2022-01-15: Stars in Alignment

• Log: 2022-01-15: Stars in Alignment"
• Cast: Talia Gladys, Saraven Vai, Riika Sheder, Lily Jung, Renato Germi
• Where: PLANT, Side 2
• Date: January 15, 0096
• Summary: Ahead of an anticipated joint operation, Captain Gladys calls the crew together for a meeting with unlikely allies from the Red Planet.

---

Talia Gladys posed:

ZAFT Headquarters, the large rotating cylindrical space station floating within the same Side 2 area as the PLANTs, is flanked by several smaller, stationary shipyards. The HQ and its shipyards are quite abuzz with activity, with numerous people rushing about for various reasons. Judging by the snippets of conversation that the new arrivals hear, it seems there is an upcoming operation in the works. Details are obviously sparse, due to the need for secrecy in war time. But word is that a few of the ships currently docked at the shipyards will be taking part.

       One of those ships is the Laurasia class battleship named the Auerbach. Captained by one Talia Gladys. Rumours are she is known as one of the younger ship captains in ZAFT, only recently promoted from an executive officer position to command her own ship. It is to this ship that several people have been summoned, some as guests, others as new assignments. When arriving at the boarding hatch for the ship, any luggage they have is taken and they are directed towards the ship's briefing room. Apparently there is some sort of gathering happening.

       This leads us to now. The Auerbach's briefing room is a somewhat smallish room, space a bit of a premium on spaceships, and is essentially just an empty room with handrails along three of the walls and a large screen ont he fourth. The new arrivals will find there are already a few people waiting in the room.

       One, a rather large, burly gentleman, floats silently in one of the corners in the back of the room. His facial expression is one of indifference as he simply stares off into space.

       The other two already here are towards the front. One, a female, floats with her arms cross, looking with amusement towards her colleague. A young gentlemen, who floats in the air beside her as he speaks with her, "Come on Scotty, you're breaking my heart here. Just one date! I promise you won't regret it."

       The amused woman continues to smile as she simply accepts the man antics, casually rebuking him as she replies, "Oh, I don't know. You remember that young engineer from Aprilius Four? I ran into her a couple of weeks ago. She seems to disagree with the whole 'won't regret it' thing."

       The man just waves it off with his hand as he quickly counters, "That was just a misunderstanding, honest! I had no idea that I'd already dated her sister!" The woman barks out a short laugh in response.

       It seems that the meeting has not started yet, given that the ship's Captain is apparently not here yet.

Saraven Vai posed:

There was a time when the Principality of Zeon's ships could travel space more or less with impunity. That was nearly two decades ago, back when the Principality of Zeon existed - back before a handful of survivors, beaten in two Neo-Zeon Wars, were the subject of an ongoing manhunt.

That's why the ship that pulled into the PLANTs earlier today was a simple civilian cargo liner, the sort meant for moving bulk goods like food and passengers. The ship is registered to a company called Ontarian Space Logistics out of Riah, carrying the name of Ontarian Lyra across her hull, and her charter says she's there for a routine delivery.

The delivery is not routine. It never is with this ship.

-

The briefing room door whisks open unceremoniously. The person who glides through is decidedly not a ZAFT officer.

Saraven's hand finds one of the rails but rests there for only a moment, just long enough to let her halt what little forward momentum she has and bring her heels lightly to the deck. She's put a Zeon officer's coat on over her standard grey jumpsuit, the olive-grey cut and wide red collar with gold accents standing out somewhat sharply. For a second the young woman takes stock of the room, attention immediately drifting towards the woman in the room, then the burly fellow.

       /They're waiting, too./

"Hello," she says simply before resting her hand on one of the wall grips again, anchoring herself there lightly. The fact that the room's otherwise empty doesn't seem to phase her. Nor does the meeting having been called so suddenly.

These things happen. It is part of the cycle of duty.

Lily Jung posed:

"Thank yooou! Please be careful with the pink one. It's fragile, okay?" Lily remarks as her luggage is taken from her, and off-handedly remarks to the closest person with a bright look; "That is nice of them, to bring our luggage to our rooms." She notes. "Ah no, I'll be taking this one inside myself. It's alright." She pats the fluffy looking Haru that she's hugging to her chest.

She didn't exactly have time to get properly dressed in her military uniform. In fact, it is in the luggage they just took from her! She thought she'd have a chance to dres. But instead, she's ushered towards the briefing room. She looks at everything and everyone with bright eyes.

She looks down at her Haro. "This is all so exciting, Huma." Which just replies with: 'Excitement, Lily! Excitement, Lily!' "That's right. Shh-shh now." She floats her way through the halls, sometimes making far-too-large adjustments, and clutching the rail rather hard when she gets to that part of the ship.

Dressed in sporty thighs, a plush looking sweater, dainty sports shoes, and a black undershirt, she floats along, the fabric of her overclothing floating just a bit off of her skin due to the wider fit. When getting inside of the empty room, she flails to catch one of the handrails. She could probably use some help, but she'll make it if she's not supported.

Rounding around and listening to the people discussing the matter of dates. And then there's the person in obvious ZEON colors. Lily Jung awkwardly remarks; "Ah, sorry. I must have the wrong room. Is... could... ehm. Could someone point me to the briefing room?"

Riika Sheder posed:

Riika hates being late!

