2024-08-22: The Soldier and the Warrior
- Cast: Flay Allster, Marian Cross
- Where: Lounge Area (First Class) - Orbital Elevator
- Date: U.C. 0099 08 19
- Summary: Flay crosses path with Marian on their respective businesses. Despite the two's poor first meeting previously, they managed to reconcile with some of their differences this time.
(ICly this scene takes place after https://srtmoo.net/mediawiki/index.php/2024-08-19:_A_Transparent_Dialogue)
<Pose Tracker> Marian Cross has posed.
It's been an eventful day for the 'Hero of Orb'. Having just paid a hospital visit to the injured Galactic Fairy in the Frontier Fleet. It's a privilege reserved for her friends. Marian, of course, is not one of her friends. But she managed anyhow, using some of her shadier connections. The meeting was tense, but they parted on relatively neutral terms. With the potential of something more...
Her eventful day hasn't ended yet, given who she is about to encounter.
Marian is seated on one of the couches in the lounge area of one the Orbital Elevators. A fairly classy area - one reserved for people with money to blow. She's not doing anything in particular. Her eyes are closed, taking a brief respite while she waits for her one of her men to return with a shuttle to get back to Orb. And it won't be long before her rest is interrupted by a figure she did not have a good first impression with.
<Pose Tracker> Flay Allster has posed.
Flay's had a pretty eventful day herself, having to submit a few reports to the Gaia Sabers' Orbital Ring base as one of the few Gaia Sabers who took part in the mission against the Vajra - and now she's been dragged back to the Britannian capital. Who knew joining the Gaia Sabers as one of their spokeswomen meant buzzing around between Earth and Space all the time?!
Her means of transportation back to Earth is ultimately the one of the wealthy, though, the ever-convenient Orbital Elevators, first-class at that. She's done this a lot by now, so now that she's changed back into her civilian dress, she just gets her ticket, and is directed to the lounge area, only to see... the so-called 'Hero of Orb'.
Considering their last meeting, the poor first impression is mutual, even if Flay was probably harsher than she needed to be. But is she supposed to say, in a situation like this, 'what are you doing here'? (Getting back to Earth, obviously). Flay sighs, and decides to take the couch opposite Marian.
Flay doesn't say anything yet, seeing as the great hero is taking a nap for the time being - hoping that maybe she'll be able to dodge this conversation after all. But when Marian opens her eyes, she might notice that the young woman across from her can't help but glare daggers at her.
<Pose Tracker> Marian Cross has posed.
Marian is no stranger to traveling for business. Though unlike the spokeswoman, hers is limited to the Orb Union for the most part. When she does travel beyond Orb however, it is usually to work on some of her more...personal plans. Like the visit to Sheryl, and sometime before that, the mission with Terminal. So Marian's dressed casually instead of her usual uniform. A simple shirt and some high waist pants. The very same she wore while visiting the Frontier Fleet.
She's not asleep, not really. She's alert, contrary to her heavy looking eyelids. And she definitely heard Flay walking by. This is a public area, after all. Even if it is for the wealthy. But she was keen to ignore it and continue with her little rest...until she heard a sigh towards her direction.
When she opened her eyes, she was greeted with a displeasing gaze. And she can't say it's not a surprise to see her here.
"Flay Allster," she acknowledged her presence. "Small world, huh?" She didn't think she'd meet her again so soon, or ever again, really. Perhaps on the battlefield, pointing a gun at each other. But this is a welcomed surprise, given her now affiliation with NUNE...
<Pose Tracker> Flay Allster has posed.
Marian acknowledges Flay's presence, and while her gaze doesn't become any less severe, she does regard Marian with a polite nod. "Marian Cross," She says, quietly. "Wasn't expecting to see you like this." She comments, much the same as Marian does. But it's easier to have a civil conversation in a lounge than on the battlefield, and Flay decides to take advantage of exactly that.
"But if it's just to pass the time, I think maybe you deserve an explanation for my comments," She adds, managing a slight smile. "I don't really have a problem with you. But I do think the people of Orb deserve better than being fed a lie that one hero is all they need to put their trust in." Flay looks Marian in the eye as she says this.
Especially not when your Chief Representative barely even got time to grieve before she was made to lead your country." Was she thinking about Cagalli when she made those comments all along? "That's why I think... Orb and the NUNE need to cooperate now more than ever. Even if it means working with you."
<Pose Tracker> Marian Cross has posed.
To Marian's surprise - though there is a hint of disappointment - Flay did not respond with an annoying remark. She was quite honestly expecting her to run her mouth as she did on the Nadesico. When Flay politely regarded her, Marian raises an arm onto the couch rest, and rests her chin against a fist musingly. "Yes, well, there's not much for a soldier to do during peacetime."
