Scene #9027: Trideag Gardening

Owner	Pose
Angela	''I was vaguely considering a rooftop garden, but right now it's underdeveloped...'' Tacked on words ... have consequences. Knifty has always been interested in gardening--indeed, she is not really doing great at training and despite her best efforts to not simply throw herself into the training weapons of her sparring partners, she can't help but get distracted whenever a training sword bonks her on the hand about half the time. She has been a bit less jittery and a bit more relaxed. Finn, one of the members of Trideag who have been helping with running practice sessions, noticed Knifty watering plants, snipping free dead flowers and trimming off browning edges of leaves with her knife with a fascination that is both wholesome and deranged. He remembered Lilian's mentioning the possibility of a rooftop garden and asked, innocently. "You know, the Commander mentioned putting a garden on the roof, I think it'd have an easier time getting sun and water up there... Would you like that?" "Aheheheh..hehehh...." Knifty giggles. "Yessssss...." She makes a swishy motion with her knife. And so Finn left with with a bundle of Ahn in his pocket from his latest Trideag paycheck... A few hours he returned. He has a big bruise on his face and is bleeding from his nose and he has numerous cuts and scrapes over his arms. But he has also brought a bag! Of fertilizer! And a satchel that has various seeds he had purchased from a nearby garden store in the Backstreets. "Oh don't mind these..." He gestured to his wounds. "Got jumped a little on the way back, but I was able to save these!" Coincidentally, the rooftop had been where Solace takes Cheer to train and Soothe to watch the training. Cheer is a young early preteen girl with short white hair and dull gray eyes wearing drab clothes. Soothe is a younger boy with long white hair who is largely there to watch and draw with crayons. Cheer is practicing with Solace there, on the rooftop, with a bone replica of Night Mist that she has obtained somehow. "LETS SEE IF YOU CAN HANDLE MY NIIIIGHT BOOOONE!" Cheer yells, swinging it at Solace who effortlessly bats it away with her axe. "If...you yell... about your night bone... every time before you attack... I'll just..." Solace lets out a shrill whistle. "Every time..." Her gaze slants towards Finn who is bringing in all sorts of assorted gardening material, wiggling forward as he struggles to carry most of everything with his two hands while Knifty is holding a single pot and her knife. Cheer bonks Solace lightly in the side with Night Bone while she's distracted by the unusual (for her) sight.
Odette Raskins	Is Odette a gardener? No. Even at home, before her training to start working formally as an EMT, she had few opportunities to even look at plants. Even on stations after all that training, she spent far more time running past or through hydroponics responding to other emergencies. Being able to see it now, where she doesn't have to worry about people in the middle of their own medical emergencies... It's hard to actually recognize what she's looking at. There's fertilizer, there's seeds, there's a bloody Finn with a knife-wielding Knifty, and there's several kids having their own little training session! Naturally, the medic goes straight for the bruised Finn first. She can always gawk at what Knifty's working on after, anyway. "Aw, geez... Come on. Let's get that cleaned up before you get an infection or something." Indeed, Odette (in her Trideag uniform and with her Company bag) is already on his case as she slides her medical HUD on to get a better look at his bruised and bloodied face, reaching into her bag to bring out a little spray bottle of disinfectant. Thankfully, she's not spraying it directly onto him, but onto a light cloth. "O-okay. Um. Stay still now, and don't stick your tongue out." She warns before getting to work on cleaning off those wounds, dabbing at them with different spots of the cloth and occasionally spraying more of the disinfectant onto the towel. "Y-you should really go with someone else next time, alright? Um... Where'd it happen?"
Rita Ma	Rita drops by Trideag about one-and-a-half times a week, usually clean and crisp from Liza's ship, or sometimes salt-smelling and slightly scuffed from Apple Tree Island. This is one of those latter times. Trideag's seen her elegantly made-up and in her Rats-esque hand-me-downs; now it sees her in simple workclothes, comfy sweatshirt and long skirt with dirtied apron overtop. "Ms. Solace! Cheer, Soothe!" The moment those elevator doors open onto the roof, she's stepping out and waving, excitedly leaning up on tiptoes and brightening even more when she spots the calcified sword. Her hand covers her mouth in a giddy laugh. "Please call it something else, Cheer. Look, since I made it, I should get to name it, right?" Knifty and-- oh no, Finn-- come in behind Rita, just as she's halfway to Solace. "So what kind of soil does the City have? I know it takes different nutrients to..." They can see the exact moment her pupils dilate to big round black. She swivels to face Finn with an eerie smoothness. act normal act normal act normal Rita moves in slow motion to resolve the situation, eyes wide and riveted on him. Her hand reaches out. She does something terrible, against her will: Finn gets sprayed with the gardening hose like washing off a car.
Aidan Proudpick	Aidan hasn't had much of a chance to meet the other members of Tridaeg except in passing. And since the word of gardening has gotten out, the squirrel is eager and prepped, even if he's spent most of his money in savings on preparing. Being a frugal squirrel, he did spend two hours shopping around for wholesale prices. He has soil, seeds, lumber, basic woodworking tools. Battery drills feel so weird to him. The entire set up floats next to Aidan, bouyed on a constant stream of air from Aidan's lips. A pink sleeveless shirt and sturdy jeans finishes his prep work for this gardening outing. "I heard about gardening and I came right away!!" He waves around, first at Finn and Knifty, "Hey, I'm Aidan, pleased to meetcha," then over at Solace and Cheer, "I'm Aidan, pleased to meetcha," Then at Soothe, "Hey there, pleased to meetch-" A jerk of the head back, watching the stream of water dart right past him towards Finn. "Miss Rita!" But he says it with a warm eager laugh. "Wait, you made a sword?!" He turns towards the bone replica of Night Mist. Gears rotate in his head. His expression shifts between 'that's so cool' and 'oh my god did that come from a person' several times. Dry mouth, a nervous cough, "Yea, it needs a m-mighty name."
Xion	What's going on isn't a party so much as a rolling goings-on of events for the Tridaeg Association, and so Xion is around hanging out! Because this isn't a party! Nor, is it a day for speeches, so the Nobody loiters where she feels most useful: around the people trying to pick up some combat experience. Knifty and the bonked head... "Hey, you're getting better!" Xion councils, though she can't help bout laugh at the head-bonked recoiling. "And... If you get smacked on the head, the fight's probably over. That seizing-up feeling, that flinch? It's your natural reaction to getting hit in a sensitive spot. So, slow down." Standing up from her carefully folded jacket seat, Xion rises in white t-shirt and black jeans. Reaching in a flourish that would normally summon one of her Keyblades, what is instead released from her inventory-dimension in a puff if dark motes is a hollow metal pipe, threaded on both ends, and makes a demonstrative high block, across her centerline. As she moves, she does so extra slow, to show off the transition from moment of block to re-directing sweep, and then twirls her pipe-blade to lean forward on it with both hands. "Don't forget to protect your face! And, if you practice what's hard to you rather than racing forward, you'll grow faster, I think. A mix of both." Taking a step back as Finn arrives, Xion isn't the first towards them -- Odette seems to be, with medicine and care, and Xion trails along behind two paces, curious. "Who jumped you? Did you see?"
Lilian Rook	Despite the number of people who have asked (demanded) and occasionally begged to be trained by her, running Association is the first time Lilian has actually resolved to perform it. Whilst her usual maxim of all-efforts and no shortcuts holds true as always, the seriousness with which Lilian approaches teaching an eclectic group of largely weirdos off the streets has an unmistakably unusual timbre. It's in the little things that don't stand out to most. The way she frowns at Knifty's drunken giggling rather than rolling her eyes. The way that she stresses Finn on his weak spots instead of haranguing him to shape up. The stiff reluctance with which she makes extra time, in place of cooly telling people that they can wait. The time she spends writing notes during free sparring while watching the G-corp trio. Her break from brutally fair uniformity to take Solace aside, and examine her use of the axe, or to hold Mang-chi, Lenny, and Pete late for group drills. It's in how she hovers around the gym and pores over data when she should be naming and shaming and congratulating in turn. Busting Knifty's snack stashes several times and threatening her with a Meal Plan. Visits to the in-house clinic without a good excuse, to pick up what drugs work on bugs. Her mildly emphatic insistence that everyone stick to one training sword, that they are expected to keep track of, and each of which are sized for each point-to-pommel to come up to their designated user's armpit, whilst Night Mist conspicuously comes near to Lilian's chin. And it certainly has something to do with Lilian coming out to the rooftop with a hefty briefcase in one hand, a tablet computer in the other, and Solace's name on her lips, only to halt completely once she sees Finn. 'Oh don't mind these... Got jumped a little on the way back, but I was able to save these!' "I do mind it, actually." Lilian says. "Who were they and what became of them?" She says it in a way that is as crisply professional as she should be speaking to her employees, and usually isn't; so it just comes off as pushy. She's already forcefully checking what 'these' are. "People sell these here? No-- why in god's name would anyone try to steal them? Who was with you?" 'LETS SEE IF YOU CAN HANDLE MY NIIIIGHT BOOOONE!' Finn is briefly spared by Lilian exhaling a teeny portion of her soul, breathing it back in before it escapes, and saying "You can't call it that." followed by, stiffly, "That name is taken. You need to use a different one."
Father Berislav	"Peace be with you." "And also with you." Wednesday service is concluded, a tiny congregation dispersed, an electric keyboard collapsed, a chasuble shed and a green stole stowed. --- Knowing the City as the Blade Lineage do is hard on the back and the feet, but good for the soul, so believes Father Berislav. Today isn't a day of work with them, however. Rather, he's come to observe the fledgling Trideag Association, which holds itself to be in charge of Elite affairs within the City. There are ulterior motives besides just simple curiosity, of course--but that's hardly any reason to behave poorly. So it is that the smiling priest finds himself on the rooftop, just in time to spy Odette caring for Finn. He gently places a hand on her shoulder and smiles down at her, nodding approvingly. "Was it your money, or the seeds that they were after?" asks Berislav. No-- why in god's name would anyone try to steal them? Who was with you? "I've heard that kept gardens are a sign of wealth in the City," answers Berislav. "...ah," he turns his attention back to Finn. "Please forgive my rudeness. I'm Father Waters Berislav, a colleague of Odette and Rita's--" He gets hit with some of the hose water as splash damage. "Rita...?" He blinks owlishly at her.
