Nanami Touko

"Aggggh!" The feline stepped in, and did something to him, his body suddenly unable to move on its own, peppered by the woman's fists--although he did manage to make one miss. "Hey you--" The healer was torn apart by... something, he couldn't quite make any sense of it. It was a real monster, the kind that the horror stories made to scare the Islexian children reveled in. He turned to his then, only remaining companion, "Rgh... Krystal! Don't just stand there, immolate these bastards! They'll kill you when they hear that you condoned all of this! Stood by and did nothing! Help me fight back...!" Krystal had been yelled at, shaken, threatened, and now was being barked at by the same people that only gave a shit if she shook her tits at them. They'd all be content to come for her tail with a knife and put a bag over her head; none of them actually liked her. They kept her around because she listened. Because she was one of the good ones. Because she bowed to orders like the 'good monster she was'. If this is my chance out of this life... If these people can win where those useless pirates failed...! "You... You, want something immolated~?" She slowly picked herself up and produced a fireball, Amera squeaking and M losing all her anger as her eyes became transfixed on the bright light. Krystal smiled. "Here's your Gods damned fireball you wretched piece of shit!!" Krystal sit still, cast fire on Fighter #4

"Hmph, looks like you don't even need my help." He scoffed a bit, but it was a warm, welcome sight, to see the Tigers dealing with these people so well after how tough the conflict with the Underground had been... They're all growing stronger. Jeremiah, thank you... Let's hope that we never have to face each other in a serious battle. For a moment, Versaris thought back to their conflict with Lucille. The other members of the Asteria had attacked them, Tanvir and his allies. If Jeremiah had been there, would he have joined them? Perhaps. Perhaps some of them would be in much more dire straits than they were now. "No matter... If it comes to that, and I have to choose between him, and family... He knows where I stand." Versaris to 4,27

"Alright, middle's dealt with. Keep moving up. Small break... For what that's worth." Cass took a deep breath, tearing a strip off of her clothing and wrapping it around the area that myrmidon had cut into her. Her clothes could be replaced. Having open weaknesses for them to strike at would make it harder for her. Cass to 15,25 "There's, people behind us. Rrghhn..." Sylm was gripping the hand that she'd cast from, her fingers still tense and twitching... This happened at times. Too much magic. She couldn't stress another cast, lest she cause irreparable damage. She'd tried before. It hadn't been pretty... "That's why you taught yourself to use a sword, Sylmaria." She drew the blade and locked eyes with one of the pirates, rushing him and coming down on his axe arm with the blade! Sylm to 16,19, iron sword Pirate #4 M peered around the corner... Corsairs. Likely coming back from one of Kazran's ships. "Feh... No one to block me. Not throwing away the freedom I just got back... Forward it is." As she moved up alongside another one of the clouded mercenaries, a glint of metal flashed by her eye... The cowering cow was holding a weapon on her. A gun. "You bitch." M lifted the woman up with her meager strength, mandibles clacking angrily in front of her mouth. "Give me back my gun!" "Wh-- Hwahh!? Wh-What!? This!? Take it! I don't care, j-just leave me alone!" M to 10,25, shake the cow down for her gun "You two good?" Amera was surprised the insect woman had it in her to frisk down the horned one while there were still problems ahead of them. "Hey, miss horns, help me if you're not gonna fight us anymore, yeah?" Amera took a deep breath and hopped in place a moment before rushing at the man with a speed not seen before, a flurry of punches colliding with his chest, along with a shocking touch! Amera to 10,27, electrify Fighter #4! "Yikes, more of you? Gods, how many racists can you fit in one building!?" Alvira groaned, but turned her attention to the armored man far ahead. "Uh, you guys handle them, I'm gonna melt some metal! C'mere, tin can!" Alvira to 3,25, Light lance armor #3!

With the armors taken care of, Amera ran forward, checking down the halls ahead of them. "All clear for now! Hey, missy, you're really not gonna fight us, right? Cuz otherwise, I'd have to kill you." Amera let out a flurry of blows against the air, the threat obvious. "Yes! I'm done! I won't fight you! Wahhhhh... P-Please, no violence, ughhhnnn, Gawds... I'm gonna be sick..." Amera mrows to 11,25

"Thank you." Cass took a breath and actually felt her lungs fill fully. Healing magic was amazing... the problem now, was... "Fuckin' armors... Oi, Sylm! You really gonna stand in that guy's face and tempt death!? Idiot, duck!" Cass to 17,22, Light on Lance armor #4

Alvira let Versaris run off towards whatever he wanted to handle, following up after Syndra's icy assault. "Hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna make sure he goes down and stays there!" Alvira to 3,21, Light Merc #7

