View source for 2023-08-28: Disorder Begets Duty

{{Log
|cast=Sumeragi Lee Noriega, Tieria Erde, Rita Bernal, Elisa Kafim, Regina Everhart, Ujico Issa, Liu Mei Wang, Li Yao, Harmony Chord, Setsuna F. Seiei, Christina MacKenzie
|location=Orbital Ring
|summary=VEDA has spoken on the pressing matter of the Gryps-II colony laser - a meeting amongst key Celestial Being operatives is held to discuss the threat it poses and the importance of its imminent destruction.
}}
{{PhaseAndTurn
|phase=1
|turn=3
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 <Pose Tracker> Sumeragi Lee Noriega has posed.
<poem>
        VEDA's message had called out, beckoning all those who believed that a warless society could be bought with battle--however tenuous their faith in such a reality. And so, agents of the organization known simply as Celestial Being, trickled in. Either bombastic in entrance or discrete in approach, VEDA had stirred to uncommonly direct action, and how inconvenient were the errors in the camera panning servos? No, those entrusted to bleed for global change... They would be protected, tonight.

        The briefing room buzzes with chatter, yet the center stage lies, perhaps characteristically, empty. Everyone who could reach the Ptolemaios has gathered, here, to the Orbital Ring, and some of them insisted on responses to their questions. For as much as the crew of the Ptolemy wanted to answer them, most knew relatively little. Lockon, at least, had been seen speaking with the ship's skipper, and Tieria, of course, may well have spent some time with VEDA.

        So, why the heck was everyone kept waiting? Though it was one of the larger rooms on the Ptolemaios, space was still at a premium when there were this many remote operatives on board. Calm feet began to tap a staccato impatience on the deck. Some of the people here had hardly crossed paths in ages, and everyone had come expecting news of great import.

        Finally, a bottle of Stella Cola (Vanilla Edition) took the stage, spinning end over end, as a gloved hand reached out from the doorway after it. a zero-g constellation of burgundy hair followed it in, as the woman of the hour clasped it.
                "Okay, I think I got back just in time... Ah, Feldt, can you help me pass out refreshments when everyone gets here?"

                "Miss Noriega... Everyone's already here," was the response, joined in by the more piezoelectric voice of Lockon's Haro, who reported "Sumeragi late! How embarrassing! How embarrassing!"

        Sumeragi let the crate of bottles slowly float out towards Feldt, who looked reluctant to let go of her round orange companion.
                "A-ahem. Excuse me, sorry everyone." As she turned to address the assembled agents, those eyes turned from apologetic to laser-focused in a single gesture. "Let's begin."

                "VEDA has acted. That's not trivial--it means that we are at an inflection point in history, and we must act carefully, quickly, and precisely to make the most of this irreversible moment." She tapped on her pad and began an animation on the screen, a dynamic map of both the Earth and its Sphere. "The world has started moving, but it's unclear what direction it will take. The events surrounding the RX psychoframe units--" she pauses to nod towards Rita, acknowledging her bond with her sisters, "--has shown us the potential of humanity, and it's not all good. The Federation has restored the Gryps-2 laser, and proven that a single ego can sacrifice tens of thousands to secure its power. VEDA recommends--a polite word--a full show of force to make absolutely clear--the creation of these weapons is unacceptable, unconscionable and a backwards step for humanity. One person has already pressed the button, and it took nothing short of a miracle to prevent tragedy. We cannot--we WILL not--let that button be pressed even one more time."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Tieria Erde has posed.
<poem>
         Tieria had indeed spent some time with VEDA, and was already familiar with everything that Sumeragi was telling them. It was up to her as their tactician to decide what to do with the information, however. He stands in a corner, away from as many people as possible, and adjusts his glasses as Sumeragi relays the message, despite her tardiness.

         "Not to mention that the revelation of this lost clause of the Universal Century Charter is bound to exacerbate existing tensions throughout the Sphere. It's no exaggeration to say that we are on the precipice of an all-out war." He decides to step away from the safety of his corner, approaching Sumeragi and turning towards everyone present.

         "And it's safe to assume that if left alone, that conflict could become greater than the One Year War."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
<poem>
In the back of the meeting room floats a spirit of shimmering blue light. Rita tries to be unobtrusive -- as unobtrusive as a manifestation from beyond can be, anyway. Today, she's chosen to appear in her usual white dress. Long golden hair cascades around her shoulders, blowing gently in an ephemeral breeze.

