Session 6 7

It is a rather impressive small flotilla of shuttles, launching from Armstrong and bearing down upon the Roland. A press conference seems imminent.
But space is vast. Even with modern drive technology, there are some minutes to react and prepare before they actually reach the Roland.
Zinda Tegram: "Huh…"
Abraham does not ask for a firing solution…He really doesn't.
[OOC] WC GM: I.e.: any prep conversation or actions? Let me know when you wish to fast forward.
Spyboy Pearson triple checks the security locks on Zinda's coopted cargo bay.
Abraham goes over his logs briefly.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Zinda is surprised, mostly.
The security locks are holding…for now.
[OOC] WC GM: No other prep?
Spyboy Pearson then fires up a research Agent, pulling up relevant details on the incoming journalists and adding them to an AR display.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Communications to lay the Aspect "I know who I'm talking to" on the group.
[OOC] WC GM: Go for it
Spyboy Pearson rolled up 4dF: 0 0 0 - (Base: 6 Total: 5) (Communications)
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Lower than I'd like, but should be more than sufficient.
Abraham reminds himself, repeatedly and forcefully, that what he has done is for the good of the Confederation. ((Resolve maneuver to add "I'm doing the right thing" to Abraham))
[OOC] WC GM: Yeah, that'll do. To both.
Abraham rolled up 4dF: 0 - 0 + (Base: 6 Total: 6) (Resolve to add "I'm doing the right thing to Abraham)
[OOC] Abraham: I choose to let it happen unopposed.
[OOC] WC GM: …are you suuure? :P
[OOC] WC GM: Zinda/Ingenue, any prep on your part?
[OOC] Abraham: Yes. I can take it.
Zinda Tegram stands kind of awkwardly to the side.
[OOC] Ingenue: I'm good.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Uh…not sure skill what to roll, but I'd like to place "What the heck is she even here for anyways?" on self.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Since I plan to be a big butt.
[OOC] Abraham: I use Science to place the aspect 'Blame-bait' on Zinda.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Hahahaha
[OOC] WC GM: …Resolve, possibly. Or Profession: Mercenary. Probably not Animal Handler, unless you meant it in a certain way.
[OOC] Abraham: This amounts to me taping a piece of paper on Zinda's back with "Blame Me" written on it.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Hahaha.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: I assume it's unopposed anyways. Let's go with resolve.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Sounds more like Agility to me.
[OOC] Abraham: But… Science!
[OOC] WC GM: Roll it
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Abraham or me?
[OOC] Abraham: Since I've been OOCing all that, I hope you.
[OOC] Ingenue: Zinda, with the Resolve, in the cargo bay.
[OOC] WC GM: You. Abraham already rolled.
Zinda Tegram rolled up 4dF: 0 + + + (Base: 5 Total: 8) (Resolve)
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: …Nice.
[OOC] Ingenue: Chessa like.
[OOC] WC GM: …I'd say take a spin, but it's not yet applicable.
At length, the journalists begin to land. The first ones in are visibly eager to get started and score the scoops, but restrain themselves - everyone in the party, for different reasons, recognizes signs that this was planned, however hastily.
Spyboy Pearson takes his position near Abraham's podium.
[OOC] Ingenue: Aspect: They have a plan?
[OOC] WC GM: Yep.
[OOC] WC GM: Has Abraham set up a podium in the hangar bay? That would be the logical place to address such a crowd.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: If he didn't his staff would have.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Y'know, as a member of his staff.
Ingenue is positioned close to Zinda.
Once most of the shuttles have landed, the press press toward the podium, mics out.
[OOC] Ingenue: Is this going live?
Spyboy Pearson eyes the crowd, frowns slightly to himself.
Zinda Tegram coughs into her hand and shifts uncomfortably.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Yep. They're doing it live.
Spyboy Pearson: "[Dearest, could you make sure the marines are on standby?]"
It is trivial to detect several live feeds heading out, and even find sites livecasting this press conference.
[OOC] Ingenue: Ooooh, Zinda can cause so much more damage when its live…
[OOC] Abraham: Thanks for that thought, Ingenue. Truly.
[OOC] Ingenue: Welcome!
Oddly, they do not immediately pepper Abraham with questions, but have microphones out and cameras coming online. Miraculously, they are actually waiting for his opening statement.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: BLOW THE AIRLOCKS. NOW.
Abraham is starting to become nervous. Restraint? From the free press? That's /never/ a good sign.
Zinda Tegram relaxes visibly.
WC GM rolled up 4dF: + + - - (Base: 6 Total: 6) (Intimidation + The Plan: Opening Silence)
[OOC] WC GM: Resolve to resist
[OOC] Ingenue: On everyone?
Abraham: fudge 6;Resolve to not dissolve into a ball of quivering tears.
Abraham rolled up 4dF: 0 0 - + (Base: 6 Total: 6) (Resolve to not dissolve into a ball of quivering tears.)
[OOC] WC GM: Just Abraham.
The Admiral manages to control himself…barely, for now.
[OOC] WC GM: Your move.
Zinda Tegram rolled up 4dF: + 0 0 - (Base: 5 Total: 5) (Resolve to not draw attention.)
Zinda Tegram coughs into her hand.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Legitimately, it's Abraham's move first - but if he doesn't do something soon, Spyboy's gonna be making the same roll, and his Resolve sucks.
Abraham smiles benignly. "I presume you are here because you are curious about why a station is being escorted through the jump gate. Well I'm afraid I can not tell you that as that is classified. Since I can not imagine that is the /only/ reason for this, obviously impromptu, gathering. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you what is on your minds."
