Session Start: Sat Mar 05 16:42:03 2005 Previously, on Hunters: Lady Mysteria inherited leadership of the team from Princess Sakura, and led the group rather successfully through a half-dozen or so adventures. There were encounters with assassins, encounters with people who looked like they were going to be assassins, encounters with Ningyo, encounters with Princesses, and one hell of a pit of a high school. Just yesterday, though, they had a not-so-successful encounter with a bigass boat. Which sunk, leaving them and Princess Squeegee to make a perilous trek across the bottom of Tokyo Bay, fighting their way to shore. Squeegee took off for her offices as soon as she woke up. The rest of the crew scattered, doing whatever it is they do after a bad beat. Sunday finds them back together again - at one of their least favorite places on the planet - thanks to a summons from Her Majesty. [Sunday, February 29, 2004 - 1230 local time] [The front door of the Palace] [session start] * LadyMysteria is doing what she does best when prepping for a visit with Her Highness; fidgeting and nervously working over the ol' rings. She's also muttering honorifics to herself, as well. * LadyRoyal is leaning, or standing as if she were leaning, off to the side somewhere. She looks still tired, and still a little tense. She's also doing her own version of fidgeting, shuffling a deck of cards over and over. * LadyNightshade arrives in her now black costume, much less embarrassed about it than she was on the first day they all met. * Lord_Darkmoon is there, looking well-groomed as ever, with a serenely calm face so devoid of stress that it -must- be practiced. He's standing next to Lady Mysteria, hovering in a semi-protective manner. * LadyMallet is in full MG uniform- instead of filling it out and looking full and bouncy, she looks deflated and flat. She idly flipping through a gun magazine. * LadyNightshade , for the record though, still doesn't like wearing a skirt. This is so not going to be fun. Mm. But Tokyo didn't get destroyed. That's a plus. Yet. True, though. * LadyMallet glances up for a moment, nods once in agreement, then goes back to looking through the magazine. A Lady in a blue fuku opens up the door. "Excuse me, who are you, and do you have an appointment?" * LadyRoyal nudges Maya discreetly. Durned protocol. * LadyNightshade looks over at Maya to sound all important for the group. I imagine we've messed up somewhere on a diplomatic level, though. I hope not, but...---ah! Yes, we do. Lady Mysteria, and my team. We've been summoned by Her Highness. * LadyMallet doesn't respond to the question. She flips a page. * LadyMysteria snaps into leader-mode without skipping a beat. You mean... Her Majesty? * Lord_Darkmoon turns to face the girl in the blue fuku, backing up Lady Mysteria's authority with all the silent Lordliness he can manage. The Queen, yes. It's rather important, so if we could just go about speeding up the process, I'd greatly appreciate it. ^_^ * Lady tsks. "You should brush up on your terms of address Lady Mysteria. But you are expected, please come in." * LadyMallet looks up, and GLOWERS at the Lady. * LadyNightshade puffs her self up to look important standing there next to Maya. Mostly just to amuse herself since she'd rather be anywhere but here. * LadyRoyal is polite enough not to snort outwardly, but follows Mysteria in. * LadyMysteria does a fine job of not rolling her eyes, then steps on in without a word. The Lady waves them down a familiar corridor as the group enters. "Please go straight in today. They wish to start as quickly as possible." * Lord_Darkmoon sweeps in behind Mysteria as well, flanking her opposite Royal. * LadyMallet closes her magazine, standing up calmly. The door to the throne room is just slightly ajar as the team approaches. * LadyMallet brushes by the Lady as she passes by her. Which is more like a harsh shove into the floor or wall. * Lord_Darkmoon moves forward to open the door for the Ladies, in particular Mysteria. * LadyMysteria stops at the door, heels clicking together. ... alright. * LadyRoyal puts a hand on Maya's shoulder. "It'll be okay." * LadyNightshade follows the group in, smiling broadly at the Lady. * LadyMallet folds up the magazine, and stuffs it into the top of her skirt. She looks impassively onwards at those awaiting in the throne room. * LadyMysteria finally steps on in. * LadyRoyal follows. * Lord_Darkmoon waits for all the Ladies to go in before entering, himself. The grand hall that serves as a throne room is much the same as before - a grand room, mostly unfurnished except for the massive pile of cushions in the center. * LadyMallet looks over at Darkmoon for a moment, almost making a smile. It doesn't quite work. * TheQueen is on top of the pile, as usual, a being of glorious perfection whose sheer physical beauty hits every visitor like a shovelful of dirt. ...that said, her "throne" seems not to be stacked nearly as high as it was on prior visits. You barely have to crane your heads as you approach. * Lord_Darkmoon acknowledges the almost-smile with a very