Futuristic At the Edge of the Apocalypse, an Eternal Principle

[SephirothSage]

The Angel is caught in that brief moment of motion, even as Unit-OO slides up the accelerating launch chute into the battlefield; Natalia emerging just in time to bear witness- as the Pallet Rifle unloads a fully automatic clip into the single spot... as the being moves down- and the AT Field with it. Some instinct moves her- as she aims... ahead of the Angel. Leading the Target producing... amazing results indeed. Bullets fly forth- and intercept perfectly through the marked spot. The Angel clusters it's arms in to shield itself, it's single eye going wide...


And then the arms begin to explode in a rain of blood, and then the body behind them; and yet... almost miraculously, not a single shot strikes the core- as it's body explodes into orange and black blood that seeps into the water, staining the colors... as a gleaming red core with bare bits of flesh hanging from it drops into the ocean... moments before a cross blast blows through the battleship, straight at the individual responsible for reducing the Angel to just a core...


Even as it's blood seeps into the water, tainting the entire harbor as it spreads like some.. miasma, through the liquid; turning the water into some incredible barrier.. as a rising cross ascends from the waves- vaporizing the battleship... and a lot of the water; and if the EVA Pilot isn't careful, possibly him to!


[dice]8029[/dice]

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


"Succés!" Delight flashes momentarily across Kelly's face, before the realisation of Samael's counter-attack is nigh, while it begins to change the water of the harbour to some terrible ichor. If I dodge the attack, everyone behind me will... No! Raising the now spent Pallet Gun up as a shield to protect the head unit, Cassidy braces for the Angel's unjust retribution.

 

[Random Word]

"Samael's AT Field is reconfiguring!"


"Massive power surge detected!"


"Unit-01, evasive action," orders Renée.


"Unit-01 is not moving, two seconds to discharge!"


Children! Renée slams her fist on the console in front of her and grits her teeth, "Emergency launch Sector 7's Barrier Plate!"


Bolts explode out of their housings and an electromagnetic catapult hurls sixty tons of steel and ceramic out of the ground. As it slams into the top of its housing with a resounding crash the force fractures concrete for tens of metres in every direction.

 

[SephirothSage]

The Beam connects- and detonates into the disturbingly familiar and symbolic cross shaped blast. The white light blinds sensors looking directly at it, briefly- and as the light fades... not only is there no more battleship; there is no more barrier plate.

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


Finally clear of the elevator, she checks her HUD to see just where she has to go to put herself in the best position to attack the Angel. There. Unit-01 is already engaged. If I come around to the left, we can flank it. Driving the throttle up, she uses the bit of extra speed built into the design to move into range with her MAS Rifle in hand.

Spoiler

Not sure how to proceed from here. Walk me through the next steps, please.

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


The Barrier Plates slams into position the moment before attack, which promptly arrives thereafter. Kelly is just able to take in the AR view from the cockpit, showing the battleship lift out of the water, before erupting into flames. The barrier explodes in front of Unit-01, molten metal scattering and ceramic chucks hurtling away from the blast. Samael's hatred connects with the Evangelion. Cassidy screams as the beam obliterates the pallet gun and proceeds to destroy the Unit's body armour, the sensation akin to feeling like her chest is set ablaze. The Evangelion absorbs the blast, stoically standing for a moment before collapsing to one knee. On the outside, the world is shimmering from the heat, concrete cracking, glass sagging. Inside, the plugsuit prepares to give cardiac massage, but it is unnecessary. As the bubbles begin to subside, Cassidy lifts her head up, breathing heavily, flicking to a remote view, showing the buildings behind survived. Buíochas le Dia...

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


Running forward to get a line of fire on the Angel, Natalia finally gets a bead on her target. Raising up the MAS Rifle, she can't help but show a wicked smile as she pulls the trigger. "AT Field suppression at full power! Interlinking wavelengths with Unit-01. Target AT Field is down!" Her Rifle fire vaporizes massive amounts of seawater, throwing up gouts of steam that obscure normal vision. "I don't know if I scored on that shot, but it's vulnerable now. Hammer it!"

