2010-04- 09 - Conspiracy by Phone

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: Teletha Testarossa beedlybeep.

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Colonel Tessa...?"

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha sounds a little sleepy.

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Miss Rachel, have you been--ah, were you sleeping?"

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha's radio picks up some shifting around before it settles. "Nnhh... it's all right."

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I see. You're on the Argama now, right...?"

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Yes."

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "That's good. Bright's a good man."

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...I'm afraid I have some news."

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "He's been very accomodat-- h-huh? What happened?"

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I think you should hear this from me, before you just trip over it, but...I don't think you'll like it. I'm sorry, it seems I keep having nothing but bad news for you."

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: Teletha Testarossa takes a moment to check the encryption. Then: "They're looking for you. I've never seen a manhunt like it."

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "W-What...?"

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "The face of Ralla Traln Triald is visible from almost every point in Japan. A-LAWS propaganda space has been ceded to the search."

 Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I'm not sure why they're putting that kind of resources into it, it's...they wouldn't put this kind of effort into a missing persons' campaign for the First Daughter. Something strange is going on."

 Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Wh-- ... What should I do...? What do I do?? I mean-- A-At this rate, it-- I--"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...I'm sorry. I can't be there for you, but, I do have ideas. I'm not sure what A-LAWS is up to, but they haven't gotten me beat yet."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "P-Please, Colonel, I-- what do we do...?!"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Relax. You officially exist already. We'll be in position to plant the evidence we need to for the other part, fairly soon."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "O-Okay."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Although--your uniform, do you still have it?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I'd rather not have to find a way to fake that damage."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I... I think so... I don't have the jacket with it, though."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "That's fine. If you left it there, EFA forensics will have it already anyway."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "How... should I get it to you?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "You can bring it the next time you come down to the de Danaan."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Don't clean it; we need it as-is."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha also seems to be murmuring something to herself, before-- "Y-Yes, Colonel."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "--are you alright...? No, I guess that's a dumb question."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha speaks just a little bit louder this time. "... I... I exist..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "You do. And I won't let anyone take it from you."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha sounds a little choked. "T-Thank you... Tessa."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I've told you, right? This is the kind of work that makes me happiest. Though, I suppose not this part..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "--I guess what I'm saying is, you're welcome, Miss...no. Rachel."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "That said, I do have...nnn, a couple recommendations."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "You might consider sunglasses. And I suggest you not go through with the surgery to have your scars fixed for a few more months, until we can counteract this."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Anything you can do to distance yourself from Ralla visually is a good idea."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "All right... so far, I've cut my hair and started wearing color contacts. The... the color of my hair, though, that... that happened after the GN Drive exploded..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Good starts. Someone attentive may notice, but...there's always that chance, I'm afraid. A mask at this stage would be too conspicuous....hmm."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...your eye."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "My ... my implant?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Mmm. Have you been using it?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Not since I piloted the Psyco Gundam."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Hm."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...there's certain research that indicates cranial cybernetics and brain interfaces cause rapid derangements and cyberpsychosis. And that eyepatch of yours is pretty distinctive..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "W-What should I do, then?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Have you considered replacement surgery? Do you know if the the optic nerves are intact?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Please don't consider it an order or anything. I'm just thinking."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I... I think they are. The implant was supposed to maintain a nerve link to my brain. It was designed so I could directly interface with a Mobile Suit and lower the reaction time to as close to zero as possible."

<Radio: E - Command> Cagalli Yula Athha, watching the news, "Ffffffuck."

<Radio: E - Command> Banjo Haran transmits, "What, what, what's up?"

<Radio: E - Command> Cagalli Yula Athha transmits, "You get the news out of Japan, right?"

<Radio: E - Command> Banjo Haran transmits, "Yeah, of course, why wouldn't I?"

<Radio: E - Command> Quattro Bajeena transmits, "Don't you think you should have been more forward with this?"

<Radio: E - Command> Cagalli Yula Athha transmits, "Take a look. -- With /what/?"

<Radio: E - Command> Banjo Haran transmits, "Yeah, I'm looking, someone won Neo-Banzuke, they're talking about slowing down on Cyber-Newtype research but probably won't, some girl's missing, G-Cubed screamed some minor alien thing to death..."

