2023-09-12: Negotiation And Necessity

• Log: 2023-09-12: Negotiation And Necessity
• Cast: Eight York, Sayla Mass, Leina Ashta, Mineva Lao Zabi, Rajan Zahi
• Where: Magallanica, Side 3
• OOC - IC Date: 09-12 UC 0097
• Summary: After the near disaster of Denver Colony, certain guarantees had to be made to keep lines of communication open. Now negotiations surrounding those guarantees begin on Magallanica in order for all of them to do their part in in creating a better future.

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<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

"Ready for this?"

"No."

Deep within Magallanica, two young women spent some time together, as Leina sat on the bed in a grey pantsuit, while Mineva fussed with the cuffs of her uniform of office and all of its hated emblems. An office that was in her eyes, defunct, save for her ability to utilize it to nurture a better future.

"Really? You? After all those high stakes political negotiations, not this. Not this one?" Leina asked, as she stood up, and walked over to her. And Mineva replied, eyes downcast, "No." Her no was met with a hand upon her shoulder. "Come on, talk to me. What's going on?"

A breath escaped Mineva's lips, like a sigh, "It... it feels like I'm selling you to them. You." Leina smiled at that, "Selling me to them? Come on. You know it's not like that. I asked you to put this on the table if all else failed."

"'If all else failed' - if I failed you mean." Leina says quietly, "Don't. You didn't fail. Something unexpected happened, that's all." But Mineva continued, "I thought if I negotiated deftly enough, that I'd have been able to create an outcome where it wasn't necessary. That I couldn't is merely a sign of my inexperience."

"Hardly." Leina's hand fell away, and slid around to the back of her hand, grasping it in it's motion of fussing, causing it to stop. "It's to prevent open warfare isn't it? If not now, then six months - a year, two years from now. We made the right call to get ahead of it."

"I know we did." Mineva turned around suddenly to look her in the eye, "But maybe I don't want to make the right call if it means sending you from Vist's accursed cage into Cathedra's gilded one!"

And that moment is met with Leina's hand against her cheek, "What else is to be done? All of us against the world? Staying one step ahead of annihilation for the rest of our lives?" Mineva closed her eyes, and put a hand against Leina's, "It wouldn't be the first time..." It was met with a peck against her cheek, by Leina's lips, "You know that's unreasonable." She murmured, "I don't want you and Banagher to have to fight like this forever. It's time to live our lives."

"All except you, right?" Mineva whispered, and Leina tried her best to smile at her as if in refutation, "On the contrary, this is the only way I get that. Even if it's not entirely in the way I would have chosen." A thumb touched her cheek again, rubbing against it, "But whose life is? My life has always been... rolling with moments like these. Doing the best I can with everything that comes my way."

A smile, as Mineva opened her eyes again, Leina having to stand on her tip toes so their foreheads can touch, "'Puru One' may have been a consequence of my crossing paths with the two of you - but I don't regret the choice I made to be a part of your lives, and I don't regret this either."

Still, Mineva replied stubbornly, willfully, "It's still not fair that you be the one to sacrifice, after everything you went through. Why do you have to be the one to make the adult decision? To be the mature one so soon after we asked you all to rely upon all of us for a change?"

Leina's face wavered in that moment, as she whispered back, "What else is to be done?" And Mineva told her quietly, "Say the word, and I'll call it off. Say it. It doesn't have to be you. We can figure out... an alternative."

"... You know I won't. And you know there isn't. So much of what you're building here relies upon always acting in good faith." Leina smiled at her, "If you reneged now after what they did to Anaheim... the message of good will you announced would be dead within the week."

"I'd figure something out. Maybe... submit to some concessions, like trade tariffs." Leina gave her an amused look at the suggestion as she echoed, "Trade tariffs. On what? Oranges? Unfortunately for you, your girlfriend is a much hotter commodity than that."

Mineva had to smother a snort, "Don't you dare make me laugh right now!" Leina grinned at her, "Why not? I like your laugh. If only all those clueless politicians that only get to see your game face knew just how adorable your laugh truly was!" "Leina!"

The two perhaps, didn't leave that room for a while longer.

-=-=-

It's to happen in an office on the Ra Mari, Magallanica for all of its communications capabilities right now still isn't set up to receive dignitaries, thus, it occurs in a conference room there.