But unfortunately this time she doesn't get a choice, or at least she doesn't get to show up early, because she only just got here. She doesn't have a whole lot of time to prepare before she is directed toward the briefing room.

A few moments after Saraven enters, another woman does. Riika kicks in with the practiced movement of someone who has spent at least a fair bit of her recent life under zero gravity, on ships and in testing fields; she glides past Saraven toward a different grip, half-pushes and half-pulls herself straight to a salute.

"Riika Sheder, reporting!" she says. It's easy to tell *she* belongs - she's in a uniform, red shirt and skirt with black leggings, ZAFT symbol and PLANT-shaped pin and all. The glasses are technically non-spec, but she's allowed.

More relaxed: "Oh, no, this is it. ...I think." Rikka glances past Lily to Saraven, for a moment (that sure is a Zeon uniform) and then the others in the room.

Talia Gladys posed:

       As the new arrivals begin to filter into the room, the conversation between the two at the front ends. After all, it would be rude to ignore people as they enter. They give the arrivals various greetings as they enter. Saraven gets a silent nod in greeting from the burly man in the back. Riika gets a quiet whistle from the man towards the front, before he grunts as the woman beside him elbows him in the side. She then gives waves in greeting, adding in for Lily, "No, this is the right room! That's cute!" She motions to the fluffy Haro.

       Still floating away from being elbowed, the man at the front further explains, "The Captain should be along short-" He's cut off as the door to the room slides open for a fourth time.

       The person who enters is a young woman. She is notably wearing the white uniform of a ZAFT captain. No doubt the ship's captain herself. The three greens already in the room quickly get serious as they give her a salute. Talia returns the salute as she floats into the room, saying, "At ease." Talia floats towards the front of the room, placing a hand against the screen there to stop and nudge herself down into a standing position.

       Talia's not alone though as another gentlemen floats into the room behind her, wearing the black and grey of a ZAFT commander and a somewhat nervous expression on his face. He follows after Talia though, stopping to stand beside her.

Saraven Vai posed:

       /A dull pressure - near yet distant./
                       /She can see it as if it's far away./
               /A pink flamingo in flight./

It probably doesn't help that Saraven has looked towards the door about two seconds before Lily stepped in. "No," she answers, "this is the right room."

Riika seems a little more settled, though the way Saraven looks at her is similar - it's hard to read her. She nods simply. "Hello. I'm Saraven Vai."

There's pressure. She shifts her grip on the railing and looks off to one side, her lips tightening for a moment. Both of them felt something when they looked at her.

It rolls off of her a second later. Brushing her free hand past her cheek, just shy of the small arrow marking below her eye, she tilts her head towards Riika. "I'm sorry this was so surprising," she begins, though by the middle of the sentence her gaze is already moving. It settles on the door again.

A couple of seconds later, it opens and someone in white arrives. Saraven's already begun to ease off of the wall handle and bring her shoulders and back to a straighter posture, though her expression doesn't change.

As the woman in white and the commander move forward, Saraven watches the pair, though her focus is more on the one who's obviously the captain. The change in the room's tension is so obvious that even a stump could pick up on it.

She does let her posture relax, though, simply folding her hands at waist level now that she's otherwise motionless. ooc bluray * drop the second Hello

Lily Jung posed:

Lily watches in amazement as Riika so easily, so cleanly pulls and pushes herself into a proper salute stance just like that. Her eyes widening a bit at this revalation. Lily doesn't have the kind of 'fish out of water' thing going on of an earthling, but she's clearly not /practiced/ at this kind of movement. Which is odd, for someone who is supposed to be trained in the military.

She'll pick up on it fast, no doubt.

The young woman tries to right herself, following in Riika's footsteps, and manages a proper salute after just the smallest bit of flailing, keeping one hand on the railing behind her. "Thank you." Lily whispers off to Riika and Saraven. A reply that is repeated as her Haro is called cute. "Thank you." She squeezes the thing and holds him up ever so slightly with one hand. "His name is Kumo." But she remains at attention.

Her focus shifts towards Saraven. Her presence within this room is... intense. Not quite like a sun. But she can't help but feel this tug on her mind. This natural 'cant' of her head that keeps making her want to look to her. This pressure that weighs against her. She herself is different. Her own 'pressure' is... very light. Like the sun, shining through the clouds on a spring day. The kind of feeling that makes that stress on one's shoulders feel... lighter. "Lily. Lily Jung." She answers back brightly. Her smile so sweet, it seems to make one feel lucky that one got to see it.

In comes the captain, and she quickly quiets further. Unlike Saraven, she did not anticipate that it was the <captain> approaching. Her heart beating fast. A real captain! Not one of those training instructors! And she doesn't look as crusty as those old ones who used to be in the old war! Someone follows after Talia, who she registers as present, before dropping her salute and adjusting her grip again, slowly releasing from the handle. If she holds still, she won't float away.

Or so she tries. But she starts to /ever/ so slightly drift. So she keeps gripping the handle again, making tiny adjustments, and then trying again. What is this all about?

Riika Sheder posed:

It's all practice. Riika - high in her class, a test pilot (briefly) before Junius Seven, and after - has had to maneuver on ships a lot more in the last year than she ever did before that, when she spent most of her time on PLANTs.

