[15:40] <Sean_Carver> <As the afternoon shift begins to come into the Thinline engineering hanger, Sean stands to the side, looking up at the partially repaired mobile suit. Since its use is no longer a priority, it has been left in a state of suspension, neither completely whole, nor completely at a loss.>

[15:45] <Sean_Carver> <He turns away, still set in a life of relative boredom, not completely aware of Catherine's predicament, and more focused on more everyday matters. Nearby, Arthur grumbles as his incumbant staff scurry around to do his bidding.>

[15:46] <Dez_Visir> <Dez's carrier had docked at colony XL2-R-9, somewhat of a business capital among its local L2 neighbors. The atmosphere was refreshingly clean, as deluxe air filters made sure to keep them that way. Dez is outside of the shuttle hangar, reading a newspaper. He had no idea where Reve had gone to. Sitting next to him on the bench was a sign that read "Catherine Carver" in big black letters on a white poster.>

[15:48] <Catherine`Carver> <oddly enough Catherine, still wearing her enviormental suit sans the helmet, is on the other end of the hall looking for Dez>

[15:48] <Catherine`Carver> Hmmm, where could he be?

[15:48] <Dez_Visir> <Turns the page, reading the weather predictions for the colony. Of course, these predictions were more like a schedule...that weeks rain was scheduled tomorrow as a light mist, nothing more. Just for effect, the sky would also be darkened....>

[15:48] <Reve_Hunter> <walking around a market place that sells basically anything under the sun, or in this case, artificial sun, she comes across a few long flowing skirts and blouses to wear. Not her typical choice of attire. She then picks up a few groceries, as dez's choice of food on the carrier consisted of yan-yan, chocolate pretzels and craisins, not enough to sustain the three of them on a journey to L1>

[15:50] <Catherine`Carver> <making her way to the entrance of the shuttle hanger, Catherine almost slaps herself on the forehead when she sees Dez sitting in such on obvious place. She steps up to him and clears her throat to get his attention>

[15:50] <Dez_Visir> <Turns the page, ignoring Catherine>

[15:51] <Dez_Visir> Someone's blocking my artificial sun...

[15:51] <Dez_Visir> <Looks up over his shades and notices Catherine>

[15:51] <Dez_Visir> Oh...it's you.

[15:51] <Catherine`Carver> Yeah, me.

[15:51] <Dez_Visir> I trust you weren't waiting long.

[15:51] <Reve_Hunter> <her paperbag full of goods, she makes her way back towards the shuttle, in a moment of impulse she sees an L2 version of the National Enquirer, pays for it and then heads back>

[15:51] <Catherine`Carver> It doesn't matter.

[15:51] <Catherine`Carver> Are you ready?

[15:52] <Sean_Carver> <Outbound..... in a somewhat confining craft, a lone pilot waits as he comes into gradual proximety to the furtherest flung colonies of the Alliance sphere. With shallow breathing ebbing through his helmet, he visually reflects the beleaguering hardships of his long journey. Still, several days away from his destination, he keeps waiting, ignoring the hunger pains. It'll only get worse.>

[15:52] <Dez_Visir> Surely...

[15:52] <Dez_Visir> <Gets up from his seat and puts the sign under his arm.>

[15:53] <Reve_Hunter> <making her way back, she enters the shuttle, whose entrance is on the other side, opposite where Catherine and Dez were standing>

[15:53] <Dez_Visir> The shuttle's waiting.

[15:53] <Catherine`Carver> Another thing is I need some money for my mobile suit to stay over here until i can get a carrier here to take it to Thinline.

[15:54] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] <He reads over a printout sent to him by a colonial official, one of a handful that he can still count on for good information. A brief summary of the military's ultimatum to Retrotech is the headlining piece, with scattered hints as to who might be next towards its end> Hmm....

[15:54] <Dez_Visir> I've got a carrier.

[15:54] <Catherine`Carver> Even better.

[15:54] <Reve_Hunter> <placing the bag of groceries on the table, she takes her new clothes and changes out of her clothes and into the new ones she bought>

[15:55] <Dez_Visir> I thought so....there's room enough on it for another suit. Get the technicians to load it on. It's in space 3-1.

[15:55] <Reve_Hunter> <she became the epitome of domesticity, looking in the mirror she shudders> damn, I'm beginning to look like mom.

[15:55] <Dez_Visir> I'll be waiting in the cockpit.

[15:55] <Catherine`Carver> <nods> Alright.

[15:55] <Dez_Visir> <He walks around to the front of the large carrier and steps up into the door that leads inside. After unlocking it with a card, he steps in.>

[15:56] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] <Sitting, he begins to initiate a call to the Retrotech campus, waiting for the signal to go through>

[15:56] <Dez_Visir> <Plops down into the pilot's seat, staring straight ahead at a slate-grey wall.>

[15:56] <Reve_Hunter> <she makes her way back the kitchenette and begins to cook something, anything that can abate her hunger...> NO MORE PRETZELS.

[15:56] <Reve_Hunter> [sakura] <sitting in her office going over some papers she hears the phone ring>

[15:56] <Catherine`Carver> <about fifteen minutes later, a technician walks up to the carrier in the 3-1 space and knocks on the door>

[15:57] <Dez_Visir> <Opens the door for the techician> Yes?

