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Shin

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  1. "Actually, biochemical dietary research suggests that the carbohydrate release from toast is directly linked to increased performance in the adolescent population with statistically significant results in attention, problem solving and reaction time." Tarquin replied, his deadpan expression softening as he couldn't hold a straight face. "Actually, the truth is I like toast, there's not much more behind it than that." It wasn't long before his desired meal had been delivered, giving him time to process recent events whilst he nibbled on the corner of a slice. The Ceres' signature had disappeared from Tarquin's radar, and this time it wasn't because of a warp or last minute escape. Whether she were actually Marianne or Avery, the person that Tarquin had known was gone - both through discarding her facade and her actual death. His feelings were mixed, Tarquin wasn't entirely sure if he were upset that he'd lost Avery or content that Marianne had been defeated. Regardless, it was another person in his life that had left. Astin's announcement was more concerning, even if there had been no personal tie the prospect of a nuclear explosion needed some serious attention. He'd only managed a few slices and a mouthful of juice, but repairs were done and his allies needed him. "Both Marianne and Doyle were allies on the Heion Riese, I cannot deny that it is unsettling." Tarquin muttered, half-talking to Jess, half-talking to himself. It was only a matter of moments before they were back on the battlefield again, Astin had been pushed over the edge, their attitude up until now and their final declaration were a sign there was almost no hope of going back. The others had tried reasoning with them, Tarquin could see little more that he could do. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but the survival of crew needed to come before his own feelings. "Doy-... Astin. You appear to have made your final decision. It is a shame, I did not dislike your company, I hope you are able to find the closure you desire." Tarquin replied, taking aim at the Luna. "Leb wohl, mein Begleiter." Tarquin casts Assail and Sense, moves to 8,10 and uses his High Precision Rifle on Astin! - Elaine's heart began to race, Avery had been shot down. As much as a lying piece of trash she'd been, she'd been someone that had gotten along with Elaine. The same applied to Astin, was she only capable of making friends with people who turned out to be the enemy in disguise? It hurt, having been lead along all this time but even if their feelings hadn't been real, Elaine's had been. "Astin! You got a chance to turn things around! You ain't a puppet of those shitty fleabags, you're your own person!" Elaine protested, punching through a monitor and producing a small cloud of smoke. She didn't want anyone else to be strung along, Astin had the right to own up to their mistakes and make things better. "You're worth more than being a walkin' bomb! Even if you'd tricked all of us, I still saw you as a friend!" There was no use, why wouldn't they listen? Maybe if they took everyone else out, maybe then Astin would surrender? Even she knew it was wishful thinking, but it was better than accepting this. "Thorvald! Isn't there something you can say? Don't you know what to say in these situations?" Elaine cried out, desperate for answers. "Where's the silver lining to this! Where's that everything will be OK!" Elaine moves to 10,18 and attacks Saturn #1 with the LPS!
  2. Tarquin leaned back in his seat as the Aria was guided into the hangar, the short break from combat was very much welcomed after taking such damage. It was enough to quell his disappointment in losing his accuracy streak, the tired child in him had temporarily triumphed over the competitive one. Even if he was the pinacle of genetic engineering and physical capability, he was still a human child - a far cry from the grown adults, androids and aliens. He was impressed with his own ability to keep pace, but he needed to excerise some sort of self preservation. As the crew tended to the damage, Jess appeared to have shared Tarquin's thoughts but enough to act on them. He looked over at her curiously, considering that Cheryl's initial concerns about his well being could easily be justified. Tarquin smiled, an occurence that was still rare enough for it feel uncomfortable across his face, perhaps he could get used to having people around again. "That seems like a sensible idea, I'd like that." Tarquin replied, stretching his arms backwards. "Is there anything else you'd like? If they can make some toast, I would greatly appreciate it." He may have learned a lot and changed over the last few weeks, but Tarquin was always a creature of habit - even if the habits were new.