Odette Raskins	"Oh! H-hello, Miss Rita. Didn't see you there. Do you know if-" Odette squeaks lightly as a nearby bystander to Finn's spraying, backing up reflexively to not get too soaked herself. She chuckles in relief a moment later once she realizes there's no actual danger, then moves right back in to resume cleaning and finally getting some fresh medicated bandages onto his face. And since there's no threat of immediate injury... That means she can take her time cutting the gauze up, using as little as necessary while still making sure each wound is covered up properly. She can afford to be stingy when there's no time pressure to just jam it on, although it's not too hard for her to get distracted and put more than necessary anyway as she hears more familiar voices. Berislav can feel her freezing up momentarily on contact, then relaxing again when she looks up and over with a relieved noise. "O-Oh! Hi, Father Berislav. Yeah, knowing what they after might be important if..." She pauses to consider whether the distinction is actually important at all. Her brow furrows as she nods along with Xion and Lilian asking about the identity of Finn's attackers, closing her eyes for a moment. "Rules one, eleven, and... Three? Y-yeah, that sounds about right... E-especially if they were organized. We shouldn't let anyone try and push us around, right?" She tries to puff herself up just a bit at that, too, with both a marginally wider stance and trying to shift her shoulders outward for an extra millimeter of width.
Angela	Finn's wounds are not too serious and Odette can readily treat them. "Oh I mean--it's not a big deal," He babbles a bit but he's not going to stop her from disinfecting his wounds and putting bandages on and the like. He sits nice and still and good like he's had this situation happen to him before and has learned not to wiggle or complain TOO much. ''Hey, I'm Aidan--'' "RODENT..." Knifty raises her knife and Finn presses a hand against her forehead as she runs in place, failing to make any progress towards Aidan. "He's one of us, he's not just a big pest--" Finn tries to explain. "One of us...?" Knifty asks before realizing who this is. "The amateur who liked to get choked..." "AHah, we're all amateurs here wait what--" Finn begins before SPLOOOSH! He gets hosed down by water and utterly drenched. Dripplingly, he stands there. Well at least his wounds have been...cleaned? "....." And then he laughs. "C..c'mon Rita! I'm not THAT dirty! I showered a couple days ago! You're kinda a rascal, huh??" He's distracted by Berislav and says, "Oh uh. ... That's funny, drench me in Water and he shall appear huh?" He grins. "What brings you here? You here to sign up? You probably would have to talk to the Director or Vice-Direector..." ''Was it your money, or the seeds that they were after?'' ''Who were they and what became of them?'' Finn's cheeks redden, wholly embarrassed now that he's both dripping wet and being drilled. "Ah, well," He says. "I don't think they were picky. They were just Rats--not any of our Rats, I mean--who probably saw I was carrying more money than they figured from a Grade 8 and thought I'd be easy pickings for a big payday. I didn't really recognize any of them but they got a couple hits in before I scared 'em off by disarming them with my sword. Could maybe sketch 'em out? They're the kind of people we're supposed to help, I figured, so I didn't want to hurt 'em even if I couldn't really talk 'em down." He rubs at his neck. "The uh scratches on my arm are actually from a cat I was trying to catch for one of our neighbors before that even happened. I happened to see it but Miss Nibbles got away..." Solace does practice with her training sword but it's pretty clear she's far more accustomed with the axe like it's a second limb for her. That doesn't mean she isn't skilled with the training sword either. She naturally adapts to the weight and mostly has to adjust the final nuances of technique. She's talented in the art of violence, but more talented in the art of dealing with monsters. "Let's take five." Solace says, looking at Rita. "You want me to go downstairs and fetch something raw for you?" Her voice is low and soft which is both easier on her throat and more subtle in her communication to Rita. Apparently visiting Apple Tree Island has put Solace more at ease, though she'd insist she hasn't changed her mind about anything if pressed until she can talk to Kana. ''That name is taken.'' ''Please call it something else, Cheer.'' "Um...why?" Cheer frowns but she seems to take Lilian at her word that it is 'already taken'. 'Morning Bone?'" But Rita mentions that since she made it, she should get to name it and Cheer really can't argue against THAT. "What would you like to call it, Miss Rita?" She asks, wiggling back and forth on her heels. "It has to sound at least as cool as Night Bone though, okay?" "A weapon's name... Should hold meaning for maker and wielder alike." Solace says distantly, as if quoting someone long gone. ''I've heard that kept gardens are a sign of wealth in the City'' "Well--yeah, most people don't have this kind of space." Finn freely admits.
Sarracenia	Lately, even to her own surprised, Sarra has actually found herself wanting to solve at least a few situations /without/ having to smash someone or something. It is rare, but it has happened. And after Xion told her about Trideag the princess was very curious. Naturally she asked perhaps her only friend about it. And...he just happened to be a member? So, after getting over her surprise Sarra asked Aidan if she could tag along to the next Trideag thing he was doing. Which was...gardening? Which means working with dirt and stuff. One of Sarra's least favorite things despite loving flowers and beautiful gardens in general. So, the princess is in her 'hazmat chic' outfit. A bright red two piece outfit that completely covers her from head to toe. It is made of rubber designed to keep her and any nasty dirt or grime or mud separated, with boots built into the pants and a short skirt built into the top to maintain some level of princess-ness. She does not currently have the hood up, but she looks ready to pull it up at a moment's notice. Which happens when Rita sprays Finn. Sarra squeaks and pulls the hood down quickly, protecting her head from any splashing and leaving her face only visible through a thick plastic shield. She kind of just hovers near Aidan for now, but does offer a wave to Xion and Odette and Berislav. She's even so out of her element that she forgets to properly introduce herself until Aidan does, at which time she hesitantly says, "Ah...and I am Princess Sarracenia. Pleased to meet you." She does still curtsey though.
Rita Ma	The remorse center of Rita's brain is checked out. It stays that way for a drip, drip, drip of the hose. Then she clocks back in abruptly, covers her mouth, glances around guiltily to realize that nobody else conveniently took it as Unrestrained Summer Fun, and turns a little red. "Ah--" Hasty, apologetic bow: "I'm really sorry, Mr. Finn! And Mr. Berislav!" Odette and Xion weren't in the splash zone, right? Thank goodness. "I... I just..." Thought you needed cooling off. Didn't realize it had that much pressure. Thought it'd help. None of those lies feel good. Her jaw works before collapsing into a a queasily apologetic smile. "... I'll get a towel, okay? And I'll get something for me, Ms. Solace. Thank you, but, um, don't worry." - - - - After slipping over the building's edge, she's gone for a couple of minutes. Rita comes back up via elevator with a couple towels from the gym and a juice box in her other hand, passing the former off with more apologies and retreating back Solace-wards with the latter. The straw turns a little translucently red when she slurps, even though it's marked apple juice. "I've been thinking..." she says, as she perches herself on the building's lip again near the kids. "What about 'Yeongno', Cheer? I think that's a pretty cool name." Her talking-to-children cadence is getting better, though it's still a little unpracticed.
Aidan Proudpick	Two pip knowledges barely come up. But in this case, Aidan has stacks of boards, sealed with oil. Bolts stick out of most of the planks, nuts loosely attached. It's a floating Ikea(tm) trädgårdslåda that is currently only half made. A wrench sits in his back pocket for its creation. "The amateur who liked to get choked..." "Pleased to meet you in person, Knifty!" He takes it in stride. After being shot at, everything else seems pretty minor. Then, in a flash of inspiration, Aidan reaches into his bag, pulling out what looks like basically a knife. Not an authentic hori hori, instead one you get from home depot, looking almost like a battle field knife, but beveled down the middle and with a ruler on it. "Here! It's a gardening knife." He flips it in his hand, grabbing the blade between two fingers, and offers the gardening tool to Knifty. Surely this'll be fine. He pulls the wrench out of his back pocket, turning back to Sarra, "If you don't want to do the dirty stuff, you can help me build the garden boxes. It's really easy, all you gotta do is slot them in, put on the bolts, and they are ready to fill with dirt!" The uh scratches on my arm are actually from a cat I was trying to catch for one of our neighbors before that even happened. I happened to see it but Miss Nibbles got away..." A beaming grin from the squirrel. "That's the kind of heroics. Serving the people for the smallest reason, not willing to hurt the people you serve." Another glance at Rita, this time at her Type O Capri-Sun, a brief shudder. Focus on the gardening.
Odette Raskins	"Maybe right now, but in a couple of days, the infection can set in." Odette warns Finn in an uncharacteristically serious tone, pursing her lips for added effect. "It'll get bigger. Grosser. More bulbous and yellow, hurting just from feeling the breeze on it being all stretched out, and really making you scream when you bump it up against something until you wanna and have to cut it off. I-i saw it hpapen on the station a bunch of times, and that was with really good doctors around!" After trying to scare Finn with that embellished story, her expression shifts right back to clueless blankness when Knifty mentions choking. She looks over at Aidan, back at Knifty, then slides over a bit to keep Berislav in between herself and Aidan. "W... Weird... Isn't being choked a bad thing?" She murmurs, glancing around a few times from behind the safety of the Father like that would actually help her decipher whatever line of thought is involved. She also waves lightly at Sarracenia upon spotting her, and there's a moment of confusion when she realizes Rita's not there anymore. The confusion fades soon enough, though, as she turns back to Finn once he starts describing who attacked him. "Different Rats? Hmmn... I-I mean, yeah, we're supposed to be helping them, but that doesn't mean it's okay for them to just do whatever they want to us. Then it's like... Rewarding them for it." She replies, sighing a moment later as a troubled look crosses her face. "Still, I guess it wouldn't be good to go overboard, either, since... We're supposed to be helping them, yeah. And the scratches..." She holds up a finger as she sets down her medical bag, then starts digging through it with both hands. Eventaully, she digs out a pill bottle with a single pill in it, mixes some extra fluid in from a few other bottles, then hands it to Finn. "Antibiotics, immunity boosters, and antiviral stuff. I-in case the kitty stepped in anything real weird out there."
