2022-03-17: G-Hound Airshow Meet and Greet

• Log: 2022-03-17: G-Hound Airshow Meet and Greet
• Cast: Murrue Ramius, Heero Yuy, Asuka Shikinami Langley, Ouka Nagisa, Seolla Schweizer, Lucine Azul, Relena Peacecraft, Treize Khushrenada
• Where: Tokyo

• Summary: The G-Hound airshow takes off and with it is the chance to meet and greet the pilots of G-Hound, including it's leader Treize Khushrenada

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<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        As the sun stands high in the sky on this early spring day, the entire Linear Industrial airstrip is abuzz with people. People for miles would know that right here in this little portion of O.G. Tokyo that a celebration is going on. It would appear G-Hound has gone above and beyond to make it as welcoming as they can. Even the entryway has a pair of Leos posed holding up a banner welcoming all who pass under it to the airshow.

        You have food trucks, and vendor booths that sell things from real life scale replica models to the entire boxset of Gekiganger III. Now though the crowd is gathering at a podium at the end of the runway. In just mere moments the open ceremonies will begin.

        The seconds tick by before some one shouts, "OVER THERE!" Yes it appears that four Aries can be seen approaching in the distant, painted white and blue. They are all being led by a new unit, that appears to be some form of cross between a Leo and Aries. As the fives units get closer and easier to see they begin to perform tricks. Moving around each other closely , and then finally right above the crowd banking up into the sky as the lead suit flies ahead of the others. Moment laters the Aries release a barrage of missiles at the lead unit and the missiles collide and the lead unit comes bursting through the explosion down to the crowd below.

        Cheers let out at the display as the new unit and the four Aries land behind the podium and power down, each one looking like it is kneeling before the crowd. The crowd is starting to have rumors going through it about the lead unit, the all white one, is the Lightning count. So there is a bit of surprise as the man who is meant to kick off the start of the airshow with a speech, Treize Khushrenada, exit the white unit. The young leader of G-Hound gives a wave to the crowd as he climbs the podium.

        Standing before the crowd the young man speaks out to the crowd, his voice being carried by the sound system all over the air feld. "Greetings to all of those who have traveled near and far today. Greeting to those who could not be here today. I thank you all for being here today in whatever form, we at G-Hound are proud to present to you this exhibition event of are work..."

        The speech continues to go on talking about the events to come, thanking all those participating, even introducing the unit that he came in on, the new Leo Type IV. Finally he seems to be wrapping up, "Before we part, I would just like to add as you enjoy the airshow please keep something in mind. War has plagued our past these last few decades and it continues to threaten the future. Terrorists and monsters attacking that which we value. These machines, the pilots within them, they are not the instruments of war. They are the instruments through which we as a people will use to traverse this crucible and at the end create a peace for all humankind."

        "Now we have a chance to watch those valiant warriors of G-Hound presenting their skill to the people, please let us all admire there skill. " Treize steps away from the podium as more mobile suits begin their aerial performance above him. He would not leave the stage though, respectfully watching the performance himself until an aide tugs on his arm gently and whispers to him. Moments later he is able to be seen leaving the stage and walking towards a near by hangar.

        When the performance finishes one of the event oordinators steps on stage and makes an announcement. "For those of you who have bought a ticket for the meet and greet, if you please make your way towards the Pilot's Lounge." The lady gestures over to a hangar that went through some serious upgrades for this event. A small crowd is already flocking that way.

<Pose Tracker> Murrue Ramius has posed.

        Brushing fingers through the long Haman colored strands of the inverted bob, before shoving her hands into the pockets of her white coat, Murrue watches the crowd and not the speaker behind the sun glasses she is using to capture the event for later review, from an unadulturated source.



        Heel to toe, rolling the foot, reducing the soundprint of steps already reduced by her choice to wear some fashionable full heeled and soled boots, in case some faster footwork was necessary. Slowly Murrue steps through the entranced crowd listening to Treize Khushrenada, recording their faces, not neglecting to capture those of the G-Hound and security forces on site. They don't seem to be at any heightened level of alert. That or, the real security is out of sight.



        "Lovely words and sentiment. He's a great orator. What is the catch I wonder." The speech ends, and the invitation to the more exclusive "Pilot's Lounge" area is made. Murrue pulls out the ticket that she received, unmarked and mysteriously by post, verifying that it was for access to said event.



        Her pulse quickens, as she flips it over checking the nearly blank document, running fingers over it for any detail she might of missed, and still learning nothing new. With a huff that blows her bangs out of the way, briefly revealing a scar before Murrue fixes the Haman colored strands.



        With a couple of long breaths to prepare and calm, Murrue walks with chin up certainty and determination to the Pilot's Lounge. She tries to act aristocratic, as she isn't dressed to act "piloty" as she waits in the staccato rhythm of the queue. Hurry up and wait.

<Pose Tracker> Heero Yuy has posed.

        Six months ago, Heero's war came to an end.



        Intelligence told them that all of OZ's leaders, under the banner of G-Hound, would be present; a chance to slay the hydra in one fell swoop, slashing all their heads off at once. Instead, what they got was...



        The death of Marshall Noventa, and so many of the Federation's pacifists and diplomats -- perhaps the Earth's last chance to de-escalate the spiralling tension with ZAFT after the Bloody Valentine incident. And that's been all dashed into pieces... at the hand of this young man.



        A nameless young man only codenamed 'Heero Yuy', who has now been publically disavowed by the very colonies he fought for. Considered dead to the world, with his home in Heliopolis gone due to certain events involving ZAFT and the new Archangel experimental battleship, he has no name, no home, no country to fight for... Treize's speech makes him reflect on just how much of that is true, and how much of that is hidden underneath the man responsible for the Specials, for G-Hound... and he's certain-- for the way things went down on that day.



        "Your caramel macchiato, two sugars, sir," calls a young man in a button-down white shirt and vest and apron, working behind a makeshift counter with an espresso machine next to him. Ooh, nice, the Pilot's Lounge has barrista-made coffee.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

        It's hard to imagine Asuka leaving the apartment for more than school and NERV related business. Which is why Misato was pleasantly surprised when she was leaving of her own accord for an event.



        Right now at the airshow she's got on a casual air-force cargo jacket that's only partially open revealing a striped shirt underneath. There's an AEU patch on one side and her stripes over the breast pocket. Hands in her jean pockets, she watches the Leos fly overhead. Her expression, wistful. Abstracted.



        Piloting Evangelion-02 is her purpose, but sometimes she misses flying the sky.



        It's only halfway through Treize's speech that she bothers to look in the way of the young G-Hound leader rather than at the vapor trails overhead. With a grunt, she doesn't even seem to bother to acknowledge the speech - her feelings for G-Hound are, complicated to say the least.



        Eventually though, she makes her way to the Pilot's lounge, presenting her ticket, and heading within. Her gaze sweeping about, she's not a social butterfly to say the least and has no impetus to really chat with anyone, instead walking up to the barrista. The look in her eyes scrutinizing, intense as she orders... "Eiskaffee."

<Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.

        For some, today's demonstration is less of a social event and more a space to put yourself on display. For a couple of those individuals, both of them School alumni, that means watching the event unfold from a cockpit's display. Aurum-1 is running through her pre-flight checks while the four Aries approach the camera liveried in white and blue. Leading them is another unit, one that even she has not seen before. She watches with interest as the four other units proceed to release a full salvo of missiles at the lead unit, which then allow them to collide to seemingly no effect. The resulting explosion displayed on her cockpit screen reflects clearly across the golden surface of her irises.



        "Real, or for show?" Ouka murmurs to herself. She can't be sure knowing how TV magic is likely in effect. It's not until the mysterious all white unit opens to reveal the leader of G-Hound himself - Treize Khushrenada.



        "Almost certainly for show." Aurum-1 concludes while going through the last of her checklist whie the speech plays on the monitors behind her. While knows of historic incidents where leaders with more bravado than sense have allowed themselves to be put in harms way just to make for a more grandiose display it's actually her respect for said leader that has led her to conclude that he wasn't trying to get himself killed. The rest of the speech meanwhile has very little to interest her other than the name of the new unit: The Leo Type IV. She expects at some point she will be asked to run the machine through its paces as well.



        Once done with her checklist, Ouka turns to another screen and flips it on. On the other side she expects to see her dear little sister: Bronzo 27, or as she likes to call her, "Seolla, are you ready?" Her voice is full of warmth, quite unlike the stern coldness it expressed while she was sitting along in the cockpit. "Everything should be fine. Just focus on going through the routine as normal. I'll follow Arado's part, and if I need to disable the thrust limiters to compensate I'll do so. Don't worry."



        She almost sounds apologetic... though she has almost certainly has nothing to apologize for. After all, Arado's performance and Koch's desire to ensure a good presentation was what ensured he would be held back for 'remedials' while Seolla ended up paired with Aurum-1 for the show itself. Still to a certain extent Ouka can't help but feel a bit guilty... as if she failed Seolla and Arado both, somehow.



        With the speech wrapping up, Ouka instinctually begins to move to power up her unit. Today both she and Seolla are piloting the RGZ-95 ReZEL, starting off in Waverider mode before take off. Once the unit is properly intiated and she performs one last calibration check on the controls. "Synchronization... Eins, Zwei, Drei!" And with that she pushes forward on both thruster control levers, taking off to the sky with the expectation that Seolla will be close behind - both units moving to the parade ground to begin their acrobatic demonstration.

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        Seolla Schweizer's mission here is made straightforward. Objective 1: Run Simulated Aerial Formation B, followed by Practice Aerial CQC Formation 3-O <SHOW ONLY> (it's Ouka in the other cockpit to help reinforce that this is not a blow uppy operation).



        Objective 2: Security detail for VIP Treize Khushrenada.



