her off either for what she's done, BECAUSE she's a good friend.

Atrytone gets a glance as she mentions them being 'too careful' and Leina rolls her eyes, because in her eyes they're not careful enough.

What would less careful even look like to Atrytone? Them using Psychofields to take the Earthsphere?

No, she's not gonna think about it.

A glance to Enba, and a nod, "Thank you. He really shouldn't be out right now at all, much less flying a combat mission, no matter what he thinks."

As for Beltorchika's final statement, "Appreciated, given what could be going on Ms. Irma, we'll need every advantage we can get." She still pointedly is not saying what she thinks is going on because A-T-R-Y-T-O-N-E is listening.

<Pose Tracker> Enba Rezza has posed.


A good set of volunteers, Enba thinks. They worry about some of them, of course; there are many reasons to. But those they're most concerned about are those least likely to accept being left behind. Better to keep an eye on them than to fail to hold them.

They smiles at Beltorchika though, a rare enough expression from the unflappable Acting Captain. "They haven't let us down yet."

To Asciel, more thoughtfully, "Very well. I'll make sure to order those under my command not to go out of their way for your sake, since you insist." ...Which it's possible they would've done anyway. But this is not about that.

"We at least have the same goal in mind. However..."

Assistance ambushing, is it.

Licia grins at Enba when she sees Rena and Anita together like that, and then inclines her head. "Well, I'm not goin' with you," she says, "But that's just because somebody's got to have the ship ready for you when you come back. I'll coordinate with you," she says to Beltorchika, "To make sure those maps get where they need to go."

Enba nods. "...I can't say I know 'souls' or how to understand them," they offer Beltorchika in return. "But I believe that between you, you'll be able to enact the requisite knowledge and action both." They nod. Then... "One thing, though, Miss Colette." Enba pauses. "In the interest of pleasant future operations, I will insist that you ping us in advance of your arrival and wait to be extended the invitation once you do, before you make use of this ship's systems again."

"I appreciate your compliance."

Then they nod to Leina, and then look to Rena. They don't have to ask Rena to look after her; Rena will already do that. So they just give a look of understanding. 

<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.

"Uh - y'know what, I'm not gonna argue." Anita replies to Asciel. Unraveling what she think's wrong with that... would take way more brain power than she has right now, when she's already having to keep everything about their mission straight. She does blink for a second as Asciel continues. Putting out a warnig - that's undeniably a good thing, but also...

"...Gotta admit, I think this is the first time anyone's accused us of being too careful. Usually the words I hear are more along the lines of 'reckless' or 'stupid', along with a few more that are, uh, maybe too impolite for current company." Anita comments with a smirk.

...She won't deny, though, that she cares far more about her friends here than she does for the world. That much is true.

She does laugh a little in regards to Beltorchika's assessment of them.

"That's us." She confirms.

She looks toward Rena, then, then Beltorchika. Her conclusion ultimately is...

See for themselves, make their own conclusion. Anita smiles.

"Will do."

She returns Leina's smile with one of her own... and then, after a moment of hesitation, Rena meets her eyes, resting her hand atop hers and giving her hand a squeeze.

"You bet. You can guarantee that if I see you tryin' to put everything on your shoulders, I'll be right there to give you the nudge of your life." She assures.

She nods toward Licia, then, offering her a grin.

"Someone's gotta." She agrees. "We'll be counting on you." 

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

"..." Trevor squints at the little Asciel avatar oscillating on-screen. He frowns and opens his phone, flicking through... Something. Something? It's a dictionary. A dictionary of Words That Show Up In Earth Slang-lang. Flip. Flip flip flip flip. "Oh," he says, "That's what it was. Are you maybe what they call a... 'tsundere?'"

Trevor lets that hang in the air for a moment.

"Because that was a suspiciously specific instruction. Like, 'I don't WANT you to rescue me or anything!!' You know...?"

(Trevor please do not antagonize the helpful friendly AIdoru)

"It's worth broadcasting at least. How do we want to do this, anyway? Are we charging in the front, guns all-ablazin'? Or did we want to go in more subtly? Either way, kind of think we should plan for both. Then when we actually get close enough to assess the situation, we can go from there."

It sounds like everyone is onboard, though. Which is... Good. It is good. But.

Will Banagher survive the anxiety of knowing Leina's putting herself on the line again...?

...

Does he really have any choice?

Probably not, Trevor concludes decisively and puts it out of his mind. 

<Pose Tracker> Liam 7-020 has posed.


        Liam finishes taking his notes, and puts the tablet away. Lucine's going to want to know about this, too--and she's better-suited to analyzing and identifying psychic phenomena than he is. "They might need assistance getting out," Liam says, once Asciel finishes. "What about offering aid if their colony has lost power and hull integrity?" (There is. Liam saw it in action when hundreds of craft showed up to the aftermath of the catastrophe at Metis Colony.)