Lilian Rook	'I've heard that kept gardens are a sign of wealth in the City' "Speaking of which, I'd assume that you're here to discuss work." says Lilian to Berislav, just barely avoiding 'Which is of course all you can think of' instead. "I wouldn't consider us to be on unfriendly terms, but may I remind you that the front desk will begin turning you away should you get into the habit of unannounced social visits like this." she sighs, hand on hip as best she is able with both occupied. "Furthermore, they'd have even less reason to want to steal garden supplies, given no wealth of their own and every reason to avoid faking it. The assumption at seeing Finn with them should be that he's an errand man, shouldn't it? He looks perfectly plain and average." Suddenly thinking about the obvious detail, Lilian turns back around, and says, "Actually, why did you want them in the first place, Finn? You're in the wrong place to volunteer them to the community apartments down the street." By which she means 'across, around the park'. The splotch of green is easily visible from the roof, marking the location as a unique one within the Backstreets even by only looking outwards. 'What would you like to call it, Miss Rita?' She tries very hard to not look annoyed that Cheer asked Rita and not her. Finn is answering her question and she should be focused on that. Reading his mind to recall the faces of his assailants for herself, if necessary. 'They're the kind of people we're supposed to help, I figured, so I didn't want to hurt 'em even if I couldn't really talk 'em down' So it's extra annoying that he says that too. Lilian had just gathered herself up to organize in retaliation, and so it takes visible effort to bite her tongue and hold her breath instead of immediately contravening Finn's unexpectedly extended faith in his fellow man. "That may be so, but you can't encourage them to try again with a larger group next time. For the next two weeks, I expect you to travel with your uniform on and a partner with you. That should be long enough for people to get the picture." Lilian says. "I'd rather not go out of my way to punish something so petty, but you came home bloody. I won't have a reputation for allowing it; especially not at this crucial early point." 'Let's take five.' "Your experience certainly shows." Lilian says to Solace, once she breaks from her pre-existing business. "The sword is what I know best, but I fundamentally believe that it's the best weapon with which to teach the basic principles of armed combat. I'm working on sourcing adequate instruction for spear, shield, and axe fighting as soon as possible, so if you find that your old weapon still suits you better, I'll provide a short examination and likley permit you to exchange." "We'll be beginning hand to hand combatives in a week, as well." Lilian says, raising her voice to be heard by the others. "Much to your detriment, I expect, Knifty. I will be expecting to see improvement in your basic fitness scores imminently. As much as I appreciate your camaraderie with Lenny's group, you can't expect to be babied by them forever. Ah, speaking of which," Lilian puts the suitcase down, but then . . .
Xion	Considering the quality of the Rats who'd jump a Grade 8... Xion leans her arms straight against her pipe, the metal bowing into her stretch before she switches back to balancing, now a little lower for the bend pushed into the standing metal. "It's strange that anyone would jump you, honestly, but not... unthinkable. If you know exactly who did it, or could identify them - if they made off with something, we're going to get it back of course. But--" Finn getting hosed off by Rita (and Berislav in he splash zone) is entirely safe from the noirette's lean, despite dangerous white t-shirt. She hadn't just been entering! The glance-worry her way still sends her attention down her shirt. "Huh? Oh, no thanks, I'm good." Xion interprets Rita's query more as a question than a check, surprised she'd even be asked. She wasn't rushing the door! "I was just sitting around until now, the roof's kind of nice." Sarracenia's approach, hopefully a dry one, gets Xion standing up and swinging slightly bent pipe to shoulder. "Hey, Sarra, you made it. Looking to join up? You might be a real help in the garden, aren't you a plant princess? You've made that flower dance and sing for weeks or... days? Now?" A distant-shocked look is cast at nothing, Xion trying to remember the Everhood and failing to grasp onto how long she had spent there. It gave her bad feelings, and then with a slow glance that ends on Lilian, a sigh of relief and a cast-away shrug. "It sucks to feel like the only safe place is here, but... how're we going to handle this, Lilian? Show of compassion? Show of force? Some of both? They're not tornadoes, they're just... desperate people."
Lilian Rook	'Ah...and I am Princess Sarracenia.' "Excuse me?!" Lilian, upon perceiving Sarracenia's existence, opens her mouth to question how and why the Princess is actually here, given she is fairly certain the building is far from trivially insecure, but it takes her less time to figure out the rest of the story than it does to find words. "Proudpick, this is a workplace, not your book club. You can't simply invite whoever you please." says Lilian, somehow, miraculously, keeping her tone within the line of 'scolding teacher'. "You've been entrusted with access to the complex as a Fixer. Setting aside the matter of proprietary company information, people live here. We have specialist medical supplies that certain members can't afford to go missing, we have arms and ammunition that cannot end up on the streets, we have registers of private information--" Her patience cracks. "For Christ's sake there are children. You are not free to decide for yourself who comes and goes. This area is for employees and people with nowhere to go, not your fucking--" Lilian looks at Sarracenia, and the word 'date' dies somewhere between her throat and her teeth. Her expression is unreadably troubled. "Whoever you want to get in good with." Doing her best not to fixate on how much she'd like to throttle Aidan whilst he is on the 'Lilian kind of promised not to throttle him here, implicitly, under contractual obligation' premises, Lilian turns to a more relieving place to look (Xion) and says, "Might I trouble you with a small task?"
Lilian Rook	'They're not tornadoes, they're just... desperate people.' "They are, but so is everyone in the City, Xion. It's a cost that I accepted moment I signed the papers to operate here." Lilian sighs. "Most of our trouble will come from individuals who have little opportunity to do better. It's good to be mindful of that fact, but . . ." She shakes her head gently. "Well, you've already intuited what I'm going to ask of you." "I can locate that group easily. I'd like you to drop in on them and have a little 'heart to heart' about their behaviour. You're permitted to rough them up if they attack you, but your objective is to secure their cooperation. Communicate that we will allow them to get off this time with an apology to Finn directly, and 'community service'. We'll have them work in the park commons for a few days. Should they ask to stay, I'll allow it, should they then leave, we'll send them off with a little something or other so the nearby areas can hear the story." "To be clear, the fact that we will retaliate should the behaviour continue is intentionally implicit, and fully genuine. These are the Backstreets; the only order is what we enforce. I'd like to give the impression that the Association is above harshness for street scuffles like these, but we're within our rights to frighten them."
Sarracenia	'Hey, Sarra, you made it. Looking to join up? You might be a real help in the garden, aren't you a plant princess? You've made that flower dance and sing for weeks or... days? Now?' The princess is not splashed, so her hood is slowly pushed up again. "Oh..um...I am not sure I am much good with non-talking plants. I have a large court garden, but...I also have a large court gardening staff." she says, a bit self-consciously. As for the comment about her dancing plant, "...Ah...I did not realize it was that long. I suppose I owe Florence some extra time off." Someone got attacked just...shopping for gardening supplies? Sarra also frowns at this. "Whoever did this deserves a swing from my hammer." she says. She does not think much of apple juice being red until Aidan shudders. She gives him a curious look, then looks at the juice, then back at him. "...I thought you liked juice?" she says unknowingly. She also offers Rita a wave in greeting. "Hello Miss Rita!" Aidan suggests she help him with building the planter boxes. She still doesn't seem to like the idea, but sighs softly and nods. "I suppose I should help since I came along. But, working with my hands? It is a good thing I am wearing such thick gloves." Or so she thinks. But, putting things together is more difficult with gloves on. So, she struggles a bit to get the boards slotted and bolted. She tries particularly hard with one and when it finally slips into place the princess yelps and holds a finger, having pinched it in between the boards just slightly. Which naturally leads to one of her growly huffs. 'Isn't being choked a bad thing?' "That is what I thought as well, but..." Sarra shrugs lightly. "Apparently not always?" 'Excuse me?!' Sarra's expression turns to a light frown and her arms cross as she listens to Lilian. Then, with her tone carefully even she says, "I am not some evil destroyer, you know. -Or- someone who takes over someone's home and say...roboticizes everyone then hands it off to an evil protege. /OR/ an evil protege who happily holds hostages merely to amuse myself." she says, then huffs hotly. "Do you -actually- think I would harm children or residents for no reason, steal items and information from this place, and then let unsavory individuals have them?! Have I ever done something like that?! I came to help! Because I want to be someone who does this kind of thing! Helping in non-smashing, non-explosive ways! That is the kind of help that both heroes -and- princesses would give!" Sarra takes a few breaths, then adds, "If I purposefully harm anyone or damage anything or steal anything from this place, I will endure whatever punishment you deem fit. But, Xion made it sound...like quite a nice organization. So..." Sarra looks to Xion. "Yes, perhaps I did come here hoping that I might join up." Sarra then pulls out a green mushroom and offers it to Odette. "Here. This may help as well."
Odette Raskins	"That may be so, but you can't encourage them to try again with a larger group next time." "W.. Would they really do that? I-I mean, if..." As Odette starts to ask Lilian more followups, she already starts to recall what she's seen at home, and she lets out another quietly anxious noise at the possibility of exactly that happening. She does sound a little more relieved at the direction of Finn traveling with a partner, at least, and- "We'll be beginning hand to hand combatives in a week, as well." That has Odette looking considerably more anxious and excited at the same time. "L-like with... Um. Martial arts and stuff? That'd be real useful for sure! But..." She fidgets in place, rubbing her cheek briefly and staring at the floor for several moments before looking back up. "W-will we need to bring gear or clothes or... Anything special for that?" Another cheek scratch, and then a quieter "Or scrolls...?" "They're not tornadoes, they're just... desperate people." "Right? That just makes this situation suck more..." Odette concurs with Xion, nodding lightly while taking another look around that rooftop. "Compared to everything further down on the street, this... Really is the safest-feeling place around here. Making everywhere feel just as safe as here could take forever without..." Odette trails off, not really knowing where to even start with going about something like that. "I'd like you to drop in on them and have a little 'heart to heart' about their behaviour." "Eh? A-alone?" Odette blurts out, looking between Lilian and Xion a few times with visible concern. "Is that really... I-I mean, Miss Xion's one person, you know? Shouldn't she have a partner with her for that?" She half-asks half-suggests, pauses, then looks around rapidly once she realizes that could come off as volunteering herself. "S... Someone tougher or more violent-looking, even! Like..." "Here. This may help as well." "Oh. Princess? Uh. Th-thank you!" Odette finds herself confused by Sarracenia's offer of the green mushroom, taking it and staring at it blankly for a few moments before remembering what it's used for. "Wonder if I could grind this down into something... O-or should Finn just eat this as is?"
