RP XSDF Roleplay Thread: Vanguard of Forseti

[Black0ut]

Heart of Ice

Manchester, England
9:42 A.M.
Date: Currently Irrelevant (

Nothing can redeem the loss of life, thought Thomas, absolutely nothing. It was a bright sunny day in Manchester, although gloom was the only thing that entered Thomas's house. During the following week Thomas would leave the earth on a XSDF battleship. He had nothing to lose, no one to rely on him, so why did he have a feeling of regret? He had done nothing wrong. Thomas contemplated this strange feeling as he sat down in his chair. Could it be he was still attached to this wretched hell hole of a planet that took everything from him? Perhaps it was leaving his cybernetics business alone? Was it because he hadn't visited the patients he had failed? No, he realized, it was because he would be leaving his butler, Alfred.

Alfred had been his butler ever since he inherited his father's fortune, and stayed with him ever since. Alfred was more than just a servant. He was Thomas's only friend, the only one that cared about Thomas's well-being, instead of the digits in his bank account. When Thomas's mother died and Thomas became a recluse, Alfred would spend his free time trying to comfort his employer. Last year has been devastatingly tough as Alfred had contracted an unknown disease. The disease would later be known as Arkwright disease. The doctors were baffled at this new disease as it acted like several known diseases. The doctors estimated that due to Alfred's age and the strength of his immune system, he would have approx. 5 months to live, give or take. Thomas was devastated when he heard the news showing more emotion than he had in 18 years. He was even more surprised to be informed that Alfred had a family, as he had never left the manor for anything besides groceries. Thomas knew that he had to help Alfred combat this disease Thomas also knew that as soon as he left, his remaining wealth would most likely be taken by the government, if he didn't establish any heir(s) to said fortune. So he decided to eliminate both problems with one solution: giving Alfred the Wolfe fortune. Thomas bought a hospital with his money, and started taking care of Alfred. A single tear slid down Thomas's face as he recalled that fateful day.

A month later after Alfred's diagnosis, Thomas had just awoken from a deep sleep to the sounds of his ringing cell phone. Upon answering, Thomas learned that Alfred's health had deteriorated faster than what the doctors had initially thought. Thomas rushed out of the manor with his P.J.'s still on.


When Thomas finally made it to Alfred's packed room, Thomas discovered he was too late. Alfred was already gone. But a single letter was addressed to him, from his departed friend. He had been too afraid to open it then, finding out what Alfred's last thoughts were. But now, Thomas looked at the now, yellow letter and, with a sigh, wiped his eyes and grabbed it. This letter would tell him whether to stay or go. He slowly opened it, afraid of what he might find. Thomas started reading:


To Mr. Wolfe,

Sir, I know you'll blame yourself for my death, but please don't. You have given me the best 21 years of my life, and allowed me to know one of the greatest men in history. I hope you continue to grow into the great man I know you to be. Don't be discouraged if things get rough. You'll get through, as you're the most toughest, kindest, and most loving person I know. Know that you've had a massive impact on me. Thanks to you, I've found peace that I didn't know existed. Thank you. Now, go live your life to the fullest extent possible, sir.


Your faithful servant/ friend
Alfred Cornelius Arkwright.


---------------------------------------------

As Thomas finished reading the letter, the old hospital room he had visited months ago, shifted into Thomas' living room.
Thomas stared at the letter in his hand, for a minute or two, then pocketed it and stood up. Alfred, you wanted me to live life to the fullest? You got it, mate. Thomas thought. Thomas walked to his bathroom and looked at his reflection. "Observe constantly that all things take place by change" Thomas quoted ",and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them." Thomas splashed some water onto his face, and gazed into the mirror. His eyes contained a fire, unlike any emotion he had shown before: a mixture between determination, guilt, and pure, unadulterated rage. I'm for what may come. I'll take all the crap life has thrown at me and redirect at my enemies.

 

[Mangrale]

XSDF Supra-Battleship Arkbird
Hangar H
January 9, 2044

Narcisse leaned against the the metallic wall by the entrance of the hangar, arms crossed, gazing at the still fleet of fighters. The hangar was relatively quiet. Just a few engineers and repairmen were on hand, resupplying various vehicles, their echoes spreading throughout the massive space. On an busier day, the work would be even more frantic. But the last major engagement was several weeks ago leading to only minor confrontations as of late; hardly the work fit for the Supra-Battleship Arkbird. Yet Narcisse was happy with how matters turned out. It just wouldn't feel right to leave in the middle of a fight. This would be the last chance he'd have to tour the ship before his transfer to the Einherjar, so he spent what time he could to pass by his usual haunts, hangar included.

Seeing as no one was nearby watching him, Narcisse carefully walked over to a Firestorm, and stopped yards away to stare at it. Its hull glistened against the surrounding white lights patterned along the walls and high ceiling. It had a style, a certain thing about it that's hard to explain that he really liked about it, aside from its eye-catching weapon systems. He made another sweep for anyone, caught a hangar bay repair droid hover overhead, then took a few steps closer till he was right by the fighter's nose. Another sweep. Nobody. Tentatively, he slowly stretched his right, dark hand out towards the nose, halting once but then continuing till it rested, fingers apart, on the exterior. Narcisse saw himself in the shiny surface to the left of where his hand was, he could not deny his own grin looking back at him. This craft had seen him through a number of deployments and even some close calls, more than he'd ever want to admit to anyone. It would be the hardest to leave behind, more so than anyone on the battleship.

The thought of how stupid it was to be so attached to a fighter occurred to him, but that only made his smile wider. Narcisse patted the Firestorm twice, then took his hand off the nose. "Au revior..." he said almost whisperingly. After a slight realignment of his glasses, it struck him - how after all his years struggling with his condition, secluding himself from others, he should have found contentment inside a large machine that commonly carries him alone through the silent void of space. What would his old therapists say? These thoughts caught him by surprise and he let out a loud chuckle. He closed his fist and fitted it in front of his lips in an attempt to prevent his amusement from getting any louder.

Just then, he heard footsteps from behind him and turned quickly to the smug faces of Devin Rider and his his two associates, all three accomplished pilots, standing on the slightly elevated walkway. Narcisse crossed his arms, his smile disappearing immediately.

"Ah! If it isn't the man of the hour, Narseeks! Figures you'd come here where there'd always be someone ready to fix you up!", Devin taunted behind his red-tinted aviator glasses before laughing and jeering along with his lackeys. "Don't expect the same treatment where you're going!", one of them added in between bursts.

Narcisse clenched his fists under his armpits, shifting his lower jaw impatiently. "Actually, Devin", he interrupted, "I was just leaving. Excuse me." He looked beyond them to the exit doors and started walking past them.

They proceeded to surround him, Devin between him and the exit, and the other two taking his left and right sides. "Hey hey now Narkees!", Devin said with a smirk, "No need to go so soon."

"What do you want?", Narcisse asked, clearly getting agitated.

"What? We need a reason to hang with our favorite fake fly boy just when he's about to move on to bigger, better things?", Devin scoffed, turning to his lackeys in fraudulent innocence. "But hey, if you really want to get on with it", his eyes turned purposeful, "How about we settle things between us, once and for all. A sparring match, just you and me, man to machine."

"Not interested", Narcisse answered flatly, brushing past them abruptly, finally having enough.

"What's the matter, robot!?", Devin shouted as he grabbed his shoulder.

Anger flashed through Narcisse's body, particularly his right arm with the intention of remodeling Devin's face. But just as he tuned his head to get a clear shot, he stopped short at the sight of Devin's glasses lifting from his face and dangling above its now flustered owner and friends.

"No means no, Rider. It must be weird to hear a man say it for a change, huh?", interjected a voice nearby.

"Who the...?!", Devin cut off when he recognized her, Lance Corporal Miriam "Dread" Sanchez, walking confidently onto the scene. She was still dangling his glasses over his head, a spark of delight in her expression every time he made a grab for them.

"Hey! (grunt) This is none of your (grunt) business!", Devin exclaimed, having resorted to jumping in his attempts to reach the glasses.

Narcisse had regained his composure by this time and amusedly watched what, to him, looked a lot like a cat leaping at a loose string.

"And yet here I am. So maybe the three of you should leave him alone before I get Keith involved too", she said, causing the glasses to drift just passed the walkway railing, much to the trio's chagrin.

"Fine! Whatever! Just let - hey!" Just then, she released her hold on the glasses, for which Devin almost fell head first over the railing to grab hold of. After being helped up by his lackeys, he hastily led them out of the hangar, all the while vowing to get back at Narcisse one day.

Miriam observed them till they were out of the hangar, grinning and standing triumphantly every second they were in sight. She then turned to Narcisse, who only stayed where he was because he didn't want to appear ungrateful by leaving when her back was turned.

"That should take care of them for a while. Are you alright, Narcisse?", she asked.

"I am. Um... th...thank you... for your help...", he said weakly, feeling uncomfortable.

"Don't mention it!", she gladly said in return, "I'm always happy to..." Just then she noticed Narcisse suddenly leaving the hangar. "...help?..."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

XSDF Battleship Einherjar
Main Bridge
Jan. 15th, 2044
1200 Hours

Astasha cleared her throat as she stepped in front of the view screen. With a nod to Frederick, the viewscreen's camera's projected her image across the ship, her voice projected from every speaker.

"Attention all XSDF staff, crew, soldiers, and civilian staff. I am Astasha Streczyk, Commander of both the XSDF and the Einherjar. Though... I'm sure most of you already knew that..."

"Now... I run a tight ship. Your duties and responsibilities will be defined specifically, and I expect you to complete them with utmost efficiency. Soldiers will be expected to participate in regular training exercises, and will be subject to random assessments."

"That said, I pay close attention to my people. Screw up, and expect the punishment. Succeed... and expect the appropriate reward. Promotions, referrals, positive marks on your record. The XSDF is highly regarded, on Earth, on the colonies, and even amongst our allies' planets. A positive record here will get you far if and when you leave, in the military, and amongst companies and organizations."

Astahsa took a deep breath. "I am eager to see what you can all do. We have a fairly young, inexperienced staff, but I am not worried. The Einherjar is, by all accounts, the greatest battleship in the XSDF, second in strength and power only to the Supra Battleships. With top of the line weapon systems and the best in shield capabilities direct for Exalt Enterprises with support from Tanaka Sciences, a maximum GDF warp factor of 9.5 giving us a top speed of 763 million meters per second, top of the line weapons, armor, and supplies from Exalt Enterprises and Cross Technologies, and cutting edge facilities, including our labs, engineering bay, infirmary, and four holo-rooms, the largest of which being outfitted for training purposes..." Astasha shrugged. "I think we are in good hands."

The Commander smiled a bit. "And... keep this between us, but I called in a few favors, and made sure we had a fully stocked mess hall, some top cooks, and a top quality hydroponics bay, so... food shouldn't be an issue."

Clearing her throat, Astasha continued, "As I am sure many of you are aware, our first assignment is to escort yours truly to Forseti. It seems there is some... dispute over the Earth's rights to mine there. I am sure the matter can be solved with ease, but the galaxy is a fairly dangerous place nowadays, piracy being on the rise. I want everyone to be on their guard and to be ready for a mission at any time. We have a few stops along the way for information and supplies."

"Transmission with the Sol System will be limited, so you have one week while we gather the last of our supplies and crew from Earth and the nearby colonies. Use the time to say your final goodbyes to family and friends and familiarize yourself with the ship. And for many of you..." Astasha bowed her head slightly. "Welcome to the eXtra Stellar Defense Force."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Power Struggles, Part 1”

XSDF Battleship Einherjar, En Route to Forseti
Primary Laboratory
January 16th, 2044, 1100 Hours

Rei looked over the computer pad for a moment, then handed it to Terratorra. "This will be your workload of the course of the next several weeks. It will likely change ever so slightly as time passes, but it should remain consistent for the most part."

The Ardenian slowly scanned the pad, one stalk-eye turning looking at the scientist. "You... I... this is everything expected of me?"

Rei nodded. "I... I took into consideration the fact that you are doubling as a soldier. However, if you feel it... is insulting to your intellect, I could add more to it..."

TT's eyes widened a bit, and he put on a fake smug look. "I... I suppose this will suffice."

"Excellent." Rei handed the centaur-like alien a few documents. "This will be your main assignment for the time being. There is an outbreak of Shinso Influenza on Novum. The local labs are attempting to adapt the Aegerter vaccine to combat it, but they are having difficulty with the Ardenian populace."

"I see." TT turned to move to his work space, then stopped. Looking back, he asked, "Does... does this mean I have to handle some of this... virus?"

"Make sure you wear your protective equipment," Rei said as an answer, and got a slight grunt in response before Terratorra walked off. Rei turned away, hiding a slight smile.