She doesn't mind waiting. She's spent most of her existence waiting. And, Rita needed to come to the Ptolemaios for her own reasons anyway. It's really no sacrifice.

Only those with an open heart will be able to see or hear the spirit of Rita Bernal -- and it is far easier to hear her than see her. She will not be upset if someone cannot see her, as long as nobody walks through her manifested form.

The Miracle my sisters created could be repeated, but only at the cost of their lives. This is something I cannot allow. Princess Mineva is making her move. Her burgeoning leadership must be allowed to flourish, and for that.

Rita smooths her hands down her dress. It's a little eerie, how she can speak of such dire concepts with a such a sweet smile.

The Federation must not be allowed to demolish Magallanica, or the Three Ships Alliance. If pushed far enough, even the Federation will act in spite of their fear of the Unicorns. Action must be taken before then.

A glance toward Tieria, as he steps forward. Rita gives him a friendly nod.

Princess Mineva wishes for a peaceful solution, and the actions of her allies have shown the strength of her resolve. The Federation cannot say the same. A weapon on the scale of Gryps-II can only be used to enact great sorrow. It must be destroyed.

A pause. Rita thinks for a moment, her gaze distant.

Or perhaps, it must be seized. Another great danger faces the Earthsphere, one a weapon of this caliber might be able to resolve.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
<poem>

Elisa Kafim received this message.  She weighed it, thinking over what best response to give.  In the end...

She decided that only her personal presence would do.

Unlike last time, Elisa is in a normal suit, though many here might know she doesn't require such niceties.  She steps into the room and waits--and waits.

She is patient, but only so patient.

"It is fine," Elisa says of the apology, and then listens.  This potential...

Her helmet is off; she carries it under her arm, her long purple hair left to hang loose.  She is the exception to Rita's rule; her heart is open only to her own strange purposes, and yet she can perceive the being of Light all the same.

"No," Elisa says, when Rita has finished.  "Not to be seized.  Such a weapon would become a liability--both to our organization and to humanity as a whole.  It would ensure that we would become the primary target of each other force in the Earth Sphere... and I see no good that can come of a weapon of purely destructive force such as the Gryps-II laser."

"Sacrifices must be made--but on such a scale?  I think not yet."

"...I also do not see what business the rebellion of the Three Ships Alliance is to us.  We will have to fight all those who bring war.  I this Princess wishes peace... then let her see it.  But if her army cannot stand for itself, then so be it."

"Much as I dislike the Federation's perilous leadership regardless..."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
<poem>
VEDA has called, and Regina has answered. She, like many, say the great, terrible beam of Gryps-II. Fury filled her heart at the sight of it. Such a weapon... its continued existence is, indeed, unconscionable. Something, she agrees, must be done.

She is with those sitting in the briefing room... and of course she is quiet. She waits patiently.

...Though she's certain the meeting should have started by now...

Her expression doesn't change as Sumeragi emerges, and she listens intently as she gives her speece, her eyes tracking between her and the images she displays on the screen - and she listens to the others, as they give their opinions.

...Though, her heart is no more open than the last time they meeting they both attended - she cannot see Rita, cannot hear her.

"...Gryps-II must be destroyed. Thoroughly." Regina agrees. "Do we have a plan of action?"
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Ujico Issa has posed.
<poem>

        Ujico, of course, came prepared. (She's bad at Meetings and thus makes a little extra effort.) Datapad, snacks for later, Apple, and a jacket in case she gets cold.

        She looks at her watch again. Miss Noriega is late. She spends the extra time craning her head around to see who's made it and who hasn't, greeting people she knows, and maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe doodling. A lot.

        But she jams her datapad into her backpack when Sumeragi Lee Noriega takes the stage, and sets Apple into note-taking mode. "...If they can't play nice..." she mumbles, toes flexing inside of her fluffy socks, "We'll take it away." But they say that power corrupts, and Ujico doesn't want to be corrupted. "...It's really really dangerous to have around though. If we don't absolutely need it... I think maybe we should destroy it. We can turn the pieces into something better."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.
<poem>
        Liu Mei was in an oh so comfy hotel room in Johannesburg when Mineva's announcement was broadcasted to all. A deception in that mysterious box, finally unveiled. Truth laid bare - such a few tiny little words that this was all fought over?

