FalloutJack

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

So...Last Night...

It wasn't hard to see where this squad had its problems. It had its share of people with personal problems, and even the two Gunners - who might've had some of the easier tasks, overall - were starting to feel like there was a darkness growing within them, but there was more to it than that. How much? Maybe alot. For starters, everyone could see that Luke Godfrey was a problem. His attitude sucked and he hated Darcsens for reasons that...probably didn't exist. Isaac wasn't exactly a betting man, but he had a feeling that Darcsen hate was overrated and pointless. There was no reason for it, and therefore no reason for him to hate on Ines and Jean. Even still, the squad didn't fully mesh, and they knew it. They were uhh...what was the term? Ah yes, a ragtag bunch of misfit soldiers caught in the middle of a full-scale war. They just slammed them all together and said 'Go fight'. Seriously, Middleton's command really was that bad! In fact, it was worse, since Lucia was ordered to also kill anybody that came back.

So, the squad sort of came together under fire because it was necessary, but they needed something more. First of all, they had to get Luke to come to terms with his surroundings and stop badmouthing anyone he felt like. Otherwise, Isaac was gonna have to get creative with him. Might have to get creative with ALOT of them. And if he did that, they might be crying his name in fury for a while. No, he wasn't gonna pull a Middleton, but like the way he surprised Lucia with her unwarranted letter-reading, they might find themselves in...surprising circumstances. He must've been smiling as he thought of that, because Britta tossed a peanut shell at him.

"Were you daydreaming?"

"I think my dad would call it plotting."

"You talk about your dad alot. What about your mother? Or the rest of your family?"

"She'd call it scheming."

"Alright, what's on your mind, then?"

"I'm just thinking of stuff I could do to make things interesting, but...for now, I had a different thought, something for tomorrow."

During the actions around the bar, Isaac headed on over to one of the barmaids and asked for something. He palmed it, and headed back over to the table that he and Britta had been sitting at, revealing it to be a deck of playing cards.

"Something to keep people amused as we go?"

"Not gonna recommend it for when we're on the go, but it'll do for times like this. I've had an idea..."

They decided to turn in for the night and talk it over before going to sleep. Britta smiled at the notion and thought it might work on some of them. Some of them. Either way, it might help, so they were gonna go for it...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Next Day...

It was a good thing they discussed it last night, because the hangover decided to have a word with him in the morning. Actually, it was more-or-less shouting at him, and he didn't want to get out of bed. He heard Britta feeling just about the same way, next to him.

"Urgh...this is a first..."

"Alot of those, last night..."

"They were alot nicer...back then."

"How's yours feeling...?"

"Like I'm being kicked in the head. You?"

"Feels like my heartbeat, up there."

"How badly...do we want to get out of this bed?"

"I think 'slowly' is the word you're looking for."

"Yeah...that makes sense."

They took their time, getting up and getting any sort of move-on in the making. Their trek to the bar for breakfast was slow and steady, limiting the amount of blood rushed their their heads, and thus reducing the potential for pain. Isaac imagined this was worse for the drinking contestants by a heavy degree. Britta ordered some basic breakfast food, and coffee, and then said Isaac was having the same as her. When the barmaid asked if he wanted coffee, Isaac said no, but Britta said yes.

"What the hell? I hate coffee."

"For the moment, you want coffee."

"No, I don't."

"Yes, you do, trust me. It's no guarantee, but it just might make you feel better."

So, Isaac relented and let them serve him some damn coffee. The two of them ate at the bar and stayed quiet, for now. Britta drank coffee with her meal. Isaac ate his meal, and then decided to glug his cuppa down, so he didn't have to put up with the taste...which he definitely did not like! He made a noise, declaring it so, and then his eyes bulged out.

"Oh no..."

"Too much, too quickly?"

"Yeah..."

It was about this time that Isaac became aware of the argument between Diana and Luke, and then heard Jean giving the Darcsen-hating private a dressing-down, from immediate superior to iinsubbordinate soldier. No better time was there to put his plan into action than now. At least he could use this ridiculous amount of caffiene he just downed to his advantage. Isaac stood up and headed on over towards the argument in question.

"Alright, alright... That's enough out of that. Jean's right, and you two should be more behaved. You're squadmates, and you're stuck with each other, no matter the nationality or temperment. We don't do summary executions. We're not frigging Middleton, got it?"

He glared them all over...then smiled.

"Now...I've been thinking about all our problems, and it seems like we've got what they told me in basic was a morale problem. Something my family would do to pass the time and certainly to get people comfortable talking is a game of cards. Could be any number of games, but I'm thinking everyone here knows Poker fairly-well, right? We should get a get a game going, and take all challengers, so long as they're willing to talk about themselves, open up a little. I think we're all a little bottled up around here, and the only way it's been coming out is in drips and drabs, or explosions. That needs to change."

He turned and shouted at the bar.

"SO! WHO'S GAME FOR A GAME OF CARDS, THEN?!"

Goddammit, Isaac! Indoor voice, next time!

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

It wasn't long, standing out there, before someone noticed him. Diana had, as stated before, been amidst some heavy drinking for a rather unusual drinking contest with consequences. She greeted him and wanted to know which one he though was gonna win.

"I'm doing alright, and I dunno who's gonna win. Never was that good at gambling, anyway."

Never actually tried, really. Any game of chance he ever played was more of a game of skill. Back in basic, he got this alot. 'Hey, Isaac. I bet you can't do this.' That kinda' thing. He either could or he couldn't, and he had a pretty good idea if it was possible or not. Sometimes, they'd try to goad him into doing something he was pretty sure was stupid and impossible to pull off, and he'd tell them that he wasn't gonna do every damn thing under the sun. He'd surprised a few people, some of the time, which is why that happened, but that didn't make him some kind of live performer for their amusement. Everybody's got a limit and he didn't need an injury. You see, that fucker that got him into this mess must've had a habit of pulling unwilling soldiers, because there was a rule: People who get themselves injured suddenly or play at being crazy were gonna be arrested and put in the stockades with meager rations. And if you were found deliberately trying to avoid combat, there was a good chance you were going to get court-martialed to death. So, he wasn't about to do himself a damage. He had to live to death first, or someone else do him an injury, or win.