Spoiler

my ballistics skill is a 34 in my Eva, so let's give this a try.

[dice]8057[/dice]

 

[SephirothSage]

And then it erupts back upwards from the water, as your lance of energy; the MAS Rifle's destructive, directed nuclear radiation into an energetic wave of destructive force that shreds through and bakes the water.. only for the limbs still attached to the core to pull itself out of the water. And now it lacks legs- or a body.. as it's arms begin to sprout eyes, it's form mutating rapidly in response to the massive damage it's body has taken- it's core shining bright and gleaming- even as it's energy is pushed back away, restrained, neutralized- the light of twin souls pressing against a single titan of the spirit...


Even as it pulls itself through the air on those four arms and hands- clawing apart the air as it shrieks- starting to pull itself towards the twin Evanglions, roaring without a mouth, it's cry of agony reverberating across the AT Fields of the two pilots- it's body twisted and misshapen, bulging white and black flesh twisting around the core, as the gleaming red core at the center of the white mass of flesh and arms burns brighter and brighter.


It claws it's form forwards- hungry for more battle... not yet able to reach them as it lopsidedly floats through the air.

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


The brilliant white and grey form of Unit-00 appeared parallel to Cassidy's location. "About time..." She muttered to her self with some relief to the arrival of backup. A Maser rifle. Wait, I can feel it, their AT-Field is being deployed! "Interlinking Phase Space with Unit-00." Kelly announced in reply to Romanova's statement. It's working, Samael's Field is collapsing, no, being neutralised... She witnesses as the Maser misses the Angel, the disgusting form of the mutilated body hauling itself from the harbor in order to avoid the strike. Connard!





As it half claws its' way under impossible locomotion, Kelly runs through the recommended checklist. "Unit-01 Status: umbilical cable is still connected and transferring power. Pallet gun has been depleted. Orders, Commandant!"

 

[Random Word]

Renée Durant


"Multiple rounds breached the AT field, massive structural damage!"


The bridge erupts into cheers as Unit-01's rounds hit home, pulping sickly white flesh and spraying dark crimson blood across the bay. Renée cheers right along with them, "C'est Excellente!"


"Samael's AT Field is reconfiguring!"


"Massive power surge detected!"


"Unit-01, evasive action," orders Renée.


"Unit-01 is not moving, two seconds to discharge!"


Children! Renée slams her fist on the console in front of her and grits her teeth, "Emergency launch Sector 7's Barrier Plate!"


Bolts explode out of their housings and an electromagnetic catapult hurls sixty tons of steel and ceramic emblazoned with NERV's logo out of the ground. As it slams into the top of its housing with a resounding crash the force fractures concrete for tens of metres in every direction. "On n'est pas sorti de l'auberge," she mutters.


"Discharge! We've lost visual of Unit-01!"


The bridge falls silent.


"20, 30, 40% reduction in core armour integrity!"


"Temperatures falling rapidly, 4th SAW has visual."


"Umbilical 7 still reports nominal power draw."


The main bridge screen shows a massive U shaped hole has been burned through the barrier plate, its edges still glowing brightly. Asphalt has liquefied, but amidst the heat haze Unit-01 can still be seen standing.


"You're here to save the fucking world, Unit-01, not be a hero! Get out of the fucking way, next time. Unit-00, Neutralize immediately - it cannot be allowed to unleash that again! Get that elevator open, Unit-01 needs a new weapon. 42nd AAG, Alpha Wing is to advance to within 30m of the target and hold range at all costs. I'm sorry - you're the designated heroes today. 4th SAG, weapons free."


"Unit-00 is engaging. No hits."


"New AT configuration from Samael - it's reconfiguring its body!"


"Supply elevator 7 is nonresponsive, the doors have fused shut!"