Spyboy Pearson scans the crowd for reactions. Who is disappointed, who seems more curious, who seems unsurprised…
Spyboy Pearson rolled up 4dF: 0 - 0 + (Base: 5 Total: 5) (Charm)
[OOC] Abraham: Who's reading hidden assassination cameras?
[OOC] Ingenue: Who's getting out a gun, who's got explosives on their belt…
[OOC] Abraham: Who's looking for a phone booth to change into Superman?
Spyboy finds an eerie sameness to their reactions: "unsurprised" . He also notices that they all seem to be wearing the same model of glasses…with what could be point-to-point laser communicators.
[OOC] WC GM: Ingenue's move, then?
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Did Heggy have any trouble arranging for marine backup?
[OOC] Abraham: It's a trap. The disciples of The Four-Eyed God are impersonating reporters.
[OOC] WC GM: No trouble. The marines self-deployed in anticipation, even.
Spyboy Pearson: "[Heggy, just making sure. Are those Marines standing by? I'm getting a really bad vibe from this crowd.]"
Heggy: "[They've got the hangar surrounded.]"
Spyboy Pearson: "[Good….good.]"
Zinda Tegram shifts her weight from foot to foot next to the podium.
Spyboy Pearson: "[Ingenue, can you get a read on them? Right now I'd like to make sure our audience is…human.]"
[OOC] Ingenue: "Invasive scanning, or passive observation?"
Spyboy Pearson: "[Well, don't give yourself away.]"
Zinda Tegram mutters into her transceiver.
[OOC] Abraham: BRB. Hopefully in time for questions.
Zinda Tegram: "[Let's go with uh, passive observation.]"
Ingenue accesses the feed for the passive observational scans.
Ingenue rolled up 4dF: - + 0 + (Base: 6 Total: 7) (Alertness to observe what is observable, with a focus on 'are they human'?)
[OOC] Ingenue: Okay, now Chessa's scaring me.
Passive scanners show nothing extremely unusual. Two of them look kind of like Wenser, but in a crowd this size, that is to be expected.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: I mean, it's obvious he's in the crowd. Everyone in the crowd is Wenser, after all.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: WENSER IS THE ROLAND
Not all of them are human - a kilrathi here, a couple lagos there - but most are.
Ingenue: "[No abnormal readings on passive scans. Subjects appear to be human, within reasonable definitions, save for scattered non-human-but-recognized-biologic-types such as kilrathi and lagos.]"
[OOC] Abraham: Back. Also, I'm going to blow up The Roland. No reason.
Ingenue: "[All parameters within acceptable levels.]"
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: WC's turn.
A lady in front speaks up. "Admiral Bounty, between this, the planet, and the Nephilim, how many more invaders will you be bringing into our system?"
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Niiiiiice.
[OOC] Ingenue: "Oh, do I count?"
Zinda Tegram raises an eyebrow.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: No, but Zinda does.
WC GM rolled up 4dF: 0 + 0 + (Base: 6 Total: 8) (Intimidation + The Plan: Question Invaders)
Abraham arches an eyebrow. "Are you attempting to place an order for a specific invader? I'm afraid it doesn't quite work that way."
Abraham: "Sorry."
[OOC] Ingenue: I think you need to roll resolve to not be intimidated.
[OOC] Abraham: Ah.
[OOC] Ingenue: Again, that's still just Abe, right?
Abraham rolled up 4dF: + - + 0 (Base: 6 Total: 7) (Resolve)
[OOC] WC GM: For now, yeah.
[OOC] Abraham: Not quite enough. But you know, and I know, that I'm doing the right thing.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: One box of Composure, assuming they have no 'weapon strength' for their comments.
[OOC] WC GM: Yes, 1 box of Composure. They haven't drawn their big guns yet.
[OOC] Ingenue: Weaponized questions. What will they think of next?
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Or he can tap one of the pre-set Aspects…
[OOC] Abraham: Nah. I got rank. I can take it.
[OOC] WC GM: So, your move?
Spyboy Pearson focuses a high-def camera on one of those glasses. Sure, lasers are point-to-point…in theory. In practice there is always partial reflection and backscatter.
Spyboy Pearson rolled up 4dF: - - 0 - (Base: 6 Total: 3) (Communications to eavesdrop.)
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: UGH.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Tapping Aspect for reroll…
[OOC] WC GM: Which one?
Spyboy Pearson almost fat-fingers the scan details - but something like that would be really, really embarrassing in front of the Admiral.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: The Admiral's Eyes are On You.
Spyboy Pearson rolled up 4dF: + - - - (Base: 6 Total: 4) (Communications to eavesdrop, hopefully with Chessa in a better mood.)
Abraham: "Well, that covers the 'headline making, irresponsibly sensationalized portion' of the interview. Now does anyone have any questions that aren't deliberately weighted and calculated to create soundbites?" ((Oratory to return fire.))
WC GM rolled up 4dF: 0 - - - (Base: 4 Total: 1) (Engineering (Suspiciously Good))
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: …*snrrk*
[OOC] Ingenue: Chessa disagrees with your engineering assessment.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Thanks, Chessa!
Abraham rolled up 4dF: + + + + (Base: 4 Total: 8) (Oratory to shame the group)
Spyboy quickly recognizes the make and model of these glasses. Yeah, they're being coordinated; he can't get all of their game plan, but from the tone and terseness, they have clearly set up in advance - which means chaos is going to break loose once they run out of plan.
[OOC] Abraham: Did I say the group? I meant Spyboy.
WC GM rolled up 4dF: 0 - - + (Base: 6 Total: 5) (Resolve + Journalistic Integrity)
Abraham can see in the group's faces that his words are getting through, hitting HARD. But they are not giving up just yet.
