>>3528392

>Updates: https://twitter.com/MolochQM
>Previous threads: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=NERV%20Second%20Daughter

“As you can see, Juliet has mostly trained to fight as a single unit – with the expectation that she'll be outnumbered,” Adrian explains, gently lifting the VR equipment off your head and setting it aside, “But she has a trick up her sleeve. Did you see there, at the end?”

“Conventional weaponry can't damage Lilim,” you point out, “You've got a problem with your simulations, buddy.”

“Conventional weaponry can't damage Lilim because they're protected by an AT Field,” Adrian agrees, “But if that AT Field was disabled – or, at the very least, diminished to the point where it can't provide significant protection – than conventional weaponry should, in theory, work. Your own Miss Bergmann will agree with me, won't you?”

“Doctor Bergmann,” the imposing woman corrects him, her voice hard as steel. Monroe might be charmed by the UN official, but Bergmann isn't giving him an inch. “However,” she concedes, “The theory is sound. Until now, it's not been an idea we've been able to pursue. None of our candidates were able to manipulate the AT Field in such a specific way. Our talents, it seems, lie elsewhere.”

You add nothing to that, glancing aside as Adrian helps to free Kaori from her bulky headset. Juliet's training simulations are all very good, but you have your doubts about their practical use. Real Lilim don't fight like that, swinging punches like drunken boxers. They're not so predictable, especially when they start flying about and puking out laser swords or whatever else. If Juliet ever sees real combat, she's going to get one hell of a nasty surprise.

“Whatever,” you mutter, turning to the side and helping Yulia out of her helmet, “How's your project going?”

“It is not as good as I had been hoping, perhaps,” Yulia admits, “Kaori gave me her readings, but Claudia will not give me an answer. She is still thinking about it, apparently, and I do not wish to continue without her. I would accept it if she said “no”, but she will not do that. She is... toying with me.” She grimaces, as if biting into something unexpectedly bitter. “And then there is the new girl,” Yulia continues, “Should I try to include her data? I do not know if I would be allowed, and... she makes me uncomfortable. She is, I think, not an easy person to talk to.”

A more cynical person might think she was dropping some hints...

>Bail on this science shit. Yulia's on her own
>Offer to persuade Claudia for her
>Offer to speak with Juliet about the tests
>Find something FUN to do instead... (Write in)
>Other

>>3528394
>Offer to persuade Claudia for her
Better the devil we know....

>>3528394
>>Offer to persuade Claudia for her

>>3528394
>>Offer to persuade Claudia for her
Are we going to have to break her nose this time?

>>3528394
>>Offer to persuade Claudia for her

>>3528394
>Offer to speak with Juliet

>>3528414
Let's go for variety and knock out a fee teeth

>>3528446
But Anon dental work is expensive especially since we are in America and it may cross a line that we do not want to cross yet as none of the pilots have been permanently disfigured in the line of duty yet.

Just going to link these here if anyone missed when I posted there
>>3523376
>>3525149
>>3525152
>>3525613

The briefing on Juliet's combat performance is apparently over, as Adrian has moved to the side of the room to stand with Commander Monroe. He talks quietly, his voice too low to be heard, and you spot Monroe covering her mouth as she fights back a giggle. Pulling a disgusted face, you look away and return to Yulia. “I can talk to Claudia for you,” you suggest, “I mean, I can't promise anything. God knows I barely understand what's going on in her head most of the time, maybe the machines can do a better job.”

“I see, I see,” Yulia murmurs, nodding to herself, “I am interested to see if her readings are significantly different to ours. After what happened in, ah... what was it?”

“Nevada,” you remind her.

“Nevada...” she repeats, savouring the exotic name.

-

Claudia is looking very relaxed when you arrive back at the dorm, sprawled out on the sofa with a fashion magazine held in one hand. Standing a few paces away, you clear your throat loudly and wait for the heiress' reaction. All she does is yawn, pushing up her loose top to languidly scratch her stomach. Next, you take more direct action. Leaning forwards, you neatly snatch the magazine out of her hands and peer at the centrefold.

“This summer's hottest swimsuits,” you read aloud, giving Claudia a dubious look, “Does Commander Monroe know that you're looking at this filth?”

“Oh please, it's purely professional curiosity. I like to follow the scene,” Claudia groans, rolling her eyes, “That's ALL it is.”

“Well... whatever,” you sigh, “Yulia. She-”

“She probably doesn't have a swimsuit, now that you mention her,” the heiress interrupts, “Not much call for one over in Russia, I expect. She's got a lovely body, though, it would be such a shame if she-” Rolling the magazine up, you lightly swat Claudia across the head and force a squawk of alarm from her lips. Sitting up, Claudia rubs her head and pouts at you before sighing. “Yes yes, I know. Yulia wants to stick me in some machine and cook my brains,” she remarks, “Well, excuse me if I don't fancy the idea.”

Sitting heavily down on the sofa, you give Claudia a stern look. “There's no cooking involved, you ass,” you tell her bluntly, “I've done it, and I'm fine. Kaori did it too, and she's fine. You've probably been in those machines before, so... so you're just being needlessly difficult, aren't you?”

“Yes,” she replies, her blunt tone an uncanny imitation of Yulia's voice. “Oh, come on!” she continues with a laugh, “I'm just playing around. I want to see what I can get out of this, but Yulia's no fun – we talked before, and she just dragged out the same old line about “the greater good”. That's so dull!”

She's just so...

[1/2]

>>3528547
What you can get out of it? How about an intact jaw.

>>3528547

“Look, we're going back to school soon, correct? Tomorrow, if I recall correctly,” Claudia continues, gesturing at her previously undisturbed bubble of comfort, “I just want to spend my last day of freedom having fun. Medical tests are hardly my idea of fun, so... I don't really feel like doing them.”

“This is important, y'know?” you lecture, “If Yulia's research works out, we could ALL benefit from it!” Claudia just yawns again, shrugging lazily. “I could tell Fletcher about this. I was going to see him later,” you continue, a warning tone entering your voice, “It's really going to spoil your day if he starts giving you orders. He might even find some other boring stuff for you to do. You've not been doing much training lately, have you?”

This threat, at least, seems to hit home. “But you wouldn't do that to your good friend Claudia, would you?” she muses, “And here I was about to offer you a deal...”

And here it comes. “A deal,” you repeat, voice dull.

“If I'm going to miss out on my nice day today, I ought to have some form of compensation. A nice little shopping trip after school tomorrow, perhaps,” Claudia proposes, “Of course, I'll need someone to carry my bags...”

“Not Yulia, though,” you guess, “Because she's boring.”

“Exactly!” Claudia agrees, nodding eagerly, “Or we'd end up doing HER shopping instead, and I have little desire to root through countless garbage heaps until she finally finds something she can MAYBE repair. No, I think I'd prefer you. Come on, it'll be FUN...”

Whenever someone says that, you start getting worried.

>So be it. Accept her deal
>Decline her deal. She can deal with Fletcher
>You could just knock some sense into her...
>Try something else... (Write in)
>Other

>>3528603
>>So be it. Accept her deal

>>3528603
>So be it. Accept her deal.
She did help us when we went shopping for the trip to the Garden i guess.

>>3528603
>Fine.

But if she pulls shit we are willing to throw down in the middle of the mall

>>3528603
>>So be it. Accept her deal
"You just want to hang out with me huh?"

“You're not going to try anything weird, are you?” you ask suspiciously, “Like you're not going to get tired and demand a foot rub or whatever, right?”

Claudia is speechless for a long moment, giving you a look of mingled confusion and revulsion. “Of course not!” she states at last, her voice firm.

“Oh thank god...” you breathe, “I was worried that-”

“I have PEOPLE for that,” she continues, her stern expression cracking a little as she tries not to giggle. It's a noble battle, but her defeat was inevitable. Looking away from you, Claudia lets out a snort of laughter. When Hester sticks her head out from her bedroom, looking to see what all the commotion is about, Claudia only laughs harder. “You have such STRANGE ideas sometimes, Holly,” she stresses, “I really do wonder about you. But, that aside, do we...”

“Fine. We've got a deal,” you sigh, admitting defeat, “But be honest. Is this just a trick to hang out with me?”

With a smug smile of victory, Claudia says nothing.

-

The dry rattle of typing fills Fletcher's office, the mercenary deeply engrossed in writing something up. You sit opposite him, unsure of exactly where to begin. “So... Juliet,” you venture, “She's not going to fit in here, is she?”

“So it would seem,” Fletcher agrees, his eyes never leaving the computer screen.

“What with her parents being killed in the Berlin attack, I mean,” you continue, hoping to provoke more of a reaction from him, “But the weird thing is, Kaori said that she read the casualty list and Juliet's parents weren't on it. That's pretty weird, huh?”

Fletcher pauses, but for an all-too brief moment before his typing starts back up again. “Very peculiar,” he muses.

“Hey, you're not even listening!” you protest, “I just said that-”

“That Juliet's parents weren't included in the initial casualty report. You need to be more patient,” Fletcher interrupts, turning the svelte laptop around so you can see the screen. With the tip of his pen, Fletcher points to a pair of names – Andreas Moore and Rachael Moore. “This is the casualty list,” he explains, “And here are Juliet's parents.”

Like a pierced balloon, you slump back in your chair and just flop there for a moment. “Well... shit,” you sigh as Fletcher unlocks one of his filing cabinets and goes digging, “I guess that's-”

A sheet of creased paper lands in your lap, cutting you off. Picking it up, you scan down the list of names – the same names as you saw on the computer screen, except for two omissions. “This is the very first copy of the casualty report,” the mercenary explains, “I printed out a copy. Electronic files can be compromised or altered later, but a hard copy...”

Just to make sure, you skim down the full list once again. There's no denying it – Juliet's parents aren't mentioned anywhere.

[1/2]

>>3528716
Cue eerie music

>>3528716
"Edited after the fact huh? Did you guys implant memories into her or something? Don't look coy, I literally have the memory of Nate's Mom's home cooking floating around in my head."

>>3528741
Remember she signed up with the UN not NERV they also Seized Unit 06 instead of requisitioning it, the garden would have handed it over without a fuss if they had a pilot that could sync It's also incredibly suspicious that she can also degrade AT fields (as it would allow the UN to counter the AT field of other Units and allow for them to deal with them conventionally without having to resort to N2 mines) with the Unit we should also ask if the UN could create the parts required to repair Unit 05.

>>3528762
In addition they also have Coraline,
Whom is a retired pilot that not only has experience in fighting other units but specializes in it, working in Risk Assessment on how much damage a Unit could do, running around in Avalon based on these things there is no way that they aren't creating a plan to Deal with NERV quickly by force if need be we should ask Fletcher about what external access points Avalon has, and how to prevent someone from using them if someone were to attack.

>>3528716

“Which doesn't inherently mean anything,” Fletcher warns, noticing the look on your face, “If their bodies were hidden – say, buried under rubble - they could have been missed by the initial recovery operation. So the next step is to look at their files.” Turning the laptop back to him, he types in a few words and taps a few keys. “Both of them have fairly barren files. That's not so surprising these days – Second Impact wiped out a lot of the older records. According to this, they were killed when falling debris crushed the front end of their car. Juliet only survived because she was lying down in the back seat. We've got death certificates from the medical examiner, and a notice of cremation.”

Now you're even more confused. “Those could be faked too,” you guess, “Right?”

“Of course. Frankly, we live in an age where very little can be taken for granted. Someone with amble resources and access to sealed records could easily insert false reports,” he replies, “And I think we can both guess who falls into that category.”

Head office. “Okay...” pausing, you try to gather your thoughts, “So what now?”

“Now,” Fletcher remarks, “You get ready for school tomorrow, while I continue to maintain our security. Working against groups like Wormwood or NIHIL is one thing, but dealing with our immediate supervisors is a delicate matter. We're on thin ice at the moment, and a botched investigation would give them the excuse they need to shut us down.”

“But they HAD an excuse already!” you protest, “Monroe... I mean...”

“And now Commander Monroe owes our UN friend a large favour,” he points out, “Not to mention the fact that she seems quite fond of him. She's old enough to be his mother, but I suppose I shouldn't be old fashioned about it. If they want to-”

Clapping your hands over your ears, you shut out the rest of that. You really, really don't want to hear it. When Fletcher is done, you tentatively uncover your ears and scowl at him. “At least tell me you're suspicious about all this,” you demand, “I mean, this whole thing is messed up. Look at Juliet's training – now tell me that she's been trained to fight Lilim and not enemy ADMs. Go on, tell me!”

He just shrugs. “Someone took Unit 05's body,” you continue, “Would the UN be able to repair it?”

“Potentially,” Fletcher confirms with a simple nod, “But unless they had a special need for that one unit, they would be better served by activating one of the dormant units. 10 and 12 are ready, I believe, still in storage in Temple. If the UN wanted to activate them, they would be under no obligation to assign them to NERV. If Coraline was a little younger, she might also be an active UN pilot. As it is...”

“Fletcher?” you ask, lowering your voice, “How safe are we, really? Not against Lilim, but...”

“That,” he interrupts gently, “Is a dangerous path to go down.”

[2/3]

>>3528820

“Look, it's just...” you pause, forcing yourself to take a deep breath, “If something bad does happen, I don't want to be trapped down here like... like a rat in a trap!”

“You're talking about access points. There's the main cargo elevator and the express personnel elevators. The ADM launch chutes can, in an emergency, be used to evacuate to the surface. Finally, we have a sealed access route to the public bunker system. It's a one-way door – we can open it from inside HQ, but there's no access from the other side,” Fletcher pauses, “Short of using high explosives, that is. I've made plans for every eventuality – including an armed assault. I didn't exactly have the UN in mind when I drafted those plans, though...”

“Bit of an oversight there,” you point out. When Fletcher says nothing to this, you shrug and sigh. “So is that the plan?” you ask him, “Wait and see what happens?”

“Wait until we're not under direct observation, then consider our current situation,” he corrects you, “I'm not inclined to go looking for a fight if there's no need for one. Wait for the next Lilim to show itself if you want a fight that badly. I don't think you'll have long to wait.”

Pause. “Is that just your gut instinct?” you ask carefully, “Or has Karina said something to you?”

“The former,” he states with a humourless laugh, “Something I trust more than anything Karina can do, with no disrespect intended. Best that you don't get too comfortable in school, that's all I'm saying.” Noticing your sullen expression, Fletcher reaches across and slaps you on the arm. “But I do have one bit of good news for you,” he offers, “Commander Monroe and Doctor Bergmann are talking again. I saw them earlier, and they weren't even trying to strangle each other. It's enough to make an old man believe in miracles. Now go on, you've had your fill of good news for the day. Get out of here before I lower the mood again.”

>He's right. Time to be somewhere else
>There's something else... (Write in)
>Other

>>3528886
>He's right, time to scoot

Enough sedition plotting for the day

>>3528886
>He's right. Time to be somewhere else
"Thanks Fletch"

>>3528886
>>He's right. Time to be somewhere else
Now that we have at least mentioned it to someone who can maybe do something about it's out of our hands.

“Right,” you agree, “Thanks Fletch. Don't work too hard, okay?”

“Not a promise I can make, unfortunately,” he replies, a humourless smile tugging at one corner of his mouth. As you're getting up to leave, he clears his throat. “Adrian,” the mercenary states carefully, “What do you make of him? As a person, I should say. Set the UN business aside for now. What's your gut telling you about him?”

Pausing, you consider this for a long moment before shrugging. “Hard to say,” you admit, “But like, he's not really taking this seriously, is he?”

To this, Fletcher says nothing.

-

“All humans have needs. We need food and water, shelter from the elements and protection from danger,” the teacher drones on, “But we also need more intangible things. Acceptance and understanding, for example, or the respect of our peers. Without those, a man might die as surely as if he had starved-” The bell cuts him off, causing the bespectacled man to glance up in irritation. “We'll finish this next time,” he grunts, snapping his book shut as the students rise to hurry out, “No pushing now, and no running in the corridors!”

Pushing past a few lingering stragglers, you run down the corridors until you spot a flash of blue. Honing in on your target, you approach Claudia and call out a greeting. “Looks like you didn't get cooked,” you tell her, “You DID go to those tests yesterday, right?”

“Of course I did,” she assures you, heaving a massive sigh, “Honestly, you have such a low opinion of me!”

“I wonder why...” you murmur, “So, I guess I've got no choice now. We're going shopping, right? Clothes again?”

“You'll see,” Claudia teases, leading you away. She's in a dangerously good mood today, it seems, with a bounce in her pace that sends her short skirt swishing about her. Boys stop to stare as she passes them by, but Claudia chooses to ignore them – if she even notices them at all. “We're due for fantastic weather all day today,” she continues, laughing aloud as you step out of the school and into the warmth, “Brilliant sunshine, hardly any breeze at all, and not a cloud in sight!”