        When Archibald Grims, tactical commanding officer for the Boosted Children, was informing her of this, he got that ever-ominous little smile, glasses gleaming over his tea. "Hmhmhm, wouldn't it be a show in its own right if you had to leap in and make good on that role? Standing around alert is nice and everything, but it'd be just as good a demonstration if someone were to try their hand at foolishly reshaping the world all their own. Besides, it'd be a good test for the Boosted Children beyond glorified airplane computers. Seolla, you'll be a dear and leap into the fray if the crowd starts to scream in fear of an anticipatory murder, won't you?"



        As ever when dealing with her direct CO's habit of 'implying that it'd be terribly fun if someone extremely important got murdered', Seolla's in full blue-screen mode listening to the guy, until he makes it clear that the point of this is a roundabout way of saying 'be Treize's bodyguard', and she gives her obliging salute. "O-Of course, Captain Grims. You can count on me to intercept any intruders."



        <AT THE ACTUAL AIRSHOW>



        In the wake of the parade of Leos and Treize's Tallgeese emerging triumphantly, there's a duo of ReZELs, one painted bright blue, one painted dusty black, flying in dutiful formation, wing against wing. It's a brilliantly clear day. The wind is steady. The directness of this operation clears Seolla's mind - and she's here with Ouka in tow. Everything in the world melts away. She's happy. Unreasonably so. The bright, vivid smile won't leave her face. Every second feels sharp, present, flowing through her veins. There, on the rhetorical horizon, is the next step forward. The next tomorrow. It's all so easy to reach. It's all in her hands. And she can do it. There's not an ounce of doubt in her mind.



        The ReZELs are flying terribly tightly together. Wing against wing, close enough that you could walk from one to the other (if not for the wind). They spin, in perfect harmony, away from each other. They rise in a dramatic, sweeping loop, opposite each other. This kind of thing is easiest with Ouka - they both are as good as they can get at coordinated flight. (Arado would be making a dummy of himself here and that's why they didn't send him!)



        Then, the finale. The two rise, and rise, and rise high into the sky - their streamlined shapes contorting back into something humanoid. Beam sabers are drawn. It's tense - the two clash in a flurry of blades, all while toppling from the clouds, heat rising on their surfaces. They clash perfectly in ways that would be the mark of a genuine fight to the death - but each blade is parried in a frantic, frenzied harmony such that neither one lands a blow. Seolla's breath is paced, measured, but her heart is practically leaping from her chest.


        300 meters. 200 meters. 100 meters. Then-!


        The two Mobile Suits kick off one another as their final blow, swiftly re-shifting into their Waverider modes, and blasting off at an ever so slightly irresponsible height above the airshow viewers. Powerfully enough that the wind in their wakes blows hats away, the roar of their engines deafens many.



        There's applause. Seolla laughs feverishly, the blood rising to her head.



        Fate violently ripped her into this fray. And fate has molded her well into this feeling.



        "I'm right at home, Ouka-neesan...!" she can't help but tragically exclaim.



        Thirty minutes later, the Mobile Suits have landed amidst the many other displays of modern military hardware. The ReZEL is a little bit outdated, but still a mainstay, still reliable in most theaters. For now, it's landed, and with a canteen of water in one hand, Seolla's hastily descending and striding towards the pilot lounge. For her it feels like a hasty walk - but her movements are all at a rather casually staggering speed. It'd be hard for your average person to keep pace with her even sprinting full out...

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        Lucine Azul is...



        .... here, for lack of a better word. She is there, as a representative of Nergal. Representative and _pilot_, though nothing on her identifies her as the latter right now.



        Dressed in the red-orange and black uniform of Nergal, complete with the logo over her left breast, she's staring at the sky even before the entrance of the mobile suits are pointed out, as if she knew they were coming.



        As it so happens, there is a cloud there, the distinctive spreading horse mane of a group of cirrus clouds, floating over the sky like a distant locks of an equine herd.



        She really should pay attention to the approaching battle suits, as it is something that could be interesting, but the sky is very, very blue, and the wisps, very bright. The explosions, very loud, as the smoke from the missiles paint the sky their own colors.



        It does not mean that the Lightning Count's display was beneath her, as when he emerges from the lead unit, Lucine shows her surprise, snapping her attention back like a rubber band.



        And then, as the speech goes on, her attention strays again, noting the people around her, Treize's uniform, the sound systems, how utterly uncomfortable she feels to be in a crowd.



        The speech is over? The acrobatics of the pilots that perform overhead are fantastic. Well-timed. She wishes she was in the sky too.



        She should really get something to drink.



        "... I would like a Milk coffee, please," Lucine says softly, in the line after Asuka. "Er, a latte."



        She was reminded by the clouds.

<Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.

        At the end of the demonstration, Ouka can't help but smile - through the monitor, and to herself. Even as the red is still fading from her vision from the intense negative G-forces both of the pilots were just exposed to she can't help but speak up in a voice melodic in both warmth and praise, "You did well Seolla. I'll talk to Professor Koch to let you have a recreational today due to your performance."



        Shortly thereafter the two units come into a landing. Seolla quickly descending from her unit, while Ouka focuses on maintaining an air of calm and grace. Even as she moves quickly to catch up with her energized little sister she seems to glide an inch or so above the ground even as she strides swiftly across it. Once the two arrive at the actual lounge - one that is clearly just a repurposed hangar - Ouka's warm and sisterly voice can be heard rising above the din near Seolla:



        "Feel free to relax and enjoy some of the refreshments." Ouka encourages, but then warns, "Though try not to overstep your daily caloric intake values by too much. We wouldn't want you to end up having to be retuned after such an excellent performance." Ouka's eyes then slide briefly over the gathered attendees - Murrue making her way through the queue, a young man known by some as 'Heero Yuy' working behind a makeshift counter. The auburn haired woman clad in a air-force cargo jacket walking up to that same counter. Lucine Azul, wearing Nergal colors, queuing up as well for some coffee (not-a-)bean water goodness. Her own target is not yet in place.



        'Remember Aurum-1, your primary mission is to ensure those pompous fools know that The School is vital to the future security of the Earth!! Do no disappoint me.' Aguilla's voice rasps loudly in the cavernous space carved out of her Ouka's forgotten memories. The Boosted Child nods her head to no one in particular, "I'll handle the rest." With that, she begins to glide toward the barrista counter as well - seeing that as the current 'hot spot' of activity in the room and thus where she is best to see and be seen by others. Not that she actually intends to... order anything though.

<Pose Tracker> Relena Peacecraft has posed.

        Relena Darlian was last seen trying to murder Treize's Colonel Lady Une!



        And since then she's been off the radar but, surely, nobody could shoot at a Colnoel and get away with it just by taking a hostage, could they??



        You'd be surprised! Since then, Relena has been acknowledged as the lost princess of the Sanc Kingdom. Her companion, Lucrezia Noin and OZ operative(???), trails behind her as she walks into the Pilot's Lounge.



        "All I'm asking," Lucrezia says. "Is that you don't cause a scene--"



        "I understand," Relena says and, for the moment, does not cause a scene. Why, she doesn't even shoot at anyone! Not yet, anyway. Maybe she hasn't seen a target yet.



        Of course considering Relena was last seen pointing a gun in Lucrezia's face, it seems that Noin and Relena are on somewhat better terms than when they were last seen.



        Her eyes slant towards the mysterious cute barista working the counter, but she ultimately takes a moment to listen to the speech.



        "...Wars no doubt you are pleased to exacerbate," She murmurs, fists clneching. But she isn't in a position to tell that to Treize just yet.



        "Just stay calm and remember, you're a representative of the Sanc Kingdom now." Lucrezia says.

<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        Treize is likely the cause in delaying the line to progress, for he had tried to cut the line and skip through the front door and the media has caused an uproar trying to get comments and quotes from him about the current state of things. The ZAFT incrusions, the future of G-Hound, etc, etc. Finally though Treize himself enters the lounge with the crowd of people quickly now trying to push through the line to follow.



        The good news is that the line to get in should start moving quite quickly as people are rapidly trying to push their way in to not miss their chance to talk to people. There is already a crowd of people expecting the colonel to join them. However he takes a B-line to the Barrista, thats right the B stands for Barrista. So now the colonel is standing in line for a moment before someone rushes out to take his order, and for a moment he almost looks embarrassed before he simply smiles and answers. "Can I please have a cup of tea, I believe I heard you had a mint tea that would be lovely with honey. I ask though you do not priortize me over anyone else. "



        Treize looks at those waiting for their own order from the barrista, "So how did everyone enjoy the opening act of this week? I hope it was what you came for." In his own way of engaging with those in the line he is casually telling the press to go away this isn't about them right now. Normally no reporter would come within ten feet of him due to the presence of Lady Une, however she is on a diplomatic trip to Britannia this week and thus is unavailable.



        His attention turns to Ouka, one o the pilots that were demonstrating her capabilities today, "I thought your performance was fantastic Second Lieutenant. Quite a show and something I am sure many will be talking about for years to come."

<Pose Tracker> Heero Yuy has posed.

        A young woman, Asuka, approaches, with an intense and scrutinising look in her eyes. He's seen that kind of look before, too many times... it's through the eyes that you tend to be able to tell something about people. ... he's no different. "One Eiskaffee, miss, coming right up," he nods without missing a beat.



        Eiskaffee... coffee with ice cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, cool coffee, top off with whipped cream...



        He looks briefly to where Murrue has arrived in the Pilot's Lounge. The ReZEL flight distracts him momentarily, though -- the near roar of engines and vernier fire always puts him on guard, even months after he decides that he's hung up the pilot suit. The way those two fly... you can't get that kind of synchronised movement without explicit trust in each other. It'd just end in death otherwise.



        Lucine arrives next. Nergal, he notes. "A latte, miss," Heero nods as, even in the midst of finishing the eiskaffee, the noise of beans grinding is heard as he turns the grinder on. Clean the portafilter, tamp down the coffee...