"Detonating emergency bolts."


Explosions rock a building behind Unit-00 as one of its faces flies free and crashes to the street, revealing a rack containing a fully loaded MAS Pistol. Missiles streak through the sky above Unit-01 from the pods of the 4th SAG, exploding spectacularly against Samael as Alpha Wing begins their approach.


"Unit-01, full auto, cripple it before it gets any closer! Unit-00, close and prepare to intercept at the shore."

Spoiler

4th SAG is making an attack, 1d5+3X damage to the Body, Pen 3. Unlikely to do anything.


[dice]8082[/dice]


EDIT: +2, not +3. Total 7 damage.


42nd AAG is Splintering into a Magnitude 2 and a Magnitude 1, the Magnitude 1 is approaching to within 30m and Spotting from Point Blank range to give Unit-01 a +30 to BS. Probably going to die horribly.


17th Armoured is still reloading.


I'm running with MAS technology being unlocked for free - OD is making a snap call and spending your 1 WUP on a MAS Pistol instead of a Pallet Rifle. It's vastly superior at short range, and you can fire it in melee.

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


"Roger!" Cassidy pushes forwards on the controls, willing Unit-01 forwards, the ground shaking from the impacts of its stride before it comes to a halt, snatching the recently revealed MAS Pistol from the dock of the supply elevator. Inside, the HUD re-calibrated to the new weapon system, the FCS establishing wireless connections with the Pistol. Telemetry, from the sacrificing Alpha Wing engaged with Samael, mated with the FCS as Kelly aimed the Maser at the Angel and fired. Camarades...

Spoiler

Name	Class	Range	Dam	RoF	Br	Pen	Clip	Rld	Special
MAS Pistol	Pistol	40dam	S/-/3	1d10+1 E	+1	3	30	1 Full	Maser, Compact

[dice]8084[/dice]


34BS +30 from Spotting at Point Blank = 64BS


For Hit 1:


[dice]8085[/dice]


For Righteous Fury


[dice]8086[/dice]


For RF from Hit 1:


[dice]8104[/dice]


Total Damage 16

 

[SephirothSage]

The beast writhes and twists as it pulls itself closer- it's huge, clawed arms visibly bubbling as it regenerates flesh and pulls itself along through the air towards you- as a thinner beam of destructive force than the first impacts it's core head on; splintering the ruby gem and eliciting a shriek of raw and primal pain, before it finally reaches you- and launches into the two of you- two claws slamming towards the each of you from the four armed monster, as it's core begins to shudder- barely stable, barely intact... but still shining with primal energy.


[dice]8152[/dice]


[dice]8153[/dice]


Thankfully, it's raking claws go wild- the beast flailing in agony as it tries to reach you- shuddering and wailing in agony as it's core does not regenerate, does not heal like the rest of it..

 

[Random Word]

Renée Durant


"Confirming multiple missile strikes, minimal backscatter. MAGI estimates target AT field completely neutralized."


"Unit-01 has scored a direct hit! Core fractured!"


Cheers once again fill the bridge. Renée grips the edge of the desk painfully hard, her knuckles white, her eyes alight with anticipation. "Unit-01, pin the target. Unit-00, gut it just like the last one."

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


Readjusting her aim for the Core of the Angel, Natalia points her MAS Rifle at the target to make sure that Unit-01 doesn't get into the line of fire. Lining up a carefully aimed shot, she pulls the trigger.


MAS Rifle - Range 80 Dam, Class Basic, Damage 1d10+2 E, Pen 3, Br +1, RoF S/3/-, Clip 30, Rld 1 Full, Maser


[dice]8171[/dice]


[dice]8172[/dice]


[dice]8173[/dice]


[dice]8174[/dice]


[dice]8175[/dice]

 

[SephirothSage]

The Nuclear Laser- for that is what a Maser is- bores into the core viciously. A trifecta of blasts rings out- each chipping away from the Core- and as the third strikes home, the core ripples for a moment- before exploding into brilliant Crimson Light. The battle is over, and won..... The Angel, is dead. The field is one of carnage and chaos, as the battleship sinks into the harbor, a smoking ruin- as the harbor the brief battle took place on is cracked and split, the ground ripped asunder by the clash of true titans. Spent shells from the pallet rifle have crushed cars- though thankfully, there does not seem to have been anyone in any of the cars.