“There's a cloud,” you point out, gesturing up to a grey smudge in the far corner of the sky.

“Technicalities!” the heiress scoffs, waving away your observation. Without further comment on the matter, she leads you on through the streets of Avalon. Her journey takes you close to the crater left behind by Ose's attack, and you both slow down as you approach. A large display of flowers has been left, while a hastily erected board is covered in posters – each one bearing the face of a lost soul. “Don't let it bother you,” Claudia murmurs, her voice unusually serious, “You did everything you could. If it hadn't been for you...”

“I'm fine,” you insist, “People keep acting like I'm going to... forget it. Just forget it.”

[1/2]

>>3528995
People don't know we're a pilot right? We won't get beat up in school because a younger sibling was crushed by debris?

>>3529012
We managed to avoid that, by not telling the others at the baseball field when we had the chance.

>>3529012
No. Not yet anyways

>>3528995

“Wait a minute,” you blurt out, looking up at the sleek building, “We're going shopping HERE?”

“There's a gift shop!” Claudia insists, leading you towards the art gallery, “Besides, you should be thanking me. I'm going to force a little bit of culture into that head of yours, even if it kills me! Well... maybe not. Even if it means I have to work slightly harder than normal!”

The Avalon Gallery of Modern Art, or so the pompous sign out front reads. There's more there, but it's written in some needlessly flowery script and you can barely read that shit. As much as you want to protest Claudia's implication – that you're uncultured – you've got to admit that you didn't even know Avalon had an art gallery. It certainly looks like a modern art gallery, though, with lots of sweeping lines and stark white. You can only hope that the interior is a little less bright, otherwise you're going to have one hell of a migraine.

Mercifully, the gallery is darker inside. The lighting is low and intimate, while the walls are painted a more neutral grey. It's cooler, too, making for a refreshing change after the hot day. You'd wager that most of the visitors were here for the shade rather than the modern art, judging by the way they mill about and barely cast a glance at the exhibits. Claudia clicks her tongue with irritation as she looks at the crowds, her brow furrowing with a frown.

“How unpleasant,” she whispers to herself, “It wasn't supposed to be this busy.”

“What?” you joke, “Were you hoping that it would be just you and me?”

“Oh, I would have wished for nothing else,” Claudia shoots back, “It would have been so lovely, just us and the... is that a sculpture of a penis?”

“I think so, but I really don't want to take a closer look,” you admit, wincing at the lumpen form, “It looks... diseased. I've never seen one that looks like THAT.” Claudia immediately smirks, opening her mouth to make some wiseass comment, but you silence her with a gesture. “I've seen sculptures, okay? Statues! Like Greek statues or some shit,” you explain quickly, “And you said that I wasn't cultured!”

Smiling demurely, Claudia gives you a gentle nod. “Of course, of course,” she muses, only to scowl ferociously as a tourist bumps into her. “Swine!” she hisses, nimbly stepping away from the large man, “Why can't these people just watch where they're going!”

>It is kinda busy. Maybe we should come back another day
>Knock it off. They've got as much right to be here as we do
>Just calm down, okay? Let's find somewhere quiet and take a rest
>Other

>>3529012
>Correct. People don't know that we're involved with NERV.

>>3529063
>>Other
"I agree. Looking out in front of you isn't that hard a concept but some people still manage to fuck it up."

>Let's find somewhere quiet and take a rest for the moment and let the crowd thin out.

>>3529063
>>Just calm down, okay? Let's find somewhere quiet and take a rest.
I guess she will realize what we meant when 03 gets around to talking with her.

Do we know how many people died when Ose reappeared?

>>3529063
>It is kinda busy. Maybe we should go somewhere else.

Art is gay. Modern art is double gay.

>>3529085
There has to be a reason that she wanted to bring us here, especially under the guise of shopping.

>>3529091
Then she can tell us.

>>3529074
>>3529063
Seconding.

Some asshole bumping into you is a valid reason to get irritated

>>3529063
>It is kinda busy. Maybe we should come back another day

>>3529116
She may have felt that what ever it is that she wants to ask from us is bellow her station and so needed to use subterfuge to get her way, as it has prevented her from apologizing to Karina over her comments in Nevada.

“Hey, just calm down, okay?” you whisper to her, glancing around to see if anyone overheard her outburst, “I get it. Looking ahead of you isn't a big thing, but some people still can't manage it. Pain in the ass, but... look, maybe we should find somewhere quiet to wait out the worst of the crowds. If it doesn't look like it's going to thin out, we can just go... I don't know, we can go shopping for swimsuits or whatever.”

“Or whatever,” Claudia repeats with a sigh, “You make it sound so exciting!”

Even with the crowds, though, Claudia looks reluctant to leave so soon. Steering clear of the worst patches, she leads you through the corridors. You pass by several interesting pieces – wooden masks, arrangements of thin metal skeletons, something that looks like a melting spider – but Claudia hardly glances at them. There's a purpose in the way she walks here, something she's clearly looking for. All you can do is follow her, trying to steer her towards somewhere you can talk in peace and quiet. Opportunity strikes when you spot a small branch in the corridor, leading aside into a deserted room. Grabbing the heiress before she can hasten on, you drag her inside.

“Not so rough!” she scolds as you drag her, “You'll stretch my top, and I like this... oh.” Gasping softly, Claudia looks up at the single painting that covers one full wall of the room. “Oh,” she continues, her voice breathless, “Oh, you found it!”

So she WAS looking for something. The painting is a big piece, showing a woman from behind. The woman's hair is long, covering much of her nude body, and the artist has painted it in gleaming streaks of gold and copper. Even in the dim light, the painting seems to burn with some inner fire. Practically collapsing down onto the low bench opposite the painting, Claudia stares up at the painting. It's only when you sit beside her that she talks.

“Do you recall...” she begins, “I mentioned it once, I'm sure. Father had a painting in his study that I loved. It was-”

“A woman with blue hair,” you recall, “Right?”

“Yes. I adored that painting. This one... it's the same artist, I'm sure of it. I saw a picture online – a pale imitation, if I do say so myself – and that's how I learned it was here. I... wanted to see it,” Claudia explains, “No, that's too soft. I HAD to see it.”

You study the painting for a while. It's impressive, sure, but it doesn't mean anything to you. It's not special to you. So, you remain silent.

“When have the Lilim ever created art?” Claudia asks quietly, “When have they ever turned their efforts to beauty or craftsmanship? Never, so far as I can tell. Men paint, and sculpt, and make music. The Lilim are just... things. The sculptures, not the sculptors. That, I think, is why they deserve to be destroyed.”

“Plus, they're trying to kill us,” you add.

“That too,” the heiress concedes.

[1/2]

>>3529137
Then she can stop being triple gay

>>3529151

You sit with Claudia for a while more, lost in your thoughts as she studies the painting, engraving every last detail into her mind. It must be so hard for her, you consider, being honest. Unsurprising really. A girl raised in isolation, surrounded by obedient servants... entering the real world must have been quite a shock to her. Now, she has to figure everything out by scratch. She can't just order you about, but some awkwardness keeps her from just asking. So, her constant games and tricks. Her constant attempts to hide behind irony and mocking humour. Beneath all that, what does she really want?

“The gift shop next, I think,” Claudia decides suddenly, standing up and looking around to you, “I'm done here. Are you done here?”

“I was done here like, half an hour ago,” you tell her with a grin.

“Bloody colonials,” she sighs, “No appreciation for art.”

-

You weren't sure what kind of gift shop an art gallery might have, but it turns out to be vaguely disappointing. Lots of postcards featuring glossy photographs of the various exhibits, but even the best pictures don't really capture the feeling of the art. Claudia doesn't even glance at the images of her painting, instead honing in on a large vase filled with metal flowers. According to the label, each individual flower is handmade by skilled local craftsmen and blah blah blah.

“These are pretty, aren't they? And the urn is for sale as well,” Claudia coos, tapping her fingernails against the brass urn, “I'll take two dozen, I think.”

“That urn is pretty big, you know. It's going to be really awkward to carry that...” you trail off, looking at the wicked grin on Claudia's face, “That's why you wanted me to come here, isn't it?”

Her grin gets that little bit wider.

>I think I'm going to pause things here for today, as I'm pretty worn out. However, I should be able to continue this tomorrow
>Thank you for your contributions today!

>>3529190
Do we know how many people died when Ose reappeared?

>>3529190
Thanks for running!

How are we gonna carry 24 big urns?

>>3529190
Thanks for running Moloch

Think we should tell her that we wrestled for control of our ADM in the portal? It's not quite the same of it completely awakening like hers did, but it's close.

>>3529216
Sounds like a good idea although we may want to also explain our reasoning for having it not awaken and tell the other NERV pilots as well.

>>3529228
Well Anon's reasoning was 'This would be a bad place to lose control in'

Holly's was "I'M going to kill this thing and you can either help or get in line."

>>3529234
Since neither of those observations are mutually exclusive and the fact that Holly's only other experience with awakening a unit involved having to listen to Claudia's transmissions wile the Unit was awake, during her deployment to Nevada she would have some understanding of what it's consequences are.

>>3529199
At the moment, no. There's an overlap between people who are "missing" - dead, but nobody wants to admit it - and people who went missing during the evacuation. Getting solid numbers is pretty awkward.
And OOC, I'm struggling to nail down "realistic" population numbers for a city block. don't want to guess and name a figure that's crazy low or high

>>3529215
Very carefully!
But really, Claudia isn't THAT cruel - one urn, with 24 flowers in it

File: ClaudiaR.png (286 KB, 900x700)

286 KB PNG

The urn attracts more than a few curious stares as you sit with Claudia, savouring the opportunity to rest as she savours a cup of coffee. It should really come as no surprise that the urn, along with two dozen scrap metal flowers would be heavy, but it still surpassed your expectations. It's exercise, you try telling yourself, it's good for you. It certainly doesn't FEEL good for you, though. Rather, it feels like your arms are about to drop off.

So, you're going to appreciate any break you can get.

“I must confess, I don't quite understand what Yulia is trying to do with this grand experiment of hers,” Claudia remarks, idly stirring a tiny dusting of sugar into her coffee, “I had the chance to see my own brain waves and... well, aside from proving that I'm a genius – which we all knew already – they just looked chaotic. Dare I say it, they looked like someone asked Karina to draw a straight line.”

“So they were...” you pause, “Dude, that's not funny.”

“It's a little funny,” she counters, “Admit it. Just a little bit funny. You're smiling right now!”

“I'm smiling because the alternative is... fucking dropping dead right here and now,” you scold her, “I'm banning seizure jokes from here on. From this moment on, they're forbidden.”

“I don't think you can do that,” Claudia protests, a nasty smile already forming on her lips, “Legally speaking, you're on very shaky ground.”

Sighing enormously, you take a sip of your own cooling coffee. Even lukewarm, it's delicious - for all her sins, Claudia certainly knows how to pick a good cafe. Putting the tasteless jokes to one side for now – although, knowing Claudia, not for long – you lean forwards and tap your finger against the table. “Gotta talk to you about something. Work stuff,” you murmur to her, “When I was fighting Ose, for the second time I mean, I think my ADM Unit tried to... I don't really know what to call it.”

“It stirred,” Claudia breathes, her eyes lighting up, “Rolled over in its sleep and muttered something, did it?”

“It was more than that,” you insist, “It tried to take control away from me. Tried to fight the Lilim itself.”

“Really?” her eyebrows raise, “And you didn't let it?”

“Hey, I'm a strong independent woman. I can kill Lilim just fine by myself,” you complain, scowling at her, “Besides, losing control in a situation like that would have been some bad shit. We didn't know how easily we could escape, and having a berserk ADM would just make things worse. I mean, do you really think it would make things any better?”

Considering this, Claudia eventually concedes the point with a graceful nod. “No,” she admits, “Probably not.”

“Exactly,” you conclude, nodding smugly.

[1/2]

>>3530637

Conversation falters, and you both retreat into your own thoughts. Claudia thinks about whatever it is she thinks about when she's not busy being smug or mocking, while you find yourself thinking about anger. The anger Claudia showed in the gallery, when she was forced to share the place with so many other people, and your own anger at... at the world in general. Anger seems to be a common thread where the ADM Units are concerned. Even Juliet has her own issues, with Kaori and NERV as a whole. Maybe that's why Nate can't quite make it – she doesn't have that core of anger within her.

But then, Kaori and Yulia might not either, and they can pilot just fine. Back to the drawing board, then. As you consider this theory further, your phone chimes.

“Oh no, go ahead and take that,” Claudia assures you, “I'll just wait here, all alone, while you see to your social life.”

“It's from Kaori, you ass,” you tell her, “She was asking where we were. Apparently, the new boss has been looking for us.”

“Oh,” Claudia's face darkens, “How... fortunate for us.”

“Huh?” you frown, “You don't like Adrian?”

“Not especially. He's a difficult man to read, and that always makes me cautious. I feel like he's hiding something – but then, aren't we all?” she sighs, “I've thought about having a nice long talk with him, to see what he's like, but... at the same time, I just don't want to be alone with him. It's not that I'm scared of him, or that I think he's dangerous, it's just...” Frustrated by her own lack of clarity, Claudia just shrugs.

You DO know how she feels, though. With a little luck, Adrian should be out of your hair before too long, but until then...

>It's best to keep your distance. You shouldn't be mingling with your superiors anyway
>You'll have a word with Adrian and report back. You're not scared of him
>You could arrange a group outing. There's safety in numbers, after all
>Other

>>3530638
>>You'll have a word with Adrian and report back. You're not scared of him

>>3530638
>>You'll have a word with Adrian and report back. You're not scared of him
If we can figure out what he got sent here to do, we can get him to leave faster. although the only reward for good work is more work.

>>3530638
>>>It's best to keep your distance. You shouldn't be mingling with your superiors anyway

>>3530638
> Group outing whoooo!

INVITE MONROE

“Look, I'll have a word with Adrian and see what he's up to. I'll report back when I'm done,” you offer Claudia, “I'm curious too, and I'm not scared of him.”

“I'm not scared of him either!” Claudia snaps, shaking her head quickly, “I'm just... it would be unseemly for someone like me to meet up alone with an older man.”

But somehow, it's okay if you do it?

-

You catch a lucky break as you're leaving the cafe. A car pulls up, the window rolling down to reveal one of Fletcher's security staff. You've gotten used to the idea of them following you about, but it's strange that they actually approach you. Fletcher's orders – you're supposed to live as normal a life as possible, and that means keeping the security at a safe distance. This particular guard is younger than most, his expression not yet hidden behind the usual impassive mask.

“Need a hand with that?” he offers, glancing at the urn you cradle, “Why are you-”

“The princess thought her room needed decorating, I guess,” you interrupt, giving Claudia a glare, “And she picked me to do all the heavy lifting.”

“My old man used to say that if someone trusts you to carry their stuff, that's a sign of affection,” the guard remarks, smiling to himself. Then, he pops the back door open and allows you to slide in. It's crowded in the back of the car, with the heavy urn taking up a seat, and you have to squeeze up with Claudia. She hasn't said anything about the guard's remark yet, although her cheeks have a faint colour to them. “Back to HQ, then,” he decides, revving the engine, “Seatbelts!”

Sighing, you click the belt into place.

-

As the car is descending in the main cargo elevator, your driver gets out and lights up a cigarette. Against regulations, you're fairly sure, but you're not going to comment on it. Once you're alone with Claudia, the heiress clears her throat. “I hope you appreciate this,” she tells you, “I didn't have to treat you to an evening of culture like this. I did it out of the goodness of my own heart, so you'd better be grateful!”

“You're unbelievable,” you reply, shaking your head.

“But... I enjoyed it too,” she admits, tilting her head to the side, “So I suppose it balances out in the end. We can call it even.”

So magnanimous of her. Looking away, you pretend to examine the metal flowers. They're delicately made, artfully made, but the sharp edges remain. Nice enough to look at, but a careless attempt to get close could spill blood. Not so unlike Claudia herself, in a way. Looking past the flowers, you watch the guard pacing outside. Without ever really deciding anything, you find yourself concentrating on him. The more you concentrate, the more you can picture a man in your mind. A fierce looking man with a thick, bushy beard, and-

The elevator reaches the bottom level with an echoing crash, and the image vanishes from your mind.

[1/2]

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1.88 MB GIF

>>3530679
>The more you concentrate, the more you can picture a man in your mind. A fierce looking man with a thick, bushy beard, and-

>>3530679
>The more you concentrate, the more you can picture a man in your mind.
I've got it. Holly is a jrpg protagonist.

