<@Ked> [The Hunt] <@Ked> [Saturday, July 11, 2490 - 2520 local Snowflake time] <@Ked> [The Laboratory 02 complex under Zone 11] <@Ked> The return from the Zone 12 battleground was short, and anticlimactic. The hovercraft crew had driven into the composocrete cloud to retrieve Lord Charybdis when Hantsuki beaconed for help, and they gave the entire crew a ride back around to the tunnel entrance. A couple of carts ferried everyone to the lab, where the ambulatory Ladies were escorted to a staff lounge in the upper floors while the thoroughly unconscious Lords were sent downstairs to Acne's labs and hospital. <@Ked> There was a desultory remote debrief by Spoon and Ballistics by remote avatar, but they got most of what they needed from your EIs. ...and then the last four or five hours have been sitting around and *waiting*. There are a few senior Guard NCOs standing around, who have brought you anything you needed except for news of what's happening downstairs. Chary was positively FLAT when they wheeled him away... <@Ked> [session start] * LadyCrystal looks like she's going to explode from a combination of angry, worry, and sheer stir-craziness. She's done nothing but paced. For *three hours*. A little muttering as well. * LadySpitterwing, after scrubbing vigorously at the eyegunk all over her and then watching Swarm de- and then retrans squeaky clean, had a minor breakdown, but followed suit. Now, with squeaky clean body and costume (in grey and blue-green, right now), she...naps, or at least dozes off a little. <@Ked> The Ladies' EIs have been carefully filtering their network connections - they've been getting all the news, but their outbound traffic seems to be mostly locked down for the moment. * LadySwarm hasn't even noticed the change in her EI. She's been chewing on her fingertips, since the lounge doesn't have enough room for her usual methods of relieving tension. At least she isn't covered in gunk any more. * LadyCrystal has noticed, but doesn't seem to care either way. Finally, she looks up. "... wonder if Unicorn died." * LadySpitterwing was also, before nodding off, able to come up with and send a plausible excuse for Darrell as to why she was not going/did not come to the monkey raid--something about a broken electronics emergency. <@Ked> A couple of familiar voices can be heard approaching the lounge door. * LadySpitterwing responded to Dakdak's "message held etc." response with a facepalm before giving up and dozing, though she now stirs at Crystal's remark. * LadySpitterwing looks solemn. "I hope not...but..." -ing's off, and you know it. * LadySpitterwing turns at the voices and straightens up, wiping nap-remnants from her eyes. * LadySwarm looks up as she hears Lady Acne's voice. It can wait. After today? Totally can wait. Not going to put them through that until... * LadySwarm hears that and chews on her fingertips some more. Looked pretty bad. If she made it, it'll be a fucking miracle. * LadySpitterwing gulps. <@Ked> The grizzled-looking sergeant at the door comes to attention with a snappy salute as the two Ladies come into the lounge. * LadyCrystal looks to the door as well, and stops her pacing. * LadySpitterwing ...stands up nervously and bobs a little. * LadyTurbulence smiles approvingly at the young Ladies. * LadyAcne visibly puts on a doctor's confident smile. * LadySwarm unfolds herself from where she was curled up into a tight ball in the corner of a sofa and tries to look like she's got it together. Just be up-front with us, please. You wouldn't lock us down without a reason. * LadySpitterwing smiles tentatively back at Turbulence and Acne's smiles. * LadyTurbulence shrugs. "I think that was mostly Ballistics and Spoon's fault." Balli-chan is freaked out about the attack on Wind. Spoon just wanted to get back to campus before you did. Why? Well, there's probably some obfuscation to do so that people don't figure out who was off fighting giant sea monsters today. * LadySpitterwing nods. "That part makes sense." * LadySwarm nods. Unicorn dead? Also... there's the news that- uh, yes. Oh, speaking of which...I'd planned to meet some friends for something before this happened...I was trying to send them a message with an excuse as to why I couldn't come earlier, but Dakdak said there was a hold on outgoing--oh, no. * LadyCrystal simply shakes her head. "Shame. Didn't deserve to go out like that." That's going to go over badly on campus when it hits the net overnight. * LadySpitterwing