Conscripts

Innocence Lost - A Science Fantasy RP [v.03]

Alexander Kherol

The Last Ascendancy Commander

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Terror Belli - Decus Pacis

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Every 1st Fleet soldier has an Admiral's plaque in his pocket

2370 AD

Planet Wasa, Rau’ve’s Space Dock #3

Days had passed after the battle of Wasa. The cleaning up had finished. The unfortunate casualties of war had been laid to rest with full military honor, and the prisoners of war already sent home to Ascendancy homeland. His victory was so complete that Alexander needn't waste time nor risk potential dangers with chasing down the Rau've survivors. The enemy carriers and dreadnoughts had been destroyed, the rest were mere flies within his palm. He preferred to let his fleet have some respite and let the other commanders reap the fruits of his labor. Literally at their fingertips. It should be simple enough for them.

"Does it hurt my friend?"

The admiral today wasn't in his flagship. He was in one of the heavy cruisers that led the attack that lured the Rau've into the decisive charge: the flagship of Commodore Lan Ficelle. She firmly executed his orders, carried it out perfectly even under intense bombardment, her ship on fire and she personally was hit by shrapnel, now needing a surgery to remove it. To Alexander's amazement, Lan was actually injured much earlier in the battle, as her ship was focused. She just kept it in her and continued the fight without anyone realizing it until the battle was almost over.

What a soldier!

He knew she's a great commander, but she's also the bravest of them all.

"No, I'm alright." She laughed it off, clearly not being able to move her shoulders around. "Only the first five times or something."

"Is it true though?" Alexander joked back. He'd expect no less.

"I lost count." She said as she patted the patched up wound. "Well, this will heal in a few weeks or so. What's more important is if the Rau've fleet can recover before that."

"The rest of their space forces are now stretched thin because they pulled enough forces to stop the breakthrough here, so I'm pretty sure they're now desperate." He said. "You can rest assured until we arrive at their capital. By then you'll lead the way in!"

"Haha, I thank you for your generosity."

"It's my only way of compensating for not being able to promote you. You have grown a lot since we met in the Grand Academy."

He could only send recommendations to his beloved President for her promotion. And of course, given the nepotism and oligarchism of the Ascendancy, it was never going to pass, and might end up hurting her in the long run instead if he kept nagging. The only other way would be being Grand Admiral, where it is a special rank in which the bearer is pretty much given full reign of whatever and whoever is assigned to their army.

"Oh believe me, you'll be Grand Admiral really soon." Lan quickly slapped and gripped her friend's shoulder.

"Haha, I truly hope so." Alexander laughed. "But the rank is now full. There will be no more than six at the same time, and all personally appointed by Emmanuel himself. I doubt they'd create a seventh."

"Oh, don't you know?" She asked. "Grand Admiral Phillip just got sacked from the 13th Fleet, and its command was given to Admiral Quasi."

"When was that?"

"Just a week ago. I don't think they have decided on a new one yet. With this victory, the press is gonna sing you praises, and that Civvy Minister would have to cave in or they'd face a public backlash."

"They don't already care about that to begin with. I don't think-"

"Or international humiliation. Especially in wartime. If they want to appear strong militarily, they have to put in place a strong military leader."

"I won't hold my expectations too high though." Alexander shrugged, before pointing at her again. "You'll still march first into Brassica though. Ladies first, am I right?"

"Oh you just want to see the back of my neck, don't you? You have a weird fetish my guy!"

She said as she slapped his back again, and this time as hard as possible. Not much growing on this front though. But a woman's intuition was not to be underestimated.

---

2 days later.

"It's official Alex. You are now a Grand Admiral of the Ascendancy of Man."

She was correct. Not bad for a son of an engineer and accountant.

"There is a ceremony you'll attend this weekend. We can depart for it the day after tomorrow if you wish." Carina explained. "Also, since now you're officially Grand Admiral, you can choose to promote anyone you like. If you do it now, they'll also attend the ceremony."

"Oh really?" Alexander remarked. Guess the Ascendancy really wanted some political points. "Well, then tell them to prepare a lot of plaques, because I'm going to change this army upside down. Starting with you."