That was neither there nor here, in the inn and tavern. This was a place of merriment, and he was settling down into it as he watched things progress. For now, HE was the people-watcher, while Britta did her thing. Yeah...he wasn't sure if it was love either, but they were at least friends who were willing to go that far. Isaac kind of wondered if that was happening to anyone else around here. Well, anyone from their team. He wouldn't mind even if people extended the ultimate olive branch here and a Federation soldier decided to have at it with an Imperial one. In the Gunner's eyes, that might be the sanest thing ever done in the middle of a war. He could imagine it, people advocating for peace in times of conflict, saying 'Make Love, Not War'. Who knows? Maybe it'll catch on, somewhere.

Still, he was introduced to a Victoria White, the unfamiliar soldier that he'd seen around before. Isaac just gave her a "Hey there." in response to that. She was busy, of course. Victoria was in the middle of this drinking contest, and she had a helluva few words to say on the matter, because it looked like she was wearing down the competition. Luke was down first, and then Diana, which is surprising when you think about it. Mind you, she might've come late, because those two looked like they were at it before she even walked in. Can't be too sure, though. The clock on the wall said that hours had passed, but Isaac wasn't even sure when they really got started in earnest. They were doing something now in earnest, or at least in drunken-ness. Diana and Luke had lost, so...they hadda' kiss, apparently. And uhh...well...they really went into it. Isaac felt parts of him heating up as this went on. Considering the situation with Britta still being fresh in his mind, you can understand him staring and thinking...

Damn, is this what it looks like from the outside?

Because that's what it seemed like, fresh thoughts of how it was in bed with Britta cutting across his mind. He started looking over the place to find the silver-haired Gunner. She'd been conversing with those at the bar while food was being prepared. Looks like she'd managed something that looked like brunch, breakfast and lunch food combined. Isaac didn't care. It was food, it was wholesome, and it would feel good to have some instead of the crap they were feeding them as rations. The surveying farmer's eyes roamed the tavern area again - kind of avoiding the bit with Luke and Diana for a moment - and then...Jean! He'd suddenly come in, rather quietly, getting his attention by his shoulder and asking for him to follow him for a moment to talk. Isaac looked over towards Britta, who...aww, dammit, Jean...food was ready. She was getting it now. There was a moment of apprehension where the NCO's face clearly said 'But...but food', though that came to a halt when he really saw the look on Jean's face. No, this really couldn't wait.

"Alright, lead the way."

Once they were away from everybody else, Jean was immediately apologetic.

Come on, Jean. My stomach isn't THAT important.

Really, it bothered him more that he led in with 'You are my NCO' and not 'You are my friend'. Wasn't he listening before, when he said he had at least one friend? He wasn't gonna say that right now. He's in a bad way, still. He was clearly in a terrible state, what with the hallucinations and all. Yeah, Jean really shouldn't drink. It'd turn on him. In his current state, he'd be letting loose all kinds of bad from within, a depression to end all depressions. And Isaac knew that had to be the case when he heard what happened next. The Gunner's eyes widened as Jean confirmed a worry that the Corporal had given him earlier, when they were all in that house and he showed him the picture of his sister. He tried to kill himself. He saw nothing left in his life and wanted to end it all. As soon as he paused, Isaac let him have it. No, not a punch or even verbal abuse, but by god, you know he was gonna interject now.

"Jean, I know your humanity will never break. I don't see you as someone degenerating in character. It's your spirit that's had me worried, and I'm sorry to hear that I was right about that. Consider that empty gun the message that you're not suppose to die here, breaking yourself in half, mind or body. You're not coping because you have no outlet for frustration. You don't want to bother anyone, so you don't vent that much. I'm pissed. I've just been putting that aside for the moment because I can relax and feel human again. We all are. It's probably why everybody's so into it. You don't seem to be trying that hard, though. I know it's a temporary reprieve from danger and loss, but take it. You need it. Olivia would want you to live and try to find some happiness in your life. Try and find some joy while you're here. Raise a glass to your sister, remember the good times, but please let her go in peace and live your life, Jean."

It was after this that he continued on and stated that if anything should happen to him, he was counting on Isaac to take up the slack and that he finally said that he was a friend and sounding like he was taking Isaac's advice. He also informed them that they would be here another two days and to make it last. The Gunner nodded at this, and then saluted him.

"I understand, Jean. Just be sure to take my and your own advice."

After that, they parted ways and he was going towards Diana. Well, Isaac was a'gonna avoid that business for now and get down to a table nearby Britta, who was already eating. Sadly, he wasn't in the same good mood that he'd been in earlier You don't hear all that and let it slide off. Some of that bad has to be absorbed, taken in, processed, and dealt with. He started attacking his food with a fork, that look in his eye back into place. He'd eventually settle, but Britta noted the serious expression on his face after he'd been talking to Jean and kind of put it together.

"That bad?"

"Worse. I may end up in charge."

"Well, Jean could use a brea-"

"Permanently."

That cut her to the quick with sudden understanding, just staring for a moment, just imagining... It made Britta lower her head to her meal, not exactly keen on eating it right now. Her eyes raised back to Isaac.

"We shouldn't tell the others, not yet. Maybe not at all, unless it become necessary. Maybe not everybody looks up to him - Not Luke, that's for sure - but he was still put in charge. He's the center, and he's good at it, no matter what anyone thinks. We should do something, though."

"I've done it, or I hope so. I told him to use this place to make peace with himself, and try to move on. I hope he can do it, because otherwise there'll be NO Charpentiers left in the world, and personal experience tells me that that'd be a terrible loss."

"I feel like I wanna set up one of the girls he likes to help him out there, but I dunno if that's appropriate. You and I...we found a moment, and it worked. I think we're not the only ones. There's alot of stress being relieved here. I hope Jean finds some way to get through what he's got."

"It's alot to work through. Frankly, I'd swear out a testimony to get him out of the war if I thought it'd work. He needs to pick up his shattered life. I'd fight Middleton over that one, for sure."

"I believe you there, absolutely."

