Operation Nine

[armored_mother]

1) [Scythe & Cora] [Infirmary]

[While it wasn't anything that serious, Scythe did get more than a few bumps and bruises when a Deep Crow pulled her out of the transport - As did Cora during her attempt to rescue her teammate - only to have a rather painful tumble when the Crow crashed. When you visit the both of them though Cora seems to be doing her best trying not to pay attention to Scythe as she speaks to someone. It was less being rude and more trying to respect her Sniper's privacy.]

Its nothing to worry about. Just a scare and a few bruises... something I'm sure you get everyday...

[Scythe lets out a soft chuckle as the person on the other end of the vid-call spoke.]

Well I'm a little glad you know what my job is like now Ann. Not so easy taking care of animals now is it?

[Scythe looks a little sheepish. If you take a peek you'll notice that the person on the screen has a tremendous resemblence to her. The man was dressed in rough, outdoors clothing as well - with a bushman's hat tilted on his head at a jaunty angle.]

An' speaking of animals, Winston's been wonderin'  how you're doing. Aint'cha mate?

[With that the man that was clearly her brother reached down to heft a bulldog into view. Scythe suddenly seemed to brighten, almost reaching at the screen as if trying to pet the dog through it ... then there were a series of smaller barks as well as the bulldog sniffed and snuffled as it looked into the screen.]

... Tom? What was that?

Ahah... I was plannin on lettin' you know when you came back but... Winston kinda went and made himself a father...

[With THAT. Tom carried the pups into view as well... the resulting happy squeal from Scythe almost had Cora jump out of her gurney. Though honestly the Major couldn't fault her teammate.]

[Take a peek into the conversation and get pulled into it?]
 
2) [Dagger & Oxide]

[When you see these particular members of the Dullahan unit - you'll notice that they're just lazing around on a couch, watching TV, either an old show or an old movie - it doesn't matter much really. They don't seem to be saying much - occasionally taking a drink and chewing on some popcorn. Letting out the occasional chuckle. All the ease of old friends - or people used to watching each other's backs so much.]

This isn't a private party. Like Major Anderson said. We're all teammates on this ship.

[Dagger raises a hand to you in invitation. He says the next part with a completely straight face though.]

I suggest not sitting next to Oxide though... he might have left some parts of that clock he was working on over on his side.

[Oxide just waves the words away before tossing another bit of popcorn into his mouth with precision.]

As hard as it is to believe, he's joking. There's actually a good sense of humor behind that uptight demeanor of his.

... You're only saying that because you want them to find those parts for you. The hard way.

[Any idea who you want to believe? Either way feel free to join the movie watching.].

3) [Mongrel & Dice]

Hey Mongrel, I'm getting another card game set up. You want in?

Why? So you can lose more money? I don't get why you're asking me.

[There's a punch to the shoulder.]

Because as much as a jerk as you are, you're pretty much the one guy I can trust with my cards. Seriously.

[Dice presses the deck into Mongrel's hands before kicking back on a chair at a table.]

... Heh... Dice?

What?

... Thanks.

Baaah. Don't get all mushy on me. You'll end up ruining the moment anyway.

... I take that back. Now I want to jam these down your throat.

There we go! Moment ruined!

[There's a chuckle from the both of them as Mongrel gets to his seat and starts dealing the cards. Are you in or out?]

(OoC: Note with the card game - feel free to state how far in you are if you wish. All that matters is that throughout, Dice loses horribly. Every. Single. Time.)

Comments

3-Did somebody say gambling? Because I think somebody said gambling.

[gamenojikan]

[After a few rounds of card games...]

I wonder what I'm going to do with Mad tonight...

[armored_mother]

[The other two at the table though may be trembling a little. Not visibly mind you. Normally his losses would have him being more stubborn and reckless but right now... in Dice's mind as well as Mongrel's?]

_{(OoC: 'word' will denote thoughts)}

'T...that killing intent... I can barely make a move-'

'This kind of hostility... what the hell IS she?'

[gamenojikan]

Is there...some sort of problem?

I can leave, if you want. Of course, then your current losses will stand.

[armored_mother]

Eh... I'm done. I don't think I have it in me.

'And the sooner I'm away from your freaky self the better.'

Hey Dice. We're done here. Dice. Damnit Dice.

'Well damn. He died of fright didn't he?'