The field is mostly clear- the damage to the city, at the end of the day... minimal. It's a miracle, really... only military assets and a few cars have been destroyed, along with minimal pavement damage.

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


"Yes! Nailed that bastard!" She turns to look at Unit-01. "Command, the Angel has been terminated. I say again, target destroyed."

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


As the explosion washes over the Units, Cassidy grimaces momentarily. As the confirmation comes in, the behemoth visible relaxes, its' massive haunches sagging a little. I did it! I piloted Unit-01 in actual battle and won! Buiochas le Dia... Looking over to Unit-00, they reply. "We did it. Target destroyed. Nice shooting, Unit-00. Merci bien, Commandant. Unit-01 standing down, weapons offline."

 

[Random Word]

Renée Durant


"Unit-01 scored a direct hit! Core fracture - core shattered!"


"Energy discharge, MAGI are analyzing... Samael's destruction confirmed! The Second Angel is down!"


The brilliant pulse of energy onscreen is immediately followed by a tidal wave of dark red blood, boiling as it quenches the glowing asphalt, sweeping aside cars and rendering nearby buildings dangerously unstable. Samael's lifeless corpse slumps against an adjacent skyscraper, its already superheated structure sagging under the weight, reinforced steel deforming like putty.


The angry red warning hexagons surrounding the bridge fade, the holographic projection table displaying pleasant green status nominal indicators as post battle notifications cover the live feed:

Second Angel Status: NEUTRALIZED

​

TOKYO III

Districts

Compiling

Damage Reports

Provisional Results:

0 Civilian Casualties


342 Military Casualties


17 Damaged Structures

​

Eva Unit Status:

EVA-00

Minimal Damage

Pilot:


Romanova, Natalia

Health: Normal

All Vitals Normal

Advanced Synchronisation


Induced Feedback Rate
​

2.07%

​

Eva Unit Status:

EVA-01

Moderate Damage

Pilot:


Kelly, Cassidy Aine

Health: Normal

All Vitals Normal

Advanced Synchronisation


Induced Feedback Rate
​

38.6%

​

Geofront

Upper Bulkhead Area

Compiling

Damage Reports

Provisional Results:

0 Armour Layers Breached


1 Damaged Barrier Plate


Power Nominal

​

If the cheering before was loud, it's positively deafening now. Renée might have remarked on how unexpectedly loud scarcely a hundred people could be, were she not enthusiastically amongst those cheering and embracing their comrades. "Exemplary work, both of you. C'est Magnifique! Return to base via launch elevator 7. Unit-01 first. Prepare Hangar 01 to begin immediate repairs on Unit-01 as soon as it's recovered. Don't let this go to your heads, but the MAGI estimates rated the probability of such a successful engagement with the Second Angel on the order of ten to the negative three. You're a triumph for both of your training programs. NERV is incredibly pleased with both of you. Almost enough to forgive you for that foolish stunt you pulled getting here, Natalia, but not quite. We will speak further when you disembark."


She cuts the link and addresses her staff, "Alright, everyone! Celebrate after the cleanup is complete. All forces, Level 4 Battle Stations, prepare to stand down in four hours. All air assets RTB and rest up. You've done well. I want a cordon around the damaged areas, 17th Armoured to assist, and recovery teams dissecting and recovering the remains ASAP. Get that blood cleaned up, and get a proper damage assessment on my desk in four hours."