  3. "Fuckin' shit, the captain lost her memory?" Elaine swore, slamming her fist down on the controls next to her. The battle was hard enough with the enemy forces but having to rely on someone who remembered nothing was going to make it even worse. The only consolation was that Jess wouldn't remember their strained relationship. "Can't be thinkin' like that, not at a time like this. Get ya shit together, Elaine..." Elaine looked down to her controls, one button catching her eye for the umpteenth time. The Lunar Transient Phase was a toy she was particularly fond of - a super-mode as such. If there was a way to show the Sacarians she was serious, it was going to be pulling out all the stops. She'd been messed around enough, it was time to show her allies she could be trusted and show her enemies that she was force not to be messed with. Pressing down on the button firmly, Elaine grinned as her cockpit lit up. The Oberon's thrusters roared, unfolding from the unit's back and letting out crimson flames. It wasn't that flashy, her uncle hadn't been one for telegraphing out a machine's potential, but it was satisfying nonetheless. "Thanks, Shark, we're gonna throw this cat out for the night." Elaine chuckled, charging at her foe at a frightening pace. She could only describe it as being on a really fast, really deadly rollercoaster, but that was OK. Elaine casts Strike and Valor, activing LTP! Remaining grounded, she moves to 8,13 and attacks the Poesis with LPS! "Just ensure you continue to hit the mark." Tarquin replied, dissatisfied with the cooperation. Working with Carlos was somewhat irritating, but it was a necessity that he had to deal with. "This is Puppet, returning to the Heion Riese for repairs" Tarquin announced, maneouvering his unit back to the ship. Tarquin's arsenal had been almost entirely spent, he'd have been left bashing foes with his shield if he stayed out much longer - and that was a possibility he would rather avoid facing if possible. Tarquin returns to the Heion Riese to restock!
  4. Although there wasn't much that Thorvald could do to remedy his immediate situation, Tarquin at least felt that his leader had taken his concerns and position on board. That kind of field presence was necessary with the captain's memory out of commission. It was a problematic issue, there was little telling how easy or even how possible it was to recover an android's memory. "Thank you, Papa Bear. We shall do our best to provide support." Tarquin replied, adjusting his console's settings gently. "We are still capable of providing fire support as needed." His own life was at risk, but that was something that the entire crew had faced for their time together. The world he dreamed for needed them all to fight on. A world where he could have his freedom, where Makoto could grow up and one in which Nikolai was safe. Everyone has their own reasons to pull through, but their best chance was together. That included their newcomers. Tarquin decided to drop Tycho a message, if only for the knowledge he had shared that sentiment. "This is likely rather surreal, but I can confirm you this is something our crew has faced frequently." Tarquin assured. "I look forward to your coordination with our tactics." Tarquin casts Sense!
  5. "Scheiße, da ist mein 100% Genauigkeitsrekord." Tarquin muttered, the edges of his vision blurring then slowly returning to focus. He hadn't felt quite right since the beginning of the battle, although he put that down to the grand scale of it and the barrage of attacks he'd received. It was a difficult shot, but the child in him was annoyed that his streak had been spoiled. Perhaps it could act as a reminder that despite everything he was still only a fourteen year old boy in a game of war. That being said, the Aria wasn't a toy that he could afford to break, both he and Jess had been pushing it hard. "Jess, we've taken significant damage, we may need to adjust our risk assessment." Tarquin warned, a dull ache gently pulsing across his forehead. They were low on ammunition and generator reserves, and multiple console messages were making a good case for not taking much more damage. "Papa Bear, the Aria has taken significant damage, we may need to relocate for repairs."