"M-Me?" His aid-de-camp was perplexed.

"Yeah you. From now on, you will not only be an aid-de-camp, but my flagship's captain. You'll also bear the rank Captain."

"Isn't that a rank skip? I-I don't know if..."

"You were one of the best in the academy. It'd be a waste if you're just stuck handing me papers."

"...Thank you then. I'll do my best." Like mother like daughter, she was quite refined. But inside what she was suppressing was the excitement. Command of a military warship! A battleship no less. Being a bit humbled for a few years weren't so bad if this was the result.

"Now..." Alexander pulled up a list of all of his officers and very quickly crossed out a variety of profiles. "These people are out."

"That's...like half of your army officers. I don't know if doing it in mass would be a good idea." Carina said as she sat right next to him, observing.

"These people are all spoiled brats of the nation. I mean look at this." He pointed at one entry. "The first to abandon the destroyed ship in the Ponin Incident. Son of, oh look at that, a multi-millionaire CEO of a ship-building corporation that has ties with Emmanuel. Get that piece of shit out of my army."

"Be careful, you're gonna anger a lot of them. You need ships and equipment too. I'd suggest just send them over to people like Berkeley or Laguna."

"Sure. They'd either become real soldiers or corpses in no time. Fine either way for me." He made that note on the side. "Now let's discuss my subordinates. I shall need...five key generals by my side, promoted to General and Admiral respectively."

"That's fair." Carina wasn't surprised by this. An Ascendancy fleet isn't that populated, but considering that the more troops a higher ranked official had to take command, the poorer his or her performance will be. Any military organizer should know this.

And the five men and women chosen are honestly quite colorful by all standards. But a quick glance over their service records, they're some of the most talented and diligent servants of the Ascendancy, most of whom were unfortunately unrecognized, for obvious reasons.

The Bravest of the Braves

His first was obviously his Commodore friend Lan, now Admiral Lan Ficelle

Now at 36 years old, Lan was born to a struggling dyer and an alcoholic. Her home life wasn't great, her family in constant disarray, frequently abused by her father, but courage already ran through her veins back then. She took the earliest chance possible to run away from home to join the army, determined to find some semblance of order in her life again.

Lan didn't have much education, lacked restraint and hot-blooded, the army quickly assigned her to frontline duty. She was sent into multiple missions, mostly to put down revolts here and there. Always the head of her peers, she was fierce, knows nothing of danger and always accomplished her tasks almost to perfection with her superb tactical instinct. She received glowing reviews from her superior, and so she was allowed into officer training, something not many people with such a self-made background could achieve. Yet the academy was too slow for her, she was soon back on the field, preferring to learn her ropes with actual combat experience, fighting against revolts and border skirmishes against the Rau've. During the early days of the war, she led the vanguard of the 1st Fleet against the Rau've fleet. Her success was mixed, but one could not deny the amount of guts she had.

Even more impressive yet concerning was her actually being wounded over 11 times already: 5 times as a foot soldier, 3 during officer training, twice during the Ponin incident, at two different occasion, once early on in the war, and the latest a few days ago.

Needless to say, as a field commander, she was even more experienced than Alexander himself.

The Old Guard

The second man with the special privilege was an obscure one. Admiral Faro Anton Weinheber

A man of old-school noble descent, but a stern disciplinarian and a fiery man of action, Faro joined the army when he was only 22, and has been at it for OVER 50 YEARS. That would mean he is well into his late seventies. He worked his way up the ladder from an ordinary ship gunner, to captain and then to rear-admiral. His rise to prominence clearly wasn't quick, as the Ascendancy was pretty peaceful until recent times, but his patience and diligence never meant he was off-course by any petty means. Over 5 decades of experience was one hell of a gem to pass over. His only yet fatal mistake was his politics.

Faro is a staunch republican, and didn't mind showing disdain for the Ascendancy higher ups in his later years, leading to various conflicts amongst the elites. After feuds with Emmanuel over his republican politics led to his demotion, and now he served as a training instructor at the Grand Academy in the Core Worlds. He was still going strong apparently, even as he was approaching the ripe old age of 80 - even though humans commonly live longer than 100 years old now, not showing any discouragement from his fall from grace. Furthermore, Alexander was under his tutelage and owed much of his knowledge to this man. Not many would pick him as a general, not to mention Chief of Staff to Alexander, but the newly promoted Grand Admiral was confident with his odd choice.

