Alright, everyone, here it is: the IC thread. While we're still working on finalizing other people's characters, I'll let you guys do some characterization for a bit. Have fun. Or, if you want to, do nothing and just skip to the mission briefing. Your choice.
Everyone:
Its been one month since you recieved notice that you were selected for a new group of elite specialists, the so-called 'Wings of Razgriz', to go and patrol the wartorn and terror-ridden Sector B7R, site of the Dimensional Rift that caused the collapse of the old Belkan empire. You were celebrated by friends and family for this honor, gaining a bit of popularity for the recognition of your skills. And now, you're on the ABS Arkbird, the Sector fleet's flagship,
Faye Icerose (Rae):
Until this Flag Lt. Alaconis, that is. He's been giving you a tour of the ship, showing you were all the vital systems are, and telling you all about them. Even though you were only talking business, you just got some... creepy feeling from him. You could tell he was cold and calculating, judging everything by its value to his objectives (whatever they were). And even though it was obvious he considered you a valuable ally, it was still a bit unsettling. While pondering this vague uneasy feeling, you realise that he's stopped and is staring at you; your brain, two steps behind, finally updates you that he's finished the tour and wants to know if you have any questions right now. Your move, in the chess game he's set up.
Heine Celler(Life)
One of the latter was what was holding you up right now. You were being given a complimentary tour of the ship, like all of the new operators. But you were being given a tour by the XO, who was one of the largest workaholics you've ever met... and if this keeps up, he will be #1. His drive to make everything run as it should has given him a bit of an irritable edge, and he's always nervous whenever someone looks like they're bringing bad news. His call to someone who was held up done, he's distracted for a second. If you want, you could talk to him; this might be the only chance you get to take him away from the tour and see what's inside his head, if so is your desire.
(Juno):
You've been stuck at this desk for an hour, waiting for some results from a messed up blood test saying you were deficient in 7 different hormone counts and had low blood iron. The stick wasn't the bad part, it was done quick and professionally, but this wait seemed to take forever. You wonder how its like for the irritated guy sitting across from you, glaring. He notices your staring, and spits out "What are you looking at?"
Faye ponders to herself how to respond to Lt. Alaconis at the moment. No matter how Faye looked at him she felt that as if he was calculating something. It made her feel uncomfortable as if he was just waiting for her to step into his trap. Faye had to remember though that it was an honor for her to be selected for this mission, and that this man would be her superior for the time being. However, her first and foremost loyalty was to the Church and not the TSA.
"Thank you for the turn Lt. Alaconis sir, but may i ask why you sought me out in particular to show around the ship? Surely there are better recruits more valuable than me to spend time with sir," explained Faye worried about how her superior would respond to her claim.
Heine was never told any specifics about this assignment. His last commander had obtained the files first and blacked out everything other than where he would be stationed and how much his pay increase would be. He didn't even know the XO's actual name since no one had addressed him by it yet.
"I'm sorry sir, but would it be okay if we stopped for a bit? why I'm here was never clearly explained to me. While this place is amazing compared to anywhere I've been before, I had some questions. You don't need to stop working though, it's just that I'm not even aware of your name yet." Heine took a step toward the officer while trying to explain.
Faye just looks at Alaconis with a suspicious glare. Her training instructor before leaving the Academy had warned her to watch out for people like this. Though she didn't understand her words back then. Faye was being to understand now upon meeting Alaconis. Lt Alaconis seemed the type of man to use his pawns to their up most potential. Before throwing them away once their usefulness was up. Faye knew that if anyone found out the true extents of her summons especially Undine then things would be really rough for her. Faye though knowing the danger this mission intel accepted it simply cause there was something personal she wanted to confirm. Along with being sort of an eye for the church.
"I appreciate your sentiments sir. I too look forward to working with you as well. I may be a weak support unit but I'll do my best to make this mission a succes!" declared Faye giving her superior a salute.
Surprised by the casual response, Heine began paying more attention to every word the XO spoke. His previous commander barely showed any sign of casual demeanor around any of the lower ranking members. Professionalism was more important than being friends. This reminded him of a couple years back when he was still in the militia.
"Yes I was ranked above average at my last post. And you don't need to worry about before, there isn't very many excuses that beat out having to manage this many people."
Response:
Trying to be as unobtrusive as possible, Arvin raises his hands in a placating manner saying "Nothing. I'm just bored."