The door opened a second time soon after, and a woman who was most certainly not smiling walked in, wearing mostly white or gray clothing with an XSDF Science Department Badge denoting her role. Fixing her light blue eyes on Rei, she approached the chief of scientific staff. "Vindicta Exalt, arriving from Sydney," the head of the psionic division said icily, handing Rei her admission papers.

"Ah, Ms. Exalt. It is nice to finally meet you." Rei took the papers, looking them up and down carefully. "I know you mother. And if you have even half of your family’s expertise in the fields of science, I am glad to have you on board."

"Naturally, I was expecting to be the head of the department but I suppose you must be extremely qualified," Vindicta replied, crossing her arms unconsciously.

"I believe I am, yes. As does the XSDF, it would seem." Rei adjusted her glasses, and folded her hands. "I can assure you, I am the best person for my position. Though your posture and expression seem to imply you feel otherwise."

"I believe leadership requires a degree of past qualification, personal power, and skill. Perhaps you have the third to some degree lesser, equal to, or greater than my own." Vindicta shook her head. "But I am the daughter of one of the most successful businesswomen in the world, and as for personal power..."

Vindicta lifted a hand, lightning sparking around it briefly, before dissipating. "I think I have that down."

Rei twirled a pencil between her fingers, calmly watching Vindicta. "That almost sounds like a threat," she mumbled to herself.

Louder, she asked, "With all due respect, Ms. Exalt, the past qualifications of your mother are just that. Her qualifications. I hardly see how they extend to an offspring just out of college. I am afraid you will need to prove yourself a bit more if you would like my job."

"And what would that entail?" Vindicta asked casually.

"Actual work in the field, my dear. Getting your hands dirty. You..." Rei gave Vindicta a serious look. "You do not actually believe you have can do my job better straight out of college... do you?"

"I do have field expertise, Dr. Tanaka," Vindicta replied indignantly. "Does personal use of psionics and practice in other fields within Exalt HQ equate to nothing in your eyes? And besides, age means little when someone like Dr. Randolph was probably more qualified than XCOM's head of-"

Rei glared at Vindicta for a few moments. "Listen, Ms. Exalt. I... I owe a lot to your mother. When my sister was possessed and threatened her and her sisters, she gave my parents the chance to save Keiko instead of... simply killing her. Her company gave me my start, despite how young I was at the time, and when I left and started a company with the potential to challenge hers, she did not simply crush mine. She embraced the challenge, and gave me a fair competition. She even contracted with me on many occasion. And her work in cloning had applications in fields such as in vitro fertilization, so she had a hand in the birth of my children."

Rei took a deep breath. "Were she to enter that door in the interest in taking my position, not under orders from my superiors but as a favor, for those reasons mentioned, it would be with a heavy heart that I would still refuse. Because you forgot something in regards to leadership; you need well-earned confidence. And I know I am the best person for my job." She leaned back and shrugged. "Granted, if I were to make a list of the perhaps ten people in the entire known galaxy as fit for my job as I, the family name Exalt would be on that list more than once. I... am sorry to say the given name Vindicta would not be."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “Power Struggles, Part 2”

Vindicta stood there for a few long moments, trying to come up with something to say but finding her voice had failed her. D-Dammit...

"P-Perhaps in due time Commander Streczky will realize she may need to re-evaluate her selection."

"Perhaps." Rei gave Vindicta a honest, almost nurturing look. "I do not feel you are ready. And I feel I would be doing your family an injustice by putting you in that position. But just as your family gave me the potential to surpass them, as unlikely as that might be, I want to give you the means of proving your worth, even if it eventually means losing my position to you."

The older woman pulled out a document from her desk. "I... wanted you here for a reason. And I know this department would suffer without you. However, if you are dissatisfied, we will cross paths with the Helios near Novum. Their Chief Science Officer is skilled, but weak willed. I am sure you can convince him to give you his job. Granted, the facilities on that ship pale in comparison to ours, and they are about to start a yearlong study of a class Y planet, but... better to rule in Hell then serve in Heaven, right?"

"Science is spurred by innovation, not idle developments," Vindicta almost snapped, before calming herself down. "I will content myself with this position for now provided my work is not... interfered with. I will need access to psions on the Einherjar and DNA samples where available."

"Of course. Your work is important, and I want to make it possible to advance it in every way." Rei placed the document back into her desk. "You may even use my blood as your first DNA sample, if you wish."

Vindicta raised an eyebrow incredulously. "You have psionic potential?"

Rei nodded. "Not nearly to the degree as you, I'm afraid. Only what little I've done on my own without it being unlocked." Rei raised her hand, a small swirl of blue energy forming in it. "But when you are around psions the same color as you a lot, you start to develop whether you try or not."

"Natural psionics tend to be the most potent, though there are unfortunately only three known to me that still live. Unless you have some sort of catalyst during training I doubt you will progress much further," Vindicta explained. "Desmond was a natural only after plenty of failed attempts to create one were staged, he passed that on to my cousin Cayden, and Atka developed due to the stresses of combat." Vindicta crossed her arms. "I don't pretend to know how Viktor activated his, but I doubt there was any good time to ask that heathen."

"Indeed." Rei sat back. "As for the former two, however, I can get you access to Atka's psionic files if that will help with your studies. We'll need her permission, of course, but I believe I can convince her to give it. She is my mother, after all."

"In a way that makes her family tree as odd as my mother's," Vindicta remarked.

Rei nodded, a slight smile spreading on her face at the sign of a connection, however small. "I have a number of assignments for you, but as long as you stay up on them, you are free to follow your own interests. I hope that we will work as well together as I believe we will."

"We'll see." Pulling out a holographic clipboard, Vindicta's eyes glowed a soft gold colour. From behind her in a swirl of red telekinetic shards, Black Bishop formed to hold the device in her hands so Vindicta could type. "What did you have in mind for me?"

Rei pulled some documents out of her desk and placed them before Vindicta. "A few things. The most pertinent one is work on the Tondari Condition. It seems it is slightly more prominent in human children then the Humilitia, even with the very, very low psionics children have on the rare occasion they are present. We have had no fatalities as of yet, but a few close calls, and I would like to further our attempts to correct the condition without the presence of a Humilitia. Here are the notes from the scientific community on Tamear about their work, as well as the case notes on Brigid O'Brien, the first documented human child to suffer from the condition."

Vindicta's eyes lit up slightly upon the mention of the violet psion. "I shall get on that... O'Brien is here herself, isn't she? I’d love to see how her powers have developed over 25 years..."

"She is, and I will ask her to give you her full cooperation. Just... be cautious." Rei hid another small smile. "She is headstrong. Be careful what you say to her."

"We Exalts are well aware of the delicacy of the ego, Dr. Tanaka." Vindicta turned off the clipboard, placing it in her pocket. "So many interesting subjects... And Mark thought this would not be a worthwhile endeavor." Black Bishop hovered to her right, seeming to have a similar interest coupled with a bit of sarcastic amusement, as if Vindicta were too obsessed.

Rei raised an eyebrow. "I will trust you to it. I... I just hope you do not share your mother lack of... censoring... when she was working with XCOM. A friend of my parents spoke of incidents in which was a bit too honest, so to speak." Her eyes darted between the manifestations. "I would also keep those under wraps. I could care less, but the Commander is not a fan of open use of psionics."

Black Bishop melted back into Vindicta, and she frowned. "Hm. Well, then, she is perhaps a little too stringent." She is perhaps a little too much of a bitch. "I will comply for now, but if she expects me to conduct my research without active use of psionics..."

“Then I will personally remind her of the importance of your work." Rei smiled, this one more prominent. "Trust me."

"Of course." Not like I have a choice, though it’s an experiment at least.

"Good to hear." Rei pulled off her glasses, calmly cleaning them. "Did you have any more questions or concerns?"

"No, I believe that will suffice. I look forward to putting my talents to use." Vindicta nodded and turned to the door. As it automatically opened, she casually placed a hand on one side. A slight jolt zapped into the circuitry so it would not close properly without repairs.

"Refrain from open use of power my ass." she muttered before heading back to her quarters.

Rei watched the door sputter and struggle to close. With a frown, she tapped the button for the communicator. "Can I get an engineer down to the labs? It seems the... the ship has a few bugs that need working out."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

MarineAvenger and DarkGemini24601: “Long Time, No See”

Earth, Sol System (January 15th, 2044)
The Einherjar (6:23 P.M.)
High Orbit over Russia (currently)

Cayden walked through the halls of the ship with a duffle bag over his shoulder, looking for the room number that would be his. Cayden wasn't told who or how many people he would be bunking with but he just hoped he would be able to make friends. Back in his time with the Rangers, he and his entire team shared a barracks together and had gotten pretty close with the amount of times they went out together for a mission. They may have not been the most active, but they still made a difference when it was needed. Getting frustrated as he lost his way and had no idea where he was going, Cayden put his bag against the wall and waited for anyone who could possibly give him directions.

For awhile he was kept company by only the occasional blinking of lights in the corridor and the soft breath of the ventilation system. Then, the door to Cayden's right opened, and a woman with brown haired dyed a deep green on the ends walked in. She almost didn't notice the man leaning against the wall for a moment, but stopped halfway. "Um... Do I know you?" He looks familiar...

"Um...I don't think so..." Cayden took a closer look at the woman for a few seconds and raised an eyebrow. "Is your name Sasha?"

She nodded, and a smile spread across her face. "Oh! It... It must have been more than ten years since we've met by now, Cayden."

"Wow, it's so good to see you, how are you doing?" Cayden gave her brief hug and said, "I wasn't expecting to see you here. Is your brother here too or did you solo this one?"

Sasha bit her lip in frustration. "I couldn't convince him not to come."

Cayden laughed and nodded his head. "Yeah, well I know if Bethany ever had the courage to do something like this I wouldn't stop following her. Same with Leo, you just have to stand by your siblings...even though they can drive you crazy." Shaking his head he said, "You look great too. I like the hair. Your mother didn't...force that on you did she?" He asked with a friendly smirk.

Sasha ran a hand along the locks absently. "No, I did this on my own. Not sure what gave me the idea for the specific style, honestly." Snapping her fingers, Sasha added, "By the way, I can use psionics now like your dad! Probably nowhere near as potent though..."

"Great, nice to see how far you've grown." Cayden reached into his shirt and took out his necklace. "I am still wearing this by the way."

"Not as... Interested in yours?” Sasha asked cautiously. "You'd be able to do a lot more than me as a natural psion. All I can really do well is telekinesis, and even with that all I can lift is about 30 kilograms max." Seeing Cayden's blank expression, Sasha mumbled, "Oh, right. American." More audibly she restated, "About 66 pounds."

"Yeah well, let's just say I had a bad experience using my psionics and I don't want it to happen again. I can still use them if I take it off but there are people like you who can do just as much." Cayden was vague on the details but he didn't want to reveal the real reason he kept the inhibitor on.

Sasha shook her head. "No way could I be as good as you. It'll probably take me awhile to make my rift into anything usable, and that's my only other power right now."

"Dad taught me how to use most of my powers, but there is still one that I can't get a hold of. Don't know if I ever will at this point." Cayden looked down at his right hand and closed it.

"The... Spinny ball of doom?" Sasha guessed.

"Yeah, the spinny ball of doom." He said in a joke, chuckling to lighten the mood a bit. "Been trying to get it for years now but it still does not want to work. Can't figure out what I am doing wrong, but who knows, maybe being around other psions will be good for me."

"Not sure who else here is besides..." Sasha shook her head, whispering, "I think your cousin is liable to piss off the Commander because of the whole 'no open use of psionics thing'."

"Oh right, they are supposed to be coming here, aren't they? I hope she can keep her cool, if the stories my Dad has told about his sisters are true, then I wish her the best."

"Yep. So, uh... why were you just standing here in the hallway?"

Cayden tilted his head a moment before remembering what he was doing in the first place, pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket and showing it to Sasha. "I was looking for my room but sort of got...well lost. This place isn't like any of the bases I have stayed at before."

"Yeah, being on a ship is... Different" Sasha compared his room assignment and hers. "006-D... Huh, that's the same as me. We've got Mikhail, a Tamearin named Korra Devolina, and Brigid... o-O'Brien?!"

"No kidding?" Cayden took back his paper and folded it up. "Not only do I get you guys as roommates, but Brigid as well? Seems like old times."

"Well, we're missing a Wiewora, but I figure Atka is at least trying to keep her kids out of military stuff," Sasha offered.

"You know I heard a rumor on the ship that Rei Tanaka is supposed to be heading up the science division. Seems things really are coming full circle." Cayden unconsciously rubbed the pendant around his neck.

Sasha shook her head. "Maybe you should get the armor around your arms strengthened."

"Low blow Dragomirov, low blow. Maybe we should keep you and your brother away from rocket launchers if that is the case." He retorted with a smug look.

"Heavy weapons are Mikhail's thing, not mine," Sasha protested, waving her hands. "I’ll just sit in the back with a regular old rifle taking potshots and watching your backs."