"Hahh... I... Yeah. I'm, we can, yeah. The dress. I'm good." Selu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself after... that. She'd almost played along with it and suggested they go to a hotel, but she bit back the thoughts and managed to remain sane. Not like I won't be thinking about it all day, anyway... I know what's happening to these clothes as soon as we get back. Hope she's gentle with them, since they're new... "I, think I'll wear this out." She put the dress on the counter to go and then hopped up on it herself so the things she was wearing could be scanned. "Anything else you want to do while we're out, Catrin? We didn't have any tests scheduled until tomorrow, so... We've basically got all day. Could get something to eat, see a movie, go to the arcades... All the Earthly amenities, right?" "Sure, the arcade sounds good." Miz put her eyes to the mall as they walked through it, looking at different stores for so many things. Apparel, electronics, home living, niche commodities... Is that an 'as seen on TV' store? Damn, they still make infomercial products? Crazy... You'd think they'd have all gone to the internet by now-- and really, out here? Maybe Callisto just has an outdated view on Earth's entertainment and the like... She didn't pay it much mind; it was an interesting looking store... And much more fun to stare at then meet the gazes of the onlookers she was getting. Even if they didn't recognize who she was, her augments still stood out like a sore, red thumb. "Which games are you good at, Markus? I, uh... Maybe some Mario when I was younger. I think it was called that. Super Mario... something." "If you think Callisto drives you ragged, just wait until we're alone, and I'll happily redefine the word for you." Azame really waggled her eyebrows at that one, happy to come on strong so long as she wasn't getting met with a no. It didn't seem like Anne here was gonna bite, but it was worth trying~ "Oh, yeah, the Dawn. Imminent Dawn, pretty good name for a spaceship. Couldn't tell you why I got reassigned to it so suddenly, but I'm there now... And it's here for... ... ... Uh. Hm. Y'know," Azame stared off into space for a second, an embarrassed look on her face; wry smile, furrowed brow, slight blush, "I, uh, forgot to ask. I was so excited with the assignment and all... Just saw the Captain and then, bounced. Ahah. We do have a Captain, though-- just mentioned her. Real pretty lady. Selensy Silverwindow or something? I'll check when I get back to the ship... You want a tour~? Could show you around the hangar, the ship's amenities... Maybe we get cozy in my machine's cockpit?" Senri's eye twitched slightly, not at Azame's blatant lack of protocol, but at the swift and seamless motion of that thing's tail. That's NOT an augment. What the fuck!? Even the most advanced prosthetic tail couldn't wrap around a stool so swiftly and perfectly... What the fuck are you? Senri's left hand twitched a bit, quickly balling it into a fist to keep it stable. Thinking about his history with prosthetics had made his own shift some... He'd seen plenty in his time in the CEN. Aesthetic ones, prosthetic ones, ones meant for unorthodox combat and adding the use of a third limb, so to speak... This was too perfect. Too extreme. It was either some new tech that AHI had access to and he was wildly unaware, or... That's just your tail, security guard... Fuck. What are you, then? A mutant? A science experiment? Am I overthinking this? There's no way aliens exist and this is just, the only one we've made contact with... Maybe it really IS just new AHI tech? Ahhhh, I hate this! Stress! Calm down, Senri, calm down... Focus on the breasty pilot-- make a pun, it'll bring down your tension. "Yes, I'm sure you've been bouncing all over the place," he interjected, giving a perfectly well trained smile to add to his comment, "but are you sure you're allowed to give tours to civilians? Isn't that a, how should we say... Security risk?" Azame scoffed. "What, you two people I should be worried about? Two little apartment contractors? Pfffft. Who cares. You see a robot, you see a robot. AHI's got a bunch of their own products being tested all the time... I'm sure you could go for a half hour walk and see some through the fences on their lab grounds." "Fair enough, fair enough... And you should only be worried about me if you try to turn those wiles on me instead, miss Azame. I'm ready, this time." "Don't threaten me with a good time, Sensen~" "N-Nicknames already, huh...?" Maybe he wasn't the match for her he thought he was... "Hmph~ Good boy. All you had to do was let me watch, goodness. Exacerbating your own long day into something even longer..." She smiled smugly, leaning back against him, eyes focused on the screen. "I can see that... Mmm... Whoa. They really... And the thrust, is... It's this much of an...?" Thesephine seemed to be genuinely paying attention to the simulation, mumbling things to herself as her eyes shot across the simulation's viewscreen, then glancing down to the controls Daeran was implementing. "This is state of the art... I mean, duh, but it's so much sleeker and more powerful than the HEX-2s... What does CEN even need this strong a machine for, anyway? And your ship has so many of them. Hmmm... What a curious little company. Well, it's an impressive model, even if I think it's overkill~ Show me some more, yes?" "A-Alrenne?" Vivien's panic subsided somewhat as one of three people she felt comfortable around showed up, slowly shifting back to standing properly. "M-Maybe... But, let's not beat around the bush. You don't want some neet that's gonna be shut in her room for the rest of her life... And my trauma with people is from years ago. Just, dumb, stupid teenager bullshit... Kids are hell." She sighed and shifted over to him a little, slowly leaning against his arm. "So... Trying to push myself. Hard. Not that I'm succeeding yet, but I will eventually... The human mind can be taught and trained to do all sorts of things. Even overcome fear and anxiety... Just needs enough pushing. Wh, uh, what about you? Not that you can't, like... Be here. You're the XO and all, but, what brings you to the hangar of all places?" Tristan had walked into the hangar, taking some of his allotted free time to see Amy in her natural habitat. He passed by Alrenne with a wave, and... Cocked the slightest eyebrow at the girl hanging by his side. She looks young... Well, not my place to barge in. His gaze not lingering for long, it wasn't hard to spot Amy among the engineers in the hangar. She was rather unique, in plenty of ways. "Hey! Amy!" He gave her a wave and did a small jog to close the distance, all smiles. "Hope I'm not bothering you or getting in the way... I'm just on break and, truth be told, I am rather curious about what you're working on. It's fine if you don't wanna show me, just, being honest. If not, you mind letting me help with whatever you have going on? I might have switched career paths, but I still remember how to put the machines back together. As long as you're supervising, I make a good helping hand. Louise met the man's grimace and information with a small frown and serious stare of her own. "That's... troubling. Very troubling. Ensign Nishimiya reported as much-- that she hadn't found anything, but... But that he was attacked..." Louise crossed her arms and looked down, letting out the faintest sigh. "Well, I have some suppositions. We were engaged in combat against some of AHI's automated units on our way into Remansburg. I will assume the details are in the Ensign's report... Alongside those automated units were men claiming to work for AHI security. No serial numbers, no names, no callsigns, no proof. We labelled them as terrorists and took appropriate actions. We're... Aware, the CEN doesn't run much up here. But, to have enough enemies to have one of the ambassadors attacked... It could've been this terrorist faction, or one of the rebel groups, or... You don't possibly think it was AHI, do you, sir?" Louise began to fiddle with a bit of her hair, mind racing, but... "The state of the convoy when you found what was left of it, if I may ask, what sort of weaponry was fired at the scene? Rather, traces of it. Ballistic, beam? And-- if you've photos of the incident, that would help greatly. If it was ballistic ammunition, it doesn't rule anyone out, but... If it was beam..." She bit her lip and glanced at Sia. "If beam scorch marks or residue were found at the scene, and not the kind that a close combat weapon would make, we could be looking at an attack from AHI. We've only just recently acquired a beam weapon-- a prototype, for HEX use, but... Here on Callisto..." It was a lot to take in all of a sudden, and a dark path to tread down, but what choice did they have?

