Session Start: Wed Apr 27 18:38:20 2011 <@Ked> [The Hunt] <@Ked> [Monday, July 29, 2490 - 1820 local Snowflake time] <@Ked> [A Snowflake Guard firing range staked out at the back of Zone 11.] <@Ked> The sudden possession of a non-living object by a silverdart has the Hierarchy in a tizzy again, and once more the Ladies have been recalled to Michiko for conferences. The good news is that simplified all of your afternoon schedules. The bad news is that Sergeant Doeschate has taken the opportunity to schedule the postponed first meet-the-Guard session for, like, right now. <@Ked> At least he's bothering to keep this first meeting enjoyable, if somewhat loud, by taking the team out to the training range and checking them out on the standard Guard firearms. <@Ked> [session start] * LadyCrystal hasn't said anything negative, but she's obviously not happy about the prospect of having to use a firearm. ...and so most of our recruits have more experience with hunters' arms than anything, and we've been able to standardize on longer weaponry than they typically like on Earth. * LadySwarm is listening attentively, if not enthusiastically. * Private pipes up. He's obviously along as a reward for something or other, and is painfully enthusiastic about meeting the snowflakes. The lower gravity helps as well! * Private hands out assault rifles - or at least that's what they look like. * LadySpitterwing's eyes light up a tiny bit. * Doeschate notices the lack of enthusiasm. * LadySwarm takes one. She looks a little awkward, but at least she's not waving it around and pointing it at anyone. She's holding it with the muzzle pointed carefully at the ground. * LordCharybdis is glad it's outside. But... "Um, do we have firearms big enough for me?" Well... * Doeschate looks up. * LadyCrystal takes one, and her face screws up a little. "It's... interesting-looking?" * LordCharybdis looks decidedly embarrassed. We could maybe dismount one of the hovercraft '14's? Sorry. *scratches the side of his nose* Uh. Maybe for another time. Sorry, my lord. Not your fault. YOU didn't make me oversized. * LadySpitterwing takes one, in the process showing that she clearly knows how to hold one...but isn't quite prepared for how heavy it is. * LadySpitterwing shifts her weight a little and looks steadier about it. Anyway, these really are SMG's, despite the size. They shoot something just a little bigger than a pistol round, but they do it very, very accurately. * Doeschate waves a hand towards the completely-clear range behind him. "Please, go ahead." ... you mean, like... now? * LadySpitterwing grins. "OK, I'll give it a sh--try!" If you don't want to, you don't have to, though you're probably going to have to learn eventually. Today, this is just for fun, and to get you off-campus. * LadySpitterwing steps up to the metaphorical plate, hefting her weapon experimentally. Look out, teenage girl with an assault rifle! * LordCharybdis gingerly picks one up, just to see if he can hold it in a useful manner. * LadyCrystal grunts. "Well, fine. I suppose I might as well. Not at all keen with these things..." She at least knows which end to point where, but her grip is somewhat inexpert as she finds something safe to aim at before giving the trigger a hesitant squeeze. * LadySpitterwing makes sure nobody is behind her, picks out an arbitrary target, and lets fly! * LadySwarm glances at the others, a little uncertain. After a moment, she steps up beside Spitterwing, but not too close. She raises the gun and aims as best she can, then squeezes the trigger. * LadyCrystal seems totally unprepared for the recoil, but at least the gun doesn't go flying. "Shiiiiit! Okay, dammit, I felt that..." Single shots, at least until you're used to it. * LordCharybdis manages to hold it awkwardly in two hands - literally in two hands; his arms are not participating - but gives up and holds it in one and, after turning off the safety, fires a stream at a target. "Hey! That *is* smoother than a shotgun!" THEN he registers Doeschate's instruction. "Oh, oops. Er, how do you shift it to one-shot mode?" * LadySwarm's shot goes...more or less at the target. She looks down at the gun in mild surprise. "Huh. Doesn't kick s'much as the rifle..." * LadySpitterwing's rifle goes off! She manages to keep from dropping the gun or letting the kick throw her aim off too much...but is knocked back a pace or two afterwards, and blinks rapidly, shaking her head to clear it of the noise. "Did I hit it? Did I hit it?" * Private guides Charybdis to the selector toggle. Ooooh, there's a switch. Huh. * LadySwarm can't help but giggle at Spitterwing. That was louder than I thought it'd be! * Doeschate puts on headphones. Thanks. *embarrassed again* One