"So what have you been doing since we dropped out of contact? Any military life or college?" Cayden asked harmlessly.

"I signed up for the Russian military after high school," Sasha answered. "Didn't think I was cut out to be a scientist like mom and it... Wasn't really the best time to go to college."

Cayden raised an eyebrow as if to ask what she meant but he just said, "I joined the 75th Rangers Regiment right after high school and was in it until a year ago. Made it to the rank of Lieutenant before I dropped out."

Probably best not to ask... "Well... I can probably find the room for us."

"Yeah, that would probably be...ahem, wise." Cayden shrugged and held out his hand to Sasha. "Look, I am glad we got to see each other again, and that we will be working together. I know we haven't talked a lot since we were kids but I hope we can rekindle the friendship."

"Same for me. I could introduce you to a friend of mine that works here as well, but she is kinda shy," Sasha explains.

"That would be great. My sister is the same way though so...you know, she is that quiet fashionista who is shy around everyone except her family and a few good friends. I miss my brother too but she was always a little bit more special." Cayden let out a huge sigh and said to himself, "I just hope Leo can keep everything together all right."

"Well, your dad is still the man of the house and everything so that's probably his job," Sasha contested.

"Although true, she tends to look to us for support more so than our parents. Dad is kind of overprotective of his daughter and Mom...well, I am sure you already know how she acts. I just hope she can hold on. She has a hard time fitting into her school."

"I think I can understand the feeling," Sasha responded quietly. "Let her know I wish her luck."

"I think she would enjoy hearing that." Cayden grabbed his duffel off the floor and asked, "Shall we get going then?"

"Yep." Sasha led him down a hallway, around a corner, dodging a grizzled-looking Balmadaar as he went in the other direction, until they came to wing D of the barracks. The Dragomirov placed her ID card on the scanner and the door opened, sliding to one side. Within there was a central room with a table in the middle, surrounded by six chairs. Two smaller tables with a computer and chair each were on the right side flanking the right door, and on the left in a similar setup were two storage chests.

In total, the central room had the exit door, one opposite to that, and one on the right and left. "Mikhail and I decided that the guys will take the bunks on the right, and the girls will take the ones on the left. The back door leads to a group shower, so we'll have to take turns." Turning on an overhead light blue lamp, Sasha looked at Cayden seriously. "If you walk in while I'm taking a shower you won't like what comes next."

Cayden held up his hands defensively. "Just lock the door and everything will be fine. Besides..." Cayden cautiously looked over Sasha and said, "Besides, you may be pretty but I wouldn't just walk in for a quick peak."

"Good to hear." Sasha sighed. "Sorry, just have to be cautious."

"Yeah, sure. You know you look a lot like your mother."

Sasha smiled briefly. “I have to wonder what you mean by that, Cayden..."

"Is there any other meaning? I mean my mother did have a bunch of pictures of her and she was fairly beautiful when she was younger and you share a lot of her looks, that is all. Though it seems your teasing personality came through as well."

Sasha raised an eyebrow incredulously. "Only when she was younger? Don't make me tell her that."

Cayden opened his mouth to speak and closed it, narrowing his eyes. "Well...I was just making a point."

Sasha rolled her eyes. "If you say so."

"You can't take a compliment, can't you?"

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Making Things Clear”

XSDF Battleship Einherjar
Commander's Ready Room
January 16th, 1200 Hours

Astasha looked down the soldier list, paying special attention to those chosen by her second in command. With a frown, she highlighted a few a hit the comm. "Can someone get that android in here. And... make sure he is escorted."

A few minutes passed after the Commander received an affirmative response. With a harsh swish, the door opened and Hermes stepped in, flanked by two guards with heavy pistols and arc throwers. The android saluted, conscious of the significance of his guards being there. "What can I do for you sir?"

"I realize you probably don't have to sit, but it would go a long way to making me more comfortable... if you don't mind." Astasha gave an obviously fake smile.

Hermes merely nodded quietly and sat down in a nearby chair. Just what is this about...?

"I am going to be frank," Astasha said bluntly. "I was a bit surprised to see you on the soldier listing. Do you have any idea why my first officer out you on it?"

"Because I have skills that would be useful to you in a combat capacity?" Hermes answered as neutrally as he could.

"I... am sure you do. Just as any mechanized units do. But we usually don't list SHIVs and combat droids amongst soldiers." Astasha folded her hands. "Do you... fancy yourself an individual? You are an android, are you not?"

"A self-aware being can recognize themselves as such, the postulate goes. I have this understanding, I believe," Hermes stated. "And I do appear to be designed after a human, in most ways," he added, looking over the armor locked onto his person.

“That you don't look more human is why you are allowed to walk free. I don't care much for androids, or aliens, that disguise themselves." Astasha smiled lightly, but hardly seemed amused. "Are you aware that neither the human governments nor the XSDF have rules, laws, or statutes recognizing the individual rights of artificial intelligence?"

"I am aware, but I never considered that before," Hermes answered, worry rising in his tone and his eyes unconsciously widening a bit. Is she trying to say she can scrap me for parts if she wants?

"And has Ms. Brea made you aware of the desires of the engineering crew that first examined you?"

"She... has not, but I can hazard a few guesses," Hermes said grimly.

Astasha nodded. "I... run a tight ship here. I push for efficiency in everyone... and everything. If something isn't working, I move it somewhere else. A soldier isn't working, he becomes a guard. An engineer can't handle a task, he is moved to something he can handle. A SHIV isn't doing its job... I scrap it and use its parts for something else." Astasha leaned back. "I... trust we have an understanding."

"Crystal clear." Hermes willed himself to keep his expression placid despite the cold hand of fear that was clutching his elerium heart.

"Good." The Commander leaned forward and looked over some notes. “Now, I understand you had an agreement with Ms. Brea. Services in exchange for assistance in retrieving lost memories of possible, or at least gaining a better understanding of how your body works?"

"That is the pact we decided on," Hermes responded. An agreement I am sure you will run roughshod over.

Astasha sighed. "Making deals with machines..." She shook her head. "As long as it does not interfere with the duties of my engineers... I will go along with it. But you and Brea will need to find the engineers willing to assist you. Do you need special living arrangements, one should I bunk you like a normal soldier?"

"Memory recovery may not be possible through technical means but instead observation to garner a better understanding of my past, so engineering should not be disrupted. As for living arrangements, I require nothing out of the ordinary."

Astasha nodded. "Alright. And do you have enough knowledge of your functions to suggest a soldier class?"

Hermes glanced back at the jetpack between his shoulders. "Should I prove myself as a private believe Paratrooper would be appropriate."

"And do you have any questions or concerns you would like to voice at this time?"

That sounds like a loaded question, but I have to ask... "What would you deem as unsatisfactory performance on my part so that I might avoid failure to meet your expectations?"

Astasha folded her hands. "Disobeying orders. I will not expect anything more from you then any other soldier, but as such, you will follow orders like the rest. And remember the team is more important than the individual."

Hermes nodded. "I shall keep those things in mind."

"Good." Astasha returned to her notes. "You're dismissed. And... I'll keep in touch."

How I wish you wouldn't... Hermes thought to himself as he got up and left.

As Hermes left the bridge, a pair of hands reached out, grabbing the shoulders of his escorts. "You're dismissed."

They turned around to face Aya. "But the Commander said to..."

"To escort him to her. I'll take it from here." The two guards nodded, and Aya watched them as they went.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Siblings, Far but Never Apart (ZombieSplitter53 and MarineAvenger)

XSDF Battleship Einherjar
Room of Brigid O'Brien
January 16th, 1100 Hours

Brigid tapped her fingers rapidly as the screen displayed that the call had yet to be received. It was only now, waiting for someone answer, that it occurred to her that she had neglected to stop home before signing up for this mission. Her relationship with her family was already rough, but for them to have to learn about this in this manner, or from word of mouth if they already knew, was inexcusable. It was for this reason that, when the line failed to pick up, Brigid was relieved, letting out a deep sigh.

She slowly stood up and turned away, only to be stopped whenthe computer displayed an incoming call. She closed her eyes and shook her head. With another sigh, she sat back down and hit enter. "H... h-hello?"

On the screen, a teen with dark brown hair and blue eyes, a bored expression on his face as he held his cheek on his palm, upon seeing Brigid, smiling and straightening up, taking the electric cigarette out of his mouth and letting out the vapor, wiping it away with his hand and clearing his throat. "'Ey. Long time, no see sis." Galen took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "Enjoying deployment?"

So they do know. Does that make this easier, or harder? Brigid smiled faintly. "Y-yeah, it... it is a wonderful ship. I'm sorry I didn't... you know, come by. Are... are mom and dad home?"

"Nah, they are out grocery shopping. Gave me some time alone, so I figured I would call while they have no chance to find out I am doing this." Brigid's younger brother fixed the flat cap on his head to straighten it a bit and he went back to talking. "You know they don't even know you re-enlisted yet. Only reason I heard 'cause a girl at school has an older brother stationed on the same ship you're on. She told me after her brother told her and I must say...very sneaky of you. Not even a call."

Brigid put on a sly smile, partially hiding the look of guilt involuntarily spreading across her face. "Yeah, well, you know me. Always the defiant one, never able to stick around. They might be a little cheesed off, but they'll..." Brigid swallowed hard. "They'll get over it."

"Oh yeah, you got no worries. Don't worry, I won't spill, but you should at least call Mom and let her know. You might get lucky and she won't jack a spaceship to drag you back to Earth by the ear." Galen took another puff of his E-Cig and and chuckled. "Actually I might tell her, that would be hilarious to watch." He said with a wink.

Brigid's eyes narrowed a bit. "Oh, aye? And i might just be persuaded mention that little glow stick, ye little chiseller..."

"I'll kick it..." Galen slumped back and took another puff. "Eventually. Besides, this is just the normal vapor ones. Wouldn't dare smoke a real one in the house. Mom 'as a nose like a damn bloodhound. You can't tell me you were never a little crooked when you were a teen, now can ya?"

Brigid smiled and shrugged. "Tried it once. Hacked a few times and never did it again. And I need to stay off the drink for my training. Doesn't really work if I build a tolerance." Her smile faded a bit. "You... you really should quit, though. For you own health, not just for ma."

"Not like I am a junky sis, I am fine. I take it moderately and I only takes a few swigs of whiskey a day. I am not going to die from something like that. Besides, I am surprised you care so much all things considered."

Brigid's eyes widened a bit. "I... I-I..." Her head dipped a bit. "Of course I care, I... I love my..." She closed her eyes, and shook her head.

"Look... how long did we go without seeing you? And the few times you did visit, you were so distant to me, it was like it didn't even matter. And now... we won't even get that." Galen looked off to the side, a sad look on his face as he put the cigarette on the desk.

Brigid nodded. "You... you're right." She kept her gaze towards the floor. "When I... when I first left, I... I-I remember ma saying... how she remembers what a good little girl I... I was. Always... always doing as she was told, always behaving. She blamed herself for my interests in... in the military... in fighting. She said she could have done more... but it wasn't her fault. It was mine." Her voice shuddered a bit. "I... disappointed her. So I ran away from her. I spent ten years in training, improving my skills... and avoiding home. But I always had a chance to go home. Now that I'm away... now that I'm not sure when I can come back, I... I realized how bad I've made things. How far I am from... from that good little girl that just liked to paint..."

Galen was silent for a few long moments, still looking off to the side. "I still love you Brig." Looking back at the screen, Galen looked at it with a small smile, though his eyes were obviously wet. "That was wrong of me. You were just following what you wanted to do. I shouldn't judge you for it...and neither should ma."

"It... it's okay." Brigid practically whispered. "Ever since that... that damn Ethereal used that Incubator to manipulate me... to use me, to... to make me into something different, I... I've been lost. Ma tried to protect me, but I couldn't be that innocent child I once was. Not after the things I saw... the things I did. But I never wanted to disappoint her. I still wanted her to be proud." She looked up. "And I loved you. When you were born, I... I was so happy. I wanted to be the best big sister I could. But I had these plans, and... and I ended up missing the last ten years of your life. I... I am happy with my decision to join the XSDF. But if there is one thing I regret about it, it's missing any more time with my little brother."

Galen nodded solemnly, wiping his eyes and shaking his head. "I am looking to get into college. Don't know where yet but it is halfway through junior year so...thought I might start looking sooner rather than later. Hoping to get a major, maybe."

Brigid smiled. "Good idea. You... you always have a penchant for planning ahead. What were you planning to major in?" she asked, believing she had a good idea.

 

[MarineAvenger]

Part Two

"Artistry actually. Must say, if there is one thing I gotfrom my sister, it was my talents."

Brigid's smile grew. "Well, I... I'm sure you might someday equal half my talent. Did you have anything you could show me?"