small nod. The Bay, visible as always out the west window, is roiling and turbulent, but the sun is out, and for once it looks not so uninviting. * LadyMysteria bows, as usual, once she's within the proper and polite distance from the Queen. * LadyNightshade already looks bored and annoyed. * Lord_Darkmoon mimics his leader's bow, not reacting to the Queen's display and refusing to even glance at the bay. * LadyMallet keeps the impassive face up. She doesn't bow. * LadyRoyal bows politely. Out the eastern windows, though, the hills are brown and black where they poke out of a low-lying fog. If one were paranoid, you might imagine that an army of rotting zombies was about to shamble out of that dead-looking land and emerge from the fog to overrun the Palace. Fortunately, no such thing occurs. Standing around the base of the throne-pile are three Princesses of some acquaintance. * PrincessSakura is quietly chatting with Princess Squeegee. Both of them look up as the team arrives and performs obecience. * PrincessOak is on the other side, more or less by herself, looking somewhat amused. * LadyNightshade smiles a bit at Sakura and bows. More for her than anyone else. Welcome, Ladies. * LadyMallet 's gaze softens- a bit of emotion, sadness, shows through when she sees Sakura. She closes her eyes and forces that away form view, though. * LadyMysteria nods once again, simply waiting for whatever is to be said. She... looks at Oak for a moment. * LadyRoyal nods stiffly. * Lord_Darkmoon takes in the three Princesses at a glance, and then turns his attention on the Queen. His regard might be considered rude, if one were uncouth enough to question someone else's manners. * LadyNightshade looks out the window, imagining the zombie attack. We are here to discuss... ah, the events of yesterday, as well as our overall security situation. I wish for a frank exchange of views here - if there are policy changes you think are necessary, this is the place to bring them up. * Lord_Darkmoon raises an eyebrow. This was...not what he was expecting. * LadyMallet narrows her eyes slightly. You look surprised, Lord Darkmoon? * LadyRoyal raises an eyebrow as well, completing the Darkmoon-Royal matched set of Maya-bookends. * Lord_Darkmoon inclines his head. "It is unusual for you to seek advice of those of our rank. I find myself pleased by this decision, if I read it correctly." * LadyMysteria glances Darkmoon's way as well, but only for a moment. * TheQueen frowns. Frown frown. "I seek advice from those who I believe it is appropriate to. You lack... seniority, but the Hunters are the front line in these matters. So." ... Are there any matters in particular that you would prefer specific feedback on, Your Majesty? * LadyMallet shifts her glare to Squeegee for a moment. You are wise to seek such, Queen of Earth. *perhaps the first time he's said something complimentary without a veiled barb, to the Queen* Um. I wasn't there yesterday, and it would be good to get some eyewitness reporting of what happened. Yes, that would be helpful. Of course, of course. * LadyRoyal has a small tic crawl up her face, and she pointedly does not look at Leena. * LadyMysteria does look at Leena, however. "Would you like to begin, Mallet?" * LadyNightshade still looks like she doesn't really want to speak. Glancing back and forth between the assembled group, she lets the others speak. * Lord_Darkmoon flicks a cautionary glance at Maya, not that she can see it with him standing behind her. ... * LadyMallet takes a slow breath, then says in a even, controlled voice, "It is my opinion that if we had put up more of a stand on the ship, we would have met with more success than we had." And how could we have possibly done that, Leena? ... As is, we only have guesses with no confirmation as to what they were after, and we completely lost the ship. * LadyRoyal grits her teeth and takes a deep breath. * LadyMallet closes her eyes, and thinks for a moment. * LadyMysteria might not have seen Rin's glance, but she may well have felt it, judging by how she fidgets for a moment. ... if the Princess with us had more effectively used her abilities as part of a team, we could have kept the boat afloat longer, and been on even ground longer. Instead of abandoning the ship so quickly. ... I've nothing else to say that I can put in such nice words. * Lord_Darkmoon grits his teeth, trying -not- to let his mask slip and smack his forehead exasperatedly. That's an interesting perspective. Unfortunately, you're grossly overestimating my capabilities. * LadyRoyal clenches her fists and says calmly, "That is by no means the full opinion of the rest of the team, of course." --as to that, Princess Squeegee, I would like to discuss some aspects of the events with you in private, later. If you would grace me with your time. *bows politely* As far as the mission as a whole... whether we were there or not, it wouldn't have made a difference either way, except for brining to attention to their admiral the possibility that they were after the nuclear weapons on board. It's one thing to make a hole in