The man isn't much to look at, at a glance. A uniformed middle aged man with greying hair parted to one side, who gives a stoic, businesslike, but polite vibe. A check of his records will show however that he was a Ship's Captain before even the One Year War, and the ex-Commander of the Dominicus Corps of Cathedra. Technically, he's retired from the military now, to serve as Delling Rembran's direct subordinate and liaison from the Benerit Group to Cathedra, however it's worth noting that the man has seen every era of mobile suit warfare.

"Captain York, a pleasure to finally meet you face to face. My name is Rajan Zahi, of the Benerit Group." A handshake offered rather than a salute, after all, neither are technically military anymore. The same is then offered to the other woman, "Doctor Mass." A nod, as they've been in touch, mostly through legal counsel. "It's good to see you, Miss Ashta had requested you be present due to the possibility of diminished capacity, on her part."

In the room as well is Leina in a grey pants suit, and Mineva, in her Zeon Princess garb, technically these negotiations are informal, but there's a serious enough air about this that they both decide to come dressed up rather than dressed down.

"I'll cut to the chase. The political winds have further shifted after the incident at Denver Colony, and the Assembly was disinclined to honor past negotiations. It took certain guarantees not previously required before they were willing to keep the lines of communication open and continue our dealings at all."

He doesn't say what at the moment but as they're all Newtypes here they might sense that Leina and Mineva both appear to understand what he means right away, "However, because they have those guarantees, they have been convinced to continue moving in a more favorable direction. Cathedra is currently overseeing the seizure of all Psycho-frame and Psycommu manufacturing plants and technology from Anaheim Electronics as we speak. Their executives have lost their ability to act without our supervision. Discreet legislation regarding the regulation of Quantum Brainwave technology is currently being passed by the Assembly in order to prevent it from becoming the new arms race of the future."

He does not try to sell this as something celebratory however, there's this air about him like he understands that the situation is complex, and that not all news will be taken as good news by this room, "First, we ought to discuss the criminal charges the Earth Federation has filed against the members of the Three Ships Alliance, as well as the clandestine warrants against Mister Links, Miss Ashta, and Princess Mineva Lao Zabi. What's on the table right now are complete exonerations for all parties, restoration of legal status for those applicable, and lifting all warrants involved. Given that the NIA is the majority party, the reality is that it will never come with any admission of wrong-doing on the Federation's part."

He does look apologetic, but... it is the truth of the situation. "It was difficult enough to convince them that they could not take a hardline stance of convincing you to return all military equipment you absconded with when you parted ways with Londo Bell."

Is he merely choosing diplomatic words? No, strangely, they might sense he's actually sympathetic to them taking a moral stance with Orb, with drawing a line in the sand.

"Currently they're looking to reclassify your legal status as an 'independent paramilitary organization' with a clean slate, but the complicated political situation of your current situation and your... organizational mandate may only keep it that way for so long." He says with an eye towards Captain Eight, "I imagine that you might be hesitant to accept that such terms are offered in good faith by a Federation who has treated you as traitors and mutineers since the attempted invasion of the Orb Union, which is why I'm here as intermediary to negotiate the nuances of the terms with involved parties and offer any reassurances you might require. What is it that you desire for your people in this matter?"

For the time being, Leina and Mineva are quiet. There is perhaps, a sense of solidarity there, but right now is Eight's moment to speak for the Three Ships Alliance, not theirs.

And indeed he does pause there to allow her to offer her thoughts, and reply in return, before turning to Sayla.

"While Mister Links and her Highness can be considered a part of the Three Ships Alliance at this point, albeit members with... different situations..."

He then looks straight on at Doctor Mass, "...Miss Ashta is a separate matter."

Mineva takes Leina's hand at this moment, as he continues, "She is not a member of the Alliance, and her own political situation is... regrettably complex. After what Martha Vist Carbine and the Murasame Institute did to her- and the fear and uncertainty surrounding Gryps II and Denver Colony, there isn't a single Federation politician or Intelligence officer who isn't aware of her. Which means if she simply returned to her prior life... it would only be a matter of time before some would make the attempt to take advantage of her desires to make a play to take her away from that life once more."

It's certain he realizes that Sayla already knows this, but perhaps he's saying it aloud for a reason.
"Which is why Miss Ashta came to a certain... decision, that allowed our negotiations to move forward, and open the door to her returning to as close to a life of her own choosing as possible."

It's perhaps strange that he put it that way, that he be the one to tell her, not Leina herself. That the issue of diminished capacity came up at all, when she'd already made a decision.