Galen took a deep breath, looking around his half neat, half cluttered desk and eventually getting out of his seat, and walking off screen, coming back with a canvas and turning it around, showing Brigid just a simple small house on a hill with a sunset background, not perfect but the detail put into it was impressive.

Brigid hid her true joy under a snobbish look as she examined it carefully. "Hmm... not bad. Obvious talent is present, but I believe the artist would benefit from further instruction. But... I believe I would buy this."

"With what money? Living on a military salary must not leave you that much financial room. Don't come looking to me for loans when I make it big either, Olivia Twist."

Brigid pouted, innocently circling her finger on the desk. "Oh, but... but that's what rich little brothers are for..." She smiled again. "I... I'm proud of you, Galen. And I promise you, the moment I get back to Earth, I'll come to visit. An extended visit."

"Yeah, I would like that. So keep safe sis. Who knows, maybe when you get back, me and you can get a house together and really be close to one another." Galen returned his sister's smile and innocently asked, "So...meet anyone in your escapades away from home?"

Brigid shook her head. "Nah. I kept it strictly business. Though I did spend some time with the Walkers. You probably don't want to hear this from your big sister, but..."

Galen raised an eyebrow and sat forward. "I am a teenage boy in high school, and a popular one at that. Trust me, I have had a fair share of gossip so...spill it."

Brigid blushed a bit. "Well... y-you know, when you... when you're a seven year old girl, there are things you don't notice about an older man, at least not until you grow up a bit yourself, and... well, let's just say that Desmond is looking pretty good. And they must have an understanding in the household, 'cause... those doors weren't... always... locked..."

Galen planted his head on his desk and had to rub it a little in pain. "Please tell me you are joking...you mean to say...the same guy Mom had told me about...is..." Galen slammed his head again.

Brigid's face turned beet red. "I... I-I just mean, he's very handsome, and he has a nice... it isn't like I... care about a married... he was a big influence for me as a child, and I... shut up! I've been out training, okay! It isn't like I had time to find anyone, and no one wants a modded, psionic tomboy with no... no..." She looked down at her petite body, and sighed in frustration. "W... w-what about you!?"

"What about me?" He asked, trying his best to keep a composed look but not resisting a smirk at how flustered he made his sister.

"W-well, you... y-your a handsome young man... even if you're a... a big jerk..." Brigid crossed her arms. "You find anybody yet? Why aren't you fighting off hoards of girls trying to get a piece of you?"

"I admit, I have my fan girls but I haven't gone after anyone. Waiting for a good girl to show up, not an airhead. And I wouldn't be hard on yourself, you are a beautiful woman in your own right." Galen gave a shrug and sat back in his seat.

"Thanks, Galen. I..." Brigid raised an eyebrow.Wait... what does 'in my own right' mean... She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I'm here to work, and I hope I can stay busy. The regular old military wasn't what I was looking for, but maybe the XSDF will be.Can't wait to bust some alien pirate heads, save some civilians, and kick some ass."

"I might just have to wait and year and join up myself." Galen gave a wink to his sister and smiled. "Could you imagine me in the army?"

Brigid shook her head. "Well, uh... would you be offended if I said no?"

"Well, no seeing as it was meant as a joke." And what does she mean I am not cut out for the military... "And your confidence in my abilities is duly noted. I'll have you know, Mom and Dad take me shooting occasionally and I must say I am pretty decent at it."

Brigid gave him a caring smile. "Well, of course you are, considering your genes." She sighed. "I can't have you here, but I can at least talk to you regularly. I promise, whenever I get a chance. Just... don't tell mom and dad. I'll call them and tell them myself. I won't pass off that responsibility to you."

"Alright, that would be great. Would prefer not to get our mother and father's ire. I wish I was there to give you a hug though. Seems like forever since I have actually...you know, shown any affection towards you."

Brigid chuckled. "We're starting to sound like a married couple who have been apart too long..." She shook her head. "I... I love you, Galen. And we'll see each other again soon enough. I promise."

"You better keep safe...I won't forgive you otherwise and I love you too sis. You have my number so...yeah, call. No matter what, don't ever get discouraged. I may be your younger brother but I will still beat the crap out of anyone who thinks they will be able to mess with you."

"Alright. I... I-I'll talk to you again soon." Brigid bit her lip. "And... a-and thanks."

Galen nodded, giving his sister a smug grin. "Yeah, anytime Brig. Be sure to kill something for me." A couple of voices calling out from behind Galen's door made him turn around quickly and gave a quick, final good-bye to Brigid before he cut the connection, the screen going dark with 'Call Ended' flashing on the screen.

Brigid leaned back, letting out another deep sigh. After a minute, she grabbed a pad and pencil, and started brainstorming how she was going to say to her parents.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “A Small Chance, but a Chance Nevertheless”

Earth, Sol System (January 15th, 2044)
The Einherjar (7:58 P.M.)
High Orbit over the Northern Pacific (currently)

Hermes walked down the hallway in a somewhat deflated manner, not exactly looking forward to another callup if it was going to be anything like his encounter with the Commander. He stopped to look around for a moment, the large central hall being full of staff and soldiers heading to different parts of the ship, before resting his gaze on a sizeable door entitled “Engineering”. Moving over to it, he was met by a guard that asked his business. “I was asked to meet with an engineer named Nicholas Cauthon,” the android answered.

The security guard nodded. “Alright… I think he’s in that lab of his right now.” The man lead Hermes into the main engineer section, full of assembly tables, holographic blueprints, engineers, and of course machinery. They went to the side of the main commotion, coming to a door marked “Cauthon”. The guard knocked lightly. “Your visitor has arrived, Mr. Cauthon,” he announced.

It took a few good minutes before the door actually opened, Nick looking up at the two figures with his headphones around his neck, the music still a bit audible. Pushing up his glasses he said, “Sorry I didn’t hear you before, was listening to my uh...music.” Staring up at Hermes with wide eyes he asked, “So you’re Arcwrigĥt?”

“I am,” Hermes replied as the guard started to walk back to his post. “Am I correct in assuming you are not one of the engineers that would like to take me apart completely?” he asked with a bit of humor and a bit of worry.

“Maybe an arm or two just for analysis.” Nick stated with a smile, waving Hermes into his lab. Everything in the space seemed clumped together into an organized mess, though signs of order cropped up here and there. In the middle of the lab, Clunker laid deactivated and with one of his back panels opened, revealing the complex circuitry. Over on a table, tools both modern and not-so were hanging up on a board along with Buzzer on the table.

Sitting on top of Clunker’s head Nick asked, “So...bring me up to speed about why exactly the other techs wanted me to look at you? I have your file somewhere but I am having trouble staying organized with all my files. I could use them digitally but I prefer having physical copies I can easily edit...even though getting it all neat kills my OCD…” With a sigh, he looked at the android with an amazed look.

“My memory was damaged upon crashing to Sihan 2 from what I can only assume was some battle between two battleships,” Hermes explained. “I have technical knowledge, as well as knowledge of many other things, but any stored memories seem to be lost.”

“That usually seems like an easy fix...though since you’re here that obviously isn’t the case.” Walking over to a set of three computers in the corner, Nick shifted around some boxes in order to get to them and he grabbed an adapter. “Mind if I plug into your noggin?”

I can’t exactly be sure he isn’t going to try to modify something, but then again, why would Astasha have bothered saying anything if she planned on just reprogramming me? With a cautious nod, Hermes agreed. “Go ahead.”

“Awesome.” Walking behind Hermes, he took a few minutes to try and figure out exactly how he was going to proceed, finally managing to get the panel open on the back of his head and plugging in the adapter. Walking over to his computers, Nick began a diagnostic and looked to his wrist. “Just stand still, I want to get a proper scan of you.” Grunting a bit in discomfort, Buzzer came to life and began flying around Hermes. “So while that gets done...tell me about yourself, at least the bits you remember.”

“I remember my name, and that it was given to me by someone, though who I do not know,” Hermes began. “Before Lieutenant Commander Brea found me I discovered how to use my jetpack, as well as the fact that my armor was not removable by normal means. And that I am somehow able to use psionic abilities.”

“So cool…” Nick mumbled under his breath and clearing his throat he said, “What do you mean by normal means? Are they wielded on?”

“I don’t think they are welded… but they are attached by locks and screws that won’t come loose automatically,” Hermes responded, shaking his head. “Even with precise instruments you’re liable to make it unusable trying to saw it off, and that may be a poor idea.”

“Saws? Really? How uncivilized can engineers be? I would just use a precision laser. Hell, it wouldn’t be rocket science to reverse engineer your armor without much integrital damage.” Nick quickly waved his hands and added, “Not that I plan to take you apart or anything!” He reassured Hermes.

Hermes shook his head. “Iit would probably be better to figure out the electronic locks than try to remove it by force…”

As Nick opened his mouth to speak, the computer beeped signaling the diagnostic was done. “Let’s see what we got.” As Hermes had feared, the memory bank scans revealed that while there were scattered fragments of data, there was practically no cohesive memories remaining. It would probably take a good deal of time simply to piece together what remained, but the rest was lost completely, so it seemed. “Well, not the best results we could have gotten but the good news is I could probably attempt to at least try and fix the fragments that are...well, fixable. Might yield something, right?”

“I suppose it could, though I fear it may leave many questions unanswered. That is one of the reasons I am here as a soldier though, to hopefully understand myself better through observing more of the galaxy,” Hermes stated, folding his hands together in a way that wouldn’t grate the wing-attachments on his arms together, angling them away from himself.

“Well it gives you something to strive for at least. I don’t know if I would ever have that sort of resolve though...so I find it great that you can do it.”

The forgetful android took a look around the room, noting the machines around him as well as Buzzer. “Am I correct in saying you have a vested interest in artificial intelligence and robotics?”

“Yeah...I always loved machines and how a bunch of small parts fit together to make a working assembly. That and they are easier to talk to than humans.” Nick gave a weak smile and began looking around his workshop for no particular reason.

“I am not a good judge, but from what I can tell it’s basically a coinflip of whether you’re interacting with a good person or one not so good when it comes to humans,” Hermes observed with a slight smile.

“Nah...even if the person is good I still have trouble. Just not good with social anxiety. You know, I was always the weird kid who was always in another world in my neighborhood. Didn’t have many real friends and when we relocated to Venus my anxiety got better but there was...very little people I could talk to so I just kept to myself.”

“So you prefer things that appear less human. I suppose that’s similar to someone else I know, but for a less… malicious reason,” Hermes thought aloud, unclasping his hands.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

“Who?” Nick asked, hanging halfway in a crate shifting some stuff around.

“I’m… not sure I should say,” Hermes said evasively, looking around the room wondering if there were any security cameras nearby.

“Damn it...where is he…” Nick said to himself, climbing out of the crate and rubbing his head, “Well don’t tell me if you will get in trouble. I wouldn’t want you in hot water on my behalf.” Climbing up on a chair, Nick began looking around on the top shelves of the lab.

“What are you looking for?” Hermes asked, walking over. “I might be able to help find it.”

“My drone, Glitch...I had to switch him off when I boarded the ship and now I can’t find him...he is about the size of a tennis ball and is dark gray with a blue eye…”

“Do you mean this one here?” Hermes asked, kneeling down in the middle of the floor and picking up the small A.I. with his right hand.

Nick turned around and nodded his head with a sigh. “How did I miss that?” Taking the A.I. in his hand, Nick turned Glitch’s eye 270 degrees and pushed it in, the hovering cube coming to life.

“Please avoid leaving me in that prolonged mode for too long in the future sir, it becomes…” The A.I. visibly shook to mimic a shudder and flew over next to Nick’s head.

“Did you create him entirely by yourself?” Hermes asked in surprise. I wonder what it’s like to have no limbs… not that I have any desire to find out, he wondered looking at the small drone.

“Yeah...took a long time of hard work to get him where he is now, and I still estimate he is only about 45 percent done. If you are wondering about the others, they aren’t A.I., they connect directly into my brain so I can control them as easily as moving my arm.” Nick turned to show Hermes the plated interface on the back of his neck and stated, “That is also just a prototype. Though I still have...major kinks to work out…”

Hermes glanced at the plate. “Was that painful to attach at all? It seems like it might have been, though I am no expert in surgical procedures of course.”

“The person my parents got to do the surgery was an experienced doctor so they knew what they were doing and I was out the whole time so I didn’t feel a thing. Plus I designed it in such a way I can remove the critical components directly without the use of painful surgery...think like taking a battery out of a holder. Just need to remove the plate to get to it.”

Hermes shrugged. “I suppose I’m lucky. From what I can tell I can turn my sensory receptors on and off, so its not usually a concern for me.”

“Oh, lucky you. Anyways, if I use any of my drones for too long it begins to have adverse effects on to my body. Never really had to push myself that hard before though and none of them have been destroyed while I have been plugged in so I don’t want to know what happens then. It is all a risk but one I am willing to take. Imagine some advantages to having a personal drone could be? Sure...most ailments can be cured with Tz6 but still...would be nice to have a personal assistant when you need it.”