She slumps into her chair and spins to face Grigorovich with a self-satisfied smile, "Well, you have your data, and much more besides. I imagine we'll both see a budget increase approved from this. I think we can declare Project E a resounding success." She cranes her head upwards to look at the window high above the bridge.


 

Spoiler

This is happening at an indeterminate point later today and can be considered floating - it will fit in wherever other stuff doesn't.


Intimidate check (Using Fellowship 37, can use Intelligence 39 if you prefer):


[dice]8251[/dice]


Renée quietly closes the door, but still it echoes loudly in the large empty chamber. Her shoes and walking stick clack on concrete as she approaches the single aluminum table with two chairs. A spotlight illuminates the Chiron representative, the only source of light in the room. The metal protests loudly as Renée pulls the chair out and sits down, consulting her phone as she lights a cigarette. "I apologize for the venue, Mr. Falstheim. NERV has an unfortunate love of theatrics," she says, without looking up. "To business. There was, of course, a helicopter tasked with bringing Pilot Romanova to her hangar. Your little road trip delayed the launch of Unit-00 by approximately five minutes. That may not seem like much to you, but in that five minutes the Angel caused hundreds of millions of yen in damage, killed hundreds, and threatened the lives of tens of thousands. I could have you charged with treason, kidnapping, illegal access to a secure computer system, and obstruction of a NERV operation, just to name the most prominent, and all compounded by the special clauses governing crimes committed within NERVs jurisdiction during an active global threat," she observes dispassionately, finally glancing up. "I suspect neither of us particularly wants to see that happen, though. I'm willing to release you with a warning if you'll detail exactly what you said to Pilot Romanova and why, detail for us how you accomplished that clever little trick with the security cameras so we can patch it, and for fuck's sake go through the PR department like a normal organization the next time you want an interview with Class 1 NERV personnel." She punctuates the end of her sentence with the audible clack of metal on metal as her phone hits the table and leans forward, her irritation showing through, "I am politely refraining from pissing off your company in the interests of a continued courteous and professional working relationship, despite the lengths you've gone to to piss me off today. You're well aware there are standard channels through which we procure medical hardware, and you know the budget for pilot medical treatment is effectively unlimited. You are not a salesman, and the next time you try to subvert one of my staff I will put the full weight of this organization behind seeing to it Chiron never receives another UN contract ever again. Do I make myself abundantly clear?"

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


Feeling quite pleased with herself, Natalia waits for her turn to take the elevator down to the armored bunkers that house the Evas, replaying this fight over in her head. Having a second Eva to help disable the AT Field of the Angel was what made the difference. If it were not for the two-on-one attack, either Eva would have been at a disadvantage against the Angel. I wonder about the pilot of Unit-01. According to the announcements, its a boy. I wonder if he's cute? Humph. Don't forget, Nat, you are not exactly prized material anymore with all the scars. Perhaps that fellow in the hospital can fix my eye.





Natalia gently works the controls to lock Unit-00 into its docking cradle at the direction of the ground crew. "Pilot Romanova here. Unit-00 locked down and secured. Powering down. Ready for removal of the Entry Plug." The rush of being linked with her Eva slowly fades, leaving her feeling a bit empty. I never feel as alive as I do when I'm linked with Unit-00. What does that make me? Ah, this is no time to wax


philosophical. Lets meet this new pilot and show him the ropes of Tokyo-3. As she climbs out of the Entry Plug, a sharp stab of pain makes her clutch her side. Oh, yeah, I'm still hurt. Fuck me. I wonder if I pulled any stitches out with all that fighting. With the aid of the technicians, Natalia climbs out, feeling a bit wobbley. "I'll take that painkiller shot now, if you please."

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


Connecting to service elevator seven and locking into place, Unit-01 began to descend into the bowls of the GeoFront for the first time. Staring absent-mindedly forwards adrenaline slowly subsiding from them, Cassidy suddenly took notice of the passing signs that read "NERV" and "GF-00". So, I made it. I'm actually in the GeoFront at last. NERV HQ, the home I have been training for so long to defend, yet have never set foot in before. I can't wait to see it properly, and the city again! At least, I thought I did... the LÉ Eithne went down with 342 along with the 42nd AAG. As the Evangelion descended into the holding cage, she said a player for those lost.