And Sayla and Eight both might realize in that moment...

... she didn't want to leave herself an out. She made the decision in such a stubborn, willful way where there wouldn't be the ability for her to renege no matter who objects.

The details are all that can change.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

While it's far from the first time that the Ra Mari II has received dignitaries at this point, this particular delegation is unusual. Negotiations with the Federation in any form are somewhat fragile, and thus, Eight York herself was required--no, probably demanded--for this purpose. She has checked the records for everyone she expects to be involved, and has an understanding of each player so far.

And she is in uniform, of course. A maternity uniform, but a Three Ships Alliance uniform all the same, in pink and white and cyan. While the RMII is run like a military ship... Eight takes no offense at a handshake instead; they certainly aren't military together.

Her handshake is firm, but not overwhelming. "A pleasure, Mr. Zahi," she agrees. Doctor Mass... and Leina and Mineva. Eight nods to each--and is perhaps the first to sit down, ranks aside.

Certain... guarantees. Eight lifts an eyebrow, glancing to Leina and Mineva, but then looks back to Zahi. He explains the fate of Anaheim Electronics, and the matter of quantum brainwave technology in general...

"Right," Eight answers. She never expected an admission of wrongdoing, particularly not without Orb itself at the table. "I appreciate your hard work." On returning military equipment; just what became of the original Ra Mari is still a mystery to most. ...And that says nothing of the Ra Mari II, salvaged separately.

Eight has thoughts on the future of the Alliance. But they aren't for here and now, not yet.

"If the Benerit Group can make good on its grand promises about Psycommu research, and we see the sort of programs that make Cyber-Newtypes stamped out, then that goes a long way for our organizational mandate," Eight admits. "But I am hesitant, as you say."

What is is that she wants?

"I want my people to be able to return to their lives without fear of retaliation. Guaranteed safety from prosecution within all Federation space. I want those who left to be considered honorably discharged, up to and including, should they wish it, re-accession into the Federation military." That one might be a surprise. And it might be a problem... or an opportunity.

"In particular, I require complete indemnification from charges for Rena Lancaster over the matter of the Denver Colony especially. Any attempt to hold her responsible for the amalgamation's actions will be considered hostility."

"...Of course, we'll also return the people we rescued from the General Revil's wreckage, with our well wishes. They can leave with you as soon as you have enough space to carry them, minus those too injured to move, who will be released to you as soon as that changes."

"The Ra Mari II will remain under my command. Matters of the Nadesico are in negotiations with Nergal at this time, as I recall. And likewise, the matter of the Eternal is to be hashed out with ZAFT."

Then, as the matter of Leina comes up, she listens stoically. She gives away little in her expression, though a Newtype might sense that the matter of Leina being distinct and different troubles her in the first place. But...

The decision.

"...And that is?"

<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.

Sayla had arrived dressed in a tan suit, despite the 'informal' nature of the negotiations. Despite her practiced demeanour, it's easy for the newtypes in the room to tell that she's tense. There hasn't been much room for small talk.

"Mr Zahi," she responds with a nod. The reason that she's here doesn't feel... good. The fact that this is the first part of the negotiations she's been permitted to attend with that reasoning in mind is also of concern. She crosses her hands on the table, as Rajan gets into it.

Her eyes flit to Mineva, then Leina, at the talk of guarantees. What, exactly, had the two negotiated? She remains silent for Eight to discuss the matter of the Three Ships Alliance. They're her people, it's her negotiations. Still, she can appreciate the way Eight makes her stance firmly.

Sayla's eyes harden as Rajan outlines the situation. Stated out loud, it still hurts. For so long Leina had been able to live a normal life, and that's been taken from her. But her eyes widen when the statement of a decision comes up, and Sayla's eyes lock with Leina's. "...And what would that decision be?" Sayla asks, her tone carefully neutral. Why is she only finding out about this *now*, when she's here because of Leina's fears of diminished capacity.

Leina... What have you done?

As much as her face is impassive, Sayla is worried, and it can be felt.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

The man nods promptly, "While we have just met, know that I make no promises that we cannot keep. I do promise you that the moment the legislation is in the books, Cathedra and the Benerit group will act promptly to enforce our mandate on every facility that performs such abominable research and act to shut them down, and charge the people involved."