She actually wants to lend Lily a hand but can't think of a way to do it that doesn't feel at least a little insulting toward the other pilot's skills, so she just does it right and counts on Lily to be able to mimic even if she doesn't do it instinctively yet.

"Nice to meet the both of you! And you," she adds, toward the green-coated soldiers. A pause, and: "Well," Riika says, "it's only that we don't get many people from..." She's probably not from the Republic of Zeon, which is Federation these days. Which means the Sleeves. Which means...

...that she's going to avoid saying anything else because a captain and commander has shown up. So there. Instead she straightens again and, almost in sync with the green-coated pilots, comes to a salute and holds it for just long enough. The captain doesn't surprise her as much as the commander does. Here? So the rumours about an operation must be true.

Talia Gladys posed:

       Talia glances around those present in the room as she briefly examines them.

       First to Riika, Talia's eyes briefly linger on the glasses she wears. Talia is aware of Riika's situation, having access to her personnel file. An interesting case, but from what Talia has read, so far Riika has proven that it's not a problem. Of course, it's one thing to read stale facts in a personnel file, it's another to actually serve with someone. But Talia has no reason to expect otherwise.

       Next, Talia looks at Lily. Probably the youngest here, emphasized by the fluffy Haro she holds. The people coming out of the Academy are getting so young lately... No doubt a result of the recent tragedy of Junius Seven. Talia hopes that their lives don't end up being tragically short because of it. She may have to be a little extra cautious with Lily.

       Finally Talia turns her glance to Saraven. A more unknown quantity, given she isn't ZAFT. Not that Talia has a problem with that. It just means that Talia is going to have to find out more about her the old fashioned way. Talia decides to start there, briefly addressing Saraven, "Miss Vai. On behalf of ZAFT, I'd like to welcome you to the PLANTs and to thank you and your fellows for your coming involvement. While you are aboard the Auerbach, you will be our guests. And we'll make sure to keep your machines properly maintained."

       Courtesy towards their guest complete, Talia begins, "Now, for the matter at hand. As you might have guessed, ZAFT has a new operation planned which has resulted in a few shifting of assignments, including new pilots-" Talia nods towards Lily and Riika, "-and a new XO." Talia motions a hand to the man beside her.

       Eyes going a little wide at the sudden attention, the man suddenly snaps into a salute towards the rest of the room, quickly saying, "A-Arthur Trine! An honour to meet you all."

       Talia looks a bit taken aback by the sudden introduction, but then nods along, "Given the amount of new arrivals, I suppose introductions are due." Talia motions towards the man in green floating near the front of the room, "Navigation officer, Timothy Rome."

       Timothy Rome gives the new arrivals a smile as he says, "Tim, is fine." Riika gets an even bigger smile as he looks at her, but he says nothing.

       Talia continues, motioning to the woman in green also floating near the front, "Operations officer, Maria Scott."

       Maria Scott gives a smile and wave to people as she says, "My friends call me Scotty. Feel free to do so!"

       Talia finally motions to the burly man in green towards the back, "Weapons officer, James Strong."

       James Strong simply gives the group a nod in greeting, but remains silent.

       Talia continues, "Commander Trine has already introduced himself. So would the three of you like to do the same?" Talia nods towards the new arrivals.

Saraven Vai posed:

To those who can feel such a thing, Saraven's presence is... odd. She's clearly listening. Feeling things. But it's not... clear. Like she's peering back at Lily through a scratched pane of glass.

For a long moment, her eyes linger on Lily. The flamingo catches a summer updraft and soars against a rising sun.

It's a nice mental picture. She regards it with all the emotional impact of a rock, simply nodding back to the other girl steadily before quiet eyes return to Riika. There's a response hanging on the tip of her tongue - she can feel that unasked question - but it's not her place to answer it. Not until the captain gives them leave. So long as she's here to work with these people, respecting their command structure is the least she can do.

The inquisitive feeling out of the woman in white gives Saraven a couple of seconds to organize her thoughts. She inclines her head slowly back to Talia, closing her eyes for a second. "Captain. Thank you for your openness to us. Commander Full sends his best regards." She's not sure if he really does, but it seems like the right thing to say.

The circle of introductions goes around and inevitably reaches her. She rests one hand at her collar for a moment before letting it fall. "I'm First Lieutenant Saraven Vai of the Mars Zeon Independence Army. Commander Rochester of the MZIA has asked us to support the Zeonic liberation movement in the Earth Sphere. If it means anything, I don't share the prejudices of Earthians towards the people of the Plants, and I support your fight for self-determination."

Riika Sheder posed:

Riika's glasses aren't unique, even on a technological level. They (or something like them) was designed for war-wounded veterans. It's just rare to see them on someone like Riika, who has worn them since she was very young and certainly doesn't have a missing eye that needs compensation. Even if her eyes don't seem to quite focus behind them.

She's the sort of person who smiles to just about anyone, and she does to Timothy Rome, too - and, granted, everyone else. "Yes, Captain. My name is Riika Sheder," she explains, a few moments after Saraven finishes. "I'm a test pilot; I've brought the machine I ran through testing with me unless and until they assign me something else. I haven't had a front-line assignment like this before," which is not *that* unusual in ZAFT's war footing, "but I volunteered for it."

She shoots another glance at Saraven - in this case it's because she's not sure what she can say in front of a non-ZAFT pilot - but there is one thing she knows she can say: "I think it's more common in other Spacenoids, and thanks. I feel the same way." Naturals don't bother her.