>>My friends are my power!
>>Literally transforms into her friends to mimic their powers

>>3530679

“Bloody hell, this is heavier than I thought,” the guard cheerfully complains as he carries the urn to the dorm, “You must be stronger than you look, kid.”

“Country living,” you reply vaguely, hesitating for a moment before your curiosity takes over. “You mentioned your father before,” you ask him, “What was he like?”

“Huh? That's an odd question for a kid like you to ask...” he replies, frowning a little, “He was a real caveman. Cut trees for a living, didn't like cities or any of that “technology” stuff. When I was a boy, he seemed like the strongest man in the world. Broad shoulders, a scowl that could turn your legs to jelly, this big tangled beard... Hell, I should write to him, make sure he's doing okay. Been so busy lately that I forgot all about that stuff.” Letting out a soft laugh, the guard shakes his head. “Guess I'm a terrible son,” he jokes, “Thanks for reminding me, kid. Looks like we helped each other out today!”

Unable to bring yourself to speak, you just nod weakly.

-

No sign of Adrian in the dorm when you arrive. That's good, at least. You can leave the whole matter until tomorrow. Nate sits and watches TV, while Kaori and Yulia sit hunched over a stack of papers. More of the Russian girl's research, you assume. As Claudia retreats into her room to gloat over her new treasure, you sit with the pair and look down at the scrawling charts. “Are these Claudia's results?” you ask, tapping a particularly wild looking graph, “You'd better appreciate what I did to get these.”

“Your sacrifice is appreciated,” Yulia murmurs, her attention clearly elsewhere. Shuffling the papers about, she sets them out so you can glance down and compare them all. Kaori's readings look similar to yours, only slightly more regular and orderly. Claudia's readings are more aggressive, with higher spikes and more fluctuations. Yulia's readings, finally, are odd. When they spike, they never reach the same peaks as anyone else. Instead, they flatten out before diminishing. “Yes, I think I can work with this,” she decides, hiding a yawn, “This will be enough, I think, to show Doctor Bergmann. For the next stage, I will need her help. For now, I need to sleep.”

Kaori nods slowly, yawning as well. It's not that late, but doing schoolwork always puts you to sleep and this science stuff looks way worse. “So how was it?” Kaori asks suddenly, “I mean, how was your evening out?”

“With Claudia?” you ask, “It was...”

>It was pretty nice, just don't let her know I said that
>It was a chore. She really tests my patience sometimes
>It would have been a lot better if you'd been there instead
>It was... (Write in)
>Other

>>3530739
>It was a chore, but I got a nice coffee out of it. Also I got lucky with a helper, so that's that.

>>3530739

>>3530745
Supporting.

>>3530739
>It was pretty nice, just don't let her know I said that
"Maybe one day she won't need the "You're coming along to carry my things" excuse if she wanted the hang out cause that urn was heavier than it looked."

>>3530739
>It was pretty nice, just don't let her know I said that

Sans crowded art museum it was pretty chill all things considered

“It was mixed,” you reply cautiously, “The gallery was pretty nice, just super crowded, and I got some nice coffee out of it. But Claudia herself? This “I just need someone to carry my stuff” act is getting pretty tedious. If she just wanted to hang out, I would have been fine with it. Instead, I had to carry some heavy-ass urn back here. Well, until Fletcher's boy gave us a hand. So I dunno. I guess it could have been worse.”

“Any evening that doesn't end in a Lilim attack is okay in my book,” Kaori decides, nodding to herself, “It was quiet here. Adrian stopped by, but I think he was just being nosy. He had nothing important to say.”

“So what's new?” you remark with a laugh, “I'm going to go out with him tomorrow. I mean, not “go out” go out. I just want to talk with him, see what he's like outside the office. I'll be sure to take detailed notes, to let you all know the results.”

Smiling wearily, Kaori gives you a thumbs up.

-

The strain of the day begins to weigh down on you as you trudge into your bedroom, your muscles groaning in protest. Your body might be tired, but your thoughts are still racing. What you really need is to talk with Claire, to voice your thoughts and hear whatever absurd comment she has. Knocking lightly on the connecting door, you wait for her greeting. When it doesn't come, you tentatively push the door open. The barren room, still without any decoration, is empty.

“Claire?” you whisper, stepping inside and looking around. A cold feeling settles into the pit of your stomach. The room isn't just empty, it feels abandoned – like it's been left cold and empty for years. No discarded clothes left on the floor, no mess at all. You even crouch down and look under the bed, checking for anything that Claire might have left behind, but your search is a fruitless one. As panic begins to set in, you moan softly to yourself. Rising to your feet, you stumble back into your own room.

And there, sitting on the edge of the bed, is Claire.

“Heard you clattering about in my room,” she jokes, “I swear to God, Holly, if you were going through my underwear drawer again...”

“That was one time!” you protest, “And... and where WERE you?”

“Uh, in the bathroom?” she replies, rolling her eyes in disbelief, “What, am I supposed to piss in a bottle now? Knowing my luck, I'd find it in the middle of the night and mistake it for juice. Yuck!” Pulling a disgusted face, Claire waves the whole subject aside. “So hey, what's that look for?” she continues, “Got something on your mind, Holly?”

Even as you open your mouth, you're not sure what's about to come out. “I think I'm losing it,” you hear yourself admit, “I'm losing it.”

“Oh,” Claire pauses, “So nothing new there, then.”

Speechless for a moment, a snort of laughter finally escapes you.

[1/2]

>>3530809

The arrangements have been made. You're meeting up with Adrian after school, then going out for a meal together. World Eaters again, the same place that Coraline showed you. Adrian's choice, not yours – you wonder if Coraline suggested it to him, or if it was his own idea. Whatever. At least you're not likely to run into anyone at school there. The last thing you need is to get a reputation for... to get a bad reputation.

As you wait outside the restaurant, you tell yourself – for the hundredth time – that you're not nervous. It might be the hundredth time, but that doesn't make it true. There's a fearful fluttering in your stomach that just won't go away, and you're not sure if you'll be able to eat anything. A car pulls up a short distance away, and you feel your heart skip a beat as Adrian gets out the back. As if on cue, your phone vibrates in your pocket. Fishing it out, you see that it's a message from Claire.

“Don't let the bastard bully you,” she orders. Reading the message, you feel some of the tension bleeding out of you. Her timing could not have been better.

-

You came here to talk, but Adrian has other things on his mind. A great many empty plates, stained and smeared with rich sauces, are scattered out before him, but his appetite shows no sign of slowing down. Deftly wielding his tongs, Adrian slaps a few strips of beef onto the table's burner and fills the air with a loud sizzle.

“This place is wonderful,” he announces, raising his voice, “I adore eating good food. I can get away with it because I'm young, but this can't last forever. In a few years, I'll really need to rein it in. So, I'm indulging myself while I have the chance.”

“Uh...” you begin, “So I wanted-”

“Mongolian rib? You should really try it,” Adrian interrupts, “It's simply divine.”

If you didn't know any better, you'd say he was trying to avoid conversation. But then, if he really wanted to avoid you, he could have just refused the invitation. Maybe he just really likes Mongolian rib - far more than he likes talking to cute girls. When he takes a large bite of the freshly grilled meat – it must be scalding hot, but he bites down with relish regardless – you take advantage of the silence to speak up. “So where are you from?” you ask quickly, “I mean, where do you call home?”

Adrian finishes chewing his mouthful of food, then wipes his lips with a napkin before replying. “Nowhere,” he states simply, “No one place, I should say. I've been moving about since I was born, sent from one place to another. Military bases, boarding schools, diplomatic enclaves... I've never had a real home. I suppose you could say that I'm a citizen of planet Earth!”

“Uh, right,” you mumble. You preferred it when he was talking about food.

[2/3]

>>3530890

“Looking back, I suppose I was groomed for a position like this,” Adrian muses, taking a rare break from eating as he thinks back on his past, “I was taught about politics, diplomacy, all that tedious business. As a young man, I never thought to question it – as far as I was concerned, I was just following a path that had been carefully made for me. For a long time, the idea of doing what I wanted to do never even occurred to me.”

“Something changed, then?” you guess, “What was it?”

“Oh, it's a boring story. You wouldn't like it,” he insists, giving you a calculated sigh before continuing. “One of my first “official” leadership posts was down in South Africa. Terrible food down there, by the way,” he explains, “It was supposed to be a simple assignment. I was tasked with administrating a recovery zone. Make sure that nothing could go disastrously wrong until a permanent replacement could be found. Of course, it wasn't that simple. Our situation with the neighbouring district was tense. They started preparing for a little war, and I was given my orders – launch a preliminary attack, neutralise them before they could attack us. It would be clean, a surgical strike designed to prevent civilian deaths.”

Or to start a more serious war if something went wrong. Adrian reads your expression, nodding thoughtfully. “I realised how foolish it was. The attack would only make things worse. So, I disobeyed my orders. There was no attack and, eventually, the neighbouring forces stood down. To this day, I'm not sure why. Perhaps they assumed we were far stronger than we actually were. Perhaps they thought we were luring them into a trap. I suppose it doesn't really matter, does it?”

“So the moral of the story is, your commanding officers don't know what they're talking about, and following orders is a terrible idea,” you conclude, “Have I got that right?”

“That's not... exactly how I'd put it,” Adrian admits, “But I suppose that works too.” Shrugging grandly, the young man slaps another strip of meat onto the burner. “You don't trust me, do you?” he asks quietly, without looking up from the quickly cooking meat, “You can speak freely. I won't be offended.”

>No, I trust you. I'm just not used to... this
>I want to trust you. I just don't have any reason to
>Speaking freely, then, we all just want you gone
>It's... (Write in)
>Other

>>3531003
>Other
"Course not, but don't take it personal. It's just the nature of our shitty situation and organizations we are apart of."

>>3531025
Support

>>3531003
>>I want to trust you. I just don't have any reason to trust you any more than Bergmann or Monroe as it won't make what the pilots will need to do any easier.the purpose of mentioning Bergmann and Monroe is to provide a hook for him to ask us about.

>>3531057
Not entirely sure we should give the UN more insight into the dysfunctional parts of NERV

>>3531003
Supporting >>3531025

>>3531061
If it's going to help him complete his report faster it may be worth it, also i wasn't planning on telling him anything that he couldn't get from the base's cameras or from Monroe.

>>3531068
>his report faster it may be worth it
How so? You make it sound like UN presence is going to leave when he is done which I highly doubt. The UN obviously has some negative intentions for NERV and the less ammo we give them the less things they have to exploit. Let's not go into specifics unless directly asked and even then we have to evaluate what we want to say.

>>3531082
The thing to do would be only provide them things that they could use against Bergmann because if Monroe was complaining to head office and they didn't do anything what makes you think that the UN complaining would be any different.

>>3531089
Look I don't like Bergmann, but she is probably the best bet against the Lilims and the last thing we want to is to get her ostracized and fall into the hands of someone like NIHIL. Better the devil you know, etc and NERV problems should be handled by NERV internally. The more we let the UN take care of things the more power they have over us and the more autonomy NERV loses.

>>3531097
Considering the fact that SEELE knows that Bergmann is hiding some of her more personal research from them they have plans to obtain said research at some point according to the interludes and yet is still willing to bankroll her i don't think that she would be going anywhere even if the report had serious findings against her even if she was made to leave Avalon she would just more to Temple or Berlin when it reopens anyway and it's not like the UN is in control over there either.

“Of course I don't trust you,” you tell Adrian with a humourless laugh, “But don't take it personally. It's just one more shitty part of this shitty situation we're all stuck in.”

“Hmm,” Adrian muses, tapping a finger against his temple, “I'm sensing some frustration here.”

“Can you blame me? I feel like we're one slip away from everything getting blown to bits. NERV is bad enough, but now we've got your lot hanging over us as well – and that's not even getting into the other guys, the ones who ACTUALLY want to kill us,” you complain, “We're neck deep in the shit, and you adults are too busy trying to stab each other in the back to focus on what's important. What are we fighting for, if you lot are just going to mess everything up regardless?”

Before your tirade can go on any further, you force your mouth shut. Adrian listens in silence, nodding slowly before speaking up. “So are you making an official complaint?” he asks mildly, before cracking a smile, “No, I understand where you're coming from. You probably don't believe that, but I really do. When you look at me, you just see part of the problem, don't you?”

Hesitating, you nod. You're still being honest here, right?

“Well, there you go. I don't care for office politics. They BORE me. I'd rather spend my time eating delicious food and having fun. Of course, I can't spend ALL day on leisure – I've got my duties, just like you've got yours,” the young man explains, “But that doesn't mean I'm going to go looking for more trouble to get involved in.”

“Sounds like you'll be leaving here soon, then,” you remark, hoping that you don't sound too eager, “I mean, if you stick around here...”

“Quite the contrary. I was thinking of extending my visit,” Adrian replies, a twinkle in his eye, “I think there's a lot of fun to be had here, and so long as I can tell my bosses that I'm just too busy to leave... well, this could be a nice little holiday for me. Good restaurants, good company, and there's always something exciting going on. Speaking of that, I suppose we should be leaving soon. I'll take care of the bill.” Raising his hand, Adrian snaps his fingers to summon a waiter.

Trying not to let your irritation show, you nod a vague agreement. “Maybe this is good,” you hear yourself muse, “If you're keeping an eye on them, Bergmann and Monroe might not squabble so much.”

“Oh?” Adrian raises an eyebrow, “Have I been missing out on some hot gossip?”

Cursing yourself for a fool, you just shake your head. You shouldn't have let that slip, but he's got a way of making you lower your guard. That constant stream of chatter...

“Oh well, never mind that. You know, I'm surprised that you came here on your own,” Adrian remarks, not looking up from the cooking meat, “I thought you might bring that friend of yours. I heard that you were inseparable.”

[1/2]

>>3531113
Also the other reason for feeding him some information would be so we can not only focus his investigation and make him want to look into things that he is given leads about but also increases the likelihood of him finding some significance (that he may share with us or Coraline ) and then having something similar to what happened to Dr.Willson happen to him.

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>>3531137
>and then having something similar to what happened to Dr.Willson happen to him.

Yeah nah.

>>3531114

“Yeah, I guess we're close,” you murmur, blinking slowly. The sudden shift in conversation doesn't sit right with you, and you didn't notice Adrian slapping that thin sliver of meat onto the burner. It still looks pretty raw, so he couldn't have put it on very long ago, but...

“One last piece for the road,” Adrian tells you with a laugh, noticing your gaze. Taking the thin slice of meat off the burner, he quickly gobbles it down before the waiter arrives. He pays the bill without even glancing at the price, scrawling something on the slip of paper and waving the dazed looking man away. With that taken care of, Adrian leads you out of the restaurant. It's only when the bright sun hits you that you find your tongue once again. You might be able to speak, but that doesn't mean you have anything to say.

In the end, you opt for something bland – something safe. “So what do you do for fun?” you ask Adrian, “Aside from eating way too much meat and flirting with older women, I mean.”

“Oh, it's a terrible habit, but I have a taste for gambling. Poker, blackjack, even roulette wheels... I'm not massively lucky, but losing a bit of money has never hurt me. My salary is rather high, and I have... other resources,” he glances back at you, a faintly embarrassed smile on his face, “A trust fund. Something my father arranged, apparently, although I'm not in any position to ask the man about it.”

Rich parents. So you have one thing in common, at least.

-

Commander Monroe is waiting for you when you return to HQ. Waiting for you, you wonder, or waiting for Adrian?

“Hello!” she calls out, waving to you, “Would you awfully mind if I borrowed Holly for a little?”

“Not at all,” Adrian replies, turning and giving you a wink, “I think we're both satisfied for today.”

“Ah, that's... I'm not sure if...” Monroe stammers, lost for words as Adrian marches away, “He, ah, he was joking... wasn't he?”

>Be professional. Someone has to be, after all
>Tease her a little. You're having an illicit affair!
>Get irritated. You don't have time for her schoolgirl swooning
>Other

>>3531173
It also means that he is more likely to return to us for more information than go looking for other sources so we can control the rate of his progress somewhat.


>>3531182
>Get irritated. You don't have time for her schoolgirl swooning
Depending on where we are that could be illegal.

>>3531182
>Get irritated. You don't have time for her schoolgirl swooning
"The faster that guy leaves this base, the better."

>>3531182
>Get irritated. You don't have time for her schoolgirl swooning
"Yes. What do you want Chief?"

>>3531182
>Tease her a little. You're having an illicit affair!

No jokes I stole your man. Shoulda been faster.