the water - it's quite another thing to patch a jagged hole I can't see - if you desire that, Rin, we can do so - a hole I can't see, which many Ningyo are pumping water into. * Lord_Darkmoon nods acknowledgement, and falls into serene silence again, letting Mallet and Squeegee finish. I tried. I really did. And made almost no difference. I decided it was better to save the team than to go down futilely with the ship. I... see. * LadyMallet shifts her gaze away from Squeegee, and closes her eyes. "Lord Darkmoon knows better the opposing forces involved." * LadyMysteria simply nods. "Considering the situation, it could have been much worse. I think that, while there were some minor errors, there's nothing worth pointing fingers over just yet... Your Majesty. I don't mean to interrupt, but what are the state of diplomatic relations concerning yesterday?" The United States is... predictably unhappy. * LadyRoyal winces. * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "Have you contacted them, as yourself, your Majesty? Or had a diplomat do so in your name?" I'm honestly not surprised. On the other hand, so far the government is treating it as a naval mishap - the carrier was more damaged than they thought, and didn't make it to dock. Predictable, and understandable. No, I am simply monitoring my... contacts. Mm. If I may offer advice, my Queen? * TheQueen gestures for Darkmoon to proceed. * Lord_Darkmoon steps forward. "You should make an effort to contact the United States government, and establish diplomatic relations. If the Admiral in charge survived, he likely has only a sketchy account he can provide to his superiors of what happened, and given what I saw of American reactions to word of Ningyo, will not be believed. If he did not, then the Navy has even less information, and may react incorrectly on that lack." If you must retain secrecy, be discrete, but politics demands that you make sure that the Navy knows what happened, why, and how you acted to try to prevent it. That is one option. ... but there's the matter that they may try to take a more active role in this, and I'd be wary of that possibility coming to pass. It is much better to have informed allies than to have uninformed, confused powers that may cause problems down the line. * LadyMysteria taps a finger on her nose, deep in thought. My Lady, that is why this must be done. If they act without knowing of our jurisdiction, they may interfere catastrophically, rather than aid constructively. *bows to Mysteria, and the Queen* ...perhaps... * LadyNightshade swallows and looks down for a moment. I have seen a report that the admiral did not survive. But there were a number of witnesses that did make it out, and many of them will have recognized the attack for what it was. If it can be determined whether the Admiral survived, and if he did, we could approach him, first. * Lord_Darkmoon bows his head in a brief show of mourning for the Admiral upon hearing that. * LadyMallet stays silent. It may take a few days for those reports to be believed, but eventually I think the truth will be known at the top levels of both governments. Then finding an appropriate contact will be more difficult. Can it be determined who the highest-ranking survivor was, your Highness? * Lord_Darkmoon was speaking to Squeegee. Well... We shouldn't be contacting them at all. The "normals'" leaders should not become aware of the Hierarchy at all. ... * LadyMallet glares at Oak. With all due respect, Princess Oak, do you really believe that is even possible? In the long run, of course not. But we should gather as much strength as we can beforehand. ... policy change, huh? ... well, how much longer do you think we're gonna be able to remain completely secret? The "normal" - as you call it - government has existed far longer, and has far more experience gathering information than we do concealing it. Oak, if they react in a rather militant fashion and we're caught in the middle, what then? Even if we keep a low profile, at the very least someone needs to steer their actions away from our turf, as it were. * LadyRoyal remains quiet for now, listening. I'm... well... I have...reason to believe that some human leaders fear us because we HAVE NOT been forthcoming about what we are. Perhaps even siding with...the wrong side. The assassins, Deer going public, the Ningyo likely working with humans, and now a aircraft carrier blamed on the Ningyo with MG's on site.... I think Oak is right, exactly for that reason, Rinada. ... There's too much stuff revolving around us. We can't stay hidden forever. * Lord_Darkmoon looks at Sakura, serene expression merely marred by a single uplifted eyebrow. "How so, my Princess?" Admittedly it was just a bootprint. But we know some government agency is actively hunting us. And you propose we go openly to them? ... Not knowing if those we approach are the very ones pursuing our destruction? * PrincessSakura shudders. If multiple agencies are informed, the one hunting us will be handicapped in trying to hunt us. Unless the entirety of the government is against us