[Mongrel gives Dice a light prod... to which his teammate is made to fall off his seat in a tightly curled ball.]


He's done too.

This feeling...it's like a cat toying with a mouse!

[gamenojikan]

Oh, come on now. I'm sure you could try just...one more hand.

After all, you did manage to win some back on the last one...

[armored_mother]

'Must... play... dead... must...suppress... instincts... must... avoid... demon woman-... fuckit!!!!'

One more hand!! One more!

[And Dice drags the both of them back in, Mongrel just giving Dice a look of 'The FUCK you say?']

1

[paladin_robot]

I heard someone scream, what happened?!

[Richard came a bit late to hear most of the conversation... just the sudden squeal which, from outside, sounded a whole lot worse.

So yeah he's kinda surprised to find its just the two women sitting around a screen.]

[armored_mother]

[Cora spotted Richard and waved for him to come over quick. The frenchman could swear though there is something offputting about the Major's grin.]

Puppies... I don't believe it... I don't know if I should scold Winston or hug him when I get back!

Well scolding the fella wouldn't do much Sis. He'd just wonder why you're so angry, wouldn'tcha Winston-

Huh? Thought I heard someone else talk... Ann, is there sum' un' else there?

[paladin_robot]

Uh...

[Richard is... unsure at first, but eventually makes his way over, smiling as he comes into view.]

H-Hello. Take it you're Scythe's brother?

[armored_mother]

Scythe huh? Traditional weapon of the grim reaper... Not bad Ann, I kinda thought you'd pick somethin' softer. Yeah, I'm Ann's brother. Name's Tom, how're ya doin' mate?

[Scythe merely flusters, mumbling that she isn't that soft that she can't pick out a menacing codename.]

...Hey... Wait a second... that hair... those eyes... Yer' name's Richard Chevalier isn't it?

[Tom sounds... more than a little affronted. Let me reiterate this Richard. There is an annoyed Australian on the line. One who's used to the killer wildlife and the utterly messed up environment that the Colony Drop and the Second impact had done to it.]

[paladin_robot]

[Careful Richard, careful...]

Uh... yeah, I'm Richard. Pilot of Ideigi, fighter of Demon Kings and all other crazy stuff... You've heard of me?

[Pointing to himself a bit, Richard is kind of surprised... and kind of worried.]

[armored_mother]

[Scythe looked rather surprised and confused... and Cora? She was trying her best not to bust a gut laughing. It was pretty clear this situation might be her fault.]

You're the punk that knocked my sister up!!

[Cue Scythe sitting up with a SNAP like a lightning bolt, looking like the five year old whose parents just told that Santa Claus doesn't exist.]

WHAT?! Tom- No- I- that- he-

[Scythe's face was several different shades of red. She had to admit she actually DID like Richard a little, but she hadn't done THAT with him!]

SShhhhh! Sh! Shh Shshhh!! Ann... Annie. Let your big brother take care of business and see if this deadbeat lowlife is good for you eh? Killin' of demons or no, I still gotta make sure he's good for ya!

TOM!!!

[Aaaaand Cora's just going to enjoy the moment here.]

[paladin_robot]

[RICHARD WA SHOCK.]

K-K-K-knocked her WHAT?!

[How could he think that? Why would he think that? Richard's arms flailed as he signalled for Tom to slow the heck down.]

N-N-Nothing of the sort has happened! I'm still... inexperienced. And there would be a bulge there!

[He points to Scythe's stomach.]

[armored_mother]

Oh there would be... after two or three months.

[Tom was giving Richard a 'who are you trying to kid' look. Scythe was just blushing deeply and holding her face in her hands in an expression of OHDEARGODWHY.]

Now I'm actually happy that you're inexperienced, that just means you haven't got around and aren't going to drop my sister. Cause if you do... well I got a machete that makes good work for neutering people.

Tom! No! You are NOT Neutering him!

[The puppies present suddenly perked up, looking curiously at Scythe while Winston the bulldog just snorted, looking at Tom like he was an idiot.]

Whoa Ann! Calm down! I know you have plans for it but-

Tom. Shut up now. He didn't do anything with me.

[She now had a rather flat look on her face, fists tightly holding on blankets.]

Okay... okay... but you wished he did right?

TOM!!!

Not hearing a no~!

[Yeah Cora gave up all pretense and was just laughing her ass off.]