Most of the time, you can tolerate Monroe's antics, but right now, you are NOT in the mood for this. “You want to like, cut the shit and tell me what you want?” you snap, “Because I don't have time for schoolgirl swooning. I don't think ANYONE here has time for it. We just want to get him our of here, not give him some reason to stick around.”

“That's not-” Monroe begins, but you cut her off.

“Besides, me and him? That's gotta be illegal or something, c'mon,” you continue, “And you and him? That might not be illegal, but it's pretty fucking creepy. So just... just get on with it, okay?”

Maybe you went a little too far. After all, she could still throw you in the brig if she really wanted to. You could move in with Juliet. Wouldn't that be nice?

Swallowing, Monroe nods stiffly. “That might have been inappropriate,” she concedes, “Come with me, then.” With her head low, she turns and leads you away. As much as some small part of you feels bad for her, your heart pounds a triumphant beat within your chest. Her age, her rank... they mean nothing now.

>Ego increased by 5
>Current Ego: 82/100

Somewhere far away, you can hear laughter.

-

It's strange to see Bergmann in Monroe's office, lurking in the back like a scarecrow. The doctor looks rough, as if she's aged five years in a matter of days, but you pretend not to notice. On the desk, you see a familiar stack of papers – the report Coraline sent you, about the disappearances. With everything that happened, the report had to wait. Now, it seems that Monroe – and, apparently, Doctor Bergmann – have finished studying it.

“I won't waste your time. I can see that you're not here for the long version,” Monroe begins, her voice still stilted and awkward, “This report would suggest-”

“They knew,” Bergmann interrupts, “The first set of disappearances was recorded several years ago. YEARS. It was kept quiet, and no official investigation was carried out. Since then, the UN has been keeping an eye on this. When the incidents were leaked to the media, it was no longer possible to keep it fully under wraps. An investigation IS being carried out, although it will be inconclusive – the results have already been decided.”

They didn't even give you a chance to sit down. “Wait a minute, slow down here,” you blurt out, “Do we even know what happened to those people?”

“In the most recent incident, some security footage was recovered. It doesn't show the incident itself, but it shows people leaving their homes and walking towards the sea. No bodies were ever recovered,” Bergmann's lips draw back in a faint snarl, “Figure it out.”

You glance aside to Monroe. Reluctantly, the commander nods her agreement.

[1/2]

>>3531255
Did they try looking for them in the ocean?

>>3531255
>Somewhere far away, you can hear laughter.

I know we got an Ego boost, but we should probably stop crushing Monroe like this. Her own Ego/Psyche probably isn't doing well.

>>3531298
Considering she isn't a pilot it's not quite a critical for her ego to be high, also if she wants to stop being put back in her box she's going to need to stop making so many bad decisions.

>>3531255

“Every incident appears to be the same. Everyone within a certain area just stopped whatever they were doing and marched into the sea. According to this, they've swept the shoreline for any remains, but nothing has been found. The people just... vanished,” Monroe adds softly, “Meals were left half-eaten, belongings were abandoned on the spot, and cars were left by the side of the road. The report can't explain it, although they do suggest a theory. A powerful hypnotic suggestion, commanding all who heard it to... well...”

“We're not talking about stage magicians here,” Bergmann interrupts, giving Monroe a glare, “If we are to assume a Lilim was responsible, it would be more than simple hypnosis. It could wipe their minds clean, erase their individual will and replace it with a simple imperative – in this case, to walk into the sea. As for why, that remains unclear. Lilim have no need for food, and they don't take hostages. This must be something new.”

“Something that the UN is studying,” you mutter, shooting Monroe a glare, “Something your BOYFRIEND is studying.”

“No!” the commander protests, “We're not... he's not...”

“I don't think Huxley is the researching type,” Bergmann points out, a cold smile twisting her lips, “He might be many things, but I don't think he's-” The chirp of a phone interrupts her, and the doctor fishes a cellphone out of her pocket. Listening for a moment, she scowls. “Put her on speaker,” she orders, “I don't care if she's having a seizure, I want to hear what she's saying. This is important, Merrill.”

A seizure?

“Karina!” you gasp, standing bolt upright, “Is she okay? Is she-”

Bergmann silences you with a curt gesture, listening closely to her phone before holding it out. Karina's voice, weak and haltering, drifts out from the little device. “I see a candle burning. Oh, it's so bright. If only I could touch it...” the girl moans, and you hear Cam cursing quietly, “Ah! But it burns, it burns me so badly! I can't... I can't...” Her voice trails off into a dry sob, and you hear the muffled voice of Doctor Weick. He must be attending to the sickly girl, but...

“I'm out of here!” you snap, turning and starting to leave. Bergmann calls out a sharp command, and you hesitate.

“Doctor Weick is attending to her,” Bergmann reminds you, “The girl is in no danger, and anything else she says will be recorded. There's no need for you to be there. You'll only be getting in the way.”

That might be true, but...

>Bergmann's right. You wouldn't be any help down there
>Screw Bergmann, you need to make sure Karina is okay
>Other

>>3531307
I know, but next time it might be more prudent to be, while still firm, less shitting on her as hard. Not the best CO for sure, but she's done right by us for the most part.

>>3531312
>Screw Bergmann, you need to make sure Karina is okay
"That's not the point dumbass. Wilson is gone so someone has to be there for her."

>>3531312
>>Screw Bergmann, you need to make sure Karina is okay.
She's not a tool even if she was created.

>>3531313
The only problem with that is the fact that unless we go too far we don't get Ego at all.

>>3531312
>Screw Bergmann, you need to make sure Karina is okay

fuck you Bergmann. you twisted us

>>3531312
>>Screw Bergmann, you need to make sure Karina is okay

>>3531312
>Screw Bergmann, you need to make sure Karina is okay
Yeah, fuck you Bergmann.

“Oh, screw you!” you cry out, pushing the chair aside with an angry gesture, “I am SO out of here!” Bergmann calls out again as you rush out, but you ignore her. If she wants to stop you, she can chase after you and wrestle you to the ground. But, of course, she does no such thing. Nobody stops you as you race towards the elevators, diving into the waiting steel cage. As soon as you're inside, the door smoothly slide shut. You move to hit the button for the lower levels, but the elevator starts to move before you have the chance. Breathing heavily, you stare at the glowing button as a creeping sensation creeps over you. You're not alone in here.

Something moves in the corner of your eye, and you whirl around with your fist already flying. Pain bursts up your arm as your blow hits the elevator wall, and you spit a curse. There's nothing there. There never WAS anything there. Panic turns to anger, and you slam your fist into the elevator wall again. Again and again and again, you punch and kick at the unyielding metal before letting out a raw yell of rage. Your anger spent, you slump back against the opposite wall. It's just not... satisfying.

“They probably have cameras in here,” you say aloud, reminding yourself of the simple fact, “Shit.”

-

Blood drips down your hand as you limp towards Karina's room. Cam stares in alarm as you walk past her, but she doesn't leave her post. Inside, you spot Karina lying in bed with Doctor Weick sitting nearby. With an unhurried pace, the doctor examines the various machines surrounding her. The worst is over, at least. Quietly approaching the bed, you watch the slow rise and fall of Karina's chest. She's sleeping peacefully. You envy her that.

“Ah,” Doctor Weick gasps, looking around at the sound of your approach, “You did not need to come here, yes? Your friend, she is resting now. But, you can stay. I think she will sleep better, knowing that you're here.” You pause, before continuing a little closer. He might be a pretty strange guy, but Weick is a good guy too. Muttering your thanks, you sit down beside Karina's bed. “Your hand,” the doctor mentions, gesturing at you, “Are you hurt?”

“Just... knocked it against something,” you lie, “Knocked it pretty fucking hard.”

“Language,” Weick scolds gently, taking out a small first aid kit, “I can take care of that for you, if you want?” You nod, holding out your hand as Weick opens a small bottle of rubbing alcohol and soaks a gauze pad. “You girls,” he murmurs, “You are so violent sometimes. I have sons, but they are not nearly so rough as you are.”

“Sorry chief,” you shoot back, smiling despite the sting of rubbing alcohol, “I'll be more careful next time.”

“Do so,” he instructs, quickly bandaging up your bloodied fingers. Once that's out of the way, he nods towards the other side of the room. “I will be here if you need me,” Weick concludes.

Again, you mutter your thanks.

[1/2]

>>3531398

“You know, I'm kinda glad you're asleep,” you whisper to Karina, “I wanted to see you, to make sure you're okay, but... I don't know what I'd say to you. I'm not sure if there's anything I should say.” Looking down at your bandaged hand, you think back to your jabs at Commander Monroe. You probably shouldn't have been so harsh on her. It felt good at the time, but... the guilt always comes later. This time is no different.

“Am I a bad person?” you wonder aloud. No answer comes, obviously. Sighing, you gaze down at Karina. She lies atop her sheets, but they barely seem to crease beneath her. It's like she wears nothing more than a feather. Feeling a different kind of guilt, you reach down and lift the trailing hem of her shirt until the paleness of her stomach is revealed. No belly button on her abdomen, no marks at all. Still unable to believe it, even with the evidence right before you, you stroke your fingers across the smooth, unbroken flesh. Karina shifts, moaning softly in her sleep, and you pull your hand back as if scalded.

Looking furtively around, you check on Weick and Cam. They're deep in conversation, turned away from you, and you start to breathe a sigh of relief as you look back to Karina.

As you look straight into her now open eyes.

>So I think I'm going to pause things here for tonight. NERV: Second Daughter will continue tomorrow!
>Thank you for your contributions today!

>>3531425
Thanks for running!

What would the next few seconds look like? Would Holly apologize or just ask Karina if she's a clone? Or homunculus or something.

>>3531425
Thanks for running!

Has the populus ever been more united than when having to say "Fuck Bergmann"?

>>3531431
You know, I don't think so - poor Bergmann!

>>3531429
I believe the appropriate procedure here is to look at your hands and say "I'm so fucked up".

>>3531425
Man if Karina ever bites it, which seems like it is probably going to be the case eventually, I don't know if Holly is going to handle it.

Thanks for running

>>3531505
Implying they wont just pull another from storage.

>>3531581
>It has no memories of the old Karina
>Holly puts two and two together
>In addition to being distraught gets extremely pissed and takes Bergmann's other eye

>>3531623
couldn't it just be reasoned away by saying her amnesia relapsed.(even though that's not how it works)

File: KarinaT.png (191 KB, 900x700)

191 KB PNG

This might not be the most uncomfortable you've ever felt, but it's certainly up there in the top ten.

Karina hasn't mentioned anything at all about what happened, her silence so complete that you almost believe it never happened. Almost. It certainly did happen. You still remember the feeling of her skin under your fingertips, so smooth that it seemed more like plastic than flesh, and you still remember the low noises she made when you touched her. You never meant it to be anything... untoward, but now it's impossible to see it any other way. So really, it's her fault. If she hadn't made those whispery little noises...

Maybe, you consider, she doesn't remember. You've heard that people can't really think properly when they first wake up. Her eyes might have been pointed your way, but that doesn't mean she SAW you.

You could go mad, trying to think about all this. Meanwhile, Karina is entirely involved in watching her cartoons. You've got to say something, anything, or you're going to explode.

“So we're fighting a candle next, huh?” you blurt out, “I sure hope we don't get, uh, snuffed out?”

Great. Real smooth.

“That's what I saw, yes. I had a vision of a candle burning brightly, but when I tried to reach out to it, it burned my hands,” Karina confirms, taking your words seriously, “These visions I get... they're obviously not perfect representations of the Lilim. Think of them as metaphors, pieces of imagery. Of course, a metaphor can be interpreted in different ways. Getting the right one is the problem. I think this one is simple enough, though. I think... you might not be able to get close to it.”

“Shit,” you mutter, “Guns again, huh?”

Karina just shrugs. “There's only so much I can say right now,” she admits, “When the Lilim manifests, I might be able to figure out how it works. I'm learning how to... read them, but it's hard. I can't find the words for it. Maybe I knew them once, but I've forgotten, or maybe... maybe there are no words for what the Lilim are really like. I'm trying my best, but I'm so frightened. What if I make another mistake?”

“You won't,” you promise the sickly girl, “I've got faith in you.”

But do you? Do you really? You're not even sure if she's human, but here you are making all kinds of promises. The way you're going, you should probably just write this day off as a dead loss and hope tomorrow is better. But then, when is tomorrow EVER better?

[1/2]

>>3532825

It gets late, and then you make your excuses. Leaving Karina's quarters, you wander back to the elevators only to tense up as you notice the girl waiting nearby. It seems that someone let Juliet out of her cage, because here she is – lingering by the elevators, staring up at them as if hypnotised. Gritting your teeth, you brush past her and stab the call button.

“I already pushed it,” Juliet begins. You don't reply, instead jabbing at the button again before resigning yourself to the wait. You stand side by side in silence, but not for long. “You know this area better than I do,” Juliet adds, “Is there a swimming pool around here?”

“What?” you grunt, looking around in confusion.

“A swimming pool. I enjoy swimming,” she explains patiently, “So? Is there one around here?”

With a muted chime, the elevator arrives. Hurrying inside, you hit the button for the upper level and say a quiet prayer as the doors begin to close. Your prayers remain unanswered, and Juliet slips in beside you before the doors can shut. Sighing heavily, you finally look around to her. “Look, I don't know,” you tell her, “Just go out and wander about. It's not even like you need to worry about getting lost – if you're treated anything like us, you'll have security on your ass everywhere you go.”

Juliet is silent as she considers this, the hum of the elevator offering some hint of background noise. Every time you expect her to speak up, she just remains stubbornly silent. She's trying to make you feel guilty, you think angrily to yourself, trying to take advantage of you. Or, you admit a moment later, she's just not saying anything because she's an awkward jerk. That's always a possibility. Whether it's her intention or not, though, you feel an absurd touch of guilt at her helpless silence. Her security people probably don't know the area very well, but...

She's not your responsibility, damn it!

>Sorry Juliet. You're on your own this time
>Look, I'll talk to Fletcher. One of his people can show you around
>Meet me after school tomorrow. I guess I can show you the city
>Other

>>3532827
>>Meet me after school tomorrow. I guess I can show you the city
Considering the fact that Adrian took us to World Eaters he probably knows his way around Avalon.
She probably wants to talk about what we said in her cell or about the upcoming Lilium.

>>3532827
>Meet me after school tomorrow. I guess I can show you the city
Sorry Holly but before you knew it you've been the somewhat 'responsible one' of this cast.

>>3532827
>Meet me after school tomorrow. I can show you the city.

And teach you how to be decent

With your fists clenched, you wait as the elevator crawls back towards the upper level. When it finally arrives, Juliet sweeps out through the opening doors and starts on her way. You're not even sure where she's going – hopefully not your dorm, or there might be trouble. Now that you think about it, she never had the chance to get settled into “normal” quarters. Almost as soon as she arrived here, she ended up in the brig. It's not been a good start for her, but...

“Juliet!” you hear yourself call out. She pauses, slowly turning back to face you. “Meet me after school tomorrow, okay? I guess I can show you around the city,” you continue, scarcely able to believe your own words, “This doesn't make us friends or anything, but you can call it a truce.”

“School...” Juliet repeats slowly.

“Yeah. You know what that is, don't you?” you snap, “I'm not promising anything, but I can show you a few of the sights. You're going to have to take care of the rest yourself though, okay?”

Juliet nods obediently, then hurries away to whatever supply closet she's going to be sleeping in tonight. You watch her leave with a confused mix of irritation and amusement. She never even said “thank you”.

-

“Jeez, stop gawking like that,” you hiss to Juliet as you lead her through the city streets, “You're acting like you've never seen a city before!”

“I... it's been a while,” she admits, “I'm not used to walking about like this. Until today, I've mostly been held in UN facilities.”

“Makes it sound like you were being kept prisoner...” you mutter. That might not be so far from the truth, actually. Whatever the truth of the matter is, Juliet keeps gazing about in barely-concealed wonder as you walk. You were like that once, when you first arrived at the boarding school. Going from living out in the middle of nowhere to walking through the busy city streets had been jarring, even though you were no stranger to seeing the city on TV. Having expectations is one thing, but seeing it for yourself is completely different. “So why swimming?” you ask, looking around to Juliet, “I guess it's as good a hobby as anything else, but...”

“It's excellent exercise, and I find the water relaxing,” Juliet answers, “Isn't that reason enough?”

Shrugging, you look away. “I guess it is,” you reply, conceding the point, “You don't have to explain yourself to me. Claudia might be a different matter. She's on kind of a swimsuit kick at the moment – it's almost summer, after all – so she might give you some unwanted fashion advice.”