“Well, there are numerous Aetherum-type drones in service to the XSDF, it seems, though you have to control them remotely,” Hermes offered. “Though I do see how your way could be beneficial.”

“Yeah...or you know, if it doesn’t fall through I still have these cool robots under my control.” With a small smirk, Nick hopped down from Clunker and said, “I...think that is all for you. The de-fragmentation of the scattered memories in your head will take a long time so I will just come find you when they are done...that work for you?”

“It does.” Hermes smiled, stretching his arms for a moment with a mechanical whir. “Though if you need someone to talk to you know who to find.”

“Yeah...I would like that.” With smile, Nick opened the door for Hermes, the engineer pursing his lips and asking, “You know...I am really rather curious about who you were talking about before. Would you…really mind telling me?”

Commander Streczyk. I advise you avoid her as much as possible, Hermes conveyed telepathically. “Just one of the engineers I met earlier,” he lied verbally.

Nick blinked a few times and said, “O-Oh...alright. Thanks for letting me know Hermes.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53
Rocky Starts: Part One

X-COM BattleShip Einherjar
Main Bridge, Commander's Ready Room
Jan. 16th, 1800 Hours

"Engineering is reporting a 93% efficiency rate from the power core," Aya reported, handing the Commander the condition report.

"Really?" Astasha looked it up and down. "Quite impressive. That's... 4% higher then XSDF standards. Send my compliments to the..." A knock on the door made her glance at her schedule. Seeing no one list, she frowned. "Come in."

Brigid quickly stepped inside. "Commander, sir, I... there is something..."

"Make it quick, Ms. O'Brien. I only have a few minutes."

Brigid bit her lip. "Commander, I... why am I on reserves?" She held up her soldier assignments. "I should be on the active..."

Astasha shook her head. "Ms. O'Brien... do not think you are entitled, just because of who your mother was. If I started showing favorites..."

"Sh... showing favorites?" Brigid scoffed. "I... I've worked non-stop in my training. I... I had top marks coming in, I... I have more experience than half the people on the front lines."

"You were a last minute addition to the team." Astasha folded her arms. "And the circumstances of you coming in are in question. Your marks are a bit... too good."

Brigid glared at the Commander. "You... y-you're making an example out of me. That's all this is! Aya, you can't let her..."

"It wasn't just my decision." Astasha leaned forward. "Did you happen to read the signatures at the bottom?"

Brigid looked down at the paper, her eyes going wide. She shot Aya an angry look, and stormed out. Aya rushed after her, grasping her shoulder as she left the bridge. "Brigid, please. It... it's different for me. I know you're capable, I... I just can't put you in danger."

"Is that supposed to make it better?!" Brigid laughed grimly. "Because it sounds worse to me!"

"I... I just don't want you to get hurt. And... neither does your mother."

Brigid looked back in shock. She stammered for a moment. "You didn't..." Aya looked away. "You did! How... how could you? I... I'm a grown woman, and you're my CO. A-and... y-you told on me like I was a child!"

Brigid rushed down the the hall. "Brigid! Please, I'm sorry! I didn't know you hadn't told her!" Aya called out, but didn't follow her. She hanged her head in shame, knowing full well the mistake she made.

Brigid rushed into her quarters, absentmindedly noting the items on the bunks next to hers, meaning she had been assigned her roommates. She wiped away several tears as she stripped down, haphazardly throwing her uniform on her bed and putting on her workout clothes. As if she was fighting the clock on a ticking bomb, and in a sense, she was, she made her way to the gym.

She let out a frustrated grunt at the sight of the three punching bags, one still being set up, the second somehow already broken, a Balmadaar-fist-shaped impression in the side of it. She walked up to the third, occupied by a Tamearin woman. Brigid watched for a moment, unconsciously realizing she wasn't the only one, the tight, revealing clothes the voluptuous woman was wearing drawing quite the audience of men, and even a few women.

Brigid put on the best smile she could muster, and approached the woman. "Um... excuse me. I... kinda need that punching bag. It... i-it's hard to explain, but..."

"No," the Tamearin said bluntly, hitting the bag with a left hook, the resulting shockwave through her body causing a bounce that drew Brigid's eyes down for a moment.

Brigid laughed nervously. "You... you don't understand. I... I have a lot of pent up aggression, and I like to use the bag... I'd just use the holo-room, but it's being adjusted, so..."

"Then you'll have to wait," the Tamearin said flatly. Hitting it again, she added, "You are not the only one who has aggression to... ‘work out’."

Brigid scoffed. "Come on. You're covered in sweat, and the number of guys with their tongues hanging out tells me you've had it for a while now. And... and how much aggression could a Tamearin possibly have to work out? I mean... you barely feel any..."

The punching bag nearly bounced off the chain as the woman hit it four times as hard. She slowly turned to Brigid, her angry eyes as fiery as her hair. "So... ALL Tamearins have to be emotionless drones? And I suppose anyone who isn't is some kinda freak, huh?"

Brigid's eyes shifted from annoyance to guilt, and she looked to the floor. "Oh... oh, God, I... I didn't mean... I know my mood is no excuse, I..."

The red-haired Tamearin let out a shrill laugh. "Spare me. The day I need an apology from a little girl with a big attitude is the day I shave my tail and eat the fur."

Brigid slowly raised her head, an intense anger equalling the Tamearin's in her eyes. "What... did you... just say?"

"What?" The woman tapped her lip, pretending to think. "Oh, you mean about you looking like a ten year old girl?"

Brigid's eye twitched. "Why don't you watch who you're talking to, jugs? Just because you have a bunch of dogs panting for a bitch..."

"Mess her up, Korra," one of the other men yelled.

Korra grinned. She folded her arms against her chest, obviously trying to show off more cleavage. "You know... with how much you humans mess with your genes, I'm surprised a runt like you can even exist."

"Oh? I wouldn't talk." Brigid looked Korra up and down. "I think it's pretty obvious you've had... extensive... work."

Korra glared at Brigid, her smug demeanor fading. "Don't you... dare accuse me of any kind of modification!" She shoved Brigid.

"And what are you going to do if I do?" Brigid shook her head. "Don't blame me for the lack of self confidence that led to you getting those."

Korra suddenly wrapped her hand around Brigid's neck. "Don't you... EVER... imply..."

Brigid wrapped her arms around Korra's, and threw the woman over her shoulder with surprising strength. Korra rolled with the fall, and rushed Brigid, tackling her to the ground. She swung at Brigid's face, the smaller woman just barely rolling away. She sent a spinning kick, Korra taking it in the arm to give her a chance to punch Brigid in the chest.

Brigid grunted, taking a moment to catch her breath. Korra didn't let up, running forward again and throwing a right hook. Brigid threw her arm up, expertly pushing the fist away and leaping up, driving a flying knee into Korra's stomach. Korra coughed a few times, and Brigid moved in for a tackle.

Korra suddenly darted to the side, then behind Brigid. She wrapped her arms around Brigid's, then her legs around Brigid's. They both fell, Korra tightly squeezing Brigid. As the smaller woman squirmed, a pained look on her face, Korra said, "You are much stronger then you look, but with your size, there is no way you can squeeze..."

Korra's eyes went wide as Brigid sunk her teeth into Korra's tail. She released Brigid, and rolled away. Grasping her tail, she blew on it while glaring at Brigid. Brigid tried to catch her breath, rolling her sore arms while glaring back. The pair lowered their shoulders and repositioned their legs, obviously ready to charge each other again.

As the two were about to go at it again, a man stepped in between the two, grabbing a rushing Korra’s arm and bringing her to the ground with a quick slam, next grabbing a hold of Brigid’s arm and bringing it behind her back. “Come on Brigid, first day and already in a fight?” The man’s voice was familiar and when he finally released her and she got a look at him, it was a guy wearing just a plain gray t-shirt and green cargo shorts, looking about ready to have done some working out himself.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53
Rocky Starts: Part Two

Brigid panted a few times as she looked him up and down. “You… C… Cayden? What are you… doing here?” Korra slowly rose to her feet, and Brigid moved into a defensive stance.

Cayden put a hand on Brigid’s shoulder and stepped in front of her, looking at the Tamearin with a disinterested look. “Look, I think this fight is over.”

Korra glared at him. “She…” Her voice squeaked a bit. “Sh-she… bit my tail! And… who you the fuck are you!?”

“Well maybe you shouldn’t have left it in reach for her to bite it. And the name’s Cayden Walker, remember that the next time you try and pick a fight with a friend. I wouldn’t want to plant you flat on your ass again.” The way Cayden said it made it sound less like a threat and more of a promise.

Korra squeezed her fists tightly. She wiped the sweat from her brow, and shook her head. “Whatever.” She pointed her finger towards Brigid. “Maybe you should teach your friend how to talk to people from another race.” She turned and headed out, calling back, “I’m getting tired of this judgmental bullshit in the high and mighty XSDF.”

Brigid glared after her, her eyes darting up to Cayden. “You… didn’t have to do that, Cayden. I can fight my own battles.”

“You’re not off the hook either. What are you thinking going around picking fights?” He asked with his arms crossed.

“She… sh-she pissed me off!” Brigid looked away. “She had no right to mock me like that. And… and she attacked me first!”

He raised an eyebrow and shook his head, Cayden sighed and waved for Brigid to follow. “Come on, let’s get out of here. Luckily, you don’t look too hurt so no infirmary visit.”

Brigid followed Cayden out of the gym. She avoided eye contact, obviously embarrassed by the fight. Slowly, she muttered, “She… she shouldn’t have made fun of… I didn’t mean what I said to her. I tried to apologize. It… wasn’t my fault…”

“Even so, you should have walked away when you had the chance. Proceeding with the fight only makes you look more guilty.”

Brigid slowly nodded. “Guess I still need to work on that anger thing, huh?” She glanced up at Cayden. In an attempt to change the subject, she asked, “What are you doing here? Did you join the XSDF too?”

“No, I’m a stowaway looking for passage to the Moon. Of course I joined.” Shaking his head he said, “Thought I would follow in Dad’s footstep.”

Brigid nodded. “That’s cool. Maybe we’ll get to fight, side by s…” She frowned. “Assuming I convince the Commander to take me off the reserves, that is…”

“After that little stunt, I would be thinking of how not to get in more trouble. From the rumors I’ve heard, this Commander is really strict.”

Brigid rubbed the back of her head. “Okay, I get it, I’m sorry. I’ll watch my temper. Jeez, I’m the older one, I should be lecturing you. This sounds like one of my mother’s stories about her and your dad.”

“Trust me, I have heard pretty much all of them.” With a smile, Cayden stopped and hugged Brigid briefly before saying, “It is nice seeing you again.”

Brigid smiled. “Yeah… you too. It’s nice to have a friend on board, so far from home.” She looked around, realizing where they were. Walking down a hallway, she stopped in front of one of the doors and said, “This is my room. Let me change really quick, and we’ll get something to eat, and catch up.”

“Uh...Brigid…” He pointed at the sign on the door and said, “This is my room too.”

Brigid’s smile widened. “Well then, looks like we’ll get even more time to catch up.” She opened the door and looked inside. Her smile faded as she starred inside, and she slowly shut the door. “Um… the, uh…”

“What?” Cayden walked past Brigid and opened up the door.

Korra seemed to ignore them as she slipped on a shirt, standing next to one of the beds. Brigid let out a grim laugh, and muttered, “I… unless we can convince her to, I think I’ll have to request a change…”

“Don’t bother.” Korra shoved her clothes into her bed. “I’m not going to be here much longer anyway. I’m on a short leash with the Commander. After you report me, I’ll be expelled from the XSDF. I’m almost done packing…”

“We aren’t going to report you.” Cayden said, glancing at the look from Brigid he said, “You two need to make up, now. I don’t care if you got off on a wrong foot, just try and be civilized about it.”

Korra shot Brigid a questioning look. The shorter woman glanced between Cayden and Korra for a moment before finally sighing. “I… I-I won’t say anything. Can’t get the negative notice anyway. And… and I’m sorry for what I said. I know how your people feel about augmentations…”

Korra stared at the pair for a moment, seemingly in disbelief. “I… you… wouldn’t it be… easier to just get rid of me? You… you don’t have to be ashamed of it, you wouldn’t be the first one.”

“For what, a stupid fight?” Cayden shook his head and said “If we threw everyone who got into a fight aboard this ship off then we would be crewless. People fight, so what? Just get over it and move on.”

“Tamearins don’t fight. Not like that. Only outcasts…” Korra shook her head, and looked at Brigid. She looked pained, like the words about to come out of her mouth caused her physical harm. “I… I-I-I… I’m… s-so… I’m… ssss…”

Brigid raised an eyebrow. “You’re… silly?”

Korra frowned. “Don’t be a smartass. I’m sorry, okay? I… shouldn’t have attacked you like that.”