Lily Jung posed:

Riika may not be able to help in that moment with her stature. But she can feel the sweet concern radiating from her. The willingness and intent to help, held back. As such, Lily gives her a smile, and the smallest of thumb-ups. As if saying: I've got this.

The young woman keeps her focus on Talia though, as she is the Captain, and as such, she is the most important person in this room in her mind. Lily may be green behind the ears, but she has a healthy respect for the military in all of its forms. Especially thanks to her rather unique... history with them. When Talia glances to her, she tries to put up a stoic look. Puffing out her chest a bit and lifting her head. Trying to look ready.

Relaxing a bit as the eyes wander away again, she follows from person to person. The new XO, Arthur Trine. Talia herself, Timothy Rome, Maria Scott, James Strong. Being the least ranking person in the entire room, she keeps quiet, inclines to introduce herself last.

Her gaze slips back to Saraven. That strange feeling gets the Zeon member a confused look. She's felt things 'like' this before, but not /this/. She's felt this 'kind' of feeling with some of the people who had the worst of it back home. The ones who didn't quite keep it all steady anymore. She doesn't comment on it though. That would be rude! And people don't like it when she's a bit too observant. But there is that little twinkle. That little subtle recognition in her eyes. But she's from Mars! She hasn't heard anything about Mars in a long time, aside from some tales from her father.

Riika introduces herself next. Wow! A Test Pilot! That's so cool! Her expression brightens with excitement. She almost forgets to adjust herself on the wall, grabbing hold again, dropping Kuma for the time being, which flaps its wings and remains in place in the zero-gravity situation.

She then salutes again. "Lily Jung, a Natural from the local PLANT, reporting for Duty!" She doesn't falter through her speech, and instead asserts herself in that moment. "I was surrounded day to day by people who were in the last wars. I decided to shoulder the weight they could not anymore, and volunteered as soon as I could!" Pause. "I too brought my own unit, and hope to provide support from the rear. Please take good care of me." And she remains in her salute.

Talia Gladys posed:

       Once Saraven has finished introducing herself, Talia nods in response, "Thank you, Lieutenant. I don't expect you'll face any trouble from the crew. It's true that some Coordinators have significant feelings towards Naturals-and there are some good reasons for it-but for the most part they are directed towards the Federation and similar Earth-based factions. But if you do encounter any hostility from the crew, let me know and I'll handle it." While Talia has been commanding the Auerbach for a couple of months now and so knows most of the crew to some degree, she can't discount the possibility of any of them hiding deeper feelings that otherwise haven't had any reason to surface yet.

       Next up in the introductions is Riika. Talia can certainly understand the desire to switch from a more support role to active combat. Not that support roles are any less important. But there are some things that you can only get by fighting on the front lines. It's part of the reason that Talia herself is here.

       Finally Lily introduces herself. While it's not unheard of, a Natural in the PLANTs is definitely on the uncommon side. Especially at Lily's age. Talia briefly wonders at the reasoning of Lily's parents to not make her a Coordinator. But only briefly, quickly pushing those thoughts away to focus on the meeting.

       With everyone else introduced, Talia concludes with herself, "And I am the Auerbach's captain, Talia Gladys. I'm expecting great things of all of you. Especially in the coming months."

       "Now then. The details of the upcoming operation, including the timetable, remain classified for the moment, for security reasons. But for now, the Auerbach will remain docked at HQ. As such you are all on light duty for the foreseeable future." To the three greens, Talia says, "Officers, you are expected to ensure that your respective departments are prepared."

       To Saraven, Riika and Lily, Talia says, "Pilots, keep yourselves in top condition and ready. Once the operation begins, no doubt you will be facing considerable pressure."

       "Until then though, you are all free to do as you wish, including leaving the ship. Just do not leave the PLANTs as we may get short notice to launch. This concludes the meeting."

       There is a visible drop in the tense atmosphere as the meeting ends. Talia turns to begin quietly discussing some operational details with Arthur. While Tim and Scotty engage in their own excited discussion about the upcoming operation. James just remains in the back, silently pondering what's to come.

Saraven Vai posed:

"I was a test pilot too," Saraven says with a slight rise of thick eyebrows, nodding back to Riika. "It takes a lot of skill. I'm sure your machine is good, too."

The fluffy-haired woman's assurances evoke another nod, though her expression doesn't really change. "The way Spacenoids are treated is wrong. Many people who believe in Zeon's cause also feel strongly towards supporting the PLANTs' fight."

There's not a lot of outward emotion behind /anything/ she says. But the way she looks at Riika is curiously steady - as if she's seeing something else.

       /A swallow with a wounded wing, still soaring to the sun..../

Drawn back to Lily as the pink woman introduces herself, Saraven listens a moment before blinking. She'd been under the impression that the PLANTs' military was an almost all-Coordinator affair. It's not the only reason Lily stands out as a spark of sunny pressure radiating at the edges of her consciousness like a sunray filtering through the winter-glazed fog of the windows around her mind. But it makes sense.

"That is a very courageous choice," is all she says aloud.

Talia dismisses things quickly enough, the tension in the room easing instantly. Saraven presses her lips together for a moment before looking off to one side. She'd been given leave to relax before the planned operation - and she wasn't sure what to do with it. It put an unexpected challenge in front of her.

