Session Start: Wed Jul 20 18:57:39 2011 <@Ked> [The Hunt] <@Ked> [Sunday, August 5, 2490 - 800 local Snowflake time] <@Ked> [A reception hall in the Academy building.] <@Ked> The morning routine was, of course, totally broken. You're not quite sure how everyone got herded where they needed to be, when they needed to be, but somehow it's happened. Parents and VIPs were wound up at the Academy first, then siblings were taken off on a field trip to watch the soccer field cleanup, then you used the brand-new escape hatches from your dorms once everyone else was locked securely in their rooms. <@Ked> The event seems to be utterly formally informal, a champagne breakfast bar (Spoon has warned all of you to limit the bubbly to ONE (1) glass), with the rich and powerful and parents wobbling around the large room meeting and greeting and doing business. <@Ked> Spoon, Turbulence, and Neko are there, of course. So, oddly, are Princess Nitrogen and Lady Masamune, though Masamune-sama appears to be on the arm of Henry Strong. There are a few other party crashers as well, but at least the remaining two silverdarts appear to have backed off a bit, now just hovering on the edge of your perception. <@Ked> [session start] * LadyCrystal looks like all the joy of having tried out the escape hatch (whee~) has bled out now that she's in this room with all these... *rich people*. She looks somewhat confused at seeing Masamune glomming onto Mr. Strong, though -- welp, there goes the 'lesbian ephebophile' theory. * LordWind is ... amused that Spitterwing showed up. Not that he expected her not to, though. * LadySwarm is not going near the bubbly, at all. She is hanging around in a corner looking extremely awkward and uncomfortable. * LadySpoon gathers the group for one last huddle. "Remember, you don't need to elaborate any positions on ANY politics. Just be friendly, don't make any enemies." * LadySpitterwing gulps and nods, chewing on her bottom lip a little. * LadyCrystal is still a bit distracted, but nods. * LadySwarm nods somewhat apprehensively. * LordWind nods, cheerfully. He's a whole different person, now that he's got some sleep. * LordCharybdis looks puzzled and a bit put off, but nods. For once, he's not got his datavisor wrapped around his eyes and ears, so people can see his face. He also finally seems to have managed to transform into the old, single-serve size Charybdis, which makes the larger amount of water he'd gotten used to carrying around look a bit excessive. He's doing his best to keep it from soaking anybody. <@Ked> A lot of your parents are keeping their distance from the glitterati - in fact there're about a dozen couples congregating near the back, all distinguished by clothing not straight out of Malletfall's downtown boutiques. <@Ked> Sei Sho is also hanging out with them - and only Spoon is giving him a second glance. * LadySpitterwing's uniform is even more elaborate than usual today. Instead of the normal one-to-two color patterning, her outfit ripples in gold, white, and red, with silver accents. Somehow the Magic knows! ... yep, there's pops and moms. Can't blame 'em. Bleh. * LadyMasamune tows John's father up to the gang of snowflakes. "Come ON, Spoon, it's time to share!" * LadySpitterwing closes her eyes and takes a deep, deep breath. She then lets it out slowly in a series of soft muttered, "What would Maya do? What would Maya do? What would Maya do?"s * LadySwarm snags a glass of water so she'll have something to occupy her hands and tries to keep the apprehension out of her expression. * LordCharybdis does go and mingle, taking advantage of his transformed state's late-teens height and the extra afforded by floating in a column of water to be as tall as the grown-ups. He shakes hands and bows Japanese-style alternately, generally grinning and being friendly. If asked, he shows off a couple fun water-manipulation tricks with some people's champagne. * LadySpoon backs off. * LordWind takes a deep breath, with an awkward smile thats quickly covered up by a generally cheerful expression. "You're harder to spot than Ballistics, I think. Glad you made it. ... and glad you missed yesterday." Fine, fine. Any questions, kids, find me. * LordCharybdis uses his trident to try to mark, for himself, where to keep the water column constrained to so it doesn't get anybody more than slightly damp. Um...OK. Thanks, Lady Spoon! * LadyCrystal looks to Masamune, unconsciously smoothing out her skirt. The crystal veins under her skin glow a very wary blue-purple, making her nervousness even more obvious. It's a neat effect, though. "Thanks, ma'am Lady." Will do, Headmistress! *Waves* Oh, I'm sure Bally-chan is hanging around here somewhere. Hi, John. * LordCharybdis notices Masamune at this point and wades over to bow politely. "Hello, Lady Masamune. I...never did apologize for being rude before. I am sorry. ...it's just, you were talking about-- in front of- -and I was trying to--" he can't seem to complete a thought and his tongue stumbles to a stop in silence, his eyes big and puppy-doggish as he hopes she'll extend forgiveness. It's so good to meet all of you. * LadyCrystal bows as well. "It is, ma'am Lady. Ah... I need to address you in private when you have a moment, but it can wait." * LadySwarm murmurs something about "nice to meet you" that is only slightly awkward. It's an honor, m'Lady. *grins happily now that the apology has apparently been accepted* * LadySpitterwing curtseys, only a little shakily. "It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Lady Masamune. I've heard so much about you!" * LordWind glances between Masamune and Henry, but doesn't comment on that bit just yet. He faces his dad square. "How'd it go last night?" * LadyMasamune looks somber and formal, her long, stiff black hair pulled back into a tight ponytail over a white kimono with silver trim, but her words are earnest. ...trying to think which part of last night you're interested in. No, no, the pleasure is all mine. Except for the part where no snowflakes showed up at my school. The. Ah. ... wrong crowd. * LadyMasamune pouts. Almost. * LadyCrystal can't help but smile, just a little. Any news on Olly? Um...well, perhaps they still will, Lady Masamune. * Henry goes blank momentarily. "Uh. No change." That's a pretty thought, Lady Spitterwing, but I think we both know how the Magics work. ...we do? * LadySwarm blinks. "What?" No such thing as coincidence? * LadySpitterwing smiles and looks a little blank. "I'm afraid you