shrinks a little. * LadySwarm bites her lip and tries not to huddle, unsuccessfully. ...it was the way she would have wanted to. Or her, uh, second choice at least. * LadyAcne rubs her right arm. She was so young... * LadyCrystal chuckles a little. I doubt she could work up that much of a sweat... but yeah. Fuck. * LadySpitterwing looks downcast and sits down next to Swarm, leaning against her a little for support. It's unclear whose support it's for, though. But anyway, we're pulling the Lords out of their induced comas, and thought you might want to be there when they wake. * LadySwarm reflexively puts an arm around Tasi as she sits down beside her. ... good, Chary's still in one piece. Some good news. * LadySwarm looks up, her expression lightening a bit. Oh, good. I've not seen a Lady that hurt, ever. Wind wasn't much better though he'd been healing for a half hour before they got him to us. * LadySpitterwing perks--well, not right back up, but visibly, at least. * LadySwarm winces a little, but they're not dead, so she's okay. But avatar medicine is a happy field - they'll walk out of here tonight. He's a tough kid. I'm not surprised, really. * LadyTurbulence holds the door open for the girls. * LadySpitterwing gets up, brushing herself off a little. C'mon - we pulled the drip before walking up - they should be coming around when we get back down. Um, OK... * LadySwarm nods and gets up stiffly. Is there anything you can do about sending out that message, or...I just don't want to make it too obvious... * LadyTurbulence frowns. "I'll message Ballistics about it... but it's her decision." * LadySpitterwing nods. "Right, of course. But thank you!" * LadyCrystal follows along. "Man... how strong are sedatives for Ladies, anyway?" They work. In massive doses. If you keep pumping them. * LadySpitterwing winces a little at that one as she follows along. <@Ked> The elder Ladies lead the younger ones down the back-and-forth ramps into the bowels of Laboratory 02. The few technicians working this late come out in the hall to watch the Ladies pass. No one applauds, but you get a very strong vibe of hero worship. * LadyCrystal notices the looks, but is self-conscious enough to not wave or pose or anything. * LadySpitterwing colors a little and nods in return, dimpling a little. Nothing she wouldn't give to any friendly face...she tells herself. * LadySwarm squirms a little and tries to pretend they're aiming it at someone else. They're going to be mostly healed, but deep injuries like this can leave you weak and sore for days sometimes. Especially if you can't stay transformed for all of it. Maybe it would be better to just break all your cover and get it over with now. Kind of amazing. I figure the magic just... rights what's wrong? I mean, normal healing needs energy and all that. ... but the magic *is* energy, or something akin to it... I think? * LadyTurbulence chuckles. "It's even more confusing than that, dear." I...I dunno if that would be a good idea, Lady Turbulence. I mean, the school year's, like, barely even started and stuff... Not my decision, anyway. * LadyAcne swings down a level 8 cross-corridor, and pauses in front of the door to check her EI. "Their vitals are coming up. They'll be awake any second." * LadyAcne waves her EI at the door, and it clicks open. * LadyCrystal waits as patiently as she can manage. * LadySpitterwing takes a deep breath. * LadySwarm waits anxiously, just barely keeping herself from rocking on her feet. * LordCharybdis actually squeaks like rubber on plastic as his tentacles start to writhe, too dry. In fact, his eyes flare open and he winces as the flesh's friction on itself causes it to pull and snap. "Owwww...." * LordWind stirs violently - at the click, he panickedly tries to get up - and succeeds enough at getting up to fall down with a dull thump. The boys are indeed not dead. Huzzah. * LadyCrystal helps herself to a genuine, relieved smile. * LadySpitterwing grins a little at that. * LadySwarm starts to run forward to hug Sei and then stops herself, realizing that they might not be healed enough for that yet, but she smiles brilliantly. "You're okay! How do you feel?" What. Wha. *he groans from the floor* Where am I? * LadyAcne busies herself with a directional scanner of some sort, pointing it at Charybdis's ribcage. Who ar... .. uh. You exploded. Hi. * LadySwarm says to John, "In a hospital." She goes over to help him get back into bed. I'm f-fine. Could