And he does not hesitate to say, "By force. While we're not well known, our jurisdictional mandate is rather... broad. Our primary achievement is doing same upon a technology within the Federation..." A short pause, "...the actual term for it would likely cause confusion, because we have eliminated it's original implementation so thoroughly."

The man then listens to Eight in turn, and then after a moment of thought, nods, "All quite reasonable. We've already placed a term that the assets of your people within Federation space be unfrozen and returned to them. Immunity to prosecution for past actions? Certainly, we'd already intended such, and would place the full force of our auditing division in making certain that they were not harassed. Should your people desire re-accession..." He does pause, "... that will be more difficult, but I'm certain it can be arranged. Placement is perhaps the trickiest part of it, to make certain that there is no discriminatory behavior."

And then he meets Captain Eight York, "Complete indemnification for Renalle Kan Zeitun has already been agreed to. It was... a term that her Highness set right away." A pause, "At Miss Ashta's request."

That is the moment that Leina does speak up to the room, "I'm going to ask that... that part be kept secret from her." Rajan stops, and then nods, "Certainly." Before he then smoothly moves into, "The return of personnel from the General Revil will go a long way. My people can arrange transportation, though I'd suggest - that we wait for the 'ink to dry' so to speak."

Apparently this man fully understands the realities of dealing with the Federation, if he's saying that.

"As for Nergal we have... already been in touch with their CEO." The man is certainly stoic, but his word choice makes it feel like the experience curdled his soul somewhat, "And ZAFT to open lines of communication with their Captains."

As the matter of Leina comes up, Leina locks eyes with Sayla. And the question of what she's done hangs within the atmosphere of the room, with Sayla's worry rampant, and Leina's... anxiety, but also... resolve?

Mineva squeezes her hand harder... before standing up and releasing it, as she speaks, "The Federation is right now invested with Quantum Brainwave technology not becoming the future of warfare, in particular they desire that there be no further Full Psycho-frame mobile suits be commissioned in the future. But that leaves the question of what to do with existing ones?" A short pause, "A Psycho-field directed as a weapon or in defense could overthrow everything we know about modern warfare. They are in their eyes, a 'weapon too terrible to exist', and to some extent, I think we can agree with that notion."

Certainly Banagher wouldn't, but in this moment, understanding is what is required if there is to be peace.

"But neither can we destroy ours, as they our 'insurance' against the Federation arbitrarily breaking their word the moment the political winds shift." Rajan simply nods, but doesn't interrupt as Mineva continues, "Right now - we possess two, possibly three mobile suits that can generate a Psycho-field upon their own without resonance with other suits. Celestial Being possesses another, in the Phenex and Rita Bernal."

She does not dwell upon the matter of Celestial Being, simply moving on, "A world where the Earth Federation possesses none of them, is a world whereupon they become reliant upon Anaheim Electronics for more to be commissioned, and that opens the door on the future that none of us here - or in the Assembly wants."

Mineva takes a breath, and looks upon Sayla, "Which is why I have negotiated for Leina to turn the Banshee Norn over to Cathedra, who would be holding it in containment, as the Federation's method of 'deterrence' against Psycho-Field generating weapons. The Three Ships Alliance will remain in possession of the Unicorn, with certain agreements on its use."

She then locks eyes with Sayla at this moment, "Cathedra will maintain similar agreements for usage of the Norn, only for use against weapons which can create a Psycho-Field. But... in order for it to remain that kind of a deterrent, Leina will have to join them, on an 'as needed' basis. As part of our agreement, Leina will be allowed to turn down any mission that Cathedra offers to her without consequence. This will be another check against the Full Psycho-frame units being utilized unnecessarily.

Rajan at that moment interjects, but only for a moment, "... It is our hope, that she never be called upon to pilot it ever again, but that is not the world we live in."

Mineva takes a moment, then continues onward, "In return, Leina will be able to live her life as she sees fit, go to the University, travel as she likes - even here to Magallanica. Cathedra in turn will utilize it's considerable resources to provide security towards her living this life, and deter outside interference in her life, while trying to minimize their own interruptions to the bare minimum."

She then looks towards Eight, "This decision is how we convinced the Federation to act against Anaheim Electronics, to regulate Quantum Brainwave technology in ways of our preference..."

A small pause.

"... and to agree to take no action against the Three Ships Alliance - and more pointedly, Renalle Kan Zeitun for... what happened with Denver Colony. With the guarantees that the Banshee Norn offers in defense against... further incidents of its kind, they were far more willing to point the blame in the correct direction."

