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“Pork, beef, chicken, vegetarian. To be honest I don’t eat it that much. Sometimes it’s a bit on the salty side. I’m more of a tofu person when it comes to eating Asian food. Anyway, let me show you around.” The first place she would take him was the mess hall and the first thing Hugo would notice was that almost all the people inside were female. Except for one man who was drinking coffee. “Oh, there’s the Commander. He’ll feel a bit better about not being the only guy around here for once.” She then waved over to him.
Hugo reluctantly also waved, not exactly sure what to make of this. Was this guy like.. the leader of whatever this was?
He was too far away to see clearly, so Hugo figured he should wait till he got into good view to ask Mei anything.
Wilhelm Krueger happened to look and saw Mei waving towards him with someone he didn’t recognize. Someone a lot younger than him as well. He waved back to her, motioning her to come over.
“A new friend of yours?” he asked.
“Something like that,” Mei replied, looking a bit embarrassed. “Hugo, this is Will Krueger, former Commander in the German Army and my former CO.”
Will chuckled slightly. “Emphasis on former. Now I just help around the base however I can, mostly doing repair work.”
“Heya. I’m Hugo.. Hugo Laurier. I’m basically just here because of some.. mix up on her last mission..”
Hugo was back to his awkward self, it seemed. His mind also appeared to be in a bit of a different spot, though he was still listening.
“Mix up?” Will glanced at Mei.
“Hugo was…in the wrong place at the wrong time so I did what was necessary to prevent anyone from tracing our whereabouts.”
“Well…you didn’t take him forcibly, right?”
“Well…n-no…”
Will sighed. “Better have a chat with Boss then. Sorry that you got thrown into this Hugo but don’t worry, Mei means well. Anyway, can’t really stay, I have to make sure Lili’s pets aren’t tearing up my office again, little bastards…”
“No problem then.” Hugo said. “Uh, I guess I’ll just get the ramen out of the.. where do you guys keep the ramen?”
Mei pointed towards the side of the building where there were packets of ramen and a microwave. “You know you can ask for something and they’ll make it for you,” she suggested.
“Eh, let him eat what he wants, still better than the MREs I had back in the day,” Will said as he got up. “You haven’t heard anything from Lili I assume?”
“No. I’m guessing she’s still in Africa?”
“Yeah…hopefully not doing anything stupid. Anyway, I’ll be taking off now. I don’t trust that Greg…” He then headed out of the mess hall.
“He’s referring to the robocanines we got recently,” Mei explained. “They technically belong to Lili now so Will is looking after them.”
Past and Present
Lili suddenly awoke, almost in a panic as she suddenly grabbed her sidearm. She was…no, she was supposed to be dead-
“Captain?” Lili suddenly pointed her gun towards the source of the voice, suddenly seeing Alina stop in her tracks and slowly put her hands up. “What’s wrong? You’re looking like you saw a ghost.”
“This is…no, what is happening…?” At that moment, two different consciences seemed to be battling in her head. One was Lili, the other was-
Eva. That had been her name all those years ago. She slowly got to her feet, still keeping her gun pointed at Alina. “I…I remember everything…what happened that day…I was supposed to be dead…”
“Alright, just stay calm,” Alina said softly. “I get you’re afraid, confused right now…but I’m not your enemy. You know who I am…”
“Alina…this is too much to process…”
“I know…” Alina suddenly moved with great speed, grabbing Lili’s wrist, disarming the gun out of her hand and-
Lili suddenly felt herself against Alina’s body, being embraced in a gentle fashion. “It’s okay…” Alina suddenly whispered. “I understand what you must be going through. What Project Pleiades truly was. It’s a hard truth to accept, but regardless, who you are and who you were before, that hasn’t changed.”
For the first time in Lili’s existence, she felt herself shaking. The first time she ever felt vulnerable, showing weakness. She hated every second of it. Soon, she calmed down and eventually she took a deep breath. Her eyes had been closed but when she opened them again, there was almost an eerie calm to them. “You’re right…I’m sorry for worrying you, Alina. I’m alright now.”
She then gently let go. “I think now I understand what Boss had to go through…its like there are two parts of me that are trying to assume control but…that’s not true. Lili and Eva…we’ve always been the same, haven’t we?”
“I can’t say I know the experience, since my existence is, as they say, a blank canvas.”
Lili smiled grimly. “I guess you’re a fortunate one then…but we still have a mission to focus on. Sit-rep?”
“Situation hasn’t changed. We’re ready to move in when you are.”