use some water. ...a lot of water. *voice is raspy* * LadySwarm looks around for a water source. * LordWind accepts the help weakly, holding on to Swarm to stabilize himself once he's back and sitting. * LadySpitterwing notes that Wind is alive and at least semi-coherent, then lets Swarm worry about him. * LadyAcne tsks, and gets out a bottle of water from a nearby shelf. "Drinking, not floating, please. Give yourself a little bit first." * LadySpitterwing gently pats Chary's head a little. "Hey, in case it makes you feel better, we dropped the thing that dropped that thing on you." * LadySwarm relaxes as Lady Acne gets Sei some water and turns back to John. "Lie down if you can't sit up just yet." Anyway, you'll be glad to know that we're happy to see you're both alive and well. And we totally did. Right in its fucking eye. * LordWind takes a few long blinks, then looks around the room, getting a count. "Where's Olivia?" Hmm? * LadySwarm blinks. "Olivia?" Your girlfriend is in the hospital too. A different hospital. And then, the brain! * LadySwarm meanwhile disengages from Wind, lowering him carefully onto the bed if he can't make it there himself. I think she broke her collarbone, and a few other things. * LordWind remains sitting. Even if it looks like he's forcing himself to. * LadySwarm gives Wind a lip-pursed sideways glance, but doesn't interfere. But regardless, it should go without saying that bad shit's gone down. Things are changing, and fast. * LordCharybdis takes the water and pours it out into a ball in the air, despite Acne's request. "I'm sorry I was no help. ...hey, girls?" he asks of the water, "You, um, want to come out? I could use..." Yeah. * LadySwarm says almost indignantly to Sei, "You were totally a help! You turned an entire tentacle to seaweed!" * LadyAcne sighs and walks away. "Okay, fine. Your ribs are knitted, finally, but be careful when you detransform." Yeah, and it was you that helped get us so much data about it in the first place! I'll relax when I know everybody is okay. *We're* all okay. You're the one who got blown up. You too, Lord Wind. For Magics' sake, no flying for a few days. Yeah, fat lot of help you were, getting caught in an assassination plot and stuff. * LadySpitterwing manages to say that one with more friendly mockery than genuine vitriol. Yeah, and then it turned back. And hit me and Unicorn and knocked us out. Nngh. All 'cause we THOUGHT I'd been usefu--ow... useful. And the data? That was definitely useful. You were, so shut up. Anyway, welcome back. * LordCharybdis winces as the music starts and the girls come dancing out of the water. "What do YOU wa--oh, we're a healing service now, are we?" * LadySwarm bites her lip a little. "Yeah, but if you hadn't we would've had to be dodging that one too. And without it we wouldn't have had a way to get to the thing's eye and body and all." * LordWind lets himself flop back down on the bed. "I can't believe I survived that." * LadySpitterwing nods. "What Crystal and Swarm said." To be fair, Wind-kun, I think your day was second-worst. * LordCharybdis turns away, too shy or upset to disagree verbally with the older girls. What happened? I'll let them tell you. But notice that Chary here got pounded worse than you did. I doubt it. I'm just not as tough as Lord Wind. To you or to us? ...and yes, Mizu, if you'd...I'd really appreciate it. You go first. I'm still a little out of it. * The girls huff, but apply their healing magics. They look over to Lord Wind, and ask, "Would you like us to heal you, next?" in cheerful and polite tones. * LadySwarm splutters at Sei and the girls approximately equally. She doesn't seem to know where to start glaring. * LadyAcne natters at her EI for a few seconds, then heads for the door. "When you can walk, you can leave." And she does that herself. Um-! Do we all have to leave together, at the same time? Speaking of covers, and such. * LordWind waves off the miniature girls. "Take care of him first. I think I want to walk this off." Anyhoo, Wind, Chary, might as well level since it's best to just get all the bad news out of the way quickly... something about the hurt all blurring together, Pops said once. Well, as bad as the Lords got beat up they should have someone escorting them back to campus. ...I'll be fine! Um, Wind, they already took care of him. I'll just need some water. * LordWind blinks. "Oh. Well. No thanks. I'm still alive, I guess." You're sure? You ask so