M's fingers danced across the metal placed in her hand, gently gripping the revolver, her fingers slowly tightening against it, index to the side, off the trigger, but plenty ready. Then, the familiar sensation of healing hit her... Her eyes finally made their way to Roxanne as tears formed in them. "Mmh... You are all... Too kind. Caring, patient, kind... With me." She gave Roxanne a serious stare before she reached up and ripped off her half mask, grinning wildly! "Alright! You people want monsters! I will suffice!" The trill in her voice only grew louder as the wings on her back began to flutter. "I might be beaten, but I'm far from broken, shattered, crushed-- like your bones are about to be!" M to 14,24, revolver into Sword Armor #4! "Have a taste of what I did to your boss!" "Come on, you won't even try? Tsk." He'd expected it. These people were horrible, but they were warmongers like their leader, meaning they at least knew when they were outmatched and when to charge others. Roxanne was taking the brunt of their forces, leaving her battered, bruised and in serious need of attention. "You're taking a break," he ordered, glancing back at everyone else, "we're killing them all and then continuing forward! Come on, everyone!" Versaris tilted into a run as easily as any other motion, "come on, join your buddy!" Sari to 4,22, iron sword Brawler 3 into nothing They were still coming, and not saying a word to her. Sylm wasn't bothered by then, not anymore. Stretching her magical muscles was good. It felt good, finally, using it on the people that deserved it... Sylm to 17,23, Blast Lance Armor #2 As the man crumpled to her magic's energy, her eyes looked past his body, at... "YOU!" An accusatory finger pointed towards the damned monster hiding down the hall! "KRYSTAL CALFIN you damned SOW! Lower your arms before I break them off! How dare you show your face here, now!? You'll still fight for this creature despite everything!?" "EEP!" Krystal hadn't expected SYLMARIA of all people to be on this force! Wasn't she supposed to be dead!? Ran off under Kazran's orders to kill Owen... But if she was still alive... "D-Did you fail or, something--" "I FAILED BECAUSE I WAS TOO WEAK!" Her throat was beginning to hurt from all the shouting, but she screamed at the cow nonetheless... "I will not be weak when it comes to tearing Kazran to shreds! Have some sense if you want to keep your life! I may not care for you, but the same goes for the sacks of shit standing around you. They'd just as soon see you roasted over a pyre for rations!" "Hawawawawawawaaaaaa... J... J-Just, stop shouting, I, I get it, I get it o-okay...?" Krystal whined and shrunk into a ball, hugging her knees, leaning into the wall and siiiiiiiighing hard. "This life's been too unfair... Krystal will not engage combat anymore.

Reinforcements. It didn't matter. Not today, not these fools. "I'm going to thin the herd and hold them off. I want all of you ready to follow up after me! They try their best and then we crash onto them like the wave that we are. You ready, Tigers!?" Versaris to 5,19, levin sword at the ready... "You got it, Versaris! Brave yourself, shit cakes! I'm gonna burn you all!" Alvira to 6,19, light equipped! The fighting was getting closer-- close enough to kill the guards in their cell. M wasn't wasting a single moment of energy, a single breath. As soon as those doors opened... "Run! Now!" She didn't feel like she deserved to give orders to these two anymore, but it was what the moment demanded, M not even stopping to thank the woman that had opened her cell. M to 12,20 "Give me a gun!" Now, her eyes fell on their would be saviour, the white dots swimming in her onyx pools drilling into her with a focus so intense it would set lesser men on fire. "A gun! Revolver, rifle, firearm... Give me something to shoot! I will have them all for what they have done to myself and my own!" There was a certain vibration, an odd trill to her voice, like two voices spoke at once in almost perfect unison... Clack clack. Then the clicking, something moving behind the mask covering her mouth. "Anything will do, so long as it fires! And if it doesn't, I will make it fire..." "Tch..." One of the swordsmen had gone for her brother, but he was a competent man, handling himself with the grace and fluidity befitting someone of his station. Unfortunately, much as she wished to charge head first into the men that had just come down the halls... She was bleeding rather profusely, glancing around for another healer. "Damned magic won't work on myself... Brother you can handle yourself for the moment. I need someone to fix this... You! In the big hat!" Cass to 18,19 "Fix this, would you? All you mage types know how to use staffs too, right?" Sylmaria turned her attention to the doors opening and doubled back, eyes falling on someone with a missing arm. "One of the pirates...?" No time to discern, they wouldn't be fighting with an injury like that, but with the room open they could spread out further and handle these forces more easily. Sylm to 17,19 Amera mrows to 12,21

"Pfthah! This, isn't enough to stop me! Not while we're in the belly of the beast... You hear me, you sods!? Did you think one strike was enough to kill me!?" Cass to 22,18, white magic Light onto Cav #5! "You want the monster, she's... Hahh, she's right here! C'mon! C'MOOONNNN!"

"Good work, Aly, Gean." He nodded, watching people fall ahead of him. Things were going rather easily... There was a moment of dread in his heart, wondering if this was too easily. A trap? Or did Kazran simply keep all his strong personnel with him at all times? This can't be it. This can't be the best he's got to throw at us... Nothing to it but to keep moving, but I'll be keeping my eyes out and my ears up. Now, how did Jeremiah swing this...? He skirted past Alriana and did his best to mimic his teacher's flourish with the levin sword, lightning dancing across the ground and into the rider ahead of him! Sari to 7,16, Levin Sword Cav #2

"C-Catrin? H, Hey, wait, ah--" Selu's squeaks were shut before she could even attempt to stop the shove up against the wall, eyes scanning across the larger woman in a slight moment of fear and excitement, hands touching the choker, the clothes, her waist... The skirt!? "H-Hey! Don't, not here! Perv... I, I know that I put this on to, to get this sorta reaction, but... Ahhh, C-Catrin-- Mghn!" Getting touched and kissed here was too much for her brain, fizzling out on the spot and melting up against the wall, eyes empty and staring up at Catrin as the first kiss finished and she had time to breathe. "I... No, risking th-things. Be... Be good. We'll be back, soon enough... And then you can, do whatever you want to me." She whispered the rest, knowing Catrin would hear her, and hopefully none of the employees. "Besides, I have to pay for this first-- Mghhhnff..." A longer second kiss, Selu was melting away, quietly huffing and panting as she was once again freed. "Hhhahhh... I... Few, other things, to buy... G-Give me a... A moment, please." She weakly pushed at Catrin and tried to find her legs, standing up after a second. "Mmh... Th-Thigh highs and, miniskirt. Good, buttons. Noted... N-Noted..."