        Ouka and Seolla arrive as well, and...



        Uh oh.



        Relena and Noin... he hasn't seen them since that party where Relena tried to kill Lady Une. It seems like their relationship has changed slightly. Perhaps the link between them is the Sanc Kingdom...



        And then -- Treize himself. He orders a cup of tea -- mint tea, with honey.



        Heero takes a moment to look at Treize for a few seconds longer than might be wise. So, this is the face of the man behind the Organisation of Zodiac, Treize Khushrenada. Once upon a time, Heero wouldn't hesitate to arm himself and take the shot...



        But things are different now.



        "Mint tea, honey," Heero nods, the barrista bearing eyes that tell a story deeper than a rich cup of coffee. Before long... eiskaffe, latte, mint tea, all ready.



        He works fast. His eyes move towards Relena again.

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        When Ouka calls out for Seolla to not get overzealous on the food - then, and only then, does a bit of a growl echo from her stomach. "Aaaaaah, you just...had to remind me. I wasn't even thinking of having something to eat until you encouraged me a bit..." The spring in her step -vanishes-. Just like that. It's so easy! Suddenly she's just a little slouched over, eyes half-lidded, lips murmured in a frown.



        It's replaced by a sudden rigidity in her comportment, though, the minute Treize flatters Ouka for her performance. That's Ouka's job - to be the face of this whole operation. To take the awards and be the perfect and immaculate proof that all of this is worthwhile. What Seolla's -supposed- to do is peel away and keep a good and alert eye on everything that could be inbound on the VIP.



        What she -actually- does is take this congratulation to just half of the performance as a stain on her own pride, and marches up to Ouka's side, clearing her throat decisively. "Excuse me, Mister Khushrenada. I was her wingman at that performance. ...Erm, I'm Seolla Schweizer. You can rely on me this evening. ...please take care not to-" Seolla stops herself from questioning Treize's composure amidst the crowd. It's not her place to position who she's guarding. Just to be at the ready. So instead, she simply clasps Ouka's hand for a little while. ...the 'sibling' relationship here is purely in demeanor. They're otherwise the same height, and the exact ages are uncertain, but Seolla's extremely evident higher temperamentality and somewhat fidgety body language gives her away.



        For exactly one second, Seolla's head turns towards Heero and Relena, eyes sharp and alert. There was that 1% subconscious instinct of - 'is there something suspicious to their demeanor?' - which then passes swiftly, and which she doesn't keep any mind to. ...if anything, she just establishes cause for the two to be slightly warier and more cautious, without properly assessing them herself.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

        Asuka's casually watching the show through the windows hands in her jacket pockets - watching the ReZELS in formation. "Tck." Something about the show annoys her. The choreographed finale. Though she at least doesn't mind the clash of beam sabers. Portraying the show as a competition, albeit a show competition is at least acceptable to her.



        Before someone orders a Milk Coffee, and she looks out of the corner of her eyes at Lucine, an eyebrow arched with a look that's like 'Really?' Before she corrects to 'latte' - Asuka just rolls her eyes. That is until Ouka enters the lounge, and she sees Treize walk up to her, lauding her performance.



        She just seems to scrutinize her.



        Asuka grabs her coffee and steps off to the side, giving it a long look, before she takes a sip of the iced coffee. "Not great... but you didn't entirely screw it up either." Asuka reaches over and assuming Heero doesn't stop her, she stuffs a few Gilla into his shirt pocket.



        Did Heero not actually do a good job? Well, she's still drinking it isn't she.



        After a moment, her eyes fall on Ouka again as she asks sharply, without a hint of diplomacy, "Seen any real combat? Or do you pilot only for show?"

<Pose Tracker> Murrue Ramius has posed.

        Murrue, disguised in the Haman colored wig and expensive outfit, whether that disguise is succesful or not, happens to find herself on the limits of eavesdropping on Relena and her escort. Her eyebrow raises at the half of the conversation she hears, and the Londo Bell officer's plans change in that instant. Curiousity might kill this cat.



        Murrue walks over to the Barista stand and forces her way, elbows, heel stomps, next to Treize and Asuka. Using her best wealthy latin accent she calmly asserts herself. "Cafe for the lady," Murrue gestures subtley towards Relena and Noin, "uno por mi." She pauses looking at Asuka and her drink. "Don't screw it up, si?"



        Murrue keeps her attention and eyes on Heero, ignoring any complaints from the line, or from gtahering Relena's attention by looking at her. Her timing here matters, as she is hoping to catch Relena and Noin with this drink order, before they are otherwise co-opted.

<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        Treize turns his head to the accomplice of second lieutenant Nagisa, "Of course Second Lieutentant Schweizer, I apologize I simply did not see you right away in this crowd. You were as amazing as your partner. " There is a gentle warm smile on his face as he reaches out and places his hand on her shoulder and looks between them both. "You both did amazing, and I know the people who witnessed it saw the skill that went in to such a performance."



        As the auburn haired AEU captain begins to speak, Treize recognizes her through her fame at the AEU military base. The young captain who works for NERV. Treize could step in and mediate the situation or he could test those under his command. Looking back at the lieutenants he gently reminds them. "This is a place for people to meet and greet the pilots of G-Hound and to give a chance for them to get to know us. Please make sure they take priorities over me. I am fairly certain we are safe here." Then Treize takes his cup of tea and engages the Nergal member, " Are you from Nergal? Would you care to join me? I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the show." Whether Lucine takes the invitation or not he begins to walk away towards one of the couches set up to lounge at .

<Pose Tracker> Relena Peacecraft has posed.

        Relena's not really thinking about whether Haman Karn is really Haman Karn or not but she is startled, some, by someone ... buying her a coffee? And it's not someone she knows. Her first thought is poison but...



        It isn't a thought that lasts long. Heero isn't going to poison her. Unless this is finally the moment where he fulfils his promise and kills her! But what are the odds of that?



        She waits in line appropriately for her coffee. "Thank you ma'am." She says to Murrue. "I'm afraid I don't recall... Have we met?"

        %Her eyes never stray from Treize's for long--


        --not until she actually reaches the front of the line does she allow herself a smile.


        "I don't know," She asides to Asuka. "I think he's a very talented barista."


        For obvious reasons she doesn't go 'OH HEY HEERO' in these circumstances.


        Noin stays near, giving Treize a respectful nod, seemingly relieved that Relena is just giving dirty looks towards Treize rather than actually doing anything. Surely this is going to continue to be the case.

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        Milk coffee. Or would it be better to order something more specific? She just called it Milk Coffee, but there's also Latte, and the girl in front of her is staring at her, and that is *definitely* why latte is the better choice to say, which is what she will correct it to, because this is not Mars, though it's not exactly that way on Mars either.



        Formidable barrista Heero Yuy seems able to roll with it, which Lucine is grateful for.



        Taking her drink with a grateful nod of thanks, she steadies her grip as she turns to Asuka just bluntly ask the one question Lucine would herself have wondered, though likely without the same connotations that Asuka is implying.



        She coughs on her drink.



        Which is likely the time Treize comes to greet her. Her, the representative of Nergal.



        Coughing frothly milky coffee into a hankerchief, which she politely tries to signal to Treize that she just needs a second. Or two.



        "..... Sorry, ah," Lucine says, her voice rough, "I... ah, yes, I think I do have a ticket.... I was thinking, perhaps, that...."



        That she'd like to be back with her pepper plants.



        "I will try. I am new at this, so... this is.... sort of my first show?"



        Would this be unusual to admit to someone? Especially the head of a company?

<Pose Tracker> Heero Yuy has posed.

        Seolla pays attention to Heero -- was there something unusual in the way he moved? He's a little on edge himself, even though there was literally nothing in his plans in the form of espionage or assassionation today; he's losing his edge, perhaps. Or perhaps it was never there in the first place.



        Asuka gives a somewhat mixed review of his drink, and he bows his head for a moment -- before Gilla gets stuffed in his pocket. Well, there's no tip jar for this event, so that's not terribly unusual. Still, he'll have to do better... eiskaffee isn't something he serves regularly.



        Murrue approaches in disguise, with the Haman-coloured wig. She orders coffee for -- Relena and Noin, and herself? Very well... "Yes, miss," she nods.



        Treize takes his seat after speaking to both his lieutenants -- Seolla Schweizer, the silver-haired one introduces, and the other one.



        Now, he's making a coffee for Relena. He could put poison in it! He did promise to kill her. He could do it right now! Your long-delayed mission would be over, Heero!



        ...



        Heero doesn't have any poisons on hand, anyway. Umu umu, that's the only reason why he hasn't poisoned Relena on this day. Clearly. It's so clear now!



        "Three cafe lattes," he announces, having completed his incredible galaxy brain spiral.

<Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.

        Primary Target in sight. Given her upbringing, it's hardly a surprise that Aurum-1 suffers from an intense form of hyper-awareness. While most individuals who have seen combat experience at least some level of it incidentally... well, it was both imprinted upon and encouraged by her handlers. After her golden eyes slide across most individuals at the party and she performs her initial threat assessment they are designated as a non-threat and are largely ignored. Treize meanwhile becomes highlighted in her vision as soon as he comes into view. It seems like he is still working through the crowd and the media though...