little, and we hate to see you hurt, Lord Wind. Yeah, it's not like you called us away for your own selfishness. What were you doing to get so hurt? I understand, Lady Turbulence, but it'd still look kinda weird and anyway, I don't spend a *whole* lot of time with them when detransed... * LadySwarm folds her arms over her chest. She's figured out where to glare now. * LordWind shakes his head, with some effort. "No thanks. Let's just say it helps me think. Need to do a lot of that." * LadySpitterwing snorts at Wind, then takes another bottle of water from the same place Acne got it and hands it to Charybdis. * LordWind props himself up a little, and looks at Spitterwing. "So. What happened?" * LordCharybdis sits up, stretching now that the girls have done their thing. "Wow. Thanks, Mizu, Nami," he says with a genuinely grateful grin that falters at their eye-roll. He lifts himself off the bed-thing, and flops to the floor with a *splat*. ...oof. Um. I really will need water to get anywhere. * LordCharybdis squirms a bit, uncomfortably, moving awkwardly on the floor. Here's another bottle...and there should be a sink and stuff nearby, I guess... Lessee... you got exploded, but you're fine. The darts sent something in the direction of the monkey, only it was gigantic and all Sei- like. Well, more the bottom half. Bottle's too little. Sink'll work... But thanks! Well, then take that to hydrate or whatever, then... * LadySpitterwing looks around for the sink or for directions to a room that would likely contain a sink, and points it out to Sei. * LordCharybdis lifts himself up by his arms, and extends a tentacle to the nearest sink. It's kinda creepy how stretchy it is as it turns on the faucet and the water starts flowing along its length to pool beneath him. * LadyCrystal points to Wind at the 'exploded' part, then at Sei's splatty parts at the 'Sei-like'. It hit shore, and we played a bout of Run For Your Fucking Life. Wiggly over there ended up getting smacked. So did Unicorn, but it looks like she didn't recover. Fucking shame. Otherwise, we got into the thing, splattered its brain, and here we are. Crystal, Swarm, do you think you can handle them? * LadySwarm blinks a bit at this summary. "Uh...sure." Big monster. OK. Like I said, I just don't want to make it look too obvious. I think. Very big. Like, building big. * LordCharybdis freezes, as does the water. Well, it starts pooling in the sink instead of flowing towards him. It doesn't actually turn to ice. "Lady Unicorn...died?" * LadySpitterwing waves to everyone, pretending Crystal didn't hit the Hard Truth that she already did. "See you guys...later..." Yeah. * LadySpitterwing slips out before the emofountain starts! * LadySwarm nods reluctantly. ...oh no! * LadySwarm waves to Spitterwing belatedly, but she's already gone. She-- she's a teacher, and a Lady, and... She can't die! * LadyCrystal gives poor Sei a pat on the shoulder. "Man, if only it worked that way." * LordWind frowns. We can die, Sei. Everything can die, except maybe the Magics. And we don't know for sure about them. * LordCharybdis looks horrified, and guilty, and sad, and angry, and hurt, and flinches from the pat on his shoulder. "I should've saved her! I--" he breaks down. But yeah, it's going to be a fucking mess. I imagine the Ladies are already on it. But... Sei. Dammit, Sei... * LadySwarm automatically goes to sit on the bed beside Sei and wraps her arms around him. * LordCharybdis chokes it back. "S-- sorry..." * LordCharybdis pulls the water to him with a vengeance. If he's wet he isn't crying, right? * LadyCrystal looks kind of at a loss. "... ugh, maybe I need to learn some tact. But... listen up, man. She knew the risks. We all did. That could have been any of us. And it's something we gotta really digest, y'know?" ...should've... Saw it coming, and didn't get out of the way. * LadySpitterwing, as she's checking to make sure she actually can leave, is told by Neko via comm that she actually can't just yet, and just sighs and goes to wait in the lounge again. * LadySwarm bites her lip. "So did Unicorn, and she didn't even try, she just charged in." I could've gotten her out, if I'd dodged. I could've. I should've. * LordWind watches quietly while the girls do the caring, a sympathetic look on his face. She fought. It's what she knew. ... it's what I know. We fight. She wouldn't've had to if I'd made the tentacle stay transformed. * LadyCrystal just pats Chary's shoulder