of your advantages is your ears heal. We, on the other hand, have to worry about hearing loss. * LordCharybdis has his ears covered by his datavisor's ear-bits already. * LordCharybdis tries again, one shot at a time. He's actually competent, if a bit awkward given the wrong way he has to hold it due to size issues. "Do you think it would be easier if I held it with tentacles? They can get skinnier than my fingers, now." * LadyCrystal is trying to get into it as well, but her frown says 'ugh' nearly on a level matching her skirt-disliking. She's a trooper about it, at least -- she's trying to hit things! I don't have tentacles, so I can't say. Just be careful with the trigger, my lord. Oh, is it delicate? I'm sorry. Uh, us small, shootable things are delicate. The gun is pretty sturdy. ...well, yes, but that's why you don't point it at anything you don't want to kill. * LadySpitterwing seems to have hit slightly left of center on her first target. So she tries again! Her second shot lands between her first one and center. * LadySwarm tries a couple more times. After a few shots, though, she starts looking for a safety so she can put this thing down safely. Um...? My lady? Let me help you. * LadySwarm gives Doeschate a smile of mixed embarrassment and gratitude. "Thanks." * LordCharybdis squirms over there, too, putting his own safety on. Then he hovers, because Doeschate's already there and he doesn't want to get in the way. * LadySpitterwing hits center with her third shot, then seems to be trying to make a pretty flower pattern around those shots. Yeah. You'll have to forgive. Just not comfy with these. But... * Doeschate takes the weapon, nods, then points it down range, flips it to auto, and puts the next twenty-four rounds within a handspan of the center of the target. * LadyCrystal looks over Spitter's way and snerks. "Well, at least someone knows their stuff..." They're actually pretty cool. Though I think they'd be a bit too much for hunting. ... holy shit, practice much? Just a little. Woooow. * LadySpitterwing has her bottom lip between her teeth a bit as she aims each shot, but is smart enough to remove it before actually *firing* each shot. Her "flower" is more...an abstraction of a flower, though. Oh, well. * LordCharybdis 's eyes are WAY bigger than they should be, only made worse by the fact that he's a giant teenager. Wow. That's...impressive. If you're big enough, these are easy to keep on target. * LadySpitterwing stops as Doeschate does his stuff. "Wow! That's awesome!" And they are made for hunting. Hunting things that are shooting back at you. That's not hunting, that's fighting! ...um, sir. Sorry, sir. Um...they *are* the Guard, Charybdis, it's kinda their job and stuff. * LadySwarm freezes a little at that comment. She looks glad she's not holding one of the guns any more. * Doeschate smacks Charybdis on a nearby tentacle. "Don't call me sir!" Eep! Sorry sir! ...er.. Um. Sorry, S--that's hard. * LadySwarm laughs. * Private chokes slightly. * LadySpitterwing giggles. * LadyCrystal rolls her eyes. * LordCharybdis huddles in his mass of tentacles. Well... I can kind of see why we need these. That thing from before took one hell of a beating. I could barely do much to begin with. * LadySwarm blinks. "The fridge, you mean?" * LadySpitterwing then goes to her next shot. She's taking enough time between each shot (interruptions notwithstanding) that it's obvious she's a long way from being practiced with the thing...but at least she's managed to start bracing properly! Mmm-hmm. * LadySwarm nods. "I can see how having a gun might've helped with that...if I could use it right, anyway." Well, I, uh, that was sort of why I asked you here. * LadySwarm flushes a little and nods. "Right." * Doeschate sighs and sits down. * LordCharybdis suddenly has a thought and holds the gun well up away from the water. "Um, are these water-proof?" Mostly yes, my lord. So I can take 'em in the water with me? Oh good. I'd watch out for salt water, and clean them after regardless. * LordCharybdis relaxes a bit. And then thinks about it some more and puts the gun down, anyway, safety on. "Oh, okay. I'll get it cleaned after we're done here, then, if that's okay, sir," he says to the private. You REALLY shouldn't call me sir. My lord. We'll have some weapons in our offices- * LadySpitterwing manages to finish her shot before she breaks into cackles at *that* one. ...I'm sorry! Well, it really does seem like things are escalating. I mean... yeah, we expected living things. But a fridge. Seriously, they can ride objects, too? Or is it just electronics? Mn. * Doeschate stops, looks cross-eyed for a second, and can't help but giggle. * LadyCrystal pauses, tapping her chin. "How