[17:48] <Cliff_Hunter> <Nathan should now see something that is quite the contrast to the rest of the surroundings, a car heading towards the ranch>

[17:49] <Nathan_Carver> <he turns, and notes the sublt hints of dust, disturbing the scene> Oh well, back to work. <he almost frowns at the prospect, but thinks better of it. Turning upon his heel, he heads for the house.>

[17:50] <Nathan_Carver> <He walks on towards Cliff.> Hi Cliff.

[17:50] <Cliff_Hunter> <looks up> Nate?

[17:50] <Nathan_Carver> <laughs> That's me. <he gives a mock salute.>

[17:51] <Cliff_Hunter> Hey, been a while

[17:51] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> It has indeed.

[17:52] <Nathan_Carver> <sighs> Though, I wish it was all under better circumstances.

[17:52] <Sakura_Hunter> <inside, Sakura gets some coffee and biscuits on the table>

[17:52] <Cliff_Hunter> <nods> You've seen the video then?

[17:52] <Nathan_Carver> I did. Both Herusu's, and Sean's.

[17:53] <Sakura_Hunter> <she notices Cliff's car in the driveway and decides to meet them outside>

[17:53] <Cliff_Hunter> Have any idea who that pilot could of been?

[17:53] <Nathan_Carver> Only a few vague hints, but nothing certain.

[17:54] <Sakura_Hunter> <walks towards her husband and gives him a quick kiss, then wraps her arm around him> Hi hun, wonderful that they could make it isn't it? Come on the two of your, let's get inside, it's still a bit cold out here. We'll go in where it's warmer.

[17:54] <Cliff_Hunter> He sounded a little familiar but I still have no idea

[17:54] <Nathan_Carver> It had to have been someone who fought in the war. There hasn't been a need for such prowess since then.

[17:55] <Sakura_Hunter> come...inside the two of you. <claps her hands as if she's leading school children> now now, let's go inside.

[17:55] <Nathan_Carver> <laughs> Yes ma'am. <he steps in>

[17:55] <Cliff_Hunter> <nods and steps in>

[17:56] <Sakura_Hunter> Glad you're listening, or i would have threatened no dessert for you and to go straight up to your room!

[17:56] <Sakura_Hunter> <smiles>

[17:56] <Cliff_Hunter> I would of known if they were preventer, GCE you think?

[17:56] <Sakura_Hunter> <leads the two men in and closes the large oak doors behind her>

[17:56] <Nathan_Carver> Anyway, whoever it is, it has me worried. Most of the surviving veterans, those with that kind of skill, have either retired, or just... well, died. <sighs>

[17:57] <Sakura_Hunter> <leads the two into the kitchen, where the children sit, laughing over some joke>

[17:58] <Nathan_Carver> I've been trying to peg the persona. <he sits> Or, at least a possible rationale. I mean, if I were had the opportunity to pilot a suit again, would I take it? And why?

[17:58] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Hi dad! Hey Mr. Carver. You're going to join us yougins?

[17:59] <Cecily_Lansou> <Enters the elevator, staring at her reflection in the mirrror panels as the door closes>

[17:59] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] hey dad, Mr. Carver

[17:59] <Nathan_Carver> I can only come up with the typical answers. Money, for one. Contracting out such skill can be profitable to the pilot. <looks to Reve, and grins> Sure.

[17:59] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <waves>

[17:59] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Herusu was just telling us how he thinks he could out pilot you any day Mr. Carver, Weren't you Herusu? <giggles>

[17:59] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] I was?

[18:00] <Cliff_Hunter> Who do you think made it?

[18:00] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] <nods> That's really not nice of you to think Herusu. Mr. Carver is a big war hero. You shouldn't disrespect people like that. tsk tsk tsk, bad herusu.

[18:00] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <shakes his head, still learning about all of this...>

[18:01] <Nathan_Carver> Well, it could just as likely be an idealist... or someone who's out to test themselves, or any number of things.

[18:01] <Nathan_Carver> I'm just looking for motivation.