<Radio: E - Command> Banjo Haran transmits, "Maybe it's just because I haven't worn 'em in a--ever, but I dunno where the panty-bunching's coming from..."

<Radio: E - Command> Cagalli Yula Athha, hastily backpedaling, "... Oh. I, uh -- misheard the Cyber-Newtype thing."

<Radio: E - Command> Banjo Haran transmits, "Huh, that sounds honest."

<Radio: E - Command> Banjo Haran transmits, "Well, hopefully, the 'Cyber-Newtype thing' will 'sort itself out'"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I see. Then, one option open to you would be to get the eye replaced."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "It would certainly make you look less...like her."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "... right..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Organ printing technology has come a long way under Chibodee Crockett's AFY, but it's still new enough that arranging the production of a new one would trigger a flag somewhere...besides which, removing a port connected to your optic nerve is just as dangerous as putting it in the first place. You might be best served with a cybernetic."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "If...you wish, that is."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "That... that sounds okay."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Think about it, at least...I don't want you making any life-changing decisions while you're feeling uneasy."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I understand..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I'm sorry. I can't even guess how hard this is..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Having two eyes again would be ... kind of a nice change..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: Teletha Testarossa teasing, "I've enjoyed it so far."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "... I don't remember how long it's been."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Then I think you've waited long enough."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "What needs to be done to prepare for it?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "You'll need to relax a bit, for starters. Did Cagalli get you a personal physician? I can get any information I might need from them. Otherwise, I might need to ask you to have a visit with Doctor Goldberry the next time you're on the de Danaan."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I'll see..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: Teletha Testarossa just lets Rachel marvel for a bit.

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...well, you can take your time deciding that, but...there is something I need you to do for me."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Y-Yes...?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...I need you to tell me everything you can about Revive Revival."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "He's the one in charge of the A-LAWS hunt for Ralla. But I only have so much information available."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha takes a breath. "I'm really sorry, Colonel... I don't know a lot about him at all. He's the leader of the GNZ Team and holds the rank of Captain in the A-LAWS. He was assigned to the Blanc Rival, I-- Ralla was stationed on the Shirogane. But the GNZ Team is the same team that has Captain Healing Care. She's ... she's supposed to be a Cyber-Newtype, but she seemed to have full control of her emotions."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Another one of those "cyber newtypes"...I wonder what they really are."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "And why exactly he's the one in charge...I'd think it would be the GNX commander."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Leo...? You mean Leo isn't the one in charge of this?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I, um... Cagalli said I don't have a personal physician just yet, but I could probably see hers. So... after David's Sling, I may be able to get checked out on the Danaan..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "That doesn't appear to be the case. I heard something about Mister Stenbuck being relieved of command. I'm sorry; intelligence is a little bit of a mess right now, with David's Sling under way."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "... Leo..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I'm sorry. You must be worried about them."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "... yeah..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I know how it is. Bonds like that can be painful to lose. I'm...I wish there were words. I'm sorry."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "It's ... it's not your fault."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: Teletha Testarossa hums.

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...I'm sorry. I don't know what to do for you. I feel like I should say something, but...I know you ought to deal with this on your own terms. I'm here, if...you want guidance."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I'll tell Dr. Goldberry to be ready to look you over after David's Sling."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "No... you're doing so much for me, even with what I can and can't tell you..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "You don't need to say anything."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I only wish the questions weren't so urgent. It's unfair, asking you to make these choices so soon. But I'd rather that you did, rather than us."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I can't ... be scared. I can't have regrets... right?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "...no, I don't think that's right."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "I'd be worried, if you weren't frightened, if you didn't have regrets. But...in this case...I'm afraid it's probably best to proceed despite them."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "R-Really?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "But that's the key, you see? It's alright that you're afraid. I still am - every day, every time I have to send someone to fight or to die. But...we are defined by what we have the strength to do, despite our fears."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "I think I understand..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "It's a lot to take in, and I keep adding to it. Still; please leave the hard stuff to me."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "...Okay..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Do you feel alright? It seems I've woken you up with something awful again."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "Learning how to deal with my emotions..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "... that's part of being human, isn't it...?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Yes. Possibly the hardest part of all."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "Don't feel like you have to have it down perfectly. You...aren't so misfortunate."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Rachel Miu Athha says, "... Thank you."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Rachel Miu Athha: You say, "You're welcome, Rachel."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Cagalli."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Tessa?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I've contacted Rachel."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... Yeah?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "She's getting better at controlling herself."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "She really is. I'm -- really happy for her... at least, I'm -- trying to be. It's... still a little difficult, sometimes."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I think she'll be alright. She's a tough girl. ...and you, too."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... Yeah."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "So... what are we going to do about this stuff in Japan?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I'm going to find out why they're looking for one Cyber Newtype with more resources than they'd use to find the Emperor of Neo China."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "The head of the effort appears to be one Revive Revival. I'm still looking into him; from what I've gathered so far, he's another one of those anomalous "cyber-newtypes.""

