Entry tags:
Winter, January 7th - Guardianship
Video - Public
[ Ayame appears on video clad in her old black armor, with the phone camera fixed toward her and showing a vast and empty chamber behind her. Ayame stands at Nova City's Holodeck, where the sound of her voice makes a subtle echo ]
Good afternoon.
[ She starts, clearing her throat for a moment and looking into the camera and trying to appear more composed. Speeches are hard ]
This last election has seen a very close competition for Nova City's Guardianship position. I have nothing but gratitude for those who voted in support of Gale Reinhardt and myself. I wish to congratulate Ms. Bulla Brief for having so much support, and wish her the best from this day forward. I hope to reward people's faith as a new Guardian of this city. I look forward to working with my fellow Guardians and working for the people of this city.
Now, our Guardian team could use another member. The loss of former Deputy Yang Xiao Long has yet to be mended, so I am here right now on Nova City's Holodeck. Consider this an interview should you be interested in the position. That's all. Thank you.
[ With a gesture of her hand, she makes a fist that shuts the feed off ]
[ Ayame appears on video clad in her old black armor, with the phone camera fixed toward her and showing a vast and empty chamber behind her. Ayame stands at Nova City's Holodeck, where the sound of her voice makes a subtle echo ]
Good afternoon.
[ She starts, clearing her throat for a moment and looking into the camera and trying to appear more composed. Speeches are hard ]
This last election has seen a very close competition for Nova City's Guardianship position. I have nothing but gratitude for those who voted in support of Gale Reinhardt and myself. I wish to congratulate Ms. Bulla Brief for having so much support, and wish her the best from this day forward. I hope to reward people's faith as a new Guardian of this city. I look forward to working with my fellow Guardians and working for the people of this city.
Now, our Guardian team could use another member. The loss of former Deputy Yang Xiao Long has yet to be mended, so I am here right now on Nova City's Holodeck. Consider this an interview should you be interested in the position. That's all. Thank you.
[ With a gesture of her hand, she makes a fist that shuts the feed off ]
[Video]
[Private Video]
Thank you, Grievous. I hope to have more chances to work with you in person, our sectors were too far apart before.
[ After that short and simple speech, she feels socially exhausted already. So she hums to fill the silence and think of what else to say ]
So, do you have any preferences on what sort of Deputy you wish to recruit?
[Private Video]
I, of course, wish to remain on as deputy myself.
[There's always the danger that new Guardians would push him out of the position. He's aware of that.]
Deputies should have some way to protect the city, either defensively, strategically or with fighting prowess. Those should be their primary attributes.
[Private Video]
And remain a deputy you shall. It's one reason I wanted to know what type of person you would have in the team.
[ She nods, taking a slow stroll on the empty holodeck ]
And yes. While we have no shortage of people with an ability to fight, plenty seem to lack sufficient tactical and strategic knowledge. Many seem overly reliant on their supernatural abilities in winning the day...
[ She sighs, shaking her head. She has many doubts running through her mind that she can't even look at the camera. Even Grievous, whose opinion she grew to value now, feel intimidating ]
[Private Video]
The people have chosen you. Let that faith guide you to choose their protectors. If you need an adviser in this matter, I will be here.
[Private Video]
Yes... I suppose I just needed to hear that from you and the others.
[ She exhales her worries away, regaining her composure ]
I shall let you know of the applicants' performances later, then. If you have any recommendation of people you know who would be fit for the job, I wouldn't mind hearing it.
video;
Aww, you're holdin' deputy interviews without me? But I thought we were partners!
[He's very obviously teasing, especially given that he can't stand interviews, be it to him or him giving it to someone else. If someone is reliable, just hire them, gawd.]
[Private Video]
Sorry, but at least I will save you the fun part of paperwork.
[ She jokes right back, only she kind of missed her mark in how she delivered it. She just half-smirks it off, fading as fast as it formed ]
You seem to be having fun.
[Private Video]
[At least he still caught the joke. He quietly chuckled and shook his head.]
Gotta make some kind of fun, otherwise the job becomes an overly serious nightmare. Hell, why do you think I put a minibar in the office?
[Also why all of his Guardian figures are in there and why they're always in different poses every other day.]
So any takers yet?
[Private Video]
Two, so far. One of them happen to actually work for me in Amatsu, so I am already aware of his skillset. He would be useful, but I am here to test his skills and see if it transfers to Nova's more technologically advanced setting.
[Private Video]
So long as he's willing to learn to work with the tech, I can't imagine it'd be much of an issue. We don't need some Fayrenite calling the tech here witchcraft.
[He scoffs.]
But at least your call for deputies got more bites than the last time I called for one. [But that at least worked out since he could hire Faye that way.] Should I swing by and observe, or you just wanna keep me updated later?