  6. Tarquin attacks Deimos 4 with his Full output rail gun then hit and aways to 12,9!
  7. Flavour later! Elaine casts Strike, moves to 6,6 and attacks Deimos 3 with her Dual Beam Rifle!
  8. Tarquin had definitely felt the impact from the last attack, it was only the combination of his rapid response bringing up the shield and Jess' coordination that they had avoided a disaster. The Aria had taken the hit well, nothing was flagging up as non-functional - it would just be a matter of maintaining a little more distance between them and the enemy. "Jess, we need to relocate, this position is no longer advantageous." Tarquin warned, his vision blurring momentarily as his eyes scanned one of the displays. That was probably a warning from his body to decist from putting it in harm's way, despite his genetics he was still physically a teenage boy. "If you are able to manage our movement, there is something I wish to try," Bringing up another display on one of the panels, Tarquin flicked through a few menus, several sporting large red warnings. "Usually the railgun's firing mechanism is limited by generator output and timed cooldown. By temporarily bypassing said mechanism it would allow for a shorter firing interval... with time required to aim taken into account. Of course that is assuming that current remains within acceptable range and taking Biot-Savart's l-..." Tarquin explained, pausing mid-ramble. He had spent a few nights trying to figure out the practicality of the attack. "My apologies, in short, we would be able to fire in rapid succession for perhaps two or three shots allowing for power reserves." Tarquin uses Targetted, Firing! He then hits and aways to 12,15!
  9. Elaine gritted her teeth, it stung to think that Astin thought so little of them and even more that it had all been an act from the very beginning. "It ain't too late to change things, Astin! You gonna be happy serving some furry fuckin' space cats for the rest of your life? I don't know what happened, why are you so angry, why are you so willin' to throw our world to those cats?" Elaine protested, locking onto her next target. If she couldn't convince Astin with words, perhaps taking down everything else around them would work. After all, it was how Elaine solved her problems in prison. "I ain't gonna sit down and let shit happen. Even if the big dicks at the ANF want to send me to jail after all this, at least I'll have a cell to be sent to!" Elaine stays put and attacks Cressida #4 with her Revolver Stake!
  10. Elaine watched as Kim finished off her target, deriving a great deal of satisfaction from watching it go down. Even if people didn't like her that much on a personal level, she could at least contribute on the field. She was looking at a cell when this was all over, but taking down genocidal cat aliens was enough to keep her going. "Ain't no point worryin' about jail if there ain't a jail to go to." Elaine muttered, her hotheaded confidence slowly rising from her chest as she gripped her controls. She was bad at making smalltalk and keeping her temper, but she wasn't going to let herself be known for fighting like a wimp. "Looks like we took some chunks out of those fleabags. If they think they can face another wave they got another thing comin-... shit." Was that Astin in the other Luna? Elaine was wracking her brains for an explanation. Maybe they had been tricked or brainwashed into fighting against them, there was no way that Astin was actually with Apotheosis. "Astin, is that you? You ain't thinkin' straight! Whatever lies Apotheosis have fed you are bullshit!" Elaine protested, slamming her fist down on a monitor. "You fought with us so many times, don't that mean something? You can't just switch sides like that, there's gotta be something they ain't tellin' you!"
  11. Being on the battlefield was better, at least now everyone was focused on their goal rather than what Elaine had done. The heat of battle, the adrenaline rushing through her veins, it was enough to dampen down her nerves and anxiety. The odds were against them, no doubt their enemy were going to gun for the Heion Riese and take out command. There were more than a few familiar machines on the field, Elaine swore that she could see two versions of the Luna, one on their side and... the enemy? It didn't make sense, didn't each Apotheosis ace have their own unique machine like a video game boss? Her curiosity was getting the better of her, were there Vera clones too? If Apotheosis had figured out a way to clone their best pilots... well, they had bigger problems on their hands. "Hey, you, Luna pilot. You ain't another one of those clones are you?" Elaine asked, anxious to find out their fate. "I ain't likin' the look of your machine, but it ain't gonna scare me off any time soon." She also had the battle to focus on, getting distracted by one unit wasn't going to help anyone. Hopefully her questions would be answered soon. Elaine moves to 12,17 and attacks Cressida #1 with her rifle!
