[color=gray][CENTER][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1070792705547980842/1103779297828802630/Katja2.png[/img][/CENTER][indent][sub][COLOR=SILVER][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] [I]Team Swap Ceremony - P.R.C.U. Campus[/I][/sub][sup][right][COLOR=SILVER][b]First Class #2.51[/b][/COLOR] [I]No More Solitude[/I][/right][/sup][/indent][sub][hr][/sub][INDENT][sub][color=SILVER][B]Interaction(s):[/B][/COLOR] [I]Team Blackjack[/I][/sub][SUP][RIGHT][COLOR=SILVER][b]Previously: [/b][/COLOR] [I]Flight From Formation[/I][/right][/SUP]
[INDENT]The despair Katja felt only grew as Makenna and Iñigo stepped forward as well. Both had been amongst the moderate voices in the team, urging restraint instead of a blind pursuit for vengeance. Now all that was left of that faction was Rory and perhaps Trevor. And herself. The darkness that seemed to envelope her mind grew thicker every second.

Suddenly, a ray of light emerged from the unlikeliest of places. The newcomer, Suzanne Poots as Jim introduced her, walked up to Trace. She spoke in favor of Blackjack, offering a lifeline for them to at least bring Trace back into the fold. Katja felt ashamed that it was an outsider who displayed the courage to say something while Blackjack, who should have been fighting for their teammates to stay, remained quiet. While [i]she[/i] remained quiet.

But the act of the good samaritan was about to be smothered before it could produce any results. Makenna replied to the transferee with her usual snark, shooting the plan for recovery down for herself. But that wasn’t as bad as what followed when Iñigo replied. His was a much more aggressive reply, telling this Suzanne to stay out of others business and basically cutting the lifeline between Blackjack and its wayward members. 

Katja balled her fists and straightened her back. Her eyes were still mostly covered by her hair but if anyone caught a glimpse of her bright blue eyes they’d see that they were no longer filled with sadness and despair. They were filled with rage.

She wanted to step forward and give Iñigo an earful, for starters. But before she could do that another development took place.

Haleigh stepped forward.

It took a second for the significance of the moment to register to Katja.

Haleigh [i]stepped[/i] forward.

Katja looked on in surprise, almost shock, as she recalled Haleigh’s story at the campfire. How she had been dealing with trauma after her powers had nearly killed her and how she had been wheelchair bound ever since. The fact that she was walking here and now showed how sincere she was with whatever she planned on doing. A wave of relief washed over Katja when it turned out that Haleigh did this to apologize to anyone she might have driven away with her harsh words earlier in the day.  

Perhaps, Katja thought, this is still salvageable. Perhaps Blackjack would save some of their members. Perhaps she would get them back.

That thought, that illusion, was broken when Rory stepped forward. Rory, the lovable teamplayer. With his little playbook noting down facts about his team. Who’s cheeks flushed red at her suggestion that they’d train together. Rory, the one who seemed almost as distraught at the thought of the team breaking up as Katja was.

That Rory now stepped forward and dashed her hopes right in front of her. While there might have been some truth in what he said, Katja would not accept it. Her mindspace would not allow it. The rage that had subsided with Haleigh’s shocking act flooded back. But this time she would not stick to the sidelines.

[color=#FF7514]”Enough of this.”[/color] Katja practically growled as she took a step towards the group. Though it was more of a stomp, as her anger had made her lose control over her abilities, with each step causing a light tremor around her and leaving deep imprints in the field. Normally she’d try to mask it as quickly as possible, try to regain her composure and control. 

But not today.

Brushing her hair aside as she got close to the group, the expression on Katja’s face was obvious for all to see. There was no calming smile, no awkward smirk. The only way to describe her expression was pure, unadulterated rage.

[color=#FF7514]“You don’t get to make that decision, [i]broer[/i].”[/color] Katja hissed through clenched teeth at Rory. [color=#FF7514]”You don’t get to decide whether their choices are final or not. Perhaps Haleigh’s apology made them reconsider. We’ve already said goodbye to one member of Blackjack today, I’ll be damned if I’m not fighting to keep it to just that one.”[/color]

Katja let her gaze fall on the wayward Blackjacks, her expression softening as she looked at Trace. Taking a deep breath, she addressed them next. [color=#FF7514]”No matter what might be said here, or what might have been said earlier today, I will welcome any of you back with open arms. No question of loyalties, no hard feelings. If anyone gives you a hard time just come to me and I’ll have your back.”[/color] The more she spoke, the more mellow her expression became. She suppressed her powers again and even smirked a little before continuing. [color=#FF7514]”We’re all brothers and sisters after all, and what kind of big sis would I be if I didn’t stand up for you?”[/color] She looked at Haleigh and Rory, putting a hand on both of their shoulders. [color=#FF7514]”That obviously applies to you as well.”[/color]

Tapping them both on the shoulder, Katja stepped back into the Blackjack line. Folding her arms, she looked to her teammates to the left and right. [color=#FF7514]“And if anyone has any problem with that, you can take it up with me. [i]After[/i] we’ve finished this whole farce of a team swap.”[/color]


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