long until we're dealing with killer vehicles with doom-laser headlights?" Yipes. Yes. Well. I don't know where things will end up, but I do know that sooner or later, some of us will end up in a fight with one. * LordCharybdis nods, intently concentrating on not talking. * LadySpitterwing winces. "Eeeep." I mean us-the-Guard. Not you us. * LadySwarm nods. But...so far they've all come here. They seem to be attracted to us, or something. ...oh. Yes, but there've been a couple which haven't stayed right by you, or were just close enough you could run to them. ...I mean us-the-Snowflakes. Or something. Well, there are a bunch of them, and who knows... maybe they've got... personalities? * LadySwarm blinks at that idea. And waaay too much is still classified above our level, so I'm just going to the best source. Huh? He wants you to tell us how to kill them, I think. Bwuh? * Doeschate grins, though it's not a happy one. "Yeah. Something like that." Oh. Um...I'venotbeenverygoodatthat. Mostly, it's just a matter of breaking what's the vital part of whatever they're inside of. Or it seems that way. Yeah, mostly it's just been "hit them a lot until they stop" and stuff. * LadySwarm ...winces. She screws her face up and says, "Mostly I think we just bashed them. A lot. Except for the squid." * LadyCrystal looks at the others. "The building-squid was a matter of getting inside and mashing up its brain, yeah." Yeah. They're like...not-human Lady-things. So...how would you kill us? * LadySpitterwing twitches a tiny bit at the reminder of squid- crawling. * LadySpitterwing twitches a little more at Charybdis asking a trained Guard member how said Guard member would cut down a Lady. ...sorry, Spitterwing. But...he *asked*. I guess that makes sense for the living ones. What about the last one? And there's a time for niceties, and a time for pragmatism. * LordCharybdis sounds like he's quoting something with that last line. Hit it even more! And uh...don't let it hit you? I dunno, all this still seems like something you guys would know a lot more about than us. * LadySwarm rubs the side of her head in memory. "Yeah." Yeah, we kinda just held it still so it couldn't fight back and bashed it to bits. Damage. It was pretty damned tough. I can generally punch through armor, and it still held up. ... crumpled fast once it was 'dead'. The dart was probably reinforcing it. It seemed to lose steam as we fought, though. It got easier to squash as time went on. I guess I was hoping there was some sort of crunchy silverdart core you had to blow out, and we could aim for or something. * LadySwarm shakes her head. "Doesn't seem like it." They seem to just... fade into them? If there were, I sure wish we *did* know about it! Lord Wind'd be able to tell you better; he's got really good magic sense. Shit. Sorry, s--er. Yeah, he's the sharp one out of us all. Also been at this longest. Wasn't he the first Snowflake to Become? Don't think he has any more combat experience than the rest of you. * LordCharybdis looks at Farah. "Possibly less, really." He was! That video is sooo cool. Really? I should have Hantsuki get it for me. ...I wonder if there was a silverdart there. Huh. Is that how you kids got made? I don't *think* there were any reports of silverdarts around when I Became. ...maybe? There was one around when I did. Not too close, though. * LadySpitterwing eyes the private warily out the corner of her eye. "Not that I remember, anyway." No, we're... well, I really did come around when a dart was close. I'm sure that was cool too, my lady. * LadyCrystal frowns. "Weirdest feeling ever. Was so damn confused. Was a tiny bathroom, too. I didn't hurt you, right Swarm?" I Became when Rory's peepmouse... *trails off, looking sad and guilty* Nah, you were fine. Heck, I think I scared you way more than anything you did to me. Anyway, we'll have some weapons at our Admin building office, but probably it's better not for you to plan on using them. It doesn't look like any of you have experience with them. What kind of--awww. * LadySwarm nods, looking relieved. Sorry. Dad just trained me on frontier weapons for ranged stuff. Guns and bows. Er, simple-type guns. Shotguns and pistols. However. Can I get your permission to contact you - or for the Guard generally, I should say - if we ever find ourselves in a firefight with hostile magic? Sure! That's why we Became, right? To help out with stuff like this! * LadySpitterwing looks a little cautious. "I guess if Lady Spoon says it's OK..." I'm... * Doeschate looks around. I'm trying not to ask the broader Hierarchy for permission on this. * LadySwarm nods, then hesitates. "Yeah, but...they're worried about people figuring out who we are." * LordCharybdis