  12. Tarquin had expected a large battle, Apotheosis and the Sacarians were not going to let up at any point. Soor'Kan's defeat would have been an accomplishment, perhaps even satisfying under any other circumstances but the incoming waves of enemies had a decided hold on his concentration. There was little time to even acknowledge Kim, the kamikaze attack on the Heion Riese quickly moved into the spotlight. Their ship was most definitely a threat to their foes, a symbol that their defeat was possible, taking it down would provide both a tactical and symbolic victory for them. "Jess, we will have to provide covering fire when required. There are too many enemies, if we get surrounded we will become detrimental to our team. Have primary thrusters ready to move." Tarquin commented, his eyes scanning his monitor as he searched for a suitable position to relocate to. "We shall have to rely on the support crew to maintain the Riese. I have faith in our captain to overcome the attack, we must focus on facilitating it." There were a variety of new units deployed by Apotheosis, but there was one ally that the ANF had that Tarquin wasn't too pleased with. The Captain had definitely employed her recruitment tactic well when filling the crew with their former enemies, but it left a bitter taste in Tarquin's mouth when he held a personal vendetta against said former enemy. "Santana, I cannot say I am remotely pleased to be working alongside you, but I shall consider you an ally for the duration of this mission." Tarquin transmitted, his eyes still fixed on his screen. "If you were to require assistance I would comply, but I would consider you the lowest priority if multiple objectives arose." Tarquin moves to 13,14!
  13. (Flavour to come) Tarquin moves to 13, 8! Elaine casts Accel and moves to 12,10!
  14. Elaine had been given plenty of time to think about her actions, the isolation had also meant she hadn't really faced anyone after her incident. Jess at least considered her useful enough to have on the battlefield, but she had a feeling it was a matter of necessity rather than one of trust. Even walking down the hallway felt awkward, she had no clue who she'd bump into and what they could possibly say to her. It was sickening, feeling like a villain whilst walking in the place where she was meant to be fighting for good. Fighting against an evil alien race and terrorists made it a little easier to stay focused, but the looming threat of a trip back to jail after it was all over made her uneasy. Could she really prove herself to be trustworthy again? "Shit, fightin' and doin' my best is the only thing I can do." she muttered, averting her gaze from the crew passing her in the hallway. She'd never felt so small, a disgusting little part of her had wished she'd taken up Louise's offer before - surely it couldn't be much worse than this? Ignoring the mutterings of people around her, Elaine entered the hangar, keeping her head low as she approached the Oberon. She looked up at her machine, smiling gently. "At least I got something that don't hate me. Ain't that right buddy?" she chuckled, turning her head to the side. It took her a few moments to process it, but her Oberon was parked right next to the Aria. There was no sign of the plant, but his eye patch wearing sidekick was there. Visibly flinching, Elaine unintentionally made eye contact with Jess, quickly attempting to return to a more normal posture. "Shi-... oh hey, uh... how's it going? Uh, you look ready for a fight... I mean not with me, the aliens." Elaine laughed, trying to play her poor wording off as a joke. "Is the pla-... Tarquin about? Gotta have him to do that snipin' thing." The best outcome would be awkward silence, the worst was a punch in the face - it certainly wouldn't have been unwarranted.
  15. The journey had given Tarquin plenty of time to reflect on the events of the meeting. Their enemies had become allies and their allies had become enemies, the only real indicator of who to fire at was whether or not one considered themselves friends with a sentient feline race. It made sense, history has shown a common enemy united even the most unlikely of forces. They would need them though, especially against the power that Louise had described. Jess' announcement hadn't particularly shocked him, although it had interrupted his reading. It was unlikely that they could approach the enemy base without some sort of altercation. Putting down his book, titled Rehabilitative Physiotherapy, onto the table, he rose from his seat. The battle ahead was going to be a large one, but it was the last obstacle to his future. Tapping away at his communicator, he dropped Makoto a brief message before he emerged from his room. "Did you hear the captain's message? I shall see you in the hangar."