[18:01] <Sakura_Hunter> Rêve, stop teasing your brother like that. Anyway, Nate, Cliff...Kit decided to get an early night, i think she had a headache so she's not able to join us here at the table.

[18:02] <Cliff_Hunter> We know it can't be Retrotech, Thinline, or S8N. I don't think it would be Gato

[18:05] <Nathan_Carver> Other companies may have more then obvious material gains.

[18:05] <Nathan_Carver> There could be something here that we're not seeing.

[18:06] <Cliff_Hunter> Well, my guess is Neo-Vulcan

[18:06] <Nathan_Carver> Again, why?

[18:07] <Sakura_Hunter> I don't know Cliff...perhaps even an independant?

[18:07] <Sakura_Hunter> someone with the knowledge to create a suit like that, and the contacts to get parts on the black market?

[18:07] <Sakura_Hunter> i mean, the possibilities are endless.

[18:08] <Cliff_Hunter> Well in the video he left abruptly seemingly without good reason, he may of been called back

[18:08] <Cliff_Hunter> The way he fought the S8N pilot, one would think he would of wanted to finish with Sean

[18:10] <Nathan_Carver> Or, he may have been looking or waiting for something. Again, we're in the dark.

[18:11] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] <frowns> I think he was just playing with all of us. Perhaps it's just a game to him? He finds this amusing. He finds the damage, waits for the person/thing who caused it, wants to test his abilities, finds us little peons, and leaves, disgruntled coz he didn't make 6:00 o'clock news?

[18:11] <Sakura_Hunter> <looks at her daughter strangely>

[18:11] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Ok...so maybe not.

[18:12] <Nathan_Carver> Alright, let's look at this from a broad point of view. First, why would a mobile suit be there?

[18:12] <Sakura_Hunter> I can think of 3 reasons.

[18:12] <Sakura_Hunter> probably none of them are correct.

[18:13] <Sakura_Hunter> One. He was waiting for someone. It was a meeting place.

[18:13] <Sakura_Hunter> Two. He was just passing by, he saw the damage and wanted to invistigate, we caught him there at that moment.

[18:14] <Sakura_Hunter> Three. He knows what caused it. Ane he wanted to see the damage the source of it all had caused.

[18:15] <Cliff_Hunter> Maybe he works for the people who closed off the routes

[18:15] <Sakura_Hunter> Perhaps.

[18:15] <Sakura_Hunter> Perhaps he's from the colonies?

[18:15] <Sakura_Hunter> That's a possibility.

[18:15] <Sakura_Hunter> A Colonial Military Secret?

[18:16] <Nathan_Carver> Alright... we can we can rule out two. If he was just passing, he'd have been more likely to have been using a larger transport.

[18:16] <Sakura_Hunter> True.

[18:16] <Cliff_Hunter> <nods>

[18:16] <Nathan_Carver> So, he was either waiting, or he was scouting.

[18:17] <Sakura_Hunter> I think the latter is the more probable

[18:17] <Nathan_Carver> Assuming that there was no one else on the way, except the military, and given the fact that company was reacted too with instant hostility, he may not have been waiting.

[18:17] <Sakura_Hunter> He was a powerful suit, but he wasn't capable of doing that damage...well not that i could see at least.

[18:18] <Cliff_Hunter> He couldn't wipe out the station

[18:19] <Sakura_Hunter> I'll be right back, one moment everyone.

[18:20] <Sakura_Hunter> <goes to get cliff's laptop again, hoping that watching the video will spur some sort of reaction>

[18:20] <Nathan_Carver> If he was, he would have demonstrated it again. He seems like the type. A show-off.

[18:20] <Sakura_Hunter> <she comes back momentarily and places it on the table> alright, let's have a look at what happened again.

[18:21] <Sakura_Hunter> <presses play>

[18:21] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <Slightly outside the conversation, he watches>

[18:22] <Sakura_Hunter> <the kids lean in closer, wanting to relive the moment, fear gone, they only feel the exhileration of the battle. Their eyes begin to widen at each blow, given and taken. And Rêve, the girl that she is, still gasps at when the Tiamat receives the blows.>

[18:23] <Sakura_Hunter> <more intent on the suit and voice of the pilot itself, Sakura leans in closer, paying attention to smaller details, intonations, fighting styles, various things that perhaps could serve as clues to answering this mystery>

[18:24] <Nathan_Carver> <Watches the backhand manuver, as Tiamat's tactic is foiled> He knew... he timed it. <frowns> A suit he's not likely to have even fought before, and he knew.

