4831/Angel of Victory

Angel of Victory
Date of Scene:	01 December 2016
Location:	Core Tellus <CT>
Synopsis:	Genji and a certain angel have a heart-to-heart.
Cast of Characters:	William Pauwel, 1007

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William Pauwel has posed:
    The Frontier is tremendous in size. The rest of the planet can be demarcated into separate and distinct regions simply by dint of which city-state has decided to enforce the peace. In contrast, the Frontier consists of all the wild places. All those regions that are untamed, unbound and largely unsettled.

    Not all of the Frontier is crag and scrubland, however. Large stretches are beautiful, green plains, rich forests and verdant mountains. In one such forest, where a great river has etched a broad clearing, the Frontier seems so much smaller than it truly is. Strange, cold-loving lilies gather at the banks of the floodwaters, fed by a glacial mountain whose pinnacle is just barely visible between the clouds and horizon. Evergreen trees shiver in the breeze, but their strength is as great as their trunks are wide; they will endure through the cold.

A deer sips from the far side of the river.

    But something does not quite fit in with the natural beauty of this tranquil place. A shadow dances overhead, flitting beneath the clouds. A rider stares down from his great steed, searching for the one who had called his name.

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    It's not hard to find him.

    Near the river, there is a boulder, left over from a landslide decades past. Atop the boulder sits a lone figure, legs crossed, one hand in front of his face with a pair of fingers extended. He is utterly serene, and almost manages to look as if he belongs here, amidst the tranquility and calm of nature, despite his utterly artificial appearance.

    Genji has long since learned to appreciate the beauty of the natural world; something he missed out on in his youth. He's not gonna miss a chance to enjoy a short while of peaceful meditation in a place like this. It will be up to Marchosiel to land and offer the first greeting.

William Pauwel has posed:
    There. The wind stirs, tickling the treetops with verdant murmurs. The shadow descends, almost silent except for the sound of rushing air. The dragon's wings glow with soft, blue light as it alights on the near end of the shore, carefully adjusting its landing to avoid an unwanted dip into the river.

    The rider dismounts and turns towards the one who called for him. They are similar, yet different. Both are hewn in the image of man; two arms, two legs, standing upright with a head and two eyes. Both have dragons. But whereas Genji quite obviously maintains something resembling a 'natural' human physique, Marchosiel has been built to... more unnatural specifications, at least superficially. It's the difference, indeed, between a knight in full regalia and a ninja.

    "You called and I have answered," Marchosiel says in that distinctly modulated voice. He approaches, coming to a stop within civil talking distance from the boulder. "I seem to recall that you wished to ask questions of me."

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    "I did," the shinobi replies, his head tilting slightly - the first real sign of movement. "I have several of them. Some practical, some philosophical. But I consider them all of importance, if you are willing to entertain them."

    It looks as if he's going to conduct this interview from his current seated position, at least for the time being, as other than the slight tilt of his head, there's no movement at all. "I am Genji, of the Shimada clan of ninja. I am a member of Overwatch, a group dedicated to protecting the innocent and keeping the peace even when our own world would call us outlaw. And I am a member of the Union, a military force that spans countless worlds to defend against those who would do them harm. I would know, first and foremost, who you are, and what you stand for."

William Pauwel has posed:
Marchosiel rides around on a giant flying dragon. He's got legs. He can stand and answer if he needs to.

    "Very well," the Iron Angel answers, crossing his arms across his well-armored chest. "Though I cannot guarantee I can answer all of your questions. There are things that I must keep secret." And all men, cyborg, robot or not, have their secrets. "Though this question I can answer easily."

    "I am Marchosiel," he answers, explaining, "An agent of the protector of this world. The preservation of humanity and the defeat of the enemy are my ultimate goals. Just as you protect the innocent and keep the peace, so to do we work to disarm unnecessary conflict and prevent unnecessary loss of life."

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    "And we have arrived at the first of my questions," Genji replies. He does finally perform some actual movement, but it's only to rest his palms on his knees. "First, I would like to know who this 'protector' is. Or what you're able to tell me of them, at least." Once again, the shinobi's head tilts with curiosity, regarding Marchosiel with an appraising manner. "The second, is whether you have given deep thought to your mission."

William Pauwel has posed:
'Well,' a voice at the back of Marchosiel's head says, 'Technically these are his second and third questions.' Marchosiel doesn't say that, because he is not a smart ass.

    The Iron Angel seems to go still as he considers the questions, servos in his arms and legs locking to allow him to rest in place without needless movement. Almost like a statue, in fact. "The Protector," he says, "Has watched this world for hundreds of years. The Protector orchestrated the defense of humanity in its darkest hour, and has remained vigilant ever since. When the people call for salvation, the Protector sends its agents to their aid. Sometimes it sees fit to take those who ask to be taken." The angel shrugs, "It has continued to cultivate his armies, of which I am of course a member, in preparation for the war which will someday come."

"Other than that," Marchosiel says, "I cannot tell you more of its nature and its mission."

    "As to your second question," he inclines his head. "I have had thoughts. There is little else I would rather do than to protect this world. Is there a nobler calling in life?"

