View source for 2878/Diplomatic Dillema

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/08/22
|Location=Paragon City <CoH>
|Synopsis=A diplomat being harassed by Crey Industries recruits heroes to help him. But is all what it appears to be?
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=346, 769, 842, 860
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:769|Demetrios Vasilikos (769)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The embassy in Paragon City is located in Atlas Park, one of the safest zones in the city. That doesn't mean there aren't dangers, of course. The demon-worshipping gang known as the Hellions cause trouble in Atlas, and the scavenging robots known as the Clockwork as well. And it's the latter that is the reason for a hero escort for an important diplomat on this day. Aeron Jernigan was rescued by Saber, Emiya Shirou, and Maya the last time they met, at a hotel in Founder's Falls. The Clockwork had attacked the building for unknown purposes, the scavengers better known for... Well... Scavenging! But for some reason they targetted this diplomat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was also the first encounter with one of the BIG Clockwork, a clunky one... Some sort of 'prince' in the court of the Clockwork King. He had been rather intimidating, but by the combined efforts of those involved, all the various hostages had been saved, and all of the enemies defeated.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now the diplomat is asking for help. Jason Manfried is just a bellhop. He opens doors for people. The various comings and goings of foreign officials, ambassadors, and so on have been picked up on over the years, as many of them failed to even recognize his existence. Too concerned with their own lives for the 'menial laborers'. Yet the clever ones and informed ones found out Manfried's contacts and history, and knew that he could be useful for passing along messages, or obtaining information on the movements of others.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The City Planner in Atlas has contacted Saber today (who may have brought along allies) due to her previous involvement, and other heroes as well, for a sensitive diplomatic mission. And the Contact for this mission is Jason Manfried. Meeting him at the doors to the main embassy building is the first order of business. While they may not be able to enter onto the diplomatically-appointed AREAS of the embassy that belong to other nations, the central building that everyone shares is certainly open. And that's where the Welsh diplomat will be waiting to meet them as well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The embassy is a large office-building-looking structure, semi-futuristic thanks to the rebuilding efforts ongoing in Paragon City following an alien invasion, with walls surrounding it to prevent casual entrance by local gangs. They even have their own private security force, courtesy of Crey Industries. The 'Paragon Protectors'. The blue-and-gold, featureless-masked corporate heroes patrol the grounds, or fly through the air, keeping an eye on things.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ambassador should be safe with them guarding the place, right? And yet for some reason, it's NON-corporate heroes who Jernigan desires. Peculiar. Oh, well. Manfried is standing at the doors, as is usual for him. An older gentleman with a kindly face, a red and gold uniform, and the patience to stand around doing nothing until someone needs the door opened.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Having been one of the heroes to rescue the diplomat previously, the King of Knights felt some obligation to look into this latest mission. It seemed that Shirou and Maya were both indisposed at the moment -- apparently involved in other missions already -- but at the very least Saber could step in and investigate. Not, however, without informing the Union about it should anyone else be able to help out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dressed in the black three-piece suit, tie, gloves, and grey dress shirt with her hair pulled back into a ponytail at the nape of her neck as was her custom for business situations, the flaxen-haired Servant noted the distinctive uniforms of the corporate heroes. The Paragon Protectors were something of a curiosity to the ancient knight in themselves, not what she would consider knight-like, yet for all indications they were accepted heroes in the city. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, her main focus was on meeting the contact. He was fairly easy for her to spot, given that Manfried was at his usual post. "Master Manfried, I take it?" Saber asked in her customary soft alto voice, her expression otherwise neutral but for a faint smile. "I am Saber. It is a pleasure." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS to meet, here! Berserker is fully aware of these, thanks to the typical Servant Download, but the specifics she has to intuit using her very limited experience with the Multiverse so far. Fortunately, they aren't hard to intuit, so she arrives dressed in a skirt suit, blue in color, with her hair done up sharply and a pair of glasses. Where did she get that stuff? WHO CARES?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'll follow behind Saber, having been informed that this Saber was from an entirely different War and thus of no concern to her. More important is that Saber has prior experience here, and Berserker quietly and meekly allows her to take the lead in meeting Manfried, while she takes in the sights with alert eyes.