already. In which case secrecy is meaningless; we are already at war and don't yet know it. But we're still running out of time. And... let's face it, we're an army of teenagers and young adults. Well-trained individuals are going to eventually connect some dots. We're... at the very least, if we seek to protect ourselves, we're going to have to tighten up some. And what if it's the Americans that are coming for us? I do agree that this is possibly not the time to come out in the open. But it seems to me at least that there must be at least some sort of line of communication opened. We have to have a way to influence that sort of thing, otherwise we'll be at their mercy whether or not they're actually against us. Again, my Princess, it is a matter of whether it is all of the Americans, or merely one agency. * LadyMysteria looks Sakura's way for a moment. "Then you're looking at a diplomatic nightmare, no matter what." * Lord_Darkmoon nods to Mysteria. ... we're going to have to find a way to exert some influence without coming out into the open. Which won't be easy. ... yeah. Not neccesarily telling the world about us, but ... letting the higher level of the government know that there's an organization on our side, so that they can talk or make a deal or communicate stuff. We're just becoming aware of this threat. We need - somehow - to narrow down the possibilities before we make any sort of formal contacts. * LadyRoyal nods. "I don't disagree with that. But...do we at least have any *informal* contacts?" I believe we should be cautious. Assign one Lord, Lady, or Princess to each contact, but MAKE contacts with as many official agencies as possible. And this debacle with the US NAVY cruiser... *shakes his head* We have to tackle this -now-, or we will never have successful diplomatic relations with the US, in time. We do, with various parts of the Japanese government. Hm. If we don't give them any actual information, the ones after us won't be any more empowered... but we'll have some kind of communication, that might let us know more about how the different parts of the government feel and act about us. But we never truly considered the Americans before. Why not? Because, to put it bluntly, this is a Japanese problem. Mm. Do they not have shorelines? * PrincessSqueegee smiles feebly and looks at the Queen. "Because we're all in Japan?" It does seem to have been a mistake now. So do China, Vietnam and the Koreas, and are we considering them? * LadyMallet hmphs. "I bet if one of us went over there, the Ningyo would follow us ...." The US, whether we want to admit it or not, is a power to be reckoned with, and they reach across the globe. They have a habit of making other people's problems theirs. .... maybe they realize that? They think that if they take out us- the easier target- the Ningyo will simply disappear? And now, the US has been made involved, thanks to the actions of the Ningyo and certain elements of the business community. If they've not been asking questions before, they will now. ... * PrincessSqueegee turns back to the team. "Moreover, it would be very difficult to *make* serious contacts with other powers. This nation has been... let's say... culturally programming itself to believe in beings like us. I wonder if the reason the Earth Magic surfaced as it did was because of the last two decades of popular myth. ...huh. * LadyMallet frowns, and puts up a hand. "If I may ask a question..." But... Americans? Believe in Magical Girls? *snerk* America has its fair share of myths, but nothing on such a grand scale. Princess, if you recall, they were swift to believe when I altered my clothing in front of them. The idea was that once we could emerge as... um... a political force in this nation, the others would have to accept what we are at face value. We were also in a questionable situation, and we had that interpreter on our side. A little costume magic is hardly the underpinning of a strong diplomatic relationship. Not to mention we would be old enough to be taken seriously by then. Ninety percent of us are not even 20 yet. ...that's true as well. ... * LadyMallet sighs, and lets her hand drop. But... I think we need to try to contact the Americans anyway. * Lord_Darkmoon casts a sympathetic glance Mallet's way, but turns back forward before it can be seen by too many here, hopefully. * Lord_Darkmoon nods towards Princess Squeegee. It's just a matter of 'when' and 'how', yes? Right now. But... how, that's a hard one. ... well. I was gonna ask if we sent a team of girls over there for a couple of weeks... would any Ningyo show up there? Now *that* is an interesting philosophical question. See if they truly follow us. * LadyRoyal boggles quietly. Hm... you're onto something, Mallet. * TheQueen blushes. "Um, a few of us took a vacation last year... what with the cheap dollar and all... and nothing attacked. I doubt they'd thank us for it, if the Ningyo did. But... at the same time, a force of Magical Girls there, cooperating with their authorities, would be a dramatic diplomatic step. * Lord_Darkmoon ventures