Lili nodded. “Alright, we’re going in. Time to live up to our name as Specters.”
— — —
Lili and the other Specters quietly made their way through the park, able to bypass the small blockade of tanks. That was the easy part. The next part consisted of trekking through blocks of military personnel and checkpoints, the latter including machine gun nests. “I hate to say it, Captain, but there’s not much cover, and those searchlights are going to be an issue as well,” Alina pointed out.
Lili glanced around until she noticed a mobile communications array about a hundred meters from their position. “I might have an idea…that comms array should have a console that connects to the rest of the network. Architect should be able to handle the rest.”
“Alright, we’ll give you cover.”
Lili nodded as she switched to her knife and pistol, sticking to the shadows for cover as she slowly made her way towards the array. As expected, there was a guard posted next to the console, but it would hardly be an issue. She snuck up quietly before grabbing the guard from behind and stabbed him repeatedly in the neck. “Huh…they say they’re cybernetically enhanced but they’re as squishy as ever,” she mused as blood suddenly sprayed from the guard’s neck. Part of her wondered if it was Lili or Eva that was getting a thrill out of this.
She then went to the console, managing to get through the encryptions. “Architect, I’m leaving the rest to you.”
“Understood.” It was quiet for a few moments. “I managed to infiltrate their systems. Shall I go ahead and jam their comms as well?”
“Do you even need to ask?”
“Right, I suppose that would be an obvious question…” In a few moments, the lights from the watchtowers were suddenly turned off, plunging the entire area into darkness.
“Well, that certainly did the trick,” Lili said quietly as she switched to night vision. “Alina, you’re clear to move in. Only engage if necessary.”
“Copy that, Captain, making our way towards the hospital now. Be careful, it’s about to get a lot more chaotic out here.”
Chaotic was putting it lightly. Apparently, the enemy smelled a rat and was beginning to pull its forces inward, including their tanks, which meant it would now become a rush to the hospital itself.
Georgios preferred to be alone but would welcome any sort of company and would come to surprise him to someone take interest on him after getting such a catch. “Ah a new face!” he says in an enthusiastic manner, unsure or unaware if the person that approached him was a seasonal fisher or an occasional catcher within the area. Georgio’s complexion would he similar to that of an Amerindian but would have an unusual white complexion with a hint of blondeness for his hair, despite not hitting his 60s yet, others think its just a hair dye and he prefers everyone to think that way in order to surprise them.
A few drinks here and later he would begin to get a bit tipsy but still sober enough to understand what he’s saying “Fishing is a lot of fun, I’ve been doing it since I was still a kid, going to the local lake or to the coast to get some shallow catches… till I learned how to handle the bigger catches.” His accent was peculiar, Germanic being the closest approximation and an unusually large vocabulary of Spanish words being mostly combined with the local dialect. As he swipes on his device that appears to be a clear glass pane with a black strip below he would show a picture from it, him when he was still a teenager.
The picture would that be him on a fishing boat of unknown model and design with other fishing boats on the distance and in the background. A hot summer day it seems when the picture was taken and the coast can be seen on the left with large amounts of vegetation and several small white marble-like buildings. The fishing boats were odd, they bear multitudes of flags seemingly as a designation of their own fishing vessel or fishing corporation but some of them would bear a green flag that is barely seen due to the resolution of the image, his own fishing vessel would have the same green flag but it’s a plain one in this distance.
Georgios had an intoxicating uninhibited and liberated smile as if he has wide open from all angles but that is far from the truth, he is liberated in such a sense but he still keeps very deep secrets about himself and maybe a bit more talking and a few more drinks would make him loosen up. “Say, I didn’t catch your name, and I haven’t introduced myself either. Georgios.” He says as he raises his hand for a shake
His eyes gleam with joy and enthusiasm, to experience such a different culture due to the opportunity given to them alongside with the promise of helping and rebuilding Japan when the Prime Minister of Japan, Ikari came to the shores of Roedthaffen in an unexpected manner. Thedric Guerrera would be looking at all the food that is currently being presented within the stalls in the People’s Imperial Capital of Kyoto, despite being the head supervisor of operations within the project, he should be in Osaka rather in Kyoto going on a food trip.