probably know a lot more about that than we do...there's still so much we have to learn about everything!" * LadyCrystal tries to find the right phrase, tapping her lip. Well, I'd phrase it as there being nothing but coincidence. * LadySwarm looks even more confused at that. * LadyMasamune smiles. "You'll understand after a few years - probably sooner, with the scraps you're getting into." Could you just explain it? *rubbing the back of his head with the hand not holding the trident* * LordWind sloughs his shoulders down, and looks askance. "I... see." Mn, no kidding. It gets the blood pumping, but I don't exactly look forward to the part where it pumps out of you. * LadyMasamune smiles tolerantly at the young Lord. "I'm sure Turbulence-san could give you the lecture on probability distortions with magical avatars present, but the way it really hit home for me was that everything seems to happen around you." * LadySwarm mutters, "Well, *that's* sure true." So the odds are that where you have five snowflakes, that's where the new ones will land - and that's why this school is here. ...oh. So you think that that's why two more of us came after us first three got here? Quite. Huh. I wondered about that. Regardless of who you are, what families you come from, the point is to let all the other rich and powerful families put their children where they're most likely to join the Hierarchy. So the Magic just compounds. And we are a new breed, so we're attracting like. I mean, there are a lot of stronger Ladies and Princesses here, but none have popped up around them. ... yet, anyway. * LadySwarm grimaces. That way we keep them on our side. ..."our side?" That...doesn't seem fair. The Hierarchy, duh. Oh...I see. * LordCharybdis frowns. Well, for as long as it lasts. And of course the rest get to hobnob with you. Which is almost as good. Mnngh. * LadyMasamune nods somberly. Not as good as you'd think with all this deep cover protection. Bleh. The price of fame, I suppose. * LordCharybdis is about to ask why that's important, but it registers with him before the question is half out of his mouth, and he closes it again, embarrassed. * LadySwarm grimaces again. "I'm glad no one knows who I am." Same here. * LadySpitterwing nodnods. I hate to say this, but give it time. We'll get the ugly looks in private soon enough. Well, they'll all know eventually. And in the meantime it should be fun to guess. * LadySpitterwing shudders. "I don't like the idea of everyone knowing." Fun for everyone else, maybe. Not so fun for us. * LadyCrystal snorts. "I imagine Sad jumped up pretty high on the rumor list. Fucking shame, I tell you... but the heart he's got. I kind of envy him." You're trying harder than the rest of us to not get caught. You'll probably get away with it. I dunno if it's fun to guess or not. I didn't really have a chance to before water sprayed everywhere. ^^; Well, it *has* been kind of fun trying to make sure people don't know, sometimes. Do you really want to hide it? I know the security concerns, but otherwise wouldn't it make your life easier? ...no! ...and...and...what *is* going to happen to Sadao-san, now? * Henry raises an eyebrow. * LadySwarm shakes her head emphatically. * LadySpitterwing shakes her head vigorously. "Not after what happened to Lord Wind. And Lady Valve, too." I do, as long as I can. I really, really don't want to have to deal with the eventual class bullshit any sooner than I have to." He'll probably stay here - it's the safest thing. We'd get mobbed the way John does. Or...attacked, yeah. But...who's...who's gonna be his parents now? Or, um, guardians, I guess it is. I'm less worried about attacks and more about this bleeding over to my parents. I'm fine with my own personal shit, but if someone aims at them, or... * LadyCrystal stops, and her expression darkens. Crystal lines flare red hot. Or our family, yeah. Yeah, I'm not sure what Dad'd do if somebody came after him, all by his lonesome... ... only as long as the geo political attitude stays the same. It's hot, and I'm representative - even if I don't want to be - of one of the extremes. If things cool off... things like that shouldn't repeat themselves. * LadySwarm nods at this, a sick expression crossing her face. ...I'm sure *your* father would be all right. But it's probably for the best, anyway. Don't you think it's a better thing to step up and take your full place as Lords and Ladies in the community? You really can't as long as you're hiding half the time. Why? But Lady Masamune, with all due respect, I don't think we're ready to yet. I don't wanna take a place until I know where I stand as a person and politically. I mean, I'm in StuCo, and that's supposedly with nobody knowing. There's nothing but coincidence, eh? I'm pretty sure that it'll have a way of working out as it needs to. They are in high school, my Lady - give them some time. We still have such a lot to learn even aside from all the Hierarchy stuff we still don't know. * LadyCrystal shrugs. "I'm still feeling out my boundaries, and there's a lot to digest. I don't wanna go into anything half-cocked, y'know?" * LadySwarm still isn't saying much, but there's a look of fervent agreement on her face. Don't .... force it. It'll go how it needs to. Only if we make it. I mean, I grew up arounds co-op guys and sidsers, and I'm just now seeing the other sides of things. * Isner walks up, a slightly-balding man in his late 30's. He's sipping champagne, and staring admiringly at the Ladies. It takes time to really... y'know... marinate in it. Well, marinate fast. Why, is something going to happen? Hi! I'm trying, really! * LordWind gives Masamune this... curious look. *dryly* Isn't it already? * LadySpitterwing starts a little, and turns to Mr. Isner, giving him a bright smile. "Hello, sir!" * LadySwarm glances at the newcomer. "Hi," she says automatically. Kids, this is Maxwell Isner. He's... uh... Nick's father? * LadyCrystal peers over, and puts on her best 'yay, persons I haven't met who are likely rich' face. I think he goes by Nicholas more often. * Isner pulls his suit jacket straighter. Hello, Isner-san. *bows* I'm Lord Charybdis. You seem awfully fervent about it. What's going to happen? Did Football ever elaborate on what she s- *he trals off as Isner gets closer* * LadySpitterwing tilts her head a little, obviously trying to see the family resemblance, but puts out her hand gamely. