[Nexus] HALO 178: Mia clementia denor esto

[GrandDM]

"Mhmm. Sorry.

So what are you doing, then?" ~Civvy asks, eyes fairly wide as she comes over to look.
It's also fairly common knowledge, even just from listening to her talk, that ~Civvy's fairly airheaded.

He scoops the plan out of the holoscreen, Tony Stark style and holds it out to show her. His other hand continues to fiddle with stuff on the other screens even though he isn't looking at it.

"Designing an aquatic transportation craft. It occurred to me that I don't really have a dedicated sea vessel model."

The plan depicts a sleek, streamlined craft. From the size of the little holographic man standing beside it, it appears to be about the size of a fighter jet, but with much larger wings that, at the base, run pretty much the entire length of the craft and taper off in a smooth curve. Beside it are exploded diagrams of engines, missiles and other, stranger things.

[Mee]

He scoops the plan out of the holoscreen, Tony Stark style and holds it out to show her. His other hand continues to fiddle with stuff on the other screens even though he isn't looking at it.

"Designing an aquatic transportation craft. It occurred to me that I don't really have a dedicated sea vessel model."

The plan depicts a sleek, streamlined craft. From the size of the little holographic man standing beside it, it appears to be about the size of a fighter jet, but with much larger wings that, at the base, run pretty much the entire length of the craft and taper off in a smooth curve. Beside it are exploded diagrams of engines, missiles and other, stranger things.

"I think it could do without the weapons.

But anyway, let's go check on Tobias." Civvy says, waving him forward and heading off towards Toby's office.

[GrandDM]

"I think it could do without the weapons.

But anyway, let's go check on Tobias." Civvy says, waving him forward and heading off towards Toby's office.

He follows, looking around constantly, giving the sense of observing everything for future analysis.

[Mee]

He follows, looking around constantly, giving the sense of observing everything for future analysis.

Well, ~Civvy takes him directly there, so there's very little stuff to look at besides a handful of hallways. He might see what looks like a pool at the far end of one.

Shortly they arrive at Tobias' office, and ~Civvy knocks.

[FireFox]

[Office - Harald]

Enter. Tobias is sitting behind his desk, shuffling paperwork. In a rear corner, a team of squirrels work on four computers.

[Arkhosia]

[Office]

Tobias opens a drawer on the desk and pulls the piece of paper into it, only touching it with his pen.
He straightens up and gestures for Cecilia to take a seat. Tobias Vulpan, Commander of HALO. And you are?

Celica takes a seat.
Pleasure to meet you. Celica Mystral.

[Reinholdt]

Only because of the way it was presented.

"Pretty much just the entire Nexus.
Really, they probably wouldn't care, but I do. And I'd much rather avoid the chance of anyone doing exactly what you did. I'm no where near pompous enough to believe that everyone would be bowing all the time, but avoiding any chance is much better." Civvy, at this point, is kind of rambling.

Reina folds her arms in front of her and when she next speaks, hints of hurt and... despair seem to enter her voice. Seems odd, so maybe it's not noticed at all.

"Well you know it wouldn't be any sort of deal at all if you didn't out and out lie to your friends because you feel self conscious about being special." Reina says, now finding something else to look at.

[GrandDM]

[Office - Harald]

Enter. Tobias is sitting behind his desk, shuffling paperwork. In a rear corner, a team of squirrels work on four computers.

Harald walks in, raising an eyebrow momentarily at the squirrels.

"You wanted to see me about some business, I believe."

[FireFox]

[Office - Celica]

What can I do for you, Ms. Mystral?


[Office - Harald]

Ah, I'm a Druid and have no idea about any of this technology stuff. So I Awakened a few squirrels to handle those computer things. He smiles self-deprecatingly, then gets down to business. Yes, are you capable of undertaking two small construction projects in Inside and Riverside?

[Arkhosia]

Office - Celica

I wish to join HALO.