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Maybe there's something... going on, in that project. Something they don't want people finding out."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha, realizing how stupid she sounds, adds, "... other than the obvious stuff."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I don't know...it's so outlandish. You can see her face from almost literally any point in the country. Something like that is guaranteed to be looked into...almost like they're mocking the idea."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...but perhaps I'm just thinking too hard."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Well, nah... how do you figure? Talk to me a little here."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "It just seems so ostentatious. Even revealing they /have/ this kind of resources is alarming."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Maybe they're just waving their dicks. I mean -- not to put too fine a point on it, but, like... maybe they just want to show how far they can go."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Then using it - putting her face on milk cartons and vans in the streets. It's more like an amber alert than a serious missing person's case...a conspicuous display that does nothing but get attention. ...yes, that could be it."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I don't like it. It's not EFA SOP and there's no /way/ they can do this every time someone goes missing."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Well..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... look at who she surrounded herself with. Louise Halevy, A-LAWS financier. Leo Stenbuck, Paptimus Scirocco's golden boy. Mister Bushido, a duelist who could probably put Sanger Zonvolt to shame."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa mutters, "Who /is/ Mister Bushido..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I know, right? A guy like that doesn't come out of nowhere -- whoever he is, he's an asset..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I guess you're right. With friends like that, they could certainly rally A-LAWS' might to the task, except...they're not the ones /doing/ it."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Leo Stenbuck was the CO of her unit until shortly after she disappeared. He's not on the planning team. Instead it's some Cyber Newtype that popped out of the woodwork just as suddenly as Healing Care and Mister Bushido."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "What is a Cyber Newtype even /doing/ on the planning team? They should be keeping him in a padded room somewhere, shouldn't they? It's...there's so much that doesn't add up."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Well, I mean, like... why did I let Eek take a bunch of pictures of me in dresses and crap? Why did you actually go up there and sing some pre-colonial crap about shaking your ass?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Th-that was...B-because Melissa--!"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I-I fail to see the relevance!"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Oh come on, you knew it was good for morale or you would've just left."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa mutter

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Morale...is it that simple...?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...perhaps. It's so easy to get caught up in paranoia, especially where A-LAWS is involved."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "They have a bunch of completely insane people with pockets like the Marianas Trench making up the best unit since the Aggressors."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I suppose you've a point. ...where was I. Oh yes."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... though, I guess if you look at that another way -- maybe that means things aren't so tight as they look there."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "--oh. You think so?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "The only reason they'd blow that much for morale alone is if these guys were already kinda..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Hmmm. Yes, I see what you mean."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "And, I mean -- let's just look at the facts. Leo acts like he wants to cut my stomach open right up until he, you know, digs a bullet out of it instead. I don't know much about the others, but..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "They built that whole task force up /real/ fast. It's probably built on sand."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Halevy survived the death of her entire family at the hands of Team Trinity. And now she works with one. What I wouldn't give to have seen that first squad meeting..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Yes, I begin to see what you mean. But to have to go this far..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...I'm going to keep an eye on this, either way. I'll have to so we can plan the best timing..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Maybe... give them a false lead? I mean -- it's like boxing."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Fake them out down below and then just drill them right in the jaw."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Keeping the investigation alive puts Rachel in danger. If EFA Intelligence or A-LAWS have some of their analytical elites involved, one mistake would give the whole game away."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Which is why we're going to kill it as soon as it seems natural."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "But... we need to create a spot for it /to/ loo --"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa waits patiently.

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa might have the kitty face on.