Oh.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

"Of course." No promises that they can't keep. But... Cathedra and the Benerit group have a mandate on this. And one they're willing to use force to implement. Eight considers that, thoughtfully.

"Noted."

Her requirements, it would seem, are within what they're willing to agree to already. Eight notes that, and she wonders how much of that's true because of Mineva's negotiations already. She doesn't speak up on it for now. Instead...

"Right. I know some of my people originally signed up to protect their homes. They'd appreciate getting back to it. For those few that want it, I'm sure the difficulty will be worth it."

'Renalle Kan Zeitun', of course. Eight is impassive as that name is used, instead. But a term that was already set... "I see." Then, when Leina speaks up, EIght lifts an eyebrow. But she doesn't challenge her on it.

"If it takes that long for you to arrange transportation, then they'll be fine in our care until then," Eight says carefully. It's distasteful, frankly--distasteful to even pretend at holding them hostage--but she's learned the realities of dealing with the Federation, too.

Nergal and ZAFT, those are fine. But Leina and Sayla--Eight can tell there is something there with them. That question hangs, and there is resolve, but... Resolve for what?

It becomes clear.

Eight is not going to volunteer information about the Gaia Gear without need, of course. But Mineva has clearly practiced this speech. In this moment, understanding is required; a weapon too terrible to exist gets a nod from Eight.

Celestial Being... Yes, Eight would have to admit; she'd want a defense against such a thing, too. She can blame the Federation for much, but not for their fear of the Phenex.

But Leina with the Banshee...

"So that's why you don't want Rena to know," Eight says thoughtfully. "...Fine. I won't tell her." She pauses, and looks to Leina, in particular, meeting her eyes. "This is your decision?" she asks. She waits for an answer. Only then does she looks to the others.

"...I can't say I disagree with the notion that Psycho-frame technology should kept in strict limit. It's a deterrence I'm willing to abide by, in theory."

"Miss Ashta once asked me if I would be willing to jeopardize the entire Alliance for the sake of my family," Eight says then; a gesture at herself can easily illuminate the context in which they were speaking. "...I suppose I see that this is a kind of answer to that question."

She shakes her head. "Miss Ashta, if you're sure about this, then I can't tell you how to live your life. But if you're not, I'm willing to walk away from those terms."

'You know that I would, Leina. We'll fight for you, if you want it.'

"But as it stands... One for all, is it?" York sighs. She can't entirely argue the necessity. But still..

<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.

Sayla's expression remains cool as Rajan outlines that new mandate. Would that it had existed ten years ago- how much better would things be if Cyber Newtype research had been shut down back then. If it hadn't fallen to organizations like the Shuffle Alliance and AEUG to handle these groups, until the Titans fell out of power. How much could have been avoided?

Sayla's fingers drum briefly on the table, as she takes note that Rena was one of Leina's conditions. That sense from Leina... She didn't argue this lightly

She watches Mineva carefully. The psycho-field as a nuclear deterrent. Her eyes steel as Mineva lays out the condition.

"...So, Leina and the Banshee are the guarantees that got the federation on board." She can't keep the ice out of her voice. This was the agreement on the table. Pragmatically, she knew it was maybe the only option that let Leina have a life, rather than spending her life on the run.

But she sure as hell doesn't like it. The Three Ships Alliance, Leina's future, all rely on her being part of Cathedra. Even now, Leina was sacrificing herself.

Her glance shifts to Eight, who offers to fight for Leina. It's a welcome sentiment, but... Sayla shakes her head. It's not a deal Leina would accept. "...Thank you, Captain York." She says, quietly.

Sayla's silent for a while. Coming into this meeting with no warning of what was on the table, with Rajan telling her Leina's plan. She looks to her daughter. "You've resolved yourself to this, haven't you?" There is a sense of resignation off Sayla.

Sayla takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly. "...Who will have authority to request that Leina deploys?" Who will bear the responsibility for this, is the unspoken question.

Whose head will Sayla come for if this deal is betrayed?

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

How much of it indeed, did Mineva already discuss? Perhaps however, it was simply her coming to understand what the Three Ships Alliance values in her time with them, or perhaps simply understanding what Captain Eight York values. That is perhaps the cornerstone of a consummate diplomat.

Understanding.

"Then I'll have my people start working on the inclusion of amenable terms for the return of some your people to civilian - or military life. I'll be certain to send them to you for final approval before I take them to the Assembly and High Command."

