witchesreign | Office Hours [bbs/action]

[Oh, hey! He's been meaning to talk to Zabala. Early in the afternoon, Namur makes his way to her office. He's never been there before so he has to stop and try to find a directory a couple times, but eventually he makes it.

Namur raps on the door a couple times, whether it's already open or not, then peeks in.]

Y' didn't get swamped after makin' yer message, did y'?

Edited 2013-08-08 22:35 (UTC)

The paperwork is on an upswing at the moment, is all.

[Not being here to do it for a dozen days has that effect. But she sets the paperwork aside.]

Please, come in.

[He does so, edging sideways around the frame one shoulder at a time, and ducking a bit. Namur hooks his foot around the leg of a chair, sliding it out in front of him and flipping it around so the back is in front, and sits, elbows resting across the top.]

Heard rumors y' were engaged t' it, so I guess it makes sense it'd come schoolin' for y'.

[He winks, but then takes on a more serious countenance.]

I got a favor t' ask. There's somethin' I want t' do, but I don't know if it's gonna be possible, or how t' go 'bout doin' it. Thought y' might be able t' help me out, if yer willin'.

Well, we do spend all our time together, it seems.

[She folds her hands on the desk to address him seriously now, all humor aside.]

If it's reasonable and within my power. I'm certainly willing to listen.

A'ight, well. Maybe it's stupid, I dunno.

[He runs his hand over the back of his head and blushes a little, feeling like his request is suddenly very stupid. Too late to back out now, though.]

Anyway Trabia Garden's sponsorin' me here. Didn't think they really liked me all that much, so I was surprised t' see they'd do that, y' know? But they ain't got much, comes t' money. Things're always kinda tight 'round those parts for everyone. I been teacher assistin' here, an' some a them missions we get paid for, too. Was thinkin' if there's a way I can send some a the money I make back t' T-Garden every once in awhile, then they wouldn't have t' sacrifice quite so much jus' for me.

Defray the costs from what you earn from missions? We can certainly do that. It would be easier for us to do it on the backend than to have you simply shipping it back...

[He settles a little in the chair, relaxing a bit.]

A'ight, well. Jus' tell me what y' need me t' do. 'Preciate it.

Get the numbers on what you'd want to send back to the Headmaster's staff. I'll see to it that the transfers are arranged between SeeD and Garden.

Can do! Thanks Commander!

[Namur salutes, but it's sloppy- more playful than anything.]

There like a paper or somethin' I'll need t' fill out or is that what they'll have me do at the Headmaster's office?

I believe so. I'm not sure what the administrative procedure is, since that's they're department, but we'll honor any funding dispersal requests they make.

[He nods, stands, and haphazardly slides the chair back into its place against the wall.]

Well, that was it. I'll leave y' t' yer fiance. Sheheheheh.

[And he walks for the door, waving behind him as he goes.]

[Fantastic. So this lobby will be filled with constant interruptions and yammerings of day to day life.]

I'm still filtering out the riffraff.

-Grell ♥

Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of open office hours?

They're free to come as they wish, but I'm simply going to make sure there aren't annoyances.

The problem there is that your definition of "annoyance" is very wide.

I appreciate your intentions, but please do not. It is essential I get a feeling for the mood of the Garden, in all circles.

~Commander Zabala

[Hi, Zabala. I hope you don't mind a presence announced by a little tune in your office almost as soon as you get settled in. Even without his teleporter, Blues still hasn't broken that habit of figuring out when people get somewhere and just appearing or dropping into places with little warning.]

Zabala.

[He still can't bring himself to call her "Commander," but his voice does have a hint of respect. She's earned some, at least, and he'll give it.]

Edited 2013-08-10 07:43 (UTC)

[She's given up on enforcing it, no matter how proper it is according to the Code. Offworlders can only be pushed so far; best to let them show their independence and allow them mild rebellions rather than provoking larger ones.]

[She offers him a nod as he enters.]

I'm glad to see you back safely. Though if you have good news for me, I'll probably have to buy a hat so I can eat it.