taps out on his wrist-thing's virtual keyboard, "Hantsuki, make sure Ballistics isn't spying right now, please. As best you can." As are we. If there's a dart attack and the four of us run out of class... * LadySpitterwing looks a little askance. "...what do you mean, trying not to ask the broader Hierarchy for permission?" * Hantsuki rezzes up, and looks annoyed. Pfft, good luck. She can be where she wants. But... yeah. I mean, I don't want any of you guys getting killed if we can help it, but it's kind of a tense issue. She can't read me, of course, but there's nothing I can do about the other EIs, unless you want me to hack them AND they haven't already relayed anything. Where are all the Ladies right now? * LordCharybdis winces at Hantsuki's irritated look. "Sorry... I guess there's nothing to be done 'bout it, then. Unless you guys're okay with it." * LadySpitterwing just looks more and more confused. "Mmmichiko?" * LordCharybdis looks up at Doeschate's question. "Er? You mean, like Lady Spoon and the Duchess and Aunt Hammer and Lady Acne and stuff?" Where they're having another lousy conference. * LadySwarm watches Doeschate a little warily, not sure where he's going with this. * LadySwarm isn't pleased at the idea of going behind people's backs, either. * Doeschate shrugs. "I'm just saying, they have a tendency to over- think everything. I don't want us to call, and be told to hold on while they argue the ontological ramifications of various combinations of responses." We'll definitely catch flack for agreeing to something like that, but... well... I guess I got this for a reason. I might as well use it. Look, we're not going to leave people stranded or anything. I'm sure we'd be okay with it after it was over. ...we should probably try to come up with excuses. And...maybe only one or two of us should go at a time? Surely the local Ladies will show up if we can't... * LadySpitterwing looks uncomfortable. "Wouldn't that make it even worse then? I mean, if we end up doing something we're not supposed to, won't that mean even more red tape?" * LadySwarm is trying not to squirm in place. There's no happy option here. Tons of it. But... sometimes, it's... well, doing the right thing. A lot of people believe in us Snowflakes. Remember the market? How 'bout we handle each situation as it comes up? I can get...just about anywhere...really fast, as long as there's water nearby, so it may just be me going. The Duchess was okay, back in the day. She understands how security matters are. But she's so ill, and has been surrounded by so many people who have forgotten how to do things the right way, I just... well, if we need help, we're going to need HELP, and FAST. * LadySwarm nods. She can agree with that, at least. Well...well I mean, we would probably hear about it anyway, right? I mean, the same way we've been getting to the scene for everything that's come up so far... I think he means...if it pops up farther away. I just ask...please message our EIs and try to get a plausible excuse for us leaving? Don't come up to us in class or something and address us with "my Lords" and stuff? Please? No, no, nothing like that. Just, can I call your EIs. Please do! Um... You can say no if you think you need to. You... I don't mind if you call mine. * Private looks on wide-eyed. * LadySwarm nods, even if she's still not enthusiastic. "Mine, too. If I can get there...without making it really obvious..." ...something wrong, S--er, Mister? *asked the private* * LadySpitterwing bites her lip a little. "Well...I'd prefer it if you didn't *call*, per se..." * Private glances at Doeschate. "No, my lord." I don't know if it will ever come up. But I won't jeopardize your safety over it. * LordCharybdis nods. "Thanks. I... well, it's kinda our *duty* to help, right? So I'm happy to if you need it. I just feel real weird promising Guardsmen that *I* will help, 'cause, well... I'm *14*." Always thought of you guys as the ones who do the helping. * LordWind shrugs. "I'll agree if it goes both ways. Same conditions, as far as considering the other side." * LadySwarm glances at John, then away, frowning. Well, it helps to have friends in interesting places. Usually you're right, Lord Charybdis. But you're the three-meter magical squid lord, and I'm just a line grunt. * LordCharybdis's cheeks turn darker grey. "Yeah. Weird, huh?" * LordCharybdis squiggles some tentacles to illustrate how weird. How do you mean, 'if it goes both ways'? Well, we're still Ladies, even if we're kind of new to this. I'd like to think our decisions still have some heft, even if we're sitting at the bottom of the totem pole. Being Snowflake's first has got to do something in our favor. If you need my help, fast, and