[15:57] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] <picking it up she clears her throat, nervous as to who the caller may be> Dr. Hunter Speaking.

[15:57] <Sean_Carver> <In the outter regions of colonized space, a weak signal begins to show on monitors, and then flickers out.>

[15:57] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Hello, Sakura.

[15:57] <Catherine`Carver> [Technician] Pardon me, but a girl told us she wanted her mobile suit loaded here. We wanted to make sure this is the correct carrier, and if it was all right with you.

[15:57] <Reve_Hunter> Dez? Are you back?

[15:58] <Reve_Hunter> <yells from the back>

[15:58] <Dez_Visir> <Looks to the back when he hears Reve's voice> Yeah, hold on! <Turns back to the technician> Yeah, it's alright.

[15:58] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] Nathan! I'm really glad to hear from you....<pause> Has cliff talked to you?

[15:58] <Reve_Hunter> Did you find catherine?

[15:58] <Catherine`Carver> [Technician] Understood.

[15:59] <Dez_Visir> Yeah, she'll be here in a while. I hope you're cleaning up back there.

[15:59] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] No, but I've heard about your situation.

[15:59] <Reve_Hunter> Yeah, it's pretty clean back here, I'm just cooking a little something for us to eat.

[15:59] <Catherine`Carver> <the technicians then proceed to load the damaged Artemis onto the carrier with Catherine's cries of horror and anger are heard>

[15:59] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] Nathan, we have no idea where to go, or what to do....

[15:59] <Dez_Visir> Hmmm....wait a second, how can you cook Yan Yan?

[16:00] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] We only have a bit of time left.

[16:00] <Reve_Hunter> I bought groceries silly.

[16:00] <Dez_Visir> <Walks towards the back where the kitchenette is located.>

[16:00] <Joseph`Ortiz> <Reaching out, he grasps a pen and begins to fill out the forms on his desk.>

[16:00] <Dez_Visir> Wow, really? You're great, Reve...

[16:00] <Reve_Hunter> <on the counter vegetables, pasta, breads, and spices sit, ready to be made into something yummy>

[16:00] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] It looks bad alright. But, it'sa very thorough piece of work. You may have no choice in the matter.

[16:01] <Dez_Visir> What are you making?

[16:01] <Catherine`Carver> <finally, the Artemis is loaded and Catherine knocks on the the door>

[16:01] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] So, you're saying we have to give up all our hard work to these militants....<sighs> What if they use it for their own benefit?

[16:01] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] Sakura, what is Cliff planning to do, failing a solution?

[16:01] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] If only I knew...he..he's been pretty reticent since the phone call.

[16:02] <Dez_Visir> <Presses a button near the doorway and the door in the front opens for Catherine> We're back here, Catherine!

[16:02] <Catherine`Carver> <enters>

[16:02] <Dez_Visir> Close the door behind you, please.

[16:02] <Sean_Carver> [Nathan] If he fights back, then he'll have played right into their hands. Sometimes, you have to take losses. Right now, it looks terrible, but resisting will only backfire. This is still a political game, and not an actual conflict. ((Hi.))

[16:02] <Catherine`Carver> <walks back to the kitchenette in the carrier, and sniffs the air> Is someone cooking?

[16:03] <Dez_Visir> Yeah. <Points a thumb at Reve.>

[16:03] <Reve_Hunter> I'm making chicken alfredo with fussili pasta. And then I'm going to be making bruchetta and we'll wash it down with some wine. To top it off, I bought some truffles for dessert.

[16:03] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] Perhaps you're right...(no, perhaps you're gone))

[16:03] <Catherine`Carver> Wow, i didn't know you could cook. And ESPECIALLY that well.

[16:04] <Dez_Visir> Yeah. She's a keeper. <Big cheesy smile>

[16:04] <Reve_Hunter> Hey Catherine, hope you're hungry.

[16:05] <Nathan_Carver> [Nathan] This Kairn guy seems driven. This isn't just a disarmament policy, otherwise they would have come after you sooner.

[16:05] <Dez_Visir> <Outside of the Thinline building, the air is still. In fact, it's unusually quiet. There's no 'civillian" activity...however, in the distance there is the wound of cars making their way towards Thinline HQ.>

[16:05] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] Perhaps you're right nathan...has anyone approached Thinline? Or are we the only ones breaching this contract?

[16:05] <Catherine`Carver> <nudges Dez> Hey, looks like you've got a winner.

[16:05] <Nathan_Carver> [Nathan] Something's up... I've received advance warning that they're on their way here, maybe soon.

[16:05] <Dez_Visir> Yeah, guess so.

[16:05] <Catherine`Carver> Now, I hate to inturupt this cozy moment and all, but...I need to get to Thinline NOW!

[16:06] <Dez_Visir> Alright, alright....I don't see what the rush is.

[16:06] <Catherine`Carver> My brother or some other pilot might die.

[16:06] <Dez_Visir> <Slides away a console panel on the wall and presses a green button.> Maria, start up the engines.

[16:06] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] Be carefule nate...I don't have a good feeling at all about this Kairn character, don't you find it strange how in a matter of months, a whole slew of activity has occurred? I mean, first the destroyed mining station, Endlos, retrotech in shambles...now this?