Toki gave Catrin a final wave as she walked out of the shop, just in time for Selu to come back wearing... Much different than a white sun dress. White thigh highs, a black miniskirt, a tight white tank top, with a sheer, long sleeved, button up black shawl over top it, and a small choker with a bell around her neck. She'd done her hair up into a ponytail, placing herself in front of Catrin and slowly looking up at her with the brightest red on her cheeks. "I... I, uh... Decided to try something else. Is... How does...?" She was far out of her element, clearly embarrassed, but not uncomfortable, not trying to hide herself or shrink, just... Knowing that Catrin was about to unload some feelings and compliments on her. "I-It, all fits pretty well. Mmm... Where'd, uh, miss security go...? She, finish shopping...?" She gently put a hand around her neck, rubbing at it, trying pathetically to change the subject. As they drove into Remansburg, Miz was combating her brain, slowly winning. What ifs kept cropping up, and she'd logic circle around them and swat them down one by one, finally relaxing into the car seat and enjoying the drive. It was definitely slower than she'd been expecting; Markus really was taking it safe, but no bumps, no harsh stops, no pot holes in the road... The people at AHI took care of their infrastructure, it seemed. As they pulled in, she quickly got herself out of the car and reattached herself to his arm, beaming. "Adventure favors the bold! Let's get to it... And whatever we find, we throw ourselves at. I'm looking forward to it~" And if some dweeb tries to come up and demand an autograph or something, I stick out my tongue and kick them to the curb... No one's gonna recognize me out here on Callisto. They're all business folks. It'll be fine! Vivien collapsed against the wall and sunk to her knees as the engineer walked away, holding onto her head some and taking deep breaths. "You're okay... You're okay... Breathe. Breathe... D-Don't... Don't, vomit... Scheisse..." She managed to calm her breathing, but her heart was pounding in her chest. Just one extrovert and she was already like this... "You're not going back to your room," she ordered herself, slowly pushing herself back up against the wall. "You... Can do this. One person, at a t-time. Even if it's hard. Even if you panic... You have to. One, person, at a time..." She managed to calm her breathing, though her heart rate was still plenty up... The important part was that she'd survived. "Ohhh, hot shot over there? His name's Leon... I was asked to babysit him so he didn't get in any trouble when he left the ship~ I tried to flirt with him a bit, but... Between you and me," she leaned a little closer and whispered to Anne, "he's got his eyes on the Captain, so play him like a fiddle if he tries to stir you up. Not me, though~ I'm available, fun, pleasant on the ears and the eyes, and more than willing to start things off with a bit of a fling... If you're looking for some fun in that easy little rental life of yours~" She confidently chuckled to herself, as Senri was thankful to have the heat off of him. As soon as Marianne had looked at him, he kept smiling, but his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes cracked open ever so slightly, giving her glare a return 'I barely know her and have no idea who the red head is, please be calm' stare. He let out the faintest sigh and spun his glass around on his hand... Before his eyes looked past the women, staring at the most recent entry to the bar. Black armor, black helmet... His smile faded. Tokiwa's dog... He had no idea who this person was. Their gender, their appearance... beyond the black outfit and the stark white tail poking out from behind it all. An impressive and terrifying aesthetic attachment in every right. What's on the menu today, hound... Excitement, anticipation... Boredom... What are you thinking about? He stared right at her for a solid moment, before looking back towards Marianne and Azame. "You said you were from the ship? The one that just touched down? I had no idea, Azame. I understood you worked for the embassy...?" "Oh, I just got reassigned. No longer a local lackey, I'm part of a real crew now~! Isn't that crazy? I was content to fly around in Junkyard doing what needed to be done, but now I've got this important job, keeping machines in order, making sure the crew is safe... It's like I'm back to my nursing gig, except I'm nursing from the inside of a metal office, eheheh~" "Hmhm... I see. Glad to see you in such high spirits over it." And a touch concerning that they're already moving soldiers onto the Dawn... Louise walked quietly after Sia, taking in the embassy's offices... It was definitely small, but, even if he was a figure head, Commander was a high rank in the CEN. Hopefully he'd be able to shed light on things... Things Sia was already getting directly to, Louise giving the man a salute as she came in after the Captain. I hope he doesn't take my uniform as showing up the Captain... She just, didn't change right away, and I... Ahh, I'm probably over thinking this. Still... Don't think less of her. Please. "Specifically, might I add," she continued off of Sia's remarks, "we'd like to inquire as to the last known whereabouts of Ambassador Shiva. Virion Shiva... We met with one of your pilots-- one of ours now, it seems-- Azame Nishimiya, who claimed she was searching for him when we encountered her. She didn't have anything else to tell us... So..." Hopefully the Embassy's commander held... Something. A crumb, a clue, anything.

"Oh my God, you're being so BORING." She flopped against him completely and tilted her head back to stare up at him, giving him a pretty neutral stare. "Are you REALLY that opposed to having a beautiful maiden on your lap, just watching you do some sims? Look, ping your Captain or XO or whoever, I don't care, they'll recognize my name immediately and then the egg will be on YOUR face for not taking my words at face value..." She squeezed her tail around him tighter, folding her arms and her legs. "I'm not going anywhere, so if you want to remove me, you'll have to remove yourself~ Hmph... Honestly, treating a woman like me so poorly, ughhh. Is this how you handle everyone that is just, a slight inconvenience? Hmm? I even gave you the privilege of being my seat. There are people that would've paid money for this, and you're just getting annoyed by it. You'll hurt my pride, at this rate..." Thessy sighed and weakly beat her hands against his legs, grumbling. "Just get started with the siiiiiiims~! Come oooooon~!"