It's time for the Old Guard to take up the baton again.

The Dashing Tankman

The third is General Antony Mura. 40 years old.

Doesn't look like so in any shape or form. Antony was born to a hotel owner, and would be destined to inherit their family's business, but he grew bored of administrator's life and joined the armed forces. He was put in the Armored Department, was initially in the recon team, riding hoverbikes, but his physiques and...style did not ensure a long career in that aspect. He stood over 6 feet in height, styled in his curly locks and always was fancy, either on his own uniform or on his vehicles. It made him too recognizable. That and also his tendency to act not like scouts, for example chasing down a tank himself with basically nothing against it, made him unsuitable. He was transferred out into the armored division, leading mechs and tanks into combat.

This is where he found his elements. Fearless and daring as a tank commander, he still looked splendid as ever. He didn't have a lot of combat experience in this new role, but he still rose steadily through his ranks. His early 3 months of the war was the most spectacular, however, as his Armored Corp repeatedly broke through the enemy defenses, paving the way for his fellow ground troops to finally collapse the Rau've. He was made targets of snipers more than once, yet somehow he made it all out unscathed. There's jokes among those he served that his dazzling appearance blinded the scope. Nevertheless, Alexander found him potentially useful for any ground operations that he might need to do in the future.

A man of his brand at least.

The Iron Fist

The fourth is General Annette Picton. 29 years old.

Born into an upper-class core-world landowner, Annette was a lot more orderly and calm-headed, unlike the rest of the other generals. She jumped straight into officer's training via some family connection. However, she still performed well and very consistently as a commander, if a little unspectacular. She usually is very cautious and, although would join combat if ordered to, would prefer to be given reserve role, something that fits as counterbalance to a group full of eager commanders.

That was not why Alexander chose this woman as a general, however. Her elements was still her background as a landowner's daughter. She was splendid at civil military administrations. Shrewd, strict, yet fair, she always ensured those under her was in top shape, well-paid, well-trained and at the top of their spirits. She is also incredibly efficient at counter-insurgency. Her greatest achievements would be during the Ponin Incident, she completely prevented a revolt by initiating a splendid propaganda campaign to root out the rebels and calm the concerned crowd, cutting off vital support for the rebel forces. This combination, while not spectacular, she would be indispensable in his campaign against the Rau've.

War, after all, is not always at the frontline.

The fifth and final...

"Wait, Kotaro?" This was the most surprising bit. "I know the guy's smart, but he doesn't have enough experience commanding a large fleet contingent just yet."

"...That is true." Alexander admitted, probably because some personal biases on his side. "He does have some training in the academy for it though, but he's still mainly focused as a flotilla commander to individual fighting."

"You don't wanna come off as a hypocrite right off the bat. Make him Rear-Admiral or something for now. He'd need to prove his worth first as fleet commander before anything."

Alexander didn't object. Of course, his loyalty would be vital in case any issues arises throughout the war, something in which will inevitably happen, but so that his meritocratic philosophy remained consistent, it'd have to do. He had lived with him long enough. He'd get there soon.

The Holy Arms

Innocence Lost - A Science Fantasy RP [v.03]

@Letter Bee@Th3King0fChaos@The Man Emperor@Landaus Five-One@FalloutJack@Conscripts@dragonpiece@Starlance@samakama@jdh97@6slyboy6@Jade Kiyo

Announcement made on Discord, also made here in case some of you are not active on Discord (for any reasons).

Time for UwU's and cute animals are over, because I'm also stepping in on the administrative side as well.

After some discussions with the GMs, the apparent lack of responses on individual pings, and the recent collabs slowing us down, I want to do a role call on who is still willing to continue. What you all need to do following this post shall be:

1) React to this post to indicate that you're still here.
2) Update us Innocence Lost GMs on either:
- what you are going to write next (at the very least for the next post), and when do you plan to do so
- if you have already posted, indicate that you're waiting on someone
- if you're stuck on ideas, then we can help
- if you're busy, so we can make arrangement
3) What's your update status on the character sheet with the new Character Trait rules implemented (if applicable)

Note that we will also reimplement weekly activity rules that require you to update us on your activity every 2 weeks or so, be it a post or a Discord/RPG post to indicate that you're there.