Father Berislav	That's funny, drench me in Water and he shall appear huh? "Maybe so," says Berislav to Finn with a little smile. "My first name was chosen because my parents were very religious, and our faith makes lots of references to water." You here to sign up? "That isn't completely off the table," says Berislav. "And I might just do that, in time. Especially since the Association is the authority on my behavior whether I'm a member or not." That draws an arch little smile, as he removes his glasses and wipes off the water specks. "Today, I'm just making the rounds; getting to know my neighbors. I'd... prefer to be more accustomed to life in the City and working alongside the Association before joining it." They're the kind of people we're supposed to help, I figured, so I didn't want to hurt 'em even if I couldn't really talk 'em down. Show of compassion? Show of force? Some of both? They're not tornadoes, they're just... desperate people. "That's the right attitude to have, if I do say so as someone outside your organization. Helping those people is my aim, too--understanding what they have need of is the first step to preventing these sorts of things." I wouldn't consider us to be on unfriendly terms, but may I remind you that the front desk will begin turning you away should you get into the habit of unannounced social visits like this. Dabbing his cassock with the towel after a silent gesture of thanks towards Rita, he nods apologetically at Lilian. "I happened to be in the neighborhood this time around, so I'm grateful for the indulgence, just this once. I'll be sure to call ahead in the future." For Christ's sake there are children. You are not free to decide for yourself who comes and goes. The priest clears his throat politely. "Especially given the imposition," he adds to his apology. I'd like to give the impression that the Association is above harshness for street scuffles like these... "I happened to speak to a Fixer some time ago," muses Berislav aloud. "I'm not certain what Office she was from; I couldn't see what kind of weapon she was using or any identifying mark. She was hired to deliver a message, which she did. I took the opportunity to give her one of my own--thinking that if she liked it, she might pass it along to the people who hired her." "'Something beautiful is coming. Perhaps not swiftly, but certainly,'" he recalls, folding his hands before him and looking out over the skyline. "I said that you were the right person for this job, before--but of course, I never mind being reminded of past correct answers," Berislav offers, with a wry little smile. Shouldn't she have a partner with her for that? "She's an Elite," Berislav gently chimes in. "If she'd like company, I'd be happy to volunteer. But I doubt that she needs it. As she said herself, this kind of thing is driven by desperation, not any kind of inherent ill will."
Aidan Proudpick	"...I thought you liked juice?" "I uh... not my favorite kind of juice. Look, I'll do the dirt stuff, just think of the wrench as using the hammer." He grins, moving the mound of dirt closer once Sarracenia has the planks together. Aidan doesn't bother with gloves. As the dirt goes in, Aidan presses it down with his hands, leaning over the box to flatten and press it down. "Proudpick, this is a workplace, not your book club." Aidan folds his arms, meeting her gaze. His is the opposite, a rush of heat first, gritted teeth. He's used to being on the receiving end of this sort of thing, but he quickly leaps to Sarracenia's defense. "She wanted to help! And Princess Sarracenia isn't gonna steal medical supplies, children or guns. She's a responsible and trustworthy Elite." The fact that he is in the wrong and the complex is supposed to be very secure catches up with him. He waits until Sarracenia is done. It is a stiff lowering of the arms, then a begrudging nod at Lilian Rook. "Yer right, though. In the future, I won't bring anyone else without asking first. Even if they just wanna help. This is an important place and important job for The City and I shouldn't take it lightly." so I'm grateful for the indulgence. Aidan coughs, remembering that he is not in The Quarry having a battle of wills with Lillian, so he adds to her, "I'm sorry, thank you for your patience."
Angela	"...Eh?" Finn, who thought Rita was pranking him, is a little confused but takes the towel without complaint. "Oh um, thanks." He quirks his head at the strange beverage she's drinking--he might not have really made the neurons connect in his head yet. ''What about Yeongno'' "What's that mean?" Cheer asks. "Yeongno. ''Yeongno''." She tests the word out in her mouth. "Well it has a nice mouthfeel..." She decides at the very least. Solace gives Rita a small nod but doesn't seem to be the kind of person to fuss over someone she is willing to ask to help with looking after the kids, that sort of defeats the purpose in the Hunter's eyes. Soothe is off by himself, still, watching and drawing, changing out crayons and periodically looking over to Rita. HAs he found... INSPIRATION? Knifty is offered a knife. Knify, of course, already has a knive. She takes the knife anyway, tough and gives a look over to Sarracenia, raising the gardening knife up like she might be ready to name her blade Yeongno too in a far more direct manor but Finn is using his hand to keep her from stabbing anyone in the way one might hold back a dog from biting anyone. Eventually Knifty loses interest and starts placing the pots around the rooftop, laughing a little to herself every so often. "Miss Rita, Miss Rita, do you like gardening...?" She asks with wide eyes. ''Maybe right now, but in a couple of days...'' Finn's expression goes from vaguely haraunged to a large grimace. "Achh...I get it, I get it, I won't try to be a tough guy anymore." He hesitates a little after saying that before adding, "Well you're a really good doctor aren'tcha?" ''Isn't being choked a bad thing?'' "Yeeahhh... It's baaadd..." Knifty giggles. But she seems to remember. "Ack... act normal act normal act normal..." She tells herself. She's doing her level best. ''If they made off with something'' "No, no, they didn't take anything." He promises-- Lilian going in on Proudpick draws attention and distracts others from what they're doing. Naturally, if a fellow agent of the Trideag Association chooses to bring someone in, they're probably going to figure they're here to bring on new elites to work here and as for Berislav, well, he's getting his own kind of reputation in the City--slowly but surely. ''ACtually, why did you want them in the first place, Finn?'' "Oh I just---Knifty was going around taking care of other folks' plants around here and I remember you mentioning maybe making a rooftop garden? So I figured since I had some extra cash, I'd go ahead and get one started up here with her. She, uh, gets distracted a lot in lessons. Figured maybe taking care of something would help her focus." He rubs at his neck. "...Yeah I was a little careless. Normally they wouldn't go after someone like me... I'm sorry for dishonoring the Association, Director." He doesn't mention that he did have a partner with him technically because he knows dang well that Knifty is the least capable fighter in the facility except maybe for Soothe. Even Cheer'd probably trounce her. "Maybe Solace can come with me next time?" Solace hesitates, but since Lilian is essentially insisting, she does ultimately acquiesce. "...Sure."
Angela	''Your experience certainly shows.'' "...Thank you." Solace says. "...They're pretty taken with Miss Rita but Cheer wants to be like you. You're that kind of person to them." Cheer sees Solace talking to Lilian and stares before getting nervous and looking away, holding Yeongno(?) close to her body. "...Appreciate it." Solace says. "Just how I learned but--" ''Much to your detriment, I expect, Knifty.'' There's a flicker of genuine fear (of being kicked out) on Knifty's face and she quietly nods and smacks her face with both hands again. Act normal. Act normal. Do better at training... ''Whoever did this deserves a swing from my hammer'' "'Deserves' is a bit of a strong word isn't it?" Finn asks. "I'm sure they're just not...you know... realizing we're going to change things that are better for them yet." Then Sarracenia starts shouting at Lilian and as one might expect from a group of people who largely owe their present circumstances to Lilian Rook... That isn't going over well with the Trideag Association members. Solace grips her axe... "...We've got rules here." She says to the princess. "If you want to work here, you listen to the Director and you follow those rules." ''That's the right attitude to have.'' Finn doesn't turn away from watching Sarracenia warily. Usually when someone starts huffing and exclaiming like that, violence is sure to follow. He wants to be ready. "Oh uh. Thanks? But the Director's right--we really can't make us look bad, especially right now--" Berislav speaks of something beautiful-- "What's that? Are you an artist too?" Soothe asks, misunderstanding.
Xion	> 'Might I trouble you for a small task?' Xion's wonder if it will be a show of compassion or force is answered by the masterful stroke of the organization's Director, quieting the noirette and stilling her slow side-turn and pipe-grip fingerroll idle loop. "Of course you can, Lilian. Anything you'd like." She returns, to the 'a small task', all but dipping at the knee in the change in her behavior. "Us all getting together and running down some rough folks because they tried and failed to jump one of ours... sends a message of fear. I think Lilian is absolutely right that we can use this, though..." Drawing in her left arm to couch against side and cup chin, Xion's thoughtful pose marks time with steady beats against her neck via pipe-dap. "We'll get one reprisal for free, as long as it's delicate, and offering them a chance to see the park might really give them the chance that our starting group had when they joined. Okay." Her considering hand drops to her side and her thought-time metronoming stops. "I can handle this for sure." There's just, the matter of anyone else going. "Well, of course, I don't mind help.. But we're not going there to blow them up, Sarracenia." > 'S... Someone tougher or more violent-looking, even!' Xion makes a sour face. "Thanks, Odette." She returns to Sarracenia. "The worst they did to Finn was a rough-up, so the worst we'll do to them is a rough-up. It's not always time for escalation, Sarra." Xion gives the princess a big grin when she confirms her willingness to sign on regardless. "Sometimes it's a time for gardening. Hey, if you've never done it before, maybe it'll be a good time to learn? I've worked in all sorts of floral shops and home and garden places, they always need help, and working with your hands is nice. Nobody's gonna check you for wearing gloves here, I promise. There's a code the organization follows that I think you might find really useful in general, even."