Brigid nodded. “It’s okay.”

“Good. Now I want to make it clear we don’t think of you differently just because you are Tamearin, alright? I hardly doubt anyone here actually harbors ill will towards you.” Cayden approached Korra and held out his hand to her. “So… can we just agree to disagree and be friends?”

“I… I’m not sure about everyone else, but…” Korra smiled. “You… seem alright.” She squeezed his hand. “My name is Korra, by the way. Korra Devolina.”

“I’m sure you remember my name.” Cayden smirked and said, “Your turn.” He told Brigid.

Brigid stepped forward, grasping Korra’s hand. “Brigid O’Brien.”

Korra and Brigid stared at each other for a moment, tightly squeezing each other’s hand. “That’s… quite a grip, Brigid,” Korra muttered.

“Yours is pretty good, too.” The two released each other’s hand, both rubbing their own. “This is… going to be interesting, huh?”

“Oh, yeah.” Korra grinned. “Tons of fun.”

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

MarineAvenger & ZombieSplitter53
Rocky Starts: Part Three

“Now that we have made up, I think we were to go to lunch Brigid. You should change and see if our new roommate would like to tag along.”

“Alright.” Brigid stepped over to her bed and fetched her uniform. She grabbed the edge of her shirt, then looked over to Cayden. “Do you, uh… mind stepping out.”

Korra shrugged. “I don’t mind if he sticks around.”

Cayden just shook his head and walked to the door. “You know I have seen you in a bathing suit Brigid. Not a lot left for me to see.” He stepped out and shut the door tight behind him, just leaning against the wall next to the door.

Korra grinned. “So, you two…”

Brigid shook her head, her cheeks turning red. “No! He… I just… stayed with him for a while…”

“Oh, I bet.” Korra slipped on her uniform. “Sounds to me like he’d like to see that little bit that was left.”

Brigid glared at her. “I’m sure he’d rather see what you have anyway.”

“Well… maybe he will…” Korra stepped out, smiling at Cayden as Brigid joined them a moment later. “Shall we?”

“Sure.” Cayden walked down the hallway, having to look at the signs on the walls to try and find his way to the cafeteria. He just let Korra and Brigid stand on either side of him.

Korra kept a smile on her face as the walked, a dirty look from Brigid only making her smile more. “So, Cayden. How old are you?”

“Hm? Oh, 23. I will be 24 in July. You?”

“21, in both our planet’s years. They have a very similar cycle, you see. Our people have a lot in common, not just our physical appearance. Of course, my people are in a bit better shape overall. Present company not included. You seem to be in… excellent shape, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

“Well I have to. I played sports in high school, was always active, and after I joined the Rangers I had to make sure I stayed in good condition.” Cayden just shrugged and said, “I’m not my Dad though, that’s for sure.”

“Well, your father had some help from those surgeries.” Brigid smiled at Cayden. “You are all your own doing, right?”

Korra’s grin widened. “I can appreciate a man who can take good care of himself. And the way you took me down back there? Some might have been angry at you, but I was impressed.”

Brigid squeezed her fists. “Don’t…” she muttered under her breath.

Cayden glanced at Brigid for a brief moment of confusion and said, “Well...I learned from some of the best.” He stated solemnly, rubbing the necklace under his shirt.

“I can tell.” The trio stepped into the mess hall, quickly grabbing some food and a seat. Brigid stared at Korra, but the Tamearin woman only smiled. As they started eating, Korra asked, “So… you popular with the ladies, Cayden?”

“Used to be in high school, but just never found the right girl.” Awkwardly poking at his food, he asked, “What about you? The guys in the gym seemed pretty interested.”
Korra laughed. “Yeah, well… Tamearin men aren’t all that interested in someone who doesn’t… hide from their emotions like them. But Humans seem more interested in my… assets, if you know what I mean.”

Brigid rolled her eyes. “And I bet you enjoyed every second of it.”

Korra shrugged. “Might as well. Not used to attention, to be honest. I’ll take it where I can get it.” Her eyes darted towards Cayden. “And I’ll do what I can to earn it.”

Cayden shrugged, looking at Brigid with a worried look he asked, “What have you been doing since you left?”

“Training, mostly.” Brigid poked her food a bit. “It… it probably sounds boring to you. But I traveled the world, studying, exercising, improving my skills. History, astronomy, sword fighting, psionic control, martial arts.”

“No, it’s great to see you bettering yourself. I hope those skills you picked up come in handy.” Taking a sip of his drink, Cayden looked around the cafeteria with a bored look.

“I… I’m sure I will. Maybe I can show…”

Korra sighed. “Can’t be all work, though. Gotta stop to have fun sometimes.” She reached forward, tapping Cayden’s hand. “You like to have fun, right?”

“Depends on what I do I guess.” He tried to look as engaged as possible but somehow he felt a bit awkward with how Brigid was acting and how much of a vested interest Korra had got in him all of a sudden.

“Well… fun with women, I guess.” Korra placed her chin in her palm. “You and I can have some fun sometime.”

Brigid slammed her fist on the table, springing to her feet. “Enough!”

He looked at Brigid a bit shocked and raised his hands. “Look, I don’t know what is going on between the two of you but it seems it has sort of boiled over. And look, you are a pretty girl and all but I don’t do one night stands.”

Korra raised an eyebrow. “What is a one night stand? I’m… not familiar with all of your expressions, I’m afraid.”

“It’s when you sleep with someone for one time and nothing comes of it.” He explained casually.

“I see.” Korra only shook her head. “Alright. I will keep that in mind.” She finished her food, and stood up. “At any rate, it was nice getting to know more about my room mate. I look forward to working with you. And, if you ever need someone to loosen up with, you know where I am.” She smiled at Brigid, and walked off, calling back, “All yours, dear.”

Brigid watched as she went, lowering her eyes. “I… I’m sorry I snapped like that.”

“Why did you?” Cayden asked, watching Korra go.

Brigid brushed a blond strand of hair out of her eyes. “You… you’re an adult. You can do what you want. Be with who you want. As your friend, I respect you. I always will. I just… got the impression she was flirting with you to… to get under my skin. You know… to

annoy me.”

“Look, like I said, I don’t sleep around. So you don’t have to worry about me so much, alright?” He gave her a friendly smile and added, “Come on, I said I would have lunch with you so why don’t we finish it?”

Brigid smiled back, and took a big bite. “Things are going to be interesting around here, huh?”

“Seems by the time we get home, it will be us telling the stories to or parents.” Giving Brigid another hug he said, “And we will be sure to get into a lot of crazy situations too, so I hope you ready.” He said with a laugh afterwards.

“I’ll try to be,” Brigid responded, hugging him back.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Diablos está Pasando?, Parte 1”

XSDF Battleship Einherjar
Main Gym

Korra panted heavily as she paced around Brigid. She was mildly aware of the people surrounding them, watching, but for once she wished there was less of them. Or, at the very least, she could give them a more impressive show. She rushed forward again, ducking to the left this time. With seemingly little effort, Brigid batted her reaching arm to the side, ducked behind her, and suplexed her to the floor. Before Korra could get up, Brigid twisted the Tamearin's arm behind her.

Korra let out a soft yelp. "Why... can't I... I took you down so easily... before..."

"Because I was mad. I wasn't thinking clearly." Brigid shook her head. "Don't take any offense by it. I'm older. I've had more training. And I've seen more..." She reached back with her free hand, snatching Korra's tail before it could wrap around her neck. "...more tricks."

Korra snarled. "You... humans and you... damnable... modifications. Some one with your... pathetic size shouldn't..." She yelped again as Brigid twisted harder.

"I wasn't using my full strength, you know." Brigid released Korra, jumping back in case the temperamental woman lashed out. "I was using yours. It was easy to turn your force back at you with your anger-clouded attacks."

"Pft... whatever..." Korra rolled her arm, and prepared for another attack. "Again."

Brigid rolled her eyes. "This won't do any good if you don't..."

"Again! Again and again! Until I take you down or collapse from exhaustion. I won't be humiliated by a..." Korra looked Brigid up and down, not having to finish the sentence to illicit an eye twitch out of the shorter woman.

A young man with light brown skin and a cybernetic left arm walked forward a few paces, holding up his hands cautiously. "Maybe you two should take a break, at least for awhile..."

Brigid nodded. "I think that's..."

"Maybe you should... mind your... own business..." Korra wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Making friends everywhere, huh?" Brigid dropped her arms, and walked over to the side of the room, grabbing a water. Korra reluctantly did the same, seemingly having to resist the urge to attack Brigid with her guard down. Brigid shot the man a thankful look.

Kallpa just smiled in return. "I have to say, both of you ladies know how to fight. I'd bet both of you could kick my ass if you wanted to."

"I have little doubt..." Korra stared. She starred at Kallpa's arm, snaring a bit.

"I'm fairly sure we'd have a fight on our hand. You look plenty strong to me." Brigid extended her hand. "Brigid O'Brien. This is Korra."

Kallpa shook her hand, but as his eyes wandered over to Korra his smile was diminished little by little. "I hope you aren't too mad at me. I didn't mean to spoil your fight."

Korra shook her head. "It... it's fine. Brigid was getting tired, anyway." She ignored Brigid rolling her eyes, and nodded her head to Kallpa's side. "That's... quite the arm there. Must have been something to trade in for it."

"Korra!" Brigid gritted her teeth. "Don't make assumptions."

Kallpa scratched the back of his head. "It's fine, really. It is my choice to not cover this thing up with synthetic skin so I have to deal with any flank I get for it, simple as that. Doesn't matter that it got blown off, showing that I have it is still my choice."

Korra's eyes softened. "Well... yeah. You... shouldn't try to... to show off. Even if you didn't..." She looked away, her face flushing a bit in embarrassment. "Still, you... I... It sucks you..." Her eyes darted back. "How... did you lose it?"

Kallpa shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Bank robber was holding a bunch of people hostage in my town. Me and the sheriff ran in and managed to lose a limb each." Kallpa smiled. "Took down the guy before he could hurt anyone though."

"I see." Korra sighed, folding her arms against her chest. "Well... at least you got it to replace what you lost. Unlike certain people." Her eyes wondered over to Brigid.

The Irish woman placed her hands on her hips. "What was that thing you said. You know... how when we first met and I made an assumption based on your people."

Korra frowned. "Yeah, yeah. I'm not... used to being around non-Tamearins yet." Her eyes darted to and away from Kallpa. "I... I'm s... I'm... s-s..."

Brigid grinned. "You're sore?"

"I'm sorry I was rude!" Korra glared at Brigid. "Smartass..."

Kallpa laughed lightly. "Trust me, I only feel bad that I drew the ire of someone so beautiful." I hope that didn't sound creepy...

Korra's eyebrows perked up, and Brigid sighed. "Here we go..."

A wide smile spread across Korra's face. "Is that a fact?" She sat on the bench, slowly crossing her legs. "Well, I... I was not that upset." She playfully rolled a lock of hair in her finger. "What... what did you say your name was?"

Her personality changed really quick... "...Kallpa. Kallpa Vizcarra," the former sheriff of Medioterria answered, eyeing Korra with curiosity both at her swift shift in mood and for more obvious reasons.

"Kallpa, huh? It sounds like a Tamearin name. Like Korra. Kallpa and Korra. Korra and Kallpa. See?" She leaned forward, placing her chin in her palm. "You don't mind Tamearin's, do you Kallpa?"

"I don't mind them at all, but I do mind it when I'm being toyed with." Kallpa raised an eyebrow. "Is that what's happening here?"

Korra chuckled. "Toyed with? Of course, I'd never..." She leaned to the side towards Brigid, who was watching with a bit of boredom saying this wasn't the first time she had seen this. "What is toyed with?" she whispered.

"Being considered indecisively. As in, playing with his emotions," Brigid answered, not bothering to whisper.

"Oh." Korra smiled. "Kallpa, I realize I came off a little... strong earlier."

"As usual," Brigid mumbled.

"But... if you give me a chance, I'd like to make it up to you."

Kallpa sighed, crossing his arms. "Something tells me I'm right, but humor me. That means tell me, if you are unaware."

Korra walked over to Kallpa, leaning against him, her impressive bust pressed against his chest. Her tail lightly brushed against his neck. "Maybe you and I can find a little privacy. Somewhere I can repay you for you kindness."

 

[DarkGemini24601]

ZombieSplitter53 and DarkGemini24601: “Diablos está Pasando?, Parte 2”

Kallpa closed his eyes for a moment, growling a bit in frustration. "Don't you think this is... a little... I don't know, sudden?"

Korra's eyes shifted around a bit, and she almost looked confused. "I... I don't understand." She stepped back. "You were... complimenting me before. Then I said something to offend you, so I offered to make it better. You..." She narrowed her eyes. "W-were you... 'toying' with me?"

Brigid rubbed her brow. "And it starts..."