a smirk in the Queen's direction. "Even better, then." * LadyMysteria smiles at the Queen... it's a genuine one, too. So bluntly put, they have no need to sympathize with us, as our concern isn't one they share. ... it seems like something that should be tested more than once, I think. But they'll tell our government about us right away! It's too much risk. Dammit, Oak, our government already knows we exist! EVERYONE IN JAPAN knows we exist! They just can't pin us down, or find us, or track us. Yet. * LadyRoyal rubs the bridge of her nose at Leena's outburst. There's a difference between knowing we exist and having a real thread to pull. And they still couldn't. They would have an embassy we set up. That would not be anyplace with our heart of power. That's a nice thing to dream about, but considering the problems we're already having the way we are, we couldn't pull something like that off. * LadyMallet sighs. "... whatever." It's just not practical. We're not collectively old enough. Not yet, anyway, Royal. One day, though. ... before we go overseas to establish ourselves, we need to establish ourselves here first, right? ... and they say age is nothing but a number. Heh. * Lord_Darkmoon shakes his head. "Age is only one factor, Queen of Earth." Yes, not yet, but by the time we had the credibility we'd also have more power. * PrincessSqueegee points at Leena. "Yes." There is reason for them to fear us, if they do not have a...face...with which to deal. Someone to ask questions. People acting out of undirected fear do foolish, dangerous things. You're assuming they care about asking questions rather than simply eliminating the threat. If their "face" was one with no body, it'd be equally susceptible to paranoid reactions. We would be best off contacting those dealing on-site with those that are working with the aftermath of this. You mean speaking to the clean-up workers? It's a little more than cleanup. There are teams trying to secure the nuclear materials even now, and the early word is that they will also try to raise the ship over the summer. Which means the possibility of another attack. ... well, we'll know eventually what the Ningyo did, then. This is a perfect opportunity! Yes... especially if the Ningyo interfere. And since they sunk the ship in the first place... * LadyRoyal makes a face. Volunteer a Team to assist with it! They can both help with the actual work, and provide true protection against Ningyo interference. At the same time, people would see Magical Girls in action, as human beings, and work directly with them, finding out that we're people, too. Not faceless monsters! ... if they're smart, and have humans helping them, they'd go in to make sure no tracks were left? I know the polling is weakening, but who in the general public sees us as faceless monsters? * LadyMallet O_Os at Darkmoon. ... a bit overwrought, but I see your point, Darkmoon. * LadyMysteria casts a hopefully-calming glance his way. Who said anything about the general public? I am speaking of paranoid governmental leaders, Queen. Someone - several someones, actually - are obviously afraid of us. * Lord_Darkmoon returns Mysteria's glance with a chuckle. He's...almost in his element, it seems. ... and while attempting to aide with cleanup would be nice PR, there's the matter of possible guards. ... do we have the... uh, spare girls to do that? We'd have to play it as things come up. * PrincessSakura grimaces. "Yes and no." If we volunteered to help, you guys would be the primary point of contact. I'd love to help. I can do a lot of heavy lifting... * Lord_Darkmoon nods, a bit sardonically. * LadyMallet grimaces. "And dive really deep easily." And we would need to minimize the number of Ladies involved. * LadyRoyal 's lip twitches at that. But... you all have a serious job already. It's not full-time. ...that runs counter to our group's purpose. As much as I would like to volunteer for such a diplomatic mission, if we are to remain the...I believe the term is "Special Forces"...then it harms us to be so publicized. Yes. * LadyRoyal snorts. "To put it lightly." ... point. Our group could handle meetings in private, but putting us in the public eye, as this PR Team would have to be, would require a replacement Team be made for us. It wouldn't be in the public eye, though. ... a group assembled for that purpose would probably do better, yeah. ... another team. Heh, and who'd run that? * LadyMallet points at Darkmoon. ... That depends, my Lady... another Team to do our current duties, or for this PR mission? * LadyNightshade represses a sigh at the idea. ... no way I hell I would wish anyone else on this team. The members of our Team are on *this* team for a reason. The other side of this is that the Hunters are the... well... experts in dealing with covert interfacing with the real world. * LadyMysteria smirks at the 'experts' bit. * LadyMallet snickers at 'experts'. * Lord_Darkmoon bows in somewhat proud - perhaps a touch self-mocking - acknowledgement of Sakura's assessment. * LadyNightshade looks a bit surprised that she's an expert