On the Shoulders of Red Giants (Tyr)

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#1
OE 102
February 5th
L4 docks


The past few weeks had been.. Peculiar for Nick to say the least, in the span of just a few days he had turned from just one of the many people fighting for the colonies' freedom into the material of local legend. It was something he wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to get used to.
But currently that was not important, as that was not why he had come here. Nor was it for the Valsion.

Instead it was due to another, massive, red machine with green lights upon its form.
Frankly, when Nick first heard about it he thought the person describing it was talking about another Valsion, after the girl with a second Valsion it was certainly a possibility. But no, this red giant apparently belonged to a mercenary company.

He opened the door where the unit was contained, wondering what sort of construction it may have.
 
Aug 25, 2018
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#2
No one was present in the vast area, the empty hall ruled by the towering figure of Vermilion Protector. Even so, when entering Nick would have a feeling that someone or something was present in the hall. The Vermilion Protector was resting in the middle in a kneeling position, left hand resting on the left knee. The blades of the wings were folded as tightly as possible, but their form was still clear.

No green light was coming from the Super, and its owner was not present.
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#3
Nick would lean on a railing at he looked at the unit, no apparent weaponry was on its form. No sword, shield or similar items either. Or even additional equipment one would expect from a mercenary like Photon Blasters.
It also seemed to be a form over function type unit, the craftsmanship in its original construction and upkeep was notable even if some imperfections from hasty repairs could be seen here or there.

If he had to guess this must be one of those motion linked units, relying upon martial arts of the pilot instead of any weaponry. But he didn't have to, as that was part of the information he had access to. So instead he knew that the unit's fighting style bore similarities to that by Abremalin, a peculiarity as the units were of very different size and make. Perhaps a prototype for what he fought or even based on it?

He'd need to ask the pilot, but they weren't around. Though it didn't exactly feel like he was alone either. He had some time, so he could wait and see if the owner of the unit would show up.
 
Aug 25, 2018
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#4
Nick was left alone with the Autowarlock and the faint presence for roughly twenty minutes before the door opened again, giving way for Laura to step in to the hangar. She stopped for a moment when she noticed her unexpected guest.

The vacationing mercenary had added sunglasses to her outfit and was drinking from a straw as she entered. Loudly.

"I had been wondering whether one of you newly forged heroes would eventually come visit me. My name, as you might know, is Laura Woodweaver. Can I help you with anything Mallor?" There was a perfectly polite smile on the small woman's face as she stopped to Nick's right, tail moving slowly from side to side.

She tilted her head. "Though I suppose you'll be villains to other factions. The joy of reputation: all responsibility with no benefits."
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#5
There were many kinds of people on L4, especially nowadays, what Nick didn't expect was someone in sunglasses treating the crowded colony as a vacation resort.
Less so the tail and ears, of course he had heard about people with such qualities, they tended to come from elsewhere than here though. The closest they had had to aliens before last week. He tried to not focus on the... Additional traits too much.

He shook his head slightly at her words, they were true in some regard frankly more than he'd like.
"No benefit to those with the reputation at least. I'm sure that the propagandists and politicians on all sides will enjoy using our names." He sighed. "But responsibility most certainly."

His eyes went to the massive red Autowarlock.
"And as for helping me with anything, well. I had a curiosity perhaps related to your unit, as I came across a unit with similar abilities, its pilot also appeared to attack L4 alongside lamalice. So I was wanting to ask if you are familiar with one 'Abremalin Zahed' or otherwise would be able to provide information about who could construct a unit with such capabilities."
 
Aug 25, 2018
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#6
"It is good that you've given some thought to your position, even if you haven't given it quite enough just yet. I suppose it is to be expected, with the different history of this world. It is...kinder in many ways." Laura noted before slurping the last of her drink. She frowned at the empty cut from behind her sunglasses, wondering what to do with it. After a moment she shrugged, holding onto it for now.

"Abremalin Zahed? No, I've never heard of the man. Are you certain that the abilities he displayed were similar to mine, or was it just generally magic? Former, I don't know anything about, latter I might. I take it that he was killed?"