  16. Tarquin reached towards Kim, allowing her to help him to his feet. It took him a few moments to steady himself, the room was somewhat of a blur. He was still struggling to understand what had driven Elaine to attack, was there something that he had done to provoke her? As much as he disliked her, he hadn't expected outright assault. Makoto appeared disappointed, he recalled his friend being on good terms with her. Whatever image he had of her was probably destroyed. The whole meeting had come to an end with a dramatic conclusion, Tarquin made a mental note to go over what had been discussed and process it all later. The battle was far from over, there was plenty to plan for. The Sacarians still had their own aces, even if they had taken Louise, Vera and Esther from their ranks. "Understood, thank you, Lieutenant Kim." Tarquin replied, his eyes fixing on the exit. All he needed was to get some rest and contemplate everything later. However, there were a few social calls he needed to make at some point - bizarrely there were members of crew he felt the need to speak to. "I was actually hoping to discuss some matters, when it is convenient for you of course."
  17. Elaine had little time to process what she'd done, let alone react to Jess' apprehension of her. Before she knew it, she was firmly against the wall and being displayed as a madwoman once more to the crew. Her eyes continued to dart around the room, not a single soul was coming to her aid. She'd overstepped the line for the last time and she had no way to justify herself. Casting her eyes downwards at the floor, Elaine couldn't bring herself to resist - even she knew how guilty she was. After all this time, she'd managed to burn herself out. Everyone had come aboard the Heion Riese with their own differences but they'd all been able to get along. The only exception had been Elaine herself, she had been the one causing the problems. Maybe some time away from the front-line to sort her own head out was what she needed. Whether it were in a jail cell or a padded room, it was almost sickening that she'd punched a teenager because she lost her temper. The worst part was how they were all gathering around Tarquin. As smug and as judgemental as he was, she'd been the one to punch him. Makoto's expression hit her hard, some hero of justice she'd been. - The whole experience had been a blur to Tarquin, everything had happened in slow motion yet he had been powerless to respond in time. The room around him slowly came back into focus, the medley of voices becoming more distinct with each passing second. Kim and Makoto towered over Tarquin as he lay on the ground, he could only stare back as the realisation of what occurred sank in. "Ich bin nicht überrascht, aber ich bin enttäuscht." he muttered, moving his reddened hand away from his face. He was doing his best to keep his composure, but his hand was visibly shaking in front of him. "The medbay would probably be appropriate. I would appreciate the assistance." Tarquin replied, leaning himself forwards to sit up. It was only then that his face began throbbing, the sheer shock of the matter had numbed the pain temporarily. Of all the enemies that could have wounded him, it was frightening to think a supposed ally was capable of such an attack.
  18. Any confrontation that Tarquin could have had with Abigail had promptly been cut short by Jess, most likely to keep the meeting civil. Despite understanding the logic, he couldn't help but remain displeased with Abigail's comments. "Understood, Captain. I shall address these issues at a more appropriate time." Tarquin replied, sittind himself down on his chair in time for Louise to out both Astin and Elaine. It had been a possibility, but Astin had hidden their treachery incredibly well, nobody would have expected them at all. With so many clones present, another one was not particularly shocking albeit Astin's low profile meant Tarquin had not even considered it. However, Elaine had managed to disappoint him even further, it seemed like an impossible task to give her the benefit of the doubt. No matter how many chances she was given, Elaine managed to prove time and time again that she was incapable of being trusted. He had initially considered he had been too judgemental in the beginning, but his judgement had proved to have good basis with the current revelation. "Doyle being revealed as an enemy operative is unfortunate... although they are unlikely to have obtained any further information than their other sources could have obtained." Tarquin added, casting his gaze over to Elaine. He had gotten along with Astin for the most part, they had unfortunately become another person on the list of people who had disappeared from his life. "Capture would likely prove a difficult task, with the risks outweighing any potential gains. - "Shit... fuck, Astin can't be, it just ain't... Astin was my friend!" Elaine began, her face blanching as Louise outed her in a brutally swift call out. Everyone knew what she'd done, there had been no chance to silence or reason with anyone, there was no way that she'd be able to explain herself, not like this. Jess had always had it out for her, and now Elaine had delivered her a reason to toss her in the brig. If she'd been less selfish or cowardly she could have avoided this entirely. It was her own poor decision making that had landed her in the situation, there was no skirting around that. "No, it's... fuck... it ain't like