[Private Video]
[ Said with a slight chuckle and glance to her side to observe the place as she thinks ]
Since you don't appear too busy, I suppose you can observe from the deck while I do the interviewing. It could throw off some of the candidates to suddenly see two Guardians they would need to impress.
[ Ayame pauses for a moment before adding: ]
One of the applicants happen to be Bulla, actually.
[ She has no qualms toward Bulla, and having her on the Deputy team would make for a good compromise for those who supported her, but she's torn. Kiritsugu looks promising and the guy could use a purpose, but no doubt Bulla is the stronger fighter so it's a toss-up ]
[Private Video]
[And if they react poorly, then they get a bad mark from Gale. At the mention of Bulla, he purses his lips.]
I kinda figured she'd apply. I got nothin' against her, but I guess that whole incident with Shiga-whatever has me wary. Not that I'm markin' her off for what happened, but she's been bested once before.
[He shakes his head.]
But testin' 'ems gonna be the best approach. When do ya want me to swing by? Now? Later to get a jump on 'em?
[Private Video]
I'm about to test a young man named Ran Fujimiya. I don't know him very well apart from the fact he is...recently married?
[ Ayame feel herself wince at her ignorance about Ran. He's a very mysterious individual ]
We've only spoken a few times so I cannot tell how he'll fair.
no subject
[He's wearing a green apron, and there are flowers on shelves behind him. Definitely works at a flower shop.]
[Private Video]
Very good. Report to Nova City's Holodeck today until tonight at 6PM. If you have little knowledge of the way to get there, I can have a portal for you by the gate upon entering the city. It would lead you directly to me.
[ Ayame was about to close the feed, but she looks up at the camera again to add: ]
And, please bring your weapons. Perhaps that would be obvious but, I have weapons here with me to lend you if you happen to not have any. Alright, I shall see you then.
[Action]
[Leaning against the wall, Aya watches the entrances and exits, seeing various people come in and out. He wonders just what this place is capable of. Never having been, he can guess what happens here. No one approaches him, probably more because of his stony face and less because he's holding a katana.]
[Action]
Come in, let's get you started.
[ Seeing his stony face and a katana on his person, Ayame couldn't help but be reminded of her own brother as she waits for her interviewee to join her at the Holodeck ]
no subject
[He looks around in curiousity.]
You definitely don't make your clothing here.
no subject
[ She responds matching his dry tone. The portal closes behind Ran as Ayame creates a table and two adjacent seats. A pair of purple fashion eyeglasses formed over her eyes as she takes a seat, inviting him to do the same ]
So, let's not waste your time. Let's begin with you telling me of your full background and why you are a good addition to the team.
[ Ayame is relaxed despite pretty much asking him to divulge almost all of his secrets ]
I see you wield a sword, so we can begin there. Where did you receive your training?
no subject
[So he tells her only what he needs to know.]
The same place I learned to arrange and grow flowers. [He looks down at the sword. There are bitter memories associated with it, and none of them happy..]
I've had it for well over a decade now. [He partially draws out the sword, only enough to show the gleam of the metal. It's definitely not in poor condition.] With how peaceful it is most times, there isn't much use for it. [The sword is closed again with a light snap as it goes back into its sheath.] Not that I'm complaining.
Working with a team in this field isn't a new experience. Back home, I'm leading one, and we were in the middle of a mission before I was taken here. We're not part of law enforcement. I've hopped between teams before, so I'm used to working with different personalities as well.
no subject
[ She wasn't judging or anything, he wasn't being one in here. But it's definitely something to consider. ]
If I remember correctly, you're from a modern era. A sword would be too impractical against guns and small spaces, so that already speaks for your skill.
[ Now she's curious to see if he's some sort of superhuman, or if he's just at the peak of it. She already got an idea of what simulation to put him through, taking her holotablet to set up the test. ]
Well then, I can tell you're not lying and I'm not one to pry for details when I have enough information. What you gave me should be enough for now. Step right in the glowing platform, please.
[ She will only ask for those details should he be accepted into the position, that way Ran can keep his secrets if he didn't. A square on the floor glows to indicate the starting point for the sim, which would darken the entire room once he steps in. The echoes of the spacious room fades and is replaced with familiar sounds of a city. A night life district of Nova City forms from the darkness. Bright holographic signs surround him, and people step out of the stores and little alleys to populate the sim. Ayame's voice comes in sounding like it's coming from an earpiece ]
Your mission is to rescue a young woman taken by local gangs suspected in hiding in this district's largest restaurant called the Golden Whale. It's ten blocks down this road, and you will have eyes on you everywhere. Spot as many as you can and tell me how many you saw without attracting attention on your way to your objective.
[ Ayame scattered some obvious and subtle gang members working on surveillance, hiding in various shops and acting as pedestrians. Overall there's 26 suspicious looking people along the way, but the actual thugs would only be 11. ]
no subject
[He steps onto the glowing platform as instructed, and watched as the once bleak looking room turning into Nova City at night. He listens to the objective, starting to walk towards his location. The part about not attracting attention would have been easy to do had he not been holding a sword.]