Kallpa shook his head. "I'm not objecting to what you're offering, but I we should try to get to know eachother a little better rather than just hop in bed and hope for the best... as tempting as that sounds."

Korra scoffed. "I... why? If you really want..."

Brigid grabbed a bottle of water and splashed it against her own chest. "Oh, God. What a mess. Guess I have a hole in my chin. Korra, did you remember to grab the towels?"

Korra looked around. "Um... no, I must have left them by the entrance."

"You mind grabbing them so I don't track water across the gym?" Brigid asked. Korra shrugged, and walked off. Brigid looked up at Kallpa and smiled. "Sorry about that. I know how awkward that was."

"Not exactly." Brigid watched as Korra searched for their towels, seeming to get frustrated when they weren't where she remember leaving them. "From what I know, it is really rare for Tamearins to not suppress all of their emotions. She doesn't like to talk about it, and I've only known her for a couple days, but I'm guess she didn't get a lot of positive attention growing up. So she seems to latch on to it here. And since her people don't do anything with emotions but suppress them, she doesn't have a lot of control over them. But... I don't think she was messing with you. She just doesn't understand her actions are inappropriate."

"Yeah, I'd rather not get skewered by the Commander. Don't think any one night stand is worth that," Kallpa mumbled. "I thought Tamearins were a lot like humans... but it seems I don't know as much as I thought I did." ¿Es mucho pedir para una buena personalidad y apariencia?

Brigid nodded. "A friend of mine said pretty much the same thing when she got a little clingy. Glad to see the a few good men here with some restraint." Two men walked by, one of them nudging the other and pointing at Brigid, the pair grinning. Their eyes lingered for a moment before they walked off. Brigid raised an eyebrow. "What were they smiling about?" she asked, rubbing her arms as her wet shirt made her a bit chilly.

Kallpa glanced down momentarily and then looked away, closing his eyes again. "Maybe you should... borrow someone's coat or something."

Brigid glanced down. Letting out a soft yelp, she darted behind Kallpa. "Oh, lord..."

Korra raised an eyebrow as she walked over. "This some kinda game? Why you hiding?" She held out a towel. "By the way, did you know your nip..."

"That's why I'm hiding!" Brigid snatched the towel. "Go find me another shirt!" Korra grinned widely. "NOW!"

"Okay, okay." She walked off again, trying her hardest not to laugh.

Brigid pressed against Kallpa's back, her face beat red. "This is so embarrassing. I'll never live this down. We haven't even flown past Pluto yet, and I've already... oh, God..."

Kallpa held his hands over his face. "You know, this is indirectly my fault considering my interest in your friend got you into this situation... if there's anything I can do to make this up to you... be your heavy lifting grunt, buy you a bunch of stuff..."

Brigid looked up in surprise. "What? Oh, no. It... it was my fault for not thinking this through. You acting as my cover is enough as it is." She placed her head against his back, sighing and mumbling, "Not like you need to hide that much for me..."

"I-I wouldn't say..." Kallpa hesitated halfway. I'm damned if I say something reassuring and damned if I don't here... "That... not that I got a good look or anything!"

Brigid chuckled. "Yeah... I guess you're right."

Korra walked over again, handing Brigid a shirt. The blond woman slipped it over her other shirt, finally stepping away from Kallpa. She wiped a strand of hair off her face, her eyes dart to and away from Kallpa's eyes. "Thank you, Kallpa. You've been... surprisingly patient."

Korra raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. "Yeah. You're pretty... cool? I think that's the word."

"I'm glad you two think so..." I wasn't expecting breaking up that fight to be so mentally taxing... and am I caught up in a love triangle all of a sudden? Kallpa sighed quietly, looking down for a moment in thought.

Korra laughed, nudging Brigid in the arm. "Come on. I'm hungry, and I need a shower. And necessarily in that order."

"I'm not you mother, Korra," Brigid mumbled, but Korra had already run off. She nodded to Kallpa, turning to leave. She stopped after only a couple feet, and turned back. "Do, uh... do you want to train some time? This might sound strange, but I'm actually used to training with someone with a cybernetic arm."

Kallpa raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't mind that, or hearing about who that person is. I didn't catch your name, though."

"It was Brigid. Brigid O'Brien." Brigid bowed her head slightly. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Vizcarra."

Kallpa just nodded slightly, watching her as she went. "Why do I keep meeting the children of famous XCOM members in an awkward fashion..." he muttered to himself, before turning around to go seek out a mind-clearing shower.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “Shared Ineptitude, Part 1”

Earth, Sol System (January 16th, 2044)
The Einherjar (3:39 P.M., GMT)
The Infirmary

Irina Beaumont adjusted her medical coat to prevent it from grating against the slightly raised XSDF badge on her shirt, and looked over her clipboard for a moment to make sure she didn’t have any current appointments. “Alright, Sasha… we can talk.”

The Dragomirov raised an eyebrow slightly. “You know, you really act more… outgoing when you’re working.”

Irina looked a little surprised. “I do? I did notice a bit to be honest… but I’m still not good with people. I can’t say who… HIPAA laws, but one of my patients wasn’t easy to work with. Hard to get on their good side.”

Sasha leaned forward on the table a little bit. “You sure you can’t tell me who?” she asked curiously.

“Positive, Miss Dragomirov,” Irina said quietly.

Sasha nodded, realizing it probably was best not to tease her friend any further. “Alright.” Turning a little somber, she was quiet for a few seconds, trying to think of something to get the conversation back on track.

A slight, barely audible knock came on the door of Irina’s office. A slight chattering sound came from the other side, but no one said anything the two women could understand.

Irina dutifully got up from her chair, walking over and opening it. On the other side of the door, a medium sized Baʒir flinched, a slightly smaller Baʒir ducking behind him, holding her arm. The larger of the two stammered a bit, rubbing his arms together. “Tec… t’reca… tir…”

The doctor just looked at him blankly for a moment. Um… Sasha… can you interpret for me with your telepathy?

Sasha shrugged. “Alright.” Can you repeat what you said in your thoughts? Sasha asked experimentally, putting up a mental connection if the Baʒir chose to accept it.

The larger Baʒir blinked several times. Oh… yes. I am sorry, I… forgot. I am not used to… speaking to… He stepped to the side slightly, taking hold of the other Baʒir’s arm. My sister injured herself while working, and… we do not have an appointment. The other doctors told me to come to you, for… some reason…

Irina frowned. They should have the information necessary to help a Baʒir… but I can help, regardless. Where is she injured? the Frenchwoman inquired, leading them over to the counter where she kept her medical equipment.

Yes, miss. Come, Teefa.

“Tik! Eb din s’ki kil did kig Anati fo!” <No! I want to see Anati!>

The larger Baʒir shook his head. I am sorry. Teefa is… shy. All of my siblings are.He led his sister into the room the best he could, shutting the door as he entered so she couldn’t run out. My name is Bɒkɒ. I… am an engineering officer. Teefa was assisting me in one of the engine rooms, and when I stepped away for a moment, I returned to find her holding her arm in pain. She will not tell me what is wrong, though.

If you have her step into the scanning booth over there I can diagnose the problem, Irina informed him, walking over to the console next to said capsule. Sasha followed a bit behind, keeping up the mental link.

Teefa’s eyes widened a bit. <What… what are you saying? What is that? Where… where is Anati, I… I don’t…>

<Stop this, Teefa! No one is going to hurt you! She only wants to help you!> Bɒkɒ shook his head. I am sorry. She is being… paranoid. I will speak so she can hear me, but she does not have the psionics to hear your thoughts. Do you mind… speaking out loud?

Sasha put a hand on her forehead. “You have psionics? You could have told me that… would have made this a lot simplier.”

Irina ignored her friend and looked over at Teefa. “I’m just going to run a scan to see what your injury is like. It won’t hurt at all.”

Teefa looked between the the others, then slowly nodded. Slowly stepping into the pod, she closed her eyes. Bɒkɒ glanced up at the two women, his expression resembling a smile. Thank you. I am sorry, I… am not our Anati, and it is hard to get them to listen at times, even with my position in the XSDF. But they do not understand that Tini… is not well enough to handle everything they could possibly need. And they need to… to learn to trust the humans more.

Irina set the dual scanners to start moving up and down near the injured limb to get a reading of it. “Um… what is an Anati?”

“I’m guessing Tini is… your mother?” Sasha asked, trying her hand at figuring it out.

Bɒkɒ shook his head. No… but her position is much the same. She is our older sister. She took over as Anati when our mother died. Anati is… Bɒkɒ thought for a moment, searching for the right words. Anati is… leader. Is… is head of pack. Is Alpha. Does this… make sense?

“I think so.” Irina glanced at Baka for a moment before quickly looking back at the console. “Seems like it’s just a sprain…” Opening the scanner booth, she requested, “Come back over to the table. It should be an easy fix.” The French doctor stepped over to the large cabinet, opening the middle drawer and pulling out what looked like a blood pressure armband, except the exterior was metal and had small rectangular containers along its circular length.

Teefa shuddered, and looked at Bɒkɒ. Her brother nodded, and she climbed onto the table. “Iti seeka?”

She asked if it is going to hurt.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and ZombieSplitter53: “Shared Ineptitude, Part 2”

Irina shook her head. “She might briefly feel a slight tingle, but otherwise it will just be very light pressure while the Tz6 repairs the ligament to its normal range of motion and mends any bruising.”

Teefa nodded, and closed her eyes, holding out her arm. Bɒkɒ looked up at Sasha. You are both… unusual…

Irina moved over and gently placed the device around Teefa’s arm. It quickly conformed to the insectoid shape, and tiny syringes allowed Tz6 to flow into the Baʒir’s body to get to work fixing the damage caused. Sasha glanced at Baka, posing the question, “What do you mean?”

Well… you are not… cautious. You are not… The short alien rubbed his head in thought. Many humans are put off by our appearance. They do not… like to look at us, and they certainly do not like to touch us. But your friend does not seem to be that way. Perhaps this is why the others sent us to her, and not… because they simply did not want to deal with us.

Irina didn’t look over, too busy making sure the procedure was going smoothly. “It’s my job to assist you. Revulsion didn’t enter my mind.”

As for Sasha, she just shrugged. “I’m not afraid of bugs. I’m not so sure my brother would do well with being around you, though. He might freak out.”

Bɒkɒ nodded. I understand. Though it does not make it any less… refreshing. My mother always spoke highly of humans, even if you look so… odd to us. He smiled again. But for all the species we have dealt with… you look the least odd so far.

Sasha tilted her head to the side slightly. “Uh… thanks?”

Irina smiled softly, and clicked a button on the device, detaching it and putting it back into her hands. “All done.”

Teefa flexed her arm slightly, then nodded. She looked up at Irina, her antenna moving forward a bit. Looking up and Irina’s forehead, she looked disappointed, and instead extended her hands. “Pers ne…”

Irina blinked for a moment, and then reached over to grab Teefa’s hands, thinking she wanted to be helped up. Teefa resisted her a bit, looking worried, and Bɒkɒ stepped forward. She… she is trying to thank you. She can not rub the antenna you… do not have, so she wished to shake your hands.

The doctor released Teefa, stepping back a few paces. “I-I’m sorry… I thought…” Irina shook her head, too embarrassed to correct herself. This only earned a worried look from Sasha.

Don’t… uh… take it personally, she’s really just… not good with people. Or extraterrestrials, Sasha confided to Baka.

Bɒkɒ nodded. I understand. She is not unlike myself when it comes to these matters. I am learning patience through the patience others have for me.

Teefa looked at her brother in confusion. “Tefa… g’lik teg’in? <I did… something wrong?>

“S’li. Tek f’lint tidi dt’g. Toarir ni.”<No. She was just confused. Please try again.>

Teefa nodded, extending her hands once again. Rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly for a moment, Irina reached over and shook Teefa’s hand shakily. “Glad I could… help. Just try to be… m-more careful.”

Teefa nodded, and walked over to Bɒkɒ. “Tef al te Anati?” Bɒkɒ nodded, and Teefa walked out, nodding to Sasha as she went.

Bɒkɒ looked up at Irina, stepping forward. She took no offense.

“I know.” Irina spoke quietly. “It was just… silly of me. It should have been obvious.”

“I wasn’t exactly sure what she was doing either,” Sasha added helpfully, even if that was not quite true.

Bɒkɒ rubbed his head. Perhaps. Perhaps not. But my people have a saying. An act of foolishness leaves one with an experience, one that will teach them not to be foolish again. I take it to heart… every time I embarrass myself.

Sasha smiled, putting an arm around Irina’s shoulders reassuringly. “Relax… they’re about as socially awkward as we are. That gives us something in common, right?”

Irina slowly nodded. “I guess…”

Bɒkɒ blinked a few times, wondering how he had come across, but judging the reactions of the other two as positive. He bowed his head. You have both been most kind, to me and my sister. If there is ever anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. As I said, I work in engineering, and my siblings can be found scattered throughout the ship.