[GrandDM]

[Office - Harald]

Ah, I'm a Druid and have no idea about any of this technology stuff. So I Awakened a few squirrels to handle those computer things. He smiles self-deprecatingly, then gets down to business. Yes, are you capable of undertaking two small construction projects in Inside and Riverside?

"Yes. Riverside is simply the expansion of my facility there; it's not currently large enough. As for Inside, AMEN have hired me to build them a new base. Obviously I've made sure it's not up to my full standard, because I wouldn't want to provide them undue defensive capabilities. I also installed self-destruct modules, so they can't copy any of my technology. It will blow up the instant they try and take a look inside."

[Mee]

Reina folds her arms in front of her and when she next speaks, hints of hurt and... despair seem to enter her voice. Seems odd, so maybe it's not noticed at all.

"Well you know it wouldn't be any sort of deal at all if you didn't out and out lie to your friends because you feel self conscious about being special." Reina says, now finding something else to look at.

Civvy sighs. Fairly heavily.
"You're right. However, as I want to point out, as soon as you did find out you decided to kneel. Which was the main thing I was avoiding."

[Reinholdt]

"What? Kneeling? Really, that's what you're talking about?"
... Reina was talking about the pointing.
"I was just screwing with flower guy. I can personally guarantee 9.7 out of 10 people in the Nexus would not kneel upon hearing about someone's god status it's so ridiculously common."

[Mee]

"What? Kneeling? Really, that's what you're talking about?"
... Reina was talking about the pointing.
"I was just screwing with flower guy. I can personally guarantee 9.7 out of 10 people in the Nexus would not kneel upon hearing about someone's god status it's so ridiculously common."

Civvy nods. "Well, the only time I really get out is to go to Vulpania. Which . . . all too common." Civvy is, however, wilting visibly at the argument. Or at least what she sees as the argument.

[Reinholdt]

It was like... two of my posts ago, then stopped one post ago.
Huh, maybe Reina is as volatile as FF claims.

"No offense, but Vulpania has a lot of pyschotics and fanatics. You should consider more trips to alternate planes of existence. Travelling is good. We could always go to the park again if you want."

[Mee]

It was like... two of my posts ago, then stopped one post ago.
Huh, maybe Reina is as volatile as FF claims.

"No offense, but Vulpania has a lot of pyschotics and fanatics. You should consider more trips to alternate planes of existence. Travelling is good. We could always go to the park again if you want."

"That's true. I really should. Just that that's what I've grown up with, you know?

And more trips out would be nice. If you're okay with taking me." Civvy says, chewing on her bottom lip, fairly convinced that Reina was just going to leave and never come back.

[Reinholdt]

To Civvy town square?

"I'm fine with it if you are. It's not like I didn't create clones to have time to do stuff." It might not be shopapuffed Rein admittedly.

"But first I suppose you need to show me around still."

[FireFox]

Office - Celica

I wish to join HALO.

[Office - Celica]

A few questions then: What makes you want to join, what can you offer us, and what are you willing to do? Tobias leans back in his chair and studies her.

"Yes. Riverside is simply the expansion of my facility there; it's not currently large enough. As for Inside, AMEN have hired me to build them a new base. Obviously I've made sure it's not up to my full standard, because I wouldn't want to provide them undue defensive capabilities. I also installed self-destruct modules, so they can't copy any of my technology. It will blow up the instant they try and take a look inside."

[Office - Harald]


AMEN is setting up shop in Inside now? Remnant's not going to like that. Tobias frowns. All the more important that I hire you, then. I would like you to construct one building in Inside and an identical one in Riverside. I want them to be offices, listening posts, garrisons, satellite bases, staging points, safe houses, and symbols of HALO's interest in protecting the citizens of those cities.