        'Aaaaaah, you just...had to remind me' rings in Ouka's ears. This causes a small giggle to rise up from the older sister's throat, and she responds with a polite, "Sorry sorry..." She hates to be the one to constantly remind her siblings of the constraints on their behavior. Shortly after she departs her sister's side to head for the line to the barrista... and shortly after that Treize makes his own way through the crowd to approach the hub of activity within the room. For her part Ouka is aware of his approach - always keeping him just on the edge of her peripheral vision even while she looks for all the world like she was considering what drink to order. When he speaks up she quickly turns to regard him with a smart salute followed by a graceful curtsey



        She remains in that posture until Treize calls her by her rank, rising back into an a relaxed posture. It is at that time that the charismatic young leader of G-Hound offers a bright assessment of her and Seolla's performance - though unfortunately not mentioning her younger sister in said assessment. For her part the young pilot smiles politely, gesturing a hand towards herself before saying, "The School's administrators will be happy to hear your words, but really I was ju---"



        Seolla steps up and forcefully introduces herself. For her part, Ouka looks a bit embarrassed at the sudden outburst... but stops just short of interrupting Seolla. It's understandable for her to be upset, she thinks - after all it was her performance in truth. Hers, and Arado's. They were the ones who put in the time, the effort, and the drills. Were Arado only a bit more serious about it...



        ... when Seolla takes Ouka's hand, Ouka gives it a reassuring squeeze. She tries to give her younger sibling a reassuring smile before turning back towards Treize. Luckily he is far more ... receptive to such an outburst than a lot of commanders might be. He then quickly doubles back ot reassure Seolla that her performance was just as effective. Ouka's mouth spreads into an apologetic smile even as her eyes shine with relief. "Yes, the performance was Bronzo-27 and Bronzo-28's. Unfortunately Bronzo-28 is in remediation at the moment so I was assigned to Bronzo-27's wing during the routine. I was merely following her movements to the best of my ability." School Designations - but of course, for her this is a mission and not merely a social gathering. And it would not do for Koch or Setme to hear she was referring to herself as 'Ouka Nagisa'.



        That's ... not exactly true of course. But Aurum-1's job is more to sell Bronzo-27 as a product, not herself, even if she doesn't quite realize that's what she is doing.



        'Seen any real combat? Or do you pilot only for show?'



        Once again a sudden and surprising outburst in front of the leader of G-Hound. Ouka blinks, before turning to regard Asuka. Her expression smooths out into inscrutable neutrality. Despite her being of a height with Seolla, her newly chilly demeanor combined with her graceful poise might make her seem several inches taller than her natural height. "I have largely engaged in police actions to date..." ... as well as some black ops, though that's best left unmentioned. And then there are the ones left unremembered. "Ah, but I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. I am Aurum-1 - and you are?"

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        Treize remains the ever-cool operator, and Seolla's steam vents out easily. Ah, yes, of course. He's the important person here, he simply didn't notice everyone. That instinct is quelled handily, and Seolla regains a carefree, casual smile. "It's likely for the best that it was you with me this time, big sis," Seolla nods, "The carefully coordinated stuff just isn't Arado's specialty, he'd likely-" She catches herself again, stiffening up at the implication that she'd be implying to Treize that there's an iffier element amidst this project. "I mean. He's better at thinking on his feet! Plus he gets really intense when it's time for up close combat, you know. Something awakens in him, and if I did too good a job, he might reckon I'm really trying to kill him up there!" ...still not a great job selling this, but Seolla's thinking fast to outdo her blunders!



        And then Asuka steps into the picture.



        "Excuse me?!" Seolla fumes, taking a shockingly booming step towards Asuka the instant she makes that acrid statement. Ouka plays it cool and cordial, because she's supposed to. But Seolla just can't contain herself. Still clutching Ouka's hand, she takes a deep breath, cheeks getting flushed, locking eyes to Asuka fiercely. "Do you really think we'd be able to pull off coordination that tightly if we were just show pilots? Or that they'd trust us with real deal military hardware? Those beam sabers were completely live up there! If we weren't in constant communication, those were movements that could completely neutralize an enemy. You're damned right we've seen real combat." Another step forward, fist balled up. "I could take it if you were just talking trash about me-" yeah right "-but if you think you can step to big sis's level, you've got another thing coming! She's the best of the best, actually, and I doubt anyone here can match her one on one, but before you can get to her, you'd have to go through me!"



        Her voice keeps escalating. Her breathing gets heavier. It's a disaster. Maybe not 'completely ruining the entire ceremony' levels of screaming yet - but it's definitely on a crash course to getting there until intercepted. The tsun-mode is fierce.

<Pose Tracker> Murrue Ramius has posed.

        Murrue watches Heero, cool under the pressure of a deeply hated service job. She takes the drinks, laying out enough cash for three times what each drink is worth, not bothering to count. "Gracias hijo."



        With measured steps, the disguised officer is doing her best to not trip and send the drinks all over herself, or anyone else. She makes the short trip safely and distrubtes the drinks without incident.



        "No. Me temo que no. Eh, that is, we have not met but, esto es bueno. This is good. Lady of the Sanc Kingdom." Murrue takes a sip, then another. She doesn't introduce herself, and follows a long as the Relena/Noin pair move through the line.



        Murrue smirks, recording from behind her sunglasses, the long strands of Haman colored non synthetic hair shifting in the hangar cross breeze. Murrue brings a hand up to kkeep the reverse bob cut from getting into the drink or caught in makeup, before she interjects.



        "Lady Relena, por favor, I am curious. How would you say, it is different, pulling a gun and shooting someone to stop guerra, war..."



        Murrue pauses for another sip, which she exagerates for melodrama...



        "And as the Treize Khushrenada here says, hop in dis, suits, shooting someone to stop, again the guerra, de war?"

<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        Treize gives Lucine the moment she needs when he finally notices Lucrieza Noin, and if reports were to be believed that would mean Ms. Peacecraft was here to. He intentionally takes the long way around so he can pass within earshot of his friend, "Lieutenant Noin, good to see you here." That is all he says to her before continuing on with Lucine to his intended spot to sit. The colonel and lieutenant went far back, however this was not the place to reminisce over academy stories. At least not this early in the day.



        As he sits and looks at Lucine he adds, "Well thats understandable, this is the first public airshow that G-Hound has thrown as far back as I remember. Most the time they are fancier gathering within the Romefeller foundation and those who can make sizable donations to the cause. However I am working on changing that perception of things. I do hope you enjoy yourself here. Is there something you are hoping to be able to report back? Perhaps I can direct you in that direction or make sure that you get front row seats at that event." Treize is flexing a little, but Nergal is an ally and Treize always treats his allies well.



        It was about this time that Seolla's voice begins to rise and he glances over while he sips his tea. Anyone who catches his reaction might even see a little judgement in his eyes as he watches the scene unfold. It wouldn't cause to much press, if anything it would distract the press from himself for the moment.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

Asuka glances sidelong at Relena, contempt in her eyes, "What are you stupid? Try real German coffee sometime and then maybe you'll have an opinion worth sharing."



Yet her attention is on Ouka still, she's not even truly caring that she said something in front of G-Hound's leader. That's just how she is. Her interest is on his Lieutenant, and not him at the moment.



"Police actions." Asuka says with a certain contempt, "That's the kind of label that politicians use to pretty things up for the propaganda, not pilots. That really the way you want to show pride for your record?"



Seolla steps up though, and Asuka meets her gaze unflinching, hands still in her pockets. She doesn't smile or anything, but this kind of reaction is more in her realm. "Yes. Actually. Show pilots can pull often pull off much tighter coordination than combat pilots." She then leans in towards Seolla almost like she's provoking her, "But it's all a facade. Put them in a real firefight, and they'd crumple. That's the cost of that kind of reliance on each other - they're each weaker for it."



Eventually though she leans back, "But your 'Big Sis' already said she's seen combat, even if she prettied it up like throwing a coat of paint on something ugly and calling it makeup. So I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume... you're not entirely hopeless in a real fight." A beat, "Just mostly."



Turning back Ouka's way, she finally answers the question, "The name's Captain Asuka Shikinami Langley formerly of the AEU... now a pilot of NERV."

<Pose Tracker> Relena Peacecraft has posed.

"ah, Colonel..." Noin dips her head politely. She is arguably no longer an Oz officer--but she's no longer an Oz officer because of a mission Treize gave her so it's a bit complicated. "It is...good to see you well." There is a tension in her posture that suggests not all is well, but Treize probably knows that Relena is the likely source of this.



Relena collects her coffee. She might have behaved after all, but a few things happen.



First, Murrue asks Relena about the difference between shooting someone to stop a war and doing it in a robot suit.



This one Relena has an easy answer here. She has a sip of her coffee and says, "That is an excellent question and as thanks fro the coffee, I will answer it--happily."



"On its face, it would seem there is no difference between shooting someone to stop a war and using a robot suit to do it. Any sensible mind would recognize that one does not shoot someone to end wars but rather--"



She holds up an index finger, "--They shoot someone in order to start one. I imagine the Colonel is well aware of this fact, more aware in fact than the Romefeller Foundation that he serves."



She rests a hand on Murrue's shoulder the way one might rest their hand on a pupil or a student. "No, wars end when the shooting stops and the politicians that ignited them are either dead or otherwise forced to set aside their worthless vendettas."



Relena didn't try to shoot Lady Une for peace, she isn't that delusional.



"But there is still a difference. The difference is a matter of scale." Relena continues. "Wars fought on foot and wars fought with mobile suits, the latter has a more terrible human, enviromental, and economic cost. If mobile suits did not have exceptionally more destructive potential than without--They would have never been built."



She then turns to look to Asuka as she insults her taste in coffee.



She seems confused at the nationalistic pride. But eventually there's recognition in her eyes.



"I apologize," She says eventually. "That the failings of the Earth Sphere has put a terrible weight on you at such a young age. You are even younger than I, and yet you are being used to fight a battle that should never have been your responsibility. I hope one day you can be freed from having to fight and kill. If it is ever within my power to make that possible, I will."



She is quiet for a moment and then adds, "And someday," She says with a smile. "One day you will learn that sometimes the coffee is not about how it is made but rather--who made it."

<Pose Tracker> Heero Yuy has posed.

        Asuka's comment gets a predictable rise from Seolla -- Bronzo-27, and an iciness from 'Aurum-1'. Something about her fervour reminds Heero of himself... was he entirely that devoted to his mission, once upon a time? Even when he descended to this beautiful blue Earth, so horrifically scarred from all the wars, all the colony drops... all he could think about was how he could finally enact his mission.