that!" she protested, looking around the room. Who would even help her? Brant? No, he would keep quiet otherwise he'd be an accomplice. Thorvald? Even the team dad couldn't support a mole. Kim? She'd probably just wrestle her to the ground again. Nobody was going to step up and back her up, they were all against her... she didn't have a decent friend on the entire ship. Even Aliza had run away rather than supporting her. And then there was the plant. He had been out to get her from day one. The sly remarks, his sickening smug face, the fact that he pranced around thinking he was better than her... she bet he was judging her that exact moment. She'd always tried her hardest, it was always a constant struggle to do the right thing, to be the hero... why did nobody see that? Tarquin had already cast his judgement when he first met her, he was never going to give her a chance. None of them were, it had all started from him. Tarquin's stare had been too much for her, it was the last straw. Her body acting on its own, Elaine clenched her fist, leaping up and swinging at the boy's face in a single fluid motion. Her fist collided directly to Tarquin's face, taking him by surprise and knocking him and his chair backwards. It was only when she heard his body hit the floor that she realised what she'd done. She could see Tarquin looking up at her from the ground, his nose bloodied and his eyes terrified. She lowered her fist slowly, looking around at the rest of the room - there was no coming back from this one.
  19. Tarquin had gotten an answer that he hadn't wanted from Louise, but it had been the one he had expected. The technical details and the logistics of the Sacarian forces passed over his head somewhat as he came to terms with his creator's treachery, although he could appreciate the sheer amount of resources their foe possessed. Knowing that the professor had willingly sabotaged his birthplace and left him to die to an ambush did offer some solace - it meant that he didn't even need to consider the possibility of a rescue mission any more. It was somewhat sickening to know the technology used to create him was now being used by their foes, he was having to make an active effort not to consider them as familial. "My name is Tarquin not number four, the only family I require is aboard the Heion Riese." he replied, determined to show he was his own individual. "Science may have created me, but I create my own life." Louise was clearly out for getting a reaction from him, he'd only known her as cruel and sadistic. Granting her that gratification would only allow her to crawl deeper under his skin. He said nothing more to her, shooting her a cold unforgiving glare. Jess had some questionable recruitment plans for their new guests, although from a strictly strategic point of view and the presumed power of their foes it would be a risk that could be worth taking. There was the chance they could run rogue but with the current state of things it was better than having them as foes. "I take no issue with said arrangements, Captain." Tarquin replied, putting his distaste for Louise to the side for the moment. "However, I will not hesitate to act if any of our new allies prove to be hostile." It was something he could accept, if it lead him closer to a new world, both for him and Nikolai. - "Shit! You've got to be fucking with me, this is crazy!" Elaine shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Vera and Louise. People were accusing Astin of being a traitor and accepting these two? "Astin ain't no traitor, you're accusing them and letting people who have actually tried to kill us all walk around an' forgive all their shit! What if they decide that Apotheosis are a more temptin' option midbattle? Switching their units off still screws up our plans. " How could everyone be OK with it? Elaine had hoped to remain quiet to keep a low profile but she couldn't cope. Vera had been in the position to murder them all several times, what would stop her from going psycho on them all? She'd apparently murdered the plant child's entire base, there was nothing stopping her doing it again. The thought of Louise made her physically unwell, nausea and palpitations were ravaging her body. She could feel a cold sweat on the back of her neck. Louise free meant she could out her secret at any moment, there would be no way that Elaine could rest easy at all. Either Louise would blackmail her forever or she was earning a one way ticket back into jail. "I get these space cats are tough, but I ain't comfortable knowin' I could get stabbed from the back as well as the front." Elaine protested, it was all getting too much. "This ain't some crappy game where your enemies join you to kill the bad guy and all live happily ever after!" - One thing Tarquin did take issue with was Abigail's use of Nikolai of an example. The captain's negligence may have contributed to his crippling injuries but it irritated him to see his friend used as ammunition to make a point. He turned to face Abigail, standing up as he made his response. It was hard to be remotely intimidating at five feet tall, but the disapproval on his face was hopefully enough to show his feelings. "Follow your own advice and stop speaking. You don't talk about Nikolai as if he were fodder that wasn't given a second thought." Tarquin fumed, more upset about the matter than he initially had expected. "I saw him after he was shot down, you don't get to talk about him like that."