Cass coughed up her own blood as the myrm cut deep into her, but her axe ended his life as swiftly as he'd swung his sword. "Khah... Looks like you found yours. Idiots. Rrgh..." A heavier hit than she'd been expecting, and without a healer in sight, she'd have to play it carefully. "That's right you coward! Your demon witch has returned! Bark your curses upon me! Tell me how you've always felt! It's your final chance to do so!" Sylm was trembling with emotion, anger, sadness, some strange happiness, but most of all, bliss... They didn't care. They'd never cared. And they'd die for it! "I'll kill as many of you as it takes to make Kazran show his damned face!!" Sylm to 21,18, Shatter on 23,18! As Sylmaria rushed up towards the group, the electricity in her hand exploded into the air above them as her claw shot out, lightning shooting down between them all, before suddenly arcing into a dome of electric death! Alvira rubbed at her arrow wound some, grumbling about magic weaponry, before turning her sights on the incoming horse riders. "Really, indoors?" Alvira to 8,19, Light Cav 3 Amera bent over as her eyes found a target, the man trying to kill Roxanne with the funny sword. "Pure weapons, pah. The only pure weapon around here... Is my fist~!" Amera scurry to 10,18, clobber merc 4

"Be quiet! Enough with your concern!" Sylmaria's fury extended past Tasha towards the swordfighter as they rounded the corner, arm angrily aiming at him, claw twitching with the energy running through it! "WHERE IS KAZRAN!?" Sylmaria to 17,17, BLAST Myrm 3!

"Eyes on ME you SWINE!" Cass' fury extended into her bloodline, the green shimmer in her eyes and on her weapon, axe colliding with his arm after his swing went wide! She relieved him of the weight of his weapon, then stuck her axe into his stomach and bit deep into his shoulder. Tossing his body aside, she spat his blood into the face of the next man to charge her, sweeping her axe into his sword after blinding him, then sinking it hard into his head. "Who's next!? You want my brother that badly you go through ME!" Cass to 22,13 Versaris dodged the incoming swipe with minimal effort, tripped the man in the same motion, and stuck his sword into the back of his head, eyes watching the other one run away. "Why are you running? I'm right here. The monster you despise is right in front of you, so why are you running?" His voice was steady, but his gaze was ice cold, eyes scanning the rest of the men coming into view. "Alriana, Gean, more swordsmen and a healer. Prioritize the men with pure weapons, leave the healer for after-- but make no mistake, he dies too. Anyone aiding these creatures is dying today." Sari to 7,11 Alvira breathed a sigh of relief as her wounds were closed, peaking around the corner at the incoming-- "Whoa, Roxy!?" She was already off, turning the myrmidon into minced myrm, leaving her nodding. "Right. Right, no hesitation!" Alvira charged towards the door (12,19), casting light magic through it! Amera mrows to 13,17