Once Unit-01 was securely placed and the technicians began to excitedly work out the estimated repairs, the entry plug was ejected. Disembarking, Cassidy was greeted by smiles and congratulations from unfamiliar faces. Giving a curt, but polite response, he was lead away. After desynchronising I feel terrible. So small and weak. And my body... Showering to wash away the LCL was always the last step to becoming human again, they thought to themselves, as the persona changes and they become someone else. Drying quickly, their short, brunette pixie hair settles into place, their athletic frame in contrast to the gargantuan, stocky bulk of Unit-01. A NERV emblazoned duffel bag is waiting for them. Before anything else, they root through it until they located their personal possessions, the box having been stamped "CLEARED" by Section 2 and the medical review team to the Pilots. Alone in the changing room, they go through the private routine, feeling themselves relax a little. It's disgusting, everyone knows. No, NERV knows how to keep secrets. They don't care as long as I am able to pilot. After dressing, his blue eyes glance back at the black box now buried inside the bag. Is it like this for them too, the Pilot of Unit-00? No, it's simple for them, they don't need to hide.


Changed back into a NERV BDU, they are escorted towards where the debriefing would occur. Ah, I'll get to see Commandant again! It feels like years since they were witness to my Eva trails and training back in France. With effort, Kelly tried to bring back a serious demeanour, perhaps smiling for the first time since arriving in Japan. Any other officer would fail to elicit such a response from the precocious youth.


Having been the first disembark and get ready, Kelly is already waiting in the room when Romanova appears. He had trained with other cadets back in Saint-Cyr, until only a handful were left. There had been a mix of nationalities and genders. The Pilot of Unit-00 was different, she had already defeated an Angel on her own. She carried herself differently. Catching himself before he begun to stare, he falls back on protocol. We don't have cover, so no salute here. Instead, he put's his hand forward to shake hands. "Pilot Cassidy A. Kelly. Pleasure to meet you, Madam."

 

[Random Word]

Renée Durant


Renée moves her fingers half a glass apart and nods appreciatively to Francois, her long-time steward, as he pours champagne into her glass. She nods significantly towards the two adjacent seats on the opposite side of the table reserved for the pilots and he half-fills their glasses as well when he reaches them. The broad bay window behind the table offers a beautiful view of a perfectly intact Geofront. The collected officers from Operations and Research are chatting animatedly amongst themselves as they wait for the debriefing to begin.


"Did you see how effective the Pallet Rifle was? All it took was the right marksman and..."


"Nonsense. It was a total fluke. The MAS weapons scored all the hits that really mattered. Ballistic weapons are obsolete."


"Were you tuned in to the live feed from 42 Alpha?"


"No, some of us were busy doing our jobs."


"Oh, but it was worth it! Completely insane. One of them flew within three metres of the thing - could practically reach out the cockpit and touch it - and it didn't even care. Like it didn't know they were there. You can see the core thermal fracturing right up close and personal."


"Where does it even store that volume of blood? If the core is crystalline, why does it liquefy when it fractures?"


"See, I have a theory about that. I think the absurdly high blood pressure contributes to some kind of turgidity..." the engineer trails off as she scribbles equations furiously on her napkin.


"Oh, you know, that just might work..."


Renée waits for the pilots to finish greeting one another, then motions for them to sit. "A toast. To this victory, and every victory to follow. May we show all the Angels such hospitality," she says with relish and a small smile, before raising her glass to her neighbours amidst enthusiastic assent and taking a long sip. "A small luxury from a country that still exists, thanks to both of you," she nods to the pilots. "Now, the battle. We'll recount the operation from all departments and the pilots themselves, then we'll hear comments, criticism, and suggestions."