  20. Tarquin had positioned himself as close to the heart of the meeting room, with all the recent events he had begun to feel that remaining silent only meant he was dragged along for the ride. If it had been a week or so prior, having most of the Heion Riese's most threatening foes lined up in front of them would be an unsettling concept for Tarquin. Admittedly, he wasn't entirely comfortable with both Vera and Louise in the same room, three security androids seemed like a rather small number for the duo. Executing them immediately would have been the safest option, but there was valuable information that was potentially worth the risk. The opportunity had appeared and the captain had taken her chances, a decision that hadn't come back to bite her so far. The line between enemy and ally had been blurred considerably, their crew was currently full of reformed foes... but they'd certainly lost allies too. Avery's act had fooled him completely, Tarquin was reluctant to accept that his entire dynamic with her had been fictitious on her part. Calina and her group were a welcome addition to their forces, her attitude was a reasonable fit for their motley crew too. She had her own reasons to fight against Apotheosis and the chances were that cooperation would allow the ANF to overlook her previous hostilities. "If our objectives align I see no issue with Miss Rydell's inclusion. As long as she maintains her promise of cooperation." Tarquin replied, giving his opinion on the matter. He couldn't quite get a read on Calina, but as much as the recruitment drive had worked so far there was no room for being overtly accepting. "If the Captain is willing to trust you then as I am." Their next guests were more problematic, Louise's story was more insane than he could have imagined. What was Makoto's father doing creating a robotic clone of Louise? Was he really being held against his will? He didn't dare share that thought with Makoto, but pioneering in cutting edge science without being at least partially willing was unlikely. That raised the question of his own creator, was Professor Liebenwalde revelling in the same environment? Was Nina the result of his input, combining the Sacarians' technology with his own? He averted his gaze from Louise, he couldn't help but find her twisted willingness to aid them unsettling. Firmia had already asked for numbers and details, "Liebenwalde, is he working for Apotheosis of his own free will?" Tarquin asked, uncertain which answer he'd prefer. The incident at Corona Ten was telling enough, but confirming it would close things for him once and for all.
  21. Having one person pay attention to her was stressful enough, but Talia's knees were ready to give way. "Oh, I... if that's not a problem." Talia replied, all three of them were focused on her. What was she meant to say, could she even say anything? It wasn't like talking to Makoto, these people were far more stressful. She could feel the colour draining from her face. It was her chance to be included, to try and mingle with everyone else, why was it so difficult? It stung a little a when Tristan referred to her as Tarquin's sister, having an association to him didn't exactly sit well with her... but it was the only really defining factor that she had at this point. Forcing a smile, she decided to bite the bullet. Alriana's offering of a clawed handshake only added to her anxiety, but it was a gesture that Talia had to take. Extending her hand and shaking the claw sheepishly, Talia took a few moments to comprehend that she was shaking hands with a literal humanoid shark alien. The real kicker was when Alriana asked what her role was, Talia's face went completely blank in almost an instant. What did she actually do? Admitting to be a failure genetically modified clone child didn't exactly give off the best first impression, but she was hard pressed to actually come up with an answer. "I... I was rescued from Corona Ten, the research facility." Talia replied timidly, not even realising that she was still shaking Alriana's hand. Her body and mouth both seemed to have a mind of their own. "I was genetically engineered to pilot, just like T-4... Tarquin and the others. I'm a little rusty though, it's been years since I've piloted properly, I was hoping to get back into it or find something I can do to help." Talia took a few moments to realise what she had just said. Being murdered by Vera in Corona Ten was starting to seem like a missed opportunity.