        And yet, she couldn't help but grin. To curl her toes into the sheets and giggle wildly to herself. How grateful she was alone, to catch the exact moment the world pivoted around its head.

        At the end, however, one thought bounces around her head...

        "...Aww. I kind of wish I'd gotten to do the honors. No use fussing over who cracked what egg - just that it's omelet-making time~ I'm gonna guess it's not too long, though..."

        ---------

        Right on cue! Liu Mei had already booked her trip to the Orbital Ring when the meeting was announced. She looks like a starlet among the meeting room's attendees, a sparkling golden dress with lapis jewelry, even down to a fashionable little lacy diadem. How...subtle. Especially to Rita's point of view. Though just like before...it does seem like Liu Mei's only vaguely able to actually perceive her.

        She does echo that one sentiment of Rita's, maybe unknowingly. "It probably comes down to the details of what VEDA said. After all, destroying something's a whole lot easier than preserving and protecting it. While it's a fun idea, let's not get our hopes up, lest we sink all our resources into a sinkhole and get trapped."

        Sumeragi's awkward entry does provoke a slight laugh from Liu Mei, cheek resting on her hand, and there's a quiet, "Such a shame she's always tasked with so much to do..."

        Upon a side monitor in the conference room, a single section blinks into view. An elegant and dignified man with long auburn hair quietly takes a sip of tea, served to him by a just-offscreen figure in breezy white clothing. The Observer from Central Britannia, Alejandro Corner. "Pay no mind to the late exit - I assure you I've been listening in all this time. It's a big operation this time, isn't it? Were that I could be there myself, but this will hopefully suffice. We'll cut to brass tacks here - the Federation holds absolutely no intent on letting Gryps-II go. To them, it's one of their most valuable assets - it ''was'' constructed, after all, partly in response to proof that ZAFT held a similar weapon. The peace treaty was all well and good, but few in government are confident it's lasting very long. And amidst rising tensions and distrust of civilian-elected and financial leaders - well, it's the ''military'' element of the Federation - the die-hards of Blue Cosmos and their ilk, who are gripping onto their toys the hardest. Capturing it is entirely off the table, is what I'm getting at - even if it ''were'' an ethical holding, which is a little outside my standing to discuss."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
<poem>

        The old man of Celestial being  floated in the back of the group of Celestial agents, taking a particular moment to appreciate the lack of gravity, one of those few times there was not a heavy burden pressing on his shoulders. A slow moving gaze over the group before it falls upon the golden being that has joined them. He stares at her for a moment appreciating her light.

         His head swivels to Elisa and listens to her as well and then looks towards Regina. "I agree with the young lady there. We should destroy the weapon, seizing the weapon does not remove it, and if we seized it then we would have to keep it somewhere. Better to scrap it as a reminder that such weapons of war should not exist."

          Looking back to Elisa the old man considers the rebellion, "Rebellions lead to war,  I think we should intervene and suppress both sides. If we don't then it would be as if we said we support this organization doing war. Last I checked we were against anyone doing war, isn't that right?" The last question was asked as he looks back to Sumeragi.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Harmony Chord has posed.
<poem>
Their lips are sealed until a moment of quiet between the frank declarations presents a moment to speak. Copper-red hair, polished metal without a single strand out of place. Eyes blue, brown, and green, colors of the Earth, follow Rita's figure through its movements, noticing her tics and tells. Manicured fingernails strum an instrument of calculations and rise to sharp, perfected features.

        "There is power in deterrent, and as you all have said, it would be far more difficult to claim Gryps-Second. It would draw an entire world's ire to us, and we might wither under that gaze. Rewards, yes, brief unities among the combatants, a terrifying power with few equals. But the risks are just as steep, and already we do not yet bring our own combined force to bear. They say, 'Speak softly, and carry a large stick,' to use the threat of power as its own power. Yet, to carry a stick means you fear your interlocutor."

        "Rita," the voice descends to a calm, whispering lilt, as though such words might be banished from thought alone. "Are you afraid?"
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Setsuna F. Seiei has posed.
<poem>
         VEDA has acted, and Setsuna is here. It's as simple as that. No additional reasoning or thought went to his attendance, as it is, after all, his job as a Gundam Meister.

         And since he's here as a Gundam Meister, that means he doesn't have to change clothing. No, his usual pilot suit will do. Though at the very least, he's opted to keep his helmet off this time, for all the difference that makes, given that the only time his face changes in any noticeable way off of its unusually intense scowl is when he blinks.