[OOC] WC GM: 3 box hit
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Zinda, Ingenue?
[OOC] Ingenue: Do the p2p lasers show up on any of Nue's prior/current scans?
[OOC] Abraham: Just making sure I didn't miss it, this is a straight up social slugfest? No zones to worry about?
Zinda Tegram rolled up 4dF: 0 - 0 0 (Base: 5 Total: 4) (Alertness (Oh god are they looking at me? I think they're looking at me.))
[OOC] Ingenue: I don't think anyone is trying to convince anyone else.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Yes. Straight-up social slugfest.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: There are rules of etiquette…FOR NOW.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Basically until Zinda gets involved.
[OOC] WC GM: Yeah. And yes, Ingenue saw the lasers - but might not have noticed their meaning yet.
[OOC] Abraham: Well, yeah.
…yes, actually, they are starting to look at Zinda. Looks like their next question will involve her. There is just enough time to brace for it.
Ingenue flips through optical filters to identify the network of lasers; where they're going, to and from whom.
Ingenue rolled up 4dF: 0 + 0 - (Base: 6 Total: 6) (Alertness to create/study laser map.)
…well well well. Big surprise: the most active nodes, and thus probably the coordinators, are the two Wenser-alikes. Though one of the lagos toward the back is also more active than average, almost as if eavesdropping on the traffic - sending requests for more copies, that do not reach the Wenser-alikes - despite being openly part of the network.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: …They're broadcasting to the Lago network.
Reporter: "Okay, then: were you aware that a death warrant has been issued for a member of your crew by the warlord who is currently massacring civilians in Oldziey?" She points with her microphone at Zinda.
WC GM rolled up 4dF: - + - + (Base: 6 Total: 6) (Intimidation + The Plan: Surprise Zinda)
Zinda Tegram: "What."
[OOC] WC GM: This one vs. both Abraham and Zinda.
Spyboy Pearson blinks once.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Compel accepted.
Ingenue: "Death warrant?"
Abraham rolled up 4dF: + - 0 + (Base: 6 Total: 7) (Resolve to not blink.)
Zinda Tegram: "May I ask which death warrant?"
[OOC] Abraham: Eyes wide open.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: I know you didn't offer one but
[OOC] WC GM: Eh, one offered.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: I suspect there would be if you had thought to? Hahaha.
Abraham: "Is this why you are here? Because a civilian-murdering warlord doesn't like a member of my crew? Okay. I admit it. I'm jealous. I want a death warrant to. Happy?"
Reporter: "Ahem. 'A bounty of one million credits, for the heart of the Traitorous Knight, also known as Zinda Tegram.' That's all it says."
Zinda Tegram: "That's nice. Who put it out?"
Zinda Tegram taps her foot.
Zinda Tegram coughs. "I assume it came out of Harvest?"
[OOC] Abraham: So…the bounty is one million credits to seduce Zinda?
Zinda Tegram: "I guess it's news to me, though. He probably just wants to shoot me before I shoot him."
[OOC] WC GM: Seduce-heartbreak-induce suicide is as valid as any other method.
Zinda Tegram: "Took him long enough…"
Reporter: "It's signed by King Roseblood, current warlord of Asago. The Mad King, as his subjects call him."
Spyboy Pearson: "Fascinating."
Abraham literally face palms.
Spyboy Pearson lets a third of his mind be amazed by the revelations. Well, unsurprised, really.
Zinda Tegram: "Yeah, him. He had my father, the former head of the royal guard executed for treason."
Spyboy Pearson focuses on the Wenseralikes. Where, just where, are their downlinks-ahhhhh.
Zinda Tegram: "Why is this important?"
[OOC] Abraham: So…when's Zinda making her play for The Iron Throne?
Spyboy Pearson rolled up 4dF: + - + + (Base: 6 Total: 8) (Communications)
[OOC] Abraham: The most uncomfortable chair in known space.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Soon.
[OOC] Ingenue: First she has to finish annexing the Roland.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: She already has.
Reporter: "And now reports are that he has radiation-shielded fighters uncloaking near the undefended mid-belt habitats, destroying them, and cloaking before response can arrive. Did you have anything to do with this?"
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Cargo bay 6 is a military occupation.
Zinda Tegram narrows her eyes. "Why would I? I've been a private contractor since I left Oldziey."
Reporter: "If not, how else could he have gotten his hands on that technology?"
Zinda Tegram: "You're missing a step here, how could I have gotten my hands on that technology?"
[OOC] Ingenue: What would it take to confirm/verify those reports? Cult/Tech?
Zinda Tegram: "I haven't exactly flown any cloaking enabled ships recently. Moreover, why would I hand tech over to a man who just posted a bounty for my life?"
Reporter: "Collins. There are reports that you visited a large cloaking facility on Salaam."
Abraham: "I assume those questions are directed at me, rather than the woman who you just informed has a death sentence hanging over her head."
Zinda Tegram: "I want to *kill* him! Not arm him!"
Zinda Tegram clenches a fist.
[OOC] WC GM: Ingenue: no roll needed. If you want to spend an action, you can autopass at verifying all of this.
[OOC] Ingenue: Will do so.
Zinda Tegram: "I had nothing to do with the crap on Salaam! I was just there as Abraham's escort!"
Abraham: "I am not exactly an authority on Oldziey culture, but I can say with some assurance that having a bounty on your head is not a status symbol or a measure of endearment from the person who posted it."
The downlinks lead to the Wenser-alikes…and no further. Whatever the plan is, it's in their heads - but from the amount of urgent communications, it looks like the plan just went off the rails.
Zinda Tegram: "If you want the story behind that one, why don't you talk to the Kilrah huh!?"