This will also be posted on the OOC for everyone to reply to in case they're not available on Discord (for whatever reasons). You only need to respond to one of them

You will have up until 10 PM PST, February 15, 2021 to respond to this announcement. If you fail to meet the deadline, you will be considered inactive/dropped and your character will be handled by the GMs instead.

P/S: I know some of you here have already replied to me earlier in the day, and I thank you for being responsive. But for our planning's sake, I hope you'll not mind the inconvenience of replying to this again.

Haven for the Inhuman

Goroth

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"Hmph..."

Crossed his arms as Goroth saw the hesitating Tova looked at him for one last gaze of trust before proceeding with the door. A little smirk formed on his face just as she turned away from him. She is one hell of a cowardly faun, but seemed like she wasn't hopeless. A bit of repetition and she might be able to snap that attitude out of existence. Of course, whether or not she would like it or not is an issue, but hey, he didn't want to follow humans to become their slaves and ended up with a human lifestyle.

As Tova entered the building, Goroth followed her up until the doorway, where he would instead be right there, bending himself to allow his head through, admiring the architecture. The orc had seen this sort of layout before. The comfy looking couches, surrounding a wooden table with a strange letter on it, while the bookshelves solemnly observed the coziness it portrayed itself. Humans like to do this. He had seen this in his former owner's house. He didn't know for what reasons they'd put bookshelves at the back and chairs would have to surround the tables like they are doing a ritual, but that's just how they work. Frankly, it doesn't look bad.

"Hmph, I would be surprised if they are my cousins. They are long gone." Goroth curtly replied, considering the orc culture. But if they turn out to be so, he wouldn't be sure if they'd reaccept him as an orc anymore. So many things about him had changed. And one of them is instead of hunting down and eating this faun in front of him, he is now having to deal with her joke attempts.

Suddenly, almost as his instinct alarmed him, he noticed the shadow on the ground before him. As the shadow grew bigger, Goroth immediately stood up straight preparing to face whatever is coming towards him. However, despite his strong warrior instinct, it was still a bit late, as the creature swirled around him, missing his arm swing, before flinging itself into the room Tova was in.

'What in the living fuck was that?'

Not knowing whether or not this creature was dangerous, Goroth took out a short sword half the length of a normal human he had from the baggage on his back, not wanting to get his two big weapons stuck in whatever furniture that might get in the way if he had to fight. He barged right into the opened room where the furniture rustling made him point his weapons to wherever the sound went. Eventually, it finally made it to a cloak.

"The hell is it saying?" Goroth responded to both Tova and that...'thing', whether or not it could understand him enough. At the same time, it seemed to be inviting both of them behind that couch. The orc was down for figuring out what was going on, but he still kept his weapons ready as he approached.

@ArmorPlated@Roundabout

Innocence Lost - A Science Fantasy RP [v.03]

Alexander Kherol

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Flashback
2069 AD

As the small military hovercraft, the size of a regular family car, ripped through the air as he made his way through the damp and humid forest. Soon, the car arrived at a small clearing, where the trees seemed to part. There before him was the accumulation of what he was concerned about for his entire youth. From the moment he was forced away from his parents, his assignment to the Dragon's Brigade, and the rumors of disappearing prodigies while he was in officer's training, he knew not only this was the Ascendancy's secret project, but also this was what could have become of him. If only that governor hadn't saved him, or that one teacher who recognized the danger, he would've been the one in that facility instead of riding in this comfy car towards it. He was here for some inquiry, for prior to receiving these so-called 'supersoldiers', Alexander wanted to know what they are capable of in details, regardless of what bland descriptions the higher-ups gave him. But at the same time, there was this mixed sense of curiosity and discomfort that he had to tend to: the fate of his alternate-self.