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... I know exactly who we need to get to help us with this. Zero has that -- media guy, right? The blond."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "He has kind of a horse face."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Deithard Reid. I've seen the dossier. I more-or-less had a plan in place...but he could certainly help us decide how to sell it."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "What's the plan, then?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...except, no."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "The fewer that know we even care about this matter, the better. I'm not prepared to put that much faith in Zero's subordinates just yet."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Hrrng... you're right, but..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "It's simple. Rachel will be coming to the de Danaan after David's Sling."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "We will use that opportunity to arrange evidence of the death of Ralla Traln Triald."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... she's OK with this, right?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I've already briefed her. I'll do so again when we're closer to the moment of the operation."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I want...to be sure this is her reasoned choice."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Yeah... yeah."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "In the meantime, I've suggested that Rachel take steps to minimize her resemblence to Ralla. Sunglasses, that sort of thing. Normally I'd recommend a mask, but...for her to adopt one so soon after the campaign goes live could give the game away."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I remember she had at least some of her scars when -- well, that Ralla had some scars. Maybe we could resolve a few... maybe even turn her implant into a cosmetic replacement...?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...I've also recommended she put off any attempts to have her scars removed. They provide a visual difference to Ralla that should put off the casual observer. -- Ah, I forgot about those scars...yes, resolving those might be a good idea. Make her look like a different person with a similar face, so to speak."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "And yes, I recommended the eye replacement, as well. That eyepatch is pretty iconic, and the eye port is a part of the campaign they're using. Besides..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...direct interfaces like that are extremely dangerous. Cyberpsychosis is a constant threat. I'm going to have Peggy do some preliminary examinations in preparation for a full cybernetic replacement. Probably have to ask Geotron..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... ughh... this is -- really rough."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "How do you deal with this kinda stuff day in and day out?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... wow, I didn't realize it was that... complex, either."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I was talking to her about it earlier, and she said that it... hurt, when she used it."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "The -- eye... thing, I mean."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Hurt...yes, that sounds right. The brain isn't really intended to.../do/, that."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "As far as I am aware, resonance-type control, as with psycommu and similar systems, is the only method of brain interfacing that does not carry significant psychosis risks."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I'm... not sure what to say. Sorry..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Uhm. W-well, I...th-that is, there's not much to say, I was just telling you."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "..but yes, it is...complex. Er. ...you were saying something."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I -- I forgot."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "In any case. ...It seems there's a lot of work to do."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... yeah. Are you ready for David's Sling?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "We'll be in position about six hours before the operation."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "For the final twenty hours we'll not be surfacing, so that they can't track our position if they've found us by satellite."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... OK."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... are you doing OK, like... personally?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I'm well enough, I suppose. It's always tiring, but I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't want to."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I... guess that's good."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "It's a long, hard road. Moping about wishing to bear a different cross doesn't take me anywhere else, so...I'm fine, I guess is what I'm saying."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... yeah. Uh..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "The GNX Team intel just came through."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, " ...I'm not sure if I should tell Rachel or not."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... what's up?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...Leo Stenbuck has been relieved of command of GNX Team. It's now an adjunct to GNZ Team, under Revive Revival. The documents suggest questions as to Stenbuck's competence and mental stability in the wake of recent events."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Cagalli, what the hell is going on? Scirocco's Jovian golden boy usurped by a /cyber newtype/?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... what? /Really/?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "In the wake of... what? What did he even do to get that one?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "..../apparently/ he struck Warrant Officer Halevy shortly after finding out about Ralla's...disappearance. But one slap...?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "And I don't care if he killed her in cold blood, promoting a /cyber newtype/ over /him/?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... something's backward about this. I think -- Rachel mentioned something about a Cyber-Newtype, too... it was a woman, and she was, uh."<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "A /Captain/."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Captain Healing Care. The same rank as Revive Revival, as well."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "What the..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "What's with all these Cyber-Newtypes outranking Leo, who for all he's a jackass moves up in ranks like most people change shirts?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "These people aren't Cyber Newtypes. There's no way. If they were even remotely in the system that way in anything other than name they'd be barely better off than the office furniture."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Instead, whoever's backing them is one-upping /Paptimus Scirocco/."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...do you think it's him? I'm not sure who else it could be..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa grimly, "Of course, assuming A-LAWS isn't already infiltrated by some other force we can't even comprehend, which seem to be literally falling out of the sky, lately..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Ugghh. You've gotta be kidding... none of this makes any sense. Especially since, like... Paptimus doesn't seem like he'd take that lying down."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "It's possible Stenbuck simply fell out of Scirocco's favor, but you'd think we'd have /noticed/..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Well... he's not driving a PMX machine anymore, that's for sure..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "What /is/ he driving? No, wait, he's GNX, so that would mean...test piloting high-end GN units."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Not just that. Look at the archive footage from the fight where that Cyber-Newtype shot me in the gut. It's a Gundam -- and for that matter, it's pretty obviously a /Celestial Being/ Gundam."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...Fell in with a different master."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Why? How is it possible? Every secret in A-LAWS comes back to that man!"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... You don't think."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "/No/."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "This is getting /preposterous/!"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Leo is not working for the man who got my father killed, no, no, no, no, this is fucking stupid, I don't even want to hear it, no, no."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "No."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "No! No. I refu - no."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha, after a few moments of silence: "Ffffuck! /No/."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "But it fits the data..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "No way. There's not even... God. I should just ask him. Just swing that one right at his face and see if he panics."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "...if you have the means, it might not be a bad way to get the intel. But, it would also tip our hand."