She smiled at Isaac as she called him back to reality with a reference to the earlier promise. Isaac Black will see it through. That's what she believed. Maybe Jean believed that too. Maybe that would send him out of his terrible depression. Maybe... In time, they would see.

NCQuest - A Mecha RP: The Defense of Darwin (BeeNCQuest)

Terra Laedo

Hisako L. Kobayashi

The plan had been set. With the three of them ordered to attack the Red-Star ship directly for a disable-and-rescue mission, and that it actually seemed possible to do so, the choice was clear. They needed to be absolutely certain that their NCs were up to the task. Suiting up now - Hisako was no longer in the Red-Star uniform she had come in - they headed for the hangar and Terra immediately ordered that Id, Grand Sword Star, and Sahaquiel be fitted and calibrated for heavy signal jamming and emergency wire communications if any of them were lacking. While there was no guarantee that this would block out Osamu, it was what they needed to prevent anyone from doing anything with those tanks, even cause their own radar and such to foul up if at a high enough concentration. Terra explained while this was being done, in case there was any misunderstanding.

"Enemy sensors must be completely jammed for this to work. If the tanks have on-board systems programmed to react to specific scenarios, such as specific counter-measures, evasions, or just the auto-destruct, their guidance must be confused enough through the jamming to not have the input required to react. That is the only way in which Hisako can safely operate. If we cannot maintain a heavy jamming field to allow Grand Sword Star to cut through the necessary connections, we can't do anything to the tanks at all."

"It should only take one to do it, but I'm guessing we're all doing this, just in case."

"Correct. Anything can happen on the battlefield, so we may as well prepare for it. Naturally, our own communications will also be out of commission, and probably our own sensors, to a degree. Anything besides visual scanners may not operate properly, and we'll have to speak with wire-transmission, as needed. When they realize we're not there to simply destroy the tanks and leave, they will send someone to stop us."

Terra now turned to the Denver-Vegas pilot, specifically.

"Kxeyun, I know it's going to be a bit more difficult for Sahaquiel to get to the enemy ship. Just do the best you can and meet us there."

The time or preparation was soon over and the time of launching was at hand. Commander Narra was having them all synchronize their NC launches with the time of the kinetic barrier dropping, so that they would be in the area of it shutting down when they headed out at full speed. This meant that different mechs at different speeds would be launching later or earlier than Terra herself, depending on how fast they were normally. Terra could have punched it with her Overclock Engine, but there was no need to do that. Soon...it was time.

"Id Neural Combatant systems all green, preparing to launch."

AND GO!! The former Red-Star experimental mech launched from the base at high-speed, right along with the others. Her machine was built for speed, so it actually proceeded after Hisako and Kxeyun would have launched, all of them closing in on the barrier at the same time before it suddenly vanished, allowing them to pass through. There was a moment of exposure, and then someone called "Incoming!" over comms, but Terra did not stop. Their orders were to proceed directly for the Red-Star hovership, and to that end...the moment had been prepared for. A vessel had been tasked towards momentarily shielding them and Haven from enemy bombardments. A good plan. Terra broadcasted now on a secure Haven-only channel.

"Squad, prepare to jam frequencies upon confirmation of the targets. Haven combatants, be advised: My team will be out of radio contact for the duration of rescue. There is no other way to do it."

With that, Id was making its way towards the ship, presumably Grand Sword Star and Sahaquiel, as well. If for some reason Kxeyun couldn't make it, Terra wouldn't hold it against her. Right now, she wasn't holding anything against anyone, except maybe herself.

Mother, father... I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything for you before. I'm sorry that my plans could not include you. I'm jjust grateful for the chance to remove you from this mess.

All scanners were activated for now to locate these apparent super-tanks that Red-Star had deployed...

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

Isaac was good, Isaac was fine, Isaac was aaalright...

Some of you might be saying 'Yeah, we'd expect Isaac to go drinking because he seems the type, but WHY did he, though? And why did Britta?', and these might be fair questions to ask, but the answers are very simple. The first is that the two of them are farmers, and even with a drinking law in place, farmers tend to figure 'Ah, one or two isn't bad', and they're usually right. Occasionally, they're not, and Isaac's father mostly did that to him at an early age as a sort of joke than anything else. Even still, the two of them would not be unfamiliar with alcohol, just not given reason to indulge on a regular basis. That said, the second reason is that the White Heart just isn't picky about selling to teenagers. If Lucia can get a drink, anyone can get a drink. Finally, there was the most obvious reason: The war. It was hell, it was fury, and it was terrifying. Britta had nightmares and the sheer death toll Isaac was inflicting was starting to bother him. Neither of them were as bad as Jean was, and a familiar face in the act of unwinding is always welcome. So, Isaac would take a beer, loosen up, and start talking up a storm. Britta took the post of the observing social-drinker. And then, there was the scotch. That was just out of an appreciation for different tastes. It wasn't the sole-contributor to the things that happened later. It was just a polite nudge.

Their talk had been an opening to one another, settling what hadn't been in the field, addressing what didn't want to be said out loud. It was liberating, it was hopeful, and it was something to be thankful for. His promise reverberated in her mind as they'd kissed and even hung in there as they followed through. Britta hadn't made plans in that direction, Isaac hadn't done anything more than endearing conversation prior to that moment. It just seemed that they had bonded well, that they had things in common, and that Britta knew that Isaac's word was iron-clad. Neither one of them would have anything against it, and with that promise in their hearts and a polite nudge from the Scotch, they decided to say yes. It was a strange thing, being drunk in the arms of someone you love. Whether it just happened or that it had been mounting beforehand, the effect is the same. The world is all wobbly and you feel like you're holdiing onto one another for some kind of stability, even as you go at it. We're not gonna go into details, but let's just say that it wasn't just a drunken euphoria that followed.

Time passed, and...Isaac honestly wasn't sure when or how they got under the sheets. He wasn't even sure if he was properly awake, or if Britta was, either. He also wasn't sure if he ever looked at her the way he was now, with so much affection, or if he'd been just too caught up in Jean stealing up the attention of all the girls, somehow. What Britta Hagen was...was caring, reliable, and quickly becoming one of his main confidents, since they were working together. Her willingness to bring to head the thing that worried her most not only took courage, but indicated real trust in him to say thus and ask for his help. She didn't want to worry the squad. She wanted him to do it, to help her without risking them all, because while she wanted rescue...she also had no desire to endanger everyone else's lives. Britta needed someone who would be willing to go, and no more, and that was him. And with him promising to run into the field of fire for her, it just seemed natural for them to push the relationship they had further. He moved his hand to push a few errant silver hairs on her face aside and she unexpectedly grabbed his hand.