now, I'll come, if you agree to that, too. It's not the same. Like you said. You don't know what it would take to call on us, and you don't want to put us in danger. Vice versa. I'm...not sure about that. * LadySpitterwing is addressing Crystal. * LordCharybdis holds up his trident. "Well...here's the thing, guys." Look, I just--should we really be discussing this now? *Here*? Is it the right thing to do? I don't mean the legal or by the rules or anything. I mean "right." Where else? The Ladies aren't here. Just us. * Private really looks like he wishes he wasn't. We're still Ladies. And while we're learning the ropes, we're not puppets. We have some say in our own destiny. * LadySpitterwing carefully doesn't look at the private. Umm... I'm all for it. If you need help, we're probably on our way already. But I want to know that, well, it's not one-way. * LadySpitterwing is distracted by this to blink at Wind. "Wasn't it the Guard who helped save you already anyway?" I don't want to end up facing a mob, ask for help, and have to go through the Hierarchy and red tape to ask for help. * LordWind glances sharply at Spitterwing. "Or other people like those bastards." * Doeschate looks only faintly insulted. "Uh, we're here for YOU, my lord. This is your colony. And do you expect, uh, mobs?" * LordCharybdis coughs. "Remember his recent experiences." So why are you doubting that they're on your side? I don't. But if he's looking for a red tape shortcut, I'd like it too. Um...is there red tape for the Guard when people are being attacked? Considering the growing fringer problem, while there might not be mobs yet... who knows? Not every sidser is sunshine and happy ideals. I don't think, if we have to come to each others' aid, it's ever going to reduce red tape. Just delay it. They *should* be. *grumbled at Crystal's comment* Well, I'm in, then. But yes. Certainly. If you need help, please. Call me. Anyway, it's not that I don't want to help. But... But? * LordCharybdis is honestly interested in Spitterwing's problem. * LadySpitterwing glances warily at the others. "It's...not like there aren't possible consequences for us if we always just do whatever we want." Call on me anytime you need it. *he pauses* Sorry if I seem like an asshole, but, well, you know. Hey, at least you remember not to call 'im 'Sir,' right? * LadySpitterwing bravely suppresses a response to that open line and continues with her point. * LadySwarm sighs unhappily. "I know. But...we can't just let people get hurt, either." I'm not saying we should. * LordCharybdis nods. "What consequences do you think?" There's really no simple answers here, and I don't think anyone who's not Spoon will like even this conversation. * LordCharybdis is, again, honestly interested. * LadySwarm glances at Charybdis. "Something like what happened to John, if we get outed." I just...let's not get too hasty with this "We're the Snowflakes, we have a right to do whatever we want as long as we think it's right" stuff... It's...not about having the right. * LordCharybdis goes quiet, clearly thinking VERY hard to figure out what he wants to say. * LadySpitterwing tries to suppress giving Charybdis a Look, but doesn't entirely succeed. So let's do what the Hierarchy thinks is right, then. Or, maybe what the colonists and sidsers think is right. I don't know. Who's right should we go with? Ours, but we're still feeling our way here. * LadySwarm looks relieved by Crystal's answer. This conversation is hurting her head. * LadySpitterwing just frowns at that. * LadyCrystal stretches some, looking down. "I mean, in pieces, everyone's right. But it breaks down in places, and it's going to cause some real problems if someone doesn't step up and try to glue things back together." * LordWind nods at Crystal, but seems to be waiting for Spitterwing's answer. Not saying... we know everything. But we're learning as we go, and we'll have what works for us. Eventually. I hope. Fuck, I need a drink. Let's...just remember that we still have authorities to answer to. That we REALLY CAN'T just do whatever we want all the time just yet. * LordCharybdis floats a blob of water over to Crystal. It wobbles into a glass-like shape. * LadySpitterwing turns to Doeschate. "Anyway. Just...no vocal or holo?" * Private goggles. No, we *can*, but we have to then answer for it. Unless we don't want to. And then there are consequences for THAT. * Doeschate looks like he's getting a headache too. It's not "doing whatever we want." It's "doing what we're supposed to do." And...I guess only we, or people we really trust, can decide what that is. No, no, just EIs calling EIs. Umm... Or text would be even better, yeah. Text. And if we get in trouble, if it's because