The Kilrathi reporter raises her hand. "I told them what I heard. You know more than I do."
The crowd GLARES at Zinda.
Zinda Tegram GLARES back.
Abraham: "Now honestly, are these just random questions that popped into your head? Because the order you're asking them in make no sense what so ever."
Zinda Tegram: "Well, are you from Salaam?"
KilrathiReporter: "No, I just have a cousin there."
KilrathiReporter: "He and I don't talk much."
Zinda Tegram: "Why don't you ask him where he gets the fertilizer for those farms. And who they feed."
KilrathiReporter: "Pardon me for being concerned about my family's safety."
Spyboy Pearson: "But not that concerned."
[OOC] Abraham: So this is going to continue until I kill their souls?
Zinda Tegram: "Hmmph. Any other stupid questions?"
Spyboy Pearson rolled up 4dF: - 0 - + (Base: 8 Total: 7) (Communications to pull up the records on the two Wenseralikes. Tapping "I know who I'm talking to.")
[OOC] WC GM: The social combat's almost over - but it's your action now.
Yyyep - forged passes, forged identities. Those two are nonpersons.
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Wanna have 'em arrested for forged press passes?
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Not until this is over. Gonna broadcast that, though.
[OOC] WC GM: Abraham's move.
Abraham rolled up 4dF: 0 + 0 + (Base: 6 Total: 8) (Science attack! ((Because if you're trying to make a case, throwing out contradictory questions does not do it.)))
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Did they not know Zinda's backstory?
[OOC] Abraham: And so, Science kills souls. Q.E.D.
Spyboy Pearson: "[Looks like the two masterminds are nonpersons. I'd rather not show our hand just yet. We've gotta get the Admiral an uplink…]"
The mob literally turns on itself, looking, questioning. The conversation is over those laser links - Spyboy overhears the pandemonium; the others just see angry looks being exchanged.
[OOC] WC GM: Victory for the party.
Zinda Tegram steps in.
Spyboy Pearson: "[Tipping hand. Bunnyhunny, could you have those two arrested, please?]"
Zinda Tegram: "Hey! Don't ignore me!"
Zinda Tegram: "I asked you a question!"
Spyboy Pearson: "[Grounds are forged passes to a restricted military facility.]"
[OOC] Abraham: I motion that you make that Zinda's high concept.
Zinda Tegram walks up one of the Wensers.
Heggy: "[Got it. Also, having them arrest you for calling me 'Bunny Hunny.']"
Zinda reaches that one just as the marines do.
Zinda Tegram: "I asked you…if you had any more questions."
Zinda Tegram: "I'm not done with him, hold on."
Ingenue: "The probability of the reporters becoming injured is increasing."
Wenseralike: "…if you insist. What's in the sealed bay?"
Zinda Tegram has an eye twitch.
Wenseralike: "We couldn't help but notice some organic-looking modifications to the Roland."
Abraham: "Okay, that was a bit asinine of them, but…arresting them? Do we actually have a reason to arrest anyone here? Frankly, I don't even have a desire to."
Zinda Tegram: "Samples from Collins."
Abraham mutters under his breath, "If they're arrested, they're still on my ship…"
Wenseralike: "They are not known for this sort of biotechnology."
Ingenue: "There is reason for the arrest. However, speech is an unsecured medium. This may be restricted material."
Zinda Tegram: "SOMEONE made the stupid mistake of trying to make bio weapons out of native plant life. They revolted. We had to work out an agreement with them so they wouldn't crash into Armstrong."
The lady reporter in front looks up at that. She peers at Ingenue.
Wenseralike: "Crash into…do you mean Tuskegee?"
Abraham sighs. "Lovely. Okay, send a report to my communicator. Unless electronics are also insecure."
Spyboy Pearson: "This is a military facility, Admiral. They're not who they say they are. That's reason to arrest them."
Zinda Tegram: "Yes, exactly like Tuskegee. And we prevented it."
Spyboy Pearson: "Ma'am, who did they tell you they were?"
Abraham: "Really? Okay."
Wenseralike: "Do you seriously expect us to believe you can steer a planet?"
Zinda Tegram glares into the Wensers eyes.
Zinda Tegram: "With enough thrust, anything is possible."
Abraham strides over to the Wensers. "Who are you and what is the real reason you came aboard my ship?"
The lady reporter shrugs. "Someone with a scoop they wanted us to help break."
Zinda Tegram looks back at Abraham.
Zinda Tegram: "Cute, looks like you got the admiral angry."
Zinda Tegram raises herself up to her full height.
Spyboy Pearson: "The crumbs they gave you - about Zinda, or something else?"
Wenseralike: "Ah, might you prefer that discussion in private, Admiral?"
Zinda Tegram frowns.
Abraham: "Is blood flowing? Then I am merely irritated."
Zinda Tegram: "On air is fine."
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Wenser outs himself on air. Plot happens.
Ingenue: "Zinda, do you want this conversation fully broadcasted?"
[OOC] Abraham: Awww…he's shy.
LadyReporter: "Several, but they make sense. There was also something about Mu Cephei - is it true the evacuation has finally finished?"
Spyboy Pearson: "Not as of the last time we'd left, though it was getting pretty close."
Zinda Tegram: "The crisis on Mu Cephei was delayed somewhat, the evacuation hasn't yet occured but it's progressing smoothly."
Zinda Tegram: "We bought some time and and are trying to do a more thorough job than we originally planned."
LadyReporter: "…that's *some* good news. Oh! And what about rumors that the Admiral has adopted a child - is this her?"
LadyReporter: "There aren't official records yet - is the paperwork still in process?"