at anything. * LadyRoyal raises a sardonic eyebrow at Sakura's remark. In all honesty, I think it's too early for a second Hunters team. We're just going to have to determine a way to do this while keeping out ears to the water, as it were. We may need to start repurposing some teams. ... not a second Hunters team. Just a PR team who helps out the community as their MG personas. Not for full-blown covert work, but to handle some of these things. A little more than PR, Leena, but that would be a large part. I am sure there are...civic-minded Ladies who would not mind doing some extra-curricular work. ...? ...an opposite side of our coin. Where we stay in the shadows, doing the "dirty work", they would be our Face, in the light, the Queen's personal representatives. I can start putting a list together... you know, considering everything, we should have done this a couple of years ago. * LadyMallet scratches her head. "So... we still get all the dirty work. But their job is to be our face for the rest of the country... give off the best impression of us they can, and act as a direct line of communication?" * PrincessSakura grimaces. "It's another string to pull for our enemies." This is far too soon to be taking that step. ... stupid shadows. Would they dare target this group? If the face does its job and makes itself the most open, popular group of heroines in ages, any group attacking THEM would immediately be branded villains. But the polling *is* down. We need a group like this for the public image. * LadyMallet makes a fist. "How long till we have to stop hiding from them?!" Until we know who to watch out for, Mallet. Yeah, that would get the sympathy approval. * LadyRoyal looks abstracted. We need a group that the general can relate with. So they know us as a whole a bit better, instead of just knowing of us. Not sympathy... but. We can't stay secret forever. Until then, we stay as we are. It's bad enough that we have rogues like Hardhat lurking about. Until we have accumulated enough real power, Leena, to take our- The 'string' you fear so much, my Princess, would be ours. If it is pulled, we have caught our quarry, and snared them helplessly between our power and the court of public opinion. Enough, Oak. This is not the place. You forget that when *they* pull the strings, *our* people die. We might as well start to make our place known on our own terms. That's not worth any public opinion I can think of * Lord_Darkmoon shakes his head. "No, Lady Royal, I do not. They would have to know what they were getting into. We should train them; they should train with us." And we can be there, protecting them like we would an assassination target, at all overly-exposed events. Uh-uh. We need operational compartmentation. * LadyRoyal sighs. "The only reason *we're* as successful as we are in not having been targeted yet is because we. Stay. Underground." And we have enough duties as it is without traveling around to be just one team's permanent bodyguards. ... it is something for the future, though. * Lord_Darkmoon snorts derisively. "Listen to me. A samurai, volunteering to be a ninja." He says it quietly, without real rancor. More self-mocking amusement. Yeah. The Hunters would lose effectiveness, and if the public team ended up being bait, they should not have detailed knowledge... Yes, the future. Which this is not, so we just take baby steps. But, we can prepare for the future. Which is what we're doing right now. * LadyMysteria gives Leena a very pointed glance. We can at least start preparing the PR team, for when it is their time to shine. ...and we need to do -something-, now, about relations with the US and the cleanup crews. This is all very good discussion, and there have been a number of valuable suggestions made, which will be considered. ...I would like to move on just a little. ... hm? * Lord_Darkmoon draws himself straight, settling his serene mask in place once more, and bows to the Queen. * LadyMysteria was about to say something more, but shuts up. * LadyRoyal winces slightly at that, but her expression smoothes out again. I would like a summary of what we know about the groups opposing us. * LadyMallet frowns. Sakura, dear heart, you're a little too good at keeping things quiet. * PrincessSakura blushes. ... we don't know a lot. Nightshade found a lead on some boots... we dealt with the Yakuza as puppets... There's the rogue Lord and Lady... We know more than that, Leena. Hitachi 2osen, of course. * LadyMallet pouts. "I was getting to them!" Yes. We have firmly established that they were the ones hiring the Yakuza and a ninja clan to attack us. Lovely. They've got some relation to the Ningyo. ... did any else see their president jump ship when the attack happened? * Lord_Darkmoon closes his eyes briefly, then reopens them. ... great. I saw it. And...well, at least now there's a consolidation to it. ...yes. That was interesting. He's not been seen since then, either, but he sure looked enthusiastic as he jumped. The President, and his assistant for the shipbuilding company, together. The ninja clan isn't an