we did what we knew we should, then we explain that to them. And...do whatever is right about that, too. Even if it means being punished. Sometimes doing the right things hurts, yeah. Look, let's just...totally stop talking about this for the moment, OK? Seriously. I'm not a revolutionary, this isn't about the fucking sidsers, none of that. I just want to know that we can get help - fast - if we need it. * LadySpitterwing actually directly glances in the private's direction this time. I'll be there as fast as I can be. Just say the word. You can count on me. * LadyCrystal frowns. "It's just... this kind of feels like a tipping point, y'know?" Won't say anything else, it just feels that way. * LordCharybdis giggles. "Didn't think you were, Sir. Just was --sorry. My teachers say I need to think things out more, so I'm just trying to do that." * LadySpitterwing switches to spray and tries shooting targets in that mode, letting the loudness drown out the talking. * LordCharybdis shrugs his massive shoulders, apparently not bothered by the gunfire's noise. "Doesn't feel any different than anything else about this, to me." ...tipping point? Never mind, I DON'T want to know. * LadySwarm is keeping her mouth shut, looking kind of freaked-out. Heh, neither do I. Just... a feeling. Say no more. Are you married? * LadyCrystal smiles a bit too hard at the sudden non-sequitur. Just to the career. * LordCharybdis prods Crystal with one tentacle. "I think he's a bit old for you." Hey! I'm not trying to get tied down anytime soon. * LordWind tosses a 'really?' eyebrow at Crystal. Just a random question to try and break tension. If I really wanted to say something blush-worthy, I could, but he's a gentleman and I think I've pissed him off enough. * LadySwarm is looking a different kind of freaked-out now. ... what. Oh come *on*! * Private is twitching like he wants to run away. ...sorry, Mr. Private, s--darn it! * LordWind snickers. We really are forcing you kids to grow up fast, I guess. * LadySpitterwing finishes annihilating one target and switches to another one, going for closer grouping this time. ...look, can I offer some unsolicited advice? Yeah, more or less. And you're more than welcome to, although if it's to tell us to try and enjoy our youth? I think we're running out of time for that. Always glad for a different view. Isn't that your job as one of our teachers? *grins gratefully* No, not that. Look, this is what, the second, third, fourth time the Hierarchy has put together one of these conferences after a silverdart incident? * LordCharybdis looks sheepish. "I dunno? I didn't know that's what they were doing NOW." So far, this has more or less been your fight. But they're off in Michiko making decisions about you. Without you. ... ngh. I think I see the point coming. * LadySpitterwing lays it off with the rifle for a bit, flicking the safety back on. * LordCharybdis chuckles. They're our superiors. That's what superiors do, right? * LadySpitterwing glances again at the private. * LordWind glances sharply at Spitterwing. * LadySwarm shrugs agreement at Spitterwing. Yes... but if one of my troops was fighting street battles every week or so, I'd call him in to figure out how I can help. And why they're happening. And review everything about the incidents. And make decisions with his input, even if they weren't the ones he wanted. * LadySpitterwing is too busy glancing in the private's direction to pay any attention to Wind. So it's a good idea to insert ourselves more into the equation, then. So why aren't they talking to you? Why aren't you a part of their deliberations? Maybe you're not senior enough to be making decisions, but you're the field commanders. If you're out of the loop, then you're going to wreck their plans, and they're going to wreck your plans. True, true... * LordCharybdis frowns, listening intently and seriously. It's creepily adorable on his too-big face. So... maybe, ask if one of you can join them? * LadyCrystal looks Wind's way for a moment. * LordWind looks thougthful. But not in a happy way. That doesn't sound like the greatest of ideas right now. ...why not? We really don't know enough about what they do up there. Which would be the point of asking to go with them? ....or how it's supposed to be done. And we'll know more if we wait on them to tell us? I mean, true, but... we're living this, 'wing. And if you think they're already wasting time, why do you want to waste more having them have to explain everything to us when we go up there? Yes, that is generally the whole point of being told things, Wind. Why aren't the people who're on the ground risking our lives not a part of this? I mean, we're in the dark, but we've seen much more of this