"Agh!"

"You're up, I see."

Britta's eyes opened as a warm smile filled her expression.

"So were you, it seems. How long?"

"Not sure. It was hard to tell for a while that I was, so I just lay here, listening to the sounds of a good time, outside. At least, I hope it's a good time."

"Want me to find out?"

"Reconnaissance? All alone? Isaac, you shouldn't."

They weren't exactly as inebriated as before, but the two of them started to laugh, anyway.

"So, what do you want to do?"

"I suggest a two-pronged maneuver where you scout the perimeter and I get us something to eat. They'll never stop us, there."

"You did well in basic training, didn't you?"

"Well enough. Go on. I'll be right behind you."

Since getting upright was less of a problem now, finding and getting back on his clothes wasn't much of a difficulty either, thankfully. Isaac casually eyed the unfinished bottle of Scotch and decided to give it a miss. Food was more important now, also satisfying his curiosity. He heard Britta getting up as well, then stopped as she just said "Isaac.", and turned around.

"I don't know if this was love or just a good time, but...I won't regret it."

"Neither will I."

With that, he left the room and...what the hell was going on out here? Isaac arrived in the White Heart bar proper in time to hear the stakes for a no-holds-barred-with-lots-of-consequences drinking contest! Now, it's a fair statement that our Lance-Corporal has never really been to a bar. He was just sort of a decent guy who'd managed to mesh well with the territory. Thus, he was also not really ever a host to the events, such as a drinking contest...and certainly not one that was seemingly organized by Diana, which Luke was whole-heartedly diving into. Let's see... He noticed that the two Oceanics - Freya and Marathon - talking with each other. That made sense. There was a new girl in the bar that he hadn't seen before, but then a neutral place such as this could bring in just about anybody. Looked at least Federation, though, so there was that. The main focus was on the drinking contest, so Isaac moved in to see if Luke was gonna get smashed-drunk or smashed-defeated. Either way, it was worth a watch. Good god, if any Darcsens were playing... Well, the result of Diana winning would certainly be interesting. Speaking of Darcsens, where was Jean? He should either be a part of this or unwinding, somehow.

Shingeki no Kyojin: Cleansing Amongst Man { Jack & Angel }

To be quietly concealed, to hide inside one's shell. This had been her refuge But in time, there were those who wanted her to come on out and join the world, and so she started to step away and start to develop again. If only they hadn't come, she might have come to terms with herself much sooner, but as things went, the process towards self-recovery was slow and inhibited by loss and the necessity for survival. The shell grew more and more enticing, with every passing examination or calculation to get lost in. Even then, she hadn't wanted to fade back into nothingness, to ignore the world. She wanted some stable ground beneath her feet, something the Titans couldn't take away, something her own fear and escapism couldn't force her to hide from.

This could be it, or this could be the start of it. She didn't know, but she was compelled to find out.

Sara appeared to have an idea on where to go, already, and asked if she'd follow. Even as Katherine nodded, though, a mental note prodded her rather fiercely. She had to take care of her own responsibilities first. No, she needed this, her peace of mind. But her work was important too! The other woman began to lead and her own sudden conflict caused her eyes to dart around until...well...until someone passing by felt a hand grip them by the shoulder and pull him over to whisper, under no uncertain terms, that the barrel she had by her seat there were provisions for the elites and Commander Zoe, and that they needed to be ready to go on a wagon being prepared for the morning departure.

Basically, she elected to delegate the responsibility.

He seemed to move quickly enough, and with that the conflict in her head died and she quickly caught up to Sara as she left the mess hall. The light-haired woman led them both to an extended ladder heeading to a roof. These were a common thing, not just in the need for roof repair, but for situations regarding soldiers who need a way to get down in in case of ann emergency, like a failure in the ODM Gear or if the building were on fire. It was possible, and so as a precaution, these ladders could be seen on a number of buildings. Sara began to ascend and Kathering followed her, and took her hand for a pull on up without real question. Perhaps if they had never shared a word or a glance or the Titans hadn't attacked, she might have hesitated, but not at this time. The two of them now stood on the roof, basked in the moonlight. It did nothing for the Brunette, but for Sara's white hair, it seemed to make her shine.

It occurred to her, right then, that she had never actually seen a person with her hair color before. Somehow, she had overlooked this fact, even though it had been staring her in the face. Nobody that Kate had known from the beginning of her life until the moment she laid eyes on Sara had whiite hair. Not people or Titans. Maybe... Maybe she was... Katherine began to wonder if Sara was part of a rare family line not common to the area, like Mikasa had been. It was how Kate found herself almost staring at the way she looked in the moonlight, and her mouth acted before her brain had the time to weigh in, not knowing that this might be a loaded question.

"Sara...where are you from?"

Shingeki no Kyojin: Cleansing Amongst Man { Jack & Angel }

Although her espression did not change as Sara first spoke up, there was a certain surprise and relief within Kate as she heard her say that.

Yes, that's it exactly! She put it even more succinctly than I ever could! She understands...

She did finally confirm with a nod that this was, in fact, the case. Kate even wanted to talk about it, talk about herself, but not here where everyone could overhear. She never communicated herself the same way she did with other people in Shiganshiga as she did with Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. She trusted them, since her doctor felt that they would be a good influence. And he ought to know, since he was Eren's father, Grisha. Nothing wrong with that, right? Even though she was older than them, she felt at home around them, like they filled in a sizable gap in a mental state. Sara was right. She validated herself through others by taking what they said to heart and running with it. Eren was all hear, putting aside his temper. Mikasa was bluntly honest, which was appreciable in the extreme. And Armin? Sage wit and wisdom, for his age. He was kind of wimpy, but she knew he was capable. He'd still made it through training, after all.

