2023-02-25: Moving Day
- Cast: Banagher Links, Mineva Lao Zabi, Koji Kabuto, Sayaka Yumi
- Where: The Old Photon Power Labs
- Date: U.C. 0097 02 25
- Summary: With the spectre of the Banshee hunting them, Banagher and Mineva move into a safer location. Exhausted and frightened, their spirits are bolstered by two veteran heroes.
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
It had been a few months since Leina requested Sayaka provide asylum for Banagher and Audrey, and no matter how much things changed since then, the offer still stands... so when they seek that help now, they are not turned away.
The Old Photon Power Labs: it's safe to call it abandoned, with all the staff having moved to the much larger newer building. It's been set for demolition for a long time... but realistically, at a time like this, what it represents is far too important to be torn down. All this to say, not a soul is lingering around the Old Labs at the moment, making it the perfect hiding place for a runaway princess and Unicorn-riding fugitive.
At their pace, Sayaka leads the two into the Old Labs, where she and Koji are waiting. "And here we are - it's modest, but we at least took the time to dust the place off a little." And despite the /modesty/, it's not a bad place to stay. Dr. Yumi had in mind a comfortable establishment of peace, even if it ended up housing some of the greatest devils of the Universal Century.
Sayaka motions for her guests to take a seat, before taking a look outside. "I thought it best to keep things undercover for the time being, but if the time comes, we'll have the Photon Power Barrier set up at once. That pool isn't just for swimming, either, of course." She grins, looking to Koji.
She then takes a seat herself. "Since you're here, you must have a good reason to accept our offer." She frowns. "Would you mind briefing us on what happened, then?" She really does hope this place can keep them safe.
<Pose Tracker> Koji Kabuto has posed.
The unusual shape of the original Photon Power Laboratory is an iconic white edifice with great concrete antennae (are they antennae? It's hard to tell) sweeping upwards from its long structure, built on a wide-open estate with a massive swimming pool out to its southern side and multiple hydroelectric generators to the north between it and the magnificent slopes of the mountain the city it's a neighbour to takes its name from, itself a shining icon of Free Japan's ideal of the future - when every city in the world is modernised, clean and able to house all of its inhabitants. That it is one of the few cities in the Earth Sphere, let alone the colonies, that achieves this ideal is in part due to the tireless diligence of the Photon Power Research Institute's top brass and their commitment to giving back to the city they protected so long ago.
Koji is waiting for Sayaka and their guests in the foyer, clad in a long-sleeved t-shirt and jeans and tapping through a tablet. As he hears the doors slide open he sets the device aside and stands up, waving to them as he approaches. "Banagher! Miss Burne. Welcome to the Original Photon Power Lab. I've got the overnight quarters in the basement set up, you can pick out any rooms you like. Between them and the kitchen and bathing facilities you should have more than enough to be getting on with, but is there anything you need?"
'The pool isn't just for swimming, either'. Koji chuckles, grinning back at Sayaka. "Sure, but never go in there without supervision, we are technically on alert again so we might need to open it up in a hurry."
Sayaka asks what happens and takes a seat, and Koji does likewise, sitting next to her and sliding a tray of pastries across the table to the young pair. "Home-baked Kabuto Special Milles-feuilles." He grins.
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva follows close behind at Banagher's side, her arms folded in front of her, close to her chest. "I think it's cozy, really," she says with a small smile, looking out, over to the pool. "And not quite real... I remember seeing footage of Mazinger Z coming out of there when I was little."
At Sayaka's invitation, she sits, taking a breath, trying to relax. It's hard... but it's easier, among people Leina trusts like this. "Some tea would be lovely, if you have it," she responds to Koji's question.
She smiles a little more as he presents the pastries, taking one and... looking it over, thoughtful, rather than eating immediately. "Someone... is hunting Banagher, and the Unicorn." She looks up at Koji and Sayaka. "How much do you know about the Unicorn? About the Vist Foundation?"
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Banagher has looked better. Exhausted, he carries a suitcase behind him -- mostly consisting of Leina's Christmas gifts. Clothing, Haro supplies... Haro himself rests in a little backpack, his head poking out to survey his new home. The little robot is far more cheery than his companion, waving his winglets at each new sight.
"Miss Sayaka, Koji." Banagher greets, working up a polite smile. "Thank you so much. We're in your debt. This place, it's great, really! Definitely not what I was imagining, to be honest. Way nicer."