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Isner. Your son is a very nice person." * LordWind gives Masamune this looks like he's not satisfied, then turns, and smiles cheerfully at the newcomer. "Mr Isner? About time the life of the party noticed us." * LadyCrystal just smiles. Better not to say anything. The Isners are in the Snowflake Rail leadership team - you're... veep for sales and external relations, right? Close enough. Were you in the soccer game the other day? * Isner bows and kisses Spitterwing's hand gracefully - though with a little wobble. Oh, no, I can't run for that long. So glad to meet you, my Lady. * LadyCrystal raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. Smile's still in place. * LadySpitterwing, who was expecting a handshake, blushes a little, looking confused, but continues to smile, taking her hand away as soon as is socially acceptable. * LadySwarm is now really glad she didn't offer to shake hands. She tries not to let it show on her face. She's mostly successful. * LordCharybdis looms a bit. *loooooom* * Isner finishes his champagne and switches it for another on a handy waiter's tray. * LadySpitterwing manages not to wipe the back of her hand on her uniform, with aplomb. * LadyMasamune notices the Ladies' reticence, and frowns. * LadySpitterwing notices Masamune's frown, and gulps. "So...er...do you expect Nicholas to follow in the family business, Mr. Isner?" * LordCharybdis doesn't even realize he's looming menacingly and protectively. But his tentacles are casting ominous shadows. Oh, yes. He was working part-time for the company last fall, and put together several rail line deals. Oh, my, how impressive! That *is* cool. I suppose I should have expected it, though. He's very driven. * LordWind eyes Chary, and subtly elbows him. Good to see he's well on his way. I like that kinda attitude. * LordCharybdis diminishes immediately upon the elbow-nudge, as it distracts him. "Huh?" He'll be a better salesman than I - my father was a civil engineer, and I didn't pick up the Art until after graduation. Relax. It's just a party. Max has been very helpful to us on several occasions. * LordCharybdis blinks, confused. ... don't worry about it. ...when he's not screwing us on freight rates. * LadySpitterwing dutifully makes an attempt at a titter. * LordCharybdis glances over at the parents, wondering how to get them to mingle, too. Oh, come on, we have to subsidize the Guard transit capabilities somehow. * LadyCrystal eyes Henry, but holds her expression. She senses gossip, though. You know trains pretty well then. If I may ask. Do you have any thoughts on yesterday, being something of an expert? Well, if his freight rates are so bad, why not have somebody else transport them? *not catching that it was a joke* * Isner frowns. "You mean Friday?" They're the only game in town, my Lord. Huh? I suppose if you wanted, I could ship stuff through the Charybdal Vortex, but I hadn't even thought of that... * LordWind nods a small little nod. * LordCharybdis REALLY didn't get that "you" meant "you, as part of the Hierarchy," and it is pretty clear. * LadySwarm smiles a little. "You probably wouldn't have time, even if you didn't do anything else." Probably not. And it's probably not as fast. And the Otome twins would get really mad if I tried to ask Shimatama to do it. Ask the speedster Lady about her messengering sometime. * LadySwarm winces a little as she thinks of them. "Yeah, probably." ...it had to be someone trusted in our Operations wing. I'm not looking forward to the inquisition when I get back. If you need any help, let me know, and I'll do whatever I can. If there's anything I can do to help you out, just let me know. Sadao is a friend. * LordCharybdis nodnods emphatically. Well now, that's awfully nice of you. But I actually wanted to offer something to you - free rail passes for all of your families. * Henry rolls his eyes. * LadySwarm blinks. "But you don't know who our families are." * LadyMasamune has no reaction. 'cept Wind's. Is this just out of the kindness of your generous heart, or will some level of back-scratching be involved? Not being nasty or anything, just would like an honest reply. Aside from the fact that he'd know who we were? * LadySwarm has figured it out, and does not look happy. * LadySpitterwing blinks. "I thought Mr. Isner only meant to give our families the passes through us." I can still offer them help - there's a double-blind list for government transport which the Hierarchy can add them to. We'll sponsor for whatever number they tell us to. * LadySwarm blinks. "Oh." I think it's a waste of time, but... the, uh, SIS insisted. ...huh? I'm sure Mr. Isner would never try to do anything that would endanger us or our families. Accept if you want - it should be safe. The Guard will handle the transaction. * LadySwarm shrugs, slightly embarrassed. "I guess I'll ask my parents." * LadyCrystal makes a face. "I'll consider it." That's a very kind offer, Mr. Isner. I accept, thank you very much. Huh, thanks. I'll ask my...family...about it. *smiles; it's probably even sincerely grateful* And... Lady Crystal? There is no quid pro quo here - we just want you to... like us. * LadySpitterwing's smile is a lot more sincere after the elder Isner replies to Lady Crystal's question. They take care of you, and you don't care how much they raise their rates in 2493. * LadySwarm takes a gulp of her water. .................................. * LadyMasamune swats Henry on the arm. "You know it's not like that." * LadyCrystal chuckles deeply. See, I like it when people are straight-up with me. Thank you. I'll put in a note with Lady Spoon, and she can get the paperwork straight if you want it. <@Ked> Now it's Henry's turn to roll his eyes, but he doesn't argue further with Masamune. * LadySpitterwing nods. "I appreciate it." * LordCharybdis looks from Masamune to Strong-san thoughtfully. <@Ked> There's some slightly-inebriated-sounding laughter from around the buffet, and you turn to see someone handing out the Lady Swarm fan club official antennae hairbands - and people are actually putting them on. Aw, that's cute. * LadySwarm looks utterly mortified, and tries to hide it by taking another gulp of water. Oh, wow, I need one of those! Call me if you need anything! * LadyCrystal snorts, but doesn't outright yuk it up. * Isner wobbles away. * LordCharybdis snickers. "Could be worse." He is so drunk. He is? * LadySwarm does not see how. That's Max for you - he's okay until you put a bottle in front of him. Um, all right...nice meeting you, Mr. Isner! * LadySpitterwing