again. "Just... think on it. I'm always around to talk to, but I think I need to square away a few things in my head as well." * LadySwarm looks like she wants to shake Sei. "Even magic has limits. And you can't do *everything*." * LadyTurbulence chuckles. "I'm impressed it held that long. Seriously, have you ever cursed anything that large before?" * LordCharybdis forces a grit-teethed smile. "Thanks. I don't need to talk. But thanks." It never worked only part-way before! It either does or it doesn't! Sometimes we all do. Although I won't tell you about my first talk. Girl stuff. Pops was so confused. You've never tried to change something the size of a building! * LadyCrystal smiles, faintly, then turns to go. "I'll be outside." ...should just stop trying. * LadyTurbulence checks her EI momentarily. * LordCharybdis slumps. You're in this for the long haul, Sei. Surrender isn't an option, y'know? * LadyCrystal is soon out, to do some thinking of her own. Sei. I understand you feel like you didn't do good enough. Take some time to mourn. But don't think this was your fault. You tried, and that's all you can do. Trying isn't good enough! You succeed or you don't! That's all! Bullshit. "Try" didn't keep Lady Unicorn alive. If it were good enough, it'd have results that were good enough. It doesn't. But you tried. And failed. And that's the important part. * LadySwarm snaps at Sei. "Lady Unicorn was there to fight that thing same as we were, and she chose how. You don't get to say any of that was your fault." No. Courage is trying anyways, even if you know you can't win. Courage always deserves respect. And whatever else you say, quit saying it was your fault. It was hers, or it was the monsters. * LordCharybdis flinches, and retreats from Swarm, pulling into his water. "Fine. Whatever. Courage is good. But it isn't good enough. I..." It has to be. Because if you give up you've already lost! Then I'll get stronger. But I won't get in the way until I do. * LordCharybdis turns the water back on, and starts pulling it as fast as the pipes will give it up. * LadySwarm splutters more. "Get in the way?! What are we supposed to do if you don't help?" Just for the record... ...no avatar in the history of three worlds has ever had to fight a living monster that large. And you kids are just Ladies. Am not! Close enough. ...sorry, I should've known what you meant. * LordCharybdis gets enough under him to float up a bit and drift over to the sink so the water has less distance to flow. * LordWind voice softens. "Mourn. You need to. But face it, don't run. If you run, I will drag you back, whether you like it or not." That would have been more than most Princesses could handle. And in the end, it went down. That's a pass in my gradebook. No offense, Lady Turbulence, but you're not the teacher in this subject. And a 'D' isn't good enough. But...thanks. *remembering his manners and forcing himself to smile quietly as he rises up in his water column to bow* I am sorry for my outbursts. Well, we'll see. Is everyone feeling ambulatory? * LadySwarm huffs at Sei, but can't seem to come up with anything else to say. I'm fine, just like I said I'd be. * LordWind takes his time getting to his feet. "Oogh. I can walk." * Hantsuki facepalms. "You and your Dad, Murdon-kun..." Are you SURE you don't want us to heal you, my Lord? *asks of Wind* There's a little something happening upstairs. I can get a wheelchair if you don't want to go up all the ramps... I'm sure. I want to walk it off. *he pauses, then adds..* .. it'd feel cheap otherwise. ...what HAPPENED, Wind? *worried* * LadySwarm manages not to roll her eyes at Wind. What *is* it with all the male idiocy today? I'll wait till we're not scattered again. * LadySwarm doesn't say that out loud, for the record. I just have to ask, John. Hm? Do think they meant to let you live, or were they just not fast enough on the trigger? I believe that I'm lucky to still be alive. Mmm. * LadyTurbulence holds the door open for the teens. "Ballistics is going bonkers trying to figure that out." Who's "they?" ...wait, where's my Tessen and datavisor? * LadyTurbulence points to the Tessen on an equipment cart. "The datavisor... well, I'm sure you can requisition another." * LordCharybdis sighs. "I can probably fix it, if you've still got it..." he says without much hope as he picks up his metal fan. It seems to count as "clothes" well enough. * LordWind walks on through. "What's the little