Venom Drops (Open)

[Lukas]

Katri would be one of the first to notice, glancing over her shoulder soon after Ana’s disappearing act but not saying a word. She couldn’t blame the unknown woman for wanting to skip out on Bertram’s speech - but staying was part of her job, and the entire business with the composites concerned her greatly.

Ashley had instead stayed near the front of the group, building up confidence to ask Bertram a question. “Director... if a new riot type has been developed, what’s going to happen to my unit?” There was an air of worry in her voice, a fear of being rendered obsolete or replaced. If there were another fifty machines that could do her job, what use was she?

 

[GEAR]

"Not to worry, Ashley."

As they walked, Bert slowed his speed somewhat to match Ashley, their feet moving in time on the polished linoleum beneath as researchers and base personnel hurried past. He listened to her worries with the practiced air of one used to handling doubts, nodding along... And his answer was full of the same rehearsed, impenetrable confidence.

"Your contributions to the Riot's success have been valuable. Testing will still continue on the prototypes for a time, just to make sure we've shaken out the last of the bugs... And then it'll be onto the next project."

Bert gave a winning, corporate smile as he patted Ashley reassuringly on the shoulder as they reached a conference room of sorts. Surprisingly, it didn't seem as if Bert himself was going to give a speech - not that the man was one to pass up a chance for some chestbeating when it presented itself, but that wasn't what was on the agenda today.

"There's a bright future ahead of you here at DEI, Ms. Chase." He threw a glance back at Katri - though whether it was a teasing one, or something more malicious, none could say.

"Be sure you don't let others keep you from it, yes?"

 

[Lukas]

"I... see. Thank you, Director." Ashley smiled back up at him, looking for her assigned seat (if any) once they arrived at the room. A part of her would miss the riot when they moved on - it had gotten her out of more scrapes than she cared to admit, even if the instability of the engine had gotten her into a fair few more. What sort of state-of-the-art deathtrap would they introduce her to next?

Katri ignores the glance, rolling her eyes internally at the jab. She was somewhat surprised that this wasn't going to be a Bertram speech, and Dylan not being nearby posed questions of its own. Was this a directory official trying to obtain their assistance or something different entirely?

 

[GEAR]

Bert led the pair to an office of sorts - a boardroom, it seemed. Several other members of DEI were there, and all rose a little in their seat as they entered, talk amongst them beginning to die down. The Director thumbed a small remote, and the screen came to life, displaying an older man, with a greying mustache and a bottle-green uniform, as he addressed the world...

***​

At the conclusion of Brigadier-General Rogers's speech, Bertram raised a hand, calling for silence. He allowed a tantalizing moment to lapse as he waited for exactly the right moment to speak... Before he launched into a speech, one he had obviously been practicing, along with the appropriate hand gestures.

"My fellows... I'm pleased to announce that our Institute has been asked to assist in the endeavor described by Brigadier General Rogers. The extermination of the Lamalice, of protecting this great planet of hours... Shall be our triumph to share.

Our magnum opus, the construction of the Great Axion, has just been completed, thanks in no small part due to the large amounts of Dimensional Energy Crystal recovered by the MARV Team. Because of their efforts, we no longer need to search in vain for a power source - we have all the energy we could ever need!"

Applause went up from the assembled researchers and scientists, though some looked merely confused, having never even heard of the project in question. Bert gave a winning smile as he continued:

"This vessel will be accompanying the Directory fleet to the moon, providing support... And of course, undergoing live testing in the process. Some of you will find over the course of the next few days that you have been reassigned to its corridors. Not to worry - the fine men and women of the Directory military will see to it that our safety is ensured... And of course, you may raise any further questions or complaints with human resources for an alternate assignment. I hear that there are some openings in the subterranean labs that may better suit your temperament!"

It was uncertain from the man's features as to whether or not he was joking, but he continued a little further, gesturing to a hologram of the completed battleship in question. It was... Ugly, to say the least, as though it had been made of cement, but the numerous turrets and the intimidating main cannon nestled in the center instilled confidence in its firepower, if nothing else.

"That's all. Now, lets' get back to work. Remember: There are no obstacles... Only opportunities."