Having said that, Arvin tries to place his attention away from the irked man and tries to reflect on a few things that he did before getting on the Arkbird, namely making sure that his gear was cleaned, organized and ready to be used at anytime.
Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up. ~Author Unknown
"Hmph." You hear him say. A few minutes later, he's called to the desk, and goes away carrying a folder. A minute later, you're called to the window too, sign in 15 different places, and are free to get to the captain's quarters. All you have to do is follow the directions Lt. Alaconis gave you, which are in your left pocket... ok, maybe they're in your other left pocket...... Oh. And back pockets are empty too.
Faye looks at him sternly her eyes burning with a clear determination. She did't know what this Lt. Alaconis was or what he like. Although so far his action warranted him someone untrustworhty he was her superior, and the saint church's say was to see the good within all humans until proven otherwise. She would keep those feeling in her heart during this mission as a reminder not to fall stray from the church's path.
"I thank you sir, but excuse me if I offend you. I will tell you up front that my loyalty is for the Church first and the TSA second. I will not doing anything that would go against the teaching of my religion. Furthermore I do have certain ways of using my summons, and will not use the brute force of them unless there no other way around completing the mission without it. I do hope you take no offense sir as I'm one of supporting not fighting," declared Faye looking her commander in the eye with clear conviction.
Although he never got to actually ask any questions, Heine followed Pavadonna at a brisk pace. Anything he could answer the Captain could answer in the briefing. This thought led to the questions concerning her, since she, like everything else, was covered in black in that worthless pile of files.
"Sir before we get there could I know what kind of person the Captain is, I'd rather not aggravate someone with so much power so early, I'd be breaking my record from my last assignment." He laughed off his worry of whether she would be an irritation or not.
Funny you should ask, as that topic just came up in chat.
Response:
Seeing as he can't find the directions anywhere, Arvin decides to ask the people around for directions towards the Captain's office. Moving at a brisk pace, he sets off to find someone...
Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up. ~Author Unknown
Not really receiving any information other then she's good at her job and that she scares her XO, Heine did not let go of his worry. It was going to be Commander Percy all over again. He laughed because he did laugh a bit when he realized he wouldn't get hit for calling him Percy anymore though.
"So I have to wing it and make sure I don't anger the person I know nothing about." Percy's ability to make him happy started to fade.
Response:
Grumbling as he passed through the nth corner in a maze of nothing but corners, Arvin decides to forget the Captain's quarters and decides to head straight for the Briefing Room as he recalled walking past it on the way towards the Clinic.
Heaving a brief sigh, Arvin retraces his steps towards the Briefing Room hoping that the Captain will be there during the briefing. Along the way, he scans for anything that would help him make his way towards it as well as any other important place on the ship, INCLUDING the Captain's quarters.
Nothing cures insomnia like the realization that it's time to get up. ~Author Unknown
"Thank you Lt. Alaconis sir. I sorry that i took my worries out on you. I do understand that sometimes there aren't peaceful solutions to everything. I'm ready to use force if neccesary, but i just pray that my allies don't get caught up in my incompentents to control the great power i've been gifted with," answered Faye before looking at Lt Alaconis with a quizzical look on her face
"May I ask sir if the capt plans to meet with the new recruits anytime today sir?" asked Faye in a shy voice looking at Alaconis with her rich carmine eyes.
Fia, Kanna:
You two were held up during your boarding, both because of (of course) paperwork problems preventing your departure. You both managed to arrive one after the other, getting to the briefing room about 4 minutes early. You were advised not to disturb the Captain before the briefing.
Faye:
Heine:
The XO leads you to the ready room not a moment too late. Even though you should have been 5 minutes early, someone managed to cause their operations console to become fried, and he had to yell at engineering to go up and fix it. It's significantly dampened his mood, but you still think he's a bit more cheerful than before.
Arvin (somewhat Everyone):
You manage to find your way to the Captain's ready room only a second before the planned time for the meeting. You see a rather disgruntled officer, who looks like the XO of this ship. "Oh, good, the last one is here." He gestures you inside. "We can get started now, Captain...."
RP CAMPAIGN GO! MOVE EVERY PLOT! FOR GREAT JUSTICE!
Everyone
"...Captain?" Commander Pavadonna says, looking over in her direction. "Oh, dammit. Kyouya, go wake her up."
"...Yes sir," an oibviously disgruntled Lieutennat says. Leaning over he says,"Uh, Captain, the--"
"HUAH!! Kyouya! Don't you look so cute this mornin'..." comes a woman's slurred voice. "The rear dimensional thrust vecturs arn't on fire again, are they?"