Over the course of the next two hours the fifteen minute engagement with Samael is analyzed in excruciating detail. "Alright, suggestions from Operations: Telemetry and forward observing demonstrated themselves invaluable. All air assets are to integrate remote targeting for Evangelions as a primary mission function in their current training rotations. Barrier plates proved essential to minimizing damage and pilot survival. I'm recommending large portions of the budget be earmarked for construction of additional plates along the shoreline, and improved control routines for easily using the malleability of the city's structure to maximum advantage. The MAS weapons demonstrated themselves highly effective. I recommend both pilots train with the MAS Pistol, as I see it being invaluable in the sort of close quarters engagement the position of the rift all but guarantees. Suggestions or recommendations from Research and the pilots?"


As the debriefing wraps up, Renée addresses the room, "Excellent work, everyone. I think we've learned a great deal. You're all dismissed, but I would ask the pilots to remain behind. We have some logistical matters to discuss." As the officers file out, Renée lights a cigarette and turns to look out the window. "An eventful first day, Lt. Kelly. Now that we have restored some degree of normalcy, the question of your living arrangements becomes most pressing. NERV can of course provide quarters for you, the question is simply where. Unless Lt. Romanova protests, I suggest you live together. You're both military, this is nothing new or shocking. If this proves problematic, and I certainly hope for the sake of humanity you can manage to share an apartment, Lt. Kelly will be moved to the apartment next door. Now, daily routine. It has been decreed from on high that you will attend a public secondary school in the city. Lt. Romanova will show you where it is tomorrow, you'll be joining her class. Training is, therefore, relegated to evenings and weekends. I trust you do not need to be told that this is not an excuse to slack off. Your files will be transferred within the hour, and you should see regular pay deposited in your account in a few days. Until then," she pushes a bundle of ID cards, sealed files, and other miscellaneous paperwork over to Cassidy, "There is a NERV expense card enclosed. Use it for emergencies, and to cover the time until your pay comes through. It's effectively an unlimited line of credit. Don't abuse it, small parties only," she smiles. "Any questions?"

 

[SephirothSage]

Rhandall smiles gently- eyes locked on the intimidating woman across the table from him, as he soaks in her words, her rage... and nods understandingly. He weathers her rage and the storm of her fury- and takes it all in with a calm, measured expression. He leans forwards onto the table- still utterly calm as he tents his fingers on the desk, leaning over it and smiling at her. It's a few hours after her conversation with the Children about housing and the like, a few hours past that victorious bliss- and the similarities between the pose he's assuming, and one favored by her boss- who she is scheduled to meet with about today's events shortly after dealing with this man- are almost eerie. He speaks in an almost soothing voice- a gentle, calm tone that rings throughout the blackness as a clear, concise note.


"Let's not be hasty, shall we? There's no need for... unpleasantness of that sort, I don't think. I merely wanted to see one of the individuals responsible for keeping us all alive and well... in person, without any preparations or screens in place ahead of time, and then make a simple offer. And I must admit- my fears and those of my employers are significantly eased both by what I saw there, and the shortly following events." He soothes gently- a faint curl of his lips into a smile as he stares across the table at her.


"I do apologize however, for the brief delay; that was not my intent, and indeed I was unaware of the helicopter. I am sure that some kind of an agreement can be reached in assistance rendered to the city for those damages. Regardless; in the future, I and my company will be more than happy to operate through the pre-arranged, pre-approved channels just like anyone else. I do hope you haven't taken this the wrong way at all." He says calmly- bowing his head as he leans back from the table and chuckles softly.


"As for the Camera's... I cannot exactly share trade secrets, no? Besides. It is a trick I am quite sure several of your own intelligence personnel have down quite well- it's nothing new or anysuch, I'm just quite good at it. I can't much remember the exact wording I used with dear Natalia, but the gist is that I offered her her eye back, and told her where I was from. No more or less, really."