[GrandDM]

[Office - Harald]


AMEN is setting up shop in Inside now? Remnant's not going to like that. Tobias frowns. All the more important that I hire you, then. I would like you to construct one building in Inside and an identical one in Riverside. I want them to be offices, listening posts, garrisons, satellite bases, staging points, safe houses, and symbols of HALO's interest in protecting the citizens of those cities.

((I may have been wrong, actually. I don't know where the base Harald's building really is. I think it's in Inside, but it may not be.))

"Certainly. I'll have some plans in a few minutes."

He calls up a holoscreen and begins drafting a plan.

Spoiler: HALO Outpost

Show

From the outside, it looks normal. However, the walls are reinforced with bars of Harald's special alloy and the windows are filled with a special polymer that's as strong as the walls. It has three floors plus three basement levels. The deepest basement is home to a huge computer array to handle the listening post and satellite control tasks. The second basement is a cell block. The first basement is a barracks. On the ground floor are general offices and facilites. The second floor is military, containing an armoury and other related stuff. The top floor is restricted-access, holding the outpost commander's office and the satellite communication array, as well as the forcefield projector. It's a model significantly superior to the ones installed around AMEN, and even on its own produces a stronger protection than the several on AMEN's walls.

Woven into the structure are numerous fortified positions and choke points ready for use in the event of an attack. The ground surrounding the building, as well as the walls, windows and doors, can be electrified. There are fusion-beam turrets controlled by the resident AI hidden in the superstructure of the building that will deploy on command.

"The array will be capable of sending me a ping that will alert me if you wish to talk. Needless to say, I don't want information on my channels falling into the wrong hands, so it will be a hardwired function and will self-destruct if it's breached. I'll have an AI coded for each of the outposts by the time they're done. Are you happy with the plans?"

[Arkhosia]

[Office - Celica]

A few questions then: What makes you want to join, what can you offer us, and what are you willing to do? Tobias leans back in his chair and studies her.

I wish to protect people and stop people from commiting atrocities. I'm a novice Weaponsmith and have a bit of training as a Huntress. I can also create energy, but I have only discovered this skill recently.
She seems uncomfortable when she mentions the "committing atrocities" part.

[The Alexandrian]

[Temple of Vice - It's Been A Long Time!]

Let us proceed to the next room, as the animated statues were but heralds of the darkness which awaits our brave adventurers.

The room the pair next enters is silent and, for the most part, still. Threadbare tapestries hang limply from the damp walls down which streams of warm red fluid trickle to pool on the floor. The air of the crypt is chilled yet unnaturally humid as Avyri illuminates the room with a light of her crackling fire sword. The light burns away the veil of darkness. The walls of the room have been carved with dozens of bodies that appear to move when one is not staring directly at them. Open wounds upon their tormented forms supply the room with red. Many turn when BR blinks and reach out to him as if desperately pleading for help. In the center of the room is a golden statue of a demon, a statue so realistic and so well-detailed that is likely that this was not always a statue.

Welcome to the baptismal fountain of vice.

"This is where the trial begins in earnest. This battle shall be waged in the dungeon of our minds."

"I have warned you that if you are weak, this place will corrupt you and its evil will consume you. We cannot turn back now. I can offer you little assistance or comfort here besides the knowledge that I am forever with you. Do not be tricked into thinking otherwise and do not despair. Resist the temptations of these unhallowed waters, and we shall cleanse this shrine of its evil hand in hand. Fail in this and we both shall perish."

Avyri attempts to take BR's hand in a reassuring gesture. This won't be as easy a challenge to conquer as she that which she had believed she had foreseen.

[FireFox]

((I may have been wrong, actually. I don't know where the base Harald's building really is. I think it's in Inside, but it may not be.))

"Certainly. I'll have some plans in a few minutes."

He calls up a holoscreen and begins drafting a plan.