“Oh,” a pause as Juliet considers this, “I don't really care about fashion. I just wear whatever is practical.”

Of course she does.

[1/2]

>>3532881

After spending some time here, you're starting to get a feel for Avalon. It's a strange city, really. It's newly built, but it feels older in places. Some of the districts have already started to slide into disrepair, lending them a seedy air. You stay away from those, some absurd pride urging you to show Juliet the nicer parts of the city. She looks suitably impressed, but there's a lingering sense of detachment there.

That changes, at least, when you arrive at the sports centre. You've never actually been here before, but you asked around at school. Even that felt strange to you – that you wouldn't just accompany Juliet, but also that you'd do your research in advance. Either way, this should be exactly what she wants. Under one roof you've got sporting facilities, a gym, and a swimming pool. Juliet starts to pay attention when you arrive, taking out her phone to note down the directions.

“Hey, give that here,” you ask, gesturing to her phone, “I'll give you my number. Just in case, you know?”

Juliet doesn't look like she knows, but she obediently passes across her phone. You can't resist taking a peek at her contacts, but the list is depressingly empty – just a single name, “Command”. Well, your name makes two. That's a start, right?

-

The sports centre is nicer than you expected, with a neat little cafe that looks out over the pool. Thirsty after the walk over, you stop there for a snack and watch as the young families splash about in the pool. Juliet frowns a little, disapproval plain to see on her face. “I hope it's not always this busy,” she remarks, “Those people down there would just get in the way. Why are they here? They're not even swimming!”

“They're having fun. You know, that thing people do?” you reply, shaking your head in disbelief, “If you want to be super serious about it, you'll need to find somewhere else.” A moment later, you wonder if that might have been too harsh. It might be awkward for Juliet, seeing so many happy families playing down there. “So,” you continue, deciding to change the subject, “Your boss, Adrian. Have you known him long? Do you get along?”

“Not long,” she answers, “And we don't talk much. He gives me my orders, and I obey. Anything more than that would not be professional.”

You're struggling to imagine Adrian being professional. Like, at all.

“Can I ask you something?” Juliet announces suddenly, “When you pilot your ADM Unit... are you afraid?”

>Most of the time, I'm too angry to be afraid
>I guess I am. I don't want to die or anything
>Not really, In fact, it's almost... comforting
>I'm... (Write in)
>Other

>>3532927
>"Only cowards feel fear."

>>3532927
>Other
"If you're asking if I'm afraid while fighting Lilim, then yes a little. Those things are really dangerous and they keep changing the rules on you. But if you're asking if I'm afraid about being with my ADM, not really. It's almost comforting being with it.

>>3532933
Only fools don't feel fear. Rising above that fear is what makes people brave.

>>3532927
>Not really? Normally I’m either concentrating on the Lilim at hand or savoring the time before the fight. I like fighting, it’s the one time I feel... right.

>>3532927
>>Not really, In fact, it's almost... comforting

>>3532927
>Not really, In fact, it's almost... comforting
It doesn't really matter what you feel as long as you don't stop fighting until the Lilium is dead.

>>3532927
>Most of the time, I'm too angry to be afraid

A strange question for her to ask. “I'm not afraid of my ADM, if that's what you're asking,” you reply carefully, “When I'm fighting a Lilim? Sure, I get a little scared. I mean, the stakes are pretty high and if I fuck up, it's not going to be just me who suffers. Most of the time, though, I'm too pissed off to be afraid. Fighting gives me a chance to put that anger to good use, at least.” Laughing quietly to yourself, you look up at Juliet's blank face. She might be confused, or bored, or eager to hear more. Her expression reveals nothing. “But if you're talking about the ADM itself... no, not really. In fact, it's almost comforting,” you continue, “I can't explain it, but... it's like I feel safer inside it than I do outside.”

Ice clinks in Juliet's glass as she takes a sip of water. “I'm not afraid to die,” she declares, “Soldiers die in war, and I've nothing to lose. If I was asked to give my life for the sake of mankind, I'd do it without hesitation. But... I don't understand you. What is comforting about an ADM Unit?”

“Knowing that if anyone pisses me off, I can just step on them and squash them flat,” you joke. Your flippant reply hides a deeper uncertainty. What IS comforting about the ADM Unit? The sense of power and invulnerability, perhaps, but you wonder if it's something deeper than that. How did Claudia describe it? Like she had a god looking out for her, or something like that. A distant patron, but not an unkind one.

“It's complicated,” you continue with a vague gesture, “I mean, why do you like swimming?”

“It's good exercise, and I find the water relaxing,” Juliet reminds you, “I told you before.”

“Yeah, sure, but WHY do you find the water relaxing?” you press, “You see what I mean? Some things, you can't just explain. You need to trust your gut.”

The concept seems alien to Juliet. Looking away from you, she gazes down into the busy swimming pool below.

-

“So, what's the verdict?” you ask as you're leaving, “Is this good enough for you?”

“It's not perfect, but I don't see any other option,” Juliet replies, looking back at the sports centre. She thinks for a few seconds, her brow furrowing in a tiny hint of frustration. Frustration at what, though, you couldn't say. “I know that you didn't have to do this,” she continues, “I've done nothing to earn your assistance. Regardless, you took the time to help me. I appreciate that. Thank you.”

Her comment feels cold and stilted, the words coming off as painfully rehearsed. You did her a kindness, and gratitude is expected. That's all it is – her words have about as much depth as a puddle. Deliberate or not, they leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

“Sure,” you mutter, “Any time.”

[1/2]

>>3532963

As you're walking back to HQ, your phone chimes. It's a message from Kaori, urging you to hurry back. Apparently, you're going to have a team meeting later. You read the message with a frown. “A team meeting,” you sigh to Juliet, “That's either bad news, or boring news. God, I hope Monroe hasn't been reading up on teambuilding exercises or any of that middle management shit. I don't think I could stand it.”

“She's your commanding officer,” Juliet points out, “Shouldn't you have a little respect for her?”

You falter, the words hitting you like a slap. “Yeah, I guess...” you mutter, looking down at your feet, “She's not a bad sort, and she's done right by us in the past. It's just... just forget it, okay?”

With a nod, Juliet drops the matter.

-

You arrive back at HQ just before your meeting is due to start, sitting down in front of the projector screen and waiting. The rest of the pilots are here, along with the adults – Fletcher, Bergmann and Monroe. Adrian lingers at the back of the room with a cup of coffee in one hand and a doughnut in the other, the food taking up the whole of his attention. Barely a few seconds after you sit down, Yulia leaps to her feet like a scalded cat and scuttles out to the front of the room. Now you understand what's going on – she's going to be presenting her research to Bergmann and everyone else.

At least, she's supposed to be. Right now, she looks like she might faint with nerves. Noticing her distress, Fletcher calls something out to her in a soft voice, his words spoken in a language that you can't understand. Whatever he says, it does wonders for her. Brightening up, Yulia smiles and nods her thanks to him. Flushing a little, she taps a key on her computer and the projector flickers to life. There, blown up to a larger scale, the results of your scans are spread across the wall. “Entering the Lilim portal and confronting Ose gave me an idea,” Yulia continues, “The Lilim, I think, are able to attack our minds directly. Ah, that is, not our minds as such. Our AT Fields. Our...”

“Our souls,” Doctor Bergmann offers, “Weak and wretched things they may be.”

Yulia hesitates again, the unexpected interruption clearly knocking her from her well-rehearsed script. “Well, that is... not the point,” she manages, recovering well, “These graphs show our reactions to such attacks. I think perhaps... above a certain point, these attacks cause real and actual harm. You see here, on Rainer's chart, how the peaks are especially high. That is, I think, a vulnerability that-”

“Now listen here!” Claudia protests, “I agreed to these scans, but you never said that you'd use them to... to attack me in front of everyone!”

Yulia falters again, falling silent.

>Agree with Claudia. Yulia really should be more tactful
>Defend Yulia. She has a right to speak
>Stay silent. Best not to take a side here
>Other

>>3533020
>>Defend Yulia. She has a right to speak
"You're not being attacked Claudia, she's trying to help all of us not get mentally attacked by the Lilims. I didn't do too well in the portal last time myself and I'd rather not have a repeat."

>>3533020
>>Stay silent. Best not to take a side here
We should only speak up if this derails the presentation further, as we can explain afterwards to Claudia the reasoning behind using empirical evidence to explain complicated topics when presenting complicated topics to a crowd that has varying levels of understanding of the topic.

>>3533020
>Defend Yulia. She has a right to speak
C’mon Claudia, it’s nothing personnel kid

>>3533020
>>Defend Yulia. She has a right to speak
"You aren't being attacked, Claudia."

>>3533020
>Other
Try to placate Claudia. 'This means your contribution is the most important, now just let her finish'.

>>3533020
>Defend Yulia

She's just stating facts Claudia. Not her fault you have a weak mind.

“You're not being attacked, Claudia,” you call out, trying not to snap at her, “Yulia's trying to help us here. If she can stop the Lilim from attacking our minds – souls, whatever - then I'm all for it. I didn't do so good last time, when we entered the portal, and I don't want to go through that again.” You pause here, waiting to see if Claudia is going to argue further. Of course she is, and you cut her off before she can get a word out. “So don't take it personally,” you tell her firmly, “Or at least save your objections until the end. I'd actually like to fucking hear this!”

Even then, Claudia looks like she's about to protest further. Then, with a sigh of resignation, she leans back and shrugs. “I suppose I should be grateful that I'm being credited, at least,” she decides.

“That's right. That's exactly right,” you agree, trying not to roll your eyes, “The scientific community will thank you for your important contributions. Yulia?”

“That's right. Continue please,” Bergmann orders, “You've got my attention.”

Somehow, that makes Yulia look even more nervous. Flashing you a quick smile of gratitude – brief, but so much more genuine than anything Juliet was able to offer – she goes back to her presentation. Tapping the next key, she summons up her own results. “These are my readings. You see here, how they level out?” she explains, looking around for a pointer before awkwardly waving her hand at the projection, “It was not something that I did consciously, but I was able to somehow block the attacks. I was exposed to them, yes, but I did not enter the danger zone.”

Monroe snorts laughter at this for some reason, covering it up with a quick cough. “Excuse me,” she mumbles, trying to keep a straight face, “Go on, please.”

“Well, ah, I want to figure out why I was protected,” Yulia finishes lamely, “And to see if the others could also be protected. But, I do not know what to do next. I hoped that perhaps you might know. Doctor Bergmann?”

Bergmann considers this carefully, her single eye narrowed in thought. “You may have already noticed this, but you girls are not equal. Even setting aside matters of compatibility scores, you possess different abilities. These may be linked to your ADM Units, unique abilities possessed by each unit – and those capable of connecting with them. So, this resistance of yours may not be something we can replicate,” the doctor pauses for a moment, tapping one finger against her sharp cheekbone, “But if you were able to actively harness this power, it may be more useful.”

“So...” Yulia smiles nervously, “It is good, that I tell you this?”

“It IS good,” Bergmann agrees, her own smile predatory, “Very good indeed.”

[1/2]

[Worry]

>>3533160
At least they didn't get the idea of putting explosive collars on pilots... for now.

>>3533147

The presentation only lasts a little longer after that, with Yulia going through the other sets of data and getting Bergmann's opinion. Kaori's readings, as is agreed, represent a kind of baseline average. “I'm perfectly happy being boring,” Kaori remarks, causing a few laughs, “Holly, I think your readings were much the same as mine.”

“Show me anyway,” Bergmann orders. Yulia brings up your familiar scan, and the doctor leans forwards with keen interest. The graph looks different now that it's been blown up on the big screen, and you notice something strange about it – the wave almost seems to be made from two separate lines. They overlap most of the time, but not always – when they reach their highest points, the “danger zone” as Yulia put it, they fray apart. Not so easy to notice on paper, but the larger view...

“I see. That's all I need,” the doctor concludes, her hard voice cutting your train of thought off, “Very much a standard pattern, albeit with a slightly greater degree of variation. That's what I was expecting. Miss Kuznetsova, please do come and see me later. I think we have something we can work with here.”

Smiling proudly, Yulia nods.

-

“Thank you,” Yulia murmurs to you, “I did not mean to offend Claudia. It is... words are sometimes difficult, yes? I was nervous, and it did not come out as I intended. Then she was angry, and it was so much worse. So, ah, thank you. For speaking up.”

“You know what she's like,” you reply, shrugging vaguely, “Well, don't worry about it. What did Fletcher say to you, anyway?”

“Ah,” Yulia smiles coyly, “That, I think, is private.”

“Good presentation, Yulia! Very professional!” Commander Monroe calls out as she joins you, Kaori following behind her, “I didn't understand a word of it, but your graphs looked very nice!” Laughing, she slaps Yulia lightly on the arm. “I really don't want to tempt fate, but I have a good feeling about this,” she continues, “Just don't get too busy with your research, okay? We're still on a heightened state of alert after Karina gave us that warning.”

“Yeah, but when are we NOT on a heightened state of alert?” you ask. Monroe concedes the point with a shrug. “Oh yeah, I wanted to ask,” you continue, “Where did Juliet sleep last night?”

“Er...” Monroe scratches her head awkwardly, “It was the brig again, actually. We weren't sure where else to put her for now, and she seemed happy enough there. The original idea was to give her a room in your dorm, but after what happened with Kaori I don't-”

“Let her stay,” Kaori interrupts quietly, “We can't keep avoiding each other forever, and treating her like a prisoner all the time... I don't like it.”

Monroe hesitates. “Well...” she begins, “If there are no objections, then...”

>Damn right I object!
>No, no objections here
>Other

>>3533280
>No, no objections here
If she starts giving trouble again we will deal with it.
>Other
"Chief I just want to confirm. Juliet only entered UN service after Berlin half a year ago right? Did she not have any other family besides her parents she could have gone with?"


Something I noticed and something I think Holly would have noticed too is that Juliet acts like military life is all she knew growing up. I think we all know something is up with her situation, but with the 'official story' she still would have had 15/16 formative years of a normal teenage girl growing up in Berlin enjoying life. You don't just lose all that after UN service for a few months. So what kind of 16 year old would be confused seeing families enjoying the pool together? Something ain't right.

>>3533280
>>..Wouldn't it be better to rearrange dorms then to not cause issues and friction? Because honestly she creeps me out. It's like someone made a person shaped doll, gave it the ability to move and think, but no soul. She's empty, empty is a way that makes Karina look healthy.

>>3533280
>No, no objections here
> Other
What room would she be moving into? i wonder if she's going to be moved into Claire's room.
If we know that Clare had a slightly better than average affinity for an ADM unit does that mean that our waves are constructively interfering with one another to give us a higher rating / attenuating more as we lose Ego?

>>3533303
I think she is going to be Yulia's neighbor since Yulia doesn't have a guest which should work out.

>>3533311
She may be using that room for her workshop.
the only other room that is free is Kaori's assuming that they aren't going to move Claire.

>>3533280
>Objections

She can live in the brig forever.

>>3533280
>>No, no objections here

“You're really fine with this, Kaori?” you ask, “I mean, she punched you in the face!”

“You punched Claudia in the face,” Kaori points out.

“That...” you pause, fidgeting in place before letting out a low sigh, “Yeah, okay, I can't technically deny that, but it's not the same. That was more like a... a friendly punch in the face.” Glancing between Kaori and Monroe, you shrug heavily. “Okay, fine, I guess it's worth a shot. ONE shot – if she starts shit again, she's going right back in the brig,” another pause, and then you nod over to the side of the room, “Hey, Commander, can we talk a little in private? Got some questions to ask you.”

Monroe nods, guiding you away to the far wall and gesturing for you to speak up. You don't start straight away, taking a moment to put your thoughts in order. Start with an easy question. “Which room is she going to get?” you ask, “Because if you're going to put her beside Kaori... I don't need to tell you how terrible an idea that would be.”

“Hmm, I was thinking that she could be Yulia's neighbour. I just hope they don't get confused!” Monroe laughs weakly, “You know, Yulia and Juliet? They sound sort of...”

“I got it,” you tell her, “It just wasn't funny.”

“Ah. Sorry,” the commander sighs, “Is there something wrong, Holly? You've been awfully tense lately.”

If you were to list everything that was wrong, you'd be here all day. So, you'll give her the most immediate problem. “I get that she's like, traumatised and all, but Juliet just creeps me out sometimes. She's like... she's not right. She walks and talks, but there's nothing beneath the surface,” you offer, attempting to put words to your formless unease, “We went out today, and she just didn't GET stuff. Normal family stuff, y'know? She only joined the UN after Berlin, right? So... what was her life like before that? She makes Karina seem like a normal girl sometimes...”