<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa flatly, "Cagalli, please try not to tweet our valuable intelligence to the enemy."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "All I did was tweet the letter F!"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... 140 times."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Merely a precautionary warning."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "God. Goddamn. God /damn/."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "What does he get out of it, even...?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "A Gundam, for starters."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I mean, when I was over there, he seemed really close with everyone under Paptimus."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I was kinda convinced that by about a month after I left he and Sarah were gonna be a thing."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "And yet he's not even in the units administered by Scirocco..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "So why would he throw that all away?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Found something else? Power? Prestige? Money?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... no. I know Leo better than that. He's ass-backward half the time, but he's... he's a guy of his principles, y'know?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I am afraid I must take your word on it. He has yet to show them where I can see them."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Ideals can feed a person for only so long. And if that man gave Stenbuck a Celestial Being-designed Gundam...if that man can put this much force into play in under a month, there's no telling what kind of resources he has - or can get."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: Teletha Testarossa sigh. "And naturally, this is the moment Sumeragi chooses to have another breakdown..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Hrn... there's gotta be..."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "I don't suppose your relationship with Tieria has produced anything interesting?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... oh jeez. I thought it was just... oh man. Maybe he got thrown out of Paptimus's house. -- we, uh, don't... talk much, lately."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Mmm. Much like the rest of Celestial Being, then."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Leaving us to pick up their mess...the same as always, then."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... goddamn. You don't think..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "I mean -- the last time I asked him how Sarah was, when we actually started to... talk like friends again, I guess..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "And he got all pissed off, like, started swearing at me."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Something may have happened, then."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "She always seemed like the favorite... like, even after him. Well -- maybe not favorite, but, like."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Pet, maybe. Like -- he was always higher ranked but I kinda got the feeling he /liked/ her more. If Leo did something to her... he'd probably..."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... kick him out on his ass and promote the shit out of her to make her feel better, or something."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Hard to tell. I only have the A-LAWS rosters in front of me; any chicanery in the EFA ranks would be in the logs."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Well -- what rank is she now? Aren't all of Scirocco's cronies in the A-LAWS?"

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Yes, but with the new team structure A-LAWS is using, determining any previous nepotism becomes harder."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "At the moment, Sarah Zabiarov is a First Lieutenant while Leo is.../listed/ as a Captain. Both were squad leaders until Revive Revival stepped in."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... well, either way... he'd kick Leo out. Maybe the compensation for Sarah wasn't rank, I dunno."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... I dunno. I'm... not sure, anymore -- I mean, the only thing that really makes sense is him getting kicked out on his ass."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Then we will proceed on that assumption until we can find a way to learn more."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... fair enough, I guess. Maybe I should just ask him how things are going with him and Paptimus... he might even answer."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Might be conspicuous after your little outburst. Then again, they haven't noticed our Hong Kong agent moving his entire operation to Riksent, so perhaps I really am giving them too much credit."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Nah, he responded -- he'll probably just figure I saw his message and wanted to give him the business."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Anything?"

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "Not yet."

<Radio> Tightbeam to Cagalli Yula Athha: You say, "Alright. I have to get to the bridge, Commander Mardukas is calling me. Send a message to my terminal if you get anything."

<Radio> Tightbeam from Cagalli Yula Athha says, "... All right."