then catches sight of the hairband-handing out and grins. I would've worn mine, but I didn't want people to get confused. *very quietly* I wish I had a fan club when I was in school. I'm still freaked out by mine. Magic and Queen, I'm not interesting! * LadySwarm forgets her discomfort for a moment, but she doesn't seem to know what to say immediately. "Um, I'm sure you would have, but there were probably more Ladies there..." You're the most interesting kids on the planet. * LordCharybdis whirls, splashing a bit, surprised. "Really?" he asks, before realizing she said that quietly and probably didn't want to make a big deal out of it. "I mean, um... so, what WAS it like when you were in school, Lady Masamune?" * LadySpitterwing gapes at Crystal. "Are you kidding me? I think yours might be the biggest!" Well, as you said, on a planet with a couple thousand Ladies, a new teenager Lady doesn't attract enough attention to generate that sort of love. You look super cool, your attacks look super neat, and your outfit is closer to traditional MG than mine or Swarm's. * LadySwarm grins a little. "And you glow." That too. *And* your club gets to do lots of cool stuff. See, it's a different feeling when it's you looking out. I'm more worried about passing tests and finding proper meat suppliers. And yes, I glow. * LordCharybdis leans in to whisper to Masamune, taking advantage of being taller than normal in this form, "I think you have a fan club *right here*, Masamune-sama." ... eh? What? Like what? Seriously, I don't pay attention to it or anything... I'll admit I'm glad I don't glow. * LadyMasamune raises an eyebrow at Murdon. "Oh? That's good to know." * LadyMasamune gives him a promising little smile. * LordCharybdis points surreptitiously at Swarm and Spitterwing. Well, we do cosplay costumes a lot, and that's pretty fun. * LadyMasamune gets mixed signals, and crosses her eyes momentarily. * LordCharybdis then leans away and smiles back, totally oblivious to what she thinks he was implying, and adds, "You know, I'm glad I don't have a traditional magical girl outfit. I don't think boys look good in fukus," he says, his timing somehow making the joke funnier than it has any right to be. Which is to say, "at all." It depends on the boy, really. * LadyCrystal smirks, just a little. * LadyMasamune looks at Crystal, asking the question silently. And we're getting some flakequartz in to do homemade jewelry sometime next week! No, I prefer mine not girlier than me, but I've seen a few back home. * LadyCrystal pauses. "Of course, you don't give them shit about it, or they'll curbstomp you. Miner kids are tough, regardless of the outer wrapper." <@Ked> Another well-dressed tycoon type washes up into your conversation circle. Oh! Hi! *bows formally* * Henry looks crossly at Charybdis, then clears his expression when some new guy walks up. ... and 'wing? If you do? Don't forget to not drill into it or anything. Loops and caps and whatever, but you'll end up with quartz powder with shards that small. Just some advice, it's brittle as hell the smaller the sample. Oooh, OK. Thanks for the tips! * LadyCrystal promptly turns to the new face, and on goes the smile. Lords, Ladies. Say, maybe we could work out a way to surreptitiously get you to record some tips on working with it, that we can play for the club... * Mendes bows back. * LadySwarm greets the new person somewhat gingerly. * LadySpitterwing notices the newcomer, and smiles. "Hello, sir." Mendes-kun. Good to see you - how's Aoi doing? ...why not just ask her to show up? *to Spitterwing, about Crystal* Needs to work on grades, as usual. * LadySpitterwing nudges Chary in the tentacle and mutters, "Cover." She always did so well on deportment, at least. Aoi, Aoi.... oh, yeah, her. They don't offer that here, sadly. The Mendes family builds all the colony's cars and motorbikes. * LadySpitterwing then returns her attention to Mr. Mendes. Talk about a solid market to corner. And we're working on replacements for the Guard's hovercraft! ...yet ANOTHER thing it would cost less to import. Then why don't we? It's good for the economy, dear. ...why? It helps employment, Charybdis. But...if it's cheaper to import it, wouldn't those jobs do better doing things that're cheaper here, so we get more out of each? But we need higher-level construction abilities locally, if we're going to continue to grow. At some point we'd need more than would fit on the colony ship. Not to mention Earth won't subsidize us much longer. And someday the colony ship will be retasked to another new colony. Probably not Keid next, but there's got to be another world out there. Wouldn't that be the point where it'd start to be cheaper to build it here? They're expecting total self-sufficiency soon, right? * Mendes frowns. "If we can sort out the tech transfers from the last cycle, we can finish bootstrapping, yes. I think we're technically self-sufficient already." Well, that's a whole 'nother can of angry, gun-toting worms, isn't it? We still haven't worked out a date to continue transfer negotiations, Mr. Mendes. I'm sorry. Well, idiot revolutionaries or no, I'll be there when you are. Hey, now. Transfer negotiations? * LadyCrystal raises a finger. "Never underestimate the will of people who feel left out of the loop. Just saying." * LordCharybdis says that quickly and loudly, as if covering the "idiot revolutionaries" talk and objection. Handing out the new tech from the cargo last time. It's a lot of micro-scale and nano-scale assembly tools. * LadySpitterwing gives the Crystal/Charybdis team a slightly haunted look and steps back just a squinch. Oh. Why's that difficult? ...er, that's not rhetorical. I really don't know why it is. * Henry groans. Sorry.... Be nice, Henry, he's young. * LordCharybdis shrinks down closer to his normal height. * LadyCrystal pats Chary on the shoulder. It's just a case of distributing something that's going to be very valuable. Oh. Can't nano-scale assembly tools make more of themselves? If I remember right, it's more the manufacturing gear itself that's on the line here. Oh yes. But whoever gets them first will get to sell them to everyone else. Who has them now? * LadyCrystal nods towards Mendes. "He who has the gold makes the gold chains, really." They're in... uh, storage. Oh. * Mendes looks at her sharply. ... so yeah, you're going to have some problems if it's just another rich family that seizes on it before there's an open auction or a lottery or whatever