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Presuming Manfried seems to care about introductions, she will at least give her name. "Berserker."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:842|Testament (842)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Okay, who ordered the extra helping of Goth?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, he's here nonetheless-- a pale man with long, straight dark hair. He wears an odd bandeau top, a kilt, and a pair of boots that would probably reach the middle of his shins if he had them fastened. As it is they're only secure on the foot portion, with the legs left unfastened. He's got red eyes, probably not too weird. But even his PUPILS are red, somehow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's unarmed, but not alone-- there's a raven on his shoulder. And it's not just a random raven, either... it's got a thin silver collar around its neck. Clearly a pet. Or possibly a familiar, given the sense of magic radiating from them both.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it's not just magic either. If the magic can be sensed, the other part of it can be sensed too. There is something unmistakeably dark about that magical aura. Not just dark of shadows. Dark of... well, DARK! Malicious. Murderous. Toxic.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However he seems relatively calm as he approaches the door of the embassy. Seems Saber has picked the man out for him-- Testament has never been here before, so he doesn't know the contact-- so that's taken care of. So instead he offers simply, "Testament."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:769|Demetrios Vasilikos (769)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mister Manfried spots the approaching heroes. Despite the fact things like automated doors or even rotating doors exist, for some reason, the doors to THIS building are manual-only... Like a surprising number of other doors in this city with its mix of high-tech and low-tech. Futuristic and old-fashioned. So when people approach, he opens the door for them. He bows his head respectfully and responds politely, "A good day to you, Saber, Berserker, and Testament." They must be part of some kind of super group named after concepts or something. That's the logical assumption!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I was contacted by the City Planner's office. Thank you for coming." He ushers the trio inside, and to a seating area within the posh interior of the embassy. There's some of those padded bench things surrounding a potted plant, and a very spacious entrance, with marble columns reaching up to the ceiling, various doors leading off other places along the sides, a black marble desk at the far side of the room, and a tiled floor of numerous colors that, when viewed from above, is in the shape of seven stars. Six smaller black ones surrounding and within a large black-and-white one.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Balconies and higher levels to the room allow people to actually see that without having to fly. Manfried, while still keeping an eye on the door, says, "I've worked here as a doorman since the 1950s. I fought in World War II, and wasn't able to find work afterwards due to injuries. I've seen a lot of people come and go, a lot of changes take place, and many other things remain the same. But the past couple years have had some of the most change over the shortest period of time I've ever witnessed. As Paragon City becomes a major player in the world thanks to the concentration of money, technology, political influence, and heroes, even foreign governments are taking an interest. Why am I telling you all this, and delaying you from your important mission? Just hear me out."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He pauses to glance around very slightly, without turning his head. "One of the things that doesn't change is that politics play a big role in who today's friend and tomorrow's enemy is. And I don't mean to insinuate anything by that except that some people's loyalties can be very flexible, and the 'charity' they may seem to offer can be less charitable than one might imagine. Aeron Jernigan is up on the 8th floor. He's a very precise man, and he keeps to himself. After that attack by those robots, I don't blame him for being cautious. I'd like to recommend that you be cautious as well. Maybe he wants to help Paragon City, or maybe he doesn't. But it's who he represents that you need to worry about most of all. It's unlikely they'll act against their own people's interests."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With all the serious talk out of the way, he smiles and bows his head again. "If you need any help after hearing Mister Jernigan's request, you can come let me know. I won't ask questions, and I don't need to know what else you discuss. But I know people all over Paragon City who can make things happen for its defenders." He straightens up and says, "Oh, and one more thing: Politicians aren't the only ones you should be careful of around here. The elevators are to the right of the front desk. You can't miss them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It made sense that Jernigan would be so cautious, especially seeking out the heroes who had helped him out last time. Or, in this case, one of them and two others whom she could vouch for. At least, to a certain extent. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Berserker and Testament arrived, the Servant inclined her head politely. It would have been a breach of chivalry to not at least mind her manners, especially when they had taken the trouble to come. The Gear himself might not have been Union, but her previous dealings with Syndicate members had not resulted in violence. In fact, it hadn't been very long since she had agreed to an alliance with Archer of Brown and his Master for the sake of keeping as many innocent people from being drawn into his Holy Grail War as possible. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As for Berserker, she was a fellow Unionite if the radio was any indication, and hence an ally. She had no reason for hostility or even so much as apprehension at the moment. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saber seated herself in one of the proffered chairs with her practised regal elegance when the group were ushered inside, remaining quiet as the elderly doorman gave his exposition. Likely, it was a necessary part of understanding their situation. When Manfried finished, Saber got to the point. "Therefore, Master Jernigan seeks the assistance of those whom have proven themselves in some capacity, as well as allies." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She stood, nodding. "I accept, then. Thank you for your information and the warnings." The diminutive swordswoman however, spoke only for herself. To do otherwise would have been rude. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker listens. Berserker thinks. Berserker considers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Politicians aren't the only ones you should be careful of around here. The elevators are to the right of the front desk.'<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The elevators are dangerous, she determines. She'll have to keep an eye on them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thank you, Mister Manfried," she replies without saying anything more.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker taps a finger to her lip thoughtfully. "Mmm. I suppose we'll need to see what he has to say then. Shall we go on?" She'll head inside if everyone else is ready, at least, while giving a pleasant smile to Manfried.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:842|Testament (842)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testament nods his head at the greeting from the doorman as well as the polite nod from Saber. Though he does smirk a little at Saber, for whatever reason. Maybe he knows she can sense him? Or perhaps he can sense her. Well, he behaves himself, at least.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He goes inside the building when prompted to. Yes, the raven goes with him. It's apparently trained well enough not to poop on anything it shouldn't, at least. It just sits docilely on his shoulder and ducks its head against his neck. It's notable that the hair's been tucked behind his ear on his side only; maybe that's why, so the bird can rest its head there in the hollow of his neck.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they're shown to the seating area, Testament seats himself there on one of the benches, crossing his legs at the knee. He listens to Manfried's words quietly, without interrupting. Until the mention of how flexible people's 'charity' can be. Tha'ts when he speaks up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Welcome to reality. That is the core of human beings' hearts. Treachery and deceit." He talks like he's not human himself... and he from the sounds of it he has no real love for them. His voice has a very strange, distorted echo to it. It's almost sounds as though two of himself are both speaking at once, with the same voice, on a slight delay. Just enough to notice.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He nods to Berserker's statement, rising to his feet. "Let's go. Cities nauseate me." There's a quiet 'squawp' from the raven, and he reaches up to stroke her back gently.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:769|Demetrios Vasilikos (769)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The doorman smiles politely and bows his head once more to Saber and Berserker as they acknowledge his offer. He's glad to be of service. Manfried has little to say in regard to Testament's cursing of humanity, though he doesn't agree with it, judging by the frown that comes to his lips. Well, maybe Testament is one of those 'dark heroes'. Everyone has their life experiences. After fighting the Axis powers, the soldier-turned-bellhop had a pretty dim view of humanity too. Even now, he is cynical about the people who run the world. Still... "Even the average are far better than the worst," he offers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He tilts his head at the raven, assuming it's some kind of... 'Super pet' or something. Otherwise, a normal guest would be asked not to bring animals into the building. Some guests have allergies after all!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the group heads for the elevator and makes it up to the 8th floor, they'll find men and women in black suits and dark sunglasses, along with radio earpieces, crowding the hall. Kind of look like Secret Service agents. But they're more Crey agents.