The Novasurge rocks to a halt, its massive footfalls echoing in the hangar. Metal creaks on metal, the gangways sway, but Almira stands firm. A personality larger than the mecha around her. Unbowed and unafraid, despite the fact that she could be swatted like a bug.

Were she anyone else, Isabelle might have given into at least the flight of fancy - to picture, perhaps, giving the walkway a good flick and sending them scurrying - if only to see her mother's facade disturbed. It spoke volumes, however, that such a thought did not enter her mind at all. Instead, the Novasurge appears to shrink in on itself, helm turning downwards as the arm that had been helping to steady the Chaser falls into a fist by her side.

"I ... understand mother. And you are right - it was an unnecessary risk." she begins, as her mind races through the possibilities. Explain the connection between her and Quar? No. Explain the effect of her kidnapping? Definitely no.

To be honest, she didn't really know why she'd offered the surrender. It would've made more sense to strike down the Chaser and then negotiate from a position of strength. To finish the fight, through to the end. But in that moment when she'd sensed the fight leaving Quar's mind - when she'd realised that all her tricks had been countered and that there was no further point to fighting?

Well, Isabelle couldn't find it in herself to keep fighting either. And that, she knew, was something she would have to hide from her mother.

[i]A Lozano shows no weakness.[/i] - after all. The corollary being that a Lozano does not [i]tolerate [/i]weakness either. An opening is just there to be exploited. If you are strong, make your victory complete. Do not leave things to chance and pithy sentiments like honour, friendship and trust. Those words are only useful as labels to make others act and react in the way you want.

"You are right to recognise the threat posed by Zaldarians though, mother." she replies, as one plausible lie comes to her. "The pilot who defeated Angela Victoria Miera Antonius will be one of the key obstacles to winning this competition. If I am to stand a chance against her, I must learn more about them. I need a teacher."

"But ... Speak Not to the Outsider" she continues, earning a quizzical look from her mother. Good, plant that uncertainty Isabelle. Push where she isn't sure.

"It's one of their tenets. Their religion. I would never be able to find a Zaldarian who cleaves to their culture who would be willing to teach me anything. Or even speak to me."

"Unless ..." she gestures to the Chaser. "Unless taken in battle. Then, so long as we keep to their customs of treating prisoners - she will speak to me as the one who defeated her."

She waits, to see what she will say. Was it a good idea, mother? Will you support this endeavour?

"It's a unique opportunity" adds Tad, glancing between the woman and the mecha.

[Calling on a toxic power. 5 + 4 + 1: [b]10[/b] - Modifiers seem to be the +1 from her Destiny being marked, -1 from Spirit and +1 from the Lozano siblings being present whilst calling on a toxic power.]