[16:06] <Dez_Visir> [Maria, the onboard computer] "Engines starting...."

[16:06] <Reve_Hunter> >_<

[16:06] <Reve_Hunter> Maria?

[16:06] <Catherine`Carver> <"I guess he told Reve who Maria was...">

[16:07] <Catherine`Carver> <"Oh, maybe not">

[16:07] <Catherine`Carver> <"Heheheh">

[16:07] <Nathan_Carver> [Nathan] There's no such thing as a coincedence. <nods>

[16:07] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "Yes, what?"

[16:07] <Catherine`Carver> <looks at Reve, and starts giggling>

[16:07] <Dez_Visir> Nothing Maria.

[16:07] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] twenty years, not a peep from anyone and now this...be careful nate...

[16:07] <Reve_Hunter> Maria is your...computer?!

[16:08] <Catherine`Carver> <grabs onto the wall for support to keep from falling over laughing>

[16:08] <Dez_Visir> <The console gives out a chirp as the command goes through. Dez's carrier moves ahead into an airlock chamber, where the doors slide shut behind it.>

[16:08] <Reve_Hunter> <almost burns the chicken>

[16:08] <Dez_Visir> Uh...hehe...maybe...

[16:08] <Reve_Hunter> <turns to catherine> You knew about maria?

[16:08] <Reve_Hunter> <grumbles>

[16:08] <Catherine`Carver> Yeah..hehe.

[16:09] <Nathan_Carver> [Nathan] You too. Be sure to keep Cliff roped in.

[16:09] <Reve_Hunter> Well...<thinks of things she can do to get dez back for that little trick>

[16:09] <Dez_Visir> <Several man in green suits, decorated in their various medals and badges, barge into Thinline's lobby. In the midst of them all is a pale and morose man, with white and fine hair...>

[16:09] <Catherine`Carver> <tries to hide her grin, but fails miserably>

[16:09] <Dez_Visir> <Puts a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing>

[16:09] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] He's always been roped in <laughs> but yes..<back to her solemn mood> I will try to make sure that he doesn't do something impulsive.

[16:11] <Dez_Visir> <The outer wall doors of the colony open and Dez's carrier exits, starting off with a slow pace before bursting in speed towards the designated route.>

[16:12] <Reve_Hunter> <moments later, three dishes are set aside on the table, the bread, just out of the oven, and the wine already poured out>

[16:12] <Reve_Hunter> There we go everyone, ready to eat.

[16:12] <Reve_Hunter> <leads everyone to the table> Catherine, this is your seat, Dez's that's yours, and this is mine <grin>

[16:12] <Catherine`Carver> <sits down in her seat>

[16:13] <Dez_Visir> Well, this looks delicious.....<Sits down in his seat, taking the napkin set there and placing it in his lap.>

[16:13] <Dez_Visir> Hey, wine.

[16:13] <Reve_Hunter> <in dez's pasta, she put LOADS of chili pepper and salt in the wine>

[16:13] <Dez_Visir> <Grabs his glass and prepares to drink it in one gulp>

[16:13] <Dez_Visir> <Stops> Eh....

[16:13] <Dez_Visir> No, I learned my lesson last time.

[16:13] <Reve_Hunter> <takes a sip of her own> how's the wine dez?

[16:13] <Catherine`Carver> <feeling slightly out of place in her enviormental suit, she tries to pretend she's wearing something else that looks normal>

[16:13] <Dez_Visir> <Puts the glass down> Better to drink in moderation.

[16:13] <Catherine`Carver> <...she utterly fails>

[16:14] <Dez_Visir> I'll tell you when I have some. What year is it?

[16:14] <Reve_Hunter> AC 226

[16:14] <Catherine`Carver> <lifts up the glass of wine, and takes a sip>

[16:14] <Dez_Visir> Oh. No expense spared, I see...<Speaks with a hint of sarcasm, of course.>

[16:15] <Reve_Hunter> Oh of course not.

[16:15] <Reve_Hunter> <smiles "lovingly">

[16:15] <Catherine`Carver> <as she starts to swallow it however, she hears Dez's comment and starts choking on it>

[16:15] <Catherine`Carver> <coughs repeatidly>

[16:16] <Dez_Visir> <Picks up his fork and twirls the spaghetti around its prongs> Don't choke, Catherine.

[16:16] <Catherine`Carver> <after a while she finally stops coughing, then tosses a glare to Dez>

[16:16] <Reve_Hunter> Are you alright catherine?

[16:16] <Catherine`Carver> Yeah, fine.

[16:16] <Dez_Visir> <Smiles, then takes a bite out of the spaghetti>

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> <Chews a few times....>

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> Hmmm...

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> <Looks up thoughtfully.>

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> <His face warms to a bright shade of pink>

[16:17] <Reve_Hunter> Is the pasta ok dez?

[16:17] <Reve_Hunter> <looks at him innocently>

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> Interesting flavor.....

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> Oh yeah...it's great...

[16:17] <Dez_Visir> <Takes another bite.> Mmm....

[16:17] <Reve_Hunter> <takes a bite of her own>

[16:17] <Catherine`Carver> <pokes at her spaghetti with the fork>

[16:18] <Reve_Hunter> <takes a sip of her wine as well>

[16:18] <Dez_Visir> .....<Takes a bite out of a particularly large chunk of pepper>

[16:18] <Dez_Visir> <Tears stream from his eyes>

[16:18] <Catherine`Carver> Dez, are you okay?

