Scene #8405: Noise and Disharmony

Owner	Pose
Hibiki Tachibana	Unsurprisingly, the Special Disaster Response Team's headquarters beneath Lydian hasn't undergone any major changes since the last visit. More or less. Some of the staff members might be moving here and there with (even more) purpose, but besides that, the destination isn't the same from last time. Rather than the meeting space made for a group to get together, he's been directed towards the command center. And very unlike it, which had the general vibe of something like a casual office lounge, this is clearly all business and focus; several rows of terminals dominate the front half of the room, some of them manned by personnel busily working away even in the absence of an active emergency. They only split to allow a middle aisle to cut through all the way to the far side, where numerous large viewscreens fill the wall. Right now, the majority seem to be displaying maps of different urban centers from a satellite view. Several of them have masses of faded red pings overlaying them. And at the near wall, the very sameone that you enter the room from, is the somewhat upraised area where one can overlook everything - and Genjuro Kazanari is doing exactly that with his arms folded and a grim expression on his face. At least until the hiss of the door inevitably sliding open gets the towering man to glance over his shoulder, and he marginally relaxes in the process. Not a whole lot, but marginally.
Ishirou	<J-IC-Scene> Lilian Rook says, "I feel bad for Rita. If things were going to be this way, you should have stayed dead. It's not fair that you get everything you want, and it's just the girls like us that bleed." '...you should have stayed dead.' '...stayed dead...' Ishirou did not have a good night. Thankfully his need to sleep is far more reduced than it used to be...or rather, unfortunately. At least he could forget the world for a little bit with sleeping, now..? Well, the first thing he did was find someplace in the server room of Paladins HQ, and just...do work, covered more than a few shifts for people, and generally tried to busy himself by doing literally anything else. Several people tried to get him to come out, but only his meeting with Genjuro was enough to actually make him leave. This is because it was work he could throw himself into. So here he is, walking in with a hiss of the door. He's...quite a bit different than before, closer to what he looked like as a human. Pale white skin, blue glowing hair, blue lips and eyes, a scar with gold coating it. Ears that perked up above his head like an antenna, a third limp that worked similarly to a tail. His clothing was the more casual set that Miku had picked out for him, and he comes up with a very...empty expression. His eyes were nearly vacant, while his expression remained neutral. "Hello, I'll get right to work with your permission," he drones out and sits down without a second thought. "Starting at the beginning, the first noise attacks and working forward should be easy enough. From there it's a matter of seeing if we can confirm any of their operations from what we know, or establishing some sort of connection between each attack that maybe was missed at the time." "Casualties should also be considered, these could also be assassinations done in the guise of monster attacks... honestly we shouldn't leave any possibility open. We know for a fact they are being used and directed by the Alchemists."
Hibiki Tachibana	Ishirou's changed appearance is absolutely something that's openlynoticed. To be fair, it'd be incredibly hard not to, especially considering the rather dingy little temporary chassis he showed up in last time. "...Mn." But beyond his new body, Genjuro's golden eyes seem to focus intently on the expression on his face - or the lack of one. All the way until Ishirou falls into his seat, and the man has to glance away to grab a small pad resting on the upper command console. "The first Noise attacks...I believe I mentioned during the meeting, the U.N. officially recognized and publicized the threat of the Noise a bit less than two decades ago. However, they've existed in our world long before that." The device is sat down in front of Ishirou, and even a cursory look holds quite a lot of information: pictures taken of Noise-like etches sourced from old ruins, research into supernatural creature sightings that bear too-close similarities, carbon dating that goes back thousands of years - Ishirou might remember that raw carbon is what Noise reduce living matter to. "...Throughout the majority of recorded human history, which paints a potentially grim idea of what this group's connection to them might be." Standing at Ishirou's side, the boy might miss that he's staring more at him than the data he's providing. He has a shadow of the same look on his face as when Hibiki stormed out from the meeting, but goes on. He gestures up towards the center's viewscreens - specifically, at the maps filled with those crimson pings. "All that considered, we've been focusing our investigations into the last few years of Noise outbreaks, given that's when Multiversal visitors started becoming a regular occurrence." His hand comes back to cup at his chin. "...and also given this group seems to have a strange interest in all of you. I made sure we pulled up every record we have for you ahead of time."