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They eye the arriving heroes in a way that, despite the lack of emotion being shown, indicates wariness or displeasure. One reachs for her ear piece and mutters into a communicator of some kind. There's an open door nearby, with a man in a suit who Saber has met once before standing inside. Some sort of meeting room with a glass window so people from the hall can look inside, but the blinds are drawn. Aaron Jernigan seems to have SOMEONE very interested in his protection and/or business.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a being of pure magical energy -- as Berserker was -- the mana emanating from Testament felt decidedly /wrong/. Not the same way as Grail-tainted beings, but quite obviously not right somehow. He wasn't tearing up the building, but it was enough to at least be cautious. It was probably a good thing Sir Bedivere had remained behind in Dun Realtai; her marshal would have been glaring at the Gear with naked suspicion. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the other hand, they both apparently had a dislike of cities, albeit for different reasons; Bedivere's sensitive ears couldn't stand the noise and he hated having that many people bypassing his personal space. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She frowned slightly at Testament's opinion of people in general. While she had certainly seen some of the worst humanity had to offer even before Unification and even the Holy Grail War, the virtues of chivalry demanded that she maintain a more objective frame of mind. And that was even before she had also seen some of the best that humanity had to offer at the lowest point of her artificial 'life'. Yet, in spite of her disagreement, she refrained from comment, merely making her way to the elevators. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saber eyed the Crey agents with a bland expression. She could hardly fault whomever wanted to protect the diplomat for the near-paranoid security after what happened previously, but she suspected the corporation might have some of those aforementioned 'flexible' morals. Nevertheless, it was better than nothing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Lord Jernigan," she greeted in her customary archaic method of speaking -- not to mention it was an archaic form of his own native language translated through the multiversal mechanics -- with her arm folded over her midsection in a knightly bow. "We have come at your behest." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testament gets a quick look from Berserker, and a tolerant smile. "Ahhh, that's really only for the worst scum. The absolute worst! I mean..." She remembers her manners and calms down from the slight rise in her voice. "I'm sure that we can listen to what they have to say, yes?" She follows Saber to the elevators, her brief interruption in the smiling, pleasant face forgotten by her at least.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To the agents and everyone who 'greets' her, Berserker will give a polite nod of her head. Folding her hands before her, she also inclines her head to Jernigan. "Please let us know if there is anything we can do within our power."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:842|Testament (842)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testament offers a small smile to Manfried's statement. "True," he agrees. "It's only when the sheep becomes the wolf that the true monsters appear." The raven tilts its head back at Manfried, blinking. There is indeed an intelligence in the creature's gaze that suggests it's more than just a dumb bird. It's as though the bird is listening to him as well. The bird watches him for a bit as they head toward the elevators, and the uncomfortable feeling of being watched may or may not follow Manfried until the elevator doors close behind them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creepy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the way up, he notes to Saber, "...I get the suspicion you disapprove. Maybe once you see it for yourself." He also nods to Berserker's statement. "When the sheep becomes the wolf," he says again, echoing his earlier words.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When they get up to the floor, Testament seems to pay the agents no mind. They're hired help-- sheep. They're looking for the shepherd. Though he does smirk a little at the thought of the panic he could cause if he summoned his scythe here. However, he refrains from doing so.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He hangs back as the others speak to the man. If he wants to know names he can ask. And everything that needs to be said in introduction already has been. Also he's a little antisocial. Though his raven peers at the man intently.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:769|Demetrios Vasilikos (769)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jernigan turns when Saber, Berserker, and Testament enter. The movement is fluid, precisely timed, self-controlled. And his heart seems to be completely calm, to the point of inaudibility, nearly. In the world that the two Servants come from, someone with a calm hear and quiet footstep like that might very well be a magus. Perhaps Jernigan is more than he seems? He doesn't seem to be aware of the special nature of the two Servants and one Gear, though, so perhaps not. Either way, he acknowledges each in turn, with a precise, almost curt nod of his head.