Sitting next to Audrey, Banagher offers her his hand. "What matters is that we can stay together." He murmurs to her. "Sayla will keep Leina safe."
Perking up slightly at the idea of the pool opening up, Banagher smiles to Koji. "We'll be sure to ask before using it. And thank you, too, for keeping the Unicorn safe here. She's been through as much as we have. Besides making sure she's fixed up, I can't ask for anything more."
Pastries. All the exhaustion in the world couldn't keep a teenage boy from being enthused about hand-made delights. Banagher offers one to Audrey, first, then takes one for himself, digging in without shame.
But Sayaka's question has to be answered. Banagher's shoulders slump, and he looks down as he finishes his pastry. "Since you're sheltering us, you deserve to know everything."
"My father was Cardeas Vist. The Unicorn -- along with me, she's the key to a century-old secret called LaPlace's Box. I don't even know what's inside it, but my family, the Vists, are after us because of it. They're willing to do anything. The last few times I've got out in the Unicorn, this... black Gundam has found me. It's called the Banshee, it's a Unicorn model as well, and--"
Haro rolls out of Banagher's backpack. With some difficulty, he makes his way to the young man's lap. "Banagher. Banagher." He chirps, and Banagher wraps his free arm around the little robot. It seems to ground him.
"There's something wrong with the Banshee. Every time I'm nearby, it's like it's tearing me apart from the inside. All these... hands come out and try to rip me apart, and they always go for my eyes, and--"
He's shaking. Banagher squeezes his eyes closed. "I can't. Risk Leina. I can't risk the Ra Mari crew, or the Garencieres crew. I've already caused so much harm. Now I'm putting everything you've both built at risk. And I'm sorry. I don't know how to make up for it. I don't know --"
Banagher lowers his head, letting his messy bangs fall in front of his eyes.
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Audrey and Banagher both comment on how nice the place is, and Sayaka smiles. "It always takes me back.. no matter how hard we're fighting for the future." They have a lot to thank this building for, allowing them to cut a path towards the future in the first place. "And of course - consider the hangar a home for the Unicorn, just like you're making yourselves at home here." The Unicorn has helped them through several battles, besides, so it's just another way of paying it back.
Sayaka's attention is /immediately/ broken by Koji bringing out the best of the best. She holds herself back /for/ now, to answer to Mineva's request for tea. "Absolutely - tea goes just perfectly with these, by the way." She grins. And once it's brewing, she takes just one for herself, leaving the rest for the guests. "It's not just these, either. I'm sure you'll have the chance to try plenty if you're staying here." She glances at Koji again, as if to say 'you're going to be very busy, aren't you?'
Mineva asks what they know about the Unicorn and the Vist Foundation. "Leina briefed me on the Unicorn. A Gundam built with layers of psychoframe.. intended to be a Newtype Destroyer. Which requires Banagher as the key." The way she and Leina talked about it, they agreed that maybe it's good that such horrible power is locked away to someone they can at least trust. "But it means a lot of people would do anything to capture them both." Sayaka frowns. Yuliana Kafim already tried, for one.
As for the Vist Foundation, Banagher goes on to explain, stating that he is the son of its founder, and they're chasing them down for something called LaPlace's Box. "We can only guess, but whatever it is.. it sounds like they're scared of anyone else finding out its contents." Whatever could it be then? It sounds shady, alright.
The Black Gundam, the Banshee, is something that would be more familiar to Sayaka and Koji. "The Banshee.. that was the Gundam that attacked the Kafim wedding." She nods, gravely. "If I recall, it was being piloted by a Londo Bell captain then. Do you think she's gotten herself involved with Vist?"
Noting Banagher's distress, Sayaka lets him move forward to the next topic. "We won't ask you to risk them." She states. "And as for us.. this Lab's faced down many, many threats in the past." And yet, it's still standing. "Rest assured, targeting you here would be a /big/ mistake on their part." There's a certain fire in the way she speaks.
<Pose Tracker> Koji Kabuto has posed.
Koji listens to Banagher's explanation, frowning. "I see, they've escalated to trying to take you down directly. Makes sense why Leina asked us to look after you, then. She's staying with Sayla still? Good. That makes sense." He nods. "I know it's rough being apart from her, but it is probably the soundest strategic option."