The Osaka Mass-Deployment Emergency Ration Greenhouses or now known as Chireiden 1 (地霊殿)was a massive construction that was made in order to supply the people of Japan the required foods and supplies they need as reconstruction still occurs within the country. Its colloquial name of Chireiden, translitered meaning, Palace of the Earth Spirits is a nod on how Roedthaffen scientists and labourers seem to grow plants at an extremely fast rate compared to traditional agricultural methods. Many Japanese volunteers have also been allowed to help and assist the people within the project allowing a far more efficient methods and practices to be shared
Thedric would receive a call from one of his subordinates in Chireiden 1 as well as another call from Chireiden 2, located in Sendai but he answers the one from Chireiden 1 first. “SIR, Director Friedrich is coming to Kyoto, are you aware of this?!” Thedric would be dumbfounded and would stare at the shopkeeper offering him a bento box before leaving the premises. “Keep it down! When did he say he’s going?!”
“He’s already arriving soon.”
Hugo, bless his heart, was the most confused he had ever been.
"..what kind of organization are you guys exactly to require the service of robocanines? And why are you calling the 'robocanine' Greg?!"
“Well, technically speaking, MOG is an independent PMC. It’s a long story. As for Greg well…” That was a different story. “Anyway, better hurry up and make that ramen before it starts getting busy in here.”
“Wait, you guys are like, mercenaries or something?”
“Well…pretty much, yes. We used to be part of the German Army but we found out a few things and…Boss decided to take things upon herself and here we are now. This was originally going to be a DOLL facility owned by the German military but Boss managed to acquire it for ourselves.”
Hugo wondered what "doll" meant in these circumstances, but figured it was some secret code for something. He figured it was ideal for him to not speak about his political stance on mercenaries, corporations, or the military in general.
"That's.. cool, I guess."
He poured boiling water into the ramen (spicy chicken flavor) cup, before closing the lid.
"So.. how long do you think I'm going to have to stay here?"
Mei paused in thought. “Considering the number of bodies we left behind and depending how big the case…I’d say a few days.” She quickly put her hands up. “But don’t worry, by the time you get back I’m sure everything will be resolved!” She chuckled nervously.
“Oh uh…” She hadn’t quite thought that one through. “I’m sure Big Sis can help out with that…I have a feeling I’m gonna have to speak with her anyway.” Her change in demeanor told him it might not be a pleasant conversation. “I should warn you it’s nothing really nice, so uh…I hope you don’t mind that.”
“Is it an uncomfortable bed? If so.. I kinda have some sleeping problems - though hopefully they aren’t much of an issue. Also, do you need me to go with you to that meeting or something?”
“Well…” Will certainly didn’t have issues with his, even though he was older. “It’s comfortable.” That was all she could say about that. “As for the meeting, it’s probably best since she is the uh, ‘Boss’ around here. Don’t worry though, she’s much more chill than she puts on.”
In a System Far, Far Away…
Pentarum was a star on the far edge of the galaxy. Near that star was the planet of Napjeni, the home planet of the Vsimocni, a species that has thrived and evolved for millennia now. They were humanoid-looking, though their skulls were long-ended, almost reptilian.
The Vsimocni Hegemony spanned multiple systems, mostly in the southeastern part of the galaxy, but over time their territory has increased little by little. But it wasn’t just by sheer force that they conquered new territories: the alien species they presided over looked up to them as gods, though this was a bit of an exaggeration.
The Vsimocni believed that all living beings comprised of two things: mind and body. A being could submit after a fight, being exhausted physically. But it didn’t always mean they would be completely loyal. But if one could conquer, or compromise, the mind of one significant leader who others looked up to, it was more effective and in the end, it saved the Vsimocni the trouble of causing death and destruction. But for those who resisted, they would be met with a force unlike anything they had ever seen.
But while the Hegemony was powerful, they were not stupid. More importantly, they were patient. Instead of going against an equally powerful foe, they would study it, analyze it for its strengths and weaknesses. Then, and only then, once it was vulnerable would the Hegemony make its move.
The Vsimocni government was headed by a Council, and presiding over it was the Overseer. It would have been business as usual had one of its scouts not returned with…interesting information.
“Councilmen and our dear Overseer Vudce, I bring enlightening news,” the scout said, bowing formally to all those before him. “Many years we have searched through the galaxy, to keep up with current affairs and at one point something significant happened: I am sure you are all aware of the Confederacy?”
The council members all glanced at one another. The Confederacy of Independent Corporations, a corporation-state that relied on slaves and machines to do their dirty work. They were a dishonorable group, but their strength was undeniable.
Overseer Vudce, who sat in his chair, nodded to the scout. “Of course. Something has happened?”
“Indeed, my Overseer. The Confederacy, as we know it, no longer exists. It is gone, their former captives now free.”
