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*'''Log: Where Paths Converge, Betrayal Follows''' *'''Cast:''' [[Character :: Alto Saotome]], [[Character :: Sheryl Nome]] *'''Where:''' Frontier Fleet - Central Government *'''OOC - IC Date:''' 02 March 0100 *'''Summary''': ''Alto and Sheryl are invited to meet with the new president of the Frontier Fleet, as well as an unfamiliar yet familiar individual, to discuss the future of the Vajra war and their part in it.'' ---- <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> 'The President would like to have a word with you.' It's a bit hard to ignore a request like that. Especially when it's being delivered by two gentlemen, one wearing a suit, the other a Frontier Defense Fleet uniform, who have shown up at Sheryl's doorstep. This is how she ended up being escorted to the central government building in Frontier City. Sheryl is guided down a corridor inside the tall government office. There seems to be a buzz of activity and judging by some snippets of conversations Sheryl catches, they appear to be preparing for a big press conference of some sort. Thankfully though it does not look like Sheryl is being unexpectedly thrust in front of a camera as she is escorted past all that to a quieter part of the building, approaching a large set of doors. Quiet that is until a raised voice can be heard coming from within the office, one that Sheryl would be familiar with. Alto asks, "So are you finally going to tell me what's up with that system!?" As Sheryl gets closer, she can hear a quieter voice respond, "Patience, Mister Saotome. We're still awaiting one more arrival." And as Sheryl's escort knocks on the door and opens it, the same voice continues, "Ah, and there she is now." Stepping inside the large open office, Sheryl can see that it was indeed Alto she heard. He currently stands in front of the large desk near the equally large windows that show quite a view of the city. As the door opens, Alto turns around to look and is clearly surprised as he asks, "Sheryl?" The man seated behind the large desk stands. Despite now being the Acting President, Leon Mishima still wears his FDF uniform. He moves around the desk to walk up to Sheryl, "Miss Nome, thank you for coming. I'm sorry to have dragged you all the way here, but there's a couple of matters of importance that we need to discuss. And as you may have noticed, things have been a little busy lately." He holds a hand out to Sheryl to shake. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Sheryl had been slow to return to her high-rise apartment in Frontier after the recent Vajra attack. Part of it was because of the rebuilding efforts in the ship itself; part of it is who would be waiting for her when it happened. She'd alternated staying on the Carriax and the Battle Frontier as matters were smoothed over. Last night, her last night on either ship, she'd taken her mind off things by watching a stream of newbie idol Lilium Valerie's debut concert. In the morning, she'd resolved to finally head home, inasmuch as she can call any place where Grace would be waiting "home." Naturally, nearly as soon as she set foot inside, a knock came at the door, revealed to be a couple of the President's flunkies here to drag her off. Grace isn't there at that specific moment. But Sheryl can just imagine her smiling knowingly. She insists on being given enough time to change into a new outfit. She has enough time to put on a somber, dark red dress with matching heels and purse, one she'd picked up while she was traveling the world, and quickly touch up her make-up. She keeps her back straight and her expression neutral as she's escorted, and she keeps a sharp eye on her surroundings and where they go. It's no surprise that they end up in the government sector, considering this is a summons from President Mishima; it ''is'' a surprise to hear Alto's voice as they approach the office. A knock, an opening of the door, and there he is. Sheryl's heart squeezes tight as she takes in the sight of Alto, standing before the president's desk in front of a vast display of the city below through the wall-to-wall windows; as much as ruin still devastates the city, light pours in, shining down on his own wide eyes, on his long dark, hair, on his broad shoulders. Oh, right, and Mishima's there too. Sheryl affixes a polite smile to the Acting President. As little as she really wants to be here, she doesn't have cause at present to believe that he has anything to do with Grace or that the transfer of power to him was anything more than the result of President Glass's tragic death at the mandibles of the Vajra. She accepts his hand and shakes. "They've been busy for all of us," she replies smoothly. She steps in next to Alto, her smoky blue eyes lingering on him for a moment. Affection, mixed with sorrow, fill her gaze. Even in a place like this, he still isn't dressed up. How like Alto. "So what is it you need to discuss with us, Mr. President?" Sheryl says, reasserting her cool confidence, as she looks back at him. 'Us,' because it's plainly obvious that whatever is going on here, it's about her and Alto both. But not Ranka, apparently. She's not here already, and Leon said only ''one'' more arrival. Sheryl doesn't like that at all. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> "Your new gift, actually." The response comes not from Mishima, but from a rather slim gentleman(?) lingering at the edge of the office. He steps in a little closer, wearing a stylish suit, his short, azure hair seemingly shining in the office lights. He gives Sheryl an apologetic look that is surely real in its intent as he correct, "Though perhaps 'gift' was a poor choice of words, given how much it is costing you. Forgive me." Alto has heard enough about what happened to realize what the man is talking about and so gives him a hard stare. But before Alto can actually say anything about it, Mishima raises a hand to try and gain control of the situation before it gets out of hand. He says, "Specifically, the events at the end of the last battle. The 'Fairy Tale' system that Mister Saotome is so interested in. And where we go from here." Mishima walks over to a set of couch and chairs, offering a seat to the two while taking one himself. Alto gives Mishima a scrutinising look, before walking over and dropping onto the couch. He then glances at Sheryl for several moments, concern clearly written on his face. He wants to ask her how she is... ... But not in the presence of their current 'hosts'. So instead Alto turns his attention back to Mishima, "So? What is it?" It's the suited gentleman that replies, "The specifics are confidential. But in summary, it's a method of communicating with the Vajra. In a rather rudimentary fashion right now. Unfortunately in its current state, there are many limitations on what it is capable of doing. But we are working to improve it. It relies on fold waves generated by certain individuals in states of heightened emotion." The gentleman gives Sheryl a stare, "Such as while singing." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> A stranger's voice sounds, and Sheryl swivels, fold quartz earring swinging almost violently as she stares at the gentleman(?) who'd been positioned just right to avoid being seen when she first came in. She doesn't know him, but something about him looks familiar. She's trying to pin down where she might have seen his face before when he goes on about her 'gift.' She hadn't clocked at first that he meant her V-type infection, and when that registers, her stare turns glacial. He'll simply have to deal with the awkwardness of that and of Sheryl decisively ''not'' offering her forgiveness for a moment before Mishima speaks up. Sheryl's regained a smile, however icy, by the time she looks back at him. "Is that so? That ''is'' Frontier's chief concern right now. Any weapon that might beat back the Vajra is worthwhile, apparently--no matter how much that 'weapon' might suffer over it." She glides to the couch along with Alto, taking a seat with a queen's posture, one long leg folding over the other. She catches Alto's concerned glance, and it is comforting... but no. That's not a conversation for right here and now. Alto apparently understands that too, because he opts to prompt Mishima to explain more. The explanation... is a surprise, to say the least. Sheryl's polite facade of a smile fades as her eyebrows furrow. "'Communicating'? Are you serious?" Deadly serious, apparently. Sheryl falls silent at the mention of those fold waves. Thanks to Grace, she knows exactly what he means. She flashes the gentleman a frown before looking back at Mishima. At the end of the battle, Ranka had left with Brera. Sheryl hasn't heard word from them since--she would never in a million years guess where they've gone since--but she's clever enough to realize that if Ranka isn't here for this conversation, she hasn't come back. She folds her hands over her lap. "So since Ranka left, you want me to take her place and sing to make this system work," she summarizes. She flips her hair, exuding haughtiness, and stares him and his 'assistant' down. "What makes you think I would even want to?" </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> Sheryl's jab about the suffering of a weapon is not missed, but neither one takes the bait as Mishima goes on further to explain, "'Communicating' might be too strong of a word. We're talking very basic levels of interaction. The Vajra fold network that makes up their hive mind is incredibly complex. It's like trying to use old morse code to give instruction to a quantum super computer. We can barely establish contact with those in our small corner of the galaxy, let alone the whole network." Mishima smiles though as he says, "But we have a plan." Alto doesn't look surprised as Sheryl anticipates their coming request. He had pretty much assumed the same thing, though he had more information on where Ranka was. And when Sheryl mentions her name, he turns his head away in guilt. He hadn't gotten around to telling her yet... ... Which is unfortunate because now he won't get the chance to be the one who does. The suited gentleman puts on a small, knowing smile as Sheryl asks why she would help them. He says, "Well, we could appeal to you on behalf of the millions of lives on the Frontier Fleet, or the billions of lives in the Earth Sphere. But I think perhaps just one life would be more than enough to convince you." "The life of Ranka Lee." Mishima quickly steps in to explain further, lest Sheryl get the impression they are threatening Ranka's life, "Unfortunately, Miss Lee has... Chosen to pursue a course that is counter to our survival. Arguably the survival of the human race. She has left the fleet in order to seek out the Vajra. Which some in the public might see as a betrayal." Certainly when the media get their hands on it. Alto doesn't say anything at this point, but his grim expression shows he's not surprised and that he clearly knew about it, essentially confirming what they're saying. He just clenches his hands a little. It's his fault, he couldn't stop Ranka... Mishima continues, "That said, if we can end this war quickly, before she is able to do anything especially unwise, it's a situation that could likely be smoothed over. Without serious repercussions." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Mishima's clarification doesn't necessarily make Sheryl feel better about this whole thing, but it does make it clearer to her that this isn't an attempt to make nice with the Vajra or something idiotic (in Sheryl's view) like that. Still frowning, she gives him a curt nod, essentially a green light for him to explain his plan. It also gives Alto a chance to look guilty and uncomfortable and look away from Sheryl when Ranka's name comes up, all things she notices. She doesn't like that at all. She gives the gentleman a cool look when he brings up the many millions and billions of human lives at stake. What breaks her composure are five words: ''the life of Ranka Lee.'' "What's that supposed to mean?" she starts to demand, fingers curling to dig her nails into her palm. Before she can go on a tirade, though, Mishima cuts in to explain. Sheryl's composure breaks again, this time to let shock wash away her indignation. "Ranka has...?" That's deeply worrying. Sheryl doesn't believe for a second that Ranka's betrayed anyone. She may, however, have decided to do something extremely foolish to try to protect the happiness of the people she loves. If Ranka could confront the Vajra directly, she might think that she can... do something to them with her song. She hated being a weapon; maybe she thinks she can try to get them to stand down, somehow. Sheryl brushes a hand through her hair, her own worry clear on her face. One look at Alto's tells her it's not all a lie, at least, which doesn't make her feel better about it. "Is Brera still with her?" she wonders. Sheryl would've assumed that Brera would stop Ranka from doing anything too reckless, but... maybe not. He always did have a thing for her. Her eyes narrow when Mishima suggests that Sheryl could functionally save Ranka's public image. The suggestion irritates her--like letting Ranka continue to be the public's darling is more important than keeping her from getting herself killed. She decides to put this matter to one side for the moment--if she's going to ask anyone about Ranka, it's going to be Alto, in private--and instead ask, "So this system you're talking about that Alto and I would be using. How exactly does it work? What are we supposed to do?" Her eyes flick towards the gentleman in a wary side-eye. He still looks familiar to her. In fact, he looks a lot like... "...And how's ''this'' person figure into all this?" she adds, gesturing at him(?). </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> "Major Sterne is confirmed to be assisting her. The two of them left the Frontier Fleet in his variable fighter a few nights ago." Mishima replies to Sheryl's inquiry. There's no question there, Brera is helping Ranka in this 'plan' of hers. Though at least there is some cause for reassurance, if Brera is there to protect her. Surely he won't let anything happen to Ranka. The suited gentleman just smiles a little at the topic. Alto doesn't seem happy about it though, eye twitching a little at the thought of Brera. The window of Alto's apartment still hasn't been repaired yet... The discussions comes back around to Sheryl, and Alto's, place in this plan. Mishima explains, "A proper announcement will be made soon... But we plan to end this war at the source. Much like Miss Lee was, you'll assist the League's forces in hunting the Vajra. Except this time the purpose of your singing is to use the Fairy Tale system, with Mister Saotome's assistance, to pacify the Vajra and gather them together. Then when we have enough, we'll use them to fold jump the Frontier Fleet to the Vajra homeworld in a matter of minutes. Once there, we can use the system on the centre of their fold network and end this war completely." There's definitely a lot of specifics missing. Though this is a man who is both a soldier and a politician. Full honesty is not likely to be expected. Meanwhile, at the question of his involvement, the suited gentleman shrugs, "Don't mind me. I'm simply a free agent who has been assisting in the coordination of this combined project between the Frontier and PLANT governments. My purpose here is simply to provide technical assistance for the prototype, where needed." As for Alto, he has been rather quiet through all this. Though evidently the issue involving Ranka has shaken him somewhat... Still, in response to the plan Alto asks, "Just to confirm, we're still engaging the Vajra and clearing them from the Earth Sphere, right?" Mishima nods, "Unfortunately, as you experienced, activation of the Fairy Tale system is not instant. Engagements will be necessary until the two of you can activate it. And we don't intend to simply leave Vajra nests lying around." Satisified that he's still going to be able to fight the Vajra, Alto nods, "Then I'm in. After what they've done to Ranka. To..." Alto trails off, but Sheryl can likely guess he means her. Alto finishes, "We can't leave them be." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> That ''is'' a little reassuring. Sheryl is confident that Brera will keep Ranka safe, even if she thinks both of them are being irrational. All considered, maybe Brera deserves to be irrational about this. For the time being, Sheryl purses her lips and nods. It does catch her attention that they left 'a few nights ago' rather than 'two weeks' ago--and she does notice the twitch of Alto's eye--but she doesn't put those things together just yet. Sheryl's eyebrows rise at the description of the plan. Whatever else is going on with this, she has to admit it's bold, and she begrudgingly can't help but like that. The 'Fairy Tale system,' though... It doesn't ''not'' fit Ranka, with that song of hers called ''Rainbow Bear Bear'', but it definitely fits her more. That's weird to Sheryl. Were they planning on having her take over for Ranka? How could they plan for that, when she only returned to Frontier two weeks ago? There's an obvious answer to that, and it makes a hard lump form in the pit of Sheryl's stomach. She side-eyes the gentleman again. The gentleman with the blue hair and the violet eyes, who claims he's a free agent helping with the prototype. She looks back at Mishima and his obviously incomplete explanation. Sheryl is no genius, but she knows that about herself. She's always insisted on being fully involved in anything that bears her name--when she had Nome Pure Shield developed, she made the scientists involved explain everything to her until she was satisfied. But Alto's content to just be able to fight the Vajra. Sheryl can't say she disagrees. Her eyes soften as he trails off. She definitely knows he means her. Does it matter if she's getting used? Does it matter if there's so much about this she doesn't understand? She's dying soon anyway. At least she can do something about the Vajra before she's gone, now that she ''can'' do something, and she could do worse than enable this bold plan. "...Fine," she decides. "I'm the only one who can do it at this point anyway, right? So I'll do it. If we can get rid of the Vajra already, that's enough for me." (It isn't really. But Sheryl stances herself like that anyway, out of sheer stubbornness.) "But in the meantime, tell us more about how the Fairy Tale System works. What exactly are we supposed to do?" All she did was sing, and the Vajra placidly left the battlefield, but... surely it's not as simple as ''that''. She looks over at Alto, and slips a hand over towards him--maybe on top of his, if it's within reach. "If it all hinges on us, I want to know more of the details." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> Perhaps the system's name is just a coincidence? Who knows what engineers are thinking of when they name something. Given it's probably been in development for a while, likely even before the most recent Lagos attack, it's unlikely to have been a reference to Sheryl specifically. Then again, who knows? As Sheryl side-eyes the suited gentleman, he tilts his head and gives her an innocent smile. Alto actually seems to relax a little as Sheryl agrees to help. He silently admits that this is one benefit of this new mission he's been given. He'll be able to stay close to Sheryl. So not all is lost... Not yet, anyway. As Sheryl moves her hand to his, he turns his to grab hers, gently squeezing. Now knowing what Sheryl's going through... He's going to do what he can for her. There's a flicker of something on Mishima's face as Sheryl asks about the specifics, but it's quickly gone as he replies, "The specifics of the system's construction are confidential. If they leak and someone is able to replicate the effect, they might do so without the appropriate precautions, which could lead to the Vajra adapting to it. Rendering our work, and our hope, all for nothing." This is just a little bit more important than sunscreen, after all. "Besides, the science of fold technology is quite advanced. And we don't have the time for an in-depth explanation." To Sheryl he says, "All you have to do, is sing." To Alto he says, "All you have to do is fight. As the two of you reach an emotional peak, you'll synchronise through the fold quartz you both wear and the fold waves will activate the system." Alto reaches for the crystal beneath his shirt, "... Is that why it has to be me?" </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Who knows indeed? Sheryl can only go by the information she's got. This kind of analysis isn't typical for her, and it's entirely likely that she's gotten it wrong. She ''has'' been paranoid lately thanks to Grace. That paranoia's on full display as her frown deepens at the suited gentleman. But despite that, and despite Mishima's thin layer of condescension, Alto's here. It means a lot to her to have him hold her hand back. Regardless of who he ''loves'', he still cares about her. That means a lot. "I still think we should have at least an idea. If something goes wrong and we don't know what we're doing, we also won't know what we can try instead," Sheryl points out, flipping her free hand upwards. "But fine. I'm ''sure'' you've got a back-up plan in case something like that happens." All she has to do is