He glances at Sayaka. "Inheriting a robot of incredible power from a guardian figure is never easy." He gives a wry little grin. "But you have people around you who are gonna support you - hold on to them. We'll do our part too - the Photon Power Lab was our home during the war with Doctor Hell and the staff are basically all extended family to us, so it's time for us to pay it forward, right Sayaka?" There are bags under his eyes - he's been pulling all-nighters helping get Mazinger Z and Aphrodite Areia back up to readiness after Atrytone's attack - but he seems somehow as lively as ever, brimming not with confidence but enthusiasm.
Banagher expresses worry about putting the city at risk, and Koji shakes his head. "We've taken more than a few lickings in our time, and we know Britannia is waiting for a good moment to swoop in and take what we've built for ourselves. What's one more crisis to help shoulder the burden of?" He grins. "Don't worry about us, Banagher, even if we get our asses kicked if the Vists come to poke at us we'll get back up again and keep fighting. That's what a Mazin's Pride is all about - that, and not letting you go through this alone when there's people here and willing to help."
He then notices Banagher shaking and reaches out, placing a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Hey. You really shouldn't try to be taking everything on to your own shoulders. My adopted brother, Tetsuya - during the war with the Mycenaeans, he shouldered that kind of burden, thinking he was the only one capable of saving the world, even with the Getter Robo Team and the Gutsy Geoid Guard on-side to help out, and the pressure combined with feeling isolated when I reunited with our father made him snap, right at the end of the war. I know he's still haunted by the cost of that mistake." He gives a sad little smile. "He's still my brother, no matter what, and learning that I'd stick by him even when he was trying to kill me helped him get through it and become the Best Father In All Known Space. I should introduce you sometime - he's, uh, still pretty intense, though."
He clears his throat. "What I'm trying to say is - the people who love you and care about you will step up to help you fight, even if you feel like you have to do it all yourself, and that will to share a burden is one of the ideals the Photon Power Research Institute strives to uphold."
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva places his hand on Banagher's a moment, giving it a tight squeeze. With his proffered pastry in hand, now, she takes a bite. "Mm! Delicious. These are wonderful... you made these yourself?" she asks Koji, smiling at him.
The shift in subject, though, dampens her enthusiasm, as Banagher tells all. Perhaps her wariness was unwarranted, but can you blame her?
Haro rolls into Banagher's lap, and she reaches out to pet the green orb on the head, smiling softly. She nods as he describes what's gone on.
"Whatever they've done to the pilot... they're... childish. Possessive. And they're an extremely powerful Newtype." Her thoughts darken, and she suppresses a shudder at the thought of the hands grabbing at her, too. "It wasn't just Banagher, either. They wanted both of us."
Her hand moves from Haro to hug Banagher tight as he apologizes, as his spirit falls. She strokes his head, and nods to Koji. "I don't think it's Captain Aiden," she says to Sayaka's worry. "This doesn't... feel like her."
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
"This place must have so many memories for the both of you." Banagher says, softly. "That makes it all the more meaningful to allow us to stay here. Especially... knowing we're fugitives. I promise we won't do anything to betray your trust."
A pause, and then: "I was at Anaheim Electronics, before -- and I don't have a degree or anything, but I'm willing to work hard. I don't want to be a burden. Please put me to work, if there's anything I can do. I won't let you down."
Golden eyes are so serious, and so intense, despite the dark circles beneath them.
"I know you understand, Koji." Banagher says, to inheriting a robot from your guardian. "I-- really can't thank you enough. If anyone comes here to attack you, I'll fight by your side!"
Despite everything, Banagher can't resist taking another pastry. "...thank you again. These are honestly really amazing. Leina was right about your skill, Koji."
Sayaka understands the situation immediately. "Yes." Banagher replies. "It's definitely not Captain Aiden anymore. Just like Audrey says, it's... Indescribable. I never want to experience it again, but I know it'll come for me. For us. I should be thinking about how to save whatever poor person they forced to pilot the Banshee, but I just-- It knows exactly how to knock me out, and it hurts so much."
"Audrey! Audrey!" Haro chirps in response to the pats. "Together!"
At Sayaka's promises, Banagher relaxes a little. "Thank you, Miss Sayaka. I believe you. Even if the Vist Foundation is controlling the Federation, they've got limits. They couldn't mess with everyone here, no way."