This was indeed enlightening. “How?” Vudce asked simply.
“It was a process that took many years, but there was only one culprit. They originally were called the Ventuan Republic but now refer to themselves as the Systems Alliance. From what we’ve gathered, their species has only traveled the stars for little less than two centuries, but their strength is no doubt undeniable, considering they were able to defeat the Confederacy. They’ve also managed to expand into a wide part of former Confederacy space.”
The council was again quiet, taking all of this in. “I thank you for this information,” Vudce said, nodding. “I believe the Council has much to discuss here. You may go now.”
Once the scout left the large room, one of the council members finally spoke. “This news sounds almost hard to believe. This Alliance managing to defeat such an imposing foe? Impossible.”
“It would seem our intel on the Confederacy was…outdated,” another argued. “That being said, Overseer Vudce, I believe this warrants an investigation.”
Vudce had his hands pressed together, deep in thought. “Perhaps,” he answered. “This Alliance could be very beneficial to the Hegemony…or a possible threat. A investigation is certainly needed, as well as a possible…test. We must gather information, whether through intel or battle and then we will go from there.”
Vudce then sat back in his seat. Yes, it was time to see what this Systems Alliance was capable of, being able to get rid of an annoying pest. They would either submit willingly, or face utter destruction.
took me a while
and yes this is another rp with ventus, i don't actively seek out rp partners very often so shush
There would be another surprise in store for her as she approached the asteroid, coming into view as the rocks obscuring the view conveniently parted. Raphtalia would find that she was correct in her assessment, it was indeed a station, carved into one of the biggest asteroids in the area. And in addition, moving around it were some vessels of designs she might find very familiar.
Let's just cut to the chase here, she'd stumbled upon Oseberg, in all of its... currently modest glory. But that would be enough for her.
Seeing this foreign ship approaching did cause a little alarm (last time that happened a local space rock had to give up its life before the situation could be cleared up), but the ship had enough recognizable elements, and proper identification, so the station's crew could breathe a sigh of relief. This was probably a friend, and if it wasn't, it was small enough to not be a big threat. It's nice when it's that simple.
Now, since then the station had expanded slightly, and it had also gotten some new leadership, and knowing which country we're talking about here, you can probably guess that it's an AI. It's the Bucksdenian special.
Heidi's batch of administrative units with a penchant for the battlefield had now gone their separate ways, temporarily at least since they're basically siblings, and one of them had ended up out on this station. It was supposed to be the original, the leader, but when another unit showed an interest in space and its many inhabitants, it was decided that they were better suited to the job.
This also meant that they were possibly going to... react to this particular visitor, considering both that she's a well-respected member of a different species, and a friend of Heidi's, but that's a bridge we'll cross when we get there.
It was definitely there in all its glory and Raphtalia realized she better say something so that they don’t mistake her for an enemy and shoot her down. Though the ships she saw seemed rather familiar. “Puffin ships?” Raphtalia suddenly smiled. “I see…looks like Heidi finally made that colony she always wanted…or at least a step in that direction.”
R6 chirped behind her as the small screen in front of her asked who Heidi was. “Heidi? She’s a good friend of mine that I met awhile back. You’d like her since you two have a lot in common.” R6 was apparently confused. “You’ll see, once you meet her.”
She then opened up a channel. “This is Raphtalia Iwatani of the Systems Alliance, ship ID V3821. My ship has a fuel leak and requesting assistance, over.”
Hugo nodded. He was still pretty anxious about the whole thing, but he was hiding it better at this point, given that he now kinda knew these people.
"Alright then. Come tell me when, okay? I'm, like, really bad at remembering this kind of stuff."
The reply came quickly, a relieved man's voice coming over the comms.
"V3821, this is Oseberg Station. Permission to dock has been granted, we'll get your ship patched up right away. Apologies for the increased security, we had an awkward encounter with a destroyer semi-recently, and we're just making sure that the place stays secure. It's good to see a friendly face out here."
She would be able to see what they meant as she approached. There were more civilian models, of course, but some of the Puffin ships looked a lot nastier than what she was likely used to. Clearly they'd armed themselves up a bit now that they have this more vulnerable base outside the safety of Earth.
As for the station itself, it was mostly hidden inside the rock, with docking ports and a few viewing platforms poking out. Its grey exterior was speckled with more ornate decorations, not necessarily fitting with its industrial purpose, but carrying the iconography of the viking ship it was named after, and making what would otherwise be drab and utilitarian look more special.
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