[color=82ca9d][b][h2] Mema-Ka [/h2][/b][/color]


Mema-Ka stood firm in place, his boots neatly placed together as he listened to what the others in the room had to say. Hearing Arrish's laughing had just gotten him a sideway glance from the taller twin. [color=82ca9d][i]'A cook and a knight in one? I thought this was a tragedy, not a comedy. Regardless that one may prove difficult.'[/i][/color] Mema-Ka pondered. Minerva had then mentioned something which had perked his ears up. Origin. [i][color=82ca9d]'This girl. I will have to speak with her later.'[/color][/i] He mentally made a note on wanting to converse with Minerva. She looked like just the type of person who could aid him later down the line.

Mema-Ka's gaze momentarily wandered over to Bug, his tone of voice was something that Mema-Ka didn't like, it reminded him too much of Arrish and Griff. Loud and chaotic. But they were great examples to him for how humans generally were, loud, persistant and eager to throw themselves headlong into whatever was in front of them. The taller twin felt as if both Bug and Arrish were both wearing masks to conceal their true selves, he had seen it appear on his own brother's face at times when he was trying to lie to him. It took a masked man to recognize other masked men. As for that Griff individual? A passionate idiot. The only mask that man would likely wear would be a luchadore wrestling mask. Arrish had struck him as a prideful and ambitious one, who conceals his desires with a carefree fascade. As for Bug? He seemed to radiate an aura of chaos. That he had been selected with the apparently stoic and quiet Ava to be the second in command of the squad did tell him plenty about what kind of man Lorenzo truly were. The complete opposite of the path he'd chosen. Still if Lorenzo could create a weapon capable of ending all the conflict, then it was a price that had to be paid. After all, the end justifies any means necessary to bring it about.

His own and Zel-Ghin's origin had set them on their respective paths, Zel-Ghin felt all was going according to fate, the preordained path selected for them. He strongly disagreed with his brother on that part, his path… was a choice. Even chosing to follow something like fate. Was a choice. Destiny beckoned to Mema-Ka, not just his destiny but that of the world itself.

Just like that one man had united mankind long ago under one banner, if one man can do such, then perhaps he could do that as well? All had to come aboard for that journey upon the ship. That choice, that path taken by that warlord in the past had united the earth, but had it truly changed anything? No. Human nature was still the same. Craving. Envious. Conflict seeking. It was however not a trait that just existed in humans, but in aliens and animals too. It were as if all life in existence were doomed to the same cycle, infected with a virus for which there were only one cure.

[color=82ca9d][i]'Non-ordinary origins? Such a familiar feeling. Not that it matters, nothing truly does after all, but where you ultimately end up. Where we all end up. Destiny is at hand.'[/i][/color] Mema-Ka mused in his head, then focused on Lorenzo as he spoke to him and showed footage from the simulation.

[color=82ca9d][b]"Understood. Executive Officer, do forgive my youthful ignorance on the matter. You are completely correct."[/b][/color] He made a butlerlike bowing motion, one hand placed on his chest, his green hair momentarily casting shade over the upper parts of his face.

[color=82ca9d][i]'There is no being more dangerous than a being who can discern between the truth and lies of the world. The chain of command, might be a leash that keep the dogs of war at bay. Life is by it's nature... chaotic. Blindness comes in more forms than one, my brother stared into the light and were blinded, others stare into the darkness and see nothing there.

The framewerk is just like us. Expendable. No matter how flowery, honeycoated or sweet poisonous you make the words out to be. You might think of them as your children, but they much like children all across time has fought wars started by their orginators. Mighty swords indeed. Like I said. A weapon. But swords can also be double-edged and cut in both ways. Your pride is beaming, Lorenzo. Pride for the framewerk, your stake in all of this has to be very personal. Well then, I hope you will be able to make them even more powerful if we are to truly put an end to everything. I wonder, did you pry their tech from the Cruxi themselves? Well... it doesn't matter as long as they will do their part, I shall do mine to make certain the song will be magnificent and end on a high note.'[/i][/color] Mema-Ka thought to himself as he finished his salute to Lorenzo, turning around to excuse himself from the room. Steak and drinks? He considered it. He had no interest in drinking or eating right now, but it was an opportunity to get more glimses of the ones who would save the universe from the plague that had been set upon it. He finally gave a salute to Ritsu, and a slow upturn at the corner of his lips.