sing. All Alto has to do is fight. And they'll synchronize through their fold quartz... Sheryl's eyes widen as she looks over at Alto. She'd given him her other earring ages ago as... not exactly a present, but as a sort of good luck charm. As long as he has it with him, he has to come back for the sake of its pair. She presses a hand to her chest. Alto's gift to her, his mother's old omamori charm, hangs around her neck under her dress. He'd given that to her in return, an equal gesture to the family heirloom she'd shared with him, but... it looks like the Vajra don't care about things like that. "Grandma Mao..." she murmurs, almost under her breath. Almost, but not quite. She shakes her head, then frowns at Mishima as Alto asks his question. "It can't be just that, can it? If it were just because of my earrings, then you could demand we hand them over and give them to whichever pair you wanted. First of all, I was told my V-type infection..." She trails off as understanding dawns. Maybe the fold quartz is necessary for synchronization, but she's got the V-type infection set up just right to affect the Vajra. If it's about her reaching an emotional peak with someone else... "Oh," she murmurs, pink rising in her cheeks. "Right. Of course." She glances over at Alto. At one point, she would have left it at that, but she's already confessed to him. So, quietly, she concludes, "It's also about how we feel about each other." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> The suited gentleman smirks as Sheryl tries to press for further details about how exactly the system works. He (?) recognises Sheryl's scepticism and unwillingness to simply accept things as they are. A step up from how she used to be. Wilful as she was, she would still take her medicine unquestioningly. Traits improved, no doubt, by recent betrayals by certain people. It's Mishima who responds say, shrugging, "The fact is the system is still extremely experimental, even to us. There will be experts on hand to handle unexpected situations." One might suspect that even Mishima isn't even fully aware of how it works. As Sheryl comes to her realisation, and mentions it out loud, Alto himself goes a little red, though he doesn't deny anything. The exact opposite actually as he says, "That makes sense... In the last battle, I was listening to Sheryl's song and thinking about her when the system activated." The suited gentlemen smiles, silently pondering his good fortune at how a random, previously uninteresting element like Alto Saotome turned out to have quite an impact on how his plans would unfold. He proceeds to explain, "That's one aspect to it, yes. Strong emotion does appear to be a trigger. It's not just that though. A certain level of sensitivity to fold quartz is required. Whether that be through prolonged exposure to the V-Type Infection, or to active crystals." The suited gentleman looks between the two, "Have either of you ever thought that you could hear one another? Or Ranka Lee? In circumstances where it would be seemingly impossible to do so?" </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> That gentleman's smirk is not beyond Sheryl's notice, but what stands out to her even more is Mishima calling the system 'extremely experimental, even to us.' Sheryl knows how to read between the lines. Mishima probably doesn't know that much more than she does, but he's trying to save face by pretending it's a matter of confidentiality. Given that he's the President, and once again Sheryl has no reason to suspect anything off-color about that, she decides to go along with it with a nod. "In that case, I'll put a cap on my complaints for now," she says. "The back-up of professionals is always important." More important for the moment is the matter of the fold quartz and the synchronicity it's supposed to induce in her and Alto. She has her realization, and Alto chimes in, talking about he'd been listening to her and thinking about her. Sheryl's blue eyes soften and shimmer as she looks back at him. "Alto..." Prolonged exposure... There's definitely that too. It's been a long while since Sheryl gave Alto one of her earrings. If he's been keeping it close ever since, then it's no wonder he's got sensitivity, even without V-type. (She prays to God that he doesn't have V-type.) The question, though, gets Sheryl to shoot the gentleman a wide-eyed look. She doesn't answer out loud, but the way she shares a long, lingering look with Alto says spades. ''So that's why,'' that look seems to convey. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> Alto too seems to be able to think of a few instances, as he looks back at Sheryl with the same realisation. He eventually replies, "Yes... On several occasions. So that was a result of the fold quartz?" The suited gentleman nods, "For a brief moment, some combination of the three of you had managed to form a temporary, rather unstable fold network. Similar to how the Vajra communicate. The 'Fairy Tale' system stabilises this connection and uses it to link up with the Vajra in the vicinity. And from there, lets us send basic requests to them." Alto follows the thought process, coming to the conclusion, "Such as, 'Stop fighting'?" Mishima nods, "Precisely. And we're hoping to expand further on the requests we can make, taking advantage of them to end this war completely and finally." He then turns