Spoiler: HALO Outpost

Show

From the outside, it looks normal. However, the walls are reinforced with bars of Harald's special alloy and the windows are filled with a special polymer that's as strong as the walls. It has three floors plus three basement levels. The deepest basement is home to a huge computer array to handle the listening post and satellite control tasks. The second basement is a cell block. The first basement is a barracks. On the ground floor are general offices and facilites. The second floor is military, containing an armoury and other related stuff. The top floor is restricted-access, holding the outpost commander's office and the satellite communication array, as well as the forcefield projector. It's a model significantly superior to the ones installed around AMEN, and even on its own produces a stronger protection than the several on AMEN's walls.

Woven into the structure are numerous fortified positions and choke points ready for use in the event of an attack. The ground surrounding the building, as well as the walls, windows and doors, can be electrified. There are fusion-beam turrets controlled by the resident AI hidden in the superstructure of the building that will deploy on command.

"The array will be capable of sending me a ping that will alert me if you wish to talk. Needless to say, I don't want information on my channels falling into the wrong hands, so it will be a hardwired function and will self-destruct if it's breached. I'll have an AI coded for each of the outposts by the time they're done. Are you happy with the plans?"

((Just so you know, AMEN is located on/in a volcanic area a fair distance from Inside.))

Tobias spends a few minutes looking over the plans. This is fantastic. Unfortunately, we don't have the budget for all these features in two buildings. So let's say... No AI, no forcefield, only mundane or conventional construction materials, and no laser turrets. Also, only four floors would be better. Can you combine the cell-block with the barracks in the basement and put the armory in the secured access floor, downsizing them all to fit? HALO just doesn't have the manpower to fill both of these buildings as the current plans show. Obviously, any safeguards you want on your own systems are fine. The budget is just an IC excuse. From an OoC standpoint, I want to give the villains a fair shot at destroying or capturing these mini-bases if they want. Does that make sense?

I wish to protect people and stop people from commiting atrocities. I'm a novice Weaponsmith and have a bit of training as a Huntress. I can also create energy, but I have only discovered this skill recently.
She seems uncomfortable when she mentions the "committing atrocities" part.

Okay, good, good... Now, HALO is currently organized into three types of active duty teams and a broad "Support" category. The three types of active duty teams are Strike, Patrol, and Intel. Strike Teams are sent out on direct action missions against bad guys. Patrol Teams are tasked with keeping the peace in sections of the Nexus and rapidly responding to any emergencies in that area. Intel teams gather actionable intelligence on the forces of evil at work in the Nexus. Do any of these interest you? Tobias looks to see if Civvy has anything she wants to add, as well.

[GrandDM]

((Just so you know, AMEN is located on/in a volcanic area a fair distance from Inside.))

Tobias spends a few minutes looking over the plans. This is fantastic. Unfortunately, we don't have the budget for all these features in two buildings. So let's say... No AI, no forcefield, only mundane or conventional construction materials, and no laser turrets. Also, only four floors would be better. Can you combine the cell-block with the barracks in the basement and put the armory in the secured access floor, downsizing them all to fit? HALO just doesn't have the manpower to fill both of these buildings as the current plans show. Obviously, any safeguards you want on your own systems are fine. The budget is just an IC excuse. From an OoC standpoint, I want to give the villains a fair shot at destroying or capturing these mini-bases if they want. Does that make sense?

Fair enough.

Harald makes the requested alterations to the plans.

"By the way, one of my... experiments has expressed an interest in joining your organization. Perhaps we could get that done while we're here, to save time?"

[Arkhosia]

((Just so you know, AMEN is located on/in a volcanic area a fair distance from Inside.))

Tobias spends a few minutes looking over the plans. This is fantastic. Unfortunately, we don't have the budget for all these features in two buildings. So let's say... No AI, no forcefield, only mundane or conventional construction materials, and no laser turrets. Also, only four floors would be better. Can you combine the cell-block with the barracks in the basement and put the armory in the secured access floor, downsizing them all to fit? HALO just doesn't have the manpower to fill both of these buildings as the current plans show. Obviously, any safeguards you want on your own systems are fine. The budget is just an IC excuse. From an OoC standpoint, I want to give the villains a fair shot at destroying or capturing these mini-bases if they want. Does that make sense?