[paladin_robot]

Are all brothers this evil?!

[Richard stares in horror at the screen, never before so glad in his life that he never had a sibling.]

And why are you laughing?!

[Pointer finger all the way at Cora, Richard twitching slightly around the eye.]

[armored_mother]

[Yeah Cora's too busy trying to find her lost sides to answer you Richard. Either way, Scythe lets out an exasperated sigh before fixing her brother wit a firm look.]

Yes Tom I like him. No Tom I haven't slept with him much less go out on a date! So unless you're blind and not seeing how he's acting - I. AM. NOT. PREGNANT.

[To which her brother just has this smile that screams 'checkmate'. Winston just pants happily as he looks into the screen.]

Ooooh I know~. I just figured I'd make sure to help you get a move on since you sit on these things like a rock. Ann, you really don't like talking much. This'll help.

[Aaand PLAYED. Scythe just had this look that screamed 'OH CRAP' when she realized the full implications of what had happened. She was so fired up like the times Isaac just REALLY cheesed her off that she just didn't think about it.]

I'll keep taking care of Winston and the pups till you get back Ann. Richard? Treat my sister like a lady you hear? Bye!

TOM-

[Aaaand Transmission disconnected.]

[paladin_robot]

[Richard is staring at the screen again, jaw slacked and eyes wide. Slowly, his head turns, and one can almost hear the creak.]

W-Was anything of what you just said serious...? I-I mean, I'm flattered but uh... little surprised...

[armored_mother]

[With that Cora finally reestablishes her presence in the Infirmary, getting back to her feet and patting Richard on the back.]

Richie? When Scythe really gets pushed to that kind of brink, its really easy to get her to say something she really feels for.

[And it hits home that Tom and Cora may have planned this. Scythe's giving her team leader an incredulous look.]

Look at the time... I think I'll leave you two to sort this out. I think Scythe's spent enough time keeping quiet, and after that thing with the Crow and what happened with the team before?

Better sooner rather than later yeah?

[She gives them both a warm, meaningful smile before leaving the room. Yes. Clearly Cora knew exactly what she was doing.]

[paladin_robot]

Y-You...!

[Realisation hits Richard like a tonne or bricks, but all he could do as Cora leaves is just... stare, with an outstretched pointer finger.

And once she is gone, the arm drops alongside his head in defeat.]

Well... This is awkward...

[Finally raising his head again, he turns to look at Scythe, more than a little sheepish...]

So... Ann... nice name.

[And he sits himself down next to her, not sure of how conversations like this are meant to go.]

[armored_mother]

[Scythe-... Ann, merely nodded.]

Its... actually short for Annette...

[She nervously brushes a lock of hair aside. Yes, life truly was easier to deal with when it was through a scope.]

If... I didn't know those two so well I'd be angrier... but.. I just... its...

[She blushes deeply.]

I... wanted to tell you myself... but...

[Ann was too nervous to. Yeah, its kind of clear why Cora and Tom pulled the subterfuge.]

...Its just me being silly...We can pretend this never happened if you want...

[paladin_robot]

I... don't think we really can. I mean, can we honestly get Cora's cackling out of our heads after that?

[Richard laughs a little, though he's clearly started to blush as well.]

Though I'm... a little curious. What would you see in someone like... well...

[armored_mother]

Yeah... The Major does have that kind of laugh doesn't she?

[She lets out a soft chuckle before looking aside, taking a deep breath and trying to focus... imagine him as a target... look through a scope.]

There's just something about you. You feel noble to me. Its like I know you can be kind and reasonable and cheerful and strong and clever and... and...

[All sorts of Knightly. Chivalrous. Like the ideal that somehow manages to simultaneously remain dead and alive at the same time. She trails off as her focus fails.]

I just... have that feeling after those lessons in the hangar you gave me about machinery... and then you saved me...

[So its been building up for a while. One has to wonder why she didn't feel this way to the actual noble who was her sniper partner... then again considering she had to put up with most of his ranting, it suddenly becomes obvious.]

[paladin_robot]

N-Now being fair, I probably would have saved anyone who got caught in that situation... its not exactly nice to be dragged off your feet by a giant bird.

[Still... he can't help but try and reach his hand across.]

But its... nice that you think I'm like that. Though you're sure you haven't maybe fallen for Raynor instead?