Marian listened intently when Flay explained her comments. It's the least she can do if she's being polite. Then she chuckled. 'A lie of a hero', huh? Those weren't Flay's exact words, but it's what Marian latched onto. "Thing is, you weren't wrong. It is just a lie. If I was really Orb's Hero, they would've given me all the resources I needed to protect them. As it is, I have to resort to unorthodox methods to do so," Marian explained in kind. She's being honest, even if some things are withheld.
It was an odd decision to make Cagalli the Chief Representative given her young age and inexperience. Lord Homura was previously the Chief Representative during the G-Project scandal, and by all rights he should've continued to be after Lord Uzumi's passing. But if it was a decision by the nobles and officials... It would make sense for some of the families to do so in a ploy to rule Orb themselves. But why would Flay be showing concern for Orb? Her comment about its people earlier, and now Cagalli... Does she still harbor feelings towards Orb? Marian has no sympathy for those who've betrayed Orb, but if she was willing to return... she would have no valid reason to reject her either.
So she probes her, a little antagonizingly on purpose, "But I do have a problem with you, Flay Allster." Her posture remains the same as she goads her, "I've read records of the Archangel and its crew. I understand that you and your family were from the old Federation. But what I don't understand is why would join Gaia Sabers. After all you've been through on Heliopolis and the Archangel."
<Pose Tracker> Flay Allster has posed.
Flay gives Marian something of a strained squint when she muses about there not being so much for a soldier to do in peacetime. "There's plenty to be done," Flay disagrees. "Because our goal should be to make sure we never have to go through such a horrible war again." That's what she's dedicated herself to, but it's hard to say if that's the same for the entire Gaia Sabers as a force.
"Mmm? Now you're willing to admit it?" Flay raises an eyebrow, as Marian admits that the title of Hero of Orb really is a lie. She does appreciate Marian's honesty this time. "Unorthodox methods, though... guess that explains why you were sticking around with the irregulars over on the Nadesico." She brushes that aside, and gives Marian a pointed glance. "Do you think you could do it? If they gave you those resources, do you really think you could protect Orb by yourself?"
As for her concern for Orb... her feelings on the nation are complicated. Now that her father isn't around anymore, and due to her own decision, she isn't marrying into the country anymore. But does joining the Gaia Sabers count as a betrayal?
Apparently, to Marian Cross, it does. And when she makes it clear that she has a problem with her, Flay crosses her arms, retaining that displeased expression. "I shouldn't be surprised. But I'd seriously love to know why," She says, and listens to Marian's reasoning. Heliopolis? The Archangel?
"I guess those records wouldn't tell you exactly what I was doing on the Archangel," She mutters. darkly. Even if there might be certain rumours about her relationship to that ship's Coordinator pilot. "But what happened to Heliopolis, what happened to my father... and what I saw during my time in Londo Bell are exactly why I joined the Gaia Sabers!" She meets Marian's antagonism with some conviction of her own.
"Tell me I can't do it if you want. But... I can't just make someone else protect me anymore, either." She concludes, more subdued. "And nothing will change if I don't fight."
<Pose Tracker> Marian Cross has posed.
There's a smirk and raised eyebrow when Flay disagrees. And Marian agrees with what she's saying. But she doesn't expand further upon it. It was just a lie anyway, to hide her reason for being here. But keeping in mind as Flay says 'our' in reference to being a soldier... she'll have more words on that soon.
This time though, when Flay mentions of her title, she just waved her other hand dismissively. "It has always been the case. You just ticked me off back then when you came at me unprompted," she admits once more. And then she adds on with a little advice (maybe out of concern?), "you're gonna get hurt one day if you keep running your mouth off like that."
And when Flay asks if she could protect Orb by herself... Her fingers runs over the marred edges of her scars. She can feel them, her failures, even against the fabric of her pants... Her expression turning a little softer and a little somber as she replies, "...if I could, no one else need to sacrifice as I have."
The records indeed wouldn't have inform her of everything. There were some notes on interpersonal relationships in them, but they were limited. And certainly wouldn't include Flay's relationship with Kira being that it was a matter most of the crew pretend doesn't exist. In essence, Marian doesn't truly know the full story behind Flay's reasoning for joining Gaia Sabers. But she listens to Flay explain exactly why she did. And her conviction is...endearing. She'll admit that much. Completely unlike Orb's Princess. Maybe she's not so bad, after all. Maybe she could spur her to return to Orb.
"Let me tell you something, Flay Allster. There's a difference between a soldier and a warrior," she begins with a stern tone, like starting a story.
"A soldier fights and die for her country. Her people, her ideals, are her duty. She fights, because the survival of what she believes in is more important than her life." A beat, to allow Flay to process her words.
"But a warrior, a warrior fights to prove something to the world. It could be glory. Honor. Or something as simple as wanting to prove that she's not weak. She fights, because it's the only way she can live in a world that's discarded her." There's another lingering moment. Marian's expression has been growing softer as she monologues, as if speaking from the heart. No bullshit like she did to Cagalli.