enemy anymore... Can we hope that they're the thrust to this anti-MG aggression? It's very unclear what the motivation he had for working with the Ningyo... but the majority of attacks have come through them. * LadyMysteria stands a bit closer to Rin, remaining quiet for now. What about the military group? The one with the boots? * Lord_Darkmoon stands quietly, though grateful for Maya's nearness. Perhaps lower or higher on the line. The point is solidifying the line so we can trace it either way. * PrincessSakura nods. "Unfortunately, not all attacks were through USC." ... how far back have you traced USC? Was it always them? * LadyRoyal makes a face. "'Course not, that'd make it easy." * Lord_Darkmoon looks sharply, relievedly, at Sakura, then puts his mask back on. All the Yakuza attacks were. Hm. Now that we know this... how far back can we take it? It's pretty clear that they were the primary mover for at least the last four years. Any words from our... friend in the business, Squeegee? ... perhaps we should look into the newspapers then. I wonder if something happened then that might bring light on the now. There's some other organization, one with very large human and material resources, one associated with government, that was responsible for Lady Spoon's death. ....right. They looked like they were going to attack you, Princess Oak, but they... didn't. And we don't understand why. * LadyMallet nods. "The snipers." Well-trained snipers, no less. * PrincessOak grimaces. "Well, I'm not going to complain." Who have the same information about the Ningyo attacks and times as Hitachi 2osen did. ...but do they? At least something similar. I wonder just how widespread their presence was, and how long they were waiting. All the attacks so far have been cued by a Ningyo attack. ...I think they spotted -us- watching them. I think that's why they aborted. *quietly* The one guy we captured admitted that they were given a date and time. ....hm. He was Yakuza, and thus Hitachi-2osen, who are known to have Ningyo contacts. That can be traced back to USC and their relationship with the Ningyo. Keep up, Leena. But the snipers don't necessarily have that, as far as we know. But they go by something similar at least. * PrincessSakura doesn't look too sure of that. ... it just raises the question of 'why'. What's in it for them? Are they that convinced that the Ningyo'll spare them in exchange for us? ... although the rogue Lord did show up last time the snipers were there. * LadyMallet shivers, despite herself. ...yeah, that's an interesting coincidence. Indeed. Though his...interest...would not seem to line up with assassinations. The rapist Lord took a... shot at Leena. The Orders protected her, and he got mad and clobbered her before running. * TheQueen giggles. "Clobbered Leena?" Hmph. He just got lucky. * LadyRoyal mutters under her breath. "...four..." * LadyMallet crosses her arms. "I'll be sure to show him how to clobber someone properly." Not funny at all, Your Majesty. I heard it was one punch. He may be difficult to take down, if we ever catch him. ... it was just one punch, though. Leena was... hurt. Badly. I believe this is one Lord, your Majesty, your Highnesses, who would benefit from a tete-a-tete with the Feral Beast. * LadyMysteria winces a little. "We'll have to catch him, eventually. That's a sword we don't want dangling over future Ladies' heads. * PrincessOak winces. ... and there was Pie, but that's old news. * PrincessSqueegee does too. And if he dies in the process... well, such is war. * LadyMysteria shakes her head slowly at the mention of Pie. * LadyRoyal speaks slowly. "Have we--had any other sniper deaths before?" * Lord_Darkmoon grins, rather ferally, as Maya mentions him dying in the process. Not so old news. Lady Hardhat tried to kill Lady Handcuff. * LadyRoyal nods, switching tracks. "And us as well. She had to have known..." And manifested new powers in doing so. I worry that she may be at Princess level. And almost succeeded. He haven't had time to look into finding her, though. So much has been going on... ... -you- haven't had time. I'm just blocked from it. Right. Do you think I need to issue general orders regarding Hardhat? Well. The Orders spread, right? It can be arranged that way. If you give one for her, can we pass it on to her? If she is a Princess, only another Princess could. This is another place we need to be careful, Your Majesty... ... tell Sakura, at least. Mm. Oak? How come? She was *with* Pie. If she's becoming *another* Pie, I can not afford it. * LadyMallet hmms. "The thing with Pie... there were snipers around then, too. And that turned out weird, like with Oak..." ... Spoon still died, though. ... If she's becoming another Pie, she is going to have to die, odds are. ... no. Nnnrgh. If she's even stable enough for that, at this point. We just need to get her still, so we can talk to her. A Princess? Still? * LadyMallet shakes her head. "... still." I used to say that, didn't I? There's got to be a way besides fighting? Sakura, this needs to be dealt with. Look, Mallet. Sakura