Scene #164: Crazy Train

Owner	Pose
Lou	It had been a few weeks since Cas had been asked by a certain Lou unit to help with an ongoing investigation she was conducting. While no specific timetable had been given, the proper summons and advanced notice had been served two days ago, via the visiphone-to-greater multiverse network. The communication, given the sensitive nature, was of course encrypted with a strong algorithm, but it would be one that Cas would be prepared to receive. How did Lou know? She did scan her, after all.. "Rendezvous on Parum, the situation is accelerating." It would seem, from that short snippet, that the evaluation is that it can't afford to wait any longer. It's under this atmosphere that Cas is once again invited into this particular incarnation of the Gurhal system, the transmission also including clearance codes to insure both her safe arrival and any supplies or access she might require. At least, that wouldn't attract undue attention. Perhaps anticipating the co-arrival of Cas' guardian, based on their prior discussions, spares were also included. And so, it would have been an easy and comfortable flyer trip down to the planetary surface, via what appear to be glowing, tube-like spacelanes that seem to stretch around the blue-gray sphere that is the planet, Parum, below, as well as receding into the surface. Right at the entrance of the space port, Lou awaits, standing with her hands crossed in front of her, and eyes staring straight ahead in what would be a perfect imitation of a statue, if not for the minute movements of her frame. The traffic into and out seem to flow around her, as she watches as unblinkingly as the security cameras the Cast-dominated government certainly have situated around. That is...if she hadn't taken the precaution of overwriting their feeds a few hours ago. Also, if Cas didn't warn, there might have been mutterings about it heard from the traffic emerging on the Colony side - the people here might not be too friendly to smalltalk with any fleshier friends she might have brought along. Otherwise, for a planet spanned by practically contiguous megacities, the environment on Parum is...nice. A testament to the efficiency of Cast management.
Cas	The first time she arrived on the Guardians colony, she thought she would never have seen Gurhal again-- but she did. It wasn't her own world; subtle differences exist, from the people, some of the fashion, and even some of the technology that came about in the last five years. She was careful last time to not share or expose too much of what comes in the future, and it's still a legitimate concern now. To that effect, Cas was silent for the majority of the ride to Gurhal. She didn't request much more than a few photon rechargers and a fresh supply of Dimates, and the gray-haired Cast has been more than willing to answer any questions about the planet that they were on the way to. Midchilda was advanced, but there were just some ... things... here that may be somewhat shocking to her guardian. Cas is oddly professional here; a lifted hand and a briefly projected holographic card across her palm and fingers is all she needs to wave her and Captain Fate T. Harlaown through security. There's also a gentle hiss and a flare of light as her favorite outfit-- the roomy charcoal turtleneck dress and tights (and the Enforcer sweater-jacket Fate gave her for Christmas!)-- disappear from her form, leaving her in her tall boots and armored bodysuit when it clears. And despite anything Fate may have thought about the Cast girl's attire once before, it may become apparent in this city that Cas dresses... /pretty/ conservatively by comparison. "Miss Lou," she says as she reaches the entrance. Cas gestures to the taller blonde, "Captain Fate T. Harlaown." That tell-tale tic of her speech resurfaces as she seems to struggle momentarily to get the words out: "Came as soon... as we heard."
Fate T. Harlaown	Those strange looks at the odd silence she's been receiving have not gone unnoticed by Fate. She figures it out quickly enough, though, once she sees that the vast majority of the population here seem to be Casts just like her ward. Still, even the cold reception does little to dampen her mood. "Lou. I've heard a little about you from Cas." The blonde's smile is warm and gentle, and one hand is extended toward the Cast. "I look forward to working with you." Crimson eyes shift to the side, peeking at Cas. "I'm willing to offer any help that I can." Although she's not in her Barrier Jacket, Fate has her Device with her as always, and a soft chime sounds from within her pocket.