Ishirou	Ishirou without much thought or feeling listens aptly and reads. POD, nearby hovers, and seems to be 'reading' with Ishirou. Two decades ago... Ishirou wonders. Certainly, an organization this old has connections that far up, and influence even greater. So what happened that caused this to come out into the open? Hmm... not enough data to go on, and less to say, lest he scares someone who might be listening in. "The fact that they can turn living matter into Carbon is something that leaves me to believe that the connection between them and alchemists can't be overlooked. This also...no, let's not make assumptions without more data. How much text has been unearthed about them? Has it been translated? Which civilizations have had contact with them?" "I think their interest in us is due to the fact that we don't need symphogears to combat them. Here, this is a very small amount of weapons, something they could even exploit with the right situation..." he says, calmly, "Such as getting rid of rouge agents or inconvenient rivals in the same organization. Throw elites who have their own power...and no considering we're nowhere near the strongest that exist out there.." "Imagine if they somehow caught the ire of Hiromi or Evahime. Or if they provoked Persephone into action. Lilian Rook is more than a threat to them already, given her specialties," There is almost a twinge of a flinch at saying the name, but he recaptures his blank expression. Taking a breath, he looks over the attacks. Starting to filter by year, looking at the earliest attacks. He's starting to filter them by what was attacked, who was killed, things that were severely damaged, how the battle went, and anything else he could reference. Then he also runs this by what he knows in the occult and what he knows of local laws and customs, trying to find anything that might be a connection between attacks, or patterns in their attacks. He also starts referencing the various types of noise, including against ones they faced in the attacks.
Hibiki Tachibana	"The Aztec, Maya, other South American cultures. Ancient Egypt. The old Mesopotamian civilizations, which is as far back in time as the records we've found this far go. The list goes on. They were.../are/ a worldwide phenomenon." Genjuro fills in the gaps on Noise appearances throughout history as Ishirou looks deeper. "Most texts and written accounts seem to use them as the explanation local myths and superstitions. Wendigos, the capelobo, even malicious spirits here in Japan." He loosens up his bright pink tie with an exhale. Usually, there's a certain someone else handling this kind of exposition, but she's been rather busy as of late. Naturally, the older outbreaks of Noise have little solid to go through in terms of useful evidence. It's only when digging through the very thorough documentation following the formation of the Special Disaster Response Team that reveals, prior to somewhere around the time that this world unified with the Multiverse, the vast majority of Noise attacks in Japan had little rhyme or reason. Although they've almost always occurred around urban centers, with civilians unable to be evacuated in time being the bulk of the victims, there's little else seeming to tie them together. Truly random. Eventually, Kanade Amou - Gungnir's User appears in the list of casualties. An incident with 'Black Noise' shows up roughly a year after, although they seem to have never appeared again afterwards. Instead, post that event is when the Noise /do/ begin having a vague order to their arrivals. Other than the few times they were large enough to forcefully require Multiversal aid, which is likely where the alchemists obtained a large portion of their records on Elites, it's subtle. A few more of them than normal localized in this exact city, forcing the Symphogear users to respond, increasing over time. More appearances around the outskirts, like where the warehouse was located, rather than the in dense population concentrations they normally do. That probably played a part in them triangulating it in the first place. Which is all evidence that points to them being controlled, prodding at both Elite and Symphogear response, yet kept subdued enough to not arouse suspicion. Until now. And as far as Ishirou can tell, they're the same as the genuine articles of Noise that have always existed. Which would likely mean they'd have either been an alchemical creation from the very start, or somehow manipulated later.
Hibiki Tachibana	"It's true that with Elites on hand, the balance of power has shifted - more than just Symphogears are able to oppose the Noise now. I suppose that's part of why we're in such a mess ourselves," Genjuro rumbles with closed eyes, ostensibly referring to the governmental hangups. "...And there's no doubt they'd want to avoid those power players you've mentioned at any cost. Learn as much about them as possible - or find ways to use them to their benefit. In what ways, we can only hazard guesses. If the Noise are only some kind of means to an end for that for them..." His implication on the kind of threat that would make them is obvious.
