[21:46] <Sean_Carver> <Alone, he walks among the silent corridors of Thinline Medical. The occassion has been observed... no one will work today. It is a period of reflection. Though many will take it as just another event, albeit somewhat haphazard, there will be those that remember...>

[21:49] <Sean_Carver> <Rain... somehow appropriate. Though merely the subject of chance... an oddly timed event in the colony's weather programming, it seems cued to the times. The heavens weep... but what does it mean, when an illusionary sky spouts artificial rain?>

[21:50] <Sean_Carver> <Perhaps the sorrow is equally artificial... a passing shadow that we cling too for support. What then? Remorse? Rememberance? Or do we just forget? Does memory fall back into the sidelines, forlorn and unnoticed?>

[21:50] <Sean_Carver> I won't forget.

[21:52] <Sean_Carver> <A flash punctuates his words... a trick of fate, or perhaps some unseen observer? It's all false... light generated through emitters and networks that are out of view. Still... trick of destiny.>

[21:56] <Miranda_Descartes> <a shadow passes over sean's head>

[21:57] <Sean_Carver> I can't forget... or even forgive.... <he watches a shower of drops beat on the window pane> But I have to move on... we all do. <he looks away> "Turn the page...", huh dad? <he sighs, knowing that there will be no response.... there will never be any response>

[21:57] <Miranda_Descartes> <he experiences respite from the rain, as a large form hovers above him and then lands not too far away>

[21:57] <Sean_Carver> <He stops> Whatever you want, get it over with. You've gone far with this already...

[21:59] <Miranda_Descartes> <Miranda zips down the ripcord and on to the ground>

[21:59] <Sean_Carver> <He walks on through the rain>

[21:59] <Miranda_Descartes> Mr. Carver.

[22:00] <Miranda_Descartes> Please...

[22:00] <Miranda_Descartes> A moment of your time.

[22:00] <Sean_Carver> What do you want?

[22:00] <Sean_Carver> You.... you people sicken me! <he turns towards her>

[22:01] <Miranda_Descartes> <she holds her helmet in one hand and reaches out to stop sean with the other>

[22:01] <Sean_Carver> You're from the military, aren't you?

[22:01] <Miranda_Descartes> Please, just one moment.

[22:01] <Miranda_Descartes> <her uniform makes her affiliation obvious however she nods, confirming his statement>

[22:01] <Sean_Carver> What, so you can shoot me too?! Or maybe it's my mother this time? Or maybe that 12 year old little girl, who's got to figure out a way to deal with her father's murder!

[22:02] <Miranda_Descartes> No. I have no weapons on me.

[22:02] <Miranda_Descartes> I came alone

[22:03] <Sean_Carver> You're a piece of work... good cop, bad cop...

[22:03] <Miranda_Descartes> Mr. Carver. I'm not playing a good cop bad cop scenario. My superiors don't even know that I'm here.

[22:03] <Sean_Carver> Only the bad cop decided to gun down a helpless victim!

[22:04] <Sean_Carver> Your superiors?! How can you even stomache working for people who legitimise murder?

[22:04] <Miranda_Descartes> Yes, I belong with the Military, however, not all of us are aware of every mission that goes on.

[22:05] <Miranda_Descartes> The fact that I had no idea that such an act was to happen makes me even question who authorized such an act.

[22:05] <Miranda_Descartes> I do indeed work for the Military, however, I do not know who or why they had taken such measures.

[22:05] <Sean_Carver> You're no better than they are. Another little doll. "Yes sir, thank you sir, may I have another mission sir?" Maybe some children next time, hmm? Perhaps there's another family out there who might step on your toes. Better kill 'em all!

[22:06] <Miranda_Descartes> Blasted! Listen, I know you're mad. And I don't even know why I came here to help you! You can rant and rave all you want young man, but it's not going to bring your father back. I have no intention to hurt you, however I just wanted to say be careful, and just do what the military wants.

[22:07] <Miranda_Descartes> I do not want to see my fellow men slaughtered needlessly.

[22:07] <Miranda_Descartes> I have no idea why this has happened to you.

[22:07] <Miranda_Descartes> I joined the military to help people.

[22:07] <Miranda_Descartes> This is not what I wanted. Believe me.

[22:07] <Sean_Carver> Your "fellow men" decided to put a bullet through my father, miss. If they come here, they'll get whatever they deserve.

[22:08] <Miranda_Descartes> You think to fight the military?

[22:08] <Miranda_Descartes> You'll die just like your father...

[22:08] <Miranda_Descartes> Why not just do as they say?

[22:08] <Miranda_Descartes> Bury your arms, hand over what they want.

[22:08] <Sean_Carver> At least I stood up to corruption. You want me to lie down and die infront of it.

[22:08] <Miranda_Descartes> Run a drugstore.

[22:09] <Sean_Carver> Sorry, I've got more dignity than that.

[22:09] <Miranda_Descartes> It's not about dignity, it's about staying alive, and being able to fight another day.