“Well, if Irina needs to fix any of the big machinery in here I’m sure she’ll let you know,” Sasha stated, patting her friend on the back lightly to further calm her down, seeming less worried with Irina relaxing.

“I am just glad I could help,” Irina responded, keeping her gaze up half of the time, though her gaze kept drifting to her shoes every so often.

Well, I… must be off. I have some work to catch up on. Bɒkɒ bowed his head again. As he stepped out, he quickly poked his head in again. What… did you say your names were again?

Sasha smiled slightly, introducing herself and Irina in a slightly melodramatic fashion. “I’m Sasha Dragomirov, and the good doctor is Irina Beaumont.”

Sasha Drag… Irina Beau… such long names. So strange. So interesting… Bɒkɒ walked off, mumbling to himself in his own language.

“Yeah, like your name isn’t a bit funny too,” Sasha muttered to herself with muted amusement. “That means stupid in Japanese, right?”

“...I-I think it meant ‘idiot’, but I’m fairly certain it doesn’t mean the same thing in the Baʒir language…” Irina protested, putting away her medical supplies.

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “A Little Less than Courteous, Part 1”

Earth, Sol System (January 16th, 2044)
The Einherjar (4:12 P.M., GMT)
Holo Rec-Room Two

Looking up at a dark and starry sky, Ezra looked at the vastness of space up above, surprised at just how realistic the simulation was. Taking his gaze from up above, the android looked around the gray rock which was a recreation of Earth’s moon. He had never been to the lunar colony personally, though in his defense, he never had a reason. Kicking a rock he noted, “Why anyone would dream of living here is beyond me. So boring here.” Taking a deep sigh, he picked up another close by rock and chucked it into the fake sky. “Wonder if Ma was ever this bored when she was here…” Shrugging, he just continued on with his rock chucking, feeling rather bored with himself.

The door, left unlocked, opened silently, the sound intentionally muffled by design. Hearing the tail end of Ezra’s words, Hermes stated, “I… believe the colony of Luna itself isn’t just bare rock.”

“Yeah, but even before it was colonized...was still just a rock.” He retorted, not being surprised by the plus one.

Hermes walked over, stopping a few feet behind and to the right of Ezra, sitting down and looking around. “Apologies if I barged in. The door was unlocked, and I was curious about this holographic facilities.”

“Left it unlocked for a reason. Not like I am doing super secret work in here.” Ezra just continued chucking.

“Are you a soldier? Engineer? Scientist? Something else?” Hermes inquired, figuring he might as well learn something about the black-haired man before him if he was going to carry on a conversation.

“Soldier. Though if I am one to gloat, and I certainly am…” Ezra turned around and gave a mock bow at the seated man. “You can certainly say I am something special.” As he took in more detail of the newcomer he stated, “And it appears you are too. Um...are those...wings?” Ezra asked, resisting a smirk.

Hermes shifted his arm to glance at the feather-like protrusions along it, the metal making a whistle as it caught the air. “They are. I’ve learned firsthand that they are rather aerodynamic when combined with my jetpack.”

“Wait, wait, wait...let me guess...uh, experiment gone wrong? Fourth grade science project? What’s your story?” Ezra asked with an amused tone.

Hermes raised a metallic eyebrow. “I’m not sure… but probably neither of the first two guesses.”

“Well it is obvious you are an android. That...or humans have really, really let themselves go at this point.”

“I know that much… and isn’t that phrase used to call someone fat?” Hermes glanced down at himself again. “I am fairly certain my build is more lanky than anything…”

“Have you seen the amount of cybernetics some people want? One day I think we will all be synthetic, though how stupid of an outcome would that be?” Ezra allowed himself a laugh and tossed a rock Hermes way.

With the reflexes to be expected of a combat droid, Hermes caught the stone in his left hand. Shrugging, he replied, “Perhaps. I’m still familiarizing myself with some of the more esoteric human customs and tendencies that didn’t survive with my essential memory. The question of cybernetic modification wasn’t as important to me as common courtesy, I can gather.”

“So, is it obvious by my hinting or have you not figured out what exactly I am implying about us?” Ezra stopped his throwing and opted to sit down lazily with his head held back looking at the sky.

Hermes blinked for a moment. “I’m… not sure I understand.”

With a growl Ezra stated, “We are the same. I use the word human way more than is should, getting it now, Einstien? Jeez, try to come out to a guy and you get a cold shoulder.”

“Oh.” Hermes shook his head. “I think that only is obvious to you, to be honest.”

“Last name Sherlock, first name No Shit. Sort of the whole point of looking normal part. Even with my slight distinctions I usually pass it off on people by saying I don’t go out much and contacts. With you subtlety really flew out the window...would explains the wings.”

Hermes smiled briefly at the joke, but that smile quickly fell. “I really hope there aren’t security cameras in here… because, well… I had an encounter with the Commander, and suffice to say, she is least fond of androids that hide what they really are. I’d… be careful around her.”

“Live a week with my mother and tell me to be careful again. I may not look smart but I know when not to piss off a very angry woman. Oh and I checked, no cameras.” With a proud smile, he gave Hermes the thumbs up.

Hermes tilted his head slightly. “You have a mother? Do you mean your creator?”

Ezra shook his head slowly. “No, I am talking full blown android mother and father. Name’s Ezra...Exalt.” It wasn’t often he used his technical last name since neither Sora or Avanix used one but Ezra was nothing if not a showoff.

“The… corporation?” Hermes asked, not seeming as familiar with the name as Ezra might have expected.

“Well, yeah. Was made using both my mother and father’s lines of code and core programming. You could say I am the first android child.” After a few seconds of glory, Ezra seemed to shrug off the subject as if it was nothing again and asked, “So...your name?”

“Hermes Arcwright,” the forgetful android replied. “Where I got the name, I am not quite sure… though I know there was purpose behind both the first and the last. The reason for my first eludes me as well though.”

“Creator wasn’t original maybe?” The Exalt android got to his feet and stretch out, looking at Hermes briefly before saying, “Character bashing aside, how is it you have no memory? I mean..you don’t have a back up, or a back up of the back up, or a back up of that back up? ‘Cause I literally have three stages of my life I could go back to, two of which I would rather not revisit if it ever came to that.”

“The memory sections of my brain were too heavily damaged to have much recoverable. Some of the data is still there, but from what the Xenmas engineers explained to me... “ Hermes shuddered in spite of himself. “Part of my memory banks were quite literally melted. I don’t think the escape pod I found myself in was entirely intact… and I assume that is the reason for it.”

“Damn, at least we know you’re sturdy, huh?” Getting rather bored of the whole moon thing, Ezra walked over to a wall console and dissolved the projection. “Got anywhere you want to see? Only fair after I made you endure a full moon.”

“Perhaps some of Earth, since I’ve only seen it from afar,” Hermes suggested.

“Alright...so I can choose anywhere other than New Jersey, got it.” Snickering to himself, Ezra brought up a holo-reconstruction of an island out in the middle of the ocean, half the room fake water and the other half fake sand. “Welcome to Somewhere, Pacific Ocean.”

“Amusing, but I assume there is more to Earth than just its oceans.”

 

[DarkGemini24601]

DarkGemini24601 and MarineAvenger: “A Little Less than Courteous, Part 2”

“Oh yeah, smog filled cities, countless destroyed natural habitats and suburbs...welcome to Earth alright,” Changing the scene to the middle of a wide open square, Ezra panned his hand along. “Welcome to Russia. More specifically, ‘Where shit hit the fan twenty five years ago.’. Did quite a good job repairing the place though. If you want a specific name, you are standing in Red Square, a name I find both hysterically ironic and quite annoyed there isn’t more red paint splashed around like a kindergarten art class.”

“The Ethereal Subjugation War… that is something I found myself naturally drawn to learn more about, both to understand the XSDF’s history and for reasons I can’t quite discern,” Hermes spoke quietly. “That was where the chryssalids were unleashed.”

Ezra rose an eyebrow and asked, “Naturally drawn to? Unless you were there I don’t know why anyone would find that sort of research to come natural to themselves.”

Hermes shook his head. “As I said, my memories are limited, but I remember being told about something that happened in Berlin… 2018. The details aren’t clear though. Perhaps someone got me interested in the history before I ended up here.”

“Well it is something at least. So what happens if you don’t find your memories?” The other android asked seriously for once.

“I will… probably have to do without them. I never thought I had much of a chance with recovering most of the data, but it is my hope that I may encounter someone that knew me before. Even one person would be enough to fill me in on so much,” Hermes said distantly. “But if that does not happen I must forge on regardless.”

“Just gotta keep on I guess. Gives you a kick in the ass at the very least, right?”

“That, and fearing the wrath of Streczyk.” Hermes shook his head. “Considering I do not apparently have any rights, I doubt I could leave even if I wanted to.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa...no rights? Does that mean I could go no holds barred and not feel guilty about it? If I was the Commander, I would be wary too. I know I would want to kick my own ass if I was like that.” After giving that a few moments thought Ezra finally realized how wrong that sounded.

“I...what?” Hermes inquired with clear confusion.

“Well I mean...if there were two versions of myself, and I was that stuck up, I would want to kick my technical own ass so...well...shut up, they can’t all be good you know.”

Hermes sighed. “Well, I wish it was just that, but I did verify what she was saying. Considering that there are so few of us, no one has thought to address the issue of what basic rights we would have as compared to humans.”

“Oh, it is always discuss this and debate that. World would go a lot smoother if you just said, ‘Yeah, you have same rights as us, how about some lunch?’ instead of debating the ethical conundrum of man versus machine...maybe I should be a politician…”

“I don’t think that would end well.”

“Hey, I can’t do any worse than the other crooks in whatever government is actually important at this point. I don’t really buy into that whole globalisation thing. Was always more for orderly chaos of the olden times where you could do basically whatever you wanted and not be judged...you know...sometimes. Nowadays it is all rules and regulations and how to make everyone more ‘unified’.” Ezra rolled his eyes and commented under his breath, “Dear lord I am becoming my aunt ever so slowly.”

“And who would that be?” Hermes inquired, his unfamiliarity with the Exalts still apparent.

“Not important, though you should really look into Exalt. Might become useful later on, never know” Walking away from the terminal, Ezra stood across from Hermes. “So you said you had a jetpack, right? You looking to be a paratrooper here?”

“That would probably be the role I can fulfill best,” Hermes answered “My weapons knowledge lines up with what weaponry is available to paratroopers nicely as well.”

“As cool as flying around with a massive target on your back sounds, I am going for rocketeer myself. I have a certain knack for making things go boom as my chemistry teacher could have attested to.” Ezra chuckled at the personal memory.

“Well, that does seem to suit your personality well,” Hermes said nonchalantly, standing up and stretching even though he didn’t need to do the latter.

“Exactly. See...I plan things out. Sometimes.” Ezra just shrugged his shoulders and asked, “So how advanced are you anyways? Are you like, near human or are you just completely machine?”

“If you mean in regards to synthetic portions versus metal, I think I am a hybrid of the two types.” Hermes glanced at his pale white skin. “My outer casing is like a synthetic epidermis, but the dermis itself is more durable than that of a human. My internal organs as they are fulfill functions similar to that of a human, but they’re mechanical for the most part. I’m less familiar with internals though, as the engineers aboard the Xenmas didn’t go in depth.” The android tapped two fingers against the back of his helmet awkwardly. “And I was… told by one of them rather sarcastically that I was… erm… fully functional below the belt if I could ever get my armor off…”

Ezra laughed loudly for a brief time and said, “Well good thing they cleared that up sooner rather than later. As for me, I am rather similar, though my skin is just like a human’s, and I can eat even though it doesn’t really do much for me. I have a system in my head where I basically charge while I sleep so energy is never a problem. I am also crazy strong, have multiple languages, and I am also packing as well.”

“How many languages? I was only programmed with the primary European languages, being English, Spanish, French, and German. I am curious about learning Japanese though, since a good portion of our staff are Japanese. And Russian.”

“I know the European languages as well, except for French though, never got the dialect...and I also know Russian and Japanese. I actually was a exchange student in Japan before coming here. You know they have a lot of rules revolving around shoes? It is crazy…”

“Shoes? Why shoes?”

“I know right! Never made sense.” Ezra looked at Hermes and put his arms behind his head. “So have we became friends yet?”

“If we aren’t I don’t know what we would be,” Hermes replied, trying his hand at sarcasm.

“I don’t know, gét a third android in this group and we could be the three stooges, or musketeers...you know why do groups of people always come in three?” He asked jokingly, holding out his hand to Hermes for a handshake.

Hermes responded in kind, smiling. “It’d have to be someone more lively than a basic combat droid. Though that might be needed to balance your personality out.”

“You kidding me? A rock couldn’t balance out my personality.”