“That's... we don't really have access to her full file,” Monroe replies carefully, glancing aside to Adrian, “So I couldn't really say what her life was like. She doesn't seem to have any other family... I think.”

“You think,” you repeat, “But you don't know for sure. Those UN guys have access to our files, but we don't have access to hers?”

Monroe shrugs. “We could file an official request for information,” she suggests, “But that might get rejected, if it doesn't get lost in bureaucratic hell. I know a thing or two about how these things work. I was told that Juliet lived a normal life until Berlin, and... and that's about it. If you're that bothered by her, maybe she should stay down in the brig after all...”

“No,” you decide, “I want her where I can keep an eye on her.”

[1/2]

>>3533371

The mood in the dorm is different with Juliet about. There's a tension in the air, as if you're all waiting for things to kick off. Yulia is able to hide it better than most of you, but she has a way of staying busy. Her neighbouring room has been serving as her workshop until now, and it's filled up with all kinds of salvage – or garbage, depending on how charitable you want to be. “I apologise for the mess,” she tells Juliet, “There should be enough room. I will just... clear a space for you.”

“I don't need much space,” Juliet states, nodding to the bed, “That's enough for me.”

“You're okay with just this?” you ask, raising a suspicious eyebrow, “I'd hate to see what your old room was like. Did your folks have a tiny apartment or something?”

Juliet shrugs. “Just a normal house,” she states, “Nothing special about it.”

How wonderfully vague.

-

Juliet's been here for a little over an hour now, and she hasn't started a fight yet. Some of the tension has eased, with dinner providing you all with a distraction. As Kaori helps Hester in the kitchen, Nate bombards the new girl with all kinds of questions. Normally, you might try to calm her down, but now you're listening keenly. Every questions she asks, Juliet responds with a vague or evasive answer. The strangest thing is, she doesn't SEEM shifty. It's not like she's doing it deliberately, or so it seems to you, she just can't offer much of an answer.

“We hardly ever had family dinners at home. My folks were always too busy for that. So, a family dinner was just me and Vic!” Nate laughs, nudging her brother with her elbow, “Soooooo? C'mon Juliet, who did the cooking in your house? What did you have? You kinda seem like the healthy eating type to me.”

“I'm not a fussy eater,” Juliet replies, listlessly pushing about her plate of stir fry.

A brief silence greets this. “And?” Nate prompts after a moment, “So who did the cooking? Was it your mom?”

“Sometimes,” she mutters, “Why are you asking me so many pointless questions?”

“Because I want to get to know you!” Nate pouts, “And I don't think they're pointless!”

“My parents are dead now!” Juliet snaps, her hand clenching into a tight fist around her fork, “So what does it matter if my mother did the cooking? What difference does it make?”

And in the space of a few seconds, the tension comes rushing back in to smother you all. Nate turns pale, while Vic shakes his head in quiet exasperation. Over in the kitchen Kaori stands motionless, her face turned away from you.

“Well!” Claudia announces, “This is nice, isn't it!”

>Nate, I think that's enough questions. This is probably a sore subject for Juliet
>Juliet, that was out of order. Apologise, or find somewhere else to sleep tonight
>Listen guys... (Write in)
>Other

>>3533440
>>Nate, I think that's enough questions. This is probably a sore subject for Juliet

Or just try to avoid questions about her parents.

>>3533440
>>Other
Move closer and be ready to intercede if needed but allow them deescalate because we wont always be around to handle the situation.

>>3533440

>Nate, I think that's enough questions. This is probably a sore subject for Juliet

>>3533453
>>3533440
This. No matter how much of a leader holly is, she can’t constantly be around to handle things

>>3533440
>"Woah watch out everybody, Batman has moved in."

>>3533440
Remember how awful were the evenings at Reynolds' household and go into full triggered mode.

>>3533453
Yeah, they can figure stuff on their own.

>>3533508
It's a good example for Nate because she seems unable to pick up on the context and clues for peoples emotional states, as Juliet is not only easy to anger but also has glaringly obvious buttons to push it is a good test to see if Juliet understands cause and effect hopefully Vic won't ruin it by rushing to her defense if he does we should explain to him why we were allowing this to proceed.

>>3533544
Oooor we could keep antagonizing Juliet and go full mean girls on this bitch

>>3533581
And when Adrian hamstrings us by forcing us to take her with us when we next deploy, and she won't listen to us, what then.

Grimacing, you lean over and tap Nate on the arm. She glances around to meet your frown, her eyes widening as she grasps the unspoken rebuke. Then, with a tiny nod, she looks back to Juliet. “Jeez, I didn't know I was getting on your nerves. You should have said something sooner!” the young girl cries, faking a cheerful laugh, “So, uh, why don't you ask ME something instead? I mean, it's only fair.”

Juliet pauses as she considers this. “Why are you even here?” she asks simply, “You can't pilot an ADM Unit. You can't provide any useful combat support. I don't understand why you're allowed to be here if you're little more than a civilian.”

Ouch. You had been prepared to sit back, to let them finish the conversation by themselves, but now... you might need to step in again, before someone gets hurt. Nate's cheeks darken with anger, but she manages to hold her tongue. Drawing in a deep breath, she gives Juliet a stern look. “For your information,” she announces, her voice taut, “I'm still in training. And like, I won't be getting in your way for much longer. Doctor Bergmann wants me to go to Temple, to train with my ADM.”

“This is the first that I'm hearing about it,” Vic murmurs, shooting his sister a frown. Nate winces, immediately regretting her words.

“It... I only found out about it today,” Nate whispers to him, her voice still loud enough for you to overhear, “The doc thinks that piloting the unit itself, rather than like... one of those testing pods, should provoke a good reaction. At least, I think that's what she said. She used all kinds of long words and I wasn't really paying attention. I WAS going to tell you, it's just...”

“Later,” Vic suggests, giving her an irritated shake of his head.

Awkwardly, you all return to the meal although your appetite has long since vanished. This is just too much like home – the painful silences, the barbed words over dinner, the ever-present threat of a vicious argument. You thought you were done with all that, but... apparently not. Abruptly, you push your chair back from the table and rise to your feet. “I'm out of here,” you announce, “Nobody kill each other while I'm gone. I'm serious about that!”

“Where are you going?” Claudia snaps.

“Out!” you shout back. Whatever else that she might say is lost as the dorm door closes behind you, your retreat taking off down the corridors. You're not even looking where you're going – all that matters is that you're going somewhere else, somewhere other than here.

[1/2]

>>3533599
This may be worth raising with Fletcher to see why it isn't here already and if moving Nate would require Monroe's permission,
as he mentioned the units that are at Temple are unit's 10 and 12. see >>3528820

>>3533599

Your roaming takes you towards the hangars, although you only really realise that once you see the warning signs. There should be guards posted here, but you never see another living soul. Undeterred, you continue through the open doors. The ADM Units are held within, stored within narrow pens, and you find yourself approaching Unit 02's cage. The monstrous machine waits within, blindfolded and muzzled, towering over you.

The dull clang of metal echoes out as you climb the stairs up to the main viewing platform. Rather than being an intimidating presence, the ADM Unit towers over you like a guardian angel. Slumping to the ground, you sit heavily down and gaze up at the fighting machine. You stare up at it for a long moment.

Everything seems so far away here. Every trouble you have, every fear and uncertainty, seems distant and unimportant. This is exactly where you need to be.

The machine moves. A tremor runs through it, and it slowly lifts its hands to its face. Tortured metal screeches as the ADM pulls away the armour that covers its terrible skull of a face. Something like blood sprays, spurting over you, and two gigantic eyes roll madly. Thrashing against its bonds, the ADM Unit slams one fist down into the walkway not even two feet away from you. The metal crumples like old newspaper, the entire platform listing as it begins to collapse under its own weight. Yelling out in alarm, you start to slide down towards the unforgiving metal floor below.

Something catches you before you can fall, sweeping you up into a tight grip. Held aloft in the ADM's bloodied hand, you soon find yourself staring into the maddened eyes of a creature that has existed since before mankind crawled out from the sea.

>Going to pause this here for today. I've got tomorrow off, so I'll see about continuing this then. If not, I'll aim to run next Friday with an interlude episode coming sometime midweek
>Thank you for your patience today!

>>3533726
Welp. Hope we don't go the way of Kaworu and can work with 02.

Thanks for running.

>>3533726
Thanks for running!

How hard will it be to train our ADM to squish Bergmann?

>>3533765
But why would you want to do that to our Greatest Ally?

>>3533952
Curiosity

>>3533952
You're absolutely right.

How hard will it be to train our ADM to shoot Bergmann from 20 (ADM) paces?

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“First appearing in 1916, Carl Jung's concept of the collective unconscious suggested the existence of a unified “soul” of mankind, one that existed apart from individual or personal souls,” the teacher drones on, his voice drifting in and out of your sleepy mind, “Of course, the idea failed to gain traction with rational scientists, and soon it was consigned to the dustbin of history.”

Boring, so boring! Resting your head on your hand, you stare idly out of the window. The morning sun is almost painfully bright, reflected light burning in just about every pane of glass and plate of steel that you can see. Beyond the blazing tower blocks, you gaze up at the hills surrounding Avalon. There's someone, something, out there, a glowing white figure striding across the hills. You follow it with your eyes, watching disinterestedly as the figure glows brighter and brighter. Of course, what you're seeing is impossible – if nothing else, the distance is too great to make out a single human figure in any detail.

The line between reality and fantasy is becoming blurred. Maybe it was always like this, and you just never noticed. Either way, you hold tightly to the truth. You're not seeing a glowing human figure ambling across the distant hills, just as you're not really watching the figure hunch over in a sudden spasm of pain. You're just daydreaming in class, so you're not seeing-

The hill explodes, a dome of white light swallowing it up in an instant.

-

Packed into a car with Kaori and Claudia, you wait impatiently as the cargo elevator brings you down into the guts of NERV HQ. Your driver is talking rapidly into a radio as Kaori scans the internet on her phone, looking for any hint of what's going on. The media is being kept under pretty tight control, but she manages to find a snippet of footage taken in the immediate aftermath of the explosion. The footage, taken with some cheap civilian drone, shows a sprawling crater where there was once a gently sloping hilltop. Neatly placed in the middle of the crater is an angular block. The footage doesn't last long, falling into static before cutting off completely.

“A monolith,” Claudia remarks, her breasts pressing into your arm as she leans over to look at the footage endlessly repeating on Kaori's phone, “Just like that old movie!”

“You mean that boring space one?” you grunt, pushing her away, “I couldn't even finish that one. Fell asleep halfway through. If you're gonna make a movie in space, you could at least throw in some laser battles or something.”

“You're a philistine,” the heiress tuts, “Although in this case, you might have a point. Are we supposed to fight with an oversized Lego brick? That, I would definitely consider boring.”

“It's not going to be that simple,” Kaori mutters, putting her phone away and glaring straight ahead, “It never is.”

[1/2]

>>3535184

“The target area is enveloped in a powerful AT Field,” Fletcher announces, his voice clipped and precise, “Powerful enough to disable electronics that enter the immediate area, and highly dangerous to humans. Even with the protection of an ADM Unit, I'm not sure how long you could survive for. Anything within the target area that doesn't have a suitably strong AT Field would have been destroyed instantly. We're trying to establish how many hikers may have been on the hill at the moment of detonation.”

“So... was that it?” you ask, looking up at the main screen, “Maybe I'm missing something, but it seems to be just... sitting there.”

“The target appears to be gathering power. We're not certain what's going to happen when it finishes, but... I have to assume that it's bad,” Fletcher shakes his head, “We need to take it out before it can finish charging up. But, as I've said, we can't risk getting close. The AT Field may be strong enough to deflect rifle fire, but with sufficient firepower... I think we can penetrate it. Karina has been busy studying the Liliim, and she has more details.”

Cam pushes the sickly girl forwards, the wheelchair squeaking quietly. “It is almost certainly charging a weapon,” Karina states, “Even before it charges up, the Lilim is not defenceless. Attacks at range will be met with a potent reaction.”

“It shoots back,” Commander Monroe helpfully adds, “We've tested it with unmanned vehicles and they were all destroyed. Quite comprehensively, in fact, although they obviously don't have the protection of an AT Field.”

There is a long pause as you all look up at the main screen. The Lilim monolith remains standing silently in place, its very presence causing the camera feed to hiss with static. “How long?” Yulia asks quietly, “How long do we have?”

“We're working off estimates here, but it seems like the Lilim will reach full charge in about twelve hours,” Fletcher reports, checking a computer screen, “Do you have a suggestion, Kuznetsova?”

Yulia nods slowly. “My project,” she suggests, “It can, I think, allow us to get in close. But, it is not ready yet. Doctor Bergmann is running simulations now, to get the fine details right, and...”

“How long do you need?” Monroe interrupts.

“Eight hours, I think. Ten at the most,” Yulia answers, “But... if our simulated tests are not accurate, if there is some fundamental flaw, there may be no time to correct the mistake. We are not... certain.”

Taking your chances with untested technology, or launching a conventional attack. That's the choice you're looking at here.

>Commander, I think we should give Yulia's idea a shot
>We need to attack as soon as possible, before the Lilim can try anything
>I'll follow your orders, Commander. Just make the call
>Other

>>3535187
Can the high powered rifle out range the AT field that's dangerous to us?

>>3535187
>I'll follow your orders, Commander. Just make the call
Either that or put it to a vote.

>>3535187
>How does it see? Have you tried smoke or those dummy rocket chaff things, then firing to see if it hits back accurately?
>Are we cleared to bring 3 ADMs yet? It sounds like we want as many guns as we can get.
>I don't suppose we can combine ADMs with some power of friendship bullshit to make a really big gun?
>>I'll follow your orders, Commander. Just make the call

>>3535187
>We need to attack as soon as possible, before the Lilim can try anything

Just don't take Yulia as a partner, and she can work on her project in parallel. If the conventional attack fails we can fall back and use her plan.

>>3535187
Alright I'm going to assume the barrier is only as big as a hill so similar to what >>3535210 said we could have Holly and Kaori go sniper team on it, using the opposite hills as cover to whittle the Lilim down while Yulia gets her project ready. Then Yulia and Claudia can finish the job if needed.

Looking up at the main screen, you gaze at the angular shape of the Lilim. A plain white block, without even the pretence of a humanoid shape. It's hard to imagine it fighting, or doing anything else for that matter. Anything except just... standing there. “How does it see?” you ask quietly, “I mean, can we kick up a smokescreen for cover? Or use some of that uh... that stuff that jams radar? Chaff?”

“We're not sure how it sees. Hang on, let me pull up some footage...” Monroe leans over, tapping a few computer keys. The image on the main screen changes, shifting to an older version of the ravaged hillside. You watch as a drone flies towards the Lilim on a low approach, sparks flying as it launches a rocket towards the target. Almost immediately, the top of the Lilim monolith peels open like petals to reveal a pulsing orange haze. A beam of burning light shoots out, catching the drone with pinpoint accuracy and vaporising it in a fraction of a second.

“According to our readings, that weapon has power roughly equivalent to that of a nuclear warhead, only focused into a tight beam,” Fletcher points out, “Even with your AT Field protecting you from the worst of it, it's still an incredibly potent weapon.”

“Range?” you ask next, “Could we shoot it from outside the dangerous AT Field?”

Fletcher nods. “The kill radius appears to be relatively small, although we're getting conflicting readings on an exact size. It may fluctuate, but we're still unsure if there's a pattern to it,” he explains, “You'll be able to fire upon it from outside the kill radius, but you'll need to avoid reaction fire. Shoot, then move. Move very quickly.”

Tearing your eyes away from the screen, you give Monroe a careful look. You hate yourself for doing it, but you find yourself checking her for any hint of drunkenness. Finding none, thankfully, you nod. “What are your orders, commander?” you ask, “If we send a team up to engage it now, Yulia can keep working on her project. That way, we've got a backup option if this all goes wrong. If we can take that thing out before it has a chance to gather any more power... that's gotta be a good thing, right?”

“I agree,” Monroe replies with a firm nod, “Holly, Kaori, I want you both to suit up and get ready. I'll have your ADM Units prepared with the appropriate equipment.”

“Any chance of bringing along more than just the two of us?” you ask hopefully, already knowing what the answer is going to be, “I mean, we could really do with as much firepower as possible...”

Monroe glances aside to where Adrian waits, the young man leaning nonchalantly against a low railing. “Sorry kid,” she murmurs to you, “No can do. It's out of my hands.”

[1/2]

>>3535255
>A beam of burning light shoots out, catching the drone with pinpoint accuracy and vaporising it in a fraction of a second.