[Richard grins, hoping he hasn't just shot himself in the foot there.]

[armored_mother]

A lot of people would... but you were the one that caught me...

[Indeed, Cora was too busy getting dragged by the bird, the Clanners were to busy going all 'FOR THE GLORY OF BATTLE' and had probably written her off as a casualty, the REVIVAL probably had other problems and the interdimensional goddess that had been present was probably making sure the worm was definitely dead.]

I'm sure... he's nice from what I've heard but...

[She gives Richard a look - eye to eye.]

I don't know him.

[It wasn't Raynor she was spending plenty of time around after all.]

[paladin_robot]

[Bah-bump.

That would be his heart. That he can hear and feel beat evermore in his chest as she looks at him.]

W-Well then... you're welcome... Hope the cape was enough of a soft landing. Was all I could think of at the time...

[armored_mother]

[Annette lowers her head, fidgetting. It was likely that she was hearing that same sound as well as the blood rushes to her face.]

Its alright...

[She swallows heavily. Her heart was beating faster and faster as she grabbed that hand Richard moved to her and held tight.]

Richard... I...

[armored_fruit]

"RICHARD CHEVALIER!!!" Roars a familiar aristocratic voice. Could it be–?

With a crash, the door is battered open by an augmented, armored foot.

That boot belongs to a Dullahan unit, which rushes forward into the room. Quick as you can shout "Flint and Tinder", the ancestral sword of the Sinclair family is held to Richard's throat.

The Dullahan's helmet hisses open, revealing the wrathful expression of Lord Isaac Sinclair himself!

"How dare you exploit the affections of my sniping partner so! Toying with her feelings, then abandoning her with a child out of wedlock, eh? I think not!"

[paladin_robot]

I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HER!

[...You know Richard, the reaction might be more believable if you weren't saying that whilst huddling Scythe all protective.

Still, a glowing fist should be a good warning sign to the nobleman.]

Now back away. Slooooowly.

[armored_fruit]

"I shall not back away!" Isaac proclaims stiffly.

"Not until you uphold your obligation to my comrade and make her an honest woman!"

Is he trying to push a shotgun wedding on you?

"If you refuse, then you shall face me in a duel of HONOR!!!"

[armored_mother]

[Annette just lowers her head as if screaming 'DAMNIT' at the top of her lungs solely within her head... Richard may also notice how tightly she's gripping his other hand in order to control her temper.]

...

[Somewhere else on the Ship, Cora is laughing her ass off at a plan well played.]

[paladin_robot]

It was a prank by the major and Ann's brother! Noone here is actually pregnant you overdramatic buffoon.

Besides, the hell kind of person marries a girl without spending time with her first?

[armored_fruit]

"..a prank?"

Isaac thinks through how he came to hear about Richard and Scythe's supposed indiscretion.

He narrows his eyes in though as he notices how Scythe and Richard are tightly holding hands.

Then he deactivates his Dullahan armor. It opens with a hiss, and he steps out of it, retrieving his sword from an inert gauntlet.

"My apologies, Scythe. My apologies, Richard. I completely misunderstood the situation..."

[armored_fruit]

"HOWEVER!"

He reaches into his Dullahan's backpack and pulls out a dueling blade, tossing it to Richard!

"If you wish to court my sister-in-arms Scythe, you still must prove yourself a worthy knight...by defeating me in battle!"

He raises his sword in a flourish. "En Garde!"

3

[azure_savior]

[The game's been going on for a while, and unlike Yui, Josh really hasn't been curbstomping either of them. That said though...]

So why exactly do you trust Mongrel with the cards? You guys have some history with this sort of stuff?

[armored_mother]

Yeah, say what you will about him, the guy's the most honest person I know. That and he treats pretty much everyone the same.

[Like a total jackass would probably be the unsaid words.]



Sitting right here you know.

[azure_savior]

What he was saying was a compliment though.

[armored_mother]

Well I still don't like getting talked about like I'm a desklamp or something. Show me some goddamn respect while I'm dealing damnit.



Heh... Well Mongrel, you'd be surprised just how much respect people have for you.

[azure_savior]

It's fine, it's cool. I'll try to lay off at least for the moment. Can't promise anything when it comes to Dice... but hey, you're the dealer, just like you said.

1 I like doges

[2000_skills]

[Yusuke peeks in]

What happened? I heard a sound-