Ishirou	Ishirou continues, his hands moving...eventually pulling his sleeves up and two extra pairs of arms pop out of each arm. They start operating different consuls, committing things to memory, while also running holoscreens, and his own eyes looking over data where his main pair of hands are operating the local computer. He doesn't know the name, but he does know the artifact. He pauses, emotion showing on his face for the first time. He looks...sad, and hesitant. Taking a breath, he speaks calmly and with as much care as he can muster, despite everything. "What can you tell me of the incident with Kanade Amou. It is noted she is a casualty here, and I recognize the relic she used." "I ask because around this time some things change. He runs a hand across the screens and POD produces an image. Putting data on the screen. "I also need to know what this is," he motions towards the 'Black Noise'. "Post this point, the noise stop being random. They stop showing up in random city centers." "They all focus on the outskirts. Industrial areas, warehouses, and places where people are not as commonly located. It's too convenient of a time for all of it to be simply random. These attacks here are definitely where they are starting to be organized by a force. It's also when the multiverse joined. With only a few exceptions..." "When they were so large that the greater multiverse was called in to help," he says, calmly. He also looks over the locations of the attacks on these outskirts, trying to find a common thread in each one, and then trying to find where the range of the warehouse they raided is." "It's very well possible the Noise are a natural phenomenon. It also means that their ability to control them is dangerous AND could be better used in this organization's hands. They could also be a created species, and the organization that controls them is ancient beyond belief." Ishirou closes his eyes, contemplating the data, and the things that Genjuro just brought up. "It's very well possible that this organization has also outlived its usefulness, and they'd rather liquidate its resources. Tell me, when exactly did the pressure from on high start?" "Also, there is a possibility of a solution. Throwing in with one of the big three. It would give you guys a lot more leverage, and disbanding you would be a very poor idea. Obviously, my suggestion on who is going to be biased, but that's a given. The idea to throw in with a faction is because they'd be able to give you more resources, better intel, and better ways to deal with political power from without."
Hibiki Tachibana	"Kanade Amou..." Genjuro starts then stops, closing his eyes and seeming to take a moment. There no surprise that it was brought up, but definitely more than just a little pain there. With his musculature, there's no missing how his folded arms go taut. Ishirou was probably right to tread lightly. "...was Gungnir's first user. Tsubasa and her were close. Inseperable, on the battlefield or on stage. It was during one of their concerts, where we intended to use the energy produced by their singing to activate a relic, that..." "...the Noise attacked. And she sacrificed herself so that Hibiki could live. ...Saving just her was all we could do." The man's heavy exhale and the way he lowers his head speaks volumes on how much he considers it a failing, but he forces firmness back into his tone afterwards. "The incident with the Black Noise happened some time after that. To make a very long story short, they were Noise from a world other than our own. Though we hadn't unified with the greater Multiverse yet...it was nevertheless our first time receiving aid from another world. We wouldn't have made it past it without them." Genjuro's arms unfurl, one hand planting on his hip while the other runs down his beard. "Hibiki would be able to tell you the full story far better than I could. But, could that be where this group first got their interest in outside factors...?" He trails off on this troubling thought, contemplating everything else Ishirou has said. As far as outskirt appearances go, it's strange. When Noise readings were picked up in these population-sparse areas, they didn't really resort to their usual tactic of mindlessly spreading out searching for victims. It's more like they were remaining in the area, warding off civilians - or perhaps guarding areas, as they had been with the warehouse. Given they'll be investigating a potential base out in the wilderness, it's possible they were ensuring the alchemists had a cover to move in and out from the city undetected...
Hibiki Tachibana	"...The pressure has been off and on since Unification, honestly. But it only started in earnest when we started requiring Multiversal assistance more and more. Recent events have been a massive amount of tinder on the fire for those who'd prefer to keep everything in-house." Something uneasy seems to be on his mind. Ishirou's suggestion seems to be one that surprises him, though. Perhaps not so much the very idea of it, but that he's suggesting it outright. "The Paladins, Concord, and Watch...? ...It's not as if the idea of a formal agreement with one of them hasn't ever came up. There are some voices lobbying for that idea to this day. ...Although that comes with it's own share of--" "Impossibilities?" At that moment, the centermost and largest viewscreen in the room is overtaken. Gone is the map readout, replaced by the view of a severe and unsmiling elderly man in a brown kimono and haori, sitting at the backlit desk of some sort of office or study. Despite his lengthy silver hair and age, his facial features and beard are distinctly reminsicient of Genjuro's own. Something confirmed only a moment later, when the commander angles his head up with a twitch of his eyebrow. "Father...!?" Without a change in expression at the word, he goes on. "Those fools who'd ruin the very stability of our government and national security, becoming subservient to foreigners to our world following their own agenda--how many times must I tell you that they'll never succeed? Are we not facing a great enough crisis as we already are? Especially with that 'Magical Girl' from afar coming. Should that not be the center of your focus right now, rather than playing these games?" There's derision in his voice, and Genjuro seems unable to immediately respond. Which allows this man to slowly turn his gaze upon Ishirou. No, /down/ unto him. The scorn is almost palpable through the display, even when all he's done is narrow his eyes. As if his very existence is anathema. "This organization is a vital cornerstone of Japan's defenses. Disbanding it is laughable - reforming it, perhaps. It would certainly get more done than these endless political back-and-forths, when the answer is already far too obvious." Slowly, he leans in over his desk. Just a bit. It's enough to give the frightening feeling he might reach through the screen towards him, and his voice lowers accordingly. "You'd do well to keep such foolish notions out of your head, boy. Such a thing isn't your decision to make in the first place."