These were the people that had helped her stay the course in dealing with the unruly mess that was her own thoughts. As long as her friends thought she was doing alright, she knew that she was so. It was great that Sara understood in so few words just what she was going through. Maybe not the whole of it, but enough. One day, she might even have the courage to face up to it, to...to... But...this was good. She didn't have to worry now. Kate's imploring look turned to a pleasing smile when Sara accepted. She now stood, herself, the meal concluded.

"Alright, then. I'll just take care of this and then..."

She paused in somewhat indecision.

"Was there somewhere you wanted to talk or following me while I put these away?"

Either one worked. She was curious about Sara, as well, and she hoped the other woman was willing to share.

Shingeki no Kyojin: Cleansing Amongst Man { Jack & Angel }

Fortunately, Erwin should be busy on his front, organizing the expedition and - this was the part that confused her, but she went with it - keeping it as confidential as possible. But it didn't seem likely that the Commander would suddenly call Sara, out of the blue. Honestly, she thought it more likely that Levi would spend time with her. Aunt Hange mentioned that they were actually family, cousins. Katherine...missed having family. Many had lost all traces of their former lives, maybe none so much as those of Shigenshiga, but no less harsh the loss from those who were from any other point between Wall Maria and Rose. At any rate, when Sara said that she was actually free, Kate put forth the thought that had been in her head for a while.

"I wanted to talk a little, get to know you. We only know each other by reputation, and that can get a little isolating. I feel like I unnerve some people, and I need to forge some new ties. Is that alright?"

She was looking at Sara with an earnest stare, the kind that you swear might be taking too long to blink. The truth was that now that Eren's controversy was winding down and he was no longer considered a threat to humanity (probationally), the day had started to sink in. The deaths that occurred were bad enough, but the deja vu of how the the attack had gone and of practically seeing where her mother had died, only in Trost's equivalent of that spot, had begun to bother her. It was a reminder that she was alone, except for a few friends that survived the overrunning of her home, and her aunt...who didn't exactly come to visit often because she was doing research. Necessary research, but still she didn't take much time off. Over-enthusiasm causes things like this. The distance between where she worked and where Katherine lived was probably a factor. Didn't help, though. At least she was trying, though. That much was alright.

The problem mainly lay in the emotional ties. As she lost people, Katherine felt that a piece of her would slip away. She had actually gotten to know some of the Cadets that made it out of training at the same time as Eren, Armin, and Mikasa...and then some of them died. Now that they were embarking on a whole new mission and things were changing so fast, what Kate wanted more than anything was someone who could keep her grounded. That wasn't something Aunt Hange could do. She wasn't grounded herself. Perhaps Sara, though?

Shingeki no Kyojin: Cleansing Amongst Man { Jack & Angel }

Funnily enough, Sara was pretty close to being on the mark about Katherine's own guarded feelings. The only significant difference was that it was actually a case of protecting the one she was inside from that which was outside. There were things in the world that her psyche couldn't handle, so it had gone and locked up to kkeep from being harmed. The Titans were, strangely enough, not the root of the cause. They just didn't help. Sara's attempts to figure Kate out would not fail to understand certain things. If Kate were hiding her real self, then her outbursts had to be a definite unsurpressed Kate that would be more outgoing and free, if not for something. She didn't let herself 'out' as often because it wasn't safe. She felt exposed in these circumstances, and that led her to 'burrow in' and wait out the danger.

The only times that she had outbursts were when she simply could not contain what was bothering her or making her happy, and of course during he more savage moments when attacking Titans. Kate wasn't well-adjusted, but emotionally skewed and trying to push herself back into balance with her intellect. More to the point, it wasn't as though she lacked emotional ties, but rather had trouble forging them, so whatever ones she had were ultimately important to her. Imagine the trouble that Eren had been in, and how that affected her. She wasn't as seemingly close to him as Mikasa was, but like Armin, she was devoted and would probably take any news of something bad happening to any of the trio pretty badly. Kate had invited Sara to that short list of people she felt secure around, although...when you think about it, it wouldn't be as hard as you might think.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence, but...in all the praise of her mother or Hange Zoe, or even her own abilities, did you notice that she never mentioned her father? Well, in any case, it might be that they had things in common, or that Kate really wanted to get to know Sara because she'd decided that the Lieutenant was ultimately trustworthy to some capacity. She smiled as Sara appeared to ease up, maybe even let down her own guard, as well. Or perhaps...it had been down right when they had started talking. Katherine made mention of her discomfort, yet she had apparently endured other people who referred to her professionally without comment. That was a definite sign that she wanted Sara to not be her cold self around her, at least when she didn't have to be. She was almost finished with her meal now, when the Brunette spoke up again.

"So, any plans before tomorrow? Once I deliver the 'beans', I'll be all set."

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

So, when you're a Gunner and your job is to make sure that people in your charge are adequately covered in all operations and don't get picked off by sniper fire, you get plenty of oppurtunities to just start people-watching. You watch as old friends talk and laugh, how new friends forge new bonds, and you also see - most regrettably - all the pains and grievances cutting across their faces.

This was what Britta Hagen had been doing with her time in the 15th Atlantic Rifles.

From the first day to the current one, she had gotten first and lasting impressions of those around her. She watched as Jean went from cautiously optimistic to nervous and under pressure to slowly disintegrating. She watched Michael grow more grimly determined and taller in spirit than he was in physical form. She watched Lucia's emotional state bounce from despair to horror to manically joyous, dependent on the situation. She felt she knew these people, just by glancing at them. Even Franz, for all his inwardness, couldn't help but show to even those that didn't know him that he was under alot of stress. However, out of them all, there was perhaps one person who defied normal description, because he didn't fit the normal venue: Isaac Black.

At first, he looked like some sort of veteran Gunner, but he was about as green as she was. Even his general anger towards the people that recruited him by force didn't account for that look in his eye. It wasn't always there, but there was something about it that offset every other read of who and what he was about. He did what her drill sergeant called 'soldiering on', dealing with situations with a sort of general disapproval, but willingness to approach the situation because he had to. He hated this war, but he fought with the same focus, every time. He never wanted to be here, but he didn't get on anybody's case when they were revealed to have volunteered for various reasons. He worked his ass off to support them, to keep them alive, even though he literally had better things to do.