"H-Hey, supermodel!? I... Mhnn, Catrin..." Selu could feel herself flushing... But it didn't feel bad. It had even been expected, of course, but in this dress... It felt more warranted. More like she believed it. She managed to calm down in time to hear how this lady seemed to know them, nodding slowly. "O-Oh, okay... I suppose... But we, work for CEN directly, uhm..." Or at least, CEN was funding their projects. It was still a little off putting, Selu sliding a bit closer to Catrin. "Ahhhh, I seem to have put you both on some serious edge... Don't worry, don't worry~ I'm head of security at AHI's headquarters... It's why I know so much! Got my fingers everywhere on Callisto. Don't worry, don't worry~ I don't know exactly what you're working on, but you two are pretty famous upstairs. We see the testing you do on the field, with those thrusters, woo! That's one hell of a project~" Selu felt herself let go of a sigh, nodding. "That... Makes a lot more sense. Sorry, miss. Things are just... Tense, and all. There's that big ship that touched down, the rebels, there's... A lot." Selu poked back out from behind Catrin and let out a proper sigh. "Right. I'm gonna try on some more clothes... Something I picked out. You two, enjoy chatting? I suppose...?" She wasn't really sure how to exit the conversation properly, so she dipped quickly, heading back over to another rack of dresses. "Cutie. You're real lucky, Catrin. Buuuuuut, I'm probably getting in the way of a lovely date... Nice to meet two of the most famous test pilots on Callisto. Hope you two have a wonderful day." Toki threw on a pair of shades she'd picked up and made her way to the cashier to pay for them. "Mmm..." Cheryl did her best to listen without interrupting. She didn't have the full background on Esther's files, but there was some terminology on her Newtype abilities that outlined things more clearly. She had been raised for this position, as a pilot, as a member on the Dawn, and now that she wasn't performing to the specifications outlined for her... The dream she thought she'd be living was turning into a nightmare. "I'm going to ask you a few questions and say a few things, Esther, and you answer me with as much as you're comfortable saying... A lot of our self perception can be clouded by expectations and how we imagine our lives should be going. Has anyone on the piloting team told you that you didn't do well enough out there? Has the Captain reprimanded you for your piloting? This person you lost to in the sims, losing hurt. Your feelings are real. You aren't making anything up to hurt yourself, but... You might be being too harsh on yourself. To my understanding," she flipped through a small dossier and nodded, "that engagement with the supposed terrorists was your first time in live combat." She quietly cleared her throat and leaned back. "I think having friends on the crew is a good thing. I'm really grateful to that other pilot for messaging you... I think you should keep talking with them. Maybe some of the others, as well. I'm sure that you don't need me to tell you that your first time under live fire situations can reveal things you wouldn't have expected from simulations... I think it's a good thing that you're reflecting on how things went." It's not good that you're doing so by dragging yourself through the mud, but reflection comes in all shapes and sizes. All that remains is separating that reflection from all the negativity... "Is the person you trained with in the simulator someone you want to be close to? Or do you think that they're someone you'd be better off distancing yourself from? We're all packed into this ship, and things can feel rather tight at times, but there's enough space to get away from others, especially when you need to." "You'd rather? For the practice, huh~?" She snickered a little as they approached one of the Dawn's transport cars, finally letting go of his arm and making her way around to the passenger side. "Y'know, Markus... I don't mind. If you go a little... fast." She leaned around the car and stuck her tongue out at him, before popping the door and climbing inside. Hopefully her red skin would hide her blushing to some degree. "Okay... We're off! Adventure! To whatever they have on this moon~ Where too first, Markus?" A movie, a bookstore, an arcade... I'm down to go anywhere. Am I too easy? Maybe... But he's so cute. And he's doing his best... I didn't spend those five years just standing there getting photographed; I know when someone's trying to put on airs. Relax, Marky Mark. Today's gonna go just fine. Marianne had a few questions for him, questions he felt somewhat comfortable answering given her knowledge of Alouette in the first place. He bit back a sigh of relief; he always hated playing this game, but it was necessary. He just wished there were easier ways out of it whenever they went wrong. He wasn't a fighter, and as much as he carried a firearm, firing it was always, difficult. People fear a gun being waved in their face, no matter how brave they are. That fear... It makes pulling the trigger harder. Always... "She's ill," he said with a nod, "which is why I'm out here doing this in the first place. Had been planning certain... moves, with her group, but they needed some more information, and perhaps some more help," he said with a glance at Marianne and a raised eyebrow, "and we certainly can't do anything with Alouette in the state she's in." He'd been about to answer her question on Lucille when a familiar bundle of emotions entered the bar. No way... Why!? Here, now!? Ugrrhghh... He managed to keep his sour feelings inside, a stoic smile on his face, as... "Oh yeah? You offering little ol' me a date, hot shot~?" She wiggled her eyebrows, but it was just for show. It was clear something was going on between him, miss teal hair and the Captain, so playing along was just lip service. As soon as they got into the bar, though... "Oh my gooooosh, Senri!" Leon was going off to do his own business, so it was fair for her to handle her own, right? "Woooow, I never thought you'd visit some place ritzy like Elegy... Figured you like the seedier bars more~ Who's your friend here?" Azame welcomed herself to their table, sitting down next to Marianne and batting at her with all of her lovely eyelashes. Senri cleared his throat and let out something of a cough. He'd met miss Nishimiya in another one of Remansburg's bars... More seedy, as she'd put it. "Yes. Hello... I, figured I'd go more uptown for a change. Ahaha... This is, just someone I met today. A work colleague, you could say. Didn't realize we worked with the same people until we got talking." He was doing his best to be honest without mentioning details. Marianne's name and affiliation were her own, and Azame was CEN. No need to tell her anything more than that. Anything more than I've already told her about myself, eeesh... Those guns are deadly. At least all she got was my name and that I work for a small rentals company. Most convenient lie I've ever told... "Mysterious, as, always... Well, gorgeous," she was not referring to him, eyes squarely on Marianne, "my name's Azame Nishimiya. Funny little ensign for the CEN... Can't believe Senri knows someone like you. Boring guy like him, working rentals, can you believe it? All those good looks, gone to waste..." She sighed, but very clearly wasn't that upset, still smiling, finally leaning against her hand and looking Marianne over. "Do I get to know miss beautiful's name?" Senri coughed. "Ahah... mon dieu indeed." Louise knew enough french to pick up on that, even if she was lost on the rest. The idea had been established well enough. Still... It felt more like a weight had been lifted. Despite Sia being definitely upset with her, likely with Leon as well, it felt good to just... Get it out there. Set things right. She held a smile as the transport drove towards the Embassy, for once, not bogged down with negative thoughts. I'd forgotten what it was like to have things quiet, up here... Good. This is good. Remansburg was less heartwarming, the stark contrast between their visit to AHI's headquarters and the rest of business operations leaving a bad taste in her mouth. Just how much money does that woman need? Honestly... Arielle Avyndor, if you've anything to do with the problems on this moon, don't think yourself above the law. She couldn't do anything herself, but the CEN wouldn't let someone get away with such unrest if they were truly involved. As they pulled into the Embassy, Louise got herself out of the car, straightened out her outfit, adjusted her glasses and nodded. "I'm sure they'll have more to tell us than nothing, especially regarding AHI and the whereabouts of our missing ambassador." The Embassy itself wasn't much of a building, likely holding few personnel. Those few personnel were going to allow them to get to the bottom of things... Louise approached the front desk as they entered, gently saluting the secretary working it. "Greetings. Lieutenant Junior Grade Louise Park, accompanying Captain Selensia Silverwind, here to speak with your acting Commander."

"SILENCE!" Sylmaria erupted at Tasha, turning her ire towards the Tiger, hands crackling with energy, body shaking with rage. "I do not need your advice! I need a TARGET! Where are you, Kazran!? Show yourself you worthless COWARD! Leaving your lackeys to die for you-- where's the man that boasted his strength!? That claimed his rule over Islexia!? That said he would KILL the Gaffneys and 'set things right'!? WHERE ARE YOU!?" Her voice strained and her screams became somewhat ragged, huffing and clenching her fists, needing to stay coherent enough to aim at him when he showed his villainous visage. "I'll kill him. I'll kill him. How dare he? I'll kill him!" If he's so much as touched Giovanna... If he's so much as DARED to lay a single FINGER on her...! "I'll kill him I'll kill him I'll kill him...!"

Kagi SCREEMS and takes a swing! [N/A,29] 14 damage! The bandit swings back! [67,92] Miss! Kagi gains +12 EXP, +1 axe WEXP Raz flies above the trees and pulls out her light! [N/A,35] Crit! 22 damage! She blasts again! [N/A,44] Crit! 22 damage! He is SLAIN Raz gains +34 EXP, +3 light WEXP Rina pulls out her tome and dazzles a brigand! [1,8] 10 damage He falls! Rina gains +34 EXP, +2 Light WEXP (edited) Rivane crashes into the mercenary! [20,61] 22 damage! The man swings back wildly, to no avail! Rivane gains +1 EXP, +1 lance WEXP Willow brings her fists up [48,11] [46,18] 22 damage the bandit breaks! Willow gains +10 EXP, +2 brawling WEXP Cyrus fixes up Kagi Kagi is full again! Cyrus gains +15 EXP, +2 staff WEXP Jilyn sits still and crashes steel into the bandit! [N/A,21] 18 damage! He's slain! Jilyn gains +34 exp, +4 sword WEXP Enemy Phase/Turn 3 Bandit 1 is broken and cannot act! Bandit 3 charges into Cyrus! [69,3] A deadly miss! Cyrus fires back! [58,22,10] 13 damage! Cyrus gains +10 EXP, +1 gun WEXP The draco rushes into Rina! [56,28] Skewered! 19 damage! Rina, hurting, launches her magic back! [20,45] [54,75] 20 damage total! Her 3rd strike comes out but can't scratch the draco's armor! Rina gains +14 EXP, +2 Light WEXP, +1 sword WEXP Swordfighter 3 runs away!! "BOSS!!!" "Huhwha? What's the fuss about?" "Another group of bandits! They're wiping us out!" "OH! Yeah!? Not on my watch!" The bandits begin to move! Player Phase/Turn 4