Ishirou	Ishirou reaches a hand out, aiming to lay it on the shoulder of the larger man. He doesn't say anything, but his eyes say it all. He pulls back after a few moments, closing his eyes and releasing a breath. So that is what happened. That... definitely makes a lot of sense for Hibiki, and might be the cornerstone of her struggles right now. "We can come back to this topic later, but I would like to know the relic that was trying to be activated," Ishirou says. While he /does/desperately want to know, he knows he also has to temper his desire there with empathy. The story of the Black Noise will need to be told by Hibiki... he wants to talk to her anyway, so that's not a problem. His eyes look over the data for a moment, reading it through his head and trying to place some more data points together. The behavior in these incidents is completely opposite of what they were doing before then. He taps his fingers against his legs, retracting the extra arms back in. The fact that the extra pressure is seemingly tactical now. He is about to respond to Genjuro when they are interrupted. So they were being listened to. He could have searched for vulnerabilities and ways that outsiders would have ways to listen to things in here, but he decided to lay the trap. He didn't expect Genjuro to pick a faction, but the very idea of it would definitely attract someone's attention...and for a moment the man was considering it. "Kazanari-san," Ishirou says, bowing his head just enough. Respectfully, but not enough to seem... subservient. Even as the man's gaze burrows through him, he holds himself calm and collected. Even if he's sweating on the inside. How should he handle this..? This was beyond what he was expecting... '...stayed dead...' No, backing out of this is bad. He tipped his hand just enough to get him to this point. He has...he has to handle this like Lilian. This man could be an ally or an enemy, but he won't know until he treats him...and despite what he feels right now he has to hold on. "Of the Kazanari Foundation, an important adviser to the JDF, and one might say someone who's pulling their strings," he says, firmly. "However, the current woes of this organization are definitely related to you, I can feel your fingerprints throughout what I've been gathering data-wise. If it is so vital to Japan, then a reorganization now would be a terrible thing."
Ishirou	"I can provide a report, right now, IDing its inefficiencies, mostly caught up in a bureaucracy that is needlessly piled on by the JDF. Simply put, their pride during the massive Noise attack, many soldiers were throwing their lives away. It required a contingent from the Paladins to not only fight the Noise but to save those men too." "More than that, your analysis team needs to be fired, I have found a connecting thread between Noise attacks, and strange behavior. Reorganization of this organization shouldn't be done by those who have motives that aren't the protection of Japan and its citizens. Don't you agree?" "Before you make the accusation, the Paladins do not hold such motives. Stability and accountability are what we stand for. We want to help and will be accountable for our actions. I have more information to share, but thank you for revealing that there are back doors into the systems here, meaning that there is the possibility that there are more." "Also, the fact that these Alchemists seem interested in us, also means we're now involved. Or do you want to run the risk of them trying to woo the attention of one of the people I just pointed out? Needless to say, this country would be a paper tiger should they have sufficient motivation to come here." "So in summary, I do not want to hurt your country, its people, or its culture. Neither do the Paladins. What we want is for the public protected, those who would disrupt it stopped, and peace to be restored. There is no reason this can not be accomplished by fostering mutual cooperation and better coordination between our forces. Even something as simple as a working agreement would suffice if you do not want membership."