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Good. Very good. Close the door, if you would." The dialect being used by Saber was noticed in a previous encounter, though he had other things occupying his mind at the time. "You hail from my country," he says, his English accented. He could switch to Welsh himself, but with the translation effect, there's no real point. The others in the room would understand either way. Once the door is closed, and the prying agents outside removed from the conversation, he begins quite swiftly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have called for aid, because I believe my life may be in danger." Despite the direness of his words, his tone indicates no tension, just a general crisp and abrupt manner of speaking. "In addition to the machines that assaulted me before, those people out in the hall have been lurking around on the grounds of 'protection'. I've even been threatened if I allow my country to pledge support to Paragon City. This threat came after what should have been confidental communications. I believe that my calls may be monitored, which is why I am working through the doorman downstairs to obtain aid."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scrutinizing each hero in turn, from the business-suited, to the skirt-suited, to the gothic, to the feathered, with a somehow cold, rigid gaze, the ambassador seems to determine he can entrust the ones before him with his mission. "I've no intention of bowing to these strongarm tactics, but I also have no interest in being hurt either. I'd like to ask for your <span class=" bold_fg_b bg_n ++ hb">help in exposing Crey Industries attempt to manipulate diplomatic discourse.</span> These agents are reporting to someone, somewhere. Maybe you can find a way to track down their base, infiltrate it, and find any evidence of wiretapping going on. Crey, from what I've learned, hasn't even finalized a contract to operate in Atlas Park with their 'Protectors', and are only here at the request of other diplomats, being given special accomodations. If you can expose their activities, the Protectors will lose access, and they won't be in the way of other heroes doing their duties anymore, AND I'll be able to move more freely on my tour of the city without being spied upon or threatened."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron pauses to take a breath, as though having to remember to breathe, and moves to seat himself at the long table in the room. "Will you accept this mission?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flaxen eyebrows lifted slightly when Testament actually took the time to answer. In her experience, when she typically disagreed or disapproved of something, few had not simply ignored her at best or mocked her at worst. "I believe that there is an equal capacity for good and evil in humanity," she explained on the way up, her expression as neutral as it usually was. "I have seen great evil, but I have seen good, as well." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Berserker draws less of an eyebrow raise, particularly when she remembers herself. However, her manners earned quite a bit of approval from the other Servant; if there was one thing Arturia was picky about, it was manners. Strangely, she had a greater amount of tolerance for polite, well-behaved demons than she did for rude, brash heroes, as evidenced by who was a guest in her new home and who had been restricted from the village. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once they were in, however, such considerations fell to the wayside once the matter of business was at hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am," Saber affirmed with a nod, once the door had been closed. "Though, it would be from many years into the past of the current era." Somewhat obvious, really, though not terribly important unless Jernigan wanted the extra reassurance that one of the heroes who might be potentially guarding him was King Arthur. She doubted it was. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Saber's jade eyes narrowed a fraction when he laid out his suspicions of Crey. She had wondered why someone had seemed to take an interest in the diplomat's protection, as unlikely as it was that he had been the one to hire them. Moreover, that did explain the particular looks they had received on the way in. "Where should we begin?" she asked. Apparently, the serious-looking little girl had accepted the mission. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker immediately knows what she can do to help, but she doesn't accept for the group. She nods, listening, and then folds her hands before her once more when Saber speaks. "I will see what I can do, as soon as possible. I suppose we should start by finding where they are reporting to. And if I were them, I would be reporting this strange meeting with people immediately. If you will excuse me, sir, I will get to work immediately." She nods her head. "Saber, Testament. I will see you shortly."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unless there are objections, she's going to immediately step outside and make some small talk, to see who might have left or who is actually leaving, or perhaps who might be acting suspicious and contacting an outside source.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:842|Testament (842)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testament may not be a Servant, but he can tell there's something off here. Still, if this man isn't human, so much better. In fact, Testament would prefer to think he isn't, at least not completely. Makes him like the other man more. But he's quiet as Jernigan explains his problem. He looks to the raven when Jernigan asks the question. The raven looks back. It appears the two are having a silent conversation.