'Renalle Kan Zeitun' - there is only one person in this room that regularly calls her that.

"Delays too... brief, to be questioned, quite." He seems to hold a similar sense of distaste, but he is an older man. He has learned in his years to swallow his distaste at times.

As it becomes clear to Eight why Leina doesn't want Rena to know, she closes her eyes and nods, breaking her silence anew, "Having... come from a similar place of being consumed by survivor's guilt, I know that the last thing she needs right now is more. Especially for something that is not her fault. It is better that she think this has been on the negotiating table since Gryps II."

Her eyes shift to Mineva, "Indeed the two of us agreed to have it on the table as... a last resort, so to speak, back then. It simply wasn't required. Denver... changed that, and she doesn't need to know that."

As Eight mentions she's willing to blow up the deal, jeopardize everything for the sake of Leina, Rajan... actually says nothing. His gaze appears to be weighing Eight. But strangely, he doesn't seem to disapprove of this behavior?

Leina closes her eyes, and actually smiles as she hears the words Eight said that day, "Heh." Her green eyes then open as she looks upon Eight, "I know you would - but, you won't have to. And I understand what you're thinking. That it's for all of you. And... it is, but it's not just that." She stands up in that moment, "It's for a future where kids on Side One don't have to wake up to rainbows outside of their Colony..."

A beat.

"...and then nothing, as their entire world turns to dust."

It's a stark image, but it also doesn't feel exaggerated, if technology that could do these kinds of things became ubiquitous.

"It's so our message of good will that we sent out that day, doesn't die on the vine."

Mineva has met Sayla's eyes this entire time. And perhaps Sayla can tell, since Mineva is not so practiced at walls, that Mineva doesn't exactly like it either, that she's conflicted. That part of her wants to renege too, take the selfish route. Run away and continue as they have been but...

... she won't tell Leina how to live her life either.

"I am, Mom." She gives her an apologetic glance, "Resolved enough that I took away your ability to stop this from happening. I can't say this is what I would have wanted, but I do feel like this is my best chance at... living a life as close to what I would have wanted, within the..." There's a quiet sigh, "... realities, of what my life has become."

Certainly, while Leina has no regrets about parts of her life... other parts? Are simply a reality she must accept.

Rajan looks upon Sayla, perhaps in understanding in this moment, "The Federation has no authority towards the decision of the Norn taking flight. President Delling Rembran must authorize it, I must concur with his assessment, Commander Kenanji Avery of the Dominicus Corps must perform final authorization, and Miss Ashta must agree that it is warranted. In the event of an emergency where the chain of command breaks down, any one of us can authorize it - but Miss Ashta must still agree."

A beat pause.

"We are not just saying that - and indeed, we will never force her. To that end, even beyond its containment authorization, we are making the final check to key the biometrics of Miss Ashta to the Norn, just like Mister Links was with the Unicorn, to safeguard against both theft and any internal or external temptation of having her replaced." After a moment he adds, "Indeed, even without taking this step, we don't believe the Norn would fly for... very many individuals." And then, a moment later adds, "And I do not think it would be a pleasant experience even for them."

Everyone here has certainly felt its touch to enough of a degree to perhaps… concur with that assessment.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

Understanding. "Good," Eight says. "I'll await those terms."

"She'd blame herself," Eight agrees with Leina. "...She may have to learn one day," she cautions. "But I understand that you'd rather ask forgiveness than delay her recovery, too." And it means Eight is complicit in that decision. ...She will have to live with that. She thinks she can.

She doesn't comment further on those delays.

Eight doesn't like it, but she doesn't have a better option to put on the table. She only knows, as she looks to Sayla who shakes her head and thanks her, "...I wouldn't accept a peace built on oppression. That would betray the very reasons we founded the Alliance." She pauses, and looks to Leina. "...But at the same time, in the world we live in, 'progress' is built upon those willing to build it on themselves."

Let Rajan weigh her; Eight looks back to him seriously, without an ounce of hesitation. She has made her position clear. All the same...

"Well," Eight says, "It's easier for me to stomach knowing you have more idealistic reasons than just trading yourself for others," she admits. "I want that future, too. And I'll continue to work towards it on my end." She pauses. The rest... the rest is between Leina and Sayla.

But Eight will likewise come for heads if it comes down to it, so she makes sure to know whose it is that needs to roll. As for the Norn, well...