Learning about him hadn't been a difficult task, though, once she started talking to him. Plenty of chances to do it too, being the company Gunners and having to coordinate alot. He was good in a situation and candid enough when just talking. The way Isaac cared about others was the best part. You could trust him with anything, if it was reasonable enough. He was responsible and protective of those around him, and when she learned of why... Well, let's just say that the whole 'raising of wolves' thing caught her by surprise...both by it having happened at all...and how it explained so much. As much as Isaac had raised his wolves, they had taught him things, as well. That was why he was so hard to place. Isaac didn't act like other people. Isaac was being Isaac, and you could really appreciate that.

So anyway, back to the people-watching.

She had seen how the squad was when wound-up tight. Now, she could see what they were like when there wasn't so much holding them back. Britta felt that it was maybe a bit early for some of them to get drunk. Ines, Luke, Franz, and the Oceanic lot were probably okay for it, but you wouldn't say that it was exactly wise for Jean to have a few in his condition, and you would definitely not want Lucia bouncing off the walls, but...too late there. Sitting at the bar, Britta had watched Luke's antics and the read-aloud of Jean's poetry, then heard cries for 'Mickey'...and knew that it was too late to save Lucia from this place. Hopefully, Michael would be able to help. Britta had been keeping a very careful eye on those two. Everyone worried about how well the Asseni girl was coping with her life in the army, and while she was everyone's friend, it seemed as though Isaac cared a fair deal about her and Michael was growing especially close. It made her think...

Well, really, it made her go to several places, as she had a couple of drinks. She'd been watching Isaac, as well. You could tell that he harbored no ill-will towards the average Imperial, because he had ended up talking to them as he got a few drinks into his system as much as he had Federation soldiers. He made his feelings known on the war, he said not to take it personally that he had to shoot them, and then there was that 'toast' to Captain Middleton, under his assumed name of Captain Grumpus, calling him the ultimate asshole. Honestly, she couldn't hold in her laughter as she raised her glass with a dozen people who didn't even know who he was talking about, plus any that did. It was then that she asked for that bottle of scotch, paid with whatever she had in her pocket to make the ends meet, and got Isaac to follow her to an unoccupied room. They'd already had their armor and normal fatigues off after starting to relax in the White Heart. It was just a matter of hauling them in there so nobody did anything with them OR their weaponry.

"You know, if people could just see places like this, they'd cancel the war and go home."

"You think so?"

"Well, mostly. I dunno. I got into an argument with the one guy with the moustache. He said the way we live is against his way of life. I told him I was a farmer and I raise food. I asked him what he had against food, and he said 'Nothing'. So then I ended up shouting at him about what he was even fighting for, and we got in a shouting match until he blurted out 'Your prices are too high!' and laughed like a loon."

They stepped into the room in question, finding a bed, dresser, chairs, small table, etc. Isaac immediately flopped onto the bed with a relaxing sound and a stretch as Britta opened the bottle with...some effort. She let out a triumphant "Hah-hah!" when she got it. Isaac turned over, curious.

"Oh, you brought something."

"Yeah, I thought you'd want something a little more special than the beer."

"My dad drinks whiskey. I tried that once. Didn't work out, though."

The silver-haired blinked.

"How old were you?"

"...five."

"Five?! Why were you drinking at that age?"

"Oh, my dad just handed me a shot and said 'Here, try this.', and watched the results as I stumbled around and made a mess on the floor. I apologized, then he apologized, then he sent me to bed to sleep off the after-effects. Mom wasn't pleased."

"I can imagine. The way you talk about him, he sounds like a good man, but that's just a bit weird..."

"Nobody's perfect. Gimme a glass."

She poured the two glasses, and they drank from them. Yeah...alot difference from the beer, more of a subtle impact and flavor, and definitely not as strong as whiskey. Also, neither one of them appeared to be getting sick, so Isaac pronounced them as having grown up a little, which made Britta chuckle at him as she sat down on the bed with him. After a moment of silence and reflecting on the loosening of their brains and how the room felt wobbly, Britta spoke up.

"So, there was something bothering you before, something you wanted to ask me?"

"Yeah... D'you...remember the charge? How it felt? Everything?"

"Vividly."

"Well, I almost got shot, and that freaked me out on the short-term, and then I didn't think about it, but...then at the cavalry charge, and the armored car..."

Oh yes, she remembered those quite well. Knowing the consequences of what happens when you foolishly charge those who shared the same training as you did made such actions all the more frightening. She waited for Isaac to continue, not interrupting him.

"Are you starting to see us at the end of your barrel? You, me, the rest of the squad?"

Britta looked down silently for a moment, then admitted that she had had a moment like that, just briefly.

"It was just me, just for an instant. I'd already fired and the soldier was already dead, but...directly after, it made me think a little."

They were finishing their glasses and Isaac got up to refill them now.

"We're here because we have to fight, but if we didn't have to, I don't think we would."

"But we don't have a choice, do we?"

"No, but...these people are just like us, so...let's not think of them any other way."

"Agreed."

They clinked their glasses, drank spirits in the name of the spirits manifesting at the ends of their guns, and settled into the warm buzz of alcohol even further.

"All that said, I'm glad that you're with us, Britta. I remember how that Sergeant, the one that got shot, gave you hell while we were waiting in the trenches. I'm glad he got it instead of you. I don't like the thought of anyone dying in general, but some people really have it coming."

"What, you mean like Captain Grumpus?"

"Him and that recruitment officer. 'I'll show you my natural combat ability!' I kinda' hope they both live so I can punch 'em in the face."

"Thank you for that. I know you watch over everyone in the squad, but I definitely feel more confident knowing that you do."

Britta got up to refill the glasses again and noticed...someone kept moving the room around, especially when she tried to go anywhere. It was like back in the train to Amone, but if it were doing nothing but making right and left turns. She just about managed to pour the drinks again and turned back toward the bed, where Isaac had gotten up to steady her, but things went wrong as he bumped into her, she tipped back, Isaac reached out to pull her in again, and the two of them tripped and fell onto the bed, glasses and drinks toppling onto the covers. Britta was almost on top of the wolf-training farm boy when he suddenly broke out snickering.