Lilian Rook	'Do you -actually- think I would harm children or residents for no reason, steal items and information from this place, and then let unsavory individuals have them?!' "What does that have to do with anything?" Lilian says to Sarracenia, loud 'haah?' implicit in the offensively dumbfounded look that she gives her. "You're not an employee, are you? You don't live here. So you're not meant to be allowed in. How is this complicated?" She looks between her and Aidan as if this would suddenly reveal that they're conspiring together on camera. "Regardless of your ever-bizarre hyperfixation on moral score points, Proudpick doesn't have the authority to simply decide for himself that you're allowed here without a pass." "More importantly, he doesn't have that authority for anyone; I'm perfectly certain he's very much capable of finding worse than you by far." Lilian says. "I have a contractual oligation to my employees to guarantee their privacy and safety. Keeping oaths is far more important than mere good and bad behaviour." 'W-will we need to bring gear or clothes or... Anything special for that?' "Tight-fit athletic wear. Something you'll feel comfortable exercising in without being loose enough to casually grab." Lilian says, offhandedly. "We can have you sized if you don't own anything." 'Shouldn't she have a partner with her for that?' "I expect Xion to make Grade Two in short order. She's strong." 'I happened to be in the neighborhood this time around, so I'm grateful for the indulgence, just this once. I'll be sure to call ahead in the future.' Lilian frowns her utmost within the limits of professionalism. "You heard me." she says, probably referring to Aidan and Sarracenia. "I'll be making it abundantly clear to the staff that unscheduled entries aren't to be permitted beyond the ground floor. I won't have people declining any position of responsibility yet selecting into being here whenever they please. Enrollment wasn't beneath Rita Ma; I regret to inform you that you don't deserve more benefits for less rules than her." 'Something beautiful is coming. Perhaps not swiftly, but certainly,' Lilian taps restlessly at her tablet, then puts it away in her bag to busy her gaze. "How odd. I suppose I should be cross-referencing that for ciphers, knowing the company you keep." she says, deflecting.
Rita Ma	"'Yeongno'? It's just something I read about once," Rita says, swaying on her roof-edge seat with a little too much confidence. Her knee draws up, squishing into her cheek while she smiles at Cheer. "It used to be a story people told in old Korea. A yeongno is a kind of monster that wants to go to heaven. It only eats bad rulers, and people like that. If it gets a hundred of them, it gets rewarded. I think a hopeful story is good for a starting sword, right?" Slurrrrp. The juicebox makes a juicebox noise. "Oh! And when you grow up- but only when you grow up, okay?- Ms. Solace can help you put an edge on it. It should be as good as steel, at least." Rita looks over at Solace for shaky approval, both about the edge-grinding and the name. After a moment, she notices Soothe drawing her and gives him a little wave. The angle of her head says 'show me?'. She warms back up, both in mood and confidence, when Knifty comes over to her. Rita pops up and gives Knifty a little hug, hand trailing along arm- this isn't fit company for the tentacle snuggles. "Mmm! I'm not very good at it, but I like gardening a lot. Do you keep any bees here, Ms. Knifty? The beehives are really cute, and there's some plants that need them..." 'Cute', like 'hopeful', might be a word only Rita would use. - - - - Rita, who- whatever tensions may exist- has never actually seen Aidan or Sarracenia do anything bad, slips over (arm still around Knifty's shoulders) with a reluctant little frown. "Hi, Ms. Sarracenia! Hi, Mr. Proudpick. I'm sorry, but she's right," she says, meaning Lilian. Her new smile's apologetic, hands folded in front of apron. "Did you send her a message or anything about joining...? It's important to know who can come in and who can't."
Lilian Rook	'So I figured since I had some extra cash, I'd go ahead and get one started up here with her. She, uh, gets distracted a lot in lessons. Figured maybe taking care of something would help her focus.' Getting that answer from Finn surprises her. Not only is the reason perfectly simple, but it'd sprung from something Lilian herself had said; and she is far from used to people remembering even her direct, urgent instructions, never mind offhanded little thoughts. "Well, it's your money." she says, vaguely. "And the space is undeveloped. I suppose there's nothing to complain about." A morally grey little grin teases her lips for a moment. "And I appreciate your looking out for Knifty. She is currently the trouble case, so it pleases me to see a Trídéag Fixer looking after their own, even before it's their turn to need the same." '...Sure.' Either sensing Solace's discomfort, or with something else in mind, Lilian smoothly slides into saying, "Don't travel with the same partner for two weeks. It'd be best if you were to frequently change them. Our roster shouldn't appear that tiny. Feel free to ask one of your Multiversal comrades, even. As long as it's even one other person and you're both visibly armed, you should have no real trouble." '...They're pretty taken with Miss Rita but Cheer wants to be like you. You're that kind of person to them.' Lilian has been hearing those words, lately, but despite her record breaking streak of firsts, not from children. "With your permission, I suppose early preparation couldn't hurt." she says, lightly dazed. "I wasn't much older than Cheer when . . ." '...Appreciate it.' "Your preexisting experience is valuable. Especially when we have untrained members to look out for." Lilian says. "Judging by your style, you're much less used to fighting humans, aren't you? It'll be easier to show you finer points of how with a sword; that's all." 'I'm sure they're just not...you know... realizing we're going to change things that are better for them yet.' "Not everyone we meet will have the luxury of waiting months or years for us to turn this City around." Lilian says. Her voice takes a turn towards somber, but is defined by the distant ring of recollection. "One day, all of you will have to answer to someone like that. There is no one right answer to 'but what do I do right now?', but you'll need to practice having one all the same."
Sarracenia	'Wonder if I could grind this down into something... O-or should Finn just eat this as is?' "For maximum healing he should eat it as it is. Or...more specifically, he should gulp it down in one bite. It is like cotton candy but to more of an extreme. However, they do make delicious and healing dishes as well." Sarra explains. Sarracenia raises an eyebrow as she notices a fairly large knife being held in her direction, and her hand drifts toward her purse. Finn holds Knifty back though so Sarra's hand moves away from that purse. "Hmm. Perhaps it is a bit strong. Maybe just a toss of a boomerang." she says. '...We've got rules here. If you want to work here, you listen to the Director and you follow those rules.' "I am fairly certain I was listen--" 'What does that have to do with anything?' Sarra blinks in surprise, her frown disappearing into confusion. She can't tell if Lilian is completely serious or just good at hiding a jab. And also...Lilian just said there are worse people than her! By far! Sarra is so caught off guard by this that her anger just sort of...disappears, leaving her staring with her mouth ever so slightly open. Aidan apologizes, and Sarra hmphs softly and crosses her arms, looking off to the side. Sarra wasn't insulting, so there's no need for her to apologize. She looks to Xion instead, listening to what she says. "...well, I suppose I should have a copy then." she says, while contemplating. She blinks, then mmphs. "..wait that would mean I would be working for..." she whispers to herself. That causes her frown to return. "...even if I do not end up working here." she says at normal volume. Sarra listens to the rest of what Lilian says and Rita's affirmation of it, then takes a deep breath before letting it out slowly. "...fine. I did not send a message so...my apologies. I did not realize it was..." going to be so restricted. No, she knew it was even if she thought it would be restricted from her specifically and not just non-members in general. "...that serious. I will request access through proper channels if there is a second time." She then goes back to putting wooden boxes together and letting Aidan do the dirt work. And smiles lightly to Xion. "There is something about gardening, I suppose. And if I can do it with gloves then...perhaps I can garden after all." She pauses a moment. "...not always time for escalation..." she murmurs, contemplating it.
Lilian Rook	'Us all getting together and running down some rough folks because they tried and failed to jump one of ours... sends a message of fear. We'll get one reprisal for free, as long as it's delicate, and offering them a chance to see the park might really give them the chance that our starting group had when they joined.' "I knew you would understand." Lilian says, with a hint of relief all the same. "I trust you absolutely." Looking back over her shoulder, she tosses her hair through her fingers idly. "I don't mind you bringing someone else, but it should be someone who can handle the wheel at the speed you plan to take; you're plenty strong enough as is, so don't go choosing someone overkill." 'A yeongno is a kind of monster that wants to go to heaven. It only eats bad rulers, and people like that. If it gets a hundred of them, it gets rewarded. I think a hopeful story is good for a starting sword, right?' Lilian stares slightly too long to get away with. The 'Lilian Will Remember That' prompt is still hanging in Rita's metaphorical HUD even after she looks away. She attempts to sit on the moment for long enough to let it fade, gives into simulating thirty different undesirable outcomes, opens her mouth, closes it, then tries again. "If she gets a hundred of them, I'll do better than Heaven." Lilian says, then starts to laugh at her own words.
Lilian Rook	'..wait that would mean I would be working for...' "Would that be a problem?" Lilian says, archly. An eyebrow vanishes into her bangs. Her tone becomes perfectly leading. "Do you consider yourself to be too good for this? Because that would seem to suggest that you imagine yourself as someone above . . ." She visually scans the audience, just for silent ephasis. 'All these people.' is implied. 'Yer right, though. In the future, I won't bring anyone else without asking first. Even if they just wanna help.' "See that you don't." Lilian says. She picks up her suitcase and moves to the inner side barrier, seating herself on something nearly waist level at the edge of the roof. "Seeing as I'm under obligation to furnish you with something useful, I'll leave you with this." she says, curtly. "If people learn that you'll break the rules for someone who just wants to help, you'll quickly find yourself meeting no end of people who 'just want to help'."
Aidan Proudpick	Rita gets a more sheepish smile from Aidan, her own smile letting him ignore the idea of being drained dry of blood, "Yea. Kinda get excited to let people help. I forgot my responsibility." The soil goes down in several layers before Aidan looks over at Finn. The garden boxes are large. Eight foot by five foot. Not enough for a full community garden yet, do you know how much it costs to fill a garden box with soil? But it's a start. "Alright! Finn, you got those seeds, right? So, what we did at home was soak em over night. And some of em you gotta scratch up to really get them going." He nods towards the box, "Why don't you and Knifty go first!" "There is something about gardening, I suppose." "It's relaxing. You have to take care of something. It's nice when I just wanna be alone and think." Out come a few jars that Aidan sets on the dirt, in front of the others gathered around the boxes. "I thought it would be nice to grow some greens and beans. I got cabbage, green beans, chard, k- you know, the usual green stuff." "If people learn that..." A pause in Aidan's handing out of supplies. He turns his head, a surprised look on his face. He nods, in full respect of Lilian giving him a what is essentially a gift in this moment. "I'll remember it," not sure if it's true, but not willing to discard it out of hand.