As they walked down the halls and made for the hangar to leave, Miz simply shook her head. "You don't have to a huge plan for me, Markus. We'll go out, we'll have some fun, we'll see a movie or something, come back... Just do whatever looks exciting. As long as we're together, I'm sure almost anything could be fun." It was exciting to think of it like that, clinging to his arm tighter, staring out into the hangar as they walked into it. "You wanna drive, Markus? Or do you wanna see my skills at motor vehicles?" She stuck her purple tongue out a bit. She knew how to drive, she'd just... never driven a military transport vehicle. Fun new experience... Hopefully. Tokiwa smirked and put her hands on her hips. "I almost did... until I saw how you were looking at her, and then decided to assume the best of you. We've got enough losers on Callisto that I wasn't gonna start thinking two strangers were... y'know." She made a motion like tugging at a collar she wasn't wearing, shaking her head. "Either way, nice to meet you in person, Catrin. Seen the files, seen what you're working on. It's good stuff~ Guess the cat's outta the bag; I recognized you both from your dossiers on the stuff you're testing, so I figured I'd say hi, see how the pilots are doing... And you two seem to he doing just fine~" We'll see how they're holding up later... "Hey!" Selu came back over, now wearing the lovely dark blue. She did a spin and bowed a little, holding onto the sides of the dress, smiling beaming up at Catrin. "It's a little big for me, but I think it's lovely otherwise... And hello, miss." "Hello to you too, Selumine~ Gosh, you're adorable, aren't you?" Selu blinked, confused. "I didn't tell you, my..." "Ah-- hey!" Thesephine gawked and then scowled as she was yanked out of the pilot seat, huffing angrily. "The audacity! I don't care which backwater politician you're the son of, how dare you touch me like that!?" She was fuming, considering slapping him... but she suddenly smiled, still scowling. "Fine!" With a sudden shove, she pushed Daeran into the pilot seat, hopping into his lap, and wrapping her tail around his waist before he could remove her. "There. Now I'm supervised~ Aren't you happy? You've got the privilege of having someone as wonderful as ME so close while getting to play the chaperone you so desperately wished to be here. Now that everything's worked out, go on. Start running a simulation. I was just about to, anyway, so get on with it if you're so determined to be in control, Mr. Vhane." She rolled her eyes and leaned back against him. "If you must know, I'm the first daughter of my wonderful father. You may refer to me as Thesephine. Nothing less. You don't have my permission to get cute with it yet, so give it the respect it deserves, and if you're a good boy, maybe I'll let you use one of my nicknames~" "The first place I have in mind isn't a place for singing, but you'll get plenty of that on the way there." Azame didn't bother to wait until they were moving, cranking up her tunes to almost max and then driving out of the hangar. She loudly began to sing out the window, losing herself in the music. It didn't take long for them to come into town proper, Azame pulling down a few streets and stopping-- along with the tunes-- in front of a bar called Elegy. "There we go... Fancy drinking and dining. First place to stop to talk up the socialites of Remansburg... Or just get hammered, heheh." She hopped out of the transport, stretched, hopped in place a bit and then started on in. "Come on, Leon~ You'll have plenty of people to chat up in here."

Senri let out something of a surprised scoff, leaning back and shrugging some. "Doesn't that make things easy? She's my boss!" He leaned back in and joined her whispering, "along with her niece Lucille and their faction of rebel forces... Seems like we can trust each other, Marianne. Allow me to reintroduce myself... Senri Takahashi, right hand and tactician to Alouette. A pleasure to meet you, my fellow fighter in the crusade against 'that bitch in the tower'." He leaned back once more and let out a sigh. "I do hate the dance, but I'm willing to take the gamble now... That all the anxiety you're feeling was towards trusting me, not using her name as a bid to trap me. Hopefully I'm right? Hmhm? I'm afraid I'm barred from combat," he snickered, "no real skills on my end. Hahh... Haha. Now that the tension is gone... Shall I make that call, Marianne?" Sia had responded better than Louise could've dreamed. A slap on the wrist compared to what her mind had cooked up. It filled her with determination. "You've nothing to worry about, Captain. I'm done believing the crew is out to get me or that they'll stab me in the back. I'm going to nurture this fragile trust into something strong and powerful... Something that holds the squad together. The only thing you'll hear Leon and I arguing about is the best sauce for chicken. Promise." She stuck her tongue out a bit and leaned back into the transport's seat. "Let's head for the embassy and get a proper lead on things... Where Virion was last seen, any further information, anything on the rebels in the area... And see if we can piece together something, or learn something we didn't. Miss Shezsacosh's little mission for us..." That fox was still plenty annoying, but they had to play into her hand, for now. When they could turn the tables... You'll regret not killing us, Tokiwa.