[He spots a few suspicious people already. glancing at him in a way he knew too well. Even the flower shop he stopped by had a couple of lookouts behind the counter. Now carrying a bouquet of red roses, Aya continued his stroll.]
The simulation is real enough. The florists clearly don't know about their stock. I've spotted seven so far. [He's only travelled three blocks so far, and almost to the end of the fourth.] Make that ten. [Three in an alleyway, probably waiting for orders to attack him while relaying information.]
video;
I wouldn't be opposed to applying if you need the help.
( His voice is as soft and flat as ever. It's not like he's doing anything productive with his life, after all. )
no subject
She gives him a soft grin, briefly flashing before she nods ]
I certainly wouldn't be. Report to Nova City's Holodeck today, I will be here until 6PM. If you've never been to the city, I can have a portal for you near the gate upon entering it. You'll be directed to me from there.
no subject
He doesn't feel the need to send a follow up message. She knows he'll be there. What's more surprising is that when he does arrive, she might notice he's taken the time to iron out his suit!! He never does this. Why does he think she'll care now???
kiritsugulogic.jpgShe'll find him in the front lobby, waiting silently as he always does. )
no subject
Once Kiritsugu arrives at the Holodeck's lobby, Ayame creates a portal to the projection room she's in. ]
You don't have to wait there and get in line, come in.
[ Ayame spoke from the other side, beckoning Kiritsugu over through the portal. She wasn't looking at him and fiddles with a holographic tablet instead and wearing her purple pair of fashion glasses. Once he's through, she looks up from her tablet and does a double take, lowering her glasses to look at Kiritsugu with her naked eye. She hums to herself, noticing how he's cleaned up his suit immediately. Maybe it was her tailoring experience that made her notice it so quickly, or the fact she's seen him with scruffy old suits before. Or both. Either way, seeing him like that made him smile a little ]
Given this is an interview for Guardianship, I assume you brought a weapon?
[ She has a stack of Aster Tech and Nexus Defense weapons somewhere that she could and would let him use. She needs to know how he is with higher-tech firearms ]
no subject
He takes a seat once he's actually made it into her office, setting his briefcase on her desk following her question, simply nodding. )
They're in here. ( His contender and calico, he means. ) I suppose you would want to take a look.
( The latch of the case is facing Ayame, giving her the option to inspect them herself if she so chooses. )
no subject
[ Ayame gestures for him to open the briefcase as she tucks her device away and approach Kiritsugu. Their words echo slightly at the massiveness of the holodeck, and even Ayame's armored boots added a different sound to her usual steps. She wears a flexible armor woven on a special silk, and composite materials with a matte finish are what her high-tech gauntlets and greaves were made of. She's very futuristic; so upon seeing the contents of the case, she couldn't help but look at the guns in mild awe and fascination. She's probably have seen them on his person while working at Amatsu but she never got to see them up close like this before ]
Vintage? Or is this normal firearms in your world?
[ Being somewhat of a fan of the classics, Ayame is fond of the aesthetics of the Calico and the Contender, especially the wooden grip of the latter that she couldn't help but run the tips of her fingers over ]
This is very old technology where I am from. It's standard for even our civilians and police forces to be using directed-energy weapons. I have some to lend you for this test, but first I want to see how you do with the arms you're familiar with.
[ She spoke, letting her fingers hover and gracefully touch near the ammunition ]
no subject
Standard weaponry, in my world. ( But she did seem to be familiar with them. He muses, considering that their worlds must be similar. ) But I don't think that should be a problem.
( Adapting, he means. )
Using magecraft, I alter the flow of time to enhance the precision and impact. I'm assuming an energy based weapon wouldn't be dissimilar.
( But he'll let her correct him on that. )
But that Contender there, I will confess it only sees use in very... specific cases.
( Such as, idk, mage killing. )
no subject
Specific cases, being...?
[ Ayame quirks a brow. She figures the gun is a single-shot firearm. While she finds it aesthetically pleasing to look at, the practicality does make her wonder why he would choose this as a sidearm, though she also figured the Calico already carry a lot of rounds. But none of those thoughts caught her curiosity more than what it is he was using the euphemism for. ]
Or rather, specific targets?
no subject
( Perhaps he thought she'd think less of him for it, or not. He did enjoy her company, but mercs had never been held in high regard. )
It's something of a policy for other mages ( eg. not him ) to reject most modern technology. Doing so makes them susceptible to attacks from firearms and other machinery. That's where I come in.