Hibiki Tachibana	Ishirou has done his research, to be sure. Whether that research is done on the spot or not certainly doesn't matter when it's effective. Fudo Kazanari doesn't seem particularly surprised by this - there's a chance that Ishirou has shown up here enough alone for him to know plenty of his capabilities, let alone any other methods at his disposal. As he settles back in his chair, the elderly man's expression seems... It's difficult to tell his feelings or even what he's thinking past that stony visage and implacable stare, unchanging no matter the point Ishirou makes or the flaws he points out. It's the unsettling feeling of someone who has no hesitation, and unflinching belief in themselves. As if he can see the lack of it in others. "Hoh? You intend to convince me." It's not stated like a question, but a fact. Despite his dramatic entrance, he allows Ishirou to say his piece all the way to the end. Only then does he raise his voice, speaking no less firmly than before. "Even a working agreement implies that we offer our services back in return. And it is the first stepping stone for taking more and more advantage of another. Once any ground is given, it is not easily taken away. You say your organization has nothing but the best of intentions for us." "How many nations have uttered that rhetoric in history? And why should a nation already only accountable to itself happily fall under the sway of another? Where if their priorities ever change--it is the weaker beneficiary who must bend the knee and accept things as they are?" He doesn't move, but his words are so dogged and unyielding, they might as well have physical weight. Genjuro seems extremely used to not even trying to change his father's mind verbally, given his strained silence and clenched fist. "The fact your people are the target of these 'Alchemists' is proof enough that just your presence alone threatens Japan's security. And the only reason you have the leeway now to act against them. And this 'Lobotomy Corporation' - I suppose Genjuro hasn't yet informed you of yet another danger on its way from outside our borders? Of course he hasn't. You bring conflict to our doorstep, then offer your aid and cooperation." He lifts his head. "And then? Your continued efforts attract invaders and attackers. Your enemies, and not ours. Or perhaps the other powers of the world see us and then ally themselves with a different group for their own gain, and we become little more than proxies for your own squabbles with one each other."
Hibiki Tachibana	Correct or not, it's obvious that Fudo has an overwhelmingly unmoving stance on the matter. Far too much for this one bout of negotiation to sway very much. He leans back in his chair, and steeples his fingers together. "I am a sentinel protecting this country and this country alone - and if our current measures are not satisfactory to do so, we'll create our own solutions to hold our position. Yes, just as we first created the Symphogear System." There's an ominous undertone to that, even if his tone is level as ever. "...And pretending we have not relegated ourselves to being your lapdogs needs have no part of that. This threat will be handled, whether it comes of you washing your hands of the problem you brought, or if I have to handle it myself. And then, we will see what steps need to be taken. Even aside from that..." Shifting from adamant and impossible to read to outright scoffing in derision, Fudo closes his eyes and shakes his head. "Going to the Paladins? Don't make me laugh. You yourself uttered the name 'Lilian Rook'. I told my foolish son we should have cut all ties and ceased accepting aid the very moment I learned one of our irreplacable Symphogear users was maimed - only because she went out and got involved with you people, and still does so to this day. Help and accountability, indeed."
Ishirou	"No, I am uninformed of what is happening, though I am gaining enough through bits and pieces offered that it has something to do with a 'magical girl' from Lobotomy Corporation. Given their extreme reaction to them, I imagine the threat is dire. However, pinning that on 'the entire multiverse' is like pinning the mistakes of someone I pass on the bus on your prime minister." Ishirou is beyond out of his depth on this...but something tells him that he's here intimidating him for a reason. The old man set the trap off, and that means more than a few things. This entire conversation is giving Ishirou a lot to think about, and given his stance on this... no this is something bigger. Something that any agreement or working with outsiders would cause. There could be some back and forth here, he could go on the attack...he could throw Hibiki under the bus. There is more than enough of an argument that she threw the first punch...but he's not going to do that. That would hurt his friend, more it would show that he's willing to do that...and more to the fact it'd also alienate Genjuro. He's starting to see why Lilian gets so frustrated in these when everyone speaks their minds. He takes a breath... "I won't lie to you and say that there isn't give and take when it comes to agreements. I will say this, rather you like it or not, conflict from the Multiverse is going to come to your doorstep. However, you are putting the blame on the wrong people, because it looks like to me that the Alchemists in question want this." "You want to protect Japan, then I can't say anything about that. It's good to want to protect your home. You want to protect its people, I too agree with this sentiment. Where I find fault in your argument is who is the threat, and who is an ally. No power is able to stand against the entire multiverse." "The Paladins are not affiliated with Lobotomy Corporation, they are a partner of the Concord. Us being here isn't the problem, it is the fact that trying to isolate yourselves from the greater Multiverse is," though that tone with the Symphogear System causes him some pause. He said we, which does not mean SONG... no he is sure he means his corporation. Some things fall into place... he doesn't have proof, so accusations do nothing. Trying to trace back to his location and attempt to draw the information from his mind is too risky, he doesn't know what capabilities they have to detect or deter him. Then throwing what Lilian did to Hibiki in his face. He takes a breath, "I am told her arm was restored due to another Multiversal entity.