"Mrowwrr! Coming through!" Amera wasn't going to miss the chance to get involved in the fight, rushing past everyone and aiming two punches into the myrm, one into his back and the other against his head! Amera to 14,12, punch the myrm in the back of the skull "Tchh... Roxanne, if you could. Help me please." Alvira steeled herself against the pain and pushed forward. Alvira to 14,15 The first wave had fallen. Not a one had called to her for help. They don't even recognize you. They never cared. These beasts were right. My sacrifice would've amounted to nothing... Kazran. Kazran! KAZRAN KAZRAN KAZRAN!! Electricity sparked at Sylm's fingertips as she moved along behind Alvira. Sylm to 14,14 "Looks like you lot have the central corridor... Brother, with me, if you like." Cass ran down the side adjoining hall, eyes falling upon two mercenaries. She hoisted a wicked looking axe with a hook near its head, smiling wildly. "You two have those fancy monster gutting blades. Are they clean? You ever fancied yourselves the chance to kill one?" She ran her tongue along the edge of her axe blade, holding it out, ready in front of her. "Why don't you get your feet wet?" Cass moves to 21,9, equips swordreaver "Good work, Gean, Aly. Onto the next." It was brutal work, but it was swift, and that was what mattered most. Versaris ran up and spied two men carrying pure weapons... Of course. "You. Me. Let's dance." Versaris to 5,8, Iron sword equipped "Even if you did... I..." It was grueling for M to reconcile with what had happened and what she was being told. They could've stopped her, sure. So many could have. So many mistakes. So many dead... "... You're right. Correct, positive, right..." She bit the words out, trying to kill a part of herself, if only for the moment. "Once they free us, I will retrieve my weapon. And I will kill... Crush, maim, kill! All of these insects!" Her rage fought past the tears steaming out of her dark orbs, eyes on the cell doors. "Just you wait. Just you wait. Kazran... Kazran...!"

"I'm happy you think I'm cute, Marianne." He winked and then leaned back, idly swirling his empty glass around in his hand. "I have my people. They're around... Surely I'd try something else to get on your good side, yes?" He ended up chuckling a little, sighing. "Though I'd say all your sides are good, from where I'm sitting. No, no, let's just say I have some people in Remansburg, and if you're looking for your own, and you think I can trust you... We can scratch each others' backs. Always looking for more people I can rely on, these days. Can't trust AHI. Can't trust CEN," he smile faded ever so slightly as he mentioned the Earth company, "can only trust ourselves. So. Do you believe that I can trust you, Marianne?" Might be coming off a bit desperate, but I can't possibly throw away a chance for more allies. Not with the rebels spread so thin and so disorganized... I have to try everything that I can. So, please bite, Marianne. I can feel caution coming off you like warmth from a heater, but we don't have to be enemies. Not when there's bigger issues... "Oh, do ya? You think hanging out with other pretty women is gonna get her to forgive you~?" Azame wiggled her eyebrows and then let go of his arm, jogging towards the transport. "Either way, hop in! I hope you like singing, because I'm a slut for karaoke." She winked again and pulled herself into the driver's seat, slamming her communicator into the connector port and already cycling down to her music. "Doki doki waku waku...~" she was getting herself started without the music being on already. Louise followed after Sia, happy her moment with Leon had gone so well... but, to face the music, or not face the music. "... It wouldn't be right of me to lie to you. I'm sure you already have an idea, but... Chips on the table. Here's my hand..." Louise slipped into the passenger's seat as she talked, letting out a quiet sigh. "It's not a secret that the both of us having feelings for you, Sia. Unfortunately, there's only one Captain Silverwind. We had some choice words for each other about who was going to end up at your side... I believe I went overboard in my taunting, thus... An apology. You... And Markus, and a few others on the Dawn have been showing me... That I can trust, again. It's fragile... It's small, but it's... Safe, right now. Even if Leon and are are vying for the heart of the same woman... I can still, trust him. To keep me safe and watch my back. I'll do the same for him." She took a deep breath, too afraid to look over st Sia. "That's what it was. I wanted to clear the air. No bad blood between pilots... If you're upset at us, or me, for discussing such things to the point of getting heated, well... You've every right. I'll make no excuses... But an apology in private would've meant little. After the jabs I flung at him, there would've been no weight to my words. Having you and others hear it, gives it the promise such a thing demands. If I were giving him lip service in front of you all, well, the game would be up the next time I took a shot at him, and my chances with it. Best to be honest, bluntly and openly... Even if it, r-risks, upsetting you." She found herself playing nervously with a strand of her hair, running her fingers through it to try and keep her mind occupied. I'm so sorry, Sia. I'm so sorry that I couldn't see the Dawn for what it was, right away... I've been a fool. "I don't mind shopping together, so long as we leave the leggings and yoga pants for last..." Selu couldn't help her mind drifting. She'd worn yoga pants before... And they looked amazing on her ass, which meant-- No, stop. Catrin's already going to be all over your lower half later, so let those thoughts wait until then. Luckily, a beautiful blue dress had ripped her away from that, eyes going wide as she inspected it. "Wwwooowwww... what a gorgeous dress. You think it'll fit...? Maybe they can adjust it if it can't... I'm gonna go try it on!" Selu snatched it and smiled wide, giving Catrin a small wink before disappearing into one of the change rooms. "Ahh... Young love. How beautiful~" The blue haired fox had made her way over towards Catrin, waving with a sly grin. "You two out on a little shopping date? Cute. So cute. She's a bit short, but, given you two are CEN, she's gotta be at least eighteen, nineteen... And what about you my fine feline friend?" The fox held a hand out to shake, giggling some. "The name's Tokiwa... I work for AHI. On break right now, though. Gotta love the weekend~"

"... Hey~" It was something else to get this kind of reaction from someone she wanted it from, hiding her hands behind her back and swaying a little bit. "You look good too, Markus. Love the glasses." Aviators, he's such a dork... Ahhh, this is great. I'm so glad he didn't try to dress up and 'match' me or something silly... She was going to stick to her confidence, stepping up and taking hold of his arm, gently pulling him out of the doorway. "So, you ready? Show me around~ This'll be my first real date. Ever... So you don't have anything to beat. Low bar, I guess, is the best way to put it... You got enough confidence to make me smile, Markus?" She grinned up at him, batting her wonderfully accentuated eyelashes. "Then again... Just being with you is enough to make me happy, right now." "You got it doc." She gave Rosa a pretty lazy thumbs up and turned to leave, before glancing over her shoulder, "that's Miss Manami, by the way." She smirked and left Rosa's office, slowly walking her way out of the med bay... She caught sight of Esther with the therapist again, giving her another wink and a wave. Well, sucks that I gotta share space with Azame after how poorly that fell apart... But it's not like I'm gonna change just because of that~ That goth chick is crazy cute... I gotta run into her after work hours. See if she's down for a little fun, hmhmhm... With a target and her plans in mind, Fumie made for her room. She'd fly through the certs and then check out the rest of the ship.