Yeah it's going to be one of those situations where you fire and don't bother to see if you hit, just duck down and reposition

>>3535270
It 's also a situation where you need 3 or more people to advance successfully, because otherwise you are just alternating who is moving and who isn't.

>>3535270
Or just fire while moving.

>>3535281
I don't think we are advancing on the ranged team. Shoot, break contact, get into concealment in the valleys of the hills, wait a bit and reposition on another hill to take a shot.

>>3535284
It seems pinpoint in it's accuracy. I'd rather rely on cover and breaking line of sight personally then trying to run out of cover with a big rifle.

>>3535287
We could always see if we can send Claudia with Juliet with them equip for melee and try and cover their advance

The main problems will be if we are expending sufficient ammo to suppress a response and advancing towards the Lilium to get into optimal range, how will we resupply on the move or repair a broken cable.
>>3535293
The reason for having 3 or more members of the ranged team is so that the Lilium would hopefully nerve have only one target to shoot at.

>>3535255

After squeezing into your plugsuit, you head down to the hangars to get ready. You hate wearing this thing, the way it clings to every lump and bump of your body. Every security checkpoint you pass through on your way to the hangars, you feel the guards glancing at you before hurriedly looking away. It's probably as awkward for them as is for you, but... they're not the one wearing the godawful thing.

The hangars are busier than usual, with piles of equipment littering the halls and several teams of engineers hurrying about. Hastily erected signs warn of ongoing repairs, stressing the importance of appropriate safety gear. Bad luck – you left your hard hat back in the dorm. “What's this all about?” you ask Fletcher as he leads you to Unit 02's pen, “Are we having renovations or something?”

“Just routine maintenance,” he replies vaguely, “Nothing exciting.”

He says nothing more as you enter the enclosure, metal clanging underfoot as you march across the walkway, slipping under the lurid yellow warning ribbons. Unit 02 is already ready, the entry plug open and waiting for you.

-

LCL rushes in, flooding the entry plug with that familiar old scent as data scrolls across the various screens surrounding you. “Target designated as the Lilim “Malthus”,” you read aloud, whispering the words to yourself, “Structural integrity... good. Ego... good. Could be better, I guess. All systems looking-”

In one swift stroke, the screens all turn black. LCL bubbles as you let out a yell of protest, fruitlessly tugging at the ADM's controls. “There's been a change of plan,” Mornoe's voice, fearful, announces over the radio, “You're being moved into the reserve team. I'm sorry, Holly, it wasn't my decision. Orders from the top – from the very top. Head office wants Juliet to lead this operation.”

“What?” you scream, “No! NO! She... she's got no field experience, and pairing her with Kaori... this is insane! You're going to kill them both!”

“It's not my call!” Monroe cries back, an edge of desperation in her voice. The channel remains open for a few seconds more, as if she wants to say something more, but then she abruptly breaks the connection and leaves you in darkness once more. Outside, you hear muffled sounds of machinery, and then the channel opens once more. “Holly?” Monroe continues, “You... your entry plug isn't responding. We can't release it. Just hang on a moment, I'll see what we-”

Sitting with your head hanging low, ignoring Monroe's worried tones, you let out a slow and gurgling laugh. There's something else in here that is just as angry as you are, perhaps even more so. The naked urge to fight, to destroy, has never been stronger, and all you need to do is... give in.

>Unleash the ADM's power. The Lilim MUST be destroyed
>Restrain the ADM's power. It can't happen like this...
>Other

>>3535325
>Unleash the ADM's power. The Lilim MUST be destroyed
DO IT. You've been lied to, Hollyl! Unleash your anger!

>>3535325
>Restrain the ADM's power. It can't happen like this...
It's not quite time to let go just yet.
This may be what they want to happen though
also
Malthus (also Halphas, Malthas, or Malthous) is an Earl of Hell, commanding 26 legions of demons, who is said to have a rough voice when speaking. He is often depicted in the shape of a stork. Malthus builds towers and fills them with ammunition and weapons, an armorer of sorts. He is a prince of Hell. He is also said to send his legions into battle, or to places designated by higher commanding demons.

>>3535325
>>Restrain the ADM's power. It can't happen like this...

Man how come every time there is an option to cut loose it's in a terrible situation? If we let the ADM go loose it's going to rush into melee and Holly is going to get fried by the barrier and likely die.

>>3535325

>Unleash the ADM's power. The Lilim MUST be destroyed

You can't stop the OG ACE PILOOOOT

>>3535325
>>Restrain the ADM's power. It can't happen like this...

>>3535346
Considering that the order came down from above, it likely also explains why no was present at the cages yesterday as well and that they are probing for a response from Unit 02.

>>3535325
>>Restrain the ADM's power. It can't happen like this...

Just give in.
Just give in.
Just give in.

“How many people are out there, do you think? How many people would you be willing to crush beneath your heel if it meant destroying the Lilim?”

Just give in.

“As many as necessary. They're just insects. If they can't get out of my way, they deserve to die.”

Just give in.

“SHUT UP!” you scream, slamming your fists down onto the ADM's useless controls. You hit them over and over again before clutching your hands to the sides of your head, trying to shut out the voices swirling around you. The ADM Unit stirs against its bond, metal groaning as it tries to move, but you thrust the violent urges aside with revulsion. There are still people out there, engineers and mechanics working to release the trapped entry plug. Even with your best efforts, you can feel the ADM starting to win, starting to assert its dominance over you. With one final burst of effort, you pull away.

Something within you breaks, wrenched out and ripped apart, but... success. With a tortured groan, the ADM Unit slumps forwards and a mechanic hiss sounds out from somewhere. “Releasing the entry plug now,” Monroe says, her voice seeming to come from a great distance, “I think we did it? We did something...”

You say nothing.

>Ego reduced by 10
>Current Ego: 72/100

-

With a towel draped over your shoulders an an unwanted cup of coffee in one hand, you allow yourself to be led back up to the bridge. Your hand trembles, threatening to spill the coffee everywhere, and nobody says a word. The last thing you noticed was a dull rumble as the elevators launched, sending Kaori and Juliet up to meet their fate. What a sick joke that is – they'll be lucky if they can stop killing each other for long enough to fight the Lilim.

A tense air hangs over the bridge when you arrive, none of the staff daring to meet your eyes. Adrian stands at a high platform, looking out over the entire room. “I thought he wasn't supposed to be in charge here,” you spit at Monroe, unable – and unwilling – to keep an accusing note out of your voice.

“Orders change,” she mutters, her face ashen, “I don't know why. I don't know what's going on any more. This is all... it's all wrong.”

At least you can agree with that.

Looking back to the main screen, you watch as Juliet and Kaori stride out towards the hilltop, their power cables dangling behind them. Both carry large rifles, and they move awkwardly. There's no harmony there, nothing that even suggests that they're working as a team. “Maintain radio communications, you two,” Monroe manages, “You're going to need to work as a pair here. One unit shoots, the other unit evades.”

If either Kaori or Juliet heard that, they give no indication. With the same clumsy formation, they approach the hill and the Lilim atop it.

[1/2]

>>3535416
We gotta ask WTF is with this pairing to Adrian

>>3535416
Why does the UN have so much control over NERV? Just tell Adrian to fuck off, he is not supposed to be doing any of this. I'm angered at how spineless Monroe has become.

>>3535438
Head office gave the orders which I think is SEELE?

>>3535431
Well at least whatever happens will reflect on his decision making not Monroe's so when it goes badly things will have to change all we need to do is get Fletcher to arrange another meeting with the council for us.
>>3535441
We should ask Fletcher who ordered the change, because if Monroe is lying about it well i don't think that wound is ever going to close.

>>3535416

Perhaps because of her sleeker ADM, Juliet gets within range first and fires the opening shot. Trees shake as the report from her oversized rifle echoes out, but she's already moving away as the Lilim unfolds again. The burning light streaks out, chasing after Juliet as she jinks to the side and drops behind the cover of the next hill. The laser shears through the hill, causing countless bounders to tumble down, but the shot cannot penetrate so much solid rock.

“AT Fields seem to offer some degree of evasion,” Fletcher reports, talking down the phone to, you assume, Bergmann. Kaori pops up as he talks, firing a shot into the monolith before retreating again. Each hit seems to chip shards off the monolith, but...

“Hit confirmed. Only minor damage,” Juliet announces, her dull voice chiming out over the radio, “Requesting orders.”

“Try to land a hit on that glowing bit,” Adrian suggests, “It's glowing, so it HAS to be a weak spot!” Looking back, you shoot the young man a dirty look. He actually seems to be enjoying this, watching the main screen with barely-concealed amusement. Regardless of what her superior officer is like, Juliet moves to obey. She swings out from her scarred hillside cover and pauses, taking time to aim her next shot.

Too long. Before she can get the shot off, the glowing core of the Lilim begins to burn brightly, the unearthly weapon preparing to fire. Kaori leaps up, sending her ADM Unit sprinting across the open ground. Not moving to attack the Lilim, you realise in a terrible moment, but to shield Juliet – with her own body, if need be. As the beam rips out, slashing around in a wide arc, Kaori throws her hands up in a futile attempt at protecting herself.

The killing light slashes out, and Kaori's ADM Unit falls back – while the shorn halves of her rifle, and the arms that held it, fly in the opposite direction. Huge fountains of blood spray from the stumps of her arms, splashing out to flood down the hillside. A storm of panic erupts around you, bridge staff calling out orders and demands for information. Dimly, you hear Monroe ordering a retreat, but nobody seems to notice. On the main screen, you see the Lilim gathering power for a second attack.

“Get her out of there!” you cry out, pleading with anyone who can hear you, “Please! Can't you get her-”

The back of Unit 01's neck explodes as the entry plug is forcefully ejected, powerful rockets firing it away from the combat area. Stripped of its pilot, Unit 01 slumps down to its knees as Juliet retreats, shrinking away into cover before the Lilim can fire again.

The killing light flashes out again, and this time – like an execution's axe – it parts Unit 01's head from its shoulders.

[2/3]

>>3535579

“Get the retrieval team out there NOW! I want that plug recovered immediately!” Monroe snaps, her voice ringing out, “Call in a bombing run if you have to! It'll buy us time if nothing else, now DO IT!” She turns to call out more orders to various figures – instructing repair teams, preparing the infirmary for immediate use, making countless other demands – but you barely hear her. You look past her, looking up to the high platform. Adrian is still there, watching the main screen with rapt eyes.

“You did this!” you scream, pointing an accusing finger at him, “You killed her! You son of a bitch, you murdered her!”

“Get her out of here!” Monroe snaps, only for her face to pale as she realises what she just said. “I...” she attempts, even as the guards move in to drag you from the bridge, “I didn't mean...”

It doesn't matter. None of this matters.

-

Sitting back on the dorm sofa, you cradle your head in your hands and... what? Wait for someone to come and tell you that everything is going to be okay? That's never going to happen. You're just waiting, listening to the seconds tick away. Twelve hours, you were told. Twelve hours until what? Until the Lilim blows up the world and kills everyone? Right now, that might not seem so bad.

The door closes softly, but you can't bring yourself to look up. It's Fletcher – you can tell that straight away, just from how light his step is. “She's not dead,” he begins simply, “Kaori was hurt when her entry plug was ejected, but she's still alive.” This gets you to look up at last, and a tiny, humourless smile tugs at one corner of Fletcher's mouth. “She's in the infirmary now,” he adds, “But... I'm not sure if she's ready for visitors.”

You start to rise, only to pause. “And Adrian?” you whisper, “Where is that son of a bitch?”

“Monroe's office,” the mercenary answers, “But if you're planning on marching over there and starting a fight, I urge you to reconsider. Use that anger for something productive – I think Yulia could use a hand down in the lab.”

Be a good girl. Smile and eat shit. You've heard that line so many times now, and it never gets easier to swallow.

>Screw you, I'm going to kick Adrian's ass and you can't stop me
>Fine. If Yulia needs help, I'll give her help. Anything to kill that monster
>Forget that. Forget ALL of that – I'm going to see Kaori
>Other

>>3535582
>Screw you, I'm going to kick Adrian's ass and you can't stop me

>>3535582
>Screw you, I'm going to kick Adrian's ass and you can't stop me
We should see if he can explain why he made the change to the composition of the team.

>>3535582
>Fine. If Yulia needs help, I'll give her help. Anything to kill that monster.

>>3535582
>Fine. If Yulia needs help, I'll give her help. Anything to kill that monster

>>3535582
>Other
"Who made the call Fletch? SEELE? The UN and Adrian? Whose ass do I need to kick?"

>>3535582
Supporting >>3535601

Ok on the point of what was at stake when we got replaced as lead if we take control we may have killed a bunch of NERV engineers and left with Juliet and Kaori and therefore preventing the current situation. The only way I can think of as to how they could have known, so far the only person we have told about Unit 02 trying to take control during our encounter with Ose was Claudia and unless she told Matherson, SEELE would have had no way of knowing.

>>3535645
NERV obviously knows about 02's awakening from the end of last session. Holly doesn't remember it because either Holly™ or they wiped her mind, but look at

>After squeezing into your plugsuit, you head down to the hangars to get ready. You hate wearing this thing, the way it clings to every lump and bump of your body. Every security checkpoint you pass through on your way to the hangars, you feel the guards glancing at you before hurriedly looking away. It's probably as awkward for them as is for you, but... they're not the one wearing the godawful thing.

>The hangars are busier than usual, with piles of equipment littering the halls and several teams of engineers hurrying about. Hastily erected signs warn of ongoing repairs, stressing the importance of appropriate safety gear. Bad luck – you left your hard hat back in the dorm. “What's this all about?” you ask Fletcher as he leads you to Unit 02's pen, “Are we having renovations or something?”

>“Just routine maintenance,” he replies vaguely, “Nothing exciting.”

>>3535582
>Screw you, I'm going to kick Adrian's ass and you can't stop me.
>The UN is already acting to kill off the pilots
SHIT

Pressing your hands tight against your temples, you fight back an urge to shout out a torrent of curses. Eventually, you manage to force out a few words. “Who made the call, Fletcher?” you ask quietly, voice strained with the effort of staying calm, “Was it SEELE? Adrian and the UN? Tell me who did this!”

For a moment, it seems like Fletcher won't answer. “Adrian was the one to give the order,” he tells you, putting a hand on your shoulder to stop you from leaping to your feet. “He gave the order, but he was just the messenger,” he stresses, “The order came right from the top.”

“From SEELE?” you ask, with Fletcher nodding after a slight hesitation. “Say it!” you snap, “Say their goddamn name!”

“SEELE gave the order. Is that what you wanted to hear?” the mercenary replies, his voice growing harder, “I don't know any more than that. I don't know which one gave the order, or if they were all in agreement. Everything that I know, you know. Taking your anger out on Adrian won't help anyone.”

“Maybe not,” you spit, “But it's going to make me feel better.”

-

Fletcher doesn't stop you from leaving. Maybe he's just as angry with the young UN officer as you are. That would be hard, but not impossible. You get most of the way to Monroe's office before the first doubt sets in. It's not too late to turn back, to head down to the lab and help Yulia with her project. If it helps you kill that bastard Lilim, it'll be worth the effort.

“Later,” you promise yourself. Right now, you wouldn't be any use in a laboratory. You'd probably just end up breaking some priceless equipment and ruining everything. Better to wait until you've got a cooler head, although that might take significantly longer than your twelve hour limit. Pushing that thought aside, you barge into Monroe's office and glare at Adrian. He sits in her chair, his eyes fixed on a tablet computer. “Why did you do it?” you manage to stammer out, “Why did you pull me back?”

“I didn't do anything other than pass along a message,” Adrian replies without looking up, “But, for your information, you were placed in reserve because the mission was expected to fail. We have our own computers, and we didn't like the odds they spat out at us. The chances of success were, to be frank, vanishingly small. If you went out there, there was a good chance that you might not have returned. You're too valuable to risk like that.”

“But Kaori?” you hiss, “She's expendable?”

“I wouldn't put it quite like that, but...” Adrian shrugs, finally looking up at you and gesturing to the chair opposite him. Feeling sick to your stomach, you wilt down into the seat. “You pilots,” he continues, “You're not all created equally. Kaori is... ultimately, she's a soldier. She's not so different to Juliet, in that regard.”

[1/2]

>>3535650
But i'm struggling to think of a reason for them to not have posted guards for the cages when we turned up there in the first place.

>>3535667
>The chances of success were, to be frank, vanishingly small.

Then fucking call the mission off you literal retard. See here's the issue Adrian. We know you can disobey orders when you know a plan is foolish like in South Africa, but you played along with this plan anyways and acted the foolish commander. It's really starting to sound like you guys wanted this result.