Ishirou	While the situation did happen, and it does not fix what has transpired, I will apologize for it on behalf of the Paladins. That situation has been long resolved." "Also, you act as if Japan has nothing it can not offer the Paladins and the countries allied with her. Is your culture not one of the oldest and strongest in this world? Is your art not beautiful and captivating? Do you not have a cuisine that other countries would do anything to trade for? Simply put, economically, you could stand to gain more through trade through such an agreement." "I understand your hesitation, and your desire to protect your land...but you also undersell it. I have every belief that it would flourish, and thrive under a partnership and that we would do a lot to protect it in return. Even if you do not agree to such a deal, we do have every reason to aid in the containment of this problem." "The data also show me you had interactions with nearby universes even before the Multiverse was connected to your world. We did not bring the invaders to your doorstep, they were already here before we got here. These Alchemists what to exploit that power...can you really NOT afford to either? It is only a matter of time before one of them makes contact with the Concord, and the interests of the Concord do not align with your desire." "If you are afraid of unequal circumstances, then they should absolutely be the last thing you want to be here. However, I will also acknowledge my own bias."
Hibiki Tachibana	Once again, Fudo at least seems to allow Ishirou the dignity of saying everything he has to say - whether it's because he actually wants to hear what he has to say or it's simple bartering etiquette is up in the air. The pandering to their culture does little but deepen his everpresent frown. The apology on behalf of the Paladins elicits an upwards tilt of the head. There's one thing that draws a notable response out of him. It is, of course, the mention that conflict is unavoidable, no one power will save them, and that their enemy might make use of that power whether they do or not. At which point, Fudo levels his stare onto him. And for a moment, the raw pressure coming from it is enough to make it seem as if those two are the only ones in the room - despite a viewscreen and massive physical distance between the two of them. "I have /every/ intention of exploiting anything I must, entirely for the security of this country." He holds it for seconds longer than he needs to. Then shuts his eyes, and the moment is gone. "And as I said, I have no plans to give you any sway over us in that process. Whether this 'Magical Girl' from Lobotomy Corporation is the fault of the Concord or a rogue entity, the fact remains that it's a threat that only exists for us to worry about because of you. Whether that girl's arm was restored due to outside factors does not diminish the fault of outside factors." 'You.' 'You people.' It's not the first time he's defined the entire Multiverse like that, even in this short conversation. A clear line in the sand between 'us' and 'you', wholly separate from any factional divisions. "And you're a hundred years too young to sway me with empty compliments and trade offers, boy. The next time you step up to the negotiation table, focus on appealing solely to their desire. Otherwise, you'll be written off as a desperate child. We have quite enough of those already." Worded almost like advice, framed entirely as a sneering insult. Fudo's eyes open again, slowly shifting between Ishirou and Genjuro. "Work together to try and resolve this Alchemist issue and 'Magical Girl' incident if you must. But when this governmental deadlock ends, nothing will stop me from taking matters into my own hands...and taking steps to fix this 'unequal' quality. Until then, the responsibility - and any blame - for it will be on you. Don't disappoint me anymore than you already have," he jabs towards Genjuro in particular, as a command more than anything else. And then, to the surprise of absolutely no one, he clicks off and the screen goes black before any more words can be gotten in.
Hibiki Tachibana	Leaving Genjuro to finally let out a breath long held, running a still-tense hand back through his hair. There's a single bead of sweat building on his forehead. "...My old man was the one who ran things here, before me. I should have guessed he'd still use the frequencies and access codes for his own purposes." He shake his head. "And you have every apology I can give for that. You could say our family matters run deep, when we're all in this line of work. You shouldn't have had to deal with that." Genjuro did say, at the meeting, he should be the one handling all the bureaucracy. Even if Ishirou himself wanted to get involved, this certainly isn't how he wanted it to happen. It shows. After a moment's pause, he places his hand on Ishirou's own shoulder. Returning the gesture from before, perhaps. Or maybe he'd feel like he has to regardless of that. "...Especially when you've been through too much lately yourselves," he rumbles lowly, eyes cast down towards the floor. There's no way he knows the full story. But maybe he can tell. It's the same sort of tone he had when speaking about Kanade - and it'd be no shock if he's had the same with Hibiki lately, too.