"We made a mess on the bed. Mom's gonna be pissed."

She couldn't help it. The two of them busted out laughing, both going red in the face as they lay on the bed, holding onto each other to keep their sides from splitting. When Britta finally realized their proximity, she didn't recoil nervously or anything. It just seemed natural to her. They'd been working closely together, sleeping next to each other... This was normal. Then, she remembered what it was that she wanted to talk about and pulled herself up so that she was effectively eye-level with Isaac, looking down at him in about as serious an expression as she could manage, given the circumstances.

"Isaac, can I ask you something?"

"Mmm?"

"I need you to pay attention for a moment, because It's important to me, okay?"

He blinked up at her, obviously having settled into an alcohol-engaged sort of mirth from the joke he just told, but he seemed to be aware enough to focus on her. He informed her in what sounded like a serious enough voice that he was listening, which was what she hoped for.

"You know that I joined the army willingly for my parent's sake, and that I'm not exactly against fighting in this war. We have to protect our own and stuff. But even still...there is one thing that I'm afraid of, and that's being alone and isolated and waiting to die."

This statement had a noticeable effect on Isaac, who had gone from passably focused to what Britta might have termed as 'Isaac letting the wolf out'. She continued, as he was clearly waiting for her to say her peace.

"I've had nightmares of this, being isolated from the group, wounded and bleeding out, and no one being there to help me or at least stay with me towards the end. There's nothing more frightening to me than dying alone. I don't want to die at all, but that's what worries me the most, being left to die without anybody there for me."

She leaned in closer now to say this last part.

"I want you to promise me, Isaac, because I know that I can trust you to do this: Don't ever leave me behind. If something happens, if I get separated from the group, please come looking for me...and don't give up until I'm found. I know it's selfish of me, but I..."

Britta trailed off as she felt Isaac pulling her in close, so there was nothing separating them at all, that in her moment of vulnerability while confessing her greatest fear, he thought of nothing but comforting her and making her feel safe. It reminded her of the moment he kept Lucia from watching all the caveliers die, that simple gesture to help people remain calm. And then, she heard...

"I absolutely promise. No matter what, I will come for you."

Relief flooded through her, as did the familiar warmth of the two of them being drunk. Or was that just their bodies so close together? It didn't matter, though, because whatever the reason was, they were already starting to react with it, without even thinking about it. Perhaps it was out of graditude or because he was so forthcoming, or just that age-old warning about alcoholic inhibitions, but suddenly Britta felt the need to get even closer to Isaac, even though that wasn't physically possible. Well, not traditionally... Already feeling intoxicated in at least a couple of ways, the two Gunners held each other even tighter as their lips met, their eyes shut, and they were lost to the world outside as far as anybody else was concerned. Whether it was a fit of passion or the start of a beautiful relationship, for now...it was good.

NCQuest - A Mecha RP: The Defense of Darwin (BeeNCQuest)

Time had passed and developments had not gone well.

Well, her talk with Anna had. It allowed her to get the young woman up to speed, and to get to know each other a little, all while smoothing over a few issues there might have been, getting along with Kxeyun. Potentially, there could have been confusion between the two, since Kxeyun was an escapee from the Reality Games of Denver-Vegas and Anna didn't know that she was a prisoner. Even stranger had been the fact that Anna had wanted to be IN those games. Taking from what she knew about it from Kxeyun, Terra couldn't imagine any reason why Anna would want that, unless she was not being given the full picture of what it was like when she watched them. In the end, Terra was able to clear up confusion regarding Kxeyun's departure from Denver-Vegas and she had entrusted the woman with an important task, though she hoped that it would not become necessary.

When the broadcast from the Red-Star carrier began...THAT was when it all went bad.

Osamu had made contact, and stated that they had caught Alexander Sky spying for Haven. This had seemed like a transparent farce, at first, given what Alex had done. She use to know Alex, a while back, and he was nothing now like he was back then. Then, as the recording started, Terra had to suppress shock as it turned out they had proof, an actual testimony between him and...Kyeyun?! It was hard not to show surprise as her eyes darted from the pilot of Sahaquiel to this display of Alex revealing information he couldn't have gotten unwillingly, and Kxeyun acting very strangely for a moment, before starting to act normal again. It actually hurt a bit to hear that the trauma-sufferer questioned her loyalty at some point. She could understand how most people at Haven would think that she was a potential double-agent, at least at first. When she failed to do anything devious and was go for missions, Terra took that as a vote of confidence. She hadn't even pushed for it. She just figured it would happen eventually and that would close the matter. Apparently not, however. Kxeyun was, perhaps, her first friend outside of any acquaintence in Red-Star. She'd promised to help the Denver-Vegas woman get control of herself. Even after that...

Osamu capitalized on this, but Terra only stared at the floor as he exposed not only one wound...but two that she was trying to conceal. She expected this latter one about her parents, but with the distrust suddenly emerging from Kxeyun or whatever that was, Terra wasn't in the mood for banter at the moment. She'd kept the business of her family or even their real names out of it all, never mentioning them until she had spoken to Anna. She had done so because she suspected that Red-Star would make their move against her, and that it would leave her open, bloody and exposed, to all who watched. She'd asked Anna to do what snipers do best, for her sake, to show where all loyalties lie and make damn certain that nothing more can be done to her that hasn't been done already.

Her suddenly grim composure didn't change when Alex protested Osamu's actions, but...deep inside, she was just slightly-pleased to hear him taking a stand instead of being the domino waiting to fall, as he had been when she first met him. Even still, this wasn't good. Alex wasn't her enemy, but her ally, and now she couldn't kill him for doing what he did to Kxeyun, because...he'd actually tried to straighten her out and he was just a man in a cage now. Had everyone she ever sowed the seeds of descension been put through hell now? Even the boy she'd known when she was ten? It seemed like she was responsible for as much suffering as Red-Star, but in a twisted and backwards sort of way.