[18:24] <Sakura_Hunter> Nathan...

[18:24] <Cliff_Hunter> Hey, isn't that a crossfire cannon?

[18:24] <Nathan_Carver> That's another thing... back in our day, piloting was a lot easier. In terms of tactics, that is. Not too many people had distinct mobile suits. Now, all of them are fairly different. To adapt quickly to new concepts...

[18:25] <Charles_Walter> <leaves the Ret. and walks to his car>

[18:25] <Nathan_Carver> <looks at the screen> The same idea, anyway. Yes, a rapid fire weapon.

[18:25] <Sakura_Hunter> Would old sim programs of our pilots and our foes exist?

[18:26] <Nathan_Carver> <laughs> Not too many. Programing records are limited, at best. We've got nothing beyond, or had nothing beyond, the Preventers' own techniques.

[18:27] <Nathan_Carver> It's not like we could mix and match... he could have been one of ours, or someone completely different. Grand Cross, UA... heck, he could have been a pirate. There were a lot of people in the field then.

[18:28] <Sakura_Hunter> damn. For all we know it could be a defunct preventer...

[18:28] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> Twenty years. Besides, not everyone was a happy follower. Even the Preventers had their share of mavericks and glory hounds.

[18:28] <Sakura_Hunter> How do we go about solving this grand mystery. We have all these questions, and no available leeds.

[18:28] <Sakura_Hunter> This is quite discouraging.

[18:29] <Nathan_Carver> Well, all we can do for now is keep looking at the evidence, and wait for another chance.

[18:29] <Sakura_Hunter> <nods>

[18:29] <Nathan_Carver> I hate that option, though. It means that something terrible might have to happen to drag this guy out again.

[18:30] <Sakura_Hunter> could we lure him out?

[18:30] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] I'm more concerned about what blew up the satellite, to tell the truth...

[18:30] <Nathan_Carver> He's right... <nods to Sean> So am I. One pilot, sure, that's a lead. But... there's someone, or something, else out there that we should focus on.

[18:30] <Sakura_Hunter> <nods> Seans has a point there. The pilot and the destructive force that destroyed the satellite are likely unrelated, we have two big mysteries on our hand.

[18:31] <Sakura_Hunter> now there, i'm at at total loss

[18:32] <Nathan_Carver> <taps the screen, near Judecca> It's likely we'll see him when we find the other.

[18:33] <Cliff_Hunter> But how would be find him? Or the other?

[18:33] <Sakura_Hunter> agreed.

[18:34] <Nathan_Carver> That's the problem... that's why we need to start looking.

[18:35] <Nathan_Carver> If I had a super weapon... for one, it'd need maitenance, or some kind of storage area. Two, supplies. Not too many folks can have open access to mobile suit weapons, spare parts, or mechanics.

[18:36] <Cliff_Hunter> <nods>

[18:36] <Nathan_Carver> Three, it may have a pilot. We can only hope that this isn't another AI. <sighs> So, it'd suffer from downtime. That means that he or she needs somewhere to store it.

[18:36] <Cliff_Hunter> So chances are it would be one of the corporations or a military faction

[18:37] <Nathan_Carver> Hiding a weapon, whether its a ship, a mobile suit, or whatever, is tough.

[18:37] <Nathan_Carver> It could, but it's not for certain. A corporation wouldn't gain from blowing up a civilian satellite.

[18:37] <Nathan_Carver> They work for profits, they aren't morons... chances are that half of them had money invested or connected to it.

[18:38] <Sakura_Hunter> well, then if that's the case...

[18:38] <Sakura_Hunter> this could have been a collaboration

[18:40] <Nathan_Carver> It could have been.