         He's indifferent to the wait, or perhaps used to it. It really doesn't matter, as he listens to Sumeragi and thinks, mostly to himself, though he does silently mutter a single word.

         "Psychoframe..."

         The revolutionary material used in several mobile suits, said to make a newtype's dreams into reality. There is of course, a proper theory to the technology, one that Setsuna honestly doesn't care about. The science behind it is honestly pointless when faced with the reality, as the Axis Shock and current situation make clear.

         "If VEDA says to eliminate them, our course of action is obvious."

         Setsuna then shifts to talking about the subject at hand. Or rather, he's agreeing with the action they need to take. Nothing to add, nothing to debate, just full on compliance.  The details other than the fact that there are people still standing in the way of world peace do not matter to the Gundam Meister.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Sumeragi Lee Noriega has posed.
<poem>
        "Yes, Yao, we here have pledged to end conflict, and stand between all forces. Sometimes this means ending conflict before it can begin, other times breaking the capability to wage it. Sometimes, enforcing a stalemate between forces that would both grind us down in direct combat is itself a strategy. I will keep watch for strategic movements towards and by the Alliance. If there are any movements that we can make to force them into talking...then we can reserve our strength for further action."

        Sumeragi sipped her cola, listening to the surge of statements. So many voices in favor of its destruction was encouraging, but she found the question of occupation to be worth discussion.

                "If we captured it, we would demand the attention of the entire world, capable of terminating any conflict with overwhelming force... However, there's a major problem. Unless we have both the capability and will to exercise the power of the satellite against a global mustered force, ''and'' the ability to resolve conflicts on the opposite side of the planet, we would be expending an enormous amount of our deployment to secure the satellite and render ourselves unable to resolve conflicts with less-lethal methods entirely. Do you have an objective in mind?"

        The globe lights up with several red borders.
                "The changes aren't limited to battle lines. In Azadistan, the AEU has begun construction of the solar power distribution hardware. The cultural divisions are accelerating and there's rumors of militarization of underground forces. The forecast isn't good. There's strange troop movements in Siberia and in remote seas, and there are legislative movements that could lead to new flashpoints. It's not like you to make rash decisions, so I'd like to know: What is it you see?"
</poem>
 
 <Pose Tracker> Tieria Erde has posed.
<poem>
         Tieria didn't like the idea of occupying Gryps-2. That sort of power shouldn't be in anyone's hands, not even theirs. If they took the weapon, they would essentially become another military power unto themselves that could declare war or have war declared on. "Disabling the weapon is the best course of action. No better way to stop war than by taking away the big guns."

         He stares at the globe covered in red. There are moves being made all around. It was a powder keg, just waiting for a spark to set it off. He swallows dryly and sighs. "Personally...I see a Federation on the verge of a collapse."

</poem>
 <Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
<poem>
Elisa, unsurprisingly, speaks up in opposition of Rita's idea. The spirit tilts her head.

You know the same danger I'm trying to oppose with this weapon, Elisa. How can you be so certain? We could always fire the laser once, and then destroy it.

Rita ignores the witch's statements about the Princess and Three Ships Alliance. Surely the other members of Celestial Being will realize Princess Mineva's budding faction is one to ally themselves with.

If the spirit looks extra-long at Liu Mei's outfit... Well, it could be a coincidence, right? Rita's green eyes sparkle with the finery so casually displayed. What a dress..!

However, as Alejandro Corner enters the room, Rita's smile fades, just a degree. Something is wrong with this man. Perhaps it's his aura, perhaps just that smug look on his face -- but Rita does ''not'' like him. She adjusts her stance so she doesn't have to look at him.

Li Yao receives a little wave from Rita.

Hello. It's been a while, I hope you've been well.

Quite a casual greeting for a being of light!

Rita stays close to Harmony through the flow of the meeting. They've grown close through the past few days spent in the Secret Laboratory -- and Rita considers Harmony a friend, now. But is Rita afraid?

How could she be, a being of such power and grace? The echo of a woman with such a beautiful smile?

Yes.

Rita turns her gaze back to Sumeragi.

I believe our host will share this with the room soon, but Denver Colony has been awoken. The tortured spirits within are angry beyond repair. It would be best if we could obliterate the entire Colony with the laser, and enable them to move to their next life.