Ingenue: "The admiral has not adopted me."
Zinda Tegram: "S-she's mine."
Abraham: "Quite false, I assure you."
Ingenue: "Yes."
Zinda Tegram puts a hand on Ingenue's shoulder.
Zinda Tegram: "I believe the paperwork should have gone through."
LadyReporter: "You adopted a child while you have a death warrant outstanding?"
Abraham: "It's…worrying if it hasn't yet…"
Zinda Tegram: "I didn't know about the death warrant originally, but…I couldn't leave her where she was."
Ingenue: "Observationally, the answer would have to be 'yes'."
LadyReporter: "Where was that?"
Abraham: "The system."
Zinda Tegram: "She was uh, on Mu Cephei."
LadyReporter: "…how did a human child get on Mu Cephei?"
Zinda Tegram coughs.
Ingenue: "One would suppose the usual way that human children get anywhere."
Zinda Tegram: "I-I'm not sure my daughter is the proper subject of interest for a cluster-wide news story Ma'am."
Zinda Tegram: "Metis!"
Zinda Tegram tightens her grip on Metis's shoulder.
Ingenue: "Ah….sorry?"
Zinda Tegram: "That's good. I forgive you."
Spyboy Pearson: "Yes, yes, maybe we should get the minor off the system-wide live broadcast?"
Abraham: "Mu Cephei is not…/was/ not exclusively Lago. Just the overwhelming majority."
Spyboy Pearson: "[And getting Zinda off at the same time is like a 900% bonus.]"
Spyboy Pearson: "I was born in Mu Cephei."
Zinda Tegram: "Besides, I'm…not too worried about the Death Warrant."
LagoReporter: "Actually! All non-lagos were evacuated long ago."
Zinda Tegram: "Not all Non-lagos, apparently."
Ingenue: "That report would be in error."
The lago blinks. "Well…y-yeah, *her*, if you want to mention her."
The reporter crowd silences in an instant, and peers at the lago.
Ingenue: "[Is restricted information still restricted if someone else releases it?]"
Zinda Tegram looks back at the Lago.
Spyboy Pearson: "I'm sorry, there seems to be some confusion."
Zinda Tegram turns her transceiver on and points it at said Lago.
Spyboy Pearson: "Because as far as Mu Cephei Prime goes, there haven't been any non-lagos in a long, long, long time, except for visitors."
Spyboy Pearson: "But there are PLENTY of humans in Mu Cephei."
Abraham: "Well, I think this impromptu Press Conference is done. Unless you have forged credentials, in which case you will be escorted to our complimentary brig, or you have some other business with me or my crew, it is time to leave."
Spyboy Pearson: "Like I said, I was born there. My parents live there. My aunts and uncles, too."
LadyReporter: "She said 'on' Mu Cephei. That clearly means Prime."
Spyboy Pearson: "Aye aye, sir."
Spyboy Pearson: "Accent."
Zinda Tegram: "And ah, you, sir."
Zinda Tegram addresses the Lago.
Zinda Tegram: "I'd like a word with you."
Wenseralike: "…very well, Admiral, if you insist on everything going live."
Spyboy Pearson frowns.
Spyboy Pearson: "[Ingenue, the imposters don't have any…implants, do they?]"
LagoReporter: "Uh, me? Excuse me everyone!" The lago begins sliding through the crowd; Spyboy can not-hear him ignoring the bombardment of questions.
Ingenue analyzes the Wenser-alikes for nue-comms.
Spyboy Pearson: "[I find myself more worried about explosives.]"
[OOC] Abraham: That's your full name now. Ingenuetrino.
[OOC] Ingenue: That is horrible. You should feel bad.
[OOC] Abraham: And yet. And yet, I do not.
Wenseralike: "I am here to save you from heres-" *BOOM* …the other Wenseralike stands for a moment, wrist socket smoking where his fist just detached and beheaded the first, before melting. The reporters scream and run for their shuttles - other than the lago reporter, who takes cover behind Zinda.
Ingenue: "[That would require invasive scanning. Is invasive scann…it no longer matters, does it?]"
[OOC] Abraham: Rocket Punch!
[OOC] WC GM: Pretty much
Spyboy Pearson: "Did you catch that?" Spyboy says as soon as the reporters are out of earshot.
Spyboy Pearson: "Tells us who sent them, no shocker there."
LagoReporter: "Heres. Got it. Is that a codename?"
Abraham pulls his pistol. "Kneel on the ground, put your arms behind your back. Grab your wrist with your remaining hand. Now."
[OOC] WC GM: Who is he aiming at?
[OOC] Abraham: I suppose that counts as explosives
Spyboy Pearson: "Anyone else find it ironic that Abraham got blamed for bringing Nephilim to Abraham by a group of reporters who brought a pair of Nephilim to the press conference?"
[OOC] Ingenue: Everyone.
[OOC] Abraham: The Fist Puncher.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: He melted.
[OOC] WC GM: The melting soon-to-be puddle?
Zinda Tegram pulls her torch out and flicks as she starts charging the other Wenser.
[OOC] Abraham: Ah.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Is the beheaded one melting, too?
[OOC] Abraham: I thought that was what was meant.
The puddle fails to react. The beheaded one soon begins to melt too.
Spyboy Pearson: "Not pure drones, either, or one wouldn't have started to talk before the other shut him up for good."
[OOC] Ingenue: What are they melting into?
Between the two they display a gazebo-like temperament.
Spyboy Pearson: "Marines, we need some absorbent on those piles before they melt a hole into the deck, please."
Ingenue kneels down to examine the puddle(s).
Marine: "Yes, SIR!"