[16:18] <Dez_Visir> <Puts the fork down and quickly grabs the wine.>

[16:18] <Reve_Hunter> Dez sweetheart? Is anything wrong?

[16:19] <Dez_Visir> <Downs the glass, then his eyes open widely>

[16:19] <Catherine`Carver> Uh...if you just ate a pepper wine will make it worse.

[16:19] <Reve_Hunter> <goes to the fridge and gets a bottle of water for dez>

[16:19] <Dez_Visir> <Spits out the wine to the side>

[16:19] <Reve_Hunter> Here we go sweety, have some water.

[16:19] <Dez_Visir> <Gasps for air>

[16:19] <Catherine`Carver> <looks back down at her plat and pokes at the spaghetti again>

[16:19] <Catherine`Carver> Water is bad too.

[16:19] <Catherine`Carver> Milk and bread are the only things that work.

[16:20] <Reve_Hunter> Oh...

[16:20] <Dez_Visir> <Falls out of his chair before he can get to the water>

[16:20] <Catherine`Carver> <pokes at the spaghetti some more>

[16:20] <Reve_Hunter> <goes to get some milk>

[16:20] <Reve_Hunter> Dez? <now is a bit more concerned>

[16:20] <Dez_Visir> <Still gasping for air. His face turns red.>

[16:20] <Catherine`Carver> Uh...is he choking?

[16:20] <Dez_Visir> All....er.....g....i....c....

[16:20] <Catherine`Carver> Oh shit!

[16:21] <Reve_Hunter> Dez...are you...damn..

[16:21] <Catherine`Carver> <grabs Dez and helps him back up into his chair>

[16:21] <Reve_Hunter> Dez, what can we do to counter this? Are you with us dez?

[16:21] <Reve_Hunter> From the back, she begins to do the hiemlech maneuver

[16:22] <Catherine`Carver> He's already ingested it, moron!

[16:22] <Catherine`Carver> He has to throw it up.

[16:22] <Reve_Hunter> Listen, I'm not the medic here...shit.

[16:23] <Dez_Visir> <Stumbles away from them, falling onto the ground. He crawls towards the bathroom, and once there slams the door shut.>

[16:24] <Dez_Visir> <Opens the medicine cabinet behind the mirror and fumbles through the various pills inside. Painkillers, psychic headache alleivers, and.....anti-allergenic medicine.>

[16:24] <Dez_Visir> <Slams the bottle of medicine against the sink, cracking its orange plastic container open. He really didn't have time to fool around with the Child-Proof lid.>

[16:25] <Dez_Visir> <Grabs a handful of the pills before they go down the drain and jams them into his mouth.>

[16:25] <Dez_Visir> <Turns on the faucet and shoves his mouth under it, drinking down the lukewarm tap water.>

[16:25] <Dez_Visir> <He then turns off the water and falls onto the floor, lying on his back.>

[16:25] <Dez_Visir> Kuh......huh.....

[16:26] <Catherine`Carver> <knocks on the bathroom door> Dez, are you okay?

[16:26] <Dez_Visir> <His vision is blurred, and slightly off center.>

[16:26] <Catherine`Carver> Dez?

[16:26] <Dez_Visir> <He also can't really talk...>

[16:27] <Catherine`Carver> Okay, I'll leave you alone.

[16:27] <Dez_Visir> <Pushes himself up so that his back is leaning against the wall. His gasping starts to lessen...>

[16:28] <Catherine`Carver> <walks back over to the kitchenette and pushes around the food on the plate> It would be the peppers...

[16:28] <Catherine`Carver> <pushes more food around on Dez's plate> Or the sauce.

[16:28] <Dez_Visir> <"That bitch...."> <Gulps as the swelling in his throat starts to go down.>

[16:29] <Catherine`Carver> Possibly some of the spices.

[16:30] <Catherine`Carver> <"Well I'm sure not eating Reve's food now">

[16:37] <Catherine`Carver> <walking back to the bathroom to check on Dez, she knocks on the door once again to see if he's okay> Dez, are you able to speak now?

[16:38] <Dez_Visir> Yes...<Coughs loudly>

[16:38] <Catherine`Carver> Are you okay? Reve and I are worried...

[16:39] <Catherine`Carver> <"Worried? Man, I'm a loser with a capital L">

[16:39] <Dez_Visir> Yeah, I'm <Coughs again, and for a lengthier period> I'm fine...

[16:40] <Catherine`Carver> Do you want to stay in there for a while, or do you want to get out?

[16:41] <Dez_Visir> I'll come out in a second.

[16:42] <Dez_Visir> <Pushes himself up against the wall until he's on his feet, then stumbles over towards the sink. His face is still slightly red, and his hair's not in its usual slick state. He looks like he's just fallen out of a moving truck.>

[16:42] <Catherine`Carver> Okay.

[16:44] <Dez_Visir> <Coughs again, and spits out into the sink before opening the door and walking out of the bathroom>

[16:44] <Catherine`Carver> <she walks back into the kitch, then pushes the food on her own palte around some more> Ah, forget it. <shoves the plate away>

[16:45] <Catherine`Carver> <stands up> Uh, hey Dez.