up-close than they. Not... saying we should barge in, but at the very least, it's insight. Our uniformed friend here's got a point, and it's worth thinking over. * LordWind shakes his head, sighing. Okay, okay, I don't think Mr. Doeschate was saying that to get us riled up. But we should ask. Just, you know, next time we see Lady Spoon, we can ask to come to the next conference. No need to get riled up or excited, right? I don't think they mean any harm. They want what's best for us, too. So, if we take an active interest... Well, it's our lives on the line. We need everything we can get. Anyways, however it turns out, I'm bowing out of that one. If we do need to send someone, I'm nominating Lady Crystal. Don't you think they've fought things too? What have we *really* done here that they haven't done before? What have we seen that's all that important and hasn't already been discussed? Ask them about the last time they fought a Ningyo, or a Red or White. That's the point, Spitterwing. The darts. It may well be different. They seem to gravitate around us. They find a way to be close to us. Hell, we sense them first. There may be a real connection. We sure as heck don't know more about the magic than they do at this point. THEY have done this before. We haven't. We need all the experience we can get, and that includes these planning meetings. This conflict is looking a lot like the Ningyo War. They are supposed to be getting things done, not playing "Model Ladies Conference" for us. * LadySwarm is just staying the heck out of this conversation right now. They're not going to put on a show for us. And we can't WATCH and see HOW they get things done? I... I don't know why you're so against this, Spitterwing. They'll agree and include us. Or they'll agree and let us spectate. Or they'll say no. What is it you think we'll screw up by going? And if they say no, well, that can be taken a lot of ways. And *I* don't see why you INSIST on having this conversation HERE and NOW. So I don't think they will. Do you really think all five of us are that stupid, that we'll-- * LadySpitterwing flat-out POINTS at the private this time. Where and when --huh? What's wrong? * Private eeps and comes to attention. Ngh. My Lady? * LadyCrystal looks at him, then grits her teeth. "Yes, yes, we're saying too much. Fine, this talk can wait." We are? How? Why? * LordCharybdis looks confused and worried. What'd we do wrong? I'm sorry, I didn't mean... * LadySpitterwing sighs at having had to be obvious about it, and looks at the private. "Sorry, Private." * Doeschate looks concerned, but shuts up. Um...this is probably...not what you were looking forward to when you found out what you were doing today, huh? * LadySpitterwing is still addressing the private. ... bleh. It's been an honor helping all of you out. And don't worry, I'll be discreet. * LadyCrystal suddenly realizes *what* Spitterwing means, and it seems to make her legitimately upset. Upset enough to simply go back to (terrible) target practice. I don't even really understand most of what you're discussing. Discreet? But... *baffled, lost* If the master sergeant didn't think the private was good, I doubt he would have been here. *He glances back at Doeschate* * Doeschate nods slightly. * LadySpitterwing grits her teeth. "I'm not doubting Master Sergeant Doeschate's judgment here. Just...*we* really should be more discreet about these....'debates', too, don't you think?" Private, you can go. I don't think we'll be using the range any more. Let's schedule some policy debates in one of the conference rooms. ...why? * Private looks relieved, bows (badly) to the Ladies and Lords, then flees. * LadyCrystal finishes emptying the rifle, then calmly sets it down. She seems a bit better off for it. I can pencil in 1800. Bring donuts. * LordCharybdis bows back to the private. * LadySpitterwing keeps a remarkably non-fake-looking grin on her face as the private leaves, then hefts her rifle in one hand while she facepalms. Um. Um? * LadySpitterwing then says, in a MUCH less tense and almost friendly voice, "Bring your own damn donuts, Wind." * LadySpitterwing grins and looks much more like she means it, now. * Doeschate speaks very carefully. "Kids... is everything all right?" * LordCharybdis shrinks away from Spitterwing. "I-- I don't know! I-- what did we do wrong?" * LadySwarm blinks. "What do you mean, is everything all right?" * LordWind grins, wider. "Maybe I will." It's not all going to be sunshine and roses, Doeschate. We're grown up enough, we argue, and we do stupid things sometimes, like ruin a wide-eyed Private's image of what Ladies are like. ... to be fair, I really don't wanna be idolized. Too late, I know. A damned *fan