[OOC] Abraham: But it was a +3 Arrow…
Spyboy Pearson: "Ingenue, I'd recommend a chemical scan - but I don't think we'll get much. Nephilim self-destruct acids tend to be pretty thorough."
Leftovers of self-destructed Nephilim, like the party has seen before.
Spyboy Pearson: "Works decently well as a dead-end, too. We might be able to glean something from how they made contact?"
Abraham nods to himself satisfied. "I think that's my most successful press conference yet."
Ingenue straightens up. "Chemical analysis would require substantial time."
ExecutiveOfficer: "Shuttles requesting takeoff clearance. Do we let them leave, sir?"
Abraham turns to Spyboy. "Do we suspect anyone else of having a larger than average punching distance?"
Zinda Tegram: "Tch."
Zinda Tegram: "Nephilim…"
Ingenue: "It may be wise to detain them to perform more thorough scans."
Spyboy Pearson runs a quick set of background checks. Everyone else on the shuttles supposed to be someone?
[OOC] Ingenue: After all, they're reporters, its not like they're human.
Spyboy Pearson: "Checking, sir."
No other forgeries are immediately detected.
Spyboy Pearson makes a probe using the Nephilim handshake protocol.
Abraham: "Yeah, let them go. I think we'll all be happier when you do. I know I will."
ExecutiveOfficer: "Yes, sir."
The shuttles leave in slightly more haste and disarray than they arrived in. Soon, all is relatively calm again - save for the one lago reporter still cowering behind Zinda.
Zinda Tegram: "You're lucky you're still alive you know."
None of the reporters turn up on neu-comm scan - save the lago, but Spyboy is pretty certain why the handshake protocol does not work on him.
Zinda Tegram says this without turning around. Instead, she just clicks off the torch.
Zinda Tegram: "So, you're integrated?"
LagoReporter: "And you're the Mother?"
Zinda Tegram: "Of Metis? Yes."
Zinda Tegram turns around to help him up.
The reporter accepts the help. "It was that or Babysitter, and you seem worth respect to me."
Zinda Tegram: "Thank you. I assume you were rebroadcasting to the integrated community on Armstrong, then."
LagoReporter: "Ah…everyone else…" He twirls a finger at the party. "They all know?"
Zinda Tegram: "Yeah, they do."
LagoReporter: "Yeah. Even us Integrated need journalists to ferret out the truth."
Zinda Tegram: "Well, if you're not going to fuck us over, why don't you ask your questions."
LagoReporter: "And this is from us." He HUGS Zinda out of nowhere.
Zinda Tegram is slightly taken aback. "Uh…thanks."
Abraham: "Really? I would have thought integration would either make journalists obsolete or turn everyone into journalists…"
Zinda Tegram: "Why, though?"
The reporter releases after 5 seconds. "You need to ask? You're doing a very important job, and doing it well. Oh! One for you too." He hugs Ingenue.
Ingenue: "Integration increases the amount of noise you must process to recover a signal. Every errant thought you have now competes with every errant thought that others have, unfiltered until the mind adap…not too tight, you will bruise yourself."
[OOC] Abraham: Strike him down Ingenue. Then your journey down the darkside will be complete.
Zinda Tegram: "I…Metis is that important to you guys? I'm just trying to do right by her."
[OOC] Ingenue: Oh, Zinda, can I? Its the darkside! They get lightning!
Ingenue: "Zinda is doing very well."
Zinda Tegram: "You probably already know then that I'm…not that fond of Elles."
LagoReporter: "Heh heh." He releases the android. "She's important to Elles. Elles…we'd like to do right by her; she's tried to take care of us despite ourselves for so long. Kind of like…well, for your friends I'd say like getting your grandmother into a good retirement home, but I'm not sure if Oldziey has those customs?"
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: That doesn't sound all that accurate. Try 'psychotically obsessed with opposing Elles.'
Abraham hides a smirk. Zinda just said, "Ya know…water…it's kinda wet."
Zinda Tegram: "In Oldziey, the old don't usually…survive that long."
LagoReporter: "Yeah…that's what I'd heard. So! Anyway! You had more questions for me?"
Zinda Tegram: "Mostly, yeah. How'd you meet up with the Nephilim?"
LagoReporter: "How can I help? And…uh, afterward can I get a ride back down planetside?"
LagoReporter: "The neph…" Blink. "THOSE WERE NEPHILIM?!?"
[OOC] Abraham: "We'll prepare a torpedo tube for you."
Zinda Tegram: "What, you've never seen a dead Nephilim?"
LagoReporter: "Nooo!"
Zinda Tegram pokes the acid pile with her shoe.
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: Welp….so much for that shoe.
LagoReporter: "Well, okay. NOW I have, if you say so."
[OOC] Ingenue: Shoe: *sizzelepop*
[OOC] Abraham: Everyone knows the source of all Nephilim technology is their Fists of Awesome!
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: "Iiiiiti's diiiiiiiip!"
Zinda Tegram: "The nephilim seem to have a habit of uh, bodily self-destruction when their positions are compromised."
LagoReporter: "Those two did seem awfully well informed and coordinated. They just emailed me, and the rest I assume, directly. Probably got our names and contact info from a list."
Zinda Tegram: "Anyways, I need to know how they got involved with the press."
Zinda Tegram: "I see. So are you, uh, an editor?"
LagoReporter: "The glasses and the lines of questioning were their ideas."
Zinda Tegram: "They just emailed you with a pitch and you guys took it?"
LagoReporter: "Nah. Freelance reporter."
Zinda Tegram: "I see…then who's publishing?"
LagoReporter: "It seemed to fit, and there HAD been a lot of unusual activities lately."
Spyboy Pearson: "Kinda surprised you went along with it. That was a crazy series of questions."