[18:40] <Sakura_Hunter> multiple organizations working on this one project, a combination of resources, in the form of natural resources, workforce, technology, and of course, monetary.

[18:40] <Sakura_Hunter> <sighs> the possibilities are endless

[18:40] <Cliff_Hunter> yeah

[18:40] <Nathan_Carver> But again, why? They wouldn't be able to sell a weapon like this, not when there's been such a blatent act of terrorism using it.

[18:41] <Cliff_Hunter> Arrogant bastard with a god complex?

[18:41] <Sakura_Hunter> Perhaps it's not to sell...perhaps it's to be used as a scare mechanism, in order to control everyone...

[18:41] <Sakura_Hunter> perhaps a dictator?

[18:42] <Sakura_Hunter> Let me show you what I can do.

[18:42] <Sakura_Hunter> Obey me or suffer the consequences.

[18:42] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] Problem there... none of the colonies are really, well, in turmoil. We're past the days of maniacs and conquorers....

[18:42] <Nathan_Carver> That's a little naive.

[18:42] <Cliff_Hunter> We may of thought that

[18:43] <Cliff_Hunter> It's never too late for a wacko who likes to dominate some one

[18:43] <Sakura_Hunter> <turns to sean> well, perfect time to strike, people all share that mentality, no one will know how to fight back.

[18:43] <Sakura_Hunter> they'll just be complacent, shrug their shoulders, and go along with it.

[18:44] <Cliff_Hunter> Yeah, or scared straight

[18:44] <Sakura_Hunter> There's always room for a megalomaniac.

[18:45] <Nathan_Carver> We could be dealing with a Gundam.

[18:45] <Cliff_Hunter> Gundam?

[18:45] <Cliff_Hunter> Ugh...

[18:45] <Sakura_Hunter> Nathan, up until two weeks ago i've been having sweet dreams, Christmas, New Years, and you mention gundam.

[18:45] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] You can't be serious.

[18:45] <Cliff_Hunter> I don't know if people would be scared of it or drop down and worship it

[18:45] <Sakura_Hunter> Thanks.

[18:46] <Nathan_Carver> That's what I thought, Sakura. Or, it could be something totally different.

[18:46] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] I think we have a Mad Gun rather than a Gundam...<laughs at her failed wittiness>

[18:46] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] ....

[18:47] <Sakura_Hunter> <looks even harder at her daughter>

[18:47] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <chuckles, but then subdues.>

[18:48] <Sakura_Hunter> Correct me if i'm wrong but didn't Wing Zero destroy a whole colony?

[18:49] <Cliff_Hunter> <shrugs> Gundams have seen their time

[18:49] <Sakura_Hunter> so, it could be a gundam...i guess.

[18:49] <Sakura_Hunter> or an ultra cannon

[18:49] <Cliff_Hunter> Probably the latter

[18:50] <Cliff_Hunter> Though both tend to be hard to get ride of

[18:50] <Nathan_Carver> Or, something else. Remember, the Grand Cross and old Vulcan Industrial were cooking up all sorts of weapons. Pavidus Sanctus... the Geists, and even the mobile armors were all their doing.

[18:50] <Sakura_Hunter> <thinks back to PSC> It's possible to do grave things with a massive weapon.

[18:50] <Sakura_Hunter> <silent as she recalls nathan's role in it>

[18:50] <Sakura_Hunter> <thinks: sorry>

[18:51] <Nathan_Carver> <he stops, and shakes his head> Terrible... rather, we can't allow such a terrible thing to run loose.

[18:51] <Cliff_Hunter> But we should send something to find out whatever the hell is out there

[18:52] <Nathan_Carver> We should. I want all of us... students, staff, and investigators from both companies, to work on this.

[18:53] <Nathan_Carver> I have a feeling we aren't the only one's having a meeting like this right now...

[18:53] <Cliff_Hunter> <nods> it'll be hard to get there un-noticed

[18:53] <Claire`Zintech> <Huddles in the corner of that conference where she spent the night; The last night's dreams had been the worst yet and she's terrified of coming out>Alice...why'd you do that to me? I told you I didn't want you to get hurt but Jack made me. It wasn't me, Alice, and that wasn't a nice thing to do...