[16:45] <Reve_Hunter> <sits down in the co-pilot's chair, morose>

[16:46] <Reve_Hunter> Maria? Are you there? <tries talking to the computer>

[16:46] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "Yes, I am here."

[16:46] <Dez_Visir> <Sits down in a chair, looking worn out from the ordeal.>

[16:47] <Reve_Hunter> Maria, do you have a list of the allergies that dez has? And any sort of medical conditions that I should know about?

[16:47] <Dez_Visir> God...

[16:47] <Nathan_Carver> <His watches the screen wink out, the call having ended> Well, now we wait... <he glances out the window, suddenly noting the new arrivals> Not long either... hmph.

[16:47] <Catherine`Carver> You look like shit, man.

[16:47] <Dez_Visir> Thank you...

[16:48] <Catherine`Carver> What caused that?

[16:49] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "Dez is allergic to anything over 5,000 Scolville units of capsaicin."

[16:49] <Dez_Visir> Probably that damned pepper...

[16:49] <Catherine`Carver> Thought so.

[16:50] <Reve_Hunter> Capsaicin? Elaborate Please Maria?

[16:50] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] <he leaves the company warehouse, intent on getting back to his studies. Instead, he sees the newcomers, or at least their entourage, lined up outside.>

[16:51] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "Capsaicin is a powerful alkaloid which gives chiles their heat."

[16:51] <Reve_Hunter> >_<

[16:51] <Reve_Hunter> What does he take in order to counteract this allergy?

[16:51] <Catherine`Carver> You sure you're okay now?

[16:52] <Nathan_Carver> [Arthur] <Despite age, a bad leg, and a tendency to make his pressence known for about a four mile radius, Arthur manages to come up behind Sean, nearly scaring him in doing so> Eh? Wha's this all abou'?

[16:52] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "A specialized medication that nulls the effects of the allergenic effect known as Drifloxinalisal."

[16:53] <Catherine`Carver> <walks past Dez after he doesn't answer and heads into the cockpit, seeing Reve there> Hey, move over. I need to use the comm.

[16:53] <Reve_Hunter> Maria, does dez forgive easily?

[16:53] <Catherine`Carver> <taps her foot impatiently>

[16:53] <Dez_Visir> <The man at the center of the group moving into the Thinline lobby makes his way through the crowd and towards the receptionist> [Kairn] "I would like a meeting with Mr. Carver...now."

[16:53] <Reve_Hunter> Oh...sure...

[16:53] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] Don't know... that's a military car, though.. the one in front. <Points to the insignia-bearing limo.>

[16:54] <Reve_Hunter> <moves away and sits in a nearby passenger seat, still listening for maria's answer>

[16:54] <Catherine`Carver> <activating the comm she uses her frequency to get into Thinline...>

[16:54] <Catherine`Carver> Answer the damn comm, Dad.

[16:54] <Nathan_Carver> [Receptionist] Sir, you'll have to... [Nathan] <Halfway down the main floor's grand staircase, he looks down> Right here.

[16:54] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "It is my memory that Dez holds life-long grudges. As recorded in this journal entry on April 15th, 227..." <Recording plays> [Dez] "I can't stand some people....it may be a fault of mine that I am not forgiving."

[16:54] <Catherine`Carver> Reve, shut that damn thing off.

[16:55] <Reve_Hunter> >_< oh dear.

[16:55] <Dez_Visir> <Kairn smiles> [Kairn] "Excellent." <He waves to his companions, and they back off as he approaches Nathan.>

[16:55] <Catherine`Carver> Answer the goddamn comm!'

[16:55] <Reve_Hunter> <sighs> Thank you maria. I will continue this conversation from the quarters, please only project sound to that room.

[16:55] <Nathan_Carver> What can I do for you? <On the comm-line, a message plays, and Catherine is routed back to a company switchboard.>

[16:56] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "Okay."

[16:56] <Catherine`Carver> This is Catherine Carver, I need to speak with my father immediatly. You know my frequency.

[16:56] <Reve_Hunter> [sakura] <gives cliff a call on his mobile>

[16:56] <Nathan_Carver> [Receptionist] "Sorry, Ms. Carver, but he's in a meeting.

[16:56] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "I have come here on business, as you can tell from my friends here....you see, there has been a problem recently involving certain companies...I'm sure you're aware of it."

[16:56] <Catherine`Carver> Look, this is an emergency. I don't care what he's doing right now, but GET ME THROUGH!

[16:57] <Herusu_Hunter> [Cliff] <picks up> yeah?

[16:57] <Reve_Hunter> <walks to the quarters that her and dez share, jumps on the bed and holds her knees> oh man...i'm so stupid.

[16:57] <Catherine`Carver> <bites her nails> Oh man...

[16:57] <Reve_Hunter> [sakura] Nate called just earlier, apparently he'll be expecting a visit from kairn soon....

[16:57] <Nathan_Carver> <he folds his arms, glazing down. Still unsure as to the rationale...> Yes, I am.... [Receptionist] Call for you sir, it's.... [Nathan] Take a message.

[16:57] <Herusu_Hunter> [Cliff] you mean that guy from the colonial alliance?