Banagher tenses up, first, at Koji's touch, then relaxes into it. Leina trusts Koji. He's family to her, so... Banagher trusts him, too. "I hope he's doing better, your brother. I'd like to meet him." Even though Tetsuya tried to kill Koji, they still have such a good relationship... It reminds Banagher of Leina and Elpeo. "I have a brother too, but I've never met him. Leina says he's working with the Foundation..." His voice is hopeful. If brothers can fight so terrible and still love each other, maybe he and Alberto will be the same way?
Taking a deep breath, Banagher visibly calms in Audrey's arms. Giving himself time, he simply exists there for a few seconds, until he feels ready to face the conversation again.
"I don't know what's in LaPlace's Box." Banagher says, looking between Sayaka and Koji. "But I know it's something very dangerous to the Federation. If you two were in my shoes -- would you rush to the end, just to find it and get it over with? Or would you wait until you have an airtight plan?"
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Banagher explains how meaningful the offer is.. but he also makes an offer of his own to work, which Sayaka considers for a moment. "Something tells me you'd try to pitch in no matter what we say, and we /could/ use the extra help with both tuning the robots, and with fighting." She starts, looking at Banagher, and how the hair drops below his face. She appends that with, "I'd like to make it clear that it isn't conditional for staying here. You must be absolutely exhausted after fighting the Banshee - so please don't forget to rest, too."
The Banshee's pilot.. the way Mineva explains it, that definitely doesn't sound like Captain Aiden. She was possessive, sure, for /very good reason/.. but she wasn't so haunting. "Whoever's in there.. we'll force them out. For their sake, it sounds like, but also for your sakes. No one deserves to be targeted where it hurts like that." She nods resolutely at Mineva and Banagher.
Sayaka smiles at Koji's little pep talk for Banagher. She and Leina agreed there were some similarities in many ways, and somehow she knew that Koji would know just what to say.. especially after everything they went through with Tetsuya. "Absolutely. The Photon Power Labs stand tall today, but it's only because we knew we had each other's backs - and trusted each other with them every step of the way. If we keep that up, a Banshee will have nothing on the four of us." She adds, with pride.
Banagher's last question is an interesting one. "That's... the researcher part of me would definitely carefully study the situation before making a decision. But the Mazin Pilot in me.. might go right ahead and make a decision there." She glares over to Koji. "I suppose he might call that the Devil and the God in us. But considering both of them - I can't say which one I would pick."
<Pose Tracker> Koji Kabuto has posed.
"Psh, fugitive shmugitive." Koji grins broader. "We used to run with the AEUG back when they were just a vigilante group, too, a little colouring outside the lines to get things done is part and parcel of our operation."
This sounds like a lot of colouring outside the lines, but Koji seems unafraid of the impact of the people he's sheltering.
He nods. "Captain Aiden's objective was extremely clear at the wedding, but she was fighting everyone indiscriminately to try and get to her target. This focused intent sounds like a completely different person, for sure. Either way, Sayaka's right - best course of action is to disable it and get them out of it. To that end - if it's the same base make as the Unicorn, it might well share the same weaknesses - The Unicorn's a powerful robot, for sure, but every design has its own flaws just by the nature of... well, having to exist in the world. We had to develop new equipment just for Mazinger Z to be able to fight airborne opponents, and underwater combat... well. I can do it, but it's not fun. The change in weight distribution throws everything off."
"Oh, speaking of." He taps his tablet and passes it over. On the screen is depicted an image of two old scientists, a tall one with a bald head shaped like a lightbulb, a fluffy moustache and downward-sloping oval glasses, hunched over with his arms behind his back. The second is much shorter, with his face almost totally obscured by a mass of hair and beard that run together in an hourglass shape, bringing extra attention to his small round glasses. "These are professors Nossori, on the left, and Sewashi. They were two of our three lead scientists during the war with Dr. Hell; Nossori specialises in energy and Sewashi in engines, so they'll be a huge help in getting the Unicorn back up to spec - and you'll probably learn a lot from them both, too. Like I said - they're family to us, so you can trust them as much as you can trust us and they'll help with anything you need."
And then the question - make an airtight plan, or charge right in? Koji looks up to Sayaka, meeting her glare with an embarrassed grin. "I'd love to say that nowadays I'd stand back and observe and make a plan, but... I'd probably charge right in. Besides - a lot of the time you don't have the time to plan and holding back will cause more problems than diving in. The trick is staying in the fight long enough to plan your way out of it on the fly."
[Entertainment] Eight York> more iteration on exalted essence sheet!