[18:53] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] You'll need someone with great investigative skills, someone who's quick on their feet, has contacts everywhere...someone who looks good on camera...

[18:53] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <coughs> I think someone just volunteered.

[18:54] <Cliff_Hunter> That pilot nearly killed you the first time

[18:54] <Nathan_Carver> And he won't hesitate again...

[18:54] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] <tries to look innocent> volunteered? oh, you mean me? I wasn't volunteering...but if you really think I fit that description...

[18:54] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] What're you gonna do though dad? I mean, just jump in a mobile suit? You're no pilot. <he shrugs> Well, not now.

[18:55] <Nathan_Carver> <sighs>

[18:55] <Cliff_Hunter> That sounds like some one volunteering

[18:55] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Someone could come with me, seeing as you've volunteered both me and Sean. <grins>

[18:55] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] didn't you volunteer yourself?

[18:56] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <nods> I'll go, sure. I mean, this whole thing is so interesting... err, such a concern.

[18:56] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Don't be daft Herusu. I did not once say I'd like to do it.....i said "someone" not "I"

[18:56] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Pronouns were a basic lesson in grade school rusu.

[18:57] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] <sighs>

[18:57] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] Yep, Me and Sean will go... Right sean?

[18:58] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <nods> Sure. That's two. <he elbows Herusu>

[18:58] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] <kicks Herusu in the knee beneath the table>

[18:58] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] umm.... OW!

[18:58] <Sakura_Hunter> <yells> OW!

[18:59] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] I take it from the kicking and elbowing that you two want me to go, huh?

[18:59] <Sakura_Hunter> <both Rêve and Sean beam and nod simultaneously>

[18:59] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] Or, we could just be venting something. <shrugs>

[19:00] <Nathan_Carver> Oh boy... alright, I can see where this is going. <frowns> I should send Catherine along, just to be sure.

[19:00] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] oh well then for good measure <kicks Reve, and elbows Sean>

[19:00] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <winces> Right...

[19:01] <Cliff_Hunter> So, Sean, Reve, Catherine, and Herusu?

[19:01] <Sakura_Hunter> <sighs> <turns to nathan and her husband> i think we have our private detectives

[19:02] <Cliff_Hunter> Alright so they'll need to get in unnoticed

[19:02] <Sakura_Hunter> We're looking at three suits...

[19:03] <Nathan_Carver> I guess so. <he turns to them> Now, we'll settle a few matters before you go. But, I want you to know, that you have to be on your guard.

[19:03] <Sakura_Hunter> a regular shuttle is too small.

[19:04] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] <looks at the other three> One...Two...Three....that means I'm the one without a suit..I guess that means i'm piloting the carrier. <mischieveous grin>

[19:04] <Cliff_Hunter> Do you think we could adapt a cloak or stealth field generator for a carrier?

[19:04] <Nathan_Carver> We could... it would help.

[19:04] <Sakura_Hunter> I think so Cliff, it shouldn't be too difficult to achieve.

[19:04] <Sakura_Hunter> Between Arthur and Hratli, anything is possible.

[19:06] <Cliff_Hunter> It would be expensive though

[19:06] <Nathan_Carver> <nods> I think this classifies as an emergency...

[19:06] <Sakura_Hunter> I agree with Nathan.

[19:06] <Nathan_Carver> So, it's not a big deal.

[19:06] <Cliff_Hunter> Alright, then I'll call Hratli back from New York

[19:07] <Cliff_Hunter> Actually you want to do it Sakura? You're a bit more diplomatic

[19:08] <Sakura_Hunter> Sure, i'll do it....<thinks about the earfull she's going to be getting>

[19:11] <Sakura_Hunter> [Rêve] So it's decided the Three Musketteers and the Queen of France, being me in this case, will go and save the day.

[19:11] <Cliff_Hunter> [Herusu] .....riiiight

[19:11] <Nathan_Carver> I'll ask Arthur to lend a hand... <steps out> I should be back soon. Intact, God willing. <chuckles>