[16:58] <Reve_Hunter> [Sakura] yeah...i really don't have a good feeling about this

[16:58] <Nathan_Carver> <He walks back up the stairs> This way, sir. Is it major? Colonel? Or did they send a general after us?

[16:58] <Catherine`Carver> <yells at the receptionist> Tell him it's Catherine!

[16:58] <Catherine`Carver> <her face is contorted with anger and nervousness>

[16:58] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "Colonel....and well, I'm on my way to that last rank...hopefully with the completed operation now at hand, I will be further towards that goal. Mr. Carver, your company produces weapons, yet you are a medical business...how do you explain that?"

[16:59] <Catherine`Carver> Damn it. Why did Dad have to do this?

[16:59] <Nathan_Carver> [Receptionist] "Look, Catherine, he's meeting with some military guy. It might have something to do with our jobs. Call back, or talk to your mother, please."

[16:59] <Reve_Hunter> Maria, is there any record in the past of anything that has put Dez in a good mood? Perhaps something that will make him not be mad at me?

[16:59] <Catherine`Carver> The military's there? Oh god, I'm too late!

[17:00] <Nathan_Carver> Security, for a basic rationale. We conduct a lot of experimental work, and cover a broad market. Rather then employ an agency, it's more cost effective for us to do the work ourselves.

[17:00] <Catherine`Carver> Break into the meeting. Tell him it's from me and I won't stop until he listens to me.

[17:00] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "He seemed quite happy at the activity you were doing two nights ago. I will play back recorded audio of that if you would like..."

[17:00] <Reve_Hunter> Um, no need maria....I remember quite clearly...<blushes>

[17:01] <Nathan_Carver> <He opens the door to his office, once they finally arrive. An open room, it overlooks most of the complex. Sitting at his desk, he pushes aside a few papers>

[17:01] <Nathan_Carver> [Receptionist] "I can't. Look, I don't want to lose my job....">

[17:01] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "Perhaps...but it is companies that produce privately owned suits that generate such risks in the first place for there to even be security...."

[17:02] <Catherine`Carver> You won't get fired, and if you do I'll compensate you personally.

[17:02] <Catherine`Carver> <picks at her fingernails nervously>

[17:02] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Listen Miss Carver. I am sure that this is an urgent matter, however Mr. Carver is not taking any calls, regardless of who they are from, he's given me express orders...

[17:02] <Nathan_Carver> One for one, mobile suits were the best alternative. Their pressence enough was an apt deterrant against trouble. Pirates and bandits tend not to attack them.

[17:02] <Catherine`Carver> Argh!

[17:03] <Catherine`Carver> Fine, I'm staying on the line then.

[17:03] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "Yes, but perhaps you aren't aware of a treaty that we hold with the United Alliance...."

[17:03] <Nathan_Carver> They were also cheaper to operate and maintain then a private army, which would have raised even more serious problems.

[17:03] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Miss Carver..I understand your frustration...perhaps...<bites lower lip, hoping she doesn't lose her job by suggesting this> Perhaps if you tell me what you want to tell him, I can write it on a note and pass it to him?

[17:03] <Catherine`Carver> Okay.

[17:03] <Catherine`Carver> You're the best.

[17:04] <Catherine`Carver> Tell him...

[17:04] <Nathan_Carver> The one that basically gives you the right to butt in wherever you find a suit? "Mutual concern of a renewal of hostilities," I think the clause says. Yes.

[17:04] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] I hope I'm still the best after I'm collecting unemployment...

[17:05] <Catherine`Carver> Tell him that self-same colonial military he's talking to sent one of their officers to try to kill me because I have a mobile suit. Their officer told me that the next person sent out with a mobile suit will die.

[17:05] <Nathan_Carver> A byproduct of a desperate politician looking for a quick fix to war. Both sides keep low armaments levels if they can inspect one another. <shrugs> So, what's our problem?

[17:05] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "You would be correct. It states that only military parties and military contracted private parties may construct and produce mobile weapons of any kind..."

[17:06] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "After consulting with the UA, you are not a military contracted party for producing mobile weapons...and you certainly aren't one for the Colonial Alliance."

[17:06] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] The next person from Thinline? Will die?

[17:06] <Nathan_Carver> No, it says that they're the only ones who can produce mobile weapons for the sake of equipping an armed combat team. I have a security agency. <smiles>

[17:06] <Catherine`Carver> Yes.

[17:07] <Nathan_Carver> Legal jargon. I can bat you back all day, if that's your game.

[17:07] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "A security agency...and the name of that is what, sir?"

[17:07] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Miss Carver, this is a serious accusation which could get your father in grave danger if he were incorrect in calling this military official out...

[17:07] <Catherine`Carver> I just need him to know that they mean business.

[17:07] <Dez_Visir> <There is something very familiar about Kairn. In fact, he looks like someone Nathan might have known a long time ago...back before all of the troubles began.>

[17:07] <Nathan_Carver> It's the company's own mobile suit group. As I recall, all of their activities have been either defensive, or in legal contest.

[17:08] <Catherine`Carver> It's all true.

[17:08] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Miss Carver..<in the meantime hastily scrawling her message on Thinline memopaper> Do you need us to send someone to assist you?