[color=fff200][b][i][The evening before the VR simulation][/i][/b][/color]


[hider=Destined Dinner]
Mema-Ka, on a certain day, received a message on his personal device. The sender was lieutenant Ritsu, with a simple message:

[b]“7 PM, Green Wing park. I expect you to be well-dressed.”[/b]

So it was that when Mema-Ka arrived, he would discover that a table had been set aside at the park where nature, or the closest approximation one could create artificially, was close at hand. A white table cloth was placed over the table, and a dining set for two. Small burgers with tiny flags of the Galactic Federation on them had been prepared, as well as fries, weenies, and even chicken nuggets in the shape of dinosaurs were served, topped by two glasses of cola: a serving you’d see at a kid’s birthday at a fast food restaurant rather than at a fancy dinner.

Sitting on the table with her legs crossed, and looking over at the artificial sky-projecting screen as it dimmed to twilight with a look of apathy and boredom, was the lieutenant herself, dressed to the nines:

[hider=Ritsu The Rizzler][img]https://i.imgur.com/0l2DFHd.png[/img][/hider]

Ritsu’s eyes glanced over to Mema-Ka, having noticed his arrival. [b]“My apologies for the menu, Cadet. It seems I…made a miscalculation,”[/b] she spoke with a deadpan look.

Mema-Ka was dressed in a dark blue suit with bright stripes and matching pants, a leather belt and a partially opened formal white shirt, his forest green hair flickering from one of the nearby ventilation shafts that provided a slight breeze inside the artificial park. The young man approached the table with hurried steps once he noticed that the lieutenant had seemingly arrived early, and he still considered himself to be precise with his timing. No opportunity to help her seat herself, order the food or the like. But he did bring with him a gift in the form of a small chocolate box of the best quality chocolate he could find in one of the stores on the ship.

He wasn't much for sweets like that himself, unlike his twin brother who seemed at times to have filled the genetic gaps with sugar.

He called out softly after moving up on hurried steps, to not make Ritsu wait any longer.

[color=82ca9d][b]"It is me who should apologize, I appear to have miscalculated the time. Please take this small gift, Lieutenant Kaname."[/b][/color] He smiled softly and bowed his head and body, as if he were a butler, offering the box of chocolates to her. 

Ritsu accepted the box of chocolates with a polite smile. [b]“Oh, thank you. You shouldn’t have…But I appreciate the courtesy.”[/b]

[color=82ca9d][b]"May I address you by your first name?”[/b][/color] Mema-Ka asked. [color=82ca9d][b]“You may call me Mema. You look even more magnificent than usual in that dress."[/b][/color] Mema-Ka said in a soft tone, his eyes wandering over her face, hair and dress. She had truly gone through great effort to dress up the part for this date, it showed him that she was indeed taking things seriously. He moved closer and softly reached out to her hand to lift it, trying to plant a soft  kiss on it. [color=82ca9d][b]"The great sky scenery and all of the beautiful flowers in this garden does not hold a candle to you. You are as inspiring in your regality as in your dedication to your work which I am very much an admirer of. To take command of one, if not the number one most important matter of humankind to date. No doubt such a thing cannot be easy, even for an accomplished and bright young woman like yourself. I would love to hear more about your reasons for joining the army to begin with, about the person behind the uniform." [/b][/color]

Ritsu gave a mild scoff at the compliment, and half-waved her upturned hand dismissively. [b]“Now, don’t get too friendly with me, Cadet Degadraz. I am still your commanding officer, after all.”[/b] However, she then gave a little smile. 
[b]“But, I suppose I am on the clock, and I do enjoy hearing compliments from a gentleman like you, so I’ll let this infraction in protocol slide.”[/b]

The twin offered a deep nod with his head and moved over to the other end of the table, sitting down shortly afterwards. His violet eyes setting on the food before him, the galactic federation flag nailed into the burger. His lips slightly parted as he was hit by a scenery from years past.