A small shake of her head, sending her golden hair floating prettily.

I cannot think of another weapon that has enough power to accomplish this.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
<poem>

"I am aware of the danger," Elisa says to Rita.  "But in this case the cure you recommend is itself poison."  She nods to Li Yao as he suggests intervention.  "I am not opposed," she says.  "Though it is worth waiting to see if this Princess makes herself a non-problem for us, without the expenditure of additional resources."

Cner... Hmm.  "Yes... Blue Cosmos.  Would that we could erase such a thing outright."

A plan of action...

"I do not yet have a plan for destroying Gryps-II.  However, I am willing to bend my resources towards its destruction."

Then she considers Rita and Sumeragi both.  "Our current forces will suffice to destroy the Denver Colony," Elisa says.  "In extremis, I will deploy my own most potent weapon to defeat this mass of tortured spirit.  It will not fail.  No spirit can stand against its might."

Then she says, "...I agree.  The Federation is on the verge of collapse, and good riddance to it.  Fragmented forces will be easier to intervene against in any case, provided that we keep our forces limber."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
<poem>

        Yao listens to the captain of the Ptolemaios response as she gives him a response and then lets out a groan and closes his eyes rubbing the bridge of his nose at the comment of Ritas about needing to cleanse the Denver Colony.  "Do we really need a giant laser to destroy the colony? I am pretty sure they are fragile enough. Besides I am sure we have those on our side who can deal with such things."

         As Yao finishes his statement he looks over at Elisa, as if to insinuate that ELisa is the perfect person to deal with it and she doesn't disappoint, "See Elisa is on it." There is a sly grin on his face as he looks at her.  Then he turns back to Rita, "Besides souls of the damned tend to have a weakeness to the souls of the pure."

         Yao then moves back to the main topic, the laser. " Perhaps the best answer to destroying the Gryps is a blitz. Charge in from all sides and destroy it before there is a proper response. We can send a note after saying something along the lines of weapons like these are bad so no weapons for you."

         The mention of Blue Cosmo, "Speaking of Blue Cosmo, did they and G-Hound not use nuclear weapons in the past? Is this something that we should be concerned about happening again?"
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Ujico Issa has posed.
<poem>

        Rolling Apple between her palms, Ujico frowns as the map lights up over and over again. Apple, steadfast Apple, doesn't complain. (She's pretty used to being treated as some kind of stim toy.)

        "Even if we only use it the once, that's still..." She isn't really sure who she's talking to, in particular. Not that it always matters.

        And she's never met Mineva Lao Zabi. But Bana-ji and Lii-na had both spoken well of Audrey Burne. And Ujico believes in them, so she'll try to believe in Audrey too. "I want to see if she can do it," she speaks up, a little louder this time. A little more insistent. "The princess, I mean."

        The remains of Denver Colony seem, despite their now-supernatural nature, somehow a less fraught topic...?! "I can help with Denver if it's okay," offers Celestial Being's one-alien demolitions crew.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
<poem>
Opinions are voiced. Some in favor, some against. Regina takes them all in. She gets the sense that she's only hearing one side of the conversation. It seems that Denver Colony is the sight of activity once more, but talk of spirits...

...She doesn't concern herself with the lingering dead. She'll leave that matter to others.

"Gryps-II... such a weapon will likely be heavily guarded." Regina considers, glancing toward Yao as he suggests a blitz. "Particularly now that they have advertised its function."

She's not against the idea - but just a straight blitz might be dangerous. As for the Federation...

"...Let it fall. But we will need to be mindful of what is stirred in its wake. The collapse of giants... it is never quiet." Regina says.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.
<poem>
        "As ever, we shouldn't let ourselves get wrapped up in ''every'' conflict," Alejandro replies to Sumeragi's forecast. "After all, we were prepared for this eventuality. That our intervention in flashpoints would lead to instability - perhaps a temporary increase in conflict - was always a risk that was within the cards."

        He sets down his cup, and his position on the screen relocates to sit next to the red-marked conflict zones on the map. "If anything, many of these conflicts are just the inevitable corrections from removing key elements of the foundation locking this world in a checkmate of war. We should certainly-" With a few taps on his own device, Alejandro's assessment circles several nodes - the ones that emphasize actual Federation intervention, pushing away those caused by more localized regional insurgencies.