"No Ma'am. The Razgr--"
"OH, YOU'RE HERE!" As the chair turns around, and a teal-haired Captain is looking you all in the face, with sleepy, sleepy eyes. "Damn you're all early... why don't we all just take a liiiiiitle nap furr a bit....."
The Lieutennant, who had been filling a glass full of water from a sink, turns back and threw it on the captain. "As always, my apologies, Ma'am."
"OH! Thank you, Kyouya." She sits up to you, and fumbles with a bottle that was sitting on her lap. The Lieutennant catches it, and puts it back on the table. You can clearly see it as "Bombay Sapphire Gin," whatever that is. "Alright, everyone. Sorry for my appearance, I've been a bit busy trying to pull this whole project together. I am now your Captain, Lysia Harlaown. If any of you have served under my Cousin, yes, she's my cousin. Or maybe her son, in which case I'm her aunt. Yeah, whatever. But to the matter at hand: I've had my staff here request your presence here in sector B7R, the 'Court of the Crimson King' as we call it, for one reason: It's a warzone. But its not a warzone like most of you are used to, where you have actual battles against some kind of opposing military. No. We, being the inheritors to the ancient Belkan heartland, got a nest full of dissenters and terrorists, people who you can't just storm in and kick the shit out of with the best damn millitary in existence. No, you need small teams of highly trained specialists, to go in, and lop off the heads of the people causin' the trouble, without killin' more than you need to, because that guy who you just blasted who you didn't have to? Yeah, all 5 of his kids'll come up with their own bombs and blasts to stick it right where you stuck them. Long story short, welcome to hell, Ladies and Gents. It's your home now, so get used to it.
"Luckily for you, lest you be gettin' bored alrready, we've got a problem right at this very moment that needs takin' care of. You see, there's this guy, on Anfang, who's drummin' up his own religious movement. He's tellin' people he's a prophet, and he's leadin' 'um to saaaaalvation from the rap'shure and all that bullsh't. Now, us, since we aren't goddamn lunies, know jus' how much bull he's pullin'. Quite a lot of people though, don't, so you gotta show 'em how he's a fraud, and find out what exactly he's up to, an' stop it. Expect some possibly armed resistance, since he's big an' heavy on the whole 'ya gats ta fight fer yer faith' aspect of bein' a fanatic. But anyways, go down there, ta their 'Allsaint's district', and tear him off his throne. But first things first, nothin's all that great without a drink. Kyouya, get the Glennfidich 30, since we don't usually get somethin' so special to toast about."
"Yes ma'am.." He regretfully says, pushing his glasses up his nose, and taking out a bottle of dark amber liquid, and pouring it into small glasses for all of you, and also pouring a tiny bit for himself and the XO. He passes them around the table.
"Alrigtht, let's do this right. Y'all take the glass, and when I toast, you drink it, pretty quick. But don't take it like a regular shot, this shit's too good ta waste, let it slide over yer tongue an' get the nice taste. This is th' good stuff. Th' good stuff, that you might otherwise try once in yer life. But anyways! Ta victory!" She tilts her glass, clearly savoring the drink, and after 5 seconds tilts her head back. "Any questions?"
(Hm, Scotch, not too bad but I prefer some nice Honjouzou or Junmai...)
"Yes captain. Do we have any intel on the enemy forces? Numbers, equipment, training, the usual stuff. Also about this prophet, what can he do except for talking big?"
(Do they really expect us to just waltz in there unprepared and miraculously steamroll them into submission? Now I know why they offered me 10 years off my sentence for every year of service...)
Faye looks at her glass for a moment wondering if she should drink this scotch at all. For all too many reason she didn't want to drink it. Hell she wasn't even a drinker in the first place. However, she didn't want to waste her captain's alcohol simply cause of her own personal preference. Doing as her commander had said Faye takes a long slow gulp of the strong liquid her face cringing at the taste of it. however, even though it was bad tasting she finish the rest of it in a slow gulp the alcohol burning her throat on the way down.
"Hah... Ugh my cheeks are getting hot all of a sudden... Ugh it wasn't such a good idea to drink that after all." muttered Faye as the red on her cheeks deepen as she looked at the now empty glass in her hands.
After reluctantly throwing the glass back, Heine painfully respected the Captain's request to taste it. He did not want a repeat of the last time he didn't take someone's offer. This place was definitely less professional than what he expected. He placed the glass back on the table and noticed the girl next to him wasn't good with alcohol.