Okay, good, good... Now, HALO is currently organized into three types of active duty teams and a broad "Support" category. The three types of active duty teams are Strike, Patrol, and Intel. Strike Teams are sent out on direct action missions against bad guys. Patrol Teams are tasked with keeping the peace in sections of the Nexus and rapidly responding to any emergencies in that area. Intel teams gather actionable intelligence on the forces of evil at work in the Nexus. Do any of these interest you? Tobias looks to see if Civvy has anything she wants to add, as well.

I'm interested in Intel. Since I never finished my training, I am not the best fighter.

[Mee]

Okay, good, good... Now, HALO is currently organized into three types of active duty teams and a broad "Support" category. The three types of active duty teams are Strike, Patrol, and Intel. Strike Teams are sent out on direct action missions against bad guys. Patrol Teams are tasked with keeping the peace in sections of the Nexus and rapidly responding to any emergencies in that area. Intel teams gather actionable intelligence on the forces of evil at work in the Nexus. Do any of these interest you? Tobias looks to see if Civvy has anything she wants to add, as well.

To Celica, Civvy adds: "Not being the best fighter is all right. If you're willing to learn, there are people around who can teach."
With that, Civvy finishes tying off the last bit on the sweater she just finished!

And tosses it onto the pile of seventeen others that's accumulating right behind her.

To Civvy town square?

"I'm fine with it if you are. It's not like I didn't create clones to have time to do stuff." It might not be shopapuffed Rein admittedly.

"But first I suppose you need to show me around still."

To Civvy Town Square!

From the square there are about 5 roads leading off different ways, all with buildings attached to them. In the middle of the square itself is a large well.

The minor surge of people has died back down, mostly for ease of RPing, but also because the people with early morning prep-work have actually begun the work, and the people taking advantage of the work haven't gotten up yet.

[Reinholdt]

"Ohhh..."

All questions Reina might have had about why people in heaven are working are dissipated by the sight of a godly well. Surely better than a regular well.

She heads up and looks in, but before long, she's dropping a penny in and making a wish.

[FireFox]

[Office - Harald]

Thanks.

Well, ah... The fox-eyed commander hesitates, looking embarrassed. I didn't want to bring it up, but I was told something about one of your experiments going rogue. I don't really need to hear details about that, but I'm sure you understand why it's... concerning me now. I don't want to take something in that might go crazy and endanger my people. What kind of experiment are we talking about here?


[Office - Celica]

Tobias smiles. All righty then, Ms. Mystral. Welcome to HALO. Civiron will now take you to our Intelligence Director's office so he can ask you a few questions before assigning you to an Intel team. Civvy, after you do that, would you mind telling Carrie to report to his office as well?

[Arkhosia]

Office - Celica

Celica nods and turns to Civvy

[Mee]

"Ohhh..."

All questions Reina might have had about why people in heaven are working are dissipated by the sight of a godly well. Surely better than a regular well.

She heads up and looks in, but before long, she's dropping a penny in and making a wish.

Civvy giggles slightly. "It's funny. I hear every single one of those."

[Office - Celica]

Tobias smiles. All righty then, Ms. Mystral. Welcome to HALO. Civiron will now take you to our Intelligence Director's office so he can ask you a few questions before assigning you to an Intel team. Civvy, after you do that, would you mind telling Carrie to report to his office as well?

Office - Celica

Celica nods and turns to Civvy

"Will do! Toodles!" With that very formal parting, Civvy takes Celica off down the hall to the Director Of Intel Stuffs' room!

[Reinholdt]

Reina stares at Civvy with a mix of horror and embarrassment.

Before turning around and dropping another penny in the well.
"I wish Civvy didn't hear my private thoughts and wishes."