something?" * LadyTurbulence grimaces. "It's a ceremonial function, I'm afraid." * LordCharybdis floats on out, himself. "...a what.?" * LadySwarm scrunches up her face uncertainly. "A ceremonial function?" * LordWind says dryly, "On second thought, maybe I should still be in bed." * LordWind then adds, more seriously, "I need a mirror before I show up to one of those." I have no idea how I look right now. * LordCharybdis has stopped dead until this "ceremonial function" is explained. * LadyTurbulence leads the way up the ramps again, getting busy with her EI as she walks. "You're fine. Maybe a little blasted-looking around the hairline." * LordCharybdis still isn't moving. C'mon, Chary, they're bringing back Unicorn. * LordWind solemnly lowers his head. * LadyTurbulence keeps moving. ... ... ... * LadySpitterwing sees the group heading past the lounge, and pokes Crystal to leave. "C'mon, I think it's the last thing before we get to get outta here." She looks at her teammate. "And, uh, you've got a little something on...er...oh, here." She wipes off a speck of dirt on Crystal's cheek and motions the other girl to come step in line with the others. I... * LordCharybdis shrinks back. "I can't--" * LadySwarm follows Lady Turbulence veeeery reluctantly. * LadyTurbulence finally turns around. "Lord Charybdis. Some things simply have to be done. Surely your father taught you THAT." * LordCharybdis winces as if slapped, but nods. * LordCharybdis sets his jaw, shakes his Tessen until it becomes a black Trident, and floats out. It's not regal, but he's trying. * LadySwarm glances at Sei and softens her voice. "Hey. We'll be there, too." She reaches out to squeeze his hand. * LadySpitterwing eyes the tense situation carefully, then falls into step with Crystal behind the dramastorm. * LordCharybdis squeezes back. It's tight, but not painfully so. * LadyNeko emerges from one of the rooms near the lounge and joins the rest of the group. She nods solemnly to everyone. * LadySwarm nods back, a bit wide-eyed. * LordCharybdis doesn't nod. He's very rigid, tentacles notwithstanding, as if afraid the slightest movement would crack him. <@Ked> There's an actual bus waiting at the lab entrance, and it fills quickly with staff as well as MGs. * LadySpitterwing nods back, with an attempt at solemn somewhat disrupted by a mix of curiosity, pride, and sadness. * LordCharybdis shrinks back at the sight of all the people, but swallows and forces himself on with a sickly grin. <@Ked> Everyone looks grim, though several of them smile at the snowflakes. * LordCharybdis looks away, stricken, when people smile at him. * LadySwarm gives Sei a worried glance and makes sure she sits next to him on the bus, trying to keep an eye on him. * LadySpitterwing gives a small hesitant smile back to those that smile at her. * LordCharybdis finds the back of the bus. This is more a practical concern, so he doesn't get people or seats wet. * LadySpitterwing's stomach grumbles a little. She coughs to try and cover it up. * LordWind takes the front of the junior group, letting the girls take care of the squid, keeping a carefully controlled expression of solemnity and hope up for the people around. * LadySpitterwing catches Crystal's wry/commiserating glance at her and responds with a "Hey, I can't help it" shrug. <@Ked> It's just two minutes' ride up and around, back to the parking/landing lot in the center of the zone. The largest group of Snowflake Guard troops any of you have ever seen are standing there in a formation square, and a large gallery of civilian and scientific staff is milling across from them. * LadySwarm tries to control a twitch as she sees all the people and glances at Sei again. * LadyNeko transforms up into her lioness form, then herds her group of MGs about ten meters off to one side of the Guard. * LordCharybdis actually regains a lot of his composure and gets less stiff, talking quietly with Swarm and the passengers in the back. * LadySpitterwing and Lady Crystal follow Lady Neko, flanking her respectfully. * LadyCrystal is good at the respectful thing when she doesn't open her mouth, it seems. * LadySwarm gives Sei a reassuring smile and follows the others carefully, trying not to mess anything up. <@Ked> There is seemingly no formal ceremony - only sudden quiet as two figures appear at the gate, holding a long box between them. Lady Acne and Princess Nitrogen carry the casket onto the base towards an open hangar. As they pass