The hovercraft stopped in front of the gate for clearance before heading straight through the large courtyard to stop at the main building. As Alexander was led inside by the facility guard, he could see the children playing outside - a couple few. A lot of them, however, were mostly sitting listless in the corner somewhere in the tree shade or in front of the main building. It wasn't because of who they are, preferring to isolate themselves against the world with their favorite toy or a book like how Alexander would. They are simply too broken to play. What the hell had happened to get to this point?

"Admiral Kherol, one of our chief scientists is ready to meet you. Please."

---

"I'm not gonna waste your time doctor. How do these 'supersoldiers' work?"

"You probably have heard about the Magi right Admiral?" The doctor said, to the nod of the Admiral. "Well, principally, they're like that. Soldiers with enhanced capabilities and magic beyond what conventionally trained soldiers can do."

"How powerful?"

"Well...they're not just powerful, but smart and tactical. They're adopted from the most ingenious minds of the Ascendancy and enhanced with our latest bio technology, infusing them with magical substance to make them stronger, tougher and capable of all sorts of magic."

"...Ok?" Kherol glanced his eyes sideways, clearly unsatisfied with the answer. "I'm still waiting for metrics. How powerful are they? Give me something to compare, like a demonstration even."

"Umm...It's very difficult to measure power as a group, since this is magic we're talking about. They differ very much depending on individuals." He said. "Some of them are really strong, one that can turn the tide of the battle in minutes, while some are more support-focused-"

"Ok, so they're different on an individual basis." Alexander abruptly cut him off, knowing exactly what he was going to say next. This guy was being vague, usually meant when they don't have a strong enough answer. "Then maybe you can give me some portfolios for me to look at?"

"That's classified Admiral. We can't reveal those to you." The scientist declared obnoxiously.

What?...

"W-Why?" This statement was so dumb it stuttered Alexander himself. "Why am I being kept in the dark of my soon to be assets?"

"It's part of our child protection program. The identities of these children shall be kept a secret."

"Child prote-" He thought too soon. This was even dumber. "You do realize that you're putting these kids into the Armed Forces? They're gonna be going through mental trauma and facing death in the eyes. And some will die for sure if conflicts break out. And you're telling me this is a child protection program?"

"Oh by program I mean they're a part of our..." The man snapped his fingers twice as he formulated his answers. "...Child Protection Act. To prevent things like abuses or harassment by individual soldiers, we're not letting anyone know of their identity."

What even...Alexander didn't even know a Child Protection Act exist in the current code of law. And even so, why would that stop abuses? Is child abuses solely based on their identities, and not the fact that they're literally children, according to whoever made this stupid law? And even worse...

"How's that even related to what I'm asking?" Alexander replied. "I'm asking for their powers, magic, or whatever you wanna call it, not backgrounds or names. Is that too much to ask?"

The scientist sat quiet for a few seconds, his eyes afraid to even look directly at Alexander. He fiddled with his fingers a little bit before finally conceding.

"Alright, let me grab the profiles. It wouldn't take long"

"Take all the time you need."

The walls are claustrophobic. The lights shone too bright. The low ceiling restricted his breathings. The glass panes echoed the image from an alternate universe. But Alexander sat with his legs crossed on the sofa. He would not leave without an answer.

The doctor came back after fifteen minutes with a tablet, presumably filled with the details he needed, and an exasperated sigh.

"We decided to make you an exception Admiral. Don't go out there and spout nonsense with these information." He growled as he handed Alexander the tablet

"Sure." The Admiral rolled his eyes as he powered up the device. Going through these individuals, it's really...varied. Like the kid that is just really tough against magic. Or the pair of siblings that can't really stay apart because they'd lose magical powers. It really does reflect the individuality of humans, but this is that but on 500 cans of steroid, or whatever magic BS materials they use on them. The big problem stemmed really from the fact that the military is not built around this much of inconsistency. There's a reason why there are standardized weapons, vehicles, uniforms and equipment for everyone. If an army is destroyed, another army built around the same standard can quickly take its place. But if an army built around these kids are destroyed, how is he going to replace them?

"Alright..." After scrolling through all the profiles, Alexander faced the scientist. "I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt, they are powerful. But I still don't know how to accommodate them. For that, I have one last thing I want to know."

"Yes?"