        "However - the destruction of Gryps-II far outweighs even the more worrying Earthside instability. After all - it doesn't suit our purposes if any of our actions can be overturned by a hailfire of absolute destruction from space, yes? We'll discuss priority for further actions at a later date."

        Liu Mei does cast a few glances at the map herself, idly swaying her legs - the nitty gritty of strategic priorities has long been outside her forte. The tension between her own interest here - her purpose and being here - is a little visible in the tightness in her fingers, clasped at her collar.

        "...did that strange Gundam really endure the Gryps laser all on its own? ...heeeh...that's the most amazing part of all..."

        Daydreaming, and yet...
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Harmony Chord has posed.
<poem>
The figure next to Rita turned on their heel towards the screen.

        "The ghosts of the past... Yes, there's a great deal of history in these conflicts, Observer. It's due to that very history that intervention bears an outsized effect on the wounds that mend into a stronger humanity. Noriega, you said the AEU is the financier behind this? ...If the larger factions of the Federation leverage these small instabilities into consolidated power, we may face a twisted Federation more united than we can withstand. The grander military movements are no less critical, but all interventions can be leveraged to our advantage with proper care."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Sumeragi Lee Noriega has posed.
<poem>
        Sumeragi's expression hardly shifted while Corner commandeered her presentation. After watching his moves to their completion, she turned slowly, sweeping her gaze across each member of Celestial Being here, adding in those absent who may still be rallied to fight. So many lives to be lost... to bigotry, to hegemony, to the souls that now spread their suffering to others.

        Close your eyes. Build up from the foundation.
        Permutations of the powers of every agent, of the Meisters... Permutations of the Federation and their awful weapon... would they fire it if pressured? Who would make the call? Who would react to that? Denver Colony... Rita had shared with her a black box from one of the mobile suits it dismantled... What radial influence...at what strength? Is its power limited to metal? Rita believes that the Gryps laser can destroy it...but what if she's wrong? What if the laser destroys the physicality without erasing the spirits themselves?

        Sumeragi drained her Stella Cola (Vanilla) and let the bottle float from her hand.

                Bouncing up between Sumeragi and the assembly, the orange Haro chirped loudly, "[orange]SHH, SHH, she's thinking, she's thinking!"

                "Alright. The weather isn't looking good, but the storm isn't here yet."

                "Corner, I need an updated list of Federation internal rearrangements--who's been promoted and demoted. Elisa, I don't know your strengths, but if you're willing to lend me your aid, I'd like to hear more about your plan for suppressing Denver. Setsuna. You know the terrain and the politics around the Middle East. I have a feeling things will get worse before they get better, stay alert. Everyone--get some rest and give me some time. I'll need your help picking from our options."

                "Celestial Being, it's time to take their prized toys...and smash them over the anvil!"
</poem>
 
 <Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
<poem>
Nothing short of complete obliteration of the Colony's interior will stop the amalgamation. Denver is already destroyed, but it must not ''exist'' anymore, or...

Rita pauses. How much should she share with this group? Celestial Being has been her ally, but what would their stance be on Denver Colony, and Rita's plans?

Or great suffering will come of it.

It's vague, but not untruthful. Elisa's words earn a modicum of irritation, but Rita's smile doesn't fade. She can't go against the Void Witch without putting Yuliana in danger. Vaguely, Rita wonders if she could destroy Elisa in one surgical strike and free Yuliana -- but no. The risk is too high.

You know what will happen if we fail, Elisa. Are you truly so certain, when facing the consequence? Even if the amalgamation cannot touch Yuli, they will be able to touch the things outside of her sphere of influence. It is still a great risk.

Rita doesn't explicitly speak against Elisa, but her doubt is clear. Yuliana only got Zoltan and Shelby away from Denver Colony in one piece because they immediately retreated. If even the Phenex's strength can't match the amalgamation, what can Yuliana's machine hope to do?

Li Yao seems to have confidence in Elisa, which gets him a somewhat sad look from Rita. She shakes her head slightly.

If I could have freed them on my own, I would have. They've grown too strong, and too angry, in the time they've spent abandoned by the world.

Ujico's faith in Rita's sisters, and the Princess, brings some relief to the spirit. She smiles to Ujico.

It will be a path worth walking, Ujico. The Princess will never be an idle player. Whatever she chooses, her actions will echo into the future. As for Denver. It is a terrible danger. If we fail, we will lose everything. You would be wiser to stay far away from the Colony... But if you truly wish to help, I would be thankful.