Ishirou	Ishirou listens, though there was some back and forth, it seems that he didn't have the right information at hand to properly negotiate with the old man. While things did not go badly, they did not go well either. At the very least they have his blessing to go forward. Taking a breath, he isn't even given a chance to respond. That's fine, some things were revealed, and some masks have fallen away. The old man revealed exactly where he could access...and Ishirou already moves, aiming to find those vulnerabilities he used, and immediately patch them. He'll immediately isolate, remove outdated and unneeded passwords, and make sure he doesn't have access anymore. Whether that remains that way or not, is up in the air. However, as he's not supposed to have access in the first place... "It's fine, he's shown his hand enough. He won't be using that to get back in. I've also taken the liberty to remove outdated passwords, login information that is long past used, and fake access points." "I also expected this meeting wouldn't go unnoticed. The fact that he decided to play his hand speaks volumes to me. Either he's afraid of what we were talking about, or thinks he has too much power to be worried and can flaunt it." Ishirou, however... immediately melts into his chair the moment he thinks he's safe. Oh my god that was absolutely frightening and that guy was so intense what the fuuuuuu- "Oh...um..." he says with a pause, "Thanks...it's a long story," he says and reforms in his seat. "What I didn't tell him...is that..." he pulls up the data. "These points here...these noise 'attacks' are different. They're more like sightings, they're scaring off civilians. They're not rampaging. Though some rampages still happen.." "These ones in the outskirts are not those. Odd that entities that have been here forever...pick now of all times to attack. Japan of all places. Why not around the world? Why not en-mass? Why did they so patiently wait for the Symphogear project to get off the ground? We don't know enough about our enemy. We don't know their numbers, their reasons..." "Either of the Noise or the ones that can control them...though we perhaps know the motivations behind one of the groups." Taking another breath, Ishirou then speaks, "But before all that, we have the Lobocorp problem to deal with. Let me get the word out to the Paladins. Does Hibiki know? If not you should tell her too so that she can get word to her allies in the Watch. Angela is likely already aware of what their escaped anomaly is doing, and will likely do anything to return it to their containment." He slides forward and runs his hands over his temples. Ugh, he's not made for that kinda hardline negotiation...
Hibiki Tachibana	That's going to be one (even more) disgruntled old man, when he realizes he'll have to actually put work into that sort of spying. Given the kind of influence he seems to have, there really is no telling how long it'll last, but actions speak. Genjuro, at least for his part, actually puts on a grin a little bit like a slightly proud father. "I'd say our friendly head researcher would be upset you stopped her from pulling one over on him herself, but given she's been busy, you won't hear me complaining. You won't hear his complaining either, if I have anything to say about it. My old man is...well. Maybe it was both." His expression goes back to business, but only after a more reassuring and hearty pat on the shoulder once Ishirou has stopped being a puddle. "Noise are certainly a worldwide event...but as far as we know, these particular occurrences, done with intent, are definitely localized to here. Whether the Noise are anything more than mindless monsters, or what these alchemists are truly after..." Indeed, as much as those need to be answered, first things need to come first. "We've been corresponding about it with Angela and Lobotomy Corporation, so don't worry about that. Tsubasa is already prepared to be on standby. Hibiki..." "I wanted to give her time, but there's not much of that left. Genjuro briefly shuts his eyes, then opens them again. "She'll know. I hope after we get this out of the way, we'll all get some breathing room--and you two will get a real chance to talk."
Ishirou	"Actually, she can right now. I kicked him out, but he's going to come back in eventually. She can set up a nice trap to figure out who is a spy for him. Figure out who is loyal to him instead of you," He says with a slight smile. He's glad for the comforting pat. Though his worries are far from over. "Ok good, she's been in contact. I would have thought it'd be irresponsible of her to not have..." he says thinking. He nods though, "Alright, I have a report to make and a warning to get out. And..." "A situation to start thinking on."