[22:09] <Miranda_Descartes> I don't want to be your enemy.

[22:10] <Miranda_Descartes> However, it's obvious that you put us on different sides.

[22:10] <Sean_Carver> To fight? Why wait? People who assure themselves that they can fight later when they give up now are delluded.

[22:10] <Miranda_Descartes> No, they're waiting for a more opportune time.

[22:10] <Miranda_Descartes> Your mind is befuddled.

[22:11] <Miranda_Descartes> You're not thinking straight.

[22:11] <Sean_Carver> <folds his arms> Maybe it's the destiny of thoes who fight back to die. My father died because he disagreed with this. If I give up now, then what was it for?

[22:11] <Miranda_Descartes> You're not giving up, you're bidding time.

[22:11] <Sean_Carver> Tell me? Why'd they even bother? Why didn't you just take those damn weapons, and leave us alone?

[22:11] <Miranda_Descartes> I don't know...

[22:12] <Miranda_Descartes> You talk as if it was me...

[22:12] <Miranda_Descartes> I, Miranda Descartes, Do not know.

[22:12] <Miranda_Descartes> I just know that my parents were killed 20 years ago, because a mad man decided to poison the air...

[22:12] <Sean_Carver> You HAD to have blood, that's why. When good people don't do anything to stop the corrupt, they get weaker, and lose their chance to fight back.

[22:12] <Miranda_Descartes> Because I was in the military and I didn't die with them....that is what killed me.

[22:13] <Miranda_Descartes> I'm merely a shell, a ghost of my former self...I have suffered too, like you young carver.

[22:13] <Sean_Carver> Suffering? Don't you dare talk to me about suffering! You people didn't have to do this!

[22:14] <Sean_Carver> If you can give me one good reason why my father had to die, for your cause...

[22:15] <Miranda_Descartes> He didn't die for my cause...he died for someone else's.

[22:16] <Sean_Carver> Then maybe you should do something with your own people before you start trying to dictate to others.

[22:17] <Miranda_Descartes> <the older woman looks at the young man, seeing herself in him, the fire burning, the questions in his eyes, the sorrow and anger in his voice. It was as she was before, and she truly felt sorry for him, a feeling she thought herself hardened to so long ago>

[22:17] <Miranda_Descartes> <nods> very well Mr. Carver.

[22:17] <Miranda_Descartes> I shall make my departure.

[22:17] <Sean_Carver> <He turns> If begging me to change my father's view is what you wanted, then forget it.

[22:18] <Sean_Carver> I won't give you the satisfaction.

[22:18] <Miranda_Descartes> <sighs> I did not come to change you, just offer some advice.

[22:18] <Miranda_Descartes> The decision ultimately is yours, as it was your father's.

[22:19] <Sean_Carver> <A figure leans against Miranda's craft, oblivious to the rain. He merely listens, and waits.>

[22:19] <Sean_Carver> <Sean walks away> But he's no longer alive, miss. So, how long do I have?

[22:19] <Miranda_Descartes> You have as long as you choose...

[22:20] <Miranda_Descartes> Your choice however...does not bode very well, if you intend to live a long life

[22:20] <Miranda_Descartes> <nods> good day, Mr. Carver.

[22:20] <Sean_Carver> Tell that to my mother. She'd have some choice words for you people. <he looks back> You took away our lives.

[22:20] <Sean_Carver> <He walks on>

[22:21] <Miranda_Descartes> <walks off towards ishtar>

[22:21] <Gabriel_Sinclair> <He leans against the Gundam, a might perplexed.>

[22:22] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Colony militaries still have a habit of sinking to dirty tricks.

[22:23] <Miranda_Descartes> <the unfamiliar voice interrupts Miranda's thoughts> Excuse me?

[22:23] <Miranda_Descartes> Do I know you?

[22:23] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Why am I not surprised? <coughs> Damn rain... we don't usually waste power on weather simulations back home.

[22:23] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Me? Probably not.

[22:23] <Miranda_Descartes> And who are you to make such a comment?

[22:24] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Someone who's seen the colonies at their worst, and has taken it upon himself to help make up for it.

[22:24] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Hey... that must make me a hero. <he gives a wry smile>

[22:24] <Miranda_Descartes> A hero, just what this world needs.

[22:25] <Miranda_Descartes> Listen, I will not make excuses for the military, they do at times what they need to do. Sometimes their methods are questionable, however, there is always method to what many deem as madness.

[22:25] <Gabriel_Sinclair> When the military has to gun down family men for a living, you know it's a slow decade.

[22:25] <Gabriel_Sinclair> So, what's the method here?

[22:26] <Miranda_Descartes> <sighs> That I'm afraid, is unknown to even me.

[22:26] <Miranda_Descartes> I do not question, I merely act.

[22:26] <Gabriel_Sinclair> I'm not here to lecture you. Just reviewing the local bully, that's all. <shrugs> And with a Gundam, no less. If what I here is true.

[22:26] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Then, find out.