Lou	There's initially not much of a response from Lou, as Cas and then Fate emerge from the crowds of people - humans and Casts alike - aside from the concentric rings of her turquoise irises shifting to bring them more sharply into focus. Once they're within proper greeting distance, however, she gives a slight, if slightly stiff and practiced, bow at the waist, "Thank you for coming, Miss Cas, as well as Miss Harlaown." Upon raising, she stares at the hand for just a moment, no doubt some etiquette evaluation going on in her already taxed socializing processors. She eventually takes it, before the pause becomes thankfully too uncomfortable, and give it a firm grip and shake, which hopefully isn't painful. It isn't something she gets a chance to practice often. She inclines her head, something of a puzzled tone somehow managing to make its way even through her even, almost-monotone, "Miss Cas talks about me?" As though she can't imagine being worth others troubling to discus her when she's not around. Oh, of course, Fate must mean the ongoing investigations. "I have taken the liberty of preparing, but it would be best if we not discuss the details here," she states evenly, not even giving a glance to the possibly hundreds of people within hearing distance, a good number of which probably are equipped with telescopic vision and superhuman hearing, among other sensory 'improvements'. Though, at least at a glance, it doesn't seem like anyone is paying too much mind, too wrapped up are they in their own affairs. Like the human that walks through the plaza that the spaceport opens into, with what looks like a half-sized 'Cast' maid scurrying along behind them with arms full of groceries, assumedly on their way home. After a careful calculation, Lou's hair curls sway as she pivots, turning toward the west side of the plaza, "There is a cafe near here that will be underpopulated at this time of day," speaking in such absolutes, "There is a significantly lower chance we will be overheard there." And then, without further delay, she starts trotting her way over there, without even looking back to make sure she's being followed. It's not too far, thankfully, to make it there. As Lou had said, the crowds thin considerably as the colorful umbrellas of a cafe on the street, outside GRM's many fashion and tech outlet store fronts, come into view. It's no coincidence that there's also a linear train platform closeby, but that will be discussed soon enough. For now, Lou stands by at the drink bar, staffed by a young female human, "Please order whatever you like. I will pay." It is, after all, her business that she's asking Cas and Fate to get involved in.
Cas	She's spoken a bit! But Cas still clarifies, "Politely." Dealing with Lou-- dealing with other Casts again-- is something that Cas has to get used to again. She's lived with Fate for far too long; the differences in culture and lifestyles are somewhere between intoxicating and immersive, far removed from the cold logic and determination that she came to know after her departure from ... ... from certain company. Cas does, however, follow. Occasionally she gets a look; the clips in her hair are nothing like the horns sported by the other Casts here, though her ear pods are fairly run of the mill. In the back of her mind, a few gears are also turning-- if she's seen here by 'them,' it might cause some trouble, too. Shoot. This temporal multiversal mish-mash stuff is so complex. "Groovy Juice, please," she says, without a second of hesitation. She looks up at the taller blonde. "Drinks are the same. Mostly. Koltova juice. Neudaiz tea blends. Shouldn't be a problem."
Fate T. Harlaown	When she feels a sense of uneasiness from Cas, Fate lifts her hand to lightly pat the Cast girl on the head, being careful of those clips. If anyone bad -does- show up, they'll have to deal with Fate. "Only a little" The blonde nods toward Cas in agreement. "I'm not sure what sort of spies we might have, but I suppose I could get Bardiche to shield us with some white noise." Another soft chime from her pocket. Once they arrive at the cafe, the blonde steps up to the bar next to the two Casts. "I'll let you order for me, Cas. I don't think I've ever tried most of these things..." Burgundy eyes skim over the menu board, but she defers to her young ward for now. Cas wouldn't steer her wrong!
Lou	If the shorter Cast was bothered by being discussed, it at least doesn't break through her stony exterior. As for Fate's offer, "Do not worry, Captain. I am taking care of the passive security." What that entails, exactly, Lou doesn't disclose. She's more concerned with any in-person surveillance. Of course there are glances and looks, maybe even a few whispers here and there, among the natives. 'Custom types' are a bit exotic, after all. Even among the common and civilian Casts, it's more the norm for the same basic 'design' to be used for a lengthy production run, which probably explains why one can run into so many familiar faces when shopping, or at medical clinics across Parum. Truly custom Casts tend to be elite military, or built for some other special purpose; not too far from the truth for Cas. Regardless, it never seems to spill over into open suspicion or accusatory glances. Those that would have noticed her know it's also better to not get involved, or ask too many questions, lest one stumble into something they aren't supposed to know about. Did I mention that the Parum government, despite its efficiency and pronounced equity, can also be as underhanded as they come? In fact, that also strikes at the crux of why Lou has summoned the two here today. Guardian and charge, outsider and out-timer. Allowing everyone to order what they wish, Lou steps over and takes a seat at one of the tables, for a moment seeming as though she's staring straight through the landscape, or perhaps more accurately as though she's watching something though not with her own eyes. "The area is secured," she solidly states, before continuing her brief with no drink to distract her, while her guests finish, "I do not know how much Miss Cas has disclosed, Captain, and if you wish to back out after I inform the details, I will undertake my investigation alone." With that prefaced, she continues, "The SEED are an invasive type of organism, that arrive from deep space and can quickly take over large areas and infect native wildlife. Most of the early landings have been against the Guardians Colony, that you would have passed through on the way here." Which makes sense, having no atmosphere to make entry a bit more challenging, it's practically a sitting duck in orbit. That much is publically available knowledge, at least anywhere in Gurhal, and Cas would certainly know about it. However, as she talked about with Cas the last time, there is a..let's say, 'seedier' side to the affair. If she didn't have basically the same blank facial expression at all times, Lou would seem to grow more serious as she describes, "According to my records, ninety-seven percent of the samples of SEED tissue that are recovered are secretly being sent here, to Parum. Specifically to the laboratories of GRM, the primary contractor for both the Alliance Military Forces and the Parum government. They have a right to research materials, but the volume suggests they have other motives. Anyone that questions them gets nowhere." She stops here, assuming that the both of them will have questions, especially about how they intend to actually look into this matter.