        Asuka introduces herself as well -- a pilot of NERV, huh...



        It seems like Noin's having quite the time of her life, looking after Relena. The fact that she's still here, though, speaks bounds and leaps about where her dedication lies. It's not to OZ... is it to Relena, or the Sanc Kingdom?



        Then, Relena speaks. He's silent for a long while. No, he never picked up a gun -- or climbed into the cockpit of the Gundam -- to end a war. No, he did it because that was his only purpose in life at the time, the only purpose those around him ever said his purpose was...



        ... was that the only reason? The colonies' suffering, under the yoke of the Federation... one doesn't need to look further than the One Year War to see how that all unfolded. The way grievances and suffering make way to the most disgusting acts that have ever unfolded in history...



        Whatever symbol it was, the Gundam became a symbol, and in the end, a convenient scapegoat. A scapegoat that both sides discarded in the end, the Earth pulled from underneath its feet.



        Self-detonating it was the only way he could be free of that symbol.



        In that sense... he's living more fully now, more true to his emotions, one cup of coffee made at a time.



        ... nice blend today.

<Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.

        It would seem that in spite of all her attempts to sell The School as being capable of taking the unmolded and unwanted masses of those orphaned by war to turn them into highly trained and professional soldiers... Ouka's little sister seems set on dismantling. She knows from experience though that it's hard - REALLY hard to stop Seolla when she goes into a tear. Very likely her discomfort at being left out of credit for her performance has, instead of being quelled, has now found a new lightning rod in the audacity of Asuka in charging the two of them as being 'merely' show pilots. After all, it would tickle that very same feeling of invalidation that the younger Boosted Child just experienced. Even if Ouka isn't trained enough in psychology to put this understanding into her words... the innate love she has for her younger sibling, as well as what has been impressed upon her by Aguilla's therapies, means she understands it on an intuitive level.



        ... still there is the fact that she is gripping Seolla's hand tighter and tighter the Bronzo's voice rises. It's time for Ouka to think on her feet as well...



        "A venti hot chocolate with triple syrup, toffee flakes and marshmallows, double whip, sprinkles and gummy bears on top."



        The entire order is delivered in a single breath in Ouka's most calm and resolute tone. It's shocking both in just how obscenely sugary such a drink most be as well as WHO is ordering it. However should Heero find any reason to doubt the sincerity of Ouka's drink order, he only has to take one look in her eyes to see steely certainty reflected in those golden eyes.



        She then turns back towards Seolla and attempts to place a calming hand on her shoulder, resting upon the shoulder bars just above the pauldron. "Seolla..." Not a School Designation this time, and her voice has moved from steely calm to warm reassurance, "... why don't you have a seat while waiting for your drink order to come up?" She gestures to the seat nearest Lucine. "I'll address Captain Langley's complaints."



        With that (potential) disaster (hopefully) handled, Ouka takes a moment to glance at Treize in her peripheral vision. She tightens her painted lips just short of a grimace, before offering her superior officer Captain Asuka Shikinami Langley a smart salute followed by a graceful curtsey.



        Ouka Nagisa is once again gone and replaced by Aurum-1, less the caretaker of her siblings and more the professional soldier, "It's not for me to differ from the official record regarding the nature of my actions, however your statements regarding the nature of our demonstration are well taken. Today wasn't a demonstration of our combat prowess so much as our ability to perform as a team and pilot our machines both smoothly and effectively. If you wish to witness a live fire combat trial I'm sure Professor Koch or Professor Setme would be happy to arrange that for you."



        She pauses in her response to allow Relena her own opportunity to respond to Asuka. Ouka herself has no comments to be made about coffee, or how it's made. Were it another person listening to this conversation they might comment the same is true about pilots - and how Koch and Setme's eagerness to put war orphans into live fire trials demonstrates a certain... lack of standards for how they treat their pilots.



        Afterwards Ouka prepares another curtsey, "I hope that satisfies your concerns, Captain Langley?"

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        Treize happens to be as professional as the barrista. something Lucine is grateful for as she corrects her snort.



        'The name's Captain Asuka Shikinami Langley formerly of the AEU... now a pilot of NERV.'



        "... Ah." It is no sound of affirmation, like Asuka had confirmed some long suspected belief Lucine had about NERV.



        While her sympathies go to Seolla, Lucine files this away in her memory.



        NERV: the place of unique pilots, representing calm and friendly to caustic and confident.



        Perhaps, she, Lucine Azul, could stand to be a little more confident, she reflects, sipping her latte as Treize comes back.



        "Well, perhaps, I do have one question..." Lucine frowns, slightly, hawk yellow eyes thoughtful. "... What is G-Hound?" She clears her throat, quickly clarifying, ".... in your words, I mean. I'm not from Earth, so... my take on this is... overwhelming. Like seeing things from another shore before suddenly going over to that other shore, I suppose." The latte feels warm in her fingers, and the zap of the caffeine narrows her concentration slightly. ".... I have read articles, but I wanted to hear your explanation for it."



        Maybe he went over that in his speech, Lucine then realizes to her growing horror.



        Then, Relena enters the conversation in Lucine's field of attention, hinging on Treize, and of the slow dark dance of war.



        She sips her coffee, shifting her pose.



        "... I suppose, I would.... like to hear your opinion, Mr. Khushrenada, on what she said. The lady with the blonde hair, that is. I am still trying to understand these things, so... take it as a question from a person, not a representative."

<Pose Tracker> Murrue Ramius has posed.

        Murrue nods very slightly with a sad smile after hearing what Relena has to say. "That's a lovely veneer. But I am afraid you aren't seeing the whole picture my Lady."



        Murrue reaches up and pulls of her wig and glasses. She doesn't want this on her own recording. Her fingers run through her real hair, sorting it from the flat hide it had been pinned under the wig.



        "The right to life, means the right to defend oneself. One's home. That isn't a simple matter. That right isn't limited to age and gender. Captain Asuka, has as much right to protect her life as the Barista, as You and I." Murrue brings her cup to her lips and finishes what was in there. "You mention scale, but that too, isn't as you frame it. These Kaiju and other threats, aren't stopped by putting a gun into one person's hands. The means of defense have to be scaled to match the threat." Murrue gestures to the mobile suits.



        The young commanding officer takes another step and takes Relena's hand from her shoulder into her own. "Everyone, has the right to protect their life with their hands." She squeezes the hand. "Firearms, Mobile suits, they are just tools. The person, is the factor that determines attrocity or salvation my Lady."

<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        Treize sips his tea for a moment as the conversation with the Nergal representative begins. When the question is asked finally on what G-Hound is, she gets his complete attention. His entire presence shifts as he sets his tea on the coffee table and he leans back, eyes meeting hers.



        There is a pause as he gathers his answer and then begins to speak, "Well on paper G-Hound is a superset of several groups coming together in the hopes of creating an elite force that is able to protect not just this world but everything beyond this world as well. In the past two years since I have taken on the mantle of the leader of G-Hound, I have wanted us to be better then that. An elite armed force is something that is to easy to point to and say they are simply a weapon of war or tyranny. No instead we at G-Hound should strive to be better then that, a symbol of those that bring an end to war and tyranny. We may not be there today, but I hope we will be one day. " It is an honest answer , the slight pause here and there may only be to search for the right word as the wrong word could be misconstrued to easily.



        The question about his response to what the blond hair lady was saying only gets met with another response . There were many things that the ladies were talking about and he wants to make sure to get the answer right, " Would that be what was said about war itself? War with mobile suits or in person? Perhaps children as soliders ? I am happy to answer your questions but a lot was said and I want to make sure you get your answer." Then just as casually as he finally breaks eye contact with Lucine and reaches back for his cup of tea to enjoy.

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        If this wasn't a place brimming with restraints, and people to restrain it, Seolla would prove she isn't hopeless in a real fight. Right here. Right now. Her stance tightens. Her arms firm up. There's a shocking amount of rigidity and discipline and evident strength in her posture, despite her temperamental attitude. This is the disposition of someone completely ready and completely capable to start a professional-grade butt kicking. Her head rapidly fills with inclinations to send Asuka straight to the hospital.



        But there is exactly one force in the world that can cool her down consistently and completely. Ouka's guiding hand defuses the rapidly mounting bomb, and it's as though all the tension leaves her body. Cheeks still crimson, Seolla just belts out a heavy, rough sigh, falling into her chair and gazing out a window to distance herself from the immediate threat to the dignity of those she cares about. The order placed does help.



        Seolla does overhear the lofty, diplomatic tones Relena puts on. The tragedy of this situation. The terribleness that is the way young people <like her> are forced to fight in senseless wars. One that grips her tightly. She starts to think about her position. Genuinely think. Where is she in the world? Who is this man she is assigned to protect?



                The thorns encoil and squeeze. They're so sharp.



                Bronzo-27. You know what you must do to end this pain.



        For a few minutes, there's a definite blankness in Seolla's eyes. Even once the excessively sweetened hot chocolate is placed in her hands, it takes a while for her to awaken to it being there. Slowly, though, she starts to sip, and the color returns. New sensory input. It makes forgetting far easier.



        "...Ah. Yes. A live trial would be a better idea. Maybe even logs of a deployment. There's going to be a lot of those in the imminent future, after all. Me, and Ouka, and Arado, and," There's a pause. Some other names were supposed to go there. "Will be happy to show you how capable we are in service. I've already been on a number of missions, though I'm still getting used to operating on my own."