[And that's part of the reason why she's gotten some respect from him. With his independence so important to him and the fact he had to give up quite a bit to be here, even being allowed to address her casually like this goes miles in making him content.

He shifts his stance a little, Tango hopping off his shoulder to prowl around like some sort of green guard.]

Don't bother shopping. The only news I have is bad -- very bad.

[He steps over to her, within reaching distance -- for Blues, this is abnormally close, but it's clear why once he lowers his voice.]

Sol Invictus has an infiltrator in Garden.

[If he's expecting her to be shocked or alarmed, he's going to be disappointed. She merely sighs softly.]

It's nice to have confirmation. I'd have honestly been shocked if they didn't.

[She toys with her pen for a moment, thinking, before she looks back up with a ghost of a smile.]

It isn't that bad, in fact. It has the potential to be if we ever come into planned conflict, but for now they're not going to be able to do much more direct harm to us than we can to them, having infiltrated them for a while.

[Blues didn't expect anything less from her, really -- if he could get into them, it'd be common sense they could get into Garden. He just wanted to make sure that part had no chance of being overheard.]

Let's hope we manage to handle it before becomes a problem, then.

[He steps back a little, putting some more comfortable distance while still being close enough to talk a bit quieter than usual.]

They aren't as organized as they seemed. They work on the idea of -- [A pause. What's that phrase humans use?] -- "every man for themselves," mostly. While they all have orders, unless someone makes friends, they tend to be on their own rather than organized into squads.

They're obsessed with finding any off-world technology they can, and they managed to find a lot of it without us even being aware of them doing so; the number of vehicles and weapons could fill up parts of cities, and they aren't getting slower about finding it.

They're an organization made completely of off-worlders, as well. I asked around -- some were picked up straight on arrival and hadn't found Garden at all, and others were ones who couldn't bother with Garden's rules.

[There's a slight tint in his voice on that last part. During his time before Garden, Sol Invictus was something he had never considered touching because of their methods, but he of all people is aware of just how difficult he can be with rules and regulations. He wouldn't be surprised if someone suspected him because of it, to be honest.]

As for their goals... many of them are intent on world domination. Most of the ones higher up didn't speak that candidly, though; seems their leader intends to capture any place they deem "magically significant," and they're willing to use conquest to do just that if they have to -- in fact, they expect it.

I wasn't able to figure out exactly what they meant by "magically significant" or what areas they were after before I had to leave.

[He would have liked to stay longer, but being as they were after off-world tech and he's... you know... an advanced robot, there was only so long he could manage things.]

Edited 2013-08-11 18:23 (UTC)

[She listens to this recitation in contemplative silence, which stretches on for a few minutes after he finishes. Eventually, she nods slowly, the pen still dancing through her fingers.]

That meshes with most of the information we've had so far... though what you're saying about the rate at which they're accruing offworld items is alarming.

I'd like for you to condense this information into a public briefing for the SeeDs. And the cadets -- better we spread this information to everyone.

I messed around with some of what they had when I could, but I'm no mechanic -- I don't know if it did anything useful.

[He nods at the request, seemingly pleased at the phrasing. Small victories.]

That's simple enough. If you can get them all in one place, I'll have the briefing ready by then.

[Because he could probably do it today, really, but he's sure Zabala wants time to process it or figure a few things out.]

[When would be a good time for a meeting... or, on second thought, is a meeting really the best way to do it?]

Hmm. Let's make it a BBS post. I feel like having it all in text somewhere will make it easier for people to come back to it on further thought.

For now, it may not be an official position, but you're going to be our Sol Invictus expert.

[Hm. A BBS post, is it...]

Do you want me to put it up, in case the cadets or SeeDs have questions? Or would you rather use your ID for that?

[He can understand he doesn't always inspire the most loyalty, so he figures he'll ask. At the "promotion," he gives a wry smile. There's a brief silence -- not enough to be fully noticeable by most humans, but enough that it's significant for Blues. And when it ends...]

I'll do what I can... Commander.

[...It's an attempt, at least. It probably won't stick, but...]