"You're not a soldier, Flay. ...but you are a warrior. And I can respect that." And then she offered with another delicate smile, "leave the protecting to soldiers like me. I won't tell you you can't do it, but if you wish to keep fighting... Orb have room for you to do that."
<Pose Tracker> Flay Allster has posed.
"Really, I'm surprised that someone like me could wound your pride so easily." Flay comments, but what Marian says next is noted. "I just prefer to be honest about my feelings, is all. But it's not like you're first person to warn me like that." She gives Marian a disoriented nod, reminded of Trem Firmal's threat that the Gaia Sabers would take action if she was a little too honest about her concerns...
Marian's reaction to her question about protecting Orb by herself is an interesting one, even if her scars are covered up. "What do you mean by that...?" She asks, in regards to the sacrifice Marian speaks of, but she'll hear more on it soon.
And Flay doesn't entirely appreciate the sudden lecturing tone Marian's taking on, fully expecting to be told off for even considering fighting, just like Cagalli did. What she says though, isn't quite that... separating the idea of a 'soldier' from a 'warrior'.
"I definitely don't plan on throwing my life away just because of some ideals," Flay interjects, during Marian's explanation of what makes a soldier. So maybe, she really isn't one... after all, a soldier fights, and fights, and fights until they die. On the other hand, a warrior fights for their own purposes, whatever they may be.
"Am I?" Flay asks, when Marian calls her a warrior. "Honestly, if anything, I might just still be scared," She's not sure why she's admitting that, why she's opening her heart like that, but it doesn't feel like a bad thing. "But if I can turn that fear into something else... is that how a 'warrior' is supposed to fight?"
But when Marian tells her to leave the protecting to her, offers her a place in Orb, that begins to fade. "I can't do that!" she refuses, with a shake her head. "It's too late.. I already made my decision. Things can't just go back to the way they used to be." She almost sounds sad to admit it, as she forces herself to say the next part.
"That's why I'm fighting for a unified world, where no one has to fear war anymore. If Orb would become a part of that... maybe then my answer could change."
<Pose Tracker> Marian Cross has posed.
Marian doesn't dislike people who wear their hearts on their sleeves, but... "It's how you speak your mind the issue. ...but let's save that for another day," she replies, cutting the subject short as she eyes a man walking into the lounge. It's her ride. But still, she finish up the rest of their little conversation before she heads off.
A mournful smile crosses her face when Flay asks what she meant. "...I can't bear children anymore... But that's probably not something you can relate to. You're still a little young to think about this stuff," she shrugged. Now standing up as she prepares to leave.
"Being scared is part of the journey," she reassures her. Flay's open to taking her speech seriously. Least Marian can do is assuage her of some doubts. "I can't tell you what to do with that fear. That's something you have to find out on your own. ...Though you may never find the answer. But that's just what it means to keep fighting."
Then she releases a deep breath, disappointed, as Flay reasons against her offer. But she keeps trying anyway, "maybe not, but you can build something new in its place." And as for Flay's resolution... "I want a world where no one has to fear war anymore too, Flay. But NUNE is not the answer."
She wonders if Flay realizes NUNE is not much different from the old Federation. Only now it's even more aggressive in its policies. They're not an organization that can be held accountable by its very nature if they're allowed to grow. Orb has to stay true to its ideals, now more than ever. ...but Marian keeps that to herself for now.
When the time finally comes for her to make her exit however, she smiles once more. A practiced smile this time, not unlike the one Flay would've seen on the Nadesico.
"I'll see you around, Flay Allster. Hopefully not on the other side of our guns," she bids her, as she moves away and towards the man waiting for her.
<Pose Tracker> Flay Allster has posed.
"...Fine then. I'll give you that much," She agrees, when Marian points out that the issue is how she speaks her mind. She wonders if there'll be 'another day', but with coincidences like this one, it's possible.
"I see... even if I can't relate, I'm sorry to hear that." Flay acknowledges, when Marian describes what she's sacrificed. As the last surviving member of her family, she can understand why it'd be bad not to be able to have children... but she never quite wanted them on a personal level.
Flay nods quietly as Marian gives her some advice on what to do with that fear. "I'll tame it," She decides. "Otherwise, I might die before I ever get to find that answer." And that is obviously out of the question, even if part of her wonders what she's living for.
The idea of building something new in its place gets a little more thought from her. "That's exactly what I'm trying to do...! Even if it means taking the Gaia Sabers' strength for myself." She sounds desperate, looking downwards when Marian reinforces that NUNE isn't the answer. For all its problems, what other answer is there? She still has that lingering fear of ZAFT, but isn't it better they aren't the aggressors? Besides... she can't leave, even if she wanted to.
There's no more time to go into that, as Marian's ride arrives to pick her up. The smile she returns is a lot less practiced, more strained. "Really? That's just asking for bad luck," Flay says, of Marian's comment on guns. "Have a safe trip back to Orb," She adds, as a formality, as Marian leaves.