The prospect of leisure time outside her usual confines.

Fussing briefly with her sleeve, she turns her attention to Riika again. The glasses are an obvious standout feature, but she doesn't focus overly hard on them because she's got more conversation topics to try.

"This is your first front-line assignment, too?" she asks.

Lily Jung posed:

Lily salutes to the Captain. "I will be ready at a moment's notice, ma'am." Considering that she should probably don her pilot suit in that case while on the ship as they await in their ready state, and wear something simpler while out in the PLANTs. "I will not let you down." As the tension drops, so does her salute, and looks to Saraven and Riika.

"Oh, a Test Pilot, what kind of units have you two flown? My RMS-119 is the only one I've piloted so far, but I bet you two have experienced a whole bunch of them!" The bright young woman trying to loop into the conversation on a topic these two women share, knowing enough to involve herself into the flow of conversation. These people are going to be at her side for the coming conflict. It may be natural for some soldiers to create distance, to not get used to seeing eachother and getting emotionally invested...

Lily refuses that kind of thinking.

She smiles to Saravan at her comment on courage. "Hmm!" She answers with a bright and close-eyed nod, while spotting the subtle fussing. A coping gesture? Or a nervous habit? She can't tell. She also doesn't draw attention to it.

"This will be my first sortie ever. I've done some practice battles back at training though! So I will not get in your way." She nods a few times, trying to sound more confident than she is on that topic. "I hope to learn a lot from you two." Her attention drifts towards the Captain, trying to get a bead on her as well. Is she the kind of talk amongst her pilots, or does she keep her distance, she wonders.

Riika Sheder posed:

A Natural in the PLANTs? There's not zero, but there's hardly any in ZAFT - especially in mechanized jobs, given the difficulty in piloting many of the ZAFT-made suits. Riika seems a little thoughtful, but she doesn't comment on it. She wasn't kidding - she has no problem with Naturals, unlike some of the people she's worked iwth in the past.

"Understood, Captain," Riika says, brightly. Stay ready, stay prepared - she can do that. Honestly, she's more anxious about the operation itself than the lead-up to it, not that she's going to admit it. Now or at any other time.

Riika doesn't bother the captain when the meeting is over. She gives James a slight nod but turns to the other pilots, since that seems to be a bit of a gathering.

"Yes, originally I was just going to test machines - I placed highly enough to pick my own posting - but after everything... I couldn't exactly stay back, could I?" Not after Junius Seven, and not with the rest of the war going on. So... here I am!" She's done live fire, but it wasn't a *deployment*, not like this...

Another smile, a slighter one. "Right now I'm in a GINN - ah, the ZGMF-1017AS, with the assault pack. But I've used quite a few." Admittedly, some of them were just practice. She's never had to do much with many of them.

"...Lily, have you been on ships before?" She seems a little off-balance when floating. Relatively speaking.

Renato Germi posed:

Renato Germi has not been present for the evening. He has not been brooding in a corner or lurking in some fictional rafters. He has been- ...Somewhere Somewhere that requires a belt and black science. The door to the meeting room swooshes open and reveals a man in a slightly shabby looking set of Sleeves greens. His uniform jacket hanging open and those nice, crisp, white britches looking a bit wrinkled. For shame! Somewhat listless eyes do an idle sweep across he gathered and for a minute, he seems concerned that he walked, well, glided into the wrong party. That is until his eyes alight upon Saraven, "Oh!." he grunts in welcome discovery, "Sorry, sorry!" he chimes, working up a slack, apologetic smile, a hand held up in greeting and apology. "I was hitting the head. Little late." he explained as he drifted in. Looking for a good spot to hook his boot.

Talia Gladys posed:

       The discussion between Talia and Arthur leads less out of ship operation details and more into more about Arthur and his career to date. Talia ohs, "I know Captain Summers. I imagine he wasn't too happy about losing his XO."

       Arthur chuckles a little, saying, "He liked to joke that he was molding me into a perfect replica of himself."

       Talia raises an eyebrow, knowing the man they're speaking of to not be much of a joker. She wonders if Arthur wasn't misunderstanding a completely straight comment. But before Talia can enquire further, Arthur says, "Oh, that reminds me. I still have a fair bit of paperwork left to fill out for my transfer. If that's all, Captain?"

       Talia nods, "Of course, go ahead Commander." She watches as Arthur proceeds to salute and then spin around, floating out of the room. Talia then glances around at everyone else, watching the room so to speak. Tim and Scotty continue to chat, clearly being good friends. No surprise since they worked together before joining the militia too. Talia turns her attention to James as he proceeds to silently leave the room as well, a constant stoic expression on his face. She's already familiar with the man's attitude, but hopefully none of the new arrivals will take it personally.

       Looking towards the three pilots, they start getting into the conversation of their units. And Talia does notice as she gets a brief glances from Lily. Talia can probably guess what the young pilot is thinking. She wasn't always the one in command, after all. Talia decides to insert herself into the conversation, hoping to also use it as an opportunity to get to know her new pilots. Something Talia believes to be important for a good ship captain.

       Talia pushes off from the wall, floating over to join the group of pilots. She's about to speak when the door opens, revealing another of their guests. Talia had been wondering where he had gotten to. Though the reason he gives is... Talia has to refrain herself from facepalming. Instead she remains diplomatic saying, "Ah, good timing. I was just about to inform the Lieutenant that your machines are being transfered over from the ship you arrived on and should be in the Auerbach's hangar by the end of the day. If you want to check them over."