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A moment later, Testament asks, "Has no one tried questioning any of the guards? If not, maybe I should." He pauses, and looks to the raven again as it emits a quiet 'awk'. "...That's true." Looking ot the group at large again, "I respectfully retract the offer to question one of the guards. You would probably disapprove of my... methods."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But, well... on the other hand, he didn't say he wouldn't help. And he hasn't left yet, so there's that. He also nods to Berserker's words. And surprisingly? "Take care," he offers. To Jernigan, he inquires, "Where is this base, do you know?" He can send Zio to spy on the area. If not, he can always have her stake out the embassy itself.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:769|Demetrios Vasilikos (769)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another crisp, abrupt nod is offered in confirmation when those who have agreed to help offer said agreement. He seemed to take in the fact that Saber is from 'the past' with only a slightly owlish blink or two. Difficult to shake up. Though maybe the fact his life has been threatened has him in serious mode. Even when Testament chooses not to engage in interrogation, the fact he didn't refuse to help ENTIRELY is noted, and afforded a grateful nod. "I doubt Crey will be cooperative about revealing information, and using force here in the embassy would be an unfortunate choice of methodology. However, if I might make a recommendation?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without pausing to receive permission, since Berserker is already on her way out to the hallway, he continues on. "Force is not out of the question. While Crey Industries claims to support the crime-fighters of Paragon City, there have been clashes between payrolled heroes and non-payrolled heroes in the past. There have been many accusations levelled against the Protectors, but public image for Crey, possibly thanks to their legal team, has kept them popular even so. If you were to travel to 'Brickstown' or Founders' Falls, where many Crey agents can be found causing trouble, it would not be difficult to provoke them. Your mere presence might give them cause. For a subtler tactic, as your companion seems to prefer, you may wish to ask Manfried. He has contacts of his own who might be able to pair the results of your physical interrogations and your questioning ones against communications traffic, and see where the reports about people asking about Crey's involvement with me wind up."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Standing up shortly after having sat down, Jernigan quickstep-paces across the room and says, "Before you head to Brickstown or Founders' Falls, speak to Manfried. With one of you here asking questions, and the other two putting fists to faces, you'll cover more ground, and be able to better correlate their communications."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a momentary pause, during which he almost seems somewhat blank of expression, as though contemplating something or spacing out, he says, "Thank you all for your assistance. Both Paragon City and the Welsh people appreciate that champions like you are more prevalent than thugs like the so-called 'Protectors."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of that may need to be relayed to Berserker by radio if she left before hearing it all. But either way, once she starts making small-talk, she'll mostly receive the cold shoulder. Maybe even some rude dismissals! But the one person who muttered into her comm device before when the group arrived on this floor turns away again to have another muttered conversation. Depending on what Berserker asks, and how sensitive her hearing is, she may be privy to snippets of what's being said.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it will match exactly what the Servant is asking after.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:346|Saber (346)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Berserker had already earned some respect from the King of Knights, but that only increased with the other Servant's professional, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving. Her expression shifted to slight surprise when the Japanese Heroic Spirit left to begin her work immediately, apparently unused to someone with a work ethic of that degree. Most definitely not accustomed to that sort of subtlety, either. Was she /really/ a Berserker? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Testament's silent conversation, by contrast, was treated with a strange sort of neutrality, as if she was accustomed to something similar. A familiar, perhaps? In her reality, that was the most likely reason. As to the methods of interrogation...yes, she certainly would have, albeit for more practical reasons. Nothing like torture or other unpleasant methods to alert their target to their goal. But that was hardly to say that a more direct approach wasn't useful where they might be going. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "A two-pronged approach might yield the best results," Saber reasoned. "A visit to this 'Brickstown' will be in order, it would seem. Perhaps one may be willing to part with information." Diplomatic and reasonable as she could be, Saber was not above some more...hands-on persuasion when it came to villains. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It is my duty to serve the people, Britain especially," Saber reassured the diplomat with a parting knightly bow. "I am grateful for this opportunity. We shall have the necessary information forthright." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once done, the Servant followed the other outside, though she did not stop to wait. Rather, she waited until an opportunity arose to ask if the Berserker had found anything, but only once they were out of earshot. A pity their Masters weren't around to convey that telepathically; it would have been useful indeed. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:860|Berserker (860)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Berserker does linger long enough to hear that, then smiles, "That sounds excellent. Thank you for all of your help in aiding us do this task." Yes, he hired them, in effect, but he didn't have to do any groundwork.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In truth, Berserker doesn't need too much to ask about. All she has to do is engage in some chitchat, and her ridiculously specialized abilities will do the rest. "Oh really? Do you eat there often? You don't say?" Hangouts. Places that they know best. It's all a quick little chitchat away! Mostly because she had just to mention things and then listen, and someone would be sure to talk about it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So when she does rejoin Saber and Testament, she's smiling. "Oh, I think I have a rough idea of a few places, and when they would be occupied. I'm sure that with a little more work from you two, we can get just what we need and be right there." She needs time to put together a detailed idea of a pattern, so using interrogation isn't a bad idea. Let's ask Manfried if he knows anything about them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:842|Testament (842)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testament seems surprised that Jernigan would condone violent tactics. However, he nods. "That gives me more options, then," he observes. "Maybe the sight of Death will prompt some information to drop from these people." Pause. "That seems like the best option for me." Here he smirks. "I'll try to keep the maiming and death to a minimum. Though I do enjoy it so."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...He... might be kidding...? Though his raven almost seems to titter at the comment tucking its beak under a wing and making a series of 'awk' noises.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He nods his head once, slowly, when Jernigan thanks them. Really, he's only motivated by coin-- someone offered him payment for this-- so he can't really say anything altruistic. But he's at least polite as he leaves. "Take care of yourself 'till we return."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, he doesn't ask Berserker immediately what she found out. That would be silly. He doesn't want everyone to know that they know things are a-hap'nin'. He nods to Berserker's suggestion. "Good idea. Let's see what he has to say."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:769|Demetrios Vasilikos (769)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes, well, please do that. There's no point in rendering aid if you cause an incident that implicates me in conspiracy to do murder. The teleport network in this city should save them, regardless of what methods you use, but no reason to seek to circumvent it, correct?" the diplomat offers antsily to Testament regarding his claims of 'holding back on killing'. Saber's words are accepted graciously, as is Berserker's politeness.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The girls in this trio are so much better behaved! Not that the ambassador doesn't understand the value of an iron fist in a velvet glove, such as Testament may be skilled at employing. Honestly, all three of these heroes have strengths that are very useful for this mission. It's fortunate they are the ones who responded.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aaron Jernigan bows once more in acknowledgement and thanks as the three depart. "I've no intention of dying before you return. Your efforts, infact, will prevent such." When all but he have left the room, and the diplomat has closed it behind them, he sits back down in the chair he vacated before and places a call on his cellphone. He keeps it simple, to the point, so that anyone listening in won't have any clues from him. "I need an escort back to our part of the embassy. Send someone."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He waits for a time, until Berserker has had her chit-chat with one of the oddly more social among the agents (though still pretty cold), and the heroes have departed. Then he gets up to see if his escort has arrived.<br /><br />And then one of the Crey agents steps off an elevator and approached to offer to escort him. "Right this way, Mister Jernigan. I'll return you to your quarters."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The others crowding the hall likewise close in, but the agent who approached the diplomat snaps, "I'll handle it. Go find out where those vigilantes are going." The others don't seem pleased with being ordered around, but they get moving eventually, keeping up a calm facade.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then, Aaron Jernigan is escorted to the part of the embassy where he is supposedly safe from intrusion, and simply left by the agent to proceed on his own without further attempts to guard or observe him.<br> <br>


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