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    "I cannot disagree with that," Genji says, inclining his head slightly. "However... have you considered whether your method, whether your Protector's method, is the correct one? There are many ways to save the world. It is possible for more than one to be right, and more than one to be wrong." A hand comes up, palm open, gesturing as he speaks. "For example. The military force that you drove off the other day, the one we were fighting. They genuinely believe that they are doing the same thing you are - protecting the world and the people in it. They wish to unify all people in this world under their banner, so that there is no infighting, and so that all can share in resources and manpower. I disagree with their method and stance, but I can see the merit in it. Your Protector could do much the same. Possibly with greater success."

William Pauwel has posed:
    "Mmn," Marchosiel rumbles. The air seems to grow just a little bit heavier. Not with menace, but with... concern? "There are things that The Protector knows that others do not. Facts that have remained unchanged that, on the surface, seem to have been lost to time. In other words, there are only two entities on this world who truly have the knowledge necessary to protect it. Of these, one is the Protector. The other, an old ally."

"If both did not agree," he says with quiet conviction, "Then I would not be walking this path."

    Marchosiel unfolds his arm to open one hand. "The people you spoke of yesterday. The ones whose Legion I destroyed. They are the people we protect, but their dreams of unity, of empire are limited only to the present. Their culture, should it triumph, will survive. But will their species?" Marchosiel closes his hand into a fist and crosses his arms again. "...I am not certain."

There's a beat.

"Are you suggesting that the Protector should take upon itself the same role? To unite the world beneath its singular banner?"

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    "I have no suggestions to give, other than the suggestion to see with eyes unclouded," comes the serene reply. "Theirs is simply one possible path. I, myself, have chosen a different one. One which I feel more correct, and also more within the scope of my only capabilities. My chief purpose here is to ensure that you are walking a path you choose freely, knowing what you have chosen. You bear a heavy burden - when you take the battlefield, your technology enables you to sweep aside lives like the seeds on a dandelion."

William Pauwel has posed:
    "Mmmn," the Angel answers, his shoulders heaving slightly. "The power I wield is the power of humanity at its zenith. While I slept I saw... many battlefields. Many conflicts. Through the wisdom of The Protector, I was created to protect this world, but in the process, I was witness to... unspeakable things. Cosmic fire cast from the hands of mortal men to kill a foe that would not die. Atrocities. Landscapes, cities set ablaze because to burn was a less cruel fate that what would otherwise await. In the past, that power scarred the very earth. What I wield is a mere fraction of the full might once was leveraged against humanity's enemy."

    "I cannot imagine the weight on those men and women's souls," Marchosiel's fists tremble beyond the restraint of his own mechanical limbs. "Were it that I were permitted to show. To tell. But those records are sealed, until the time comes that man can witness his full glory and the darkest depths of his own power without breaking before them both."

    "...But I can tell you this," he says, "I seek now one of the greatest fragments of that power. It cannot be allowed to remain outside The Protector's control. It is a necessary component in what will soon come."

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    "Then I ask only that you remember, all of that... it is technology. It is knowledge. It is what humanity created, but it isn't humanity. Those men that you stood opposite on the battlefield... those are humanity. The town they were attempting to bring under their heel... that, too, is humanity. The ancients did as they believed was best, and so do those who live today. The only difference is in the scope of their knowledge." Finally, at long last, Genji Shimada stands. "You will stand beside them, in your task, and you will stand against them. In the course of your job, lives will be lost. Do everything that you can to make sure the only lives lost are necessary to achieve your goal, but at the same time, be prepared to act without hesitating."

    And then he's down off the rock, landing easily and quietly. "Is there anything else that you can tell me? About this 'fragment', or any other subject pertaining to the Protector and his forces?"

William Pauwel has posed:
    "Judgement," Marchosiel turns his eyes briefly towards the sky, "Also known as The Purification Unit, is what I seek." He shakes his head. "It was used only once, but there is reason to believe it will be needed again. There are other fragments that will need to be gathered, but as for now, that is the one I seek to reclaim."

    "As to the others serving the Protector, know only that there are men and women of this world among them. Just as the people in that field were humanity, so too are they humanity. Moreover, know that regardless of what we must do, it is in defense of this world."

    "Do not worry," he says, then, "I will take your words into consideration. This conversation has been..." A slight cant of the head, "Interesting. But I must ask you your opinion, then: When man creates that which is not-quite-man, what is the nature of his creation? Is it worth protecting, or merely another aspect of humanity's grasp of technology?"

Genji Shimada (1007) has posed:
    Genji's answer comes without hesitation. "If it can think, if it can choose, then it is worth protecting as well. Whether organic or synthetic, all are one within the Iris." Pressing fist into palm, the shinobi bows his head, a gesture of respect. "Whatever lies beneath that armor, I consider it worthwhile. It has been enlightening to speak with you, Marchosiel. Whatever comes, I hope that you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labor."

William Pauwel has posed:
    "Mmn, indeed. I believe you to be correct," he says with a nod. "Someday, we will speak again," Marchosiel answers, inclining his own head in thanks- and farewell. "I hope it is as friends, but we are both men of conviction. Even if we meet on opposite sides of the battlefield, I will be glad to have spoken with you." There's a brief rush of wind as the beast at his back stirs into motion. Blue light floods the clearing, and Marchosiel leaps to his place upon the great, bionic wyrm. "Until our next meeting. Farewell, Genji Shimada."

Another howling gale. The wyrm twists into the sky with its partner, heavy with thought, on its back.