[17:08] <Nathan_Carver> <Frowns, and shakes it off. Ghosts haunting him... it was like that after the war. Constant suspicion... but still...>

[17:08] <Catherine`Carver> No, I have some people helping me at the moment. I am currently on my way to Thinline.

[17:09] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Very well then, be careful Miss Catherine. I will try to slip this note to your father right now.

[17:09] <Catherine`Carver> Thank you, and good luck.

[17:09] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "Perhaps...oh, except for this. <Opens his suit case and tosses a pile of photos onto Nathan's desk. It's snapshots of the Apollo in combat...> Was that in defense?"

[17:10] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] I'll need it. Would you like to remain on the line Miss catherine?

[17:10] <Catherine`Carver> Yes.

[17:10] <Nathan_Carver> <he sighs, looking them over> To my knowledge, yes. The pilot was defending himself from an agressor who initiated combat.

[17:11] <Nathan_Carver> Look, Colonel, if you're looking for a patsy who's going to roll over so you can stick another pip in your collar, you've come to the wrong place.

[17:11] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] <Puts catherine on hold, and she listens to cheesy elevator music>

[17:11] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] That's not the way our military operatives see it. This suit trespassed into forbidden territory during an investigation...we can press charges and shut down this operation for at least 20 years."

[17:11] <Catherine`Carver> <calls back to the kitchenette> Dez, how much longer until we get to XL1-7471?

[17:12] <Dez_Visir> Not too much longer...why?

[17:12] <Catherine`Carver> Thinline is in deep shit.

[17:12] <Nathan_Carver> And I can question the need for the military's blockade, along with its sanctioning of a psychometal suit. That material has a powerful stigma attached to it, Colonel, one that could ruin you.

[17:12] <Dez_Visir> Great...

[17:12] <Dez_Visir> <His voice is still raspy.>

[17:13] <Nathan_Carver> I'll bet your folks cooked up that Endlos monstrosity as well... <glares>

[17:13] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "It is very doubtful that the general population would know psychometal if they were face to face with it, Mr. Carver. Going on the reports of the leader of a criminal organization was never really the way that the public works...as for your allegations concerning Endlos, we do not make mistakes."

[17:13] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] <opens the door slightly and notice the two men in deep conversation, she walks up slowly behind mr. Carver and places the note into his hand firmly then runs out>

[17:14] <Nathan_Carver> <He looks at the note for a moment, and his eyes widen. Then, he looks back to Kairn> That was stupid, Colonel. It seems that one of your men has attacked one of our pilots.

[17:15] <Nathan_Carver> Care to explain?

[17:15] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "That's extremely doubtful..."

[17:15] <Reve_Hunter> <walks out from the quarters and comes behind dez, wrapping her arms around his neck she she whispers...> I'm sorry baby...

[17:16] <Nathan_Carver> Then, I guess that my source lied. Though, why my own daughter would lie about that is beyond me.

[17:16] <Nathan_Carver> Look colonel, you can play the media all you want. But the public doesn't trust the colonial military either. Some of them still remember the Grand Cross. Heck, all you guys have done in the last 30 years is bring grief, in their eyes.

[17:16] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "Putting your own children out in those mobile suits, Mr. Carver? My my...what would your father think of such things?"

[17:17] <Reve_Hunter> <her forehead resting at the top of his head she sighs> I know you're mad...but I hope you'll forgive me? I was just a bit peeved about the maria trick, and thought to get back at you, I didn't think you were allergic to pepper...

[17:17] <Nathan_Carver> My father would probably have done worse. <frowns> But my family business is outside of this.

[17:18] <Dez_Visir> Yes, of course....

[17:18] <Catherine`Carver> <exits the cockpit to go ask Dez something, then seeing Reve there she goes back into the cockpit>

[17:18] <Dez_Visir> So I guess I should just forgive you for almost killing me.

[17:19] <Reve_Hunter> <frowns> I didn't know...

[17:19] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "It appears that you just won't cooperate, Mr. Carver. It's sad.......but that's what happens in these times. I just hope that you tell your wife and children that you love them before tomorrow...."

[17:19] <Dez_Visir> <Kairn leaves the photos there, and walks away quietly.>

[17:20] <Nathan_Carver> Threats, colonel, do not become you.

[17:20] <Reve_Hunter> I'm sorry...I really didn't mean to...I asked maria what you're allergic to, and what would make you happy...but, she tried to play an audio but I stopped her <blushes>

[17:20] <Dez_Visir> <Sighs> It was stupid...and it almost costed me my life....

[17:20] <Reve_Hunter> I know...I just wanted to say I'm really sorry dez...

[17:20] <Nathan_Carver> <he turns in his seat, looking out the window... finally, comm> Put a connection through to my daughter.

[17:20] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Miss Carver are you still on the line?

[17:21] <Catherine`Carver> Yes.

[17:21] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] Mr. Carver wishes to speak to you.

[17:21] <Catherine`Carver> Put him through.

[17:21] <Nathan_Carver> <comm> Catherine? Are you alright?

[17:21] <Dez_Visir> I guess I can forgive you. <Leans his chin onto his fist, slightly pouting.>

[17:21] <Reve_Hunter> [Receptionist] <links the two together>

[17:21] <Catherine`Carver> Dad!

[17:22] <Catherine`Carver> The important thing is are YOU alright?