bailed us out with Pie. I don't think she'd be around to do it again. Make a plan, and implement it as soon as you can. ... and that depends on her. I doubt she'll try to talk nice. Well, ... Sakura, didn't you have a trap in mind? If you pass on the Order, talk her down... You just need to get in vocal range. ...yeah, but... it wasn't a very good idea. She wasn't right by Anzu's place remember? ... yeah. What if she just needs line of sight to do that meteor hat thingy? Still, we're gonna have to try. That leaves an arc! It can be traced back to where it came from. I thought you guys said it came out of the sky. * Lord_Darkmoon stands quietly, listening to the conversation. It's a good thing that Pie kept her away from all of us. At least she doesn't know other places to strike at. Yes, but it makes her harder to find, too. Leena was closest to where it happened at the time of impact. I...think it could be traced back, but probably not very easily. Well, it does sound like you have a lot on your plate, Lady Mysteria. * TheQueen stands and stretches a little. ... it's all a part of the job, my Queen. * LadyMysteria nods her head lightly. The rogue Lord and Lady... USC, and... the snipers. * LadyMallet pointedly looks at Mysteria. Oak, we need to talk. The rest of you are dismissed. Squeej, work out some contact scenarios by Wednesday, please? Remind me to start looking into 4 years back or so and if it relates to USC at all when we get back to the agency. Of course, Your Majesty. * Lord_Darkmoon bows to the Queen, and turns to look at Squeegee. * LadyMallet at Sakura, making her way to her. Do you have a hard copy of the information about USC to send to the Agency? * LadyRoyal nods briskly at the Queen and the Princesses . * PrincessSakura bows to the Queen, then starts out. * LadyMallet interrupts Sakura's starting. * LadyNightshade follows Sakura out, happy to be out of there. I can get some... I don't know that you have the, er, experience to really do much with it yet, but you're welcome to try. * LadyMysteria bows deeply... then turns around and starts walking out. * LadyRoyal follows Maya. Don't worry. One of us does. ^_~ * LadyMallet lets Sakura start her starting, getting out of her way. ... that went well. .... yeah, it did. Better'n I expected, that's for sure. You think she's panicking, or realizing we kinda know what were doing? * Lord_Darkmoon joins Squeegee. "If you have time now, shall we find a quieter place?" She has some respect for you, that's all. * LadyRoyal rubs her forehead. "Do we? Really?" If you wish... follow me. Some respect. Not enough... not yet. * Lord_Darkmoon nods, and follows. Anyway, gotta go. * LadyMallet waits for Squeegee, The Queen, and Oak to be out of earshot, before turning back to Sakura and dropping her voice. "I was thinking... the secretary has been around for a while, and if we clue her in about USC and ask her to do some research in the direction four years back..." That's why I was asking. She hasn't been around that long. But she can poke around, sure. * LadyMallet nods. "So, yeah, do thatm 'k?" Take care, Sakura... And ... come around sometime. You're not around nearly enough. * LadyRoyal nods. " Good seeing you again, Sakura." You're going already? * LadyNightshade looks a bit disappointed. * PrincessSakura detransforms on the way out the front door. She's wearing tight pink leather pants and a thick, fuzzy sweater-thing. Stuff to do. People to see. Plans to make. Y'know? Don't I know it. * LadyMallet gapes. "No..." Oh. Yeah. See you later then, I guess... ... you're. Becoming a Princess... like the others. ... it really can't be helped, Leena. * Sakura swings a leg over her bike and revs the motor. "I'm becoming a Princess, and it's eating all my time. Can't a girl have a date?" Sort of goes with the job, yeah? ... ... ... a date? * LadyNightshade just... stops. Well, you could have TOLD US IT WAS A DATE! ... instead of just brushing us off... ... in that case, have fun. * LadyRoyal grins. "Ooh, a date, eh? Well, have fun, then--not too much, though, or we'll start to get jealous!" * LadyMallet sighs, and deflates. Yeah. Well, we'll see if it goes anywhere. * Sakura pulls on her helmet and zips off, leaving rubber on the Queen's drive. ... * LadyRoyal shakes her head. And there she goes... She doesn't have to share her private life with us if she doesn't want to, Leena. 's why it's called her *private* life. * LadyMysteria boggles. "How do you fit into pants like those, anyway?" ... We're done right? I'm going to go home... * LadyRoyal shrugs. "A giant toolkit and a butt like granite, at my guess." * LadyNightshade starts walking off, detransforming into her comfortable coat and pants and t-shirt. Well, I don't have either so no tight pants for me. ... um... bye, Taki? * LadyRoyal shrugs in empathy and sighs. "Such is the burden those without must bear." * Taki starts running as soon as she's around the corner. * Taki tries really really hard not to cry until she gets home, though. Indeed, indeed. * LadyMysteria just shrugs and starts towards the Agency. [end session]