other crazy plans there where. Well, they're not doing the colony any good just sitting there. * Mendes sighs. * LordCharybdis realizes this has gotten too heavy, and, obviously trying for a joke, says in an overblown enthusiastic tone, "I know! Give it to the Snowflakes! It'll fund our schooling and then when we graduate we sell 'em!" He's risen to about nine feet and holds his trident out like a grand statue, water furling and bubbling beneath him like waves crashing on rocks in triumph. * LadyMasamune pokes Charybdis with a finger as she's pushed aside by his growing tentacles. You should've heard the grumbling and snarling when the news first leaked, it was like watching a pot of soup blast all over the place. Big mess and a lot of sound and fury---Charybdis, you look a little goofy doing that. * LadySpitterwing jumps back to get out of the splash zone. Her haunted look intensifies. * LordCharybdis grins, hoping it was funny and not offensive. ...and diminishes back down to pull his tentacles in around his water. "...sorry." You need to work on your control, my Lord. Well, I was going to offer you kids some motorbikes. But I... uh. *cough* Yes'm. * Mendes blinks, and you can see him calculating madly. Motorb--*eyes go starry-eyed before he remembers that's not a good idea* --um, I mean, thank you, sir. The offer is appreciated. *bows once more, politely* * LadySpitterwing blinks politely at the mention of neat swag. * LadyCrystal spots Mendes's look, and suddenly looks concerned. Oh, uh - well, I made the mistake of asking Lady Spoon first, and she shut me down. * LadySpitterwing laughs a little. "Oh, well. It's pretty understandable, I guess." But I'm told that once you graduate, I can offer again. So look us up! * LadySpitterwing smiles. "I just might, Mr. Mendes. Thank you very much." Noted. Mister Strong, we need to talk. NOW. * Mendes grabs Henry by the arm and pulls him away to one of the richer-looking knots of breakfasters. * LadySwarm blinks at the sudden exit. Thaaaat's going to be interesting. Huh? Masamune, ma'am. A moment, while you don't have a man on your arm? Yes, Lady Crystal? * LadySpitterwing moves off to give Crystal and Masamune some space, looking around for the next conversation. * LadySwarm figures she should probably leave this alone too, and, not wanting to go off on her own, follows Spitterwing. * LordCharybdis notes that things are breaking up a bit, and drifts around to meet other people, tying kids' names to parents' faces. He drifts to the Snowflakes' parents and enthusiastically invites them to mingle more. He starts to threaten to splash people until they come in, but Sei Sho simply raises an eyebrow and the young Lord bites that joking threat off before it goes anywhere. * PrincessNitrogen bumps into Spitterwing and Swarm, but manages not to spill any of her champagne. * LadySwarm apologizes automatically. Ladies. Oh! I'm so sorry, Princess Nitrogen! Um, hello, Princess Nitrogen. * LadyCrystal walks over, and looks ready to state her mind. She pauses, then simply hauls Masamune over a ways away from the others. "I need to at least state a matter involving one of your proteges, and Pops taught me to always go to a sensei, sifu or whatever before any kind of challenges go down." * LadySpitterwing backs off a polite distance and curtseys. How's your grand coming-out party so far? Er, well...it's certainly quite interesting, Princess. * LadySwarm looks a little frozen. "Um...this's really not my thing." Get used to it. Learn to enjoy it. And profit from it. * LadySwarm sighs. "Guess I don't have much choice." * PrincessNitrogen shrugs and gestures expansively. All of these people - except your parents - want something from you. Or many things, quite often. * LadySpitterwing looks around a bit apprehensively at that one. * LadySwarm looks a little uncomfortable, then her face lightens. "Well, our parents want things from us too. They're just usually more like, get good grades, don't get into trouble." ... so there's a good chance I -- well, normal me -- will end up in some kind of a scrape with one of your own, and I just wanted to let you know ahead of time. I'd prefer a proper spar just to settle matters and be done with it, but who knows. She seemed good for a go anywhere. * LadyCrystal pauses. "... and really, she was behaving horribly to a friend. I can't let something like that sit idly by and not get myself in trouble. Runs in the family." And if they're sensible, they won't give you all the toys you want. But the rest of this crowd will. Use that, but don't go crazy. The rest of us will tolerate a lot - we'd be hypocrites if we didn't - but keep in mind your duties first. That'll keep you safe. One of... my own? * LadySpitterwing nods. "Thank you for the advice, Princess." * LadySwarm is nonplused. "Of course." * LadySpitterwing looks around again. "So how long did it take *you* to get used to it, Princess, if I may ask?" I'd prefer not to name names, as I don't know if she'd get in trouble with you or not. A student of yours from your finishing school. Dear, she's in your domain now. I run my school the way I want to - you can run yours the way you like. If a girl needs some discipline, you shouldn't spare her. Well, T2M was a lot more regimented, and there's a lot more Ladies on Earth with more influence than a young Junior. * LordWind raises an eyebrow. "Well. ... should we make a show of it and sell tickets?" Oh. Lady Masamune was saying something like that, earlier. * LordCharybdis flows up behind Wind, finally having gotten up the nerve to grab the one (1) glass of fizzy not-soda he's allowed. "Sell tickets to what?" But once your name gets out, or you gain some rank... yeah. When I made Princess I was already making MG18 so the raise wasn't too much. But with all the toys, I upgraded my home and my ride, and my vacation opportunities, and... well, I got into it pretty quickly. I still had to inform you, ma'am Lady. Just to be safe about it and all. I'm not going to get mad at you for enforcing order on your turf. If you came into my school, I'd probably lay down some limits, but even then you're a Lady, and she's... just some girl. * LordCharybdis frowns as he catches the end of that, and flows away rather than make a scene. The thing is, it'll just be her and Farah, not her and Crystal. There's enforcing order and bullying. Besides... wanna see how well I do against someone with a weapon anyway. * LordCharybdis sips his champagne, makes a face, and subtly puts it on