"...Probably not. But it's better to take the step than not. We don't want 'temptation' on the table for that."

"Either way," Eight says, "I believe in that message of goodwill. And I'll do what I can to make it happen."

<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.

A lot of this sits uncomfortably with Sayla. She knew Leina never cared for even lies of omission- so for her to feel this is necessary speaks to the heaviness of the matter. It's the sort of approach that Sayla herself would advocate.

Maybe that's what's a little concerning.

She can't argue Leina's reasoning, try as she might. She can sense Mineva's own conflict. But it explains so much why Sayla was kept out of the negotations right now.

"I see." It's the compromise Leina felt she had to make. And now it can't be taken off the table. As much as Sayla wishes it were otherwise...

Of the options available, it's the most palatable of the awful aftertastes.

"Alright."

She turns back to Rajan. "Three keyturns and then Leina's final approval. It's very generous." Sayla says, her tone measured and controlled. "This agreement will be on the books, yes? I want written, explicit terms if that's the case. And if the situation merits unilateral action, I'd like there to be a post action review on if it was warranted."

This is the decision Leina made for herself. Sayla can't gainsay it- not without sacrificing Leina's autonomy and the safety of Eight's people. That's not an option.

She glances across to Eight York. "...That's the truth of it, isn't it Captain?" Sayla lets out a tired sigh. "The terms for your people are suitable?" It's a last check. It's not worth it if Leina sacrifices herself for something insufficient.

The message of goodwill that they had reached out to send. It had better be worth it. She looks across to Eight, to Mineva, and finally to Leina, locking eyes with her again.

"You are giving Leina freedom to refuse a mission, and keying the Banshee to her. But there's something I want your assurance on, on behalf of yourself, Cathedra and President Rembrand."

A final querying look- a final question that she's absolutely sure, before looking back to Rajan.

"I know that piloting is inherently dangerous. Assure me that Leina will not become an 'acceptable' sacrifice for Cathedra's goals. Give me your word that she'll be a pilot- and not a weapon or a tool- and that you have every intent of ensuring she comes back home safely."

This isn't the act of a negotiator making a careful move, or a commander considering tactics.

Right now the only face Sayla is wearing is that of a mother, afraid for her daughter.

<Pose Tracker> Leina Ashta has posed.

Leina looks at Eight, and again, closes her eyes for a moment, then smiles, and slowly nods, "For 'progress'... I have to do my own part, and right now, this is something only I can do." Her eyes open, "But that hardly means I'm doing it alone. It just means I understand my strengths, and weaknesses. And maybe I'm playing to them both right now."

Indeed, they all have to work towards that future, don't they? Even if she's trying to return to some semblance of her old life. To finish school... well, perhaps for all the grasping for the ability to influence the creation of the world she wants, she's found the ability in this, in something only she can do.

Even if she had to go through a hell not of her own choosing to arrive at having this.

Rajan offers a succinct answer to Eight's discussion of temptation, "Agreed."

However... Sayla then, with her agreement. Leina certainly feels bad, having backed her into this corner but...

... in a sense, she was backed into her own corner by Vist. By the events of Gryps II, a corner of events, some not her choosing - and some very much her choosing. Until eventually there were few options left to her. In a precarious extralegal existence where she's an existential threat to humanity ... or this.

No in-between.

The man again meets Sayla's gaze calmly, "The necessary paperwork has already been drawn up for that matter. However, Miss Ashta asked that I not finalize everything until you were allowed to weigh in on the details - to advocate for her on them."

All of them wait for Captain York's answer on whether the terms are suitable.

But then Sayla asks for something else, and the man looks Sayla dead in the eyes, and rather than answer immediately with his word, he begins to speak, "Doctor Mass. It's unlikely you remember it, few do, even those who lived through that era but just before the outbreak of the One Year War - the Federation turned to multiple corporations to engineer their early mass mobile weapon development. Over a year before Tem Ray developed the RX-78-2 Gundam as a part of Operation V on the Side 7 Colony you found yourself on, a cybernetic mobile suit format known as 'GUND' was developed."

A momentary pause.

"The earliest Gundams." He tells her quietly, as if understanding this subject might be a delicate one for her in its invocation, "Were developed with a curse. The ability to overclock the interface between man and machine - for a significant increase in performance. A feature which inevitably killed each of its pilots, one by one. However, it was undeniable that if these weapons were accepted by the Federation, during the One Year War we would have fought with mobile suits that Neo-Zeon would have envied during the Axis Shock. ... But at the cost of changing the face of warfare forever."