club*... Hey, don't knock it, I think it's my favorite one! * LadySwarm snickers. * Doeschate looks like he wants to poke at this more, but isn't sure how. * LadySwarm then thinks about her own fan club, and stops. We're making cosplay costumes next week! You've got to give your club props for actually bringing a live spitter in, though. I guess it's just... all of this is a clash of how I view life and being an MG. ...please, Mr. Doeschate, just say it? Don't treat us like we're smarter than we are, just 'cause we're Ladies. ...and Lords. * LadySpitterwing nods. "Yeah...but we really should've gotten a better cage. Not *my* fault, I told our prez I didn't think it was strong enough, but oh well." Look, this is so entirely the wrong way for this to be happening. But... is Spoon providing... well, counselors for you? ...huh? Why? * LadySwarm blinks more. "Counselors?" * LordWind looks blankly at Doeschate for a moment. * LadySpitterwing, for once, looks to be in agreement with Wind for a second. Psychologists? Shrinks? We're not crazy! No, my Lord, I don't think you are. * LordCharybdis looks relieved at Doeschate's reassurance. I...don't think that's what he means, Charybdis. Er? Then why would we need shrinks? * LadySwarm looks away, avoiding eye contact. Has she even offered? ...why would she? * LadySwarm shrugs, still not looking at anyone. "It hasn't come up." No, she hasn't. * LadyCrystal frowns. "It might be a good idea." * LadySpitterwing opens her mouth, then closes it, a thoughtful expression on her face. * LordWind frowns, and looks away. "Look. It's tough, but, I'm all right. I've got too much I have to do." This is all stupid amounts of stress, and I know I'm not invincible. ...let me make some contacts. I'll have someone available next week. Someone I trust. You don't have to, but... if you want to, I want you to have that opportunity. * LadyCrystal looks Doeschate's way, then nods. "Thank you." ...no, thanks. *shrinks his tentacles back from Doeschate, unconsciously* ....like, someone who specializes in Ladies and stuff? * LadySwarm looks up at Doeschate. "...thanks." Are there even enough Ladies for that? Thank you. I appreciate it. I doubt I'll take you up on it, but the offer means a lot. * LordCharybdis looks baffled by the others' reactions, and is trying to not look hurt. It won't be someone who knows Ladies. But they will know something about combat. Um-mm. Just think about it, okay? Well, it's good to have the option. Thanks. W-why? Eh? Why what? * Doeschate stands and bows as well. Then heads out after the kid. * LordCharybdis shrinks in on himself. "...never mind." * LadySpitterwing does an awkward half-bow, half-dip thing. "And thanks for letting us use the range, Sergeant!" What were we doing wrong, Spitterwing? I didn't mean to make you angry, earlier. * LordCharybdis even forgot to bow good-bye to the sergeant. * LordWind gives Doeschate a farewell salute. Too much mouth around the Private, I gathered. ...huh? ....bleh. Tell you about it later. The private wasn't the issue. *shrug* Who wants ice cream? But... * LadySpitterwing blinks at Wind. "No, he totally was. I thought *you* of all people would've known *that*." * LadyCrystal smiles, although it falls. "I don't, but I really just always wanted to say that." I want to know what I did wrong so I don't do it again! * LadySpitterwing giggles at Crystal. "That totally sounded like a Lady Mallet line. Serves you right when we send you up to Michiko to look over the Hierarchy's shoulders." Geez, Charybdis. * LadySwarm really just wants to get out of here and go run it off. I'll make sure to be as annoyingly cheerful as I can fucking manage. I just think it's a bad idea to talk about...all the stuff we were talking about...with other people around. Why? Yeah, maybe. We weren't planning to do anything wrong. ... ugh, now I just feel terrible. Hoi, Swarm... you okay? But... we need some kind of policy meeting or something. We dance and clash over this too damned much. ...we do? Oh my Magics, Charybdis, seriously, I'm sooo sick of this conversation. Can we just finish it some other time? At least get back to the dorms first? Please? * LadySwarm makes a bit of a face. "Yeah. Just want to get out of here." * LordCharybdis pulls away. "...sorry..." * LordWind looks square at Spitterwing. "And that's part of it there. Let me know when you want to finish it, because we need to." * LordCharybdis flows away, eventually finding a body of water to dive into after calling up his vortex, making his escape. Later. * LadySpitterwing just rolls her eyes at Wind, unconsciously stroking the barrel of her rifle a bit before she finally turns away to put it up. <@Ked> [end session] Session Close: Wed Apr 27 22:09:49 2011