        Seolla has to actively block out everything Treize is saying about the meaning of G-Hound, lest she endure more.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

        Ouka's drink order, if anything causes her to raise an eyebrow at the diabetes-inducing concoction, though she doesn't comment - as if this was some strange power move that she didn't yet understand the rules to. Asuka seems entirely too willing to throw down with Seolla. And she definitely doesn't know what she's getting into. But Ouka guides her to cool down. Asuka doesn't say anything as Seolla is deescalated by Ouka... though Seolla MIGHT just see a smug look from Asuka as she goes to sit down, one that's infuriating but probably not enough to overcome her big sister's presence - or her brain clamping down on her.



        And then Ouka addresses her so professionally, that Asuka just sees it as mechanical, and that causes her to quickly give her a look of contempt, glancing sidelong at Seolla as she says that a live fire trial would be a better idea. She's probably not even sure she's speaking to her, she just assumes so! "So lifeless... just like a doll. If something recited from 'on the record' is the best answer a Lieutenant of G-Hound can give, then a live fire exercise wouldn't tell me anything I can't see right here and now."



        Relena starts to apologize, drawing her attention away from the conversation, but the nature of the apology quickly causes her eyes to narrow in annoyance which quickly becomes anger. Murrue's already responding to her. And Asuka just nods her way, it doesn't quite match up to her worldview, but it's at least, "At least someone's making sense here."



        Before her gaze returns to Relena, "As for you... Miss prim and proper. Don't pretend like you know the first thing about why I fight - when you're obviously some spoiled debutante who's never even felt the weight of a handgun. When you have the power to revolutionize the world, be sure to issue a proclamation telling the Angels to all go home because you can't stomach the idea of me stepping onto the field." A beat pause, "Just see what happens next."



        Though she then looks back and forth between the barista and her - seeming somewhat confused. "What is the barista your boyfriend or something? Would it make you feel better if I came back and gave him a bigger tip?"

<Pose Tracker> Relena Peacecraft has posed.

        Relena raises an eyebrow as Murrue Ramius makes some wild presumptions about her philosophies and takes her argument and makes some inferrences about her beliefs. She wonders for a moment if this woman knew her father--or perhaps has read up on Sanc Kingdom Philosophy because she is hardly a critic of self defense in of itself, nor defense against Kaiju--though she certainly doesn't think it should be the responsibility of someone who is barely even a teenager to be a lynchpin of that vanguard.



        "One does not 'war' against kaiju, Miss....? I'm afraid you have the advantage of my name, but not I yours. Mobile suits were not made for killing kaiju. You asked me the difference about on-foot warfare and mobile suit warfare--you did not ask me about kaiju or whether or not protecting one's home is a valid." She shakes her head. "You shouldn't presume someone's values so drastically. Rest assured, Officer. It is not the soldiers protecting their homes that I disdain. The vast majority of soldiers have had little to no choice in the matter."



        She shakes her head. "No, the people I disdain do not see soldiers as people protecting their home. They see them as raw material to protect their economic and political interests. The corruption of the political elite is vast. They should beg their soldiers and the countries they've failed to serve for forgiveness."



        She nods to Asuka. "I do not know your own reasons for fighting. I imagine you feel you have very good reasons for fighting. However, your reasons... They are being used against you."



        She sips her coffee and adds, "They do not respect your humanity, Asuka or your reasons. They haven't given it a second thought--or a first one. Are you truly the only ones that could fight Angels? Or was it simply easier to risk the necks of children rather than their own."



        She looks to Noin. "But I fear you are mistaken about me. While I am spoiled..."



        She extends her hand to the side.



        "Relena..." Noin says.



        "Your highness," Relena corrects Noin. "You said you would serve me. I am not asking."



        Noin clears her throat and quietly places her sidearm into Relena's hand.



        Relena holds the pistol down, barrel aimed at the floor. "...I have, at least, felt the weight of a handgun. It is rather heavy. Perhaps if more felt its weight.."



        She turns to look back at Treize, eyes burning with hatred and rage...



        ..but larger than all of that, determination.



        "Then perhaps there would be more respect for them."

<Pose Tracker> Heero Yuy has posed.

        "Venti hot chocolate, triple syrup. Tofee flakes, marshmallows... double whipped cream -- sprinkles, gummy bears," Heero repeats without missing a beat, unironically moving little tupperware containers with colourful sprinkles and gummy bears to the front as he readies himself for one heck of an order.



        Murrue speaks, however, taking her wig off... ...the right to life? The right to defend oneself? One's home... ... ...



        His home is gone. If the information he has is right, it's in part because of Murrue, currently speaking about defending one's home in front of him, too. He thinks of the way people have to run through loops to make their existence within this war-twisted world seem meaningful and not cruel...



        But something in the way Treize speaks catches his attention too. The way he wants to make G-Hound 'a symbol of those that bring an end to war and tyranny'.



        ... was there any difference between him and those in the Colonies, who wished to make the Gundams a symbol to the end of tyranny? He sees it, a microcosm of it in this room. The people who manipulate to make it happen... and the children who have no course but to try to make themselves feel seen, worthwhile, needed by the adults who shape them into the soldiers who carry it out.



        He catches that blankness in Seolla's eyes for a moment, and then he places the hot chocolate in front of her. "Your drink, miss."



        He can't take Seolla across the threshold he's crossed. He can only hope she figures it out like he did, before everything catches up to her... he's lucky, the way he figures it, to be alive and have figured it out.



        But Asuka asks him if he's her boyfriend, and he speaks up for the first time other than to confirm orders: "That is not it, miss. I am just a student from Heliopolis, come to study on Earth and work on the side... but sadly, it was destroyed not long ago, my home along with it."



        ... He says it in earshot of Murrue, too. Maybe Heero has his vindictive, cattish moods too. He's not speaking directly the way Relena is. Perhaps that makes him the coward, of the two?

<Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.

        There were some other names here. They're gone now.



        Or perhaps they are supposed to be gone? As Seolla agrees with her suggestion for a live fire trial, and recites a short list of those in the School who would be able to participate... the brevity of the list tickles at the edges of the tear in Aurum-1's on mind. Somewhere in the carved out spaces where old faces go, deep in the staticky abyss where Aguilla swept on the remnants of that which must not be recollected, there is a twinkling of scattered remnants. Too deep and too scattered to do more than twinkle - to do more than twinkle on the edges of memory. But just enough to register as discomfort in the eldest Boosted Child's mind.



        Though not as much discomfort as what is provided by Captain Langley. It would seem that while her attempt to mollify her little sister were received as expected, her attempts to charm the NERV Captain were instead met with disdain.



        'Just like a doll.' Yes. There is something too clean, too perfect about Ouka's presentation. Though to be fair her appearance and performance was designed to appeal to adults - not fellow child soldiers. At least... not to fellow child soldiers who were not raised in the confines of The School. It's fitting then that someone for whom she was not tailored to appeal had so neatly seen through her act. Seen the stitches behind the porcelain veneer of professionalism.



        ... and there's not really much Ouka can say to it at present.



        "I see." The eldest Boosted Child says, her voice lacking even the slightest tremor of anger. The professional to the last. "Then I suppose we'll have to wait for an opportunity to be on a battlefield together."



        With that, Aurum-1 was prepared to take her leave of Asuka and return to her sister's side. She can see from across the room the distant, blank expression in Seolla's eyes. While she is relieved that the barrista brought her the drink as ordered... she recognizes that it will not be enough. That she'll need a bit more of reassurance, and perhaps a hug. Yes: At this moment the only thing on the eldest Boosted Child's mind is that she will do whatever it takes to see Seolla smile and laugh again.



        ... and it is unfortunately in that moment that the world goes upside down. A wig is removed. A sidearm is produced. The weight of a handgun is taken into hand, and suddenly the world slows to a crawl. Everything slides into a grayish blur save for Treize, Noin, Relena, and Relena's gun. The pounding sound of Ouka's heart - so slow, too slow, ramps immediately as every blood vessel leading to her brain and muscle tissue dilate while the veins leading to non-combat necessary components are restricted tightly. She snaps around in a swirl of dark green hair, her eyes flashing in the light of the room. Her voice: "GET DOWN"



        And she moves. Trying to get between Treize and Relena. Trying to intervene in any way possible. But she wasn't paying attention - as fast as Aurum can move, as fast as her enhancements allow her to move, she's slow. Too slow. Not fast enough to catch up with a bullet.

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        At the exact moment Ouka's instincts flare up into overdrive to get the primary escort out of the way...Seolla's burn into overdrive to intercept. The sidearm doesn't even get to fully deposit into Relena's hand before she snaps to attention. If there's anything she proves today...it's that she can go from 0 to full speed extremely fast.



        She's pushing anyone between herself and Relena aside, each stride covering yards. There's no hesitancy at all - there is only a target Seolla immediately registers as an assassin, and her job is to risk everything to prevent that.



        Even if the gun isn't pointed at Treize -now-...Seolla, as someone whose primary piloting style is 'dart around in the sky like a hummingbird and somehow try to snipe people while doing this', isn't going to assume it takes that long to aim!



        She's trying to restrain Relena, that much is extremely evident, no matter how forceful she has to get. Frankly, it doesn't matter -who- she shoots, as long as it isn't Treize. A fierce sneer is on her face. "You...! Firearms are -strictly- prohibited here...both of you!" She glares at Lucrezia as well. "Any security forces, I will need backup bringing two intruders out of the premises as soon as possible!" she barks into a small shoulder-mounted microphone.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

        Asuka looks at Heero as he says that they're not boyfriend and girlfriend, that he's just a student, she seems skeptical. Why else would Relena defend him but... he tells his story, and suddenly Asuka doesn't look sympathetic, but...



        "That's rough buddy." Asuka takes out a wad of Gilla and actually lobs it his way over Relena.



        Asuka stares at Relena as she starts to speak to her. For a while it feels like maybe it's deescalating her, maybe she's actually seeing - respecting Relena's point of view.



        Right up until she says 'They do not respect your humanity, Asuka, or your reasons.' 'Are you truly the only ones that could fight the Angels?'