( At this point, he actually picks up the Calico to be loaded, leaving his Contender untouched. )
The bullets I use inside that gun are crafted from my origin. ( He'll... spare her the details about powdering his own ribs. ) When fired at another mage, they rewrite that person's magic circuits-- causing them to go haywire and rendering their powers effectively useless. They can even penetrate most magical barriers or other defenses mages would use.
( With the Calico loaded, he carefully holds it against his side, waiting for her instructions. )
I can use regular bullets today, if you insist on seeing it in action.
( Look, he doesn't need to powder any more of his ribs thnx. )
no subject
Origin?
[ She utters in a question, but understood it's purpose as a potentially useful weapon against those with magic, something Nova City could use now that her colleague from home Troy is not around ]
We can use regular ammunition for now. Special rounds like these are not something you have a lot of, correct? And we don't have any magical creature to test it on at the moment, in any case.
[ Ayame gestures toward a few feet. A square on the matte grey floor lights up to indicate a starting point for the simulation. Ayame steps away as Kiritsugu steps on the illuminated platform ]
Very well, let's begin.
[ Ayame spoke as the entire room darkens. The echoes of their footsteps and Ayame's voice fades into dead silence. Moments passed and the first thing that changes is the temperature. Gradually growing cooler, colors begin to form around him until a realistic picture of the environment comes to life. Kiritsugu will find himself in an empty Nova City street, with the usual features of war showing in the form of damaged buildings the ghostly emptiness of the surrounding area. Only the sound of rain, random cracking flames from the destroyed vehicles littered over the dust-filled streets. Th sound of gunfire in the distance joins the silent symphony as Kiritsugu stands alone with nothing but his weapon. Then a simulated comm call disrupts the ambiance, with Ayame's voice coming from the other side ]
Kiritsugu. Your mission is to locate and link-up with local militia. I'm sending you their coordinates to your HUD, but be warned there are patrol parties that circle the blocks nearby. You'll have to sneak passed them to get to your location but you have to hurry and get there within a certain time frame... Good luck
[ First test is stealth. An augmented reality panel appears beside him giving him the time-limit, location, and distance of his target; and acts as Kiritsugu's heads-up display that he can switch on and off mimicking the standard-issue equipment Guardians of Nova use. Soon as Ayame's voice drops from the call, flashlight beams from a big patrol party started searching the street he's in, leaving Kiritsugu with three options: the open manhole to go under which is the safest but also would take longest to get to his destination, the side-alley with medium-level or risk, or a high risk one where he goes forward through the shops on the street where he'll be within feet from the oncoming party hiding behind thin cover. But it's the fastest route to his location and time is running low ]
no subject
An extraction of magical circuits from my body.
( Yeah, that's what he'll call it. An extraction. Things lost in the name what needed to be done.
He sets aside his calico for a brief moment to focus on the contender, loading the chamber with his normal rounds, before lifting his suit jacket to gently tuck it inside his holster.
Kiritsugu hasn't any experience with augmented reality, but is aware of the concept to an extent, hiding any signs of surprise when the simulation begins, and carefully pours over his options when the menu pops up.
For the first option, in his mind, he's already eliminated it. It would take far too much time for him to arrive, and with the time limit, it wasn't at all viable. In theory, he could enhance the acceleration of his body to make it through the shops, and while could seem impressive, it wasn't exactly his style, nor did he want Ayame to get the impression he was hasty or showing off. Leaving him with: the side-alley. If he were careful, he wouldn't draw attention to himself, giving him the means to eliminate whatever targets he might face along the way with a nominal risk.
He starts by trailing down the second path. )
no subject
She watches Kiritsugu from an observation deck, arms crossed and mentally controlling the simulation with the combination of the Holodeck's projections with some of her own created ones to fill in the gaps. As he took to the second path, the test begins. Each choice he makes leads to a pre-planned consequence, each progressively getting tougher to really test his skills and determined to not make him leave the place unscathed. She could just heal him and repair his clothes and gear later.
Making it to the militia hideout ended the first test, leading to a test of teamwork and leadership ability by having Kiritsugu and the militia soldiers to attack various spots in the simulated version of Nova City, along with smaller objectives of gathering important items, escorting civilians to safe zones, infiltration, and escaping. She made the militia members seem real, basing them each on soldiers she knew in life though making them more dependent on Kiritsugu's tactics to test his skill in making them on the fly. Those skills passed on to him by Natalia showed.
The pace gets faster and the enemies get tougher to bring down. His weapons lacked sufficient firepower to really deal against robots and highly-armored targets, but Ayame littered some Nova weapons on the sim for him to use so she could test his adaptability under pressure, only leaving him with a visual example of their use through the militia soldiers with him.
The simulation ends with a "boss" encounter. Clearly Ayame had been copying video games that Chiaki Nanami exposed her to. Another time limit is imposed on him, forcing Kiritsugu to fight one on one against an NPC modeled after an enhanced cyborg criminal in Nova. This last one is to test that time altering ability of his, and how he does against stronger