"Yes Captain, what kind of resistance will be there. And how are we supposed to perform well when we don't know anything about what each of us can do. And I think you just got her drunk which might make things harder." He finished with a motion to Faye.
A small looking shrub like creature enters the rooms. Appearing no more than 2ft tall and, having short stubby arms with feet. Fauna walks overs to Faye wondering what was suddenly wrong with her friend. Seeing the glass in her hand Fauna eyes just dailiate in a frustrating temper just waiting to explode. However, she held her peace knowing that now wasn't the good time to be making enemeies.
"Hey you the one that pointed out about wanting to know about your ally's abilities. I think it would be a good opportunity to start some show and tell don't you guys agree?" said Fauna looking at the group of people who were gathered around waiting for someone to response to her presence.
"Sorry to disappoint our little botanic friend, but my powers at least are not really suited for showing. Quite literally actually since my specialties lie with hiding myself and attacking without being noticed. Oh, and of course making sure my target goes down after I hit it, but that usually goes without saying. I am more concerned about being... too sure of downing them for this line of work, so when in doubt assign me the ones where it does not matter."
He searches for something inside his jacket, frowns, then sighs and pulls out a left-handed glove which he promptly puts on.
(Right, they did not allow me to buy any drinks before coming here. Should be no problem to talk this bottle-fairy of a captain into giving me permission to get some later though.)
"We could of course go into some kind of reinforced training room for a little demonstration if captain... Harlaown permits."
All
"Ah, well, yeah. We've got a bit of info on 'em, seem to be fairly open as a movement right now. They're only 2500 people strong for now, but they're gaining over 50 new people ev'ry day... and that's only the workdays. They're all trained to some degree, in some sort of fighting, mostly self defense. There's a core membership of about 200 or so though that train using real weapons, and some of them are mages. Do watch yerself, because they don't got any uniforms fer those guys, since they act like a sercret police, tryin' ta purge tha non-believers among the faithful. Its really easy on their part since they all live in one district that they've taken over, callin' it Sansarra Borough. They all have some big meetin' right before their meals, meetin' in the main square of the neighborhood for a blessin' by their leader, who goes by no name but 'The wise and holy one.' (Yeah, he sure isn't holy though, if he was, his head would deflate with all the hot air in there). He's preaching that joining his community, an' follin' his 'twelve tennets of mercy' bullllcrrap, will bring about 'the salvashun of all their soul-suh' and everything. I'm sure you know the drill. Of course, his approved lifestyle includes lotsa things that make us all worry, like oh, speaking of goin' back to reclaim their rightful throne on Al Hazzard and gainin' lots ah Military might to take it back by force. An' of course talkin' about how 'the walls of the dimen-shuns will shake and rattle-uh apart-uh', like he wants to be Precia Testrosssssa all ober again."
Reacting to Heine's statements: "Ah, she's not gonna get drunk offa that little booze, it was just one drink, she'll be fine in fiften minutes. And ummm, lesse, If my dossiers were right, then you're a close range fighter, Little missy over there's a summoner with a combat monster familliar, the Private over there's a marine who's good at combat, You got a speed demon in whichever one of you's Fia, and you got a sneaky little merc in the 'enforcer' over there."
Twisting the ring around his finger as he spoke and staring at what was the first talking plant he'd ever seen, "How soon do we need to eliminate the prophet? It would be best if we did as he said and became somewhat familiar with each others' talents. If Anfang can't wait, we'll just have to cope."
"Pretty unique there friend powers you got there friend. Someone of the more shady nature i presume," replied Fauna with cynical edge on her voice.
she just simply looked at the people all around her wondering what each of them could do. She had came in standby mode to make sure that Faye was alright. Since they originally agreed that Fauna should wait in her room until the meeting was over. However, she was now quite happy that she had decided to come seeing as Faye wasn't looking too good. Deciding that i couldn't hurt to show the Fauna shifts from her standby mode into her true form. Her true form was that of a twelve year old girl with cherry blossom colored hair. Her skin was peach pink, and her eyes crimson red with the cynicism dripping from them. she had wanted to use her morph power as a example, but decided that wasn't the best course of action to assume here.
"Well you could say I'm a deceiver with this being my true form, My specialty would be deceiving and trickery. Although i do have quite a bit of skill as a close range combatant," explained Fauna standing next to Faye who was still absently looking at her glass.