Saraven Vai posed:

Saraven tilts her head back and bites down to her lower lip, thinking back. "I've flown a lot," she murmurs, tallying them up in her memory. "The first one was the MAN-008S, for testing, but I've flown the Dom III and the Qubeley before the work was completed on the AMS-123XS. There were some parts that were needed for that."

Riika's explanation is met with a nod. The Zeon pilot shifts to better face the two, crossing her arms loosely beneath the curve of her chest. The gesture makes her seem a little shorter, more pulled into herself, but her tone and expression don't change beyond a slight arching of eyebrows. "You got to choose your own posting?" she echoes.

       /People can do that?/

"You must be very skilled, then. I'd like to see the GINN, eventually. I've never flown something produced in ZAFT before."

As Lily explains how new she is, Saraven takes it in before clearing her throat.

"I'm not sure how old I was when I started flight testing things," she admits with a pensive frown, tilting her head back again. "It was... um. Seven or eight years ago, I think. And I started flying at the front a couple of years later."

Saraven cannot be older than eighteen or nineteen, from the looks of her. She seems about to say something to welcome Talia to the conversation, but trails off and looks towards the door.

It opens a few seconds /after/ she looks at it. Renato is disgorged into the meeting room, picture of promptness. Saraven's already looking at him.

"There were introductions," she says evenly. "I don't think you need me to give you one, though."

Saraven knows who Renato is. It's not like she was the only one who made the trip from the Red Planet.

"The specialists who came along with us will help you get the Varguil offloaded," she offers Talia. "I know psycoframe systems aren't very common."

Lily Jung posed:

Lily remains close to the wall, where she knows she has something to push off on. She's on the short side, maybe just like... an inch taller than Riika at best, so it's dangerous if she were to end up floating in the middle. Speaking of Riika, she listens with rapt attention. She can tell that the young woman has perhaps some concerns, but she smiles through it all. "Hmm! One of the new GINN units! That's amazing!" She claps her hands, as Kuma wiggles its wings next to her and adjusts its position a bit.

"Hmm? A ship? Yes, I've flown in a few passenger liners in the past with my father. But a lot of them have you strapped in for a lot of it. I did my zero-G training of course. But it's very different to actually be on a ship like this." She then pauses as Renato Germi comes in. By the uniform, she thinks he's not ZAFT either, so she quiets and just looks to the Captain, who is drifting on over, deferring to her in this kind of situation.

She turns her attention back to Saraven, who was still talking about the units she's flown. "Wow. That's so many! And you started so young and lived all the way until now. That's amazing!" Her smile then turns a bit. A softer look. Reaching out and stopping just short of that sleeve that Saraven was just messing with. "You must have seen a lot of things." Recognition? She's never been on a ship. How could Lily show recognition of the horrors of war? That should not be possible! And how can she be so at peace while looking to Saraven like that?

But that gaze quickly slips away. Away from Saraven. And so does that hand.

"What about you, captain? Is this your first commission on board a ship?" She's not yet read the file on Talia, but she's helpfully looking for points to listen to. She can only engage with so many topics at one time. But the mention of Psychoframe has her... curious.

<Pose Tracker>: [Riika Sheder] has posed:

Riika isn't psychic enough (read: at all) to pick up on Saraven's mental state, but she can read faces. Even if she's hard to read. "Well, I didn't pick this *specific* ship or anything, but they did ask what field I wanted..." And she's good with machines. Not an engineer, or even a mechanic - just someone who knows how to get the most out of her gear.

"Well, it sounds like you've been doing it longer than me. Or Lily, certainly." Riika has found someone who's even newer than her! (As for being the shortest person in the room, Riika is *very* used to that. Even heels don't help very much.) "I'd be glad to show you what it can do." Unless it's classified, but if they're flying together, she'll see most of what it can do anyway.

Riika was about to say anything else, but she pauses when someone else enters. Someone else in a Zeonic-styled uniform... he must be with Saraven. But in the head? When you gotta go, you gotta go, she supposes, but... still.

"Pleasure to meet you," she says, politely.

<Pose Tracker>: [Talia Gladys] has posed:

       Psychoframes... "Of course. I'm sure the hangar crew will appreciate the assistance. I have heard the name before, but I know very little details. But I imagine the same can be said for most people." Talia is certainly no engineer. And she hasn't had any exposure to the technology during her time with ZAFT. To Saraven she adds, "If there are any additional precautions we need to take, let me know. We're generally used to only dealing with ZAFT units and technologies."

       As Lily asks if this is her first time serving on a ship, Talia smiles, "No. I've been serving on warships since the police force was reformed into the militia. My previous service in the force and test scores showed that I was well suited to a command position. Though the Auerbach is my first posting as Captain. Before this I was a Commander on the Nightingale."

<Pose Tracker>: [Renato Germi] has posed:

Renato Germi shifts his hand from that apologetic lift to a slack salute when he spotted Talia and clocked the uniform. "I'm sure your folks'll keep them in good hands." he stated as he found some anchor point or another. "First posting?" he remarks as momentum bleeds and he comes to a halt, "Hey, congratulations. We're counting on you." he cheered.