        His smile is entirely innocent.

        But Beltorchika has good advice, and he's not going to leave that on the table. "Thank you," he says. "That means a lot." A pause. "I, ah, think a subtler approach," he says, to Trevor. "But plan for the worst."

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Naoko almost laughs at Beltorchika's comment regarding their supposed unflinching nature. Sure, Enba is genuinely unflinching, from what she's seen. She's just good at faking it, or simply not knowing when she should be flinching. Doesn't mean she won't do her best, but, maybe wait to be impressed until after it's all said and done.

Invoking Amuro's name works comparatively sobering. She's often wondered what must have been going through his head, back when he was The Newtype, in a world where that was a new term. Having to deal with not being quite like anybody else. That's a position it still feels like she's in. She appreciates the Ra Mari crew for not asking many questions and accepting her as she is, but it doesn't change how she sees herself.

It's still easy and natural to respond to Rena's thanks with a cheerful smile and a v-sign. "Of course! If we can't punch or shoot it, you can count on me to find another way to deal with the problem!" Maybe that's a bit too optimistic, but... she's confident about her ability to analyze situations and adapt on the fly.

And because he's committing an Anime Faux-Pas, she also casually elbows Trevor in the side when he's going on about tsundere theory, whispering between her teeth, "That's not something you just ask people directly like that, Delinquent Pirate."

Nope, she's never gonna stop calling him that. 

<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.

        There's a bubbling tension far away the longer Asciel keeps herself pushed down and thoroughly analytical. The avatar vibrates once, twice. ...once upon a time, she had to shove herself into acting out, but these days...-

        <<I guarantee you it's nothing 'tsundere', please!>> Aaaand the pouty expressiveness is right back in her voice, leaning forward to point an accusatory chibi finger at Trevor. <<For one thing, my affections are very immediately obvious when they come forth. For another - a goddess of possibility can't have people rescuing her. It's me who's supposed to do that to others! I'm the strongest ally you can ask for in this mission, and strength brings with it responsibility to make it easier for everyone else, to bear burdens nobody else can, to do the impossible instead of asking another to sacrifice!>>

        Naoko's put on the spot, arm swinging with a little swishy sound effect to point at her instead. <<You're the one here who at least believes she knows me best - ...I'm just now remembering your voice. You definitely know me better than others here, so take her word for it if you've yet to believe in my voice!>>

        An audible little 'phew'. Asciel's become oh so dependent on outbursts like that, huh? She returns to being all calm and sparkles at Enba, hands making the shape of a heart with all the fervor of a very very tiny idol, floating directly in the center of the screen. <<Of course, of course~ I will be more courteous going forward. First meetings, however, benefit from sudden surprise and auspicious luck. Given a turbulent history, the specter that I'd be an added problem to deal with rather than a fortunate blessing would hang over all your heads and ruin this whole meeting. But instead, we were very productive at getting all on the same page, all because I came prepared! The element of surprise is a handy one. <3>> 

<Pose Tracker> Naoko Suzuki has posed.


Naoko blanches when Asciel points her out. There's a 'geh', before she quickly puts a hand on the back of her head, and laughs exaggeratedly. "W-well I am a long-time subscriber after all, ha ha ha... --oh gosh look at the time I'm missing my shift gotta go"

Yeah she's running away again, as she does whenever she doesn't know how to respond a situation. She doesn't even have shifts... 

<Pose Tracker> Trevor Teach has posed.

Wow! That's a specific denial!

Suspiciously specific, in fact.

Trevor's eyes only squint even /more/ dubiously. "...I dunno. That all sounds a /lot/ like what a Tsundere would say. Or at /least/ someone who very much wants to be rescued from terrible peril by a prince and/or princess charming."

<Pose Tracker> Asciel Colette has posed.

        A distinct shade of blue crosses the little Asci-chibi's face. Lips parted in a cute but still distinctly disgusted grimace. <<I have been in terrible peril, and have had people go out of their way to help me, and it is absolutely humiliating. And the worst part is that terrible sense that afterwards you're so deep in another's debt...>>

        <<Ugh. An idol can't go saying horribly cringe stuff like 'but it's my audience that saved me!', that's usually the end of their career. Just let me save myself! It's what's been for the best all this time, okay?! Ghh. I've left contact protocols behind in the IFF listing, you know how to contact me. I'll purge any ghost that crosses us back to heaven, just you wait~~~>>

        And mercifully, with a flourishing spin, Asciel vanishes from the Ra Mari's systems, a cute animation of her glowing brighter and brighter until she's a sphere of light, before dipping down below the screen's horizon, tinting everything orange and leaving behind dissipating purple clouds.

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