[17:22] <Nathan_Carver> What?

[17:22] <Catherine`Carver> Did those military guys do anything to you?

[17:22] <Reve_Hunter> <turns from the back and kneels down, facing him> <pouts> you sure?

[17:22] <Nathan_Carver> No, other then a little threatening and a subtle hint.

[17:22] <Catherine`Carver> Is Sean okay? What about theothers?

[17:22] <Nathan_Carver> We're fine... what's going on?

[17:23] <Catherine`Carver> We're just about there. I'll dock, and then we can talk. It's best I explain it in person.

[17:23] <Reve_Hunter> <takes both his hands in her own> really dez, I would never intentionally do anything to hurt you seriously...it was a small prank going dangerously wrong. I'm sorry. <kisses his hands>

[17:23] <Dez_Visir> [Kairn] "<As he's walking away with his fellow officers, he says something that only they can hear.> He's marked....<One of the officers nods, then splits off to join another group.. Kairn's group exits Thinline Medical, all of their limos pulling out completely.>

[17:24] <Dez_Visir> Just.......whatever....it's over with now.

[17:24] <Dez_Visir> What's done is done.

[17:24] <Reve_Hunter> <nods>

[17:24] <Catherine`Carver> <the carrier has now neared the Thinline colony, and begins it's descent. Soon it has landed and finds itself within the Thinle Medica; hanger. With Dez and Reve occupied, Catherine had to do the entire thing>

[17:24] <Nathan_Carver> <Comm> Alright. I'll see you there.

[17:25] <Catherine`Carver> <calls back to the two lovebirds> We're here.

[17:25] <Nathan_Carver> <Standing at he docks, he waits patiently. Sean is nearby, looking out the window to the other ships.>

[17:25] <Reve_Hunter> Maria? Please record that Mr. Visir has forgiven me. And that I promise to never try something like that again on him.

[17:25] <Reve_Hunter> <turns around> alright catherine.

[17:25] <Catherine`Carver> <exiting the carrier, she runs to her father and brother>

[17:25] <Dez_Visir> [Maria] "Voice detectors indicate that Dez was ly--" Shut up, Maria. [Maria] "As you wish."

[17:25] <Catherine`Carver> We're in deep.

[17:25] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] Hey, the bearer of bad news...

[17:26] <Nathan_Carver> What's wrong?

[17:26] <Catherine`Carver> I'll tell you what happened.

[17:26] <Reve_Hunter> <turns to Dez> fine...i'll just hope that you'll forgive me sometime...<walks away feeling even more depressed, and follows catherine outside to greet the rest of the carvers.>

[17:26] <Nathan_Carver> Alright. <He looks back, seeing Dez and Reve> And you brought friends?

[17:27] <Dez_Visir> <Tries to smooth back his hair, then exits the carrier.>

[17:27] <Catherine`Carver> They picked me up.

[17:27] <Catherine`Carver> You remember Reve, of course. And that guy...well, that's Dez.

[17:27] <Catherine`Carver> Anyway.

[17:27] <Dez_Visir> <Gives a weak wave, looking slightly out of it>

[17:28] <Nathan_Carver> I recall hearing about "The Silencer." Pictured him to be older. <shrugs> Anyway, come on. <He walks back to a waiting car.>

[17:29] <Nathan_Carver> [Sean] Reve, Dez, hi! <he tries to get a wave in, following>

[17:29] <Catherine`Carver> I was guarding a transport on it's way to one of the colony clusters when i was attacked by a colonial military pilot...the guy who piloted the Mobus. He didn't want the transport, only me. We fought for a while, and I managed to damage him somewhat...however, he won in th end. I was too damaged, and he pinned me to a transmission sattelite with the message that any other mobile suits from our organization left, the pilot would die.

[17:30] <Dez_Visir> <Mumbles> Hi Sean.

[17:30] <Nathan_Carver> So much for subtle... are you okay?

[17:31] <Catherine`Carver> I'm fine. By the time I was picked up by pirates, I had about 10 hours of air left.

[17:31] <Nathan_Carver> Pirates?

[17:31] <Catherine`Carver> They were interested in teh Artemis.

[17:31] <Catherine`Carver> Speaking of which, Artemis is in the carrier. You can see the damage for yourself.

[17:31] <Nathan_Carver> Nevermind... I'd rather not know. <sighs, stepping into the car>

[17:32] <Dez_Visir> Well, I guess she needs to take care of some family business....

[17:32] <Nathan_Carver> <he sits, and leans back in the seat. The interior has room enough for all of them.>

[17:32] <Catherine`Carver> <enters the car and sits next to her father>

[17:32] <Catherine`Carver> The military is serious.

[17:33] <Nathan_Carver> The military denied the attack, and tried to put me on a guilt trip for letting you go in the first place.

[17:33] <Nathan_Carver> I was there, ever so eloquently, told that I was dead man.

[17:33] <Catherine`Carver> Oh man...

[17:34] <Catherine`Carver> I have proof that I was attacked, however. My video recording unit was operational.

[17:34] <Nathan_Carver> Not to worry. It's nothing altogether new. I'm more concerned about you guys.

[17:34] <Reve_Hunter> <waves to sean> hey there stranger. Wish it were on better terms that were were seeing each other again.