[22:26] <Miranda_Descartes> Find out? And who are you to tell me what to do?

[22:27] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Look, you're a solider. Look at the situation, and ask yourself, "why?"

[22:27] <Miranda_Descartes> I find out things because I want to find them out, not because some upstart standing beside my mobile suit has told me to.

[22:27] <Gabriel_Sinclair> It's not exactly the kinda thing that's brave and honorable, killing the people you're supposed to protect.

[22:28] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Upstart? Man, they don't give you any respect here, do they...?

[22:28] <Miranda_Descartes> <she knows this is true, but as trained, she does not let this be known by her facial expressions>

[22:28] <Miranda_Descartes> We are protecting people....Thinline was breaching a treaty which is meant to protect the colonies...

[22:29] <Gabriel_Sinclair> And, you decided to pass judgement and kill the man?

[22:29] <Miranda_Descartes> <the words sound hallow, unbelievable>

[22:29] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Pretty high and mighty.

[22:29] <Miranda_Descartes> Sometimes, one must fall, so that the others may stand.

[22:29] <Miranda_Descartes> They're called martyrs.

[22:29] <Gabriel_Sinclair> You don't even believe your own words. Martyrs can't love their families.

[22:30] <Miranda_Descartes> You are now telling me what I do or don't believe. I think you're being more than presumptuous and are overstepping your bounds sir.

[22:31] <Miranda_Descartes> I hereby declare this conversation over.

[22:31] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Maybe. But then, I can't give any orders anymore.

[22:31] <Gabriel_Sinclair> War heroes are hasbeens, once the shooting stops.

[22:31] <Miranda_Descartes> <his last comment catches her attention>

[22:31] <Miranda_Descartes> Orders? War Heroes?

[22:31] <Gabriel_Sinclair> <shrugs> Just like soliders are disposable, if they blindly follow orders. Might as well crack out the old mobile dolls.

[22:32] <Miranda_Descartes> You talk as if you were once a soldier yourself.

[22:32] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Yeah, I still am, sorta.

[22:32] <Gabriel_Sinclair> <winks> What to hear a secret? Promise not to tell?

[22:33] <Miranda_Descartes> <looks at Gabriel Strangely his change of conduct catching her off guard>

[22:33] <Gabriel_Sinclair> I'm not from around here. Not of late.

[22:33] <Miranda_Descartes> Oh. <his secret more than disappointing>

[22:33] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Not from Earth, or the colonies you police. <winks again> Sorta makes me the outsider. Grand.

[22:35] <Gabriel_Sinclair> But, if you run into any old timers, tell 'em Sinclair says "hi." I figure that someone ought to know me.

[22:35] <Miranda_Descartes> And where are you from then?

[22:36] <Gabriel_Sinclair> <He points up>

[22:36] <Miranda_Descartes> Sinclair...<the name definitely triggers a memory>

[22:36] <Miranda_Descartes> Gibraltar...

[22:37] <Miranda_Descartes> Seven Day Wars...

[22:37] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Hey, a history student.

[22:37] <Miranda_Descartes> AC 209...Gabriel Sinclair.

[22:37] <Miranda_Descartes> <nods> I'm a history buff actually...

[22:37] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Granted, I was a kid at the time...

[22:38] <Miranda_Descartes> <laughs>

[22:38] <Miranda_Descartes> I was the same age.

[22:38] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Then, you know what I'm talking about.

[22:38] <Miranda_Descartes> <looks at the man with new found respect>

[22:38] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Both of us are perfect examples of good people who did nothing.

[22:38] <Cecily_Lansou> Good. Any clue what Thinline Medical really does?

[22:38] <Miranda_Descartes> You did much more than I.

[22:39] <Miranda_Descartes> I was but a private that year, fresh out of military training.

[22:39] <Gabriel_Sinclair> During the actual war, I didn't. I wasn't even on the winning side.

[22:39] <Gabriel_Sinclair> So... you gonna do it again? I sure as heck am not.

[22:39] <Miranda_Descartes> My family was on L4 in 208....

[22:39] <Miranda_Descartes> Their air...

[22:40] <Gabriel_Sinclair> So, you know all too well. That kid just went through the same thing.

[22:40] <Miranda_Descartes> <shakes her head at the memory>

[22:40] <Miranda_Descartes> I know...

[22:41] <Miranda_Descartes> I tried to get him to cooperate, not because I want to see his spirit defeated, but because he can win his battle some other way.

[22:41] <Miranda_Descartes> I do not know why the military chose these methods

[22:41] <Miranda_Descartes> And I will try to find out.

[22:41] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Now, good bye miss... <squints at her uniform patch> Miranda Descartes. I hope you find out why, and make the right choices.

[22:42] <Miranda_Descartes> <nods> The Military Has Grand Ideals...unfortunately, many choose to hide behind their uniform and act out their own.

[22:42] <Gabriel_Sinclair> Sure... just try and puzzle out column A from column B. <he walks on, sneezing> Damn rain...