Following Nick's gaze Laura looked at Vermilion Protector, ironically enough one of the two Maake designs remaining anywhere, and the last Autowarlock. "Magnificent, is it not?" She asked fondly. It would be fitting to use it, something originally brainstormed by Shadow Mirror to help aliens. And to her, amusing. "What is your opinion on the aliens?"
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#7
Her remark about a 'different history' basically confirmed his guess and from the sounds of it her previous home must have been highly unpleasant if this one was preferable. She hadn't heard of Zahed, which was a shame but alas.
"I'm afraid I am not very knowledgeable on the field of magic, but I have been told that what he used an irregular magic called Od I believe and he was presumed killed, thrown into some black hole like construction currently sitting where L5 used to be, but he reappeared to attack L4 and subsequently fled."

His attention turned back to the Autowarlock.
"It is."

And immediately afterwards the question about the aliens came.
"I.. Am uncertain, I feel it is too early to make a call but they did come to our aid to defend L4, which in turn already raises them above the Directory. At the same time, I am remaining cautious it would not be the first time in history that a revolution was usurped for another purpose. So, optimistic but cautious is my approach and my opinion on them is one of hope."
 
Aug 25, 2018
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#8
"Someone used Od and was in cahoots with Lamalice?" Laura's head turned sharply to Nick, tail lashing out wildly in a sudden move - clearly irritated by the tidbit. "That's od. If he turns out to still be alive send me a message, I'll even give you a special discount for the contract."

"Even though I'm not the captain." She added with a grin. But her humor didn't last, her contenance turning to annoyed. "Such a marvelously political answer." She praised. "Perhaps you'll do just fine in your new role after all. If you don't chase every dangerous girl that shows up in colonies at any rate. Keep that up and you'll likely die a death that will be difficult to spin in a good way."

"So, what now? Is this a friendly visit or a visit in more official capacity. Should this poor helpless girl be worried that she's going to be taken somewhere by the hero of this new Anti-Directory faction?" Once again her mood seemed to have taken a sharp turn, with a laudable attempt at sounding scared and worried.
 

MKR

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Aug 19, 2018
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#9
"He still lives, much to my dismay." Nick simply stated. "Much as I'd like to have killed him then and there."

He then sighed at her 'praise'. Crossing his own arms at her, making it clear that he wasn't a fan of what she was saying.
"Political correctness, or incorrectness, is not my goal. After what I've been through and what tends to happen with 'allies' for the Colonies, I am simply wary."
And his words were honest, or at least he seemed to regard them as such.

He glared at her as she continued, not taking a liking to her sudden shifts and the statements she made with them, he was no skirt-chaser, no politician and in one swift moment the entire mood in the room had soured.
"This is far from an official visit, I just had questions about your mech and I asked them. And you're making it clear I'm not exactly wanted here." he turned away, back towards the door.
"Thank you for the answers, goodbye." Nick simply stated as he began to leave.
 
Aug 25, 2018
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#10
Laura's ears drooped as she groaned. "Everyone I meet has lost their sense of humour, all business, no pleasure. I get it that getting sieged by the Lamalice and being left to die by the Directory might seem bad and that overthrowing the local government is keeping you busy but none of those are valid reasons to murder your sense of humor and drop it in a ditch somewhere! It's hardly the end of the world - though really, not even the end of the world is a valid reason to do that. Take it from someone who has lived through it. Humour does wonders to your coping skills." She grinned at Nick but there was no amusement in it.

"But it's nice to know that I'm not in danger here at the moment. Cheers for that. Sorry for hurting your feelings." She apologized while rolling her eyes. She then waved towards the door with the arm that was occupied holding the empty cup while pocketing her sunglasses with the other. "Yeah, you're free to go if you so desire."

She was tempted to just let him go, and forget about her reason for this conversation. Consider it a lost cause. But unfortunately, the colonies were for better or worse her only real option. So even though Nick hadn't impressed her much she had to risk it.

Then again, risks were one of the things that made life so fun.

So as Nick went past her her demeanor changed, losing the... whimsiness, as her blue eyes locked to the back of Nick's head. "That is, of course, if you do not want information that might prove important to an emerging faction associating with aliens. And that would be useful for any other faction."

"Not that I would give the information for free, I'm sure you understand my position here." She would add if Nick showed interest instead of storming off.