What he saw before him wasn't a hamburger, fries or any soda. What he saw was a silver tray with some paste placed on it and a small container of water to go along with it. The fine tablecloth that decorated his and Ritsu's table had seemingly faded out of his sight and instead he saw a cold silvery sterile one. Sharp lights then met his eyes. Men and women in lab coats approaching. The sounds of metal straps being attached. Pain. Electricity. He could hear their voices in his head as background mumbling and whispering, with the occasional voice heard clearly through it.

[i]'They aren't human. They are bred for war. Monsters bearing the face of man.'[/i]

[i]'They can endure the pain, it is for the greater good...'[/i]

[i]'...ah yes, this is the expendable one. His usefulness will be null after the project's final phases.'[/i]

[i]'What do you mean they've escaped?! Find them at once!'[/i]

The voices echoed in his mind, then the gunshots, the screams... and red upon the sterile walls.

[color=7bcdc8][i]'Brother! Hah...hahah? I just...'[/i][/color]

He heard his brother's voice trying to find reason where there was none. Then their 'mother' was heard.

[i]'We must move right now! This way.'[/i] Then he snapped back to the present and to the date he found himself at.

[color=82ca9d][b]"Ahh sorry. It's... It's been a long time since I ate food like this. My homeworld, the colony of Melta-Zole does not get these ever since the failed incited rebellion against the Galactic Federation. If my brother or myself have caused you any hardship, I do ask for your forgiveness as some things are done differently where we are from. Such as how we greet someone of the opposing sex. Handshaking does exist in our culture, however those are reserved for mostly the men. We greet the women by exchanging kisses, it is a way for our people to more easily find a partner and for us to connect on a different level. The kattai system used within our two framewerk are a bit similar in that way, it requires a deep connection and feeling of understanding. My brother sometimes takes this custom of ours to a level which may be regarded as very forward to most other citizens of the Galactic Federation."[/b][/color] Mema-Ka said with a soft sigh and then smiled a bit. [color=82ca9d][b]"Where are you from then? If you don't mind sating my curiosity. Tell me about yourself."[/b][/color] He leaned forwards on the table to look into her eyes with a warm smile.

Ritsu sighed, delicately holding her glass of cola between her fingers. She absentmindedly gave it a little shake, letting the drink fizz.

[b]“Interesting. Your apology is accepted, Cadet Degadraz. I suppose that explains the demeanour you two have shown towards the members of your squad. Zel-Ghin’s behavior in particular seems concerning based on the way Cadets Liu’un and Gene have acted around him. I might need to hold a talk with him too: he doesn’t share your sense of etiquette.”[/b]

Ritsu then paused for a moment as she cut a careful slice of her small hamburger and took a bite.

[b]“Me? Well, there’s not too much to talk about. I was a young, bright-eyed girl with great dreams on graduation…I wanted to become an author, and publish holonovels, believing I could make a career out of it…Only to end up in the fleet, where I have served since.”[/b] She leaned her head on her hand as she reminisced. [b]“Funny how life sometimes takes you in directions you don’t expect.”[/b]

Mema-Ka listened closely to what Ritsu was telling him, both in regards to her concerns of his brother, but also when she shared some personal information about herself.

[color=82ca9d][b]"Life indeed can take unexpected turns, but isn't that also a part of the beauty of living? Like opening a book you have never read before, not knowing what awaits you at the epitaph. I have a fondness for books of many kinds, but I am no writer myself or would aspire to be. If I may be blunt… you are still young and it's never too late to do what your heart beckons to you to do once the Cruxi crisis has been dealt with. If the military has faith in you to put you in charge of mankind's hope against the Cruxi forces. While there are others in higher up positions making the calls on various things…"[/b][/color] Mema-Ka said softly, his finger tracing the cola glass before bringing it to his mouth, he gave it a soft sniff. A habit. The sedatives were often placed in their food and drinks back then. In that den of sin.

He took a sip from it and then continued speaking

[color=82ca9d][b]"It is often those closest to the front lines who have the greatest impact on the events of our vast… world. I have no doubt that you will be the subject of many publications yourself in the near future for your contribution to humankind's greatest challenge yet."[/b][/color] He raised the glass to her, holding it up on a leveled field with his own face, hiding half of his face behind the glass. He gave a soft smile again, slowly lowering the glass.