"In case these kids die in battle, in which there will inevitably be some, how fast can I expect you guys to supply me with a replacement?"

"You better not let them die, Admiral." The doctor deflected. "They're invaluable to our future."

"What??? This is a HYPOTHETICAL doctor." Alexander was fucking sick of these non-answers. Can't believe he had to guide a scientist on simple logic problem. "The key word here is 'in case'!"

"It's an irrelevant hypothetical, since our goal here is not to let them die. At any cost whatsoever. Are we clear on that?" He shot back, to an even more annoyed Kherol.

"Yes, I'm clear. But what I'm asking is how fast can I get a replacement in case the worst happen anyway."

"Like I said, you're not to-"

"Wait wait wait! You're dodging the question again." The Admiral abruptly cut him off. His tone grew even less respectful and more dominant as the scientist continuously tried to cut him off mid-sentence. "It's clear that you don't know a thing about war that you'd say that. There is no way you're going to avoid casualty. EVER. Including your precious little babies. Just because I'm gonna try my best not to let that happen, that doesn't mean that will not happen. And what I want is to ensure the stream of manpower is constant and continuous, so I can fight as long and as hard as possible."

"...Well, with these supersoldiers, you won't need your fancy stream of manpower, since one of these are-"

"What do you mean I don't need manpower??? These are basic military logistics!" Another cutoff. "It sounds incredibly stupid to me that you'd propose a silver bullet that annihilates all military principals that existed for thousands of years."

"I'm not proposing that! I'm simply saying that it can help divert manpower away to places that-"

"It needs its own manpower too, its own specialized manpower you provide. Really shows how much of a weasel you are under that lab coat, pretending to kno-"

"Look admiral." He retorted angrily. "I know exactly what I'm saying, ok?! I've studied for 7 years in both undergrads and grads school. I've worked with military folks in the Ascendancy, so I know my stuff well."

"Alright then are you familiar with Roon's Logistic Model?" Followed up by the Admiral. "We need to know that for our discussions."

"...I believe so, yes." He took a few seconds to throw out a reply. "I'm not too familiar with it, but I kn-"

"I just made it up." Alexander struggled to stifle a laugh. It is so insanely mind-boggling, but he got him right there. "I literally just made that up a few seconds ago. There's no such thing as Roon's Logistic Model. You're just completely full of shit my guy. Can't believe they give you that lab coat and a PhD, am I right?"

"OoOoOhH, Roon's Logistic Model." The scientist bitterly and sarcastically responded. "I guess my argument's trashed huh? You win then. Anyway, what were we even talking about before you pivot away?"

"Well, if this is what the discussion is gonna be like - you not answering my question and faking your own knowledge, then I'd stop wasting both our precious times." Alexander abruptly stood up and tossed the tablet back to the doctor. He didn't even bother a handshake as a final formal gesture before leaving the room.

---

'Holy mother...'

Not even a second after going out of sight of the chief scientist, Alexander already buried his face on both his hands to that braincell deficient conversation. It's even worse than some of the politicians he had to deal with. All of this vague answers, red herrings and non-sequiturs thrown around like freaking dodgeballs trying to throw him off. And he's a scientist as well! He probably isn't that dumb though, now that Alexander had calmed down and recollect his thoughts. He is very likely consciously lying, either because he was being forced to, or because he had a fat check down the line. Hell, maybe he even had his own personal evil agenda that he knew would be absolutely slapped if revealed in its very true nature. Regardless, it is very clear that something really ugly is underlying this entire child soldier program. In no way this could only be for military purpose. He'd really want to get to the bottom of this whole thing, but now, storms are already gathering in the horizon. He needed to prepare, both for the arrival of these Star Marines and the upcoming conflicts.

As the soon to be Grand Admiral departed the Black Site, the facility shrinking as his hovercraft zoomed through the treeline, a silent mumble escaped his lips.

"I hope you're not among them..."

Haven for the Inhuman

Took a little bit of liberty with the door on the eastern side. Hope that doesn't go out of boundaries.