His face looks tired in this moment, at the thought, "Imagine a world where fresh faced recruits were asked to do this, to sacrifice themselves en masse, to kill the famed Red Comet in his Gelgoog - with technology that rivaled the Sazabi, if the performance of their suits were raised to dangerous enough thresholds." He takes a moment to allow this to sink in, "President Rembran - a veteran of Huffman, took a stand against this in the creation of Cathedra. He believed that the bare minimum courtesy that should be allowed to a soldier in war, is that they should be treated as people, and killed by people. Not as sacrifices to the Curse of a Mobile Suit. The original Gundams - and their curse are now all but unknown in the world we live in."

He looks Sayla dead in the eye, "In creating Full Psycho-frame units, Vist and Anaheim brought this curse back to the world. If I had it my way, the Norn - the Unicorn - and the Phenex would not exist - and your daughter would be able to go back to her life tomorrow. That they did - that they created a world where she must continue to pilot it, I take full responsibility for our organization not realizing what they had unleashed until it was too late."

It's only in that moment, only then that he shifts towards what Sayla asked for.

"I promise you. The very reason Cathedra exists is to make certain she will never be a sacrifice to this curse. That she be granted the dignity, respect, and humanity that is due to someone who has chosen to bear the burden of engaging in mobile suit combat."

And indeed, while Sayla is wearing the face of the mother. He has the look of a man who has resolved himself to making certain that countless mothers never have to receive the news that their child died as a sacrifice to the very weapon they wielded.

<Pose Tracker> Eight York has posed.

"I can't say you don't understand yourself," Eight says to Leina. "Maybe you are. Either way, I understand."

In pursuing that 'normal life', Leina is making a choice that shapes many futures even without the terms set. That she wants it at all is something that has ripples.

But...

There is no in-between, now.

Eight York will have to answer about these terms. But she waits, until Sayla's statement has been made. She waits until there is an answer to that. And the blonde woman looks into the eyes of each person in this room in turn. That history...

Eight is impassive as she hears the story, but her emotions tell a different one. There is a roar of red, a fierce feeling that rises up to hear the story of Federation pilots that could have been--that were--like her. The things asked...

"They wouldn't have asked," Eight says firmly. "...I know full well that kind of curse. You know it, I'm sure. That she knows, that is; clearly he knows the curse itself. "...If you keep to your word, then to stand vigil against such a curse is something I can support. As someone who was meant to be a sacrifice, as someone who did not get the choice that Miss Ashta is making today..."

"Know that I--that we--will be watching, from today forth. Whatever form our future takes..."

"We will be watching."

"...With that said," Eight says, "If Miss Ashta and Dr. Mass agree to these terms, then I am willing to do the same. We'll have to discuss the specific regulations, of course, on Psycho-frame deployment and use. But I'm willing to agree that those regulations need to exist in this way." She nods to Mineva. Then she looks back to Rahan.

"We'll move forward with this deal, Mr. Zahi. The Three Ships Alliance is willing."

<Pose Tracker> Sayla Mass has posed.

'...this is something only I can do.'

How those words could be weaponized and wielded, as much as they can bolster someone.

But this is the path to Leina having a life again. The only path.

And then, they are given a glimpse of a history the federation has kept secret. The first gundams- before the one that had shaped her life. And a curse that killed it's pilots.

Weapons as strong as those in the One Year War. "That's... horrible." Eight injects that they wouldn't have asked, and Sayla nods. "...The Federation back then would have embraced that sacrifice in a heartbeat." She agrees, even if the mention of her brother causes a sharp intake of breath.

They didn't ask the crew of the White Base if they wanted to serve. If they wanted to send a crew of untrained amateurs as bait. Now she's aware of a timeline where they sacrificed themselves one after another to survive.

If it even got that far.

"It would have been nothing less than a bloodbath- and only gotten worse from there."

When Rajan finally finishes speaking, Sayla nods slowly. "...Thank you." That's... sufficient. Perhaps the best she can hope for. At least she'll be under someone who cares about something.

She nods quietly to Eight.

"...very well. I'd like to see the current draft agreement, so that we can discuss it with counsel." It's as good a starting point for advocating as any. "I believe we'll be able to come to terms."

It will take some time to fully arrange everything, and Sayla's going to advocate fiercely...

...but this has hope, at least, for a deal worth making.