to Sheryl, "So, can we count on your support?" The fact is that without her, or Ranka, the plan appears to have no chance of success. Of course, if one were to say no, what might just happen? </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> The three of them are a fold network? As logical a conclusion as that is, however unstable and temporary it may be, this news floors Sheryl. She raises a hand to her mouth, thinking hard about all the times she's heard Ranka sing. It went back as far as... ...as that time space pirates attacked her transport... Grace had been there too... How much of this has been the result of her plotting...? She purses her lips in thought. She, Ranka, and Brera all have a connection to the 117th Research Fleet. All traces of that are gone now, thanks to the destruction of Gallia IV, but is it possible there's more to learn? Something that connects the three of them, that also has something to do with Grace? She looks up at the simple explanation. It looks like this 'liaison' knows a lot more about the Fairy Tale system than President Mishima does. She glances at him as Alto comes to the obvious conclusion. Can they count on her support? "..." Sheryl heaves a theatrical sigh and shrugs. "Can I really say no? Ranka's gone, and I can't forgive the Vajra." Or allow millions or even billions of people to die because she was too stubborn to cooperate. But even without that... "I'll do it. It's the least I can use the last of my life on," she concludes, holding her head high. She is a professional, and she has her pride. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> All the talk about Ranka is reminding Alto about recent events, which cause him to frown a little. With everything going on he still hasn't really had time to process it. Not to mention he's been having trouble sleeping lately, which hasn't helped. Thankfully his attention is drawn back as Sheryl agrees to assist. That is at least a small relief. Though as she mentions this is how she intends to use the last of her life, Alto turns to look at her with concern. He knew, of course. And the fact that he isn't more surprised probably tells Sheryl that he knows. He doesn't say anything though, as again this is not the place to do so. "Thank you for your help, Miss Nome." Mishima stands, anticipation in his eyes at events that are still to come, "We've prepared a safehouse for you to stay at when you are not performing. Given your importance to our future, and your condition, we would prefer to have you somewhere we can protect you and provide immediate assistance should something go wrong." He begins to head over to his desk, "I'll have a car called to take you there." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Sheryl technically doesn't know if Alto knows already... but he definitely knows that she's been sick, and there was already talk about the V-type infection during this conversation. For as dense as he can be when it comes to emotional affairs, she respects his intelligence enough to be able to put two and two together. When he doesn't react to her dramatic statement save to look at her in concern... well, that's just proof. It's likewise not a surprise that President Mishima's already got a safehouse planned for her. "Wait. I've already got protection. I hired the VTX Union for that, and they've already got doctors who're familiar with my condition. I'll just go back to the Carriax," she replies. "If you're going to insist anyway--" She grabs Alto by the arm and pulls him close. "Then I've got every right to insist on rehiring an old bodyguard, don't I?" She turns to look Alto in the eye. As willful as her stare is, there's also something a little pleading about it. Almost like, 'Don't let them take me away alone.' </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> Mishima pauses as Sheryl raises some objections to the protection. He murmurs, "The VTX Union... I don't doubt they've done a good job for you up to now. But I'm not sure they alone are quite up to the task ahead. Though you are of course welcome to keep them under contract for the times you are on the battlefield. The stronger our forces the better." Alto sees the look that Sheryl is giving him after she suggests he be her bodyguard again. He doesn't inherently object, though it might make things a bit weird. Still, he's not against it and seems like he's about to say as much... When Mishima continues, "As for Mister Saotome's services..." He seems to be pondering something for a moment, before continuing, "I suppose there's no harm in mentioning it now, as it will be announced shortly at the press conference." "The Frontier Government will be using wartime authorities to absorb several commercial enterprises into its operational sectors. Strategic Military Services is one of those. Equipment and contracted personnel belonging to SMS will be reassigned to the Frontier Defense Fleet." "What!?" Alto bolts up onto his feet, "When were you going to mention this!?" Mishima gives Alto a hard stare, "You were to be informed along with the rest of the public. You of course have the option to terminate your contract. But that means leaving behind all SMS provided equipment. Besides, the Sentinel is not a VF owned by SMS. It belongs to the Frontier Government, in coordination with the PLANTs. What did you expect?" Alto clenches his jaw as he considers where this places him. His options are this point are essentially submit, or give up the fight. This is when the suited gentleman smiles and asks, "Just how much are you willing to give up to win this war? Are you going to leave Miss Nome to fight it alone?" Alto graduates to a glare in the man's direction... ... But really, is there a choice here? Alto deflates, "Fine, I'll do it." He looks at Sheryl for a few moments, then turns to Mishima, "On one condition. I stay with Sheryl, at all times when I'm not flying missions against the Vajra. That includes the safehouse." Mishima seems a little annoyed at first. But it passes quickly as he considers it, before nodding, "That is acceptible to me." He looks at Sheryl expectantly. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> "I ''will'' keep them under contract, thank you," Sheryl says coolly. That's assuming that Sagiri's up for being a tool of the government, but is being a tool of capitalism much better? ...Well, she doesn't think Sagiri would abandon her after all the trouble she went through to become her client in the first place. Same goes for Rin and the rest of the crew of the Carriax. At least this way they've got some bargaining power if things go poorly. And it sounds like it's immediately going poorly. Sheryl doesn't try to hold Alto back as he bolts to his feet. She looks from him to Mishima, expression clouding. She hadn't realized that the Sentinel belonged to the Frontier government--she honestly hadn't thought about it too hard; she's had too many other things on her mind--but absorbing private enterprises? "Is that legal?" she wonders. "Does wartime really give you that much authority? If it does, why didn't President Glass do that before?" The answer there is pretty simple: the Vajra hadn't staged a direct attack on the Frontier from within before. But Sheryl's saying this more to support Alto than because she thinks it'll make a difference. When Alto submits, but makes his condition, color rises in her cheeks. "Alto..." She brushes her hair back and sits upright. "Just what I wanted. I feel much safer already," she says briskly. However much they're both being made into weapons now, at least they're in it together. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> "The legal situation is far beyond what you can comprehend. But put simply, there exists clauses within the existing contracts that these companies, SMS included, have signed with the Frontier Government. Which allow us to take such action." So it seems it's not wholly a one-sided acquisition. Though still, it's a hell of a thing to pull. Mishima then proceeds to answer Sheryl's follow up question, "As for why President Glass didn't do so previously..." Mishima turns to look out of the windows behind his desk, "Howard Glass was a good man. And an excellent president... In peace time. However, he lacked the determination to lead us in this war." Alto is not good at politics, but being someone who has fought on the frontlines for much of this war, there's a part of him which can't deny Mishima's words. It did sometimes feel like they weren't doing enough to win this war. Now, it seems like they are finally actually getting somewhere... Though he's still not happy about the fate of SMS, or being shoehorned into the FDF. But perhaps it is a small price to pay after all. Especially as Mishima agrees to his condition, and so does Sheryl. "Very well then." Mishima presses a button on his desk and the two men who escorted Sheryl here step in. Mishima explains, "I believe this concludes the discussion. If you'll excuse me, I have a press conference to prepare for. These gentlemen will show you to the safehouse. You can organise with them to have any personal belongings transported there." Alto isn't sure he likes where things have ended up... Though he can't be sure he doesn't like it either. It is a lot to take in, he needs to think about it... But apparently that thinking will have to be done at a new place. Besides, at this point he's happy to leave this office. Still frowning a little about the situation, Alto offers a hand to Sheryl to help her up so they can get out. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Sheryl might not have cause to suspect Mishima of any wrongdoing, but boy does every new thing he say make her like him less and less. (That's the correct reaction, Sheryl.) "I see," she says coolly, and leaves it at that. As little as she likes Mishima's condescending attitude, when it comes to late President Glass, maybe there ''is'' something to what he says. After all... war is where you send people to die for you. "Fine," she says, looking at the escorts. She eyes the suited gentleman one last time... but for now, she accepts Alto's hand and stands up from the couch. Her hand curls around his, and she'll walk with dignity out of this office with him by her side. Once they've got some privacy, then they can discuss this more--just as Sheryl's sure President Mishima will with his explicitly-unnamed assistant. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> Alto continues to hold Sheryl's hand as the two leave, also expecting they will have a lot to talk about when they get somewhere a bit more private. The doors are shut behind them as they exit. Once the two are gone, Mishima turns around once more, murmuring, "It's unfortunate that we have to leave such a key part of this to those two. But it's not like there's much choice in the matter." Mishima turns his head to the suited gentleman, "Still, it's impressive what Galaxy's cybernetic modifications can do. I don't think she realised it was you, Miss O'Connor. Or should I say, Colonel Godunwa? Which one is the real you, I wonder?" </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Unfortunate? In some ways, yes. In others, this is the only way Grace would have it. The 'gentleman' chuckles, raising a pair of glasses 'he' doesn't need and setting them on 'his' nose. 'He' turns, and the figure under that suit is different, and the hair is longer too. It is, without a doubt, Grace O'Connor--or is it Grace Godunwa? "I'll leave you to keep wondering on that one. A woman has more appeal when she has a secret or two," she teases, folding her arms under her chest. "With those two secured, things ought to continue smoothly. All you have to do is keep leading Frontier with the determination your predecessor lacked, and the Vajra will be dealt with in no time, and you'll be hailed as a visionary leader." The voices of Galaxy titter in her ear, on a wavelength and a line that Mishima will not be able to hear. Grace's smile doesn't budge one millimeter. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> Appeal, huh? Mishima can't say that he finds much appeal in Grace. And not just because of her artificial body. Of course, he still needs to work with her so doesn't say any of this out loud. Instead he comments on her words that follow, "'Continue smoothly'? I'm not sure I would say it's been going that way. The plan did not account for the fleet receiving so much damage as it has. Not to mention I had to take radical action to ensure my acquisition of the Presidency would come to pass. Also the lack of Doctor Kafim..." Leon stares intently at Grace, "You're sure you have the 'Fairy Tale' system under control? She was the expert on its core component, after all." </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Not to worry. The feeling's mutual. "Continue from this point forward," Grace corrects him, as if she weren't the one who used misleading phrasing in the first place. "We've both had to deal with setbacks up until now. But the more you struggle to put a plan into place, the less you have to worry when things start going well, hmm? It's when everything's been easy all along that you're in trouble." She says this without a hint of irony. "If I don't, then we're all in a lot of trouble!" Grace says lightly, in the cadence of a joke. Her smile settles into something approximating reassuring as she adds, "Not to worry. She left behind plenty of notes, and I've had time to study them closely. Her work was fascinating... A pity she decided to leave this dimension behind, but that's one less rival down the road, hmm?" Again, the cadence of a joke. Presentation counts for so much in controlling how others see you. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Alto Saotome has posed. <poem> One less rival... That reminds him, he should start making preparations to deal with Grace... With no trace of his previous thoughts on his face, Mishima hmmms, "Unfortunately we still have many hurdles to overcome." He walks up to his desk, pressing a button to bring up a number of files on a screen. They include amongst them a number of pictures, many quite familiar such as Ranka Lee and her brother; Catherine Glass; the Macross Quarter's Captain; a certain playboy CEO. There's also information about the Vajra and the Sentinel. Mishima doesn't go through all of it, but does touch on a few points, "I'm concerned about how the situation with SMS and Nergal is going to play out. The former's fighting strength in particular would be of great help. We also still need to find the location of the Vajra homeworld. And of course, there's no telling what Ranka Lee might try and get up to on her own." Mishima turns back to Grace, "Can't you reign in that hound of yours?" Apparently he thinks that Brera's assistance to Ranka is going against Grace's will. </poem> <Pose Tracker> Sheryl Nome has posed. <poem> Grace looks up at the files on Mishima's screen, mostly out of courtesy. She can pull up this information well enough on her own, in her own private viewscreen. When he voices his concerns, she nods along. "They do have an unfortunate habit of being willful," she murmurs, eyes narrowing at the memory of the Nadesico and its crew. His question, though, gets a brief smile that melts into a regretful sigh. "Hmmm... Unfortunately, part of getting Sheryl to cooperate meant agreeing to leave him alone, and now he's outside the range of my network," Grace lies smoothly, spreading her arms in a lamenting shrug. "I'm not worried, though. Antares-1 may be a cyborg, but Ranka Lee still needs to eat and sleep. He'll get hampered by the needs of her body soon enough, which will bring them both back to human society, and then we'll be able to lure both of them in." 'Start' making preparations? That's cute. If Leon's only starting now, he'll never catch up to Grace's machinations. ...or so Grace would say if she knew what Leon was thinking--instead, she assumes he's been working on it all along. What are they but allies destined to betray each other, after all? </poem> [[Category:Logs]] [[Category:Phase 2]] [[Category:Phase 2, Turn 2]]