<Pose Tracker>: [Saraven Vai] has posed:

Saraven's eyes drift downward as Lily reaches out for her. She doesn't react, outwardly, but there's a subtle change in the sense coming off of her. A sense of momentary confusion.

       /She feels something, doesn't she? This pressure..../

The hand's withdrawn, leaving Saraven with little extended to her but the question. "My help was needed. There are dangerous pilots out there, yes. But most of them are not very experienced, either. Unless you recognize a symbol or a colour or the way an engagement feels, you don't know if you're flying against a fresh rookie or an ace with a hundred kills. The best advice I can give you is to never take an engagement for granted and treat every encounter as if the other person is giving a hundred and fifty percent."

Eyes darting back to Riika, Saraven flashes her a smile. It's... a bit of an odd expression on her face because it doesn't seem to reflect in her eyes. It's as if she's doing it more as a conscious effort to show something than out of real feeling.

"I knew early on that I was going to be a pilot. It would have been interesting to choose something else. But I don't know if I would have. I think I'm an alright pilot."

To Talia, the dark-haired girl nods simply. "The propellant tanks should be compatible with any mobile suit-grade propellant mix, at least. Thank you for that." A beat, before she purses her lips.

"You were all pushed into war," she murmurs, her tone a little softer. "The Earthians... this is how they force people to turn into warriors, isn't it...?"

Her train of thought diverts to Renato, watching him for a pensive moment before clearing her throat, then looking over to Riika and Lily again. "...this is Renato Germi. He's a very experienced pilot."

<Pose Tracker>: [Lily Jung] has posed:

"I will gladly watch and learn." Lily answers Riika Sheder as she mentions showing what the GINN can do, giving a spirited nod. She means it. She'd love nothing more than to see what Riika can teach her. Not from the point of view of someone who wants to 'survive', but with the spirit of a young one who truly desires to /learn/.

Talia explains not a moment later that she's been around in space for a long time. "I'm glad to be in your capable hands, Captain." Lily declares. She doesn't know much about the Nightingale, but the way Talia speaks of it, it must have been an important vessel.

Naturally, she remains close to Saraven. They may be no stand users, but this pressure...

"Never take an engagement for granted." She whispers soft enough that it'd take a keen eye to hear it. She repeats it, committing it to memory. She then snaps 'awake' and nods to Renato. "Mister Renato. Lily Jung. Please take good care of me." She touches her chest in a more casual manner to indicate herself. "I think it's a bit more complicated than that. But the way things have gone, the way history has unfolded. We don't have a choice anymore." She answers Saraven.

<Pose Tracker>: [Renato Germi] has posed:

Renato almost seemed to preen with his introduction, sweeping a hand over his bandana and head before his thumbs hooked into his pockets. He smiled, his eyes narroing as lips pulled away from teeth. It looked warm, that was the desired affect. His eyes shifted and fell upon Lily. "Right, don't worry about it. Stick close and it'll be no sweat." his tones and expression spoke of an easy, comfortable confidence. It wouldn't 'feel' warm and comfortable though. Cold, hard... Maybe sticky, like pine-resin seeping up from old wood on a hot day. Of little consequence but it takes somescrubbing to get rid of. "This kind of mision is actually right up my alley. Aughta be real fun." he prattled readily, smile broadening.

<Pose Tracker>: [Talia Gladys] has posed:

       As the conversation shifts slightly into talk of training and learning, Talia seems to get a thoughtful expression. She holds her chin for a few moments, before expressing her thoughts, "Perhaps I will schedule some mock battles. I believe it would be a good opportunity for all of us." The pilots get to see what each other can do, potentially learn new things, encourage bonding and increasing teamwork. While Talia will learn more about everyone involved, helping her to make better decisions.

       Talia looks at Saraven, "Not only could we do some mock fights between our own pilots, but there are a number of other teams currently docked at HQ. I may be able to convince them to get involved in some team battles. What do you think?"

<Pose Tracker>: [Saraven Vai] has posed:

The feelings moving through the room seem at once near and distant. Saraven can sense Renato more than see him. Something is smouldering and she doesn't like it.

She presses her lips gently together, exhaling slowly through her nose before straightening subtly. "Our hope is always to draw out certain Federation units. But if we can contribute to setting back their war effort, that will work well for everyone. It keeps them from pursuing us for a little while, anyway."

Lilac eyes drift back to Lily as Saraven considers her. Her posture has put her a little closer to the younger girl than to the others, but she otherwise keeps her arms folded across her midsection. "...I don't know much about the Nightingale either," she admits before nodding back to Talia.

"I would welcome that. We have some new pilots in our ranks too. It would be good to make sure they have some training against dissimilar adversaries."

This is easier for her. Softer talk somehow feels more challenging.

<Pose Tracker>: [Lily Jung] has posed:

Saraven might get just that tiny bit of confirmation. Renato is good at displaying his outward face like that. A warmth that normally is regarded with warmth. Yet, here's Lily, her smile weakening a bit. A confusion in her eyes that shows for a moment, before she shows a smile again. It's a subtle transition. But to someone like Saraven, that brightness wanes just a bit before the cold of Renato, before waxing once more. Or perhaps it was just coincidence.

"I certainly could use a mock battle to get a better idea of the dynamics of this team." She seems certain, for someone who's never piloted. Not in that 'wise ass who wants to show off what they know' kind of way.