the first passing waiter-tray he finds. "Thanks," he says quietly to the waiter. * LadyCrystal grins a touch, and her glow turns as eager as she seems. But tell me, this boyfriend of yours - not a Lord, then? * LadySwarm doesn't really seem to know what to think of this. "...I guess...we'll get more of it when we're young, but maybe less when when we're older? There's less vacation places on Snowflake..." You'll get more of it, period. Odds are good you'll be the leadership for the snowflakes throughout your life, so they'll keep coming at you. If you're normal, eventually you'll get tired of it. * LadySpitterwing looks uncertain about it as well, but also like she could be persuaded to like the idea. That's...that's going to take some getting used to. * LordWind glances askance at that, then sighs. "No kidding." Oh, no I don't have a boyfriend! * LadySpitterwing blinkblinks. "Oh. I hadn't really thought about *that* part, but I suppose it would pretty much have to be so eventually." * LadyCrystal smiles. "There was a guy before T3M, but he was more a fling. Pretty decent fun, though." * LadyMasamune smiles tolerantly. "Well, you'll have plenty of time to find one." Or five. * LadyCrystal notes the the smile, chuckling. "Yeah, as traditional as they say... and naw, I'm not that greedy. I think, anyway." More than that at once is more complicated than I can handle. So, how do we deal with it after we're tired of it, Princess? Proteges, I'd guess. Even then it's a good thing to accept a few offers, to keep them approaching you on that basis. * LadySwarm blinks. "Why?" I suppose it's better than having people think of us as hostile and closed-off...right? ...humans are too clever if you don't give them simple choices to follow. Some of the political Ladies like the more complex game, but it's not for me. * LadyCrystal raises an eyebrow. "Huh. Well, I guess it makes sense, considering how, ah... high-value having a Lady companion is." * LordCharybdis is circling amongst the people! He's tempted to drift over towards Swarm, Spitterwing, and Nitrogen to see what they're talking about. * LadySpoon circles the edges of the room, watching her young apprentices press flesh and learn the art of public Hierarching. * LadyCrystal is still talking shop with 'mune, and by 'shop', one means 'MG relationship logistics'. Oh, I see. If you find someone you love, just go for it. But don't limit yourself in the meantime. * LordWind nods politely, and withdraws from the tiny group of Ladies, off to the drink bar and to break away for a bit. * LordCharybdis shrugs and makes one more attempt to get the Snowflake parents involved, then goes to talk to other kids' parents some more. * LadySpitterwing makes a small gesture to the rest of the room. "So how did you end up learning to like these sorts of events?" Yeah. I'll admit I'm not sure about the love thing, but I do have a lot of time. A *lot* of time. I finally was able to relax after realizing I could just make anyone I wanted to go away with my powers. * LadyCrystal finally nods. "I'm glad I approached you, ma'am Lady. You're nowhere near as icy as the rumors make you out as." * LadySwarm eeps. "Um, how?" * LadySpitterwing laughs. "That'd be pretty helpful, yes." Especially with your powerset, Princess. They can't very well pester me if they don't have any oxygen. Most figured it out. * LadySpitterwing grins. ... Sadly, my powers are all distance powers right now. * LadySwarm makes an effort to pull herself together and murmurs, "Wouldn't work for me, anyway. I guess you could manage it, Spitterwing." All you'd have to do was Blend. Maybe I'll get something more useful later on... Well yes, but it wouldn't be very *polite*! I dunno, Swarm - on the one hand crawling all over someone would probably make them go away. On the other it would involve, you know, crawling all over them... Hey, being invisible is *really* useful...and neither is taking away someone's oxygen. Well, it is, just not for parties...and you know we're supposed to meet people and circulate and stuff, and I couldn't do that if people couldn't see me...although I guess I should keep in mind if people become *really* annoying... Well, all you have to do is blend, leave, un-blend, and start talking to someone else. Like Princess Nitrogen said, I'm sure they'd get the message. It's true. And at least it wouldn't scare them as bad as not being able to breathe, or having bugs all over them. * LadyCrystal finally just bows and says her goodbyes to Masamune, before turning back to the crowd proper. Suddenly, she looks a bit overwhelmed. <@Ked> It's a bubbly-drenched half hour hobnobbing with the Snowflake glitterati - none of the snowflakes escapes offers of a half-dozen bribes at least, but all the corporate types seem to have the four-step dance of it down - a polite approach, some friendly business talk, a flat offer, and no explicit request for compensation. * LadySpitterwing doesn't accept every offer, but she probably does take more than she should. * LordCharybdis is very likely to disappoint people who make such offers who try to call in the favor for some unfair advantage. He probably doesn't turn them down, though, unless he's not interested or thinks taking it would make his identity more known. * LordWind accepts one of the safe ones, taking a bit of Nitrogen's advice on not turning down everything. * LadyCrystal handles herself well enough, and doesn't accept anything. She doesn't explicitly refuse anything, either, keeping her options open. * LordCharybdis, to anybody who reads people well, accepts gifts at face value - honest offers of gifts. Strings being attached never occurs to him unless somebody points it out. * LadySwarm is...really uncertain about this whole thing. She keeps Nitrogen's advice in mind, though, and tries not to outright reject everyone, and tries not to be too awkward about it. Not always successfully. * LadySpitterwing seems to get better at the whole smiling and making small talk thing, getting into the hang of it. <@Ked> ...but it all comes to an end when off on the edge of your senses, the silverdarts seem to stop. And then change. You've hardly ever felt it from this distance before... * LordCharybdis turns in that directly, staring into space. "Oh no..." wuh. * LadySwarm stops in mid-sentence and her head snaps around to stare through a wall. * LordWind blinks, and gets this weird, spacy look. * LadyCrystal pauses, and tenses, looking towards where her senses are pulling. * LadySpoon