        At that, Asuka looks like she's been slapped, her arms even trembling slightly as she goes red faced with anger. "How... dare... you!" For a moment just looking so angry, that she looks like she might storm over there right now and actually slap her to the floor.



        Whatever thoughts she might have had, cease when Relena has a sidearm in her hand... pointed at the floor. Instead tensing up, like a coiled spring ready to leap at her. Yet, she doesn't.



        Instead she takes her hands out of her cargo jacket's pockets and doesn't raise them, she just makes a calming gesture. "Fine. I'll give you that much. Just holster that sidearm before..."



        As it stands, Asuka Shikinami Langley might treat Relena treat many people with the worst kind of contempt and abuse. Yet in the end, that's because she believes she has a duty to protect their ability to live on. So they can all live out normal lives. Her existence isn't that of a person, she has no humanity. All she's meant to do is kill monsters that would destroy people like Relena.



        Right now she looks at Relena, and hates her. Because she knows that unless someone thinks she's going to point that at Treize or some Oligarch, she's going to go home, and actually get to live out a normal life. Have friends. A lover. Maybe kids of her own one day. Enjoy every single milestone that someone is supposed to have living out their lives - so long as Asuka fulfills her purpose.



        Asuka won't get any of that, because Relena is a person, and she is not.



        She then looks at Aurum-1 as she runs between Treize and Relena and she puts a hand up, and as Seolla moves to restrain her, "Don't be stupid! She's not some assassin! She's just some dumb kid making a point!"



        She hates her, but part of her at least respects that she had the guts to do this HERE of all places. Though whether it's naivete or courage - she still hasn't decided.

<Pose Tracker> Murrue Ramius has posed.

        Murrue listens, to the responses around her, but her gaze remains on Relena. Only when Heero mentions Heliopolis does that get something, a clench of her teeth. "It's not a presumption, that you do not understand war. I asked the question, to have you put into words a kind of difference between you and the Colonel here. But the only difference, is that he is a murderer, you have only attempted murder."



        Murrue tries to keep track of all these, body guards and how they are moving, shifting about. "You are completely in the dark, waxxing fantasy, because you changed your name and live in a castle. The rest of us don't get to play Princess."



        Noin places the gun in Relena's hand and Murrue has to force herself to hide the smirk before it appears.



        "I know that's not the first time you've held a gun in your hand, felt it's weight. But the fact is, we do, war against Kaiju. Suits have been built to do that, to defend this world, the earth sphere, the colonies."



        Murrue starts to step closer to Relena as she continues to talk. "Homes, your majesty. The Zentradi, Kaiju. Angels. Because you don't know what it takes to defeat them, you don't understand." Murrue is continues to try to approach Relena, slowly. "You have never had to fight. You have never" Murrue looks to Heero, "lost your home, or a colony despite doing EVERYTHING to save it, only to be able to save a handful of kids..."



        Seolla does her job, and goes after the gun and Relena. Murrue isn't wanting to be deterred and charges at Seolla shoulder first, taking the gun and giving it back to Relena.



        No longer so neatly collected, and with edge and anger to her voice. "If you believe what you say you believe, then take that gun, and use it. Right now. I will be leaving from here, I will go in my ship, in the Archangel. People will die from my weapons, at my command. That will cause more violence, more death. You can stop it, if you kill me, right here. Right now. Use it. Put action behind your words."



        More security will be coming, and Murrue will struggle to push Relena as far as she can until, something changes this dynamic.

<Pose Tracker> Lucine Azul has posed.

        As Treize looks away, Lucine realizes her mistake.



        She just asked the man, a professional, a person who deals with mobile suits on a more subtle, even level than, say, her dad, a bounty hunter, about the nature of war and peace.



        Lucine is....



        .... _being bad at her job_.



        "... Ah, thank you. Mr. Khushrenada." She bows the bow of every secretly apologetic worker. "It was a pleasure speaking to you."



        The air around the area feels thick, needling against her brain. She doesn't have the same appreciation of the blank look in Seolla's eyes, the way Asuka's words come not from anger but from something deeper.



        But her mental field of view surely is trying to, in abstract, compressed down into an understanding that evades Lucine's grasp. Old songs of vintage days that should stay in the past, played at a nonsense key.



        She presses a hand to the side of her head, confirming its firmness against her skin. Relena is proving to Asuka that she knows the weight of that gun in her hand.



        She should....



        ..... try something? Like what?



        "... Miss Peacecraft, correct?" She gives her a slight bob of a bow, echoing the one she gave to Khushrenada. She opens her mouth, about to speak, but Trieze's bodyguards do their sworn duty, and Lucine steps back.



        If she was in her suit, this would all feel easier, but then again, would it really help any?



        "I think we are all trying to estimate what everyone is feeling. I'm.... not the best, but... I think the bullets you two both fired were enough. ER, the words, I mean. This meeting is a battlefield for the hearts of people, correct? When we all go away to our separate causes, that will be the thing that will last, I feel."

<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        Treize watches the entire event going on with the princess , the warrior, and the soldier before he smiles and simply looks at Lucina, "Please excuse me for one moment. " Standing from his seat he walks towards the pacifist with a gun. He casually walks around the couch to put it in the way of Ouka to slow her down. Watching Seolla move towards Relena he takes a deep breath and speaks a little more stern then he has tonight. "Lietuenant Nagisa, Lieutenant Schweizer. Please stand down for the moment." Treize gives a glance to Noin before as they both know who would pay the price for tonight if things went wrong. Zechs would never forgive him if he let things continue to escalate.



        " To those here under my command I will remind you that today is not about me, it is about those here who are meant to meet us. To get to know us. "



        As he speaks he he continues his cool stride towards the lady with the gun and goes as far as he can without causing her any obvious reaction, "Ms. Peacecraft of the Sanc Kingdom. I have never had a chance to thank the Sanc Kingdom for how your country treated my mother when she was in medical need. I apologize for it taking so long. I am happy we met tonight so I could thank you. "



        Then the colonel of G-Hound bows to the Princess of the Sanc Kingdom. The lady with the gun.



        Thats all he does in the matter before he walks right past her towards the barrista.



        Stoping to stand in front of the barrista with his calmer gentler expression on his face and looks at all the others who have pulled him into the trouble. "I apologize about your home. That is a tragic lost. I would appreciate it if you could humor me for a moment. I can imagine you would have fought to protect your home, most would. Do you believe that war should be had to protect the home of others? What if one was to take it a step forward, do you believe it would be worth the fighting if it was the last war?"


        Taking another moment he then shakes his head, "I am sorry I didn't explain. I do apologize to you and all those listening in, I am not meaning to pick on our poor barrista, who makes wonderful tea. I am asking you as a civilian who is not a princess, or some soldier, or anything like that. You are who I believe G-Hound fight for and who many others claim to fight for. Even coming from the colonies more so. So I ask tonight before I try to space out everything that you give us your opinion young man. Who knows, perhaps tonight it is your destiny to be here for this question. "

<Pose Tracker> Ouka Nagisa has posed.

        'Lieutenant Nagisa, Lieutenant Schweizer. Please stand stand down for the moment.'



        At first there is some real conflict between standing directives, and new orders given. A real moment of uncertainty over which would win out - after all, the prior directives were set by The School whereas the new orders were 'merely' set by the charismatic young leader of G-Hound.



        ... no bonus points for guessing who Aguilla and Adler would rather have Aurum-1 follow should the need to arise.



        Regardless when the order to stand down is given, Ouka comes to an abrupt halt mere moments away from intervening. She will also immediately move to prevent Seolla from moving forward with her course to intervene if necessary. At some point she will turn to look at Treize - golden eyes fully dilated to allow as much light as possible enter them during that brief, tense 'encounter'.



        "Yes sir." Is all the response she gives - no question as to why she should stand down when there is an apparent live firearm in the room.



        Instead she reverts back to her previous non-crisis state: Which is to say, comforting Seolla. Regardless of what lengths she actually had to do to stop and restrain her little sister's attempt to restrain Relena, it will all end in the same way.



        A hug. Ouka Nagisa will try to gently wrap her arms around Seolla and hold her until she has calmed down. Her own heart beating at a rapid staccato pace before gradually slowing into a more normal rhythm. And for all her sterile, cold professionalism... it is at least in this moment that Ouka seems capable of showing something genuine and real: Affection.

<Pose Tracker> Heero Yuy has posed.

        The room is a storm of activity, emotion and tension as Relena retrieves the gun from Noin and points it at the floor -- Ouka shouts to get down, Seolla intensely declares that firearms are forbidden and tries to restrain her... and what Relena says incenses Asuka too.



        ...



        He sees so much of himself in her reaction right now. How dare you!



        Those are words that hit deep, perhaps because they dig too deep at the truth of it: the Doctors didn't respect their humanity either. The shadowy hands behind those in Operation Meteor, even if the plan was to be changed at the last moment...



        Sinners, all, attempting to absolve themselves of their guilt at the last moment.



        Murrue's reaction, however, isn't missed on Heero -- the way she clenches her teeth, the way she pushes forward... the way she vocally speaks of trying to save the colony, only to be able to rescue a handful of kids.



        She tackles Seolla, and Lucine speaks of how this is a battlefield for the hearts of people. ... that's right. That's what this has been...



        But Treize rises, and asks for his lieutenants to stand down. He speaks of the Sanc Kingdom, again... it comes back to that one country. It inexorably draws people, alters their destinies, as it has Relena and Noin...



        To fight for a country, he thinks.



        But there's a mild surprise as Treize comes towards him for a change! If he were able to fight for his home, would he? Should war be had to protect the homes of others? To be here, on this night, face to face with the man he was once meant to kill personally with his own hands...



        "When people are hurt... their natural reaction is to lash out in turn. Time and time again, people draw each other to this pain, this damage, until it turns into a cause so abstract it can't help but draw impressionable people who are too young to know what to do with their lives than to fight. People who never had a choice in the first place."