Dammit, it wasn't suppose to be this way. I had cut ties, left it all behind so I could dedicate time and effort to those who must succeed. I sabotaged Red-Star in every little way I could think of while they thought I was on their side, destroyed everything I could, but all the people I changed... Did they all turn out thinking as I do, but a mere slave to orders as Hisako was? Alex had to become the enemy just to cover that he was a friend, and now even HE is going to suffer. I wanted to avoid this kind of connection in the wat, but it seems I can't do that at all...

When Osamu then began sabotaging his own apparent sabotage of the trust around her regarding all the defectors, Terra glared at the holo-display of the artificial human with a look that could only be described as 'What the fuck?'. Seriously, what was he playing at, now? If he wanted to inflict maximum pain, he'd already done it, since - like Dread's own scorched earth policy in dealing with Haven - it had done damage that no among of mech combat will fix. It was a severe setback. Now, though...what was he up to? He was revealing Alex's NC, clearly being used by another, and then...and then...

And then, Terra's worst fears were confirmed.

She had always known that if she left Red-Star, the lives of her parents were forfeit. She had spent years coming to terms with that, because she could think of no way to save them that would not endanger her ability to leave. Id had only room in its cockpit for one person, and it was calibrated for her endurance levels, besides. Her escape would never have been able to take place if she had not left them behind, with no attempt to explain and no prior indicators. Red-Star had been watching her like a hawk. Her mother and father had been at the mercy of the people who augmented her shortly after birth, and she had hoped that they had simply killed them, but...that was not the case.

No, because apparently strapping them into a pair of heavily-armored support-fire weapons were a much better fate. It became harder and harder for Terra to retain some semblance of her composure as Osamu offered Alexander in exchange for the life of her parents. He wasn't offering. He was entrapping. He knew that she would still never return to Red-Star, even at the cost of their lives, but he was making them a direct part of the war, and enticing them to kill her parents in order to free Alex...who was valuable and even potentially her friend. This...was an attack. It was a direct assault on her, making her pay for everything. Had they known all along that she had altered those people while she was still theirs? Had they just wanted to see what would happen, then stir up the bee's nest for the same reason? Terra's shoulders slumped. Osamu had indeed made this hurt as much as possible. Even if he didn't know how she and Alex were connected, he had forced her into 'The Deadly Villain Choice', and he already knew which one she would choose.

The people in the room finally reacted now. Anna told the others she was taking out the artillery guns. The way she said it, it sounded like she was doing it not for tactical reasons, but because Terra had asked. That was good, because this was exactly the sort of thing he needed her for. Another pilot was all for killing Osamu directly, which was kind of a sentiment that Terra could get behind, if he was even reachable. In the midst of this, Terra had heard Kxeyun muttering about the whole ordeal. She'd been about as confused as everyone else about the exchange, and the way she spoke at the end of the recording said that something had temporarily hijacked her mind or that even her mental condition was even stranger than imagined. In that moment, Terra was certain that the Kxeyun talking now was not what spoke from Sahaquiel, and that this was the same woman who now seemed to agree that rescue was a secondary...

Rescue?

Terra looked at her. Even though she said 'secondary', Kxeyun even considered it? No, it was impossible... Now, Kxeyun was directly bad-mouthing Osamu. Trying to throw him off of his game? Perhaps. Kxeyun's words felt like an apology. 'I did not mean it.', about how her curious other self had spoken with Alex. She was the same dedicated Denver-Vegas pilot, taking a stand. It made Terra feel a bit better than before. However, things changed after Adam Philips spoke. He publically denounced Osamu - which was fine - but then he turned to Terra directly...with orders. He was the Field Captain, second only to Commander Narra. He said to... No... This time, surprise was on her face, couldn't be hidden, because he blatantly told her to rescue her parents.

She felt happy- NO, THIS IS WRONG! YOU HAVE TO END THEIR SUFFERING! But if he wants them alive, then he trusts- WHAT ABOUT ALEX? THEY TRUSTED HIM TOO! But if her parents were safe- IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! ADAM DOESN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THEY OPERATE! It's a direct order- HE IS WRONG! LET ANNA TAKE THE SHOT! They were making her choose between two very important lives- ALEX IS MORE IMPORTANT. Can't they take them both, if Adam was telling her to go on this rescue- THEY WILL KILL ALEX ON THE SPOT. They out-numbered them, though. THEY STILL HOLD THE CARDS THAT MATTER. THERE IS NO WAY AROUND THAT.

Terra was about to speak out against the captain's decision, to remind him of why the situation wasn't as simple as he thought, but a hand gripped her shoulder from behind. It was Hisako, who had been cleared for battle, but remained silent up until this time.

"You were about to remind him about on-board triggers, weren't you?"

"Of course I was. The entire thing could blow up in our faces if we so much as scratch the plating. You know how they operate. No, more than that. You know they won't make the same mistake with you or me. They will have made sure the prisoner can't escape."

"It's not a problem. The way we'll be jamming the system, they'll be barely able to aim, much less react to what we're doing."

"Hisako, you know as well as I do that there could be redundant equipment for detecting surges, vibrations, and so forth that are out of line. You would have to know where to cut and how precisely to cut just to keep the detonators from reacting to such an attempt."

At this, the other Red-Star defector smiled.

"Did I ever get around to telling you how Grand Sword Star can scan the entire spectrum in order to map out an enemy's schematics, determine its weaknesses, and outline the best form of attack? Or that my sword can cut through armor and electronics like it's soft butter?"

Terra just stared. It could work.

I may have to give you what you want of me, after all, Hisako.

She hadn't even considered the equipment aboard GSS. The unique sensors could get every detail of the tank machines and disable any part of it, yes even surgically. She will have been trained for similar situations. Terra had saved Hisako Kobayashi from a life of pain and misery...and now she could pay back the favor, yet Terra would still feel as though she were in her debt. Strange... Terra now faced the both off them, pushing back the ambivalant weirdness in her mind to allow herself a smile.

"I'd abandoned hope of getting what I want without supreme sacrifice. Kxeyun, thank you for believing in me. And Hisako, thank you for this. Let's go get all of our equipment set up. We all need wide-range jammers, not just my comm system, and we all need direct-wire communications, just in case. Hisako, you must complete your scan before we engage the armored cannons and begin jamming. I have no idea what effect it has on your equipment. Come on. We have work to do."