She then takes in a deep breath, and lets it out. Releasing some tension that has built up. All this military talk does make her a bit tense. But she's putting up a brave face. "Pheeew." Then takes in a normal breath again. "How did you two originally meet?" She asks Renato and Saraven.

<Pose Tracker>: [Renato Germi] has posed:

The blonde man turns a half-lidded eye to Lily, she seemed to falter, the look in her eye. His smile dimmed to something a bit more casually appropriate than a beaming smile. Was she intimidated? Kids these days, the stuffed the fodder into cockpits younger and younger these days. Ah well. His focus on her shifted away as Talia spoke up, suggesting some training, he laughed, an excited bark, "Yeah? Nice, Cap'n!" he cheered, fixing her with an enthusiastic thumbs up, "I was worried you'd have us bottled up until mission time. Nothing gets on my nerves like the old 'Hurry up and Wait' bull that I used to have to deal with." idle hands had always lead to plenty of extra work. Lily pipes up again, Renato's brows kicking upwards as he grunts a curious, "Hm?" A moment passes as words process and then he smiles, kicking over to drift at Saraven's side, "Ah, right! We've fought together on Mars once or twice!" he pipes up, clapping a hand onto Sara's shoulder in a familiar fashion. "Get this, get this, you wouldn't know it to look at here but Saraven here-" he speaks with familiarity, almost affection. It doesn't feel the same as one might have for a friend... more like a pet. "Goes by, 'The Lilac Gale of Mars' back home." another pat on the back before he eases off, "She's a real monster in a 'Suit."

<Pose Tracker>: [Talia Gladys] has posed:

       Talia seems to well understand Renato's sentiments about waiting. It is definitely something she's noticed in her time. Though thankfully it's less of an issue for her nowadays, as a Captain's job is often quite busy. Talia also nods in agreement as Saraven shares her own opinion on the idea of some mock battles. Talia is already apparently well into thinking about them though. Though Saraven also mentions how little she knows about Talia's former ship assignment. Talia considers for a moment, before saying, "The Nightingale is really just another ship. One of many in ZAFT. I suppose I just have some extra investment in it, having served on it for so long. There was nothing special about it. It has participated in a number of battles in it's time. In particular, we were there at Junius 7..." A bit of silence for that incident.

       But then Talia speaks up again, "I think I will head off and start drawing up preparations for the mock battles." She lightly kicks off from the floor, floating back towards the exit as she says, "Have a good day, everyone. And once again, welcome to the Auerbach."

<Pose Tracker>: [Saraven Vai] has posed:

Some people have more going on under the surface. Saraven's pretty good at seeing that. She watches Renato for a pensive moment before clearing her throat.

Before she can say much more, Renato moves into the conversation and fills it up with the outward force of his personality. When he moves in beside her and claps her on the shoulder, she starts slightly but settles immediately, her expression otherwise not shifting away from the air of muted neutrality she's showed all along.

"Many people have come to Mars over the years," she explains quietly. "Renato fought in the first war between Zeon and the Earth. He's a very skilled pilot."

She's more muted about her own accomplishments, but accepts the pat with a slight dip of lashes before shrugging. "I do my duty," she answers plainly. "As I will continue to do. If we don't, the people of space won't be free. That's all that matters to me."

To Talia, she nods simply. "I should go and tend to the Varguil. Thank you again, Captain."

<Pose Tracker>: [Lily Jung] has posed:

"Lilac Gale of Mars... wooow. You have a callsign!" She recognizes the meaning of this, and turns to Saraven again, trying her best to not be concerned about those strange sensations she is getting from Renato. The relationship between these two must be strange and complicated. But she'd be lying if she had not felt this kind of relationships before within the worse parts of the PLANTs.

She won't say something concerning like wanting a callsign too. She is more of a listener than that. Instead, she is quiet, especially so as Talia mentions Junius 7. Her smile in fact falters, and instead shows a great deal of deference, closing her eyes and inclining her head. There's a nervous fidget until Talia speaks again. And her shoulders release their tension again.

Looking between them all, she realizes that for now, she's still alone on this ship. No place to belong yet. So she grabs Kuma instead. "Come on Kuma. Let's see if we can get to know some more people." Pushing off in front of Saraven, turning a bit... giving her a bit of a look. Looking between her and Renato for a moment.

The warm sun offering a moment of care towards Saraven.

Then grasps at the corner of the door, and awkwardly swings herself back around.

<Pose Tracker>: [Renato Germi] has posed:

       Renato smiles and tactfully does not mention WHO he fought for in those initial Earth/Space conflicts. He does not mention what he did in the years after, nor the other outfits he served with. All of that... just felt needlessly complicated. Renato Germi lived in the now and you should too!

"Mm, Mm!" he grunted nodding in answer to Lily's excitement. His callsigns were always utilitarian. Saraven was a proper monster with a special name. "Cool, right?" With Talia's departure, the old dog offered another lack luster salute, "THankya, Cap'n." he remarked, bidding her farewell. Things began to disperse and he caught Lily eyeing him... AND Saraven. His lip crooked oddly and that hard, cold feeling went sharp for a moment.

"Ah, right." he acknowledged Sara's little errand, "Think I'll hunt down the mess'."

[[Category:Logs]]

[[Category:Phase 1, Turn 1]]