Abraham: "Ah, they mailed you a check and you took it."
The reporter smiles at Zinda and taps the back of his neck.
LagoReporter: "No check here. Just questions that seemed to get at the truth."
Zinda Tegram: "Yeah, but…I need to know who's running the story in human networks."
Ingenue: "It seems the Nephilim were attempting to disseminate information. Or are attempting to produce a reaction from Abraham. A severe enough reaction could create a schism between Abraham and the other Admirals, which would have the potential possibility of allowing Abraham the freedom to place his allegiance elsewhere."
Zinda Tegram: "…Do you have a copy of the entire series of questions?"
Abraham: "That's…strangely plausible given their fixation on me."
LagoReporter: "Oh! I can track down the list of publications. And…sure, but they basically all got asked."
Zinda Tegram: "I see. Who pays you if you uh, self publish?"
LagoReporter: "…fixation on you? Err - if that's not too classified, might I ask?"
[OOC] Ingenue: Is that classified?
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: I'd say….probably.
Abraham: "They have apparently decided to concentrate their efforts on me over the other three admirals, possibly because I am the newest, and logically the most likely to turn. Or whatever it is they are doing."
The reporter smiles. "Ah, I've got enough money to live on for a while, and I get donations from time to time. Here's a link to my account, if you want to tip." He hands Zinda a business card, with several modes of contact - including an account at an online tipping network, apparently still operational post-Chandley.
Zinda Tegram: "I see, thanks."
[OOC] WC GM: …trying to decide if Chutzpah is a Resolve-based stunt.
[OOC] Ingenue: Where else would it fit?
[OOC] WC GM: "Who pays you?" "People like you."
Zinda Tegram: "Alright, well, you never finished your line of questions, did you?"
Zinda Tegram: "Since they were formed by Nephilim, I think we'd find it very interesting to uh, have a copy.
LagoReporter: "We kinda did. There was another about whether you'd brought aboard life from Tuskegee."
LagoReporter: "And whether you were going to investigate the abandonment of Grissom."
Zinda Tegram: "That's an…interesting question."
Spyboy Pearson: "Grissom?"
Spyboy Pearson: "Abandoned?"
Zinda Tegram: "The best answer I could give is uh, " if by life you mean biomass yes, if by life you mean persons no. "
Spyboy Pearson: "…..great."
Zinda Tegram: "You've probably heard about the uh, creatures in the Mu Cephei tunnels?"
Spyboy Pearson: "Now we have two next destinations."
Ingenue: "The probability of investigating Grissom has increased."
Spyboy Pearson: "Also, Zinda, CLASSIFIED."
LagoReporter: "…not if that's recent. I haven't been back there in years."
LagoReporter: "And - no offense, no intention of returning. I LIKE it here on Armstrong."
Zinda Tegram pointedly ignores Spyboy.
Zinda Tegram: "It's pretty recent. Well, the news will get back to you following the evacuation probably. You can basically consider anything we brought back from Tuskegee as agents of mine."
LagoReporter: "Wide open spaces, still a bunch of people around…" He shoots a grin at Spyboy and Heggy. "…and all consequence-free 'socializing' I want; I think you two know what I mean."
[OOC] Abraham: They get fifteen percent of Zinda's earnings?
Spyboy Pearson turns to Abraham.
Spyboy Pearson: "Admiral, can I? Can I please?"
Zinda Tegram looks at Spyboy.
Spyboy Pearson has his hand right next to his pistol and practically tears in his eyes.
Zinda Tegram: "99% of my body is classified, yeah, I get it…"
[OOC] Abraham: Note that I didn't say no.
Zinda Tegram: "You gonna shoot the woman who taught you to fly Spyboy?"
The reporter holds up his hands. "Whoa, hey, sorry if that's a touchy subject! I just heard you two were married, is all."
Zinda Tegram: "I…*really*?"
Spyboy Pearson blinks
[OOC] Abraham: You taught him to fly. You never got around to teaching him how to land.
Zinda Tegram: "Oh. Ooooh."
LagoReporter: "Yeah." He points to Spyboy, then to Heggy.
Zinda Tegram: "No he wants to shoot me for being loose lipped."
LagoReporter: "Aren't you?"
Zinda Tegram: "They're married yeah."
LagoReporter: "Oh!"
LagoReporter: "Oh, okay, that's different."
Zinda Tegram: "About this, uh, bounty on me?"
LagoReporter: "Yeah?"
Zinda Tegram: "When did it go up?"
LagoReporter: "A few days ago."
Abraham: "And is it real or just a smoke screen to provoke Zinda?"
Zinda Tegram: "I'm pretty sure I could handle anything Harvest sends against me, I was royal guard after all, but…"
LagoReporter: "Right about the same time we lost contact with Grissom, actually."
Zinda Tegram: "I see."
Spyboy Pearson: "…..Great."
Zinda Tegram: "Sounds like someone's scared of me."
LagoReporter: "Oh, it's real. So's the massacre. I hear Kali's preparing a response."
Ingenue: "The probability of investigating Grissom continues to increase.."
Zinda Tegram: "It is."
Zinda Tegram: "Kali, huh?"
Zinda Tegram: "If she invades it's gonna be bad."
LagoReporter: "Dakka was going to check out Grissom. Come to think of it, no one's heard from him since he jumped, either."
LagoReporter: "I…think it's safe to say she's going to invade."
LagoReporter: "If she hasn't already."
Zinda Tegram: "If she invades, Oldziey it's going to be a massacre."
Zinda Tegram: "Can you tell us what you know about the massacre?"
Zinda Tegram: "We've had our hands full with some uh, apocalyptic scenarios."