  22. Brant was at least willing to catch up with Elaine later, something that reassured her that someone wouldn't jump on her if things went poorly with Louise. Louise wasn't the only prisoner they had to worry about either. Esther seemed harmless but Elaine could easily imagine the havok that Vera could carry out left unchecked. Whether she were inside a robot or on foot, she wasn't an enemy that Elaine was willing to face any time soon. Looking back, her potshot on the colony had been a bold move... and perhaps a very foolish one if Vera had decided to retaliate. Elaine shook her head, deciding it wasn't a good time to dwell on the past. "I'm actually with Kim on this one." Elaine remarked, smirking at Kim's desire to fight. They'd all come this far and had their own reasons for fighting, but she was certain nobody would sit out if beating Apotheosis was on the table. "Ain't gonna lie, talkin' to the prisoners might not be the safest move, but we gotta get whatever advantages we can. Apothoesis ain't exactly playin' fair borrowing those scientists. Pretty sure Vera won't talk easy, like a fucking samurai she is."
  23. The mention of Avery's name made Elaine's blood boil again, to think Christina had faced the risk of death because of her actions... Elaine certainly would have some choice words for her. It was reassuring that Kim hadn't taken any serious damage to her brain but Megumi's need to ask the prisoners meant that they were still in very unfamiliar territory. Psychic, clones and aliens, it all seemed like something from a cheesy cartoon. Elaine wasn't a genius, nor did she have psychic powers, how much she could actually add to this problem felt rather limited. She"If Apotheosis can make clones of people with psychic powers... do they also like make them too?" Elaine asked, wondering to herself how far ahead Apotheosis were in times of science. "I mean, they've got those Sacarians providing them with a tonne of kit. Ain't those cats got psychic powers too or something?" Her heart sank a little at the mention of the prisoners, no doubt there was going to be plenty of information that Megumi could retrieve. However, what Louise could reveal in addition was worrying, and something that seemed more likely with every passing moment. "Brant, mind if I catch you in a bit?" Elaine asked subtly, slowly inching closer to him. "Got a few things on my mind." - Talia had remained relatively low profile during the last battle, despite her desires to take part she'd avoided the entire thing. Was it something she'd done intentionally, she hadn't made an active decision to hide herself away but she hadn't risen to the occasion. After all the training she'd done with Makoto, she still wasn't ready to support the rest of the crew. She let out a sigh as she walked through the cafeteria, she'd made so much progress with everything but the life she desired seemed so far away. The kitchen would provide a welcome distraction from her woes, even if visiting it had been inspired by the series Culinary Conflicts. "Oh? There are people here?" Talia remarked, pausing as she spotted the trio in the kitchen. She recognised two of them, but Alriana stuck out in the otherwise very civilian situation. She couldn't even show her fear, the bewilderment she felt managed to trump the terror of seeing a humanoid shark among the crew. She raised her hand nervously, forcing her mouth to emit at least a few sounds. "Hi... I... is it OK if I join you?" Talia gave an awkward grin, the sinking feel in her stomach returning. If she was lucky, the ground would swallow her up there and then.
  24. Makoto's explanation was enough to give Tarquin context for the situation. It was almost amusing how the people in his life were forming a social circle around him. Previously he would have dismissed Makoto's trust in Jess as misplaced, but his outlook on his friends and people had changed. For a start, he actually had people he could consider friends. As idetic as his memory was, the only other trainee he had learned the name of at the base had been Bruno. Tarquin almost wondered how the man would have reacted seeing such a stark change in his perceptions. Perhaps one day he would be able to find him again to let him know. It was a lesson for Tarquin, maintaining friendships looked like more work than making them. "I can trust Jess too, she was my co-pilot for the last mission. She was able to assist at several key moments." Tarquin replied, affirming his friend's position. He looked at Jess, picking up traces of her unease. Had she felt out of place aboard the Aria or was it concerns about her performance? "If you are willing, I would like you to join me piloting the Aria as a long term arrangement. I feel we are able to synergise well and I enjoy your company." Tarquin answered. He hadn't needed to say the last part of his response, but it was sla sentiment he wished to share. "I would not oppose visiting the cafeteria along with Jess."
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