in front of the Guard, there's a ripple of saluting. * LadyNeko doesn't salute - large cats just look silly doing that. * LordCharybdis salutes anyway. Even if it looks silly. * LadySpitterwing straightens up and glances around at Lady Turbulence, trying to figure out if she should salute or just curtsey. * LadySpitterwing sees the casket approaching too quickly, and decides to curtsey, then salute once upright again. * LadyTurbulence doesn't salute, but she's clenched a fist over her heart, and looks to actually be tearing up. * LadySwarm feels silly saluting, so she settles for standing very straight and looking serious. Fortunately, it's hard to mess that one up. * LadyCrystal delivers a swift, but very respectful two-fisted bow -- as truncated a version of the wai khru as she can manage given the space. * LordWind salutes appropriately. He's not that bad at it. <@Ked> The Lady and the Princess move on into the dimly-lit hangar, and as they move out of sight, the Guard square turns to face the Lords and Ladies, and salutes again. * LordCharybdis salutes back, and bows reflexively. It's...as awkward as it sounds. * LadySpitterwing is stuck now, and has to do the curtsey-then-salute thing again. Otherwise it'd look weird. * LadySwarm freezes. Since she was already standing still and looking serious, hopefully it's not that noticeable. * LadyTurbulence does salute this time - at the snowflakes. * LordCharybdis raises an eyebrow, and pauses a moment too long as he tries to figure out how to respond before saluting back. * LadyCrystal pays her respects once more... then blinks at Turbulence. <@Ked> There's another pause... and then the moment passes, the Guard formation slowly melts away, and the spectators head back to their lives, and jobs. * LadyNeko detransforms, and starts hugging the young MGs she fought with today. * LadySwarm heaves a breath of relief and relaxes a bit...and then is hugged. After a moment, she smiles and hugs Lady Neko back. If you kids ever need anything - ANYTHING - let me know. * LordWind takes a step back and let the veterans bond. * LordCharybdis accepts the hug and returns it, trying to keep the water off the Lady. * LordCharybdis nods. "Are you okay, Lady Neko?" he asks, genuinely worried. * LadySpitterwing hugs Neko fiercely when it's her turn, but releases her quickly afterwards. "Thank you, Lady Neko." * LadyNeko wipes away a tear. "I'm sorry. It's just been so long since I did anything like today." * LadyCrystal doesn't hug back. She has an image to maintain. "Right, ma'am." Life goes on, y'know? We'll work things out. Me, too. Longer, even. *weak joke* * LadyTurbulence has walked away, absorbed by something her EI is showing her. * LadySwarm hugs Lady Neko again. She would give Neko a hanky, except she doesn't have one right now. * LadySpitterwing looks around. "Um...is there anything else, or..." Go on home, Spoon is waiting for you at the train station. Make her buy you an ice cream. Is that some kind of tradition? * LadySwarm smiles a little and nods. OK, thanks! Maybe it should be. * LadySpitterwing zips off, her cover the first thing on her mind, and a REALLY LATE meal, the second. Maybe it should. Seeya, ma'am. * LadySpitterwing doesn't badger Spoon for an ice cream, but she does badger her for an alibi. * LordWind nods politely at Lady Neko. "M'lady." * LordCharybdis takes a deep breath when Neko's gone. "I, um. I'm sorry for my outburst, earlier." * LadyCrystal smirks in that roguish manner of hers and goes to join 'wing. The smirk slowly fades as it all really starts to set in. "... fuck. She died." It's okay, Chary. ... I'd probably feel the way you did if I was there. * LadySpitterwing also receives frantic texts from her talent show group members about meeting tomorrow to "get the nails in" their presentation proposal! * LadySwarm gives Sei another hand-squeeze. "It's okay." By the way. All of you. Don't break cover. No shit. For any reason. The reason I wasn't there is because I don't have a cover, and you have no idea how much that hurt. * LadySwarm doesn't roll her eyes. "Of course we won't." ... * LadySpitterwing is fortunate that she left before having to listen to Wind tell her something she already knows. Why-- or who-- ...I guess you don't know, do you. I know it was already a good idea, but now it's a deadly thing. So I'm emphasizing it, even if it's obvious. * LordWind looks askance, worriedly. "That's all I wanted to say." <@Ked> [end session]