[color=82ca9d][b]"When you finish your novels, will you give me a signed edition? I will make a composition befitting it, to be played upon a piano. To play the piano is what I find to my liking. Nothing like creating a beautiful melody, closing one's eyes and simply having one's mind wander elsewhere... for but a brief moment."[/b][/color] He tilted his head with his eyes momentarily closed as he smiled warmly to Ritsu, then opened them again and looked down at the food presented. Tasting the various foods before him. The fries, the burger and the nuggets.

[color=82ca9d][b]"It's good."[/b][/color] He said softly and nodded to the food. [color=82ca9d][b]"The next time it's on me however."[/b][/color] He said in a lighthearted manner, before he went to address the matter with Zel-Ghin.

[color=82ca9d][b]"When it comes to my brother. Both of us come from a troubled... uprising. Suffice to say that it affected my brother more than it did me. It has robbed him of many social skills and formalities, to some degree it has also robbed him of many things, such as a childhood. My brother does excel at many things nonetheless, when it comes to physical activities he may be amongst the foremost, when it comes to piloting skills... I have yet to see anyone be his match. That said, we are all... born... with different boons and flaws. Perhaps it is so because the gods intended it so? Your boon might be to be an extraordinary leader and a writer, in all fairness, both visual and in action."[/b][/color] Mema-Ka softly said, his words flowing on smoothly. His purple eyes looked directly into Ritsu's as he leaned a bit closer in, smiling and picking up a french fry, looking at it momentarily. Before slowly bringing it to his mouth, biting into it. 

Then he wiggled with one of his fingers. [color=82ca9d][b]"Oh and it's Mema."[/b][/color] He said in a light tone, a smile on his face and eyes closed briefly.

[color=82ca9d][i]'Each warlord that has ever existed needs a powerful and charismatic general, who may share their dream, if they intend to take on the world...'[/i][/color] He thought to himself.

Ritsu gave a light-hearted chuckle as Mema-Ka expounded on the future publications others would make of her. She absentmindedly poked at her fries with her fork, her eyes cast towards the holographic sky.
[b]“Sure, there will be memoirs, biographies and whatnot that will be written about the war, but those are just propaganda pieces. What I want to write about are topics like living in this world, the struggles of people, their hopes and dreams, and so on.”[/b]

She then turned her eyes back to Mema-Ka with a surprised look, and slightly blushed as he expressed wanting not only a signed copy of one of her works, but even to compose music.
[b]“Oh? Well, I suppose I could write a script for a play or movie where the music could be utilized. But I have to say, I did not expect you to be talented at playing piano too,”[/b] she spoke, genuinely impressed.

Mema-Ka then spoke more on himself and his brother, and her warm expression shifted back to more neutral, as she was reminded of their unusual nature.
[b]“Mema it is then…For today,”[/b] she added, and a subtle smile veered to her lips.

After the two were done eating, she used a napkin to clean up, and stood up.
[b]“That was a better course than I first expected…for what it was,”[/b] she corrected herself. [b]“And I enjoyed spending time with you as well. It was a nice change of pace.”[/b]
She placed a hand on her hip.
[b]“You completed this mission with satisfactory results, Cadet Mema,”[/b] she added, giving a bit of a haughty tone to her voice. [b]“Who knows, maybe I’m in the mood to do this again. But until then, I expect you and your brother to keep to your schedules as before. See you tomorrow,”[/b] she then added, and turned to walk away, heading to inform Stella that she could clean up the rest.


Mema-Ka had gotten up the moment that Ritsu had, having placed his right arm and hand over his chest and the other held behind his back. Their time had passed too quickly for the young man, he had wanted to ask her more things. After all she was one of the people here who had the key for the lock he was attempting to unlock. Time would however tell if that door would indeed be opened or remain shut. [color=82ca9d][b]"I always try to see a mission through to the end, have a good night Lieutenant Kaname. I hope I shall not disappoint you in the morning."[/b][/color] Mema-Ka gave a butlerlike bow, his forest green hair momentarily casting shade over his eyes as he bowed to Ritsu, a slight upturn forming at the corner of his mouth.

[color=82ca9d][i]'So it begins. The quest to bring this world the salvation it needs. I wonder how different you are Cruxi. To humankind. We shall find out. Destiny beckons, and the coming day that reckons. It will be an enlightening experience no doubt...'[/i][/color]

[color=fff200][i][Collab between @Dezuel and @Ariamis][/i][/color]

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