        A pause.



        "When you say 'the last war'... did the people of the Zentradi or One Year War believe it was the last war? The people in the Gryps Conflict, or the two Neo Zeon conflicts, or the Axis Shock... we saw such miracles, and yet in the span of only a few months now, the Earth are making ready for war with ZAFT once more, not the least because a great number of the Federation negotiators were all slaughtered by a foolish Gundam in one fell swoop."



        He lowers his head for a moment.



        "I believe... it only takes one fool to change the world. Perhaps we are all fools, who are seduced into thinking we're the ones who can make it matter, make it stick, to make it 'the last war'? I wonder what it would take to make the appetite of war go away, if something as horrific as the Devil Gundam can't even frighten us to stop..."



        A longer pause.



        "But... in that way, I find something comforting in what I'm doing now, sir, one cup of coffee at a time. The way it made the young miss there calm down a little--" he gestures to Seolla, "If a beverage can make someone's day a little better, perhaps that's worth more than a thousand bullets."

<Pose Tracker> Relena Peacecraft has posed.

        Relena is easily restrained. She doesn't have much power in it. Asuka calls her a dumb kid making a point and she just kind of laughs at that. She looks into Asuka's eyes for the moment she can. "Defending my 'normal life'...?" She murmurs. "But I've already lost my normal life."



        Lieutenant Noin says, "I apologize," to Seolla. "But I am her bodyguard. There have already been multiple assassination attempts on her, so I carry the gun." She seems more exasperated and embarrassed than worried that Relena is going to shoot someone with that thing, which is strange, because Relena has definitely tried--as Murrue is helpfully pointing out!



        And that might have been the end of it had Murrue not used HER opportunity to collect the gun and shove it back into Relena's hand.



        And she tells her right to her face that she's going to use her weapons to kill people. At her command. Relena's eyes burn with fire as she looks at Murrue. But Murrue might realize her ire is not aimed at her.



        Lucine says some pretty reasonable words but Relena points the pistol, now, straight for Treize's face. Thanks to Murrue, she can.



        But she doesn't fire the gun this time like she had done with Lady Une.



        Noin exchanges a glance with Treize, she steps in closer to Relena. Just in case, just in case. Asuka might wonder just for a moment if she really is a dumb kid making a point, or is actually going to shoot that thing into Treize's skull.



        And then, with a gun in his face, Treize Kushrenada thanks Relena Peacecraft for how her country treated her mother.



        Relena's eyes widen ever so slightly. It takes everything in Relena's composure to not gasp in shock.



        "...Colonel, if you owed my country a debt... Why did you repay it by murdering my father?"



        She looks towards the pistol in her hands--just with her eyes. This is a moment. Will she turn towards the Sanc Kingdom ideals? Or will she follow the path of her brother? Treize knows that's a choice that Relena has to make. And she's making it now. If she chooses her brother's path, this might be Treize's end--but he's never been one to shy away from falling in battle now was he?



        And perhaps he knows that Relena is too proud to follow her brother's path.



        Before she can make a decision, Murrue tells her to shoot her.



        Instead she ejects the clip, setting it tumbling to the floor.



        "I would be pleased to discuss your beliefs another time. Feel free to come to the Sanc Kingdom. You will be welcome there. I would love to discuss further with you."



        She's not bullshitting.



        Instead of shooting anyone in the face, she looks towards Heero--almost as if looking to some random barista for inspiration, or hope, or--guidance? That's strange for anyone--but perhaps she and Treize are not totally unlike one another.



        And then she laughs, joyfully, at the young man's words. The tension, pain, and rage seem to drain away in that instant.



        "I'm glad," She tells Heero. "That you found comfort in your cups."

<Pose Tracker> Murrue Ramius has posed.

        Murrue watches it all settle in this odd, light snow fall manner. The magazine hits the floor. Treize and Relena make these verbose lofty statements. The only one who said anything that might mean something, was the kid from Heliopolis. Something is queer about the situation there as well, and Murrue makes a mental note to investigate that later.



        But first...



        Murrue steps forward and grabs the firearm before Noin reclaims it. There is still a point here, that she made, and she doesn't think it was taken seriously. The distance is close the time is narrow. But this is a demonstration of the Princess' naivete.



        Murrue closes the gap, the pistol, and steps so that she is face to face with Relena, pulling the trigger behind Relena's head, aimed at some thick pile of decorations that would prevent the projectile from passing through and harming anyone beyond. The shot would leave their ears ringing, and Murrue drops the gun, putting her hands int the air.



        While Relena may not be able to hear her, her lips would read and others would hear, "You understand nothing." Murrue refers to both one round remaining in the chamber after she dropped the magazine, and it being a metaphor for war.



        "I told you what is going to happen. I gave you the chance, to save people. You let them down. Where are those principals Princess?" Murrue offers a two finger Salute to Asuka, and a bow of her head to Heero, "Thanks for the coffee." Murrue follows, hands down, as she is escorted out.

<Pose Tracker> Asuka Shikinami Langley has posed.

"What are you stupid?"



        Though she doesn't elaborate on the point as she calls Relena stupid again. She just regards a normal life, as being able to live a normal life - not the ideal life one might have chosen. The fact that she will live is enough.



        Lucine though gets a look as she tries to talk her down, eyeing her strangely, though she doesn't remark out of the idea anything Asuka says might make a tense situation worse.



        Asuka takes a breath again when Treize tells the two to stand down. A stupid teenager won't die today. Though her brow furrows as the name Peacecraft of the Sanc Kingdom comes up. Where has she heard that name before?



        It comes to her like whiplash. Double taking as she realizes who she's been arguing with.



        "Really? Her?"



        What a day. She'll probably get reprimanded. Not that it matters. She'll just ignore it like always.



        Though, Relena accuses Treize of Regicide in turn, "Ah." Now it's all starting to make sense. The strange atmosphere of the room. She simply backs off at this point - now it's political, and she's allergic to these kind of politics.



        Giving Treize a strange look as he engages with the barista on such a topic. She's about to just look away in indifference, but his answer. Asuka actually gives him a look... because he's speaking sense.



        Even if she'd never admit it, it's why she lashes out too. Because she hates so much of what she sees, and so much of what she sees hurts her in ways she'd not allow herself to acknowledge.



        Asuka knows the fighting will never stop, that's just the way the world is. If she does her purpose well, then it'll just only be people ruining each other's lives. Not monsters exterminating.



        "If that's true. Maybe make everyone a double." She eyes Relena, "She might need a triple before the day is done."



        Nodding at Murrue's salute, she stuffs her hands in her pockets, she starts walking away from the line of fire - not staying because Heero couldn't make a coffee with enough espresso shots to truly calm Asuka down.



        Though Ouka and Seolla get one last look of contempt. As if watching the two hugging just proves... something, she thought all along, believing whatever the relationship between the two might be, it simply just makes them weaker.



        Once out of earshot, she mutters to herself, "A Goddamned Princess."

<Pose Tracker> Seolla Schweizer has posed.

        The situation threatens to escalate well beyond a reasonable doubt. Seolla's so busy trying to make sure Relena doesn't do anything hasty that she fails to even consider Murrue, who knocks her away from her target. She's seething by now, heart racing harder, the world dimming in tunnel vision, her hearing accounting for even the dropping of a pin. Tension fills every inch of her body. Her chest feels like its made of ice. Every second counts. Is Murrue a collaborator with potential assassins? No - she's asking Relena to shoot -her-? Lucrezia chimes in with the point that she herself is a bodyguard too - so Relena is a guest of honor of some sort? Yes, with the way Treize is so casually approaching Relena - the two clearly have a history. So then what is the purpose of this gun-? Why would the guard give it to her charge?



        The symbolism, the history - it goes over Seolla's head. Bronzo-27 is not a weapon made with history in mind. If there's anyone she's the most akin to in this room - it is that very gun. Used for misunderstood purposes.



                        Countless needles swarming the soul.

                        But-!



        The instant that searing pain flashes from the depths of her own spirit, Seolla hears Heero addressing her directly. This humble barista chiming in so fluently about something so simple as the tiny caretaking in the wake of the endless fight.



        She feels the warmth of Ouka's heartbeat pressing into her back.



                        I'm going to endure it-!

                        I...need to keep this moment-!


        A breath lasting an entire minute spills from Seolla's lips. That thorny intangible command keeps her heart racing. One eye is closed in a wince. She focuses everything on defying it. It's an impulse decision - but something deep in her heart tells her this moment will be unlike every other in her life. Every second of this was meant for her to be here.



        "...hey, Ouka..."



        Just for once this burden would be hers. It wouldn't be Ouka's - because deep down, Seolla knows perfectly well. She's always known - that her big sister couldn't defy the abyss of forgetting.



        "...I'll remember this for the both of us."

<Pose Tracker> Treize Khushrenada has posed.

        One does not become a man like Treize Khushrenada by not being use to having a loaded gun pointed at him. However he asked Mr. Barista a question and it is a question he values the answer to, for if an innocent civilian can see such things then anyone should be able to. In the end the Barista, once again, does not disappoint and Treize simply smiles.


        Relena never gets that answer about her father, in fact she gets no more words from the man what so ever. Instead Noin gets the next words from the colonel, if only a whisper given to her in passing, "Since I have known you, you have always followed your heart. Even today, please continue to do so knowing that as a friend, I support you."


        Passing his two security guards he looks at them both and gives them a warm smile, "I am glad to have had you both here tonight, and to have you in G-Hound. I look forward to seeing more of both your abilities. Perhaps we shall share tea one day as well."


        Finally he returns to where he was seated earlier talking to Lucina, reaches down and retrieves his cup. He then crosses his legs and raises his cup of tea to his lips and sips slowly. Looking back over at Lucina, wherever she is in the room and looks at her once again giving her his full attention with his calm demeanor, "So then, where were we?"