She wasn't alone. She had the hearts of all her allies with her. The Miracle would not have been possible without all those who were present. If the Unicorn were to have tried alone, she would have perished before her pilot could have Ascended.

Rita answers Liu Mei, despite the other not being able to hear her.

Sumeragi makes her decision. Rita lowers her head briefly. She won't go against their decision. This is the world of the living -- the dead have no place in changing it.

So be it. If you call on me, I will be there to help you destroy the laser.

As Harmony speaks, Rita seems to remember something. She floats next to her copper-haired friend, giving them a nod.

We should begin, Harmony. I cannot leave my companions alone at Denver Colony for much longer. Please, lead the way.

With that, Rita gives the assembled Celestial Being members one last smile and a little wave.

I will see you all again soon. Please be well.

</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
<poem>

A twisted, more united Federation... "This unity of the Federation must not come to pass.  It cannot be allowed to grow.  Indeed, we must see their movements, and intervene. I am with you on this."

"I do know what would happen should we fail.  But I am not confident that the Gryps-II laser will do the trick.  I am however ''certain'' that my Voidframe can neutralize these vengeful spirits."

"I must agree all the same with Mister Corner.  The Gryps-II laser is of higher priority than Earthside conflict."

Regina is correct as well.  "These giants will fall, and we shall silence them."

As for the Princess, well, "I agree, Ujico.  If this Princess can neutralize the Alliance's offensives before we have to intervene, all the better.  But we must be prepared for if she cannot."

"...My power does not require these 'hearts of others' that the Psychoframe does.  It will be enough." The storm isn't here yet, is it?  That will do.

"I will share with you my plans, Miss Sumeragi.  It is twofold.  One a conventional plan, and the other... my ace in the hole, as it were."

She smiles, at Li Yao.  And then, at everyone.

Elisa Kafim has the correct number of teeth.

"I will be in contact, to share my plans.  Walk in shade, friends."  Elisa turns to go.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Christina MacKenzie has posed.
<poem>
        Christina MacKenzie, "Known Terrorist", almost didn't come despite the severity of the message.

        Martha Carbine-Vist's words clung to her heart, an encoiling dread that left her afraid for her new family, and she couldn't handle the quietude of the Villa. Sayla was on some kind of business trip. Leina, Banagher, and Audrey, were...distant, but she knew they were alive, and that was, had to be, enough.         --Of course, she had no idea the depth of the chaos her family was embroiled in again already, but leave her this innocent ignorance, please?

        She was back against the wall, helmet opaque even here among comrades. Keeping herself apart even from those with whom she shared such deadly secrets.

        But it was her Haroic friend, despite having never met the girl... to place her faith in Audrey so firmly, that dug in past those threatening words. Chris, looming quietly, finally spoke, on the matter of Princess Mineva. Maybe this was rude to say to a room full of fellow ideologues, but...

                "Princess Mineva--She's the future. That's the future I believe in. That young woman--she's faced worse than us and she still holds her hand out. If we're here to wage war to eliminate war, we'll only get farther from our goal by stifling her."

                "Anyway, I need to talk to Ian. Tell me when there's a plan, Noriega. I trust you."
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Regina Everhart has posed.
<poem>
"Yes." Regina agrees, with a nod toward Elisa. Any who would stoke the fires of war... they'll silence them. Maybe then the world will be allowed some rest.

Sumeragi gives her commands. In the end, Regina isn't so much use when it comes to planning. She is simply the hammer to be brought down when and where it is needed.

That suits her just fine, though.

"Understood." Regina says, at the order to get some rest. And when Sumeragi makes her declaration, Regina stands.

"Yes." She concurs, determination briefly crossing over her face.
</poem>

 <Pose Tracker> Li Yao has posed.
<poem>

        Yao yawns as he finds this all reminiscent of the past. First comes unification and then everyone talks about how this way is better while building more and more war machines.  Finally the war starts again and everyone is back where they started. In the darkest recess of his mind he wonders if the enemy they should be removing to stop war isn't humanity.

         Shaking his head he  yawns again, "Well this all sounds like a fun time but I think while the details are being worked out I am going to find a corner to float in and meditate." The old karate master bows his  head before floating through the door. One would find him eventually 'meditating' behind some cargo boxes making a noise that may sound similar to snoring.
</poem>