Odette Raskins	"Thanks, Odette." Odette doesn't know how to react to that. Xion said thanks, but the look on her face doesn't feel like it! Time to clarify, as that will surely make things better. "Um...! I-I mean, you don't look like someone that'd flip out if... N-not that we'd want anyone to flip out since we want them to feel safe if they listen, but... Er. Like..." She continues to fumble over her own words for a bit longer until- "I expect Xion to make Grade Two in short order. She's strong." That gets Odette to settle down in short order, partially from shock as she gawks at Lilian, then Xion, then Lilian, then Xion again. "Whoa.... Th-that huge of a difference, huh?" She murmurs, mildly awestruck at her own imagination of how strong Xion must be to get that sort of recommendation while also having little personal experience to compare. "You really would be okay, then... Cool!" And then she starts staring at Xion for a bit, as though trying to intuit something about her strengths through sight. After a few seconds, though, Odette suddenly starts feeling self-conscious about that, and she clears her throat. "M.. Miss Xion? What's your specialty? I don't think we've..." Wait. Start over. Another throat clearing, and then Odette bows lightly at the waist. "M-my name's Odette. I'm an EMT from the Company, and it's nice to meet you! Er. A-again." "Tight-fit athletic wear. Something you'll feel comfortable exercising in without being loose enough to casually grab." "We can have you sized if you don't own anything." "Oh! Y-yeah, I've got some sleeveless shirts back at my place that still fit alright." Odette suggests, sounding like she genuinely thinks it's a help for all of three seconds before scratching her cheek. "Oh... Wait, no. The strap is still pretty easy to grab. And the bottom kinda..." She pantomimes fanning the hem of a shirt and holds a closed fist against her waist. "... Comes out about that much. I-is that too easy to grab?" Slurrrrp. Odette looks over at Rita, then remembers those tasty blue-flavored juice boxes in the vending machines back on the station. She hasn't had one of those in a while, but she's suddenly craving one now.
Father Berislav	What's that? Are you an artist too? "No," says Berislav between a good natured, musical bit of laughter. "But I'm flattered that you'd think so. I'm someone who tries to put beauty into the world; in the things that people say to each other, and how they treat each other." Enrollment wasn't beneath Rita Ma; I regret to inform you that you don't deserve more benefits for less rules than her. "I don't think you regret that at all--not that you should. Rita's a good girl." Calling that out seems to amuse him, and praising Rita, to fill him with a distant fondness. Nevertheless, he sighs, as something a little more serious than banter settles on his mind. "Work, then." "I made certain promises to Olivier that I intend to keep, and those promises were made on the basis of my trust in you to handle this with integrity and compassion--trust which evidently remains well-placed." "I also told him that I was certain I wouldn't fit into an outift like this, given my own moral code. To your credit, you've managed a seed of doubt, and so I'd like to be sure of that. The worst case scenario means that this is my last 'unannounced social call' and we remain cordial allies. The best is that my mind is changed and I work under you." "I do have my own plans within the City for an instrument of positive change from within. I don't care to say much more than that, at present." He smiles weakly. "If that project of mine isn't an immediate disqualification for you, then may I please have a copy of your rules for review, and any other print you think would be pertinent?"
Angela	Looks like Xion has a new Quest in her Quest Log. The danger is ... well it's probably negligible, assuming there isn't something else behind the group in which case it's still probably negligible because anything more dangerous behind those Rats is probably still something Xion could readily handle on her own. 'Grade 8' is a City estimation that isn't strictly just about how strong someone is and has some political consideration. Accomplishing missions raises grade, certainly, as does the impressiveness of those results, as well as--lets face it--how cooperative they can be with the order of the City. It's not always fair or accurate so it's highly plausible that plenty of people here, particularly amongst the Elites, aren't really what anyone would consider a 'Grade 8' in normal circumstances. Nevertheless! People do react differently to different Grades and as Elites become more normalized in the City, it may actually be relevant! Also relevant: Nobody here has been in anything more organizd than an Office before. Learning about who can get in and out and under what circumstances is probably something that'll only be helpful for later. ''It only eats bad rulers, and people like that. If it gets a hundred of them, it gets rewarded.'' "Wow..." Cheer says, eyes wide. "Okay....! Yeongno it is!" Solace is obscurely relieved that this means Cheer will no longer be shouting Night Bone but-- ''But only when you grow up, okay?'' "Grown up by village standards in a year." Solace says. "City standards...three?" "How old is she?" Finn asks. "...Twelve." "Then two years." Finn says. "I mean, in the sense of being allowed to get a Fixer license then but they usually have a couple years being shown the ropes unless you're someone crazy like the Red Mist--" Knifty calms down immediately when Rita gives her a hug. She shakes her head at keeping any bees. "I dunno. Don't see any bees..." She manages. "Finn didn't get any." She murmurs more softly to Rita, hoping only she really hears. "What am I gonna do, Rita? If I don't get stronger and normal I can't stay..." ''I appreciate your looking out for Knifty.'' "The Rats are pretty taken with her, a litle extra effort now could go a long way--" Finn begins. "But everyone's too soft on her." Solace turns her head and has a brief coughing fit. "Problem is more fundamental than fundamentals. Nutrition, exercise, focus. She needs a ''regimen'' specific o her." "Maybe we can work something out together. Maybe Miss Rita can help too?" Finn looks over in his direction. ''Don't travel with the same partner for two weeks.'' Solace does seem vaguely relieved. "Walking with Elites ... Shows we're united." Solace agrees. ''With your permission, I suppose early preparation couldn't hurt.'' "Needs to be able to protect Soothe when I can't." Solace says. "...Just in case. And she wants it. Don't mind, no missions yet." She gives a nod to Rita as if agreeing with the 'until grown up' part of things. SOlace probably would prefer to wait even longer until she could go on missions but in her head she knows that there's only she can do for her while protecting her. One day she might not be around. "...Don't get cocky, Cheer." Cheer's cheeks pinken. "You mean...I can join training?" Solace gives a nod. "Long as Director fine."
Angela	''You're much less used to fighting humans, aren't you?'' Solace gives Lilian a nod. Putting it this way seems to convince her. "...Smart." She concedes. ''Not everyone we meet will have the luxury...'' Finn, who is a bit fainthearted, swallows and then nods. "I'll...prepare my heart as best I can, Director." ''Show me?'' Soothe turns the paper around and--it's still rather unfinished and what it is would not be clear if Rita hadn't been the primary subject herself. It seems to be a picture of SOMEONE sipping on a juice box though, so, yeah, probably one of her. "...May I make it spookier?" He asks, since he likes that. Solace sees Sarracenia acquiesce to Xion and that seems to satisfy Solace who has recognized that Lilian trusts Xion. If Sarracenia is watching over her. "Thanks Odette," Finn says again, quietly, to Odette, now that he's actually feeling beter from the treatment. ''I'm someone who tries to put beauty into the world.'' Soothe looks at Berislav, then over to the plants, then back to Berislav. ''May I please have a copy of your rules for review?'' Knifty of all people is the one most prepared for this but isn't going to leave Rita's side. She reaches into her blouse and draws out like six identical pamphlets and waves them in Berislav's direction. ''If she gets a hundrd of them, I'll do better than Heaven.'' Cheer's shyness around the DAme Commander is briefly overcome by youthful arrogance. "I'm gonna beat up all the bad guys just like you and then everybody will call ''me'' fancy titles." Cheer brags smugly.
Xion	If Xion was riled to sourness by Odette's questioning if she could handle it herself, Lilian's confidence in her is an easy and rapid balm, moreso than Odette's eventual understanding. Being praised for her understanding of the situation socially causes Xion to smile and sway pleasedly, releasing her shouldered metal pipe from her shoulder and tucking it aside with a flourish of disappearing copper that fades before the weightless colorfall sounds against the roof. "Got it. Someone that can handle the situation, but, not everyone that 'wants to help'." She repeats, glancing about. "I can leave right now, if you'd like, but the way you find them takes a little time right? So, we can settle the little accounts--" Following Sarracenia down towards the garden, she starts pulling a pair of pocketed black gloves from her shorts when Sarracenia . . . balks at being Lilian's employee. The moment of 'do you?' starts in, as Xion looks right past Sarra to look at Aidan himself, and then, resume handing over the gloves. "It's okay to need a bit to know if you'd like to accept a new job, with all your princess business, but, I think leveling up as a hero means putting in the work." Repeating herself as she settles in to inspect Aidan's vegetables a bit closely, she touches bare fingers to the earth and tests the soil dampness, Xion resumes her faint smile. "It's like gardening, which is like car mechanics." This ability to jump onto car metaphor is taken excitedly. "You spend a lot of time doing maintenance, cleaning, and a little tinkering, and you never wonder why an engine - or a rocket hammer - becomes dirty, or a bed needs weeding and tending." "It's not beneath you to care about the little things, right?" Xion asks Sarracenia. "Otherwise, why'd you do all that stuff in Quicknest, or the Everhood? You were taking asks from way less impressive people than Lilian." Coming off that as Odette loops back to ask her about her abilities, Xion wiggles her fingers in the dirt. "I'm a pretty good listener and can talk back to most things. I understand people, if I try a little, and I have really deep pockets." The noirette grins, turning back to the soil. "And some magic key-sword things. Going places. Power of bonds stuff." An afterthought, after the first. "Not that Tridaeg lacks for strong types. If you want to come and see if they got hurt to help, you can come with -- if you promise you can keep up. But you really have to mean it." Xion offers, without looking. A big opportunity! Can Odette promise to keep up with Xion's vague profile of herself and Lilian's estimation? Can she rrreally mean it?
