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Early mornings were nothing new for Nico Makri. All it took was a cup of cold water and a bit of fruit for him to be relatively prepared for the briefing. His foot was mostly healed, he had a rare [i]six[/i] hours of sleep, and he successfully nipped whatever Alonso was going for in the bud without any noticeable problems. [color=AntiqueWhite][i]For once, things are fully looking up. And this mission doesn’t seem all that awful.[/i][/color] Nico smiled a bit despite himself, humming a nursery rhyme as the briefing took place. 

[color=AntiqueWhite]“Glad I brought a suit...”[/color] All he was hoping for was a peaceful day, at least in the beginning. If someone pulled something after that, it would be a problem for everyone, not just himself. The thought brought a bit of surety to him as everyone started piping up. All he could pray for was some sanity from the PRC and Zodiac, even as a pipe dream.

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[color=LightCyan][i]I can’t wait to leave.[/i][/color]

Odd thoughts, considering that the ghost known as Aoi Mikoto had only been on Mischief Reef for a few days. But after going through the routine of walking the base, checking the ceilings and walls for any leaks, and getting rearmed, there wasn’t much to do except find a new haunt for the few days before deployment. Despite knowing what would be polite, she made an effort to keep scarce before the briefing. The less people expected her to be present, the more likely she wouldn’t be asked to be seen, and the easier her job became.

An early briefing was welcome, even if it was a little boring. She arrived early and sat in the far back, taking the extra time to grab a mug of scalding tea to let cool off during the wait. As the briefing progressed, Aoi took note of the other members of the Task Force: from the locals, mercenaries like Makri, Lidmann, Rocha and Berto [color=LightCyan][i](Note to self, stay aware of Williams and Lidmann, learn some more about Rocha, and keep away from Makri)[/i][/color], the other transfers like, Nil, Janssens, and…

There simply no avoiding the strand of thought that led to [color=39b54a][i]her[/i][/color]. To say that she disliked the Snake was a severe understatement. Aoi tapped her fingers on her lap to calm herself down, listening as Qingshe spoke up about the potential obstacles and pitfalls of the current theater: a diplomacy event in Cambodia. Everything about the mission was almost laughably strange. [i]This[/i] group, for security and safety? [color=LightCyan][i]At least Williams has the right idea; this is absurd.[/i][/color]

[quote=@Lewascan2]
She was grinning, but there was a glint of seriousness in her eyes. [color=39b54a]"This is going to be a delicate political situation. It cannot be overstated how important it is to not be seen to 'strike first' should anything... [i]untoward[/i] occur. So, dress to impress and bring your best manners, even if Huo Ren himself should stand in front of you. Our actions will reflect on ASEAN and the security of their position at the bargaining table, and if you're feeling trigger happy... [i]Don't.[/i] In an ideal world, all we're there for is to look pretty and -at worst- loom with vague menace while the politics happen. Violating a national diplomatic truce would be a disaster for us... Rather, for [i]anyone[/i] who is going to be at that table."[/color] Shaking her head, she smirked. [color=39b54a]"Really, this is the sort of thing that shouldn't need to be said, but I realize that not all of you here today may come from backgrounds sufficient to grant you a complete understanding of the stakes at hand... So, I say it anyway."[/color]
[/quote]

As the Snake finished, Aoi got up, and cleared her throat to get Noel’s attention, looking him in the eye with a softly haunting gaze. [color=LightCyan][i]Filipino should work. Only a few people need to understand me anyways.[/i][/color] [color=LightCyan]“First Lieutenant, if I may state the obvious, this is a ploy. There are three things we know for certain. First, Downward Descent has been reported in, and allegedly has yet to leave Cambodia. Second…”[/color] She pointed a thumb at Qingshe.

[color=LightCyan]“Like she said, China and Downward Descent are clearly connected in some way. So, there is no reason not to assume that the location is already either compromised or being watched by the Downward Descent. And finally, thanks to him…”[/color] She motioned to Nico. [color=LightCyan]“We know that there’s no prerogative for either party to be subtle, as the People’s Republic can simply use the Downward Descent as a perfect scapegoat for any events that may transpire.”[/color] Her Filipino wasn’t exactly perfect, but her accent hardly showed in her speech.

[color=LightCyan]“A delicate situation such as this cannot be viewed in a vacuum. So, I suggest that you and Rear Admiral Abasolo take my concerns into consideration alongside any potential plans or stratagems that you may have prepared.”[/color] And with that, she sat down, her eyes never leaving Noel and Qingshe from view.