Haven for the Inhuman

Goroth looked around the eastern side of the building for any signs of the thing that the faun was indicating earlier. There was nothing in particular outside that he could call as a sign of life, aside from the soothing treeline along the cobblestone wall lining the barrier between artificial and natural. It would be a nice area to work out in the morning, but his concern right now was still about the building. There is a door he found after walking a little deeper into the side of the building. Though it was higher than the windows, it was still shorter than what his species are. He still needed to bend over for the entrance.

"Goroth." The orc heard the faun's voice as she caught up with him. She also introduced herself as Tova. Not a bad name though. A little typical of fauns, but he'd take that. He thought it'd be something dumb instead. She also seemed a bit more comfortable around what is normally a predator to species like her. Hopefully she ain't as dumb as when they met.

As the orc looked at the door, preparing to get inside, he turned over to Tova for a curious questions.

"You like exploration?" If they were going in, in small spaces, if there were dangers, they better stick close. Him going first is just going to leave her behind.

@Roundabout

Haven for the Inhuman

Almost just as Goroth figured out what these people are up to, the feet shuffling was quickly swapped back to his normal walking stance. It appeared as if they're indeed upkeeping their end of the deal, regardless of species and whatever animosity they had towards each other non-humans. But that still did not discount the fact that they were still different species with different clashing ideologies. And what do you know, tension already broke out between the Dracon named Ophion and this...small person. Her features were human-like, but her fangs weren't. Probably that's why she's here with that invitation. Regardless, when this arrogant and spoiled dracon referred to the small girl as a child, Goroth already doubted Ophion's claim to having been around humans. That's not a child-like speaking pattern. Her expressions and choices of words are not indicative of someone of younger stature. Either she had also been spoiled to the core, even more than this dracon, or she just looked so.

"Tch. Aren't you a little too spoiled to be speaking that way?" Goroth scoffed. His claim to be skilled in magic, swordplay or brute strength is just as valid as his heart-sobbing story of personal growth. In fact, the orc would love more than anything to have a clash of swords with this dracon. It would be thrilling and no less satisfying to show him his place.

That'd have to wait, however. As everybody proceeded inside the manor, Goroth still found himself wondering about the mage that sent the letter. No one here apparently is that individual in particular, and just as clueless as he is. Fine. That can wait. What could not wait is the faun earlier banging on his armor. The hell does she want? Something in the house? Goroth looked over to where she indicated. Huh, she wasn't wrong. He did see someone, or something, but he couldn't discern from this distance.

"Where are we going to leave to? Look." Goroth pointed upward as the distant sound of thunder followed his echoes. "Wanna be drenched like a rat? If not then follow closely."

Looks like they're gonna be staying in this manor tonight whether they liked it or not. Goroth wouldn't want to have to drench the water in his armor anytime soon, so he made his way to the eastern side of the building. He let the faun check out the windows, because he was in a weird position of being too tall for the first floor windows, needing to bend down for it, while being too short for the second floor. So instead he checked if there was any side-entrance.

@Roundabout@Aristocles

Innocence Lost - A Science Fantasy RP [v.03]

Alexander Kherol

---

(( Note: Time in this post is relative, so whatever happens in this post does not mean it is happening at the moment for other players ))

When he mentioned he was laser focused on this group of lying Star Marines, he meant that. His ship made beeline towards Plenty, pretty much in hot pursuit of the Xuanzang. Though given the time he had allowed these kids to take initiative, by now they would definitely have arrived and possibly doing what the hell they wanted to do there. He might have been too late to reach there personally, but thankfully, some of his men are there, so his one hope of subduing these Star Marines was all on them. Or at least gathered as much data on them as possible. By now, he only knew those two brats Ashton and Flame onboard, along with Natasha. But who knows which star would also shine bright in this whatever justly ideologues they are imposing. Could it be Trajen, the famed sniper that went AWOL from the army? It would suck to see such talents working for demagogues. Or other Star Marines. These ankle-biters tend to go in groups. If there is a Star Marine 'leader' of sort like that one kid wounded up in this too, chances are there would be loads of his followers on it as well. But much of it were speculations, and he shouldn't go too far with it, lest he forget real actual facts.

"Permission to speak freely?" Carina quickly broke the silence, while still at their individual posts. "Alex, you seem to know more about those child soldiers than you are. Just curious, how many more of these individuals are out there?"