Sarracenia	'Would that be a problem?' Sarracenia mmphs in a tone that suggests, 'of course it would'. 'Do you consider yourself to be too good for this?' "What? No! I would not even be here if I considered myself too good for this or above anyone!" Sarra objects quickly, then mmphs again as she realizes if she means that then...she has to apply now. Aidan was hired and is not dead yet, so...maybe it would be alright? And also her new best friend Xion works here! "...so, how do I get started?" she says finally. Sarra really really REALLY hopes she will not regret that despite her 100 percent certainty that she will. 'S... Someone tougher or more violent-looking, even! Like...' 'Thanks Odette.' "Perhaps that is how I could start. If Xion requires a second for that 'roughing up' mission, I do not mind going." Sarra adds. "I am certain I can limit myself to whatever speed Xion is going." Sarra does not think she is particularly violent-looking or tough-looking, but she is confident she could be helpful. 'Slurrrrp.' Sarra looks over. "It must be quite good, Miss Rita. Do you have an extra? I am quite thirsty myself." she says, still blissfully unaware. 'It's okay to need a bit to know if you'd like to accept a new job, with all your princess business, but, I think leveling up as a hero means putting in the work.' Sarra had already asked how she could get started here, but Xion pushes all the right buttons to really cement it. "Some might argue I care about the little things more than the big things, I think." Then, the big button push. 'You were taking asks from way less impressive people than Lilian.' Okay, do not rant. Do not rant. "...it was never her impressiveness that I took issue with..." Sarra mutters as she takes the offered gloves. Sarra doesn't really need them at the moment since she is wearing a big rubber outfit, but she takes them anyway and just kind of holds them. She's uncertain what to do with them. It seems rude to just set them aside after taking them. So, Sarra slips them into her purse. "Wait...gardening is like car mechanics?" she asks, then blinks. "Wait...you work on cars but do not know how to drive?"
Rita Ma	"What am I gonna do, Rita? If I don't get stronger and normal I can't stay..." Rita's careworn smile at Knifty's quiet question betrays that that's a familiar worry. Softly: "I'll help you, Ms. Knifty! Maybe we could ask some Harpoonists from my world, too. I've never known Ms. Rook to give up on someone trying their best. And even if fighting doesn't work out at all... I think Cheer and Soothe need a babysitter, now?" Surely this is a great idea. "Enrollment wasn't beneath Rita Ma..." "Rita's a good girl." Being praised, and more than that, being praised like she isn't even here, first startles Rita and then fills her with a slow-building flustering. She glances between Lilian and Berislav, turns a little pink as she leans in to try and catch a sign of a conspiracy between them, and finally draws back, covering her mouth to hide a little goofy smile and drawing her shoulders in. "I don't know about that . . ." Soothe asks for permission to make her portrait scarier! Rita, who'd already been leaning over hands-on-knees to admire it, hitches for a second. She doesn't like feeling scary, especially. But it's for Soothe, so... "Okay. As long as I look kind, too, okay?" "If she gets a hundred of them, I'll do better than Heaven." Rita covers a laugh, too. She'll Remember That also. "You're really funny, Ms. Rook..." The relaxing of tensions between Lilian, Aidan, and Sarracenia lifts a little weight off Rita's shoulders. Thank goodness there won't be any conflict! She takes a little sip to celebrate. "Do you have an extra? I am quite thirsty myself." Rita, mid-slurp, stops, opens her mouth to answer, and freezes without any words. A little droplet rolls down from the corner of her mouth. Wow that sure is viscous and opaque for juice. "Um. No. Sorry, Ms. Sarracenia." She licks it up. "I could get you something else?" - - - - Unfortunately, social maneuverings have put her one cluster over from Xion. While Knifty fans her brochures, Rita looks back at the noirette a few times, awkwardly gauging if she can make a social leap into a different topic. She bites her lip. Eventually, at a moderately inopportune time, the dam finally breaks with a half-step over and a signaling-reaching hand: "Ms. Xion. Can I talk to you sometime? It's okay if not, but . . . I haven't been very good to you. That's all." Three out of five, points for fumbling sincerity. That's probably the best she can swing.
Odette Raskins	"N-no problem, Finn. Just be careful next time you're out, even with a partner around." Odette replies to Finn with a more relieved chuckle when he seems to be doing okay after that treatment. "Heck, maybe we'll even be on jobs together sometime, but... After Dame Commander Rook's hand to hand training." She still sounds a little anxious about that. She does settle down again as Xion starts telling her what she's good at, though, listening closely to the noirette and especially to her more bizarre-sounding abilities. "Is it easier to talk to... Um. Things than people? Or listening to... Is it easier listening to people than things, then?" Talk of the power of bonds and magic, of course, has Odette's eyes lighting up in wonder. "Just like in my shows..." She murmurs to herself at first, catches herself doing that, then clears her throat hastily. "I mean... Um.... S-sure! Yes, I'd love to go with you for that. I'm not really a fighter, but I'm pretty good at getting around places real fast." She pumps her fists a little bit as she says that, actually sounding confident about that as well. "A-and if they really do have any injured... I mean, they probably do, but maybe that'll help with the talk, too!" Whether she should actually be confident about such a thing is another matter entirely.
Xion	Xion can sense the wavering wavelength of the princess' heart without using any special ability because the Sundew royal wears it on her sleeve and in the precise intonation of her voice, and tries to be gentle with Sarracenia because of this. Her gloves are collected, classic black, by the hazmat chic of Sarracenia's fully-contained suit, and held while Xion gets her fingers dirty, and the Nobody takes in the irony of approach difference with a light scoff. "If you'd be willing to trade that suit for a jacket, maybe we can make an outing of it." > 'Wait... you work on cars but do not know how to drive?' "I mean, I don't usually sit down inside of the cars I'm most familiar with." Xion brings her clean hand back to scratch the back of her head. "I borrowed the powers of some special minicars and bikes, and the vehicle people I've met were more like brothers and sisters to me than something to steer so controllingly. But, like," Xion's scratching hand shifts forward to slick back her bangs, smirking. "I can drive, I just,..." "...can't operate a motor vehicle. Legally." She must mean metaphorical driving. Lifting attention to Odette, Xion lingers on a 'hmmmmmmmm', before shrugging. "I'll think about it. When Lilian figures out who did it, if people are available we might make a little outing of it. Bringing a doctor is probably a good idea." She admits. It's not that hard of an admittance: even allowing the thought in the first place had been a signal that she was willing to consider it. --- One conversation jumps to another, though, and the dam breaks on Rita Ma's feelings enough to bounce in and address the garden-crouched Xion, and she rises with a dirt-smearing strike-off of soil on her leg to much less casually fully-center Rita. And she just, stands there, for a second. Underneath, like a chant she just learned to apply, do not rant do not rant do not rant "Sure, I guess." Xion agrees, a little stiff. Charlotte had asked, too. Asked. 'Aren't we talking now?', bit down tight enough that she chews on her bottom lip slowly on the outside, and then her eyes flick away, to look at anything else. "It's not... all, but, yeah." Xion creaks gently. Her hands reach 'into her coat' for something sweet tucked into physical reserve, but, she's not wearing her coat, and so her dirty fingers close on nothing, and she crosses her arms and exhales. Hearts could be wonderful, and then, they could be like this.
Lilian Rook	'Oh... Wait, no. The strap is still pretty easy to grab. And the bottom kinda...' "You don't have to dress up in a skintight bodysuit, Raskins." Lilian sighs, rolling her eyes. "No loose jackets, collars, tassels, or open sleeves." 'Work, then.' "While I'm certain you have you uses, Berislav, please don't be too free in assuming that I have a desperate need of warm bodies." Lilian says. She looks a little apologetic about not just using 'Father', but figures it'll probably confuse Cheer and Soothe. "I'm afraid I can't take on anyone who simply admits to having a secret agenda that is not for me to know. No sensible employer would. But I don't mind showing you how we do things." 'Grown up by village standards in a year. City standards...three?' Lilian softly whispers a low-grade curse under her breath, followed by "No, I suppose I was only fourteen or so . . ." nearly too quietly to hear at all. 'But everyone's too soft on her.' "As much as I do enjoy it, I agree." Lilian sighs. "I don't doubt that she's serious about this, but I suppose desperation isn't a directly transferable skill to fighting fitness. For most people." she says, as if Knifty isn't right there. "Weight and conditioning, I think. Once we get those up, I might request your assistance, once in a while. You're used to roughing it outside the bounds of the City, aren't you? You know plenty about that sort of discipline; filtering out what your brain shouldn't fixate on, taking in what you need to notice, suppressing instinctual responses, and so on. The opposite in many ways to the hyperstimulated lifestyle of a street rat who has to be on alert for everything at all times." 'Long as Director fine.' "It'll give her something to do." Lilian says, shrugging noncommittally. "I won't have her sparring with the adults, but it's never too young to learn discipline and structure and all that. A physical craft and being in good shape can't go wrong." '...Smart.' "Aren't I~?" Lilian allows herself a moment of smugness on purpose. "I appreciate the existence of specialists such as yourself that I can add to a dispatch just in case, but it'll help everyone be on the same page if they understand the general principles of melee combat; especially if they're trained in using a versatile weapon that is ideal for defense and well-suited to group combat. It may suit you to carry one, eventually, in case you find your axe is a poor fit to an opponent." she says. "Unarmed combatives are a foundational exercise I had to be convinced to accept the value of, when I was younger." Which means six or so years ago. "But it can't possibly hurt to be able to defend yourself, or subdue someone else, with your bare hands. The City is full of humans, after all. And otherwise . . ." Setting the suitcase on the same concrete flat she's sitting on, Lilian finally pops the latches and opens it up, revealing thick foam inserts and four identical weapons squeezed into them. She puts a little elbow grease into wiggling one free, and palms the grip of a handgun two notches bigger than normal and three notches smaller than Winter Crow. Matte white with a black grip, inner frame, and sighs, marked with a bright red slash and an unrecognizable logo, they have the bright and vaguely fashionable sort of look that screams 'prototype' or 'training weapon'.