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Mineva can't help but smile, a bit, as Haro exclaims her name. She nods. "... That's why we'll work together, Banagher. Haro's right. If you can't do it alone, we'll do it together."
She holds him, quietly, and closes her eyes. She radiates a quiet calm.
And she thinks about Banagher's question, for herself. It's a question she's given a lot of thought to, already... but, more and more, she's beginning to wonder if they can afford to wait, as Koji says. She idly chews her pasty as she thinks, taking a sip of tea.
A grin crosses her lips as Koji talks about running with AEUG. "I think I see why Leina and Dr. Mass trust you so well."
"Things were on a slow burn for a while, and... I'd have said it's best to plan well, plan as much as possible. But there's so much we still don't know, and... the invasion of Orb has accelerated things a lot, not to mention what Vist is doing... I don't know if we can wait."
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
Koji's grin gets a laugh from Banagher. "That's amazing! Leina talks about the AEUG sometimes. I think -- that's how it should be! Doing the right thing, no matter what the people in power think about it!"
Banagher ducks his head shyly. Sayaka saw right through him. "I used to have a really hard time connecting to people, so I'd throw myself into working on things to feel something. Even though things are better now, I feel better having a project. But -- I admit I haven't been sleeping well, so... Maybe after a night of some decent rest."
With Full Frontal aboard the Ra Mari II, and the afterimages of the Banshee's psychic attack haunting him, Banagher could barely close his eyes without panic and guilt choking him. Here... Everyone is trustworthy. They're safe. There's even a force field if they need it. Banagher smiles a little exhausted smile. Yeah... It'll be just fine. Audrey's safe, Leina's safe, the Unicorn's safe...
Audrey's embrace is so calming, Banagher feels like he could fall asleep right here... But he's got to stay awake to talk with Koji and Sayaka. Maybe, once they turn in for the night, Audrey might want to cuddle together some more... That'd be really nice.
"Miss Sayaka -- you'll help us save the Banshee's pilot?" Banagher lights up, hope sparkling in his eyes ever so faintly. "Thank you. Thank you, I've felt so selfish being afraid to try and help them. But if I can rely on everyone here, I'm sure we can do it! I'll do everything I can, and I'll trust in all of you." Banagher glances sideways to Audrey. Smiling, he squeezes her hand.
"I'm happy to let you look over the Unicorn, if it'll help us fight the Banshee. Just please be careful with her, she's very important to me." Banagher pauses, thinking. "I know it's hard to control her when another machine with psychoframe is nearby, but the Banshee seems to be immune to that when it fights me. It's every bit as fast as the Unicorn, and just as strong. Maybe stronger." Banagher shakes his head. "I wish I had more ideas."
Glancing at the tablet, Banagher can't help but smile. "They really /look/ like professors. I'd really like to meet them, Koji. I hope I won't get in their way, but learning from professionals like that would be amazing!"
Listening carefully to Sayaka's answer, Banagher sighs. "I feel like the longer the Box is waiting to be opened, the more people are getting hurt. So shouldn't I just end this and find the -- damn thing? But the last time I tried that led to the battle at Torrington and." He swallows. "People died. A lot of people got hurt. I can't let that happen ever again."
Koji seems to be in favor of charging in, and Audrey adds her support to the idea. "Yeah, I can't just do nothing. Leina really wants me to wait, and I trust her, but--!" Banagher hugs Haro tightly. "I've waited too long already. Especially if I have people to depend on, moving forward is the right choice, I'm sure of it."
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Sayaka grins at the mention of the AEUG as well. "Not to mention, the Labs staying independent even now has its perks. We might not be actively rebelling against the Titans today, but we sure aren't beholden to the Federation's every demand." Of course, that's created a sore point between them and Britannia.. but it's a bridge they'll cross Scrander-equipped in all eventualities too.
Sayaka nods sympathetically at Banagher's admission. "I understand - you wouldn't want to know how many hours of sleep I've gotten since I became director. It's not that working hard is a bad thing, but.. you're right, a good night's sleep might help. Director, 'fugitive', we all need it."
Sayaka also looks to Banagher in understanding as he mentions how important the Unicorn is to him, and to be careful. She may not have had psychoframe, but Sayaka's heart still broke like the loss of a friend when the original Aphrodite 'died'. "Koji's right, you can trust those two. The Unicorn will get the same care as the finest Mazins in our arsenal." As for the lack of ideas... "We'll think of something, Banagher. Even if when it comes to us, that usually only comes in the heat of battle."