freaks out as her EI manifests as a terminal, then calms down enough to issue orders. "Unlock everything! Go to full evac drill!" * LordCharybdis looks to Spoon, eyes wide. "--where is it?" His sense of direction suddenly doesn't seem so trustworthy. He's not positive where on campus he's feeling that from. That's... different. This is something new. <@Ked> It's back to the west - the only things in that direction are the dorm and The Lake. * LadySwarm looks to Lady Spoon, then starts running for an exit. It is different, yes. We should get going. * LadySpitterwing freezes, looking stunned. * LadyCrystal isn't too far behind Swarm, instinct taking over. Guests, please head to the basement! Snowflakes, silverdart manifestation in the dorms RIGHT NOW! ...oh, goody! Yes, Ma'am! Moving! * LadySpitterwing Blends and dashes off! * LadyCrystal picks up the pace! * LadySwarm is already out the door. * LordCharybdis looks around. "I'm going. EVERYONE AWAY FROM THE WATER!" he shouts, holding his hand out, palm-up, at the bar and making a grasping, PULLING motion that shatters all the containers as the water-based liquids pool together with his own column. His voice takes on an otherworldly tone of command: "[Charybdal Vortex.]" The water all swirls together forming a long, deep tunneling whirlpool that goes far beyond the floor below. Hold your breath if you're going through! * LordWind doesn't hold his breath - he pops up his windy barrier, and flies through. * LadySpitterwing had already left the room by that point. She gets to hoof it. D: * LordCharybdis pushes outwards with his tentacles, and the tunnel widens, maintaining some space to breathe if you fall down the center... <@Ked> Things get a little chaotic in the room, between the people running in three directions, the flood of water, and Spoon's shouting, but the team quickly race out of the building and away from the madding crowd, each in their own way. * LordCharybdis dives in, himself, once all who are going through do so. As he dives, he grabs anybody going too slowly with his tentacles, moving at a full 300 kph through the aquatic tunnel as the water helps push him along. Outside the dorms, a decorative fountain suddenly swirls as the water deepens and spins. First, out flies Lord Wind from the whirlpool; Charybdis and anybody with him emerge moments after. * PrincessNitrogen notices the sudden teleport option and hangs onto one of Chary's tentacles for the ride. <@Ked> From water, air, or foot, though, all can see the sudden conflagration which is the dorm tower. Most of the windows on the actual dormitory floors have burst outwards and are actively belching flame. * LordCharybdis gently sets the Princess and anybody else he's got down outside the fountain, sliding his tentacle carefully off of them. He looks up. "...no..." * LadySwarm's eyes are wide with shock. "Oh god..." Wind! Can you get me up there? Tidal Blast might help! * LadySpitterwing screams as she sees the flames and runs even faster. * LordWind eyes the squid boy. "Hang on. It'll be slow if I'm taking you, but faster than the stairs." ... what... in the FUCK?! * LadyCrystal pumps her legs even harder, snarling curses under her breath. I'll carry you. Try to carry your water not connected to you. <@Ked> There is a flood of people coming out the lobby doors - already it looks like most of the students are at least on the bottom floor. * LordWind summons some reserve, and suddenly, Lord Charydbis is floating, and Wind is floating along with him, keeping pace. Stay about three meters back from me! Blast surges up around me *first*! * LadySwarm runs for the crowd of students and shouts at the top of her voice, "Hey! Is anyone missing?" * PrincessNitrogen concentrates and a half-dozen windows suddenly stop flaming. ...and then she tries the next section over and the first block goes all fiery again. That's a magical effect of some kind! * LadyCrystal is checking on those heading out. "Probably the darts themselves... Queen save us all, I hope everyone's alright!" <@Ked> ...and then the silverdart magic stops. * LadySpitterwing would kick Swarm, but she's not thinking too clearly just now. She busts in, tears streaming down her invisible face. Princess, do you need to be closer? If range matters I'll bring you up! * LadySwarm looks up, frozen. <@Ked> Stops dead - and you've certainly felt this before, having killed a few. * LadyCrystal looks around as well. "... where'd it go? Where'd they go?" <@Ked> The flames continue... though perhaps somewhat less urgently? * LordCharybdis gestures in a complicated mandala with his tentacles and his arms, using the Trident almost like a conjuring wand. "[TIDAL BLAST!]" he shouts, and water foams out of nowhere, surging violently up in a lacerating cascade around him before following the pointing of his Trident to lance out in a torrential stream at the windows. After the blast subsides, he does it again and again, only noticing the cessation of the 'darts when he's put out most of the flames. * LordWind frowns. "Princess, try again! I don't think it's being boosted anymore!" * Jason points his EI at the doors, which close behind him. "I'm the last one out! Except for the Lady." * LordCharybdis is wobbly in the air. He studies the flames, gauging whether he needs to do it again. * LadyCrystal is mostly trying to keep tabs on who's there how they're looking -- checking for injuries and whatnot. She looks quite helpless... then blinks. "... Lady?" * LadySwarm heaves a sigh of relief, then - "What Lady?" * PrincessNitrogen starts snuffing dorm rooms, apparently with no effort at all. * LordWind guides Charydbis to a non-burning spot once one is clear, and joins in the clearing efforts, trying to use his control of the wind to retard the fire's spread. * LadySpitterwing is running around inside. She feels the lack-of-dart, but continues to run and check on rooms until all the fires go out. * LordCharybdis tiredly pulls the water soaking all surfaces of the room into which Wind put him together so he can float in it, and works to flow water less violently over it. "...what happened?" * LordWind 'feels' around, locking in on the newest magical source, chasing it down. <@Ked> Behind Jason, flames are suddenly rising in the glassed-in lobby, then the doors open and the flames emerge... as well as the source of the remaining magic. * LordCharybdis sees the flame-light out the window, and scoots over to look down and out and--"whaaaa?" * LadyWildfire looks up at the