Cas	A custom model indeed. Lou's given her a pretty direct scan and seen the extent of the customization, but she hopefully does not know the secrets of the gray-haired Cast's core-- that is a fear Cas is forced to live with in the middle of her cooperation with the Guardians right now. The markings in her photon shield-weave make it a little more overt; the vertical branding on the outside of her thighs in the glowing pale green light (coindicently the current color of the strips in her hairclips!) may look like 'UCO' to outsiders, but here it has a distinctly different meaning: '729.' Fate trusts her on the choice? That's a little reassuring, shown by the slight press of her lips with the very, very slight upturn at the corners of her mouth. "Hot green tea. Three Koltova juice. Sugar." A thoughtful pause before she adds, "Please." Seating herself across from Lou, the situation turns a little ... grave. Cas says nothing, but she does nod after a short time. "This is in line," she says. "... W-With what I know. Not transporting via PPT, yes? Probably not... here. At main office," Cas adds, jerking a thumb over her shoulder-- in the direction of the General Resource Manufacturing headquarters. "Secondary sites. Probably with security. Drones."
Fate T. Harlaown	Although she doesn't know what koltova juice is, Fate can't disapprove of sweet things being added to green tea. Is such an order just as strange here as it would be... basically anywhere else, she wonders... When she has her drink, the blonde pauses and glances around. It's a habit. There appears to be no Nanoha in sight to berate her, so she takes a sip and lets out a soft breath. "It's good. Thank you, Cas." But there is business to attend to now! "SEED... they sound like a parasite, then?" Fate frowns slightly. "Why would a single laboratory need so much, even if they were trying to find a cure or way to make wildlife resistant?" The idea hits her almost immediately, of course, and it's not one she likes. She's run into far too many cases of things that had no business being used on other people being weaponized for just that purpose, and it rrely turns out well for anyone. "You're proposing that we take an approach that doesn't lead us through the proper means of communication, then, Miss Lou?" There's just a hint of reluctance in her voice, but Fate keeps her expression neutral. Taking another sip of tea helps that.
Lou	"You are correct," which comes as little shock to Lou, as her eyes pivot in Cas' direction as she speaks up, "It seems that they keep several off-site laboratories, some that have been constructed clandestinely specifically for this purpose." Cas is from the 'future', after all, different and not set in stone as it may be; it makes perfect sense that she would already be informed of possible nefarious dealings that had since been exposed. She also lowers her head in Fate's direction, nodding an affirmative in a slightly stiffer motion than someone more socially adept might. "I am normally considered a 'stickler' for proper protocol and authorizations, at least that is what my more frustrated coworkers often tell me." Somewhere, Ethan Waber is probably sneezing. Once again, though, her voice somehow manages to sound more firm, despite not truly sounding that different at all, "Nonetheless, I am still a Guardian, and procedure is still secondary when there may be lives in danger. The Parum government does not have a good track record in handling dangerous items." Cas would know what Lou speaks of quite well. A charred scar on the surface of Parum, and once a thriving city in its own less than a decade ago, Mellvore is now a place spoken of only in hushed ghost stories. Especially since the Parum government still hasn't publically come clean on what caused it, and speaking out against it is forbidden. It's just one of those things everyone knows of but doesn't talk about. Regardless, as she seems to be watching other things in what must be something like terminator vision, while patiently waiting on her guests to enjoy their refreshments, she continues on with what her plans are. "As you've guessed, Captain, it is not something we can approach directly. Furthermore, while my data revealed the presence of the laboratories and the shipments, I was unable to pinpoint the location they are using. However, I believe I have a way: The AMF and GRM's weakness is their predictability. The linear train that carries their new shipments always arrives and departs the same time each week. If we should follow it to its destination, I can hopefully learn more about their motivations." She pauses, as an earlier point of Cas' suddenly becomes quite relevant, "There is a good chance the train will be guarded, but I should be able to shut down most of their security systems. My information suggests there is less than an eight percent chance we will encounter resistance of a higher sentience, in a worst case." Just in case that was what was causing Fate to have such an apprehensive expression.