Lilian Rook	"This is the third and final leg on which I expect our Fixers to look after themselves" She turns the grip over to Solace to handle, though it appears to be unloaded. "I'm still reviewing the model, but once I find it satisfactory, I'll be adding this to your Fixer kit." She keeps going by anticipating the obvious that Finn or Knifty will want to inform her of, saying, "Bullets are taxed like they're made of solid gold in this godforsaken place, so I'm not wasting time with low-end ammunition. These are for emergency use only; or they will be when they're finished. I doubt you'll personally have much need of them, but don't hesitate to use it for someone in need." For emphasis, Lilian shifts the strap securing Night Mist to her back-- often wearing it openly here, to blend in as a Fixer-- and draws attention to her thigh holster, tapping the grip of Winter Crow for Solace to see. Incidentally, perhaps, flashing thigh, but Solace is an adult mother and surely no one else exists. 'You're really funny, Ms. Rook...' Lilian huffs. "Most Elites barely even get one. A hundred should get you anything you want." She knows perfectly well that isn't the point. '...so, how do I get started?' Lilian looks surprised, but only a little. She had sort of lead Sarracenia on, after all; it's just epochally rare to see Sarracenia swallow her pride even a little; or so Lilian believes. "Knifty. You seem prepared. Direct her to the recruitment office after." Lilian says. "And make certain she reads the plaque in the lobby on the way down." 'I can leave right now, if you'd like, but the way you find them takes a little time right?' "It'll be smoother for everyone to let them cool down a little more and then fret about what to do in a calm corner somewhere." Lilian says. "Jumping on them whilst they might still conceivably believe there is 'heat' on them won't create a receptive audience. And we don't want to seem too desperate." A moment of strangely amicable quiet passes. "And I'd like it if Finn had an opportunity to do what he came here for. I may not look it, but I know what I'm doing around a garden." Lilian says, smiling by way of knowing full well that Xion has this piece of trivia memorized.
Rita Ma	Rita is good at being sorry, in the sense that she is good at making people not hate her; and she is bad at being sorry, in the sense that she maybe isn't good at comfort. This is a fact that rarely stares her in the face. Patting herself down- didn't I see her have chocolate once?- and failing to find any sweets too, is one of those times. And the moment someone looks at her with hurt, comfort-in-her-own-skin evaporates. Tongue cleans the pink tinge from teeth behind her lips as she awkwardly straightens back up. Her arm removes itself from Knifty's shoulders. She holds the juicebox behind her back. "It's not... all, but, yeah." "No. It's not all." Beat. Little breath. She doesn't know what she's inhaling to say; turning her head to look away in the opposite direction, Rita swallows. "I mean- I'm not going to ask anything of you. I already asked a lot." Misery stretches out. Rita glances around, weighing 'blurting it out now' against 'the number of other people present', mostly for Xion's sake, more than a little for her own.
Father Berislav	Berislav steps closer to, and takes a pamphlet from Knifty. "Thank you," he says, inclining his head gratefully. It's easy to spot when one is being looked askance at. He smiles at Soothe. "Some of the people that she helped with their plants," he says, motioning towards Knifty with a nod of his head, "Happened to see her and had very kind things to say." "Gardening is one way that can be done, but I don't have anything close to a green thumb--I can't even keep a succulent alive," he admits a little bashfully. "So... for my part, I try to put beauty into the world with other kindnesses, and with ideas." He opens the pamphlet, reaching for his now-dry glasses and slipping them on, silver eyes crawling diligently across the page, until... I'm afraid I can't take on anyone who simply admits to having a secret agenda that is not for me to know. No sensible employer would. But I don't mind showing you how we do things. "I understand," says Berislav sincerely. "I'd rather be open about it, even if it has cost me a place here," he says, looking up from his light reading material. "As for your offer, I'm happy to accept." He folds the pamphlet carefully closed, and guides it to his palm--where it disappears into a burning orange tear in the air before his palm. The priest's hand itself seems to glow from within for that brief moment, before the pamphlet is totally gone. "Thank you, Lilian."
Angela	It probably would confuse a number of people. Religion IS a thing in the City but calling religious figures 'Father' is considerably more rare. Knifty's relieved with Rita's words, mostly. She feels safe with her near. She doesn't want to disappoint the queen either but she truthfully just doesn't know if she has it in her to be ''good'' at fighting. But maybe if she can get a little better bit by bit, that'll buy some time... Knifty nods wildly at being volunteered for the babysitting job that Solace completely misses as she's distracted. Yep, this is a great idea. ''Okay. As long as I look kind, too. Okay?'' "You always look kind." Soothe counters with kid-logic. "But okay, I'll acc--accen--I'll make it really clear." And he then goes back to work. Knifty is given the JOB of assisting Sarracenia and eager to help out so she doesn't end up back on the street, she rushes over to Sarracenia, aiming to grab her hand and 'drag' her off (she is not physically capable of dragging Sarracenia but maybe the Princess will humor her) and say, "Yes Director...! I'll bring her right there..." And then she looks up at Sarracenia with big bright eyes. "You can 'Hammer' me whenever you want, Princess, eheheheheh...." ''N-no problem, Finn. Just be careful next time you're out.'' "Hey, yeah, sure. I look forward to it, Odette." He offers her a hand. Solace glances at Xion, sensing ''something'' but she doesn't feel it is her responsibility to jump in here. Instead, she focuses on the Dame Commander. ''No, I suppose I was only fourteen or so . . .'' "...Villagers just need to be ready. They're really kind about it." She rubs at her throat, not willing to defend City practices however hypocritically mostly because she still feels weirdly uneasy about the City sometimes. It just never feels right to her. ''As much as I do enjoy it, I agree.'' "...Yeah, I can keep her focused." Solace will agree on that much. "She might not enjoy it," cough. "But she'll be focused." She seems surprised to hear that some of what Knifty's issue might be might actually be Rat survival instinct. "Huh." She says. "Yeah, Pete mentioned someting like that."
Angela	''It'll give her something to do.'' Solace nods. That seems to be that. Solace almost-smiles at Lilian getting smug, but smugness is not something she ever had the luxury for herself. The Dame Commander's confidence in the project is kind of infectious, though, and she is taking things seriously--which is the only thing Solace really needed--not that she'd pretend that she could run anything better than the Dame Commander, but she's clearly putting a lot of thought into the project and that means she can be trusted. In the Outskirts, if a monster catches you without a weapon you're just dead. But in The City there's more options for fistfighting. "Get it." Solace agrees. "Won't always be fighting monsters. Options matter too." But nobody's expecting GUNS. There are guns in the Outskirts too--and no ammo tax!--but they tend to be salvaged rather than produced and Solace had never seen one before herself, though she has the sense to not point the barrel at her own face (or anyone else's face). "How do we practice without bullets?" She asks. Solace looks, but doesn't blush or stammer. SHe just matter of factly takes in both thigh and Winter Crow and holster, running fightmath in her head. Later that night... Solace's eyes shoot open for a moment, mid sleep, and she stares at the ceiling for sixty seconds before closing her eyes again and going back to sleep. Now "Guns..." Finn whistles. "Yeah I have to imagine most of us are amateurs as far as firearms are concerned. I'm pretty good at gardening myself, my sister taught me all about it--so I'm happy to teach everyone what they gotta know." He flashes a smile to the Dame Commander. "Yeah, sure sure. We'll pretty this place up in no time and---heck, with time we might even be able to make stuff out of our own grown food." He moves to get to work doing just that, explaining to a usddenly attentive Soothe and others the details.
Xion	Xion's spatial sense is precise - precise enough to let her slip from point to point without the intervening distance 'counting' for her. She can feel the juice box drift behind Rita's back, as much as the slowed-viscous dibble's memory of not tomato juice down Rita's cheek makes a distracted thumb lift off her crossed arms to scratch at the side of her cheek under the corner of her own mouth. Looking away - not quite able to fix Rita directly with anything after a short while. Troubled enough that her own Heart, such that it is, faintbeating within her, is worn in the raggedness of her own exhale, she decides to stare at noting and closes shut her eyes. > 'I already asked a lot.' "We might have less to talk about, then." Xion emits, the 'then' lip-bit as she realized that was out-loud, and guiltily falls silent. The opposite of sweet. Shifting deliberately, stiff, Xion sets down by the planter again, arms on knees and cross-legged. "I'll leave it in your hands, then, Knifty. Big mission." The noirette asides, trying to cool down without a sugary cheat.
Sarracenia	'If you'd be willing to trade that suit for a jacket, maybe we can make an outing of it.' Sarra gasps in excitement! She's being invited on an outing?! "Certainly! If it is for an outing in a city I will be fine without it, anyway~" Of course, she hasn't been in The City so has no idea how dirty it might be. Ignorance is bliss? It isn't until that droplet rolls down Rita's chin that Sarra realizes it must not be normal juice. "Ah...Tomato juice?" Sarra says in a tone that suggests she is fine with Rita not having more. "Well, it is alright." She reaches into her purse and pulls out...a grapefruit soda. Her favorite! She pops it open and applies a straw, then sips. 'Knifty. You seem prepared. Direct her to the recruitment office after. And make certain she reads the plaque in the lobby on the way down.' "You are sending me with the stabby one who already pointed a knife at me?!" Sarra exclaims, flailing a bit. "I know I said I would not hurt anyone but if she tries to stab me or choke me or something it is self defense!" She hmphs and crosses her arms. "What plaque?" the princess asks before blinking as her hand is taken. "H-hey, what are you-..." 'You can 'Hammer' me whenever you want, Princess, eheheheheh....' At first Sarra is just unnerved, but then her brain catches on to what Knifty is implying...and the princess lets out a high pitched 'nnnnn?!' that slides upward in pitch as her face turns almost as red as her outfit. The princess has never been propositioned in such a direct manner even by her third boyfriend who was fairly crude in manner and speech. As such she is quite easily dragged away, completely unsure of what just happened or how to respond combined with the desperateness of someone who has rarely been propositioned at all and the worry of hurting someone's feelings who seems to be child-like in a strange sort of way.