------------Earlier that Day---------------------------------------------


Gregorvitch is mostly silent through the celebrations- chuckling to himself and observing various data points on monitors- soaking it all in with a certain sort of bliss, before walking up towards the Director and the children- and handing the director a small schedule, before walking back of still chortling. He doesn't say a word- but his eyes do veer over the two pilots for a moment; and in that moment, they can both feel very nearly.... dissected; there's something unnerving about the mans stare, in the few moments it lasts.


The schedule simply informs Renee that she has a meeting today, after her interrogation.... a meeting with a man who rarely entertains such things.

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


Before the briefing begins, she runs into Cassidy in the pilot's lounge. Wearing a simple jumpsuit with the NERV logo on it, the most notable feature about her is the eyepatch and obvious scarring that has been inflicted upon the young girl. With a smile, she offers you her hand. "Nice to meet you, Cassidy A. Kelly. I'm Natalia Romanova, but you probably already know a bit about me from your briefing papers. Sorry I took so long to get out there in the fight today; I was in the hospital still and had to get a ride to my Eva. You, however, were right on time and totally rocked that Angel! I didn't think that a Pallet Rifle could score so many solid hits with a functional AT Field up."


During the briefing, Natalia points out her observation that the reason why they were so effective in this fight compared to her last one was that the two Eva's were able to totally suppress the AT Field of the target, letting the MAS Rifle score more damage than it normally would have. "Sir, we just have to get more Eva's online. What would have happened to Unit-01 if I had been unable to launch in Unit-00? Best case scenario is that we would have two wounded pilots on our hands, and worse case is something I don't even want to think about."

 

[Bardiel]

Cassidy Kelly


"I'm just glad that you turned up when you did, Lt. Romanova." He tried to give a little smile, not expecting to be so warmly received. "Thank you, it was thanks to Commandant's air support from the 42nd Alpha Wing. Your use of the MAS Rifle was unconventional at such range, compared to the simulations. However it was you who dealt the killing blow. Even more impressive considering you were injured. If it was anyone else, they'd be relieved of duty until fit, but you went out there again." Cassidy is earnest, perhaps more so than he intended to be.


Sitting down before the debriefing began, Kelly takes in their surrounds. The myriad discussions around them ranging from tactical to the ethical. Turgid from the amount of blood? I don't think it is... It reminded me of LCL actually... As it carried on with private conversations around them, Kelly felt a sense of discomfort. It's nothing new to see them discuss results. There were years of it in Saint-Cyr, but this feels different. It feels unreal compared to the simulations. Is it because this was a real battle or that unlike the sim results, they aren't paying me... us, any attention? I mean, not that I am looking for it, but its' like we are just components of the Eva...





Once the debriefing began proper, the recognition from Durant overrode the unease. Lieutenant. I was Cadet when they saw me last. When mention of the Barrier Plate came up, Kelly's eyes looked away momentarily. Later, Gregorvitch's appraisal left them feeling objectified, it could not matching their own self-appraisal.


After the debriefing, Kelly spoke. "I have no objections to the living arrangements. As soldiers, it makes sense for us to, Commandant. It was previously suggested that we would have to attend school here." Accepting the cards and paperwork, they fall silent.


As they are dismiss and about to leave, Cassidy turns to the Operations Direction. "Permission to speak freely, Sir." Glancing to Romanova and back, he continues. "Lt. Romanova made a comment when we meet earlier, that I was "right on time" to fight with the Angel... To be honest, standing under the Rift earlier, it felt more like Angel arrived because I did."

 

[Sherwood]

Natalia Romanova


"Please, we are going to be working and living in close quarters; call me Natalia, or Nat. We can save the 'Lt. Romanova' title for later." As Cassidy talks to the Operations Director, Natalia has a chill go down her spine. What if the Angel did show up because of the arrival of Unit-01? What if more Eva's bring even more of these monsters here?