I'd prefer you do it. You have more recent and more direct experience; you're the best qualified to answer questions and guide any resulting discussion. And it will get them in the habit of seeing you as the expert in these matters.

[She nods, vouchsafing him a small smile.]

[Heh. He manages a small one himself, nodding slightly.]

I'll get on that and post it in a few days, then. If you'll excuse me.

Dismissed. [She nods, not expecting him to stand on a salute and thus not making a big deal out of one for herself, then turns back to the paperwork.]

[Well, Zabala, guess which person who totally-does-not-like-you noticed your absense? This one. And apparently, despite it being open office hours, still does not want to deal with her charming secretary and has come via window. Again. Ah, the benefits of climbing skill.

Don't ask how long he's been sitting out here. He seems to have a suspicious lunchbox. Hey, it's nice weather, and he loves hanging out on the roof where nobody else can reach - is it a crime to eat breakfast up here??

He checks to see if she's alone before he finally raps on the window.]

You free now?

[She gets up to open the window, smiling wryly.]

What will you do if I ever put blinds and a lock on this window?

Dunno. Bang on the window harder, I guess - make a real nuisance of myself. I'm sure the results would be less frustrating than arguing with your secretary.

[Yep, he's coming through the window to annoy Zabala and Grell.]

[It isn't working so well on Zabala. Little rebellions are better than big ones.]

How do you feel about the Balamb government extending citizenship to offworlders? I believe you'd stated a decided preference for staying in this world?

[At least humour him.]

It's definitely a step in the right direction, though it kinda took a while to make my mind up when it came to filling out the paperwork and submitting it... Balamb's a pretty different sort of government to what I'm used to.

I only got around to submitting it last week.

Now, if they could arrange some sort of work permit or scheme of some sort for newly arrived off-worlders, that'd be great...

[Shakes his head. Zabala is not the government, and his opinions on how to get off-worlders working outside Garden aren't exactly going to matter.]

[She nods thoughtfully. Obviously that wasn't just an idle question...]

Thank you. Now, what can I do for you?

[Tilts his head a little at her response. Huh... should he ask why she wanted to know?]

Actually, I'd noticed you've been away, and I'm feeling nosy. You're not scouting for a new way to "train" the cadets, are you?

[It's... only half-joking.]

I'd been thinking the swimming classes were boring, and I heard rumors of an active volcano...

[She's obviously joking, not even trying to pretend otherwise as she returns to her desk.]

I've been meeting with representatives from the various world governments. Why, I can't tell you. It's extremely politically sensitive, and letting it slip when it isn't a certainty would probably be disastrous.

Ah.

[So it was boring reasons, after all. He doesn't bother coming in, and just leans on the window ledge, resting his chin on his arms.]

Is it just me, or does "politically sensitive" cover just about anything anyone ever does on this planet?

[Please keep thinking that, Espio. It will make her life much easier.]

It's a term that can be used to cover up a lot of bullshit. I'm not using it for that purpose, though... well. Maybe half. The other half is very sincere.

[It takes some time before Emias gathers the energy to go and see the commander, but at the same time, he'd hit brick walls everywhere he went. He KNEW there was something he was missing, but he couldn't pin it down.

Which left his only sane option - to either be shot down, or to actually make some progress. Either way, he needs to ask about it. As of such, there's a polite knock on the Commander's door, about ten minutes from curfew.]

Commander? Is it... still open office, kupo?

Absolutely. [She might not have been so welcoming if she didn't need all the information she could get on the mood in Garden right now... but she does, so she sets aside her pen and beckons him in.]

Right then.

[He steps in, dusting himself off before looking up at the commander.]

Is there anything about the Compression that is being kept from us in Garden, kupo? That 'mage' was obviously a nutjob, but... well... all his ideas were sound on paper, they were only screwed by the fact that he was messing with powers nobody could control. Aside from that, he had to have gotten his info from somewhere, right?

[She looks at Emias for a long minute after he completes his question, fingers drumming on a stack of paper as she contemplates how to phrase her answer.]

You're incorrect in saying nobody could control the powers in question. On paper, his theories were perfectly sound if one assumes that magic can control Time Compression. And since it is, basically, one massive magical spell, that is probably less of an assumption and more of a fact.