smoking exterior of the dorms and cringes. "Uh, sorry about that." Well, shit, another one. * LadySwarm jumps back instinctively, then heads for the source of the magic. "..." * LadySwarm sighs. "Well, I guess you're okay, and everyone else made it out..." * LordWind flashes a charming grin at the Lady. "Welcome to the club." He turns a bit more serious. "First off, though, is everyone okay?" * LadyCrystal gets closer as well. "Yeah, what happened?" * LordCharybdis flows down the side of the building very carefully, using water pressure and suction from his tentacles to control it. He still lands with a wet smack. "Oops." * LadyWildfire is apparently a student - she's the right age for it at least - and her features are a bit difficult to pick out, what with the glare surrounding her. You get the impression of a woman wearing a dress made of fire - fire which spreads, though it doesn't seem to be burning the grass of the quad. If anything, it's greener under her feet. Can you, uh... turn that off? * LadyCrystal looks down and around at her feet, blinking a little. "If that isn't the strangest damned thing I've ever seen.." * LordCharybdis pulls himself up and together, any scrapes or bruises healing already as he flows forward. "Hi! Um, what did the 'dart turn into what that you had to fight it? I'm Lord Charybdis," he adds, bowing. "What's your new title?" * LadySpitterwing is relieved to see everyone evac'ed and the fires being put out by Nitrogen. She jumps out a handy window and goes around to the front. It infested one of the potted fairy pad displays. ...I got a little carried away, but there was a lot of it to ignite. I'm Wildfire. * LadySpitterwing blinks as she sees the new Lady. * LadySpitterwing tilts her head a little. Um. Nice to meet you. ... just Wildfire? Well...nobody got hurt, anyway. Nice to meet you! * LadyCrystal steps ahead. "Lady Crystal here. Like... really, say your title again?" * LadyWildfire eyes the crowd. Students, snowflakes... a Princess... Wildfire. ...uh, you know, maybe I should take off? * LadySpitterwing remains Blended and counts heads in the crowd. You'd do best to stick with us for now, since there's a lot to sort out. Seriously, a lot. And you need to meet with Lady Spoon. We all probably should. --wait, how many infested the fairy pads? There were two. ...and no, I don't need to meet with Spoon. Okay. *looks relieved* --you don't? * LadyCrystal frowns a little, but lets her sour look and hesitant glow change to something more relaxed. * LadySwarm blinks. *a beat passes* why not? ... wait, what. * LordCharybdis gestures with his Trident, and his datavisor reappears, covering eyes and ears. * PrincessNitrogen growls out the next as an Order. "You're coming with me, right now." * LordWind glances between the new Lady and the Princess. ...no. * LordCharybdis looks faintly relieved after a moment passes. Then *surprised*. * LadyCrystal winces from the Order-feeling, but watches on... and then *gasps*. * LadySwarm *stares* at the new Lady. * LordCharybdis is barely concealing a [grin]. * LadyWildfire claps her hands, and the dress of flames seems to erupt, consuming her, leaving nothing behind. ... holy shit, you're out of the cycle---wait! * LordWind cues his senses up, and tries to track her. ...I *knew* it! * LadyCrystal reaches out a moment too late, stumbling a little. "Wow. Just... wow. Holy fuck, wow." Wow, that was cool. A fire teleport. Pretty cool. <@Ked> Wind gets a brief flicker of magic on the far side of the tennis courts, but then it's gone. ...what in the *hell*... She *feels* like us, but... What. The. FUCK. * LordWind takes off _immediately_, seeing if he can get something more on the way. The moment she didn't give a Lady or a Junior Lady, something had to be up. Faster than the Vortex, too. * LadyCrystal looks somewhere between awestruck and terrified. How does anyone disobey Orders? * LadySpitterwing narrows her eyes. "If they're not part of *our* Hierarchy." She could be a Princess. Or what Spitterwing said. But then wouldn't we feel her? * LordWind sends a message back to Crystal, letting them know he's trying to follow. She didn't state a title! Ladies always state their title when asked, it's like breathing! Queen and Magic... * LadyCrystal starts pacing, looking at her EI for a moment. From what I sensed, she *felt* normal. Like one of us. But she clearly isn't. * LadySwarm is taking deep breaths. It doesn't seem to be helping much. ...I wonder if there's any recordings of what *really* happened to the fairy pads... Or she is of a rank with the Princess. * PrincessNitrogen is yelling at her EI, which appears to be floating N2 molecule. "GET ME SPOON, NOW!" No, Charybdis, then she'd still give her proper title. But...do Ningyo give titles at all? Not really. They never seemed to have the same compulsion to be exact about it as we do, anyway. Not that I know of. * LadySpitterwing looks out at the crowd of evacuated students and counts heads. Who's missing? Not as hard as ours, but there's some kind of caste. That just gets back to the "not in our Hierarchy" thing, though. * LordWind comes flying back in, at a more reasonable pace. "I lost the trail," he says flatly as he touches down. * LadyCrystal puts her EI and away and tries to calm herself. "... yeah. This is going to mess up everything." ...we need to get mingled or we're gonna be found out. Hantsuki, ask Lady Spoon if it's okay if we split up and detrans? <@Ked> Lots of students are missing - what with running off to check on parents, siblings, or friends. Also. Quit with the conjecture. We were indoctrinated formally, but we're still resistant to Earth Orders. She wasn't even indoctrinated, so she can probably ignore them outright. Even still, it's just... it's too much to think about. She says to cover your trail, boss. * LadySpitterwing dashes off to the soccer fields to detrans discreetly somewhere and go check on her sis. Right! You heard Hantsuki! * LadyCrystal takes one more breath, and goes about the task of first finding someplace nearby to become less Magical, and then the second task of tracking down her parents. * LadySwarm takes a breath and nods. This at least she knows about. She splits off to detrans. * LordCharybdis flows off, finding a safe spot to detransform. He waves at the Princess on his way out. He slips in amongst the various students later, looking for Carter or Masako or Sadao or Shizuko or somebody else he knows. <@Ked> [end session] Session Close: Wed Jul 20 22:12:35 2011