And then onto the Box.. everyone seems to agree sooner is better, with Mineva citing the Invasion of Orb and Banagher mentioning the Battle of Torrington. "I think you're both right. If we don't know what's inside, there's not much we can do in the way of planning." Sayaka notes. "Whatever's inside, it's a bad idea to hide it from the public; these things always come out eventually." She looks at Banagher and Mineva, each holding an important task in the form of that box. "Besides... I believe humanity is resilient enough to overcome it. We almost have to be, don't you think?"
<Pose Tracker> Koji Kabuto has posed.
"When things were real bad - before I inherited Mazinger Z, back when I was a teenager a little younger than you, Banagher - I was a real firebrand. Used to take my motorbike out in the middle of the night and ride like a devil. Just to feel something. I'm glad you've found people to connect with - without Shiro to focus my attention on I'm not sure where I would be today."
Koji shakes off the gloom of the past, clapping his hands together. "Right. Is there anything else either of you would like to mention?"
<Pose Tracker> Mineva Lao Zabi has posed.
Sayaka says she'll help them, and she smiles, nodding a little. She thumbs over a small, flat, round stone in her hand. "I just... hope they don't chase us here. I understand we're fairly safe here, but..." Part of her hopes they never have to see the Banshee again. It's too much to hope, but...
She nods to Sayaka about the box's contents. "Yeah. I can't... I can't say for sure. We have no idea what's inside yet. But whatever it is... we'll make the decision when it comes time. Maybe whatever's inside is better off destroyed, not revealed. We won't know until we open it."
"But they can't be the ones to make that decision," she concludes.
<Pose Tracker> Banagher Links has posed.
"The work you do here is important." Banagher murmurs. "If the Colonies could have access to power like this, millions of lives would change for the better. Places like Sweetwater have it so hard. Even Industrial-7 had some really rough parts."
Even as a teenager, Koji sounds so cool... Banagher shrugs, looking a little embarrassed. "I was just burying myself in my studies so I wouldn't lose my scholarship. You sound way more badass. Oh, uh, I hope Shiro is doing well, by the way."
"You're so kind, Miss Sayaka. Thank you." Already, Banagher looks so much more at ease than when he first arrived. "I'm -- really happy we're here now. Finally I won't have to worry about hurting anyone just by existing."
Banagher squeezes Audrey's hand. "Whatever the Box is, I want to use it to make things better for everyone. Not just Earthnoids or just Spacenoids. Leina talks about how people need hope to be able to change their lives. Maybe the Box can provide that. But -- I believe in humanity. I believe we can all move forward together. Whatever that looks like."
A smile to Koji. "I think that's everything urgent, anyway. We'll get settled in. Thank you both again."
"Thank you!" Haro chirps, rocking back and forth in Banagher's lap. "Thank you!"
Once his few possessions are safely stored away, Banagher will find his way to the hangar to check on the Unicorn once more. Reassured with her safety, he'll return to Audrey and finally, finally, get a good night's sleep.
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Sayaka listens to Banagher murmur about the struggling Colonies and their lack of power. They can't make a promise of such a grand scale just yet, but that's always been the dream, hasn't it? Clean photon energy being capable of powering not just Free Japan, but the whole Earth Sphere and beyond.
"I wouldn't say 'badass'," Sayaka asides about Koji's /helmetless/ bike speeding. (It's a little hard to imagine these days with how iconic the Mazinger pilot helmet is). "But bike riding was definitely something we got to bond over eventually.. so it wasn't all bad."
"Shiro? He's doing fine." Sayaka nods. "He's a little closer to home, too, since Atrytone's attack got him restationed, although.. I think it's been hard for him to relax ever since." Always the reliable sort, he's almost definitely taking up guard duty as they speak.
Sayaka almost brushes off being called kind, but hearing how genuine it is, she just smiles. "You're welcome Banagher, Audrey. I really do hope it'll be like home for you."
Sayaka nods in agreement to Mineva's final statement, that the Vist Foundation shouldn't get the final say. "Definitely not. They've proven they can't be trusted with it. Still, whatever it is, like Banagher said: the only way is forward, for all of us."
With everyone on the same page, Banagher and Audrey go off to get settled in, and Sayaka yoinks one last pastry still left. "Good idea - Rest well, you two."