Spyboy Pearson mutters to Abraham, "Symmetry says we go to Oldziey, deal with the massacres, then come back and deal with Dakka as he returns to Armstrong from Grissom with a Nephilim fleet."
Ingenue focuses its gaze upon the Lagos, eyes narrowing. "[Detection of advanced, cybernetic chemical sensor suite in the reporter. Suspicion that he is taking passive samples of Zinda for analysis.]"
LagoReporter: "It's like she said. Roseblood's fighters decloak mid-belt, bust up some habitats, and recloak. Trajectory analysis has them going through the irradiated regions, but no normal craft - especially that size - could carry living passengers through it."
Abraham stage whispers back to Spyboy, "That's why we like you Spyboy. You're sunny. You're such an optimist."
[OOC] WC GM: Ingenue's line is just to Spyboy & Heggy, right?
Zinda Tegram: "It's Oldziey, habs as objectives isn't a new target, so that's not the surprising part."
[OOC] Abraham: Well, it's in Nu speak, so I'm not aloud to react.
Zinda Tegram: "Huh…"
[OOC] WC GM: If it was to Zinda then it'd be audible.
[OOC] Ingenue: Spyboy and Zinda('s receiver).
[OOC] WC GM: And the reporter would hear it.
[OOC] WC GM: Which is the main question.
[OOC] Ingenue: Yes, no one has clued Nue in on 'subtlety'.
Zinda Tegram: "…Admiral, now is the time to strike Oldziey."
Zinda Tegram: "Kali won't know what she's doing."
Zinda Tegram looks back at Abraham.
Abraham: "That's not fair. Kali knows exactly what she's doing, it will just be the wrong thing."
Zinda Tegram: "But I can…I can get him."
LagoReporter: "[…huh. Neutrinos to speech? Anyway, yeah, guilty - except I'm not taking, I've done the analysis. 99% of her is classified?]"
LagoReporter: "[Are we talking classified-classified, or mind if I share just with the Integrated?]"
Zinda Tegram: "[Classified Classified.]"
Abraham: "And yes it is time for me to visit Oldziey."
Zinda Tegram exhales.
[OOC] Ingenue: This is Spyboy's time to flip out and murder someone….
Zinda Tegram: "You're gonna carry your end of the deal then, Abraham?"
LagoReporter: "[Right. Well. Now I know what those sightings of plant-people like 1N93 were about.]"
[OOC] Abraham: Zinda: "We had a deal!" Abraham: "That was months ago. I can barely remember what I had for breakfast a week ago!"
[OOC] Zinda Tegram: Hahahaha.
Zinda Tegram: "[Yeah, those are mine.]"
[OOC] Abraham: For the record, it was ramen.
[OOC] Ingenue: That's why the captain keeps a log.
LagoReporter: "[…you've given her sisters? Already? You really are The Mother.]"
Zinda Tegram: "[Not all of them are mine.]"
[OOC] Ingenue: That…can be taking in so many ways…
Zinda Tegram: "[The ingenue-copies aren't mine. But…all the ones off of Tuskegee are mine.]"
Zinda Tegram: "[Please make it clear that Tuskegee is…a nature preserve.]"
LagoReporter: "[Ingenue? …oh, I suppose if you read them in Terran it makes sense.]"
LagoReporter: "[…err. Going to need some help with that.]"
Zinda Tegram: "[I thought ingenue was the model.]"
LagoReporter: "Ahem. Admiral Bounty."
Abraham: "Hm…have you finished your conversation then?"
Ingenue: "[AI version 1N93, frame model NU3.]"
LagoReporter: "It has been requested…" He looks pointedly at Zinda. "…that Tuskegee be declared a nature preserve, upon which no landings may be made for the time being. That would require your authority."
Zinda Tegram shrugs.
Abraham: "Yes. That is an exceptionally good idea. I was thinking 'Quarantine', but Nature Preserve will cause less alarm."
Zinda Tegram: "[Ah, thank you Metis.]"
LagoReporter: "This may be useful in containing the matter of, ah…"
Ingenue: "[Welcome!]"
The reporter blinks. "Metis?"
Abraham leans in close to the Lago. "It was a /very/ good idea. Did it really come from Zinda?"
The lago nods.
Ingenue: "That is my name."
The lago blinks again.
Abraham: "Hm…"
Zinda Tegram hugs Metis.
Zinda Tegram: "Yes, it is isn't it?"
Zinda Tegram: "Please don't call her 1N93."
The reporter smiles. "Yes. Anyway. For containing the matter of Metis's siblings."
Ingenue: "Calling someone by their body delineation and heritage order…would you want to be 'first son-small body?'."
Spyboy Pearson: "Wouldn't be the first time."
Spyboy Pearson: "That's how the ancient Terrans named their daughters, you know."
LagoReporter: "I *will* be reporting that you have a name, kid."
LagoReporter: "So everyone will know."
Zinda Tegram: "She chose it herself."
Spyboy Pearson: "First daughter of Julius, second daughter of Julius, third daughter of Julius…"
Ingenue: "My name is not classified. Is it?"
Zinda Tegram: "Is isn't, honey."
Zinda Tegram: "You can give it to anyone whom you choose."
LagoReporter: "Metis Tegram, is it?"
[OOC] Spyboy Pearson: "I can't think of any reason why your name would be classified….but give me some time."
[OOC] Ingenue: I don't actually recall if we ever specified a last name. Logically, that would make sense…And then Metis can inherit the Stern Lanze when Zinda inevitably dies.
[OOC] WC GM: We didn't. This scene is about establishing that.
Ingenue: "Yes. That is who I am. Metis Tegram."