Where he got his information from... well, from what he said, I believe that Time Compression was sufficiently close to magic he was already familiar with. After all, small-scale temporal manipulation is not an uncommon effect. Witness Haste, Slow, and Stop spells.

With all due respect, Commander... I've been researching. A lot. I...don't think it's possible for a single person to channel that much mist - or whatever fuels magic in this world - through themselves without it being fatal or catastrophic, kupo. It's less about the mechanics, and more about what a body can take. And I sure as heck don't know if any machines can handle it.

[Luckily, he picks up the light error in his statement, correcting himself fairly quickly.]

Well, a single non-sorceress, that is. I know, the sorceress responsible technically was only one person, but I honestly don't know what makes it possible for them to do what they do, kupo.

[There's a bit of a pause, then a glance upwards at his commanding officer.]

You'd think that the scientists in Esthar would be eager to get us out of here, kupo, given the way the world views offworlders as a whole. But it seems like they're dragging their heels on the whole damn thing. If I could figure out some of this stuff in a month with the books here in Garden, how are the world's greatest minds no closer to an answer than when I first showed up?

Edited 2013-08-14 14:25 (UTC)

I'm inclined to agree with you. I think that is why the Mage went through as much trouble as he did, with the Lunar Cry and manipulating the distortion rather than attempting to simply cast the spell directly. What makes a Sorceress exceptional is magic, after all. The ability to use it directly.

You've hit on the problem pretty much exactly, I think: Esthar is trying to figure out a way to control with machines what only a Sorceress should be capable of doing.

Edited 2013-08-14 14:32 (UTC)

That's nuts, too, kupo!! There's no way you can make magitech that advanced, kupo, without some sort of human element, kupo kupo! It'll just blow up, kupo, or break down, kupo, or...

[It appears Emias has gotten a bit flustered. It'll take a few moments for him to recompose himself, taking several deep breaths before giving a quiet sigh.]

Sorry about that, Commander. I got...

[A sigh, followed by a low muttering.] can't believe we're leaving it to such incompetent... [After that, Emias clears his throat, and looks up.]

...got carried away, kupo. It's just... well, I'd eventually get used to living here, kupo... it's not like there's much waiting for me back home. But I see other cadets and SeeDs who have family and lives they can't go back to, and... what'm I saying, you're our Commander. You've probably thought of all of the same stuff I'm blurting out a million times already, kupo.

You're...saying, though, that you yourself aren't keeping any crucial info from us, kupo? Or Garden's sponsors? I dunno how well I'd react to the thought of being kept in a world just because they need more mercs.

Edited 2013-08-14 14:46 (UTC)

[She rubs a finger across her lips, thoughtfully.] Actually, there is precedent in a way. Much of the battle against Ultimecia came about because of the creation of Junction Machine Ellone, a technological device which recreated the supernatural ability of a human girl, if not perfectly. Besides, don't forget that Junction itself is technology designed to interface with and control magic, in its own way, as well.

Both of those required access to the original for science to duplicate, though. The only thing I'm 'hiding', I suppose, is my private suspicion that Esthar can't succeed without the air of a Sorceress or equivalent. To the best of my knowledge, no one has any interest in sabotaging or blocking that research. I certainly don't.

[Emias nods. He can believe that.] But junctioning has a human element, and even if Ellone was fully mechanical, it still needed something they could only get from a person to power it properly, didn't they? Magitech can't do the job alone, it needs a... well, a pilot so to speak.

[And with that, he nods again.] Esthar might not be able to succeed, but if they just opened up to offworld assistance... [This time, a headshake.] ...either way, you've told me what I needed to know... more than that, even - looks like I'm gonna need to research the history of Junctions in a little more detail, see if there's any stray threads I can pull there, kupo. Thankupo, Commander, and I'll... leave you be, if that's what you want?

If you have any more insights... do keep me posted. Secrecy serves no one here. And I do know a great deal about the history of Junctions. I did a little studying back in Esthar.

[She nods, by way of a dismissal, to punctuate the statement.]

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