[h3]Erubescan Citadel [/h3]

Kora was already out of her seat by the time Lulu had spoken. 

It's possible she'd already anticipated the order from the research commander. 

It was more likely that she had some intention to punch the man square in the face if he didn't face any consequences for his little speech. 

Green, for his part, looked quite surprised by these apparent revelations regarding the man's work. As surprised as Green ever looked at any rate. He'd certainly lifted an eyebrow and put his tablet down. 

[color=a2d39c]"I assure you Commander Botrelle had I been aware of this it would have never been allowed to go this far. "[/color] he responded to the questioning, before turning his attention to the, slightly pale-looking Commander Lovette.
[color=a2d39c]"Commander I can only offer my sincerest apologies that such a grave matter would arise during your first meeting with us. This is clearly a very serious matter and I would hate for you to be left with the impression that this kind of violation of the ethical code is commonplace. Voluntary participation in research trials is the cornerstone of our work here. With that in mind, does anyone have any other matters they wish to bring up whilst Commander Botrelle is dealing with this matter?"

[/color]

Kora walked out behind the Alchemist, jaw set and watching him like a hawk. 
It was a few moments of tense silence before she was able to reign in her temper sufficiently to respond to Darrien. 
[color=ed1c24]"I have stupid fashionable hair and have posing with a sword from the wrong period and country. So more or less what I expected."[/color] she shrugged her shoulders.
[color=ed1c24]"It's still pretty weird honestly. But means the Viceroy leaves me alone so I'm not complaining. How's things with you?"[/color] 
In truth other people she knew in her life had been about the last thing in the Knight's mind over the last couple of months. The things that had happened.  She was still rather waiting for her mind to catch up with everything and come to a final conclusion on how she felt about everything. 
No sign of that happening yet.

[hr]

[h3] Ranch House[/h3]

Rei's body was limp as it was lifted from the ground and brought inside the house. One arm had been shattered on impact and a few shards of bone, streaked with greenish ichor, protruded from her forearm. Similar green shades littered the side of her face and soaked into her hair. 

Not that any of that mattered. 
She was dead. 

Outside, a second figure made their way out of the armoured vehicle, hopped down onto the dusty ground and stood for a moment reaching around in a paper folder. The individual was a young woman, probably somewhere in her twenties, with dark hair ending in loose curls at her jawline. She wore fingerless gloves a battered-looking camo jacket that sat a bit large on her, and a noticeable degree of dark eye make-up. 

She stepped over to the assembled Wanderers, seemingly without a great deal of concern for the number of guns being pointed around. 
[color=a187be]"So er, I've got the contracts here. Standard long-term employment contract, subject to a quarterly performance review by Mr Bellataire. If any of you want to take a look at any of the specifics it's all written down."[/color]

There was an awkward smile on her face, and a very slightly strained edge to her voice that seemed to indicate a keenness to resolve this situation amicably. 

Unfortunately, Hel was not feeling the same way. Upon the mere mention of 'Erubesco', her eyes widened in alarm, sufficiently that having the coat dropped upon her. She dropped into a crouch in place up until the point Johnny made a pause in his speech, then she shot forwards at him.   

The young woman, noticing the child's trajectory stepped across it, extending a hand to try and block her path.

Impact. 
[color=a187be]"Jesus christ!" [/color]
A splinter of bench about a foot long had been sunk straight through the assistant's forearm with a force that was very impressive for a six year old girl. Blood was dripping into the dust. Hel was standing before her glaring like a cornered animal. 

She'd made a choice.