The only reason Juliet stopped to aim is because of Adrian's orders so the reason Kaori had to protect her was Adrian's fault and also if you don't like their chances why not scrub the attack.

>>3535682
>>3535667
Not to mention there were ways to mitigate risk.

>One pokes out their head out first to distract, the other one fires.

>Preemptive artillery strike to turn the Lilim's attention at the shells before poking out to fire.

>Not telling your pilot stand there and aim when we already established we can't do that.

Fuck this guy. All these higher ups are full of shit.

>>3535691
Especially to someone who won't question orders

>>3535667
>"What are we then, if not soldiers like Kaori and Juliet?"

>>3535667

“If you thought the mission was going to fail, why send them up at all?” you press, your hands clenched into tight fists in your lap, “Why not cancel it altogether?”

“Because now, we know more about the Lilim's capabilities. A second attack will hopefully be more successful. Look, I wasn't told to cancel the operation. I was just told to change the attack team,” sighing, Adrian gives you a boyish smile, “Really, don't you think you're being a little harsh on me?”

All you can do is stare at him in disbelief, his attempt at charm failing to cut through your anger. “Okay, so maybe not,” he laments, shrugging slightly, “But this whole situation isn't as bad as you seem to think. Unit 01 can be repaired – those things are too tough for a little thing like decapitation to take them out – and Kaori is expected to make a full recovery. A setback, maybe, but not a defeat.”

Staring at Adrian in disgust, you draw in a deep breath in an attempt at staying calm. “South Africa,” you remind him, “What happened to not always following orders?”

“I'm awfully new to all this,” he answers smoothly, “I don't really know enough to change my orders. I thought it best to listen to the experts and-”

“Cut the bullshit!” you snap, slamming your fist down onto the desk, “Did you WANT this to happen? Did you WANT Kaori to die?”

Sighing, Adrian looks down at his tablet. “I don't think this is going to be a very constructive discussion,” he concedes, “You're angry, for not unjustifiable reasons, but I'm just middle management. All I can do is pass your complaints further up the chain. What you have to understand is...”

“Just answer the question,” you hiss, “Did you want her to die?”

Adrian meets your eyes, a sad smile tugging at one corner of his lips. “If these people really wanted her dead,” he points out quietly, “Do you really think they would go to all this effort? They didn't want HER dead, they wanted YOU alive. Really, you should be grateful.”

“Fuck that, fuck them, and fuck you,” you spit, emphasising each word with another slap to the desk. Your hand aches by the end of it, but it's worth it.

“I'm flattered, but you're a little young for my tastes,” Adrian quips, “Now, are we done here?”

With a crushing wave of weariness, you realise just how powerless you are here. Nothing you say is going to make a blind bit of difference. He can either avoid your questions or hide behind the bland excuse of following orders. Even furious outbursts or personal attacks just seem to amuse him. You're just... tired.

“If Kaori and Juliet are soldiers, and I'm something else...” you mutter, “What does that make me?”

“Special,” Adrian breathes, leaning a little closer.

[2/3]

>>3535749
Just punch the guy.

>>3535749
>He can either avoid your questions or hide behind the bland excuse of following orders

I mean we can always yell at the camera in the office that SEELE is no doubt watching.

>>3535754
Just don't? We stood down in the ADM, we can deal here.

>>3535762
Absolutely just punch him, he has been asking for it since he arrived.

>>3535762
If we're so special and valuable we won't get into hot water over some therapeutic punching.

>>3535769
Not really

>>3535780
Yes really, just look at the way he has been trying to blow off Holly in this conversation.

>>3535782
I kind of feel like Holly failed to tell him that in her opinion the reason that Kaori got injured was because he ordered Juliet to stop and aim and Juliet doen't question orders at all.

>>3535782
This conversation isn't the whole time he's been here. It's not a good situation, but we played our part in it by standing down ourselves.

>>3535774
That makes no sense. Holly was worried about being put in the brig over dissing Monroe. Punching Adrian is a whole lot worse.

>>3535797
>Holly was worried about being put in the brig over dissing Monroe.
When? It's clear they fucking need Holly, they can't really do shit to her aside from mind-wiping/whatever which we're not aware of anyway. Given that they clearly think she is fucking special, punching Adrian will result in nothing happening aside from our Ego being boosted.

>>3535797
Of course not, this is just a very small part. No idea what you're even trying to say here; Holly should absolutely tell Adrian that he should have kept his fucking mouth shot and not told Juliet to stop and aim, followed by a swift punch to the face.

>>3535789
You're not wrong.

>>3535797
If we hadn't stood down a bunch of NERV technicians would be dead as we broke out of containment and 02 would probably just run straight at Malthus and get us seriously hurt, and we can't pilot if we are in the Brig.

>>3535804
Except he only told her to aim, not to stop. She did that all on her own.

Seems like you're only backing this for the ego boost, but there will be consequences even if you don't understand them.

>>3535807
A lot of hypotheticals there, and we aren't piloting now so clearly they'll make do if they have to.

>>3535821
>and we aren't piloting now
Waiting for Yulia's thing

>>3535749

“All of you pilots are special, but you... Holly, you've got the potential to be something very special indeed,” Adrian continues, offering you another attempt at a charming smile, “But that means you're too valuable to risk. It's a difficult situation, really. Without challenge and adversity, you won't reach your true potential. But, too much strife and suffering could cause you to burn out too soon. You see the conundrum we're in?”

You see a hot load of bullshit, that's what you see.

Reading your expression, Adrian lets out a helpless sigh. “I really don't think this is helping either of us. I don't have the answers you want, and you don't want sensible answers. Maybe it's best if we go our separate ways for today,” he remarks, “You were going to help Miss Kuznetsova with her little project, weren't you? I'm sure she'd appreciate the company. Send her my best wishes, will you? I'm just as curious about the results as the rest of you!”

So that's that. Adrian stands, gently taking you by the arm and lifting you up out of your chair. Numbly, you let him guide you towards the door before a jagged thought digs into your mind. “You did this,” you whisper, “You told Juliet to stop, to aim for the... You knew she would follow whatever orders you gave her. You DID this...”

“Oh, come on now,” Adrian sighs, shaking his head, “If that was true, how would I know that Kaori would try to protect Juliet? You're not making any sense, Holly. I really think you-”

Shaking off his hand, you lash out and strike the young man in the face. It's not a good punch, and your knuckles barely skip off his face, but it knocks him back with a soft grunt. Fear grips you as he leans back against the desk, visions of being thrown in the brig – or thrown out entirely – rushing through your head. Raising his head, Adrian touches his nose and examines the tiny drop of blood on his fingers. “I suppose I deserved that,” he concedes, giving you a wan smile, “Are you done, or do you want to hit me again? I'm tougher than I look, you know. I can take it. I won't even report it. This can be our little secret.”

His smiling face taunts you, your anger mingling with a new fear.

>This is too weird. Time to get the hell out of here
>Hit him again, if that's what he really wants
>Other

>>3535836
>>This is too weird. Time to get the hell out of here

>>3535836
>Other
"No Adrian I want you to report it. SEELE knows what I'm about, fuck your secrets. Also Mr. Middle management tell them this: If they have threat assessments they can tell the Chief and I and we can work with it. If they want us to do a probing mission to find out capabilities we can work with that if they fucking tell us ahead of time. But if they throw my girls into the fucking meat grinder again with the blindfolds on because they think they are 'expendable' then I am seriously going to question their competence going forward and there WILL be consequences for that."

>>3535836
>Hit him again, if that's what he really wants
The dorms have recording devices in them that's how you knew that she still feels guilty over what happened.

>>3535836

>This is too weird. Time to get the hell out of here

Well aren't we lucky

>>3535836
>Hit him again, if that's what he really wants

>>3535836
>"Tell them. They can throw me in the brig for all I care"

>>3535836
I bet this cunt wants leverage over us with his little secret.

Don't hit him again guys, it's a psychological trap.

>>3535836
>>Other
"I dont need your fucking secrets. I dont work for the UN. And I sure as hell dont work for you. You people have brought nothing but trouble to NERV since day one. Fuck. You."

>>3535836
'Diplomacy tricks won't save you, when those damn beasts will rip and tear each and every one of us limb by limb. We all need to be here. We all need to be alive and well to deal with them. You play your stupid games with very special girls and their bullshit magical power, you win your very own stupid prizes.'

And get out.

You guys should really stop blaming Adrian for the results of us standing down.

>>3535887
The operation was going fine until he gave those orders.

>>3535893
It wasn't even an order.

>>3535887
Should we have killed the technicians instead. We were being forced out so the only to not 'stand down' was letting 02 go on a rampage inside the ADM bay and then sprint across open ground while getting shot at by the Lilim and into the incredibly dangerous AT barrier.

>>3535899
You might want to reread

>>3535836
>>This is too weird. Time to get the hell out of here

>>3535899
It was see. >>3535579

“Hit confirmed. Only minor damage,” Juliet announces, her dull voice chiming out over the radio, “Requesting orders.”

“Try to land a hit on that glowing bit,” Adrian suggests, “It's glowing, so it HAS to be a weak spot!” Looking back, you shoot the young man a dirty look. He actually seems to be enjoying this, watching the main screen with barely-concealed amusement. Regardless of what her superior officer is like, Juliet moves to obey. She swings out from her scarred hillside cover and pauses, taking time to aim her next shot.

Too long. Before she can get the shot off, the glowing core of the Lilim begins to burn brightly, the unearthly weapon preparing to fire. Kaori leaps up, sending her ADM Unit sprinting across the open ground. Not moving to attack the Lilim, you realise in a terrible moment, but to shield Juliet – with her own body, if need be. As the beam rips out, slashing around in a wide arc, Kaori throws her hands up in a futile attempt at protecting herself.

>>3535887
I think personaly we should let it hulk out next time
Also I think i speak for many of us when i say the interference from outside observers has become ridiculous

>>3535908
Man I would love to hulk out sometime, but first time it was offered we were stuck in another dimension and this time the Lilim hard counters Berserker charges. At least without Yulia's project.

>>3535914
Well the next time the suit wants to engage Khorne mode hopefully we will be in a better spot. We've resisted the call twice. Maybe 3rd time the charms.

>>3535903
>“Try to land a hit on that glowing bit,” Adrian suggests, “It's glowing, so it HAS to be a weak spot!”

You should follow your own advice.


>>3535907
That's not an order, it's a suggestion. Even then you guys are twisting it to imply he told her to stand still and shoot. Desperately trying to shift the blame to anyone else.

>>3535908
I'm not sure why everyone seems to think autonomous operation would be a berserker charge. It's not what happened with Claudia. If we're so special we can hit UN officials without consequence, perhaps that specialness will express itself by letting us exert our will on the unit.

“No Adrian, I want you to report this. Report this right to your SEELE bosses,” you tell him, spitting your words right into his smirking face, “Tell them that I am THIS close to done with their bullshit. If they have a threat assessment, they can tell US and we'll work with it. If they want us to launch a probing attack, they can tell us properly and we'll do it. But if they keep fucking us around like this, I'm going to start questioning their competence. Why should we follow incompetent leaders?”

“You're playing stupid games here, and all you're going to do is win some stupid fucking prizes,” you continue, “All you've done is cause trouble since coming here, and I'm just about sick of it. I don't care about keeping your secrets – I don't work for the UN, and I don't work for SEELE. So the next time you get the fantastic fucking idea of throwing one of us into a meat grinder, just think about this. You need US way more than we need YOU.”

“Is that an official complaint?” Adrian asks, spreading his hands in an exasperated gesture, “Because I need to write this down. Can you start from the top?”

You very nearly do hit him, then, but... you're not going to give him the satisfaction. Turning away with a contemptuous scoff, you march out of the office before you do something you regret.

-

There's some serious science going on down in Bergmann's laboratory. Yulia's purse sits on an empty chair, but the girl herself is nowhere to be seen. Bergmann sits in front of a computer, watching as numbers scroll across it. It's hot in here, with a terrible heat radiating off the various bits of machinery. They're being pushed hard by whatever it is that Bergmann is going here. Glancing around as you enter, the doctor gives you a long look.

“I'm sorry that you had to see that,” Bergmann begins, “Up there on the bridge.”

“It wouldn't have changed anything if I hadn't been there to see it,” you mutter back, “So what difference does it make?”

“In time, you might understand. Sometimes in life, we see things that we wish we can forget,” the doctor explains vaguely, “If you're looking for Yulia, she should be back soon. She just went to get something to drink.”

“I'll wait,” you tell her, sitting down in one of the empty seats, “Have you made any progress?”

“It's too early to tell for sure. These models are going to take some time to finish running,” Bergmann replies, gesturing at the computer, “But... I have a good feeling about this. Foolish, perhaps, but we could all do with some good news.”

The last time you had some good news, Ose ate a city block not long afterwards.

[1/2]

>>3535922
Juliet was requesting further orders even though she was made the lead pilot. also Monroe was in command of the operation at the time Adrian had any intention of providing suggestions he should have been talking to Monroe about implementing them not Juliet as the chain of command exists for a reason and so he went over Monroe's head anyway. so there is no way what he said could have been interpreted as anything else other than an order.

>>3535935
Innocent or no he's still an insufferable faggot

>>3535924

“I'm getting pretty sick of this,” you admit after a long silence, “This... interference. People from outside coming in and messing up our shit. I just want to do my job. Is that really too much to ask?” Bergmann is probably the wrong person to admit this to, all things considered, but you can't stop the words from pouring out of you. “I just keep wondering, why am I even bothering with all this?” you continue, “Why should we fight, and hurt, and die, just so these guys can keep screwing us about?”

“Are you finished?” Doctor Bergmann asks slowly. You nod, and she lets out a low sigh. “I'm not the right person to come to if you're looking for comfort and reassurance,” she concedes, “But... I think you're doing the right thing. Let them play their petty games and squabble amongst themselves. We have a higher goal, don't we?”

You frown, giving Bergmann an unsure look. You start to shake your head, only to shrug instead.

“We fight to ensure mankind's survival,” she answers, a coy smile on her lips, “But mere survival is not enough. So long as the ADM Units are required to protect mankind, SEELE holds us in an iron grip. We must evolve beyond them. Only then, can we truly be free.”

“That-” you begin, only for Yulia's voice to cut you off.

“That vending machine is broken,” she complains, setting a pair of cold cans down, “It gave me the wrong kind of soda, and... oh, Holly. You are... here to help us?”

“I guess I am,” you sigh, “What do you need?”

“A friendly face,” Yulia suggests, nodding towards the computers, “For now, we can only wait. I am happy that the computers can do the hard work for us, but it makes me feel a little useless!” Laughing weakly, she moves her purse aside and sits down beside you. “The early results, they are promising. Not as good as we had been hoping for, but acceptable. Ah, I do not know if I can explain, but...” Yulia chews at a fingernail as she thinks, “If we are both exposed to a harmful AT Field, I think perhaps I can neutralise it. Like, ah... radio waves?”

Bergmann takes a can of cold coffee and pops it open, taking a grateful drink. “There are limits,” she points out, “It's not something that can be done remotely, and we're having trouble extending the neutralisation to a wider group. In other words...”

“I'll need you as my copilot,” you finish for her, “I understand. I think. I've just got one question – will this allow me to get close enough to kick Malthus' ass?”

Yulia and Bergmann trade a glance. “Yes,” they both reply.

“That's good enough for me,” you conclude.

>It's a little early, but I think I'm going to close things here for today. However, NERV: Second Daughter will continue next Friday!
>Thank you for your contributions today!

>>3536015
Thanks for running!

>>3535964
I actually really like the amounts of smug on that guy. He's just the right kind of insufferable faggot.

>>3536015
Thanks for running.
Is there going to be anything mid week?
We should ask Bergmann for more detail about the 2 Unit limit on deployments.

>>3536015
Thanks for running!

Does Malthus even have an ass to kick?

>>3536015
Thanks for running Moloch

Hey did the whole Kaori and Holly figuring out they saw two different things during the freakout in the Brig with Juliet sideplot get forgotten about or get thrown on the back-burner? The mind wipe of 02 grabbing us reminded me of it.

>>3536039
I'm aiming for something midweek, yes. Should have it ready for tomorrow, with a little luck
>>3536044
It's a very blocky, angular ass, but it still counts!
>>3536045
It's not been forgotten, no. Call it a work in progress
Sure is a coincidence that Kaori was put in danger today, huh?

>>3536068
I was kind of wondering why we didn't get to pick who was going with us.

>>3536068
>Sure is a coincidence that Kaori was put in danger today, huh?


Is it because you wanted to put that subplot on hold for a minute so you can develop it more? Cause we could have just waited for Yulia's plan and avoided... well all of this really I think.