Alexander pondered for a moment, sighing as words left his lips. "Couple of hundreds, anecdotally, pre-war. Who knows how many of those facilities are out there. And how many of the kids are left after."

"So you did see these facilities?"

"Yeah, I even went in. Unfortunately the extent of these facilities are very much limited and sanitized for my visit. The chief scientist probably wet his bed when I announce my arrival."

"Wait. I thought those are classified. I couldn't request entry if I wished to."

"I kinda abused my Admiral's position. And seeing that I was making a fuss about not letting army generals know the details about their own troops that they would be assigned, they relented."

"Jeeeeezzz." Carina turned around to give a mixture look of bewilderment but with the knowledge that this is exactly the type of thing Alexander would say. "For a fascist dictatorship, it's borderline insubordination what you did."

"And that's politics, my dear Carina." Alexander merely shrugged as he let out a laugh. "But I only see what they want me to see. But that much is enough already. These kids are potentially very dangerous."

"That's why these scientists want them, I guess." Carina sighed heavily as she was quickly reminded of her. "I don't wanna see what happened to Sarie again."

"Sarie..." Alexander rubbed his eyes before applying lubricant drops he had readily in his pocket. He shook his head firmly. "They better not."

He would not let that happen. Not under his watch.

"I'm gonna go down to Plenty as soon as we arrive." He said.

"Sure." Carina just nodded. It was probably unnecessary, since he could very well send in an experienced ground officer for inspections, but considering Alexander had already expressed personal interests in these Star Marines, there's no way in hell he wouldn't be directly on the scene. The smells, the sights, the sounds, the senses. Everything is just more vivid when in person. And most importantly is personal control. When in person, it felt as if everything was in hand's reach, that he could let go what he needed to let go, and grip what needed to be held. Because if it really came down to it, it would not only be his duty...

It would be his personal responsibility.

NEOTOKYO - Shadow Conflict [Open!]

---

"Of course sir. Men like us are all subjects to our beloved."

Takeda let out a low chuckle at the wife joke. In a way yes. Men like him were bound by responsibility. Yet it was never a regret. Having a family is a great thing, yet many did not want to pay the cost for it. And that's perfectly why they never got involved in this political mess that he was in, nor did they ever get anywhere significant enough as citizens to pose a threat to these parasites of the country. The appeal for that kind of life was great for Takeda, but for someone like him, he had work to do. And to that, like a daimyo to the shogun, an accomplishment was promised.

"But yes, when Wednesday comes, you need only ask." The Director bowed politely but firmly as Mashai left the room. Three days. He only needed one, if everything goes perfectly to plan. But then again, this team was new. Freshly formed, they contained a surprising amount of foreign agents or mixed-nationality. It is a cause for some raised eyebrows, but Takeda found nationalities pretty much irrelevant, only national interests. One of those members that Takeda found particular curiosity was this former FBI agent. She was to serve as Squad Operational Manager, which means she would share some degree of control over what personnel Takeda had at his disposal. Her professional dossier is impressive, but her medical history is the true glimpse to this woman's strength and character. Takeda more or less found something more than just mission completion to look forward to.

Once the details of the task was fully downloaded to his personal devices, Takeda quickly gathered his accessories and filed out of the office. He made his way up to the main lounge, where some of his operatives were lingering for a good conversation, his cane accompanied his every step, in the same rhythmic pattern of one normal step one sluggish tap of wood on the floor. The most distinguished fraction of his identity, and yet to outsiders, it somehow gave a strange and mildly unsettling vibe. Like there was something crawling behind their backs. This unassuming middle-aged man with his chiseled face and a limp in his leg, there was definitely something to it more than that.

He eyed some of the people around the main lounge with a stern and steely gaze before making his way into the briefing room. There, after uploading the data onto the machine to be displayed, a message was broadcasted to every room in the building with his voice.

"All Operational Personnel. Report to the briefing room with your name and rank as soon as possible. I await your introduction."

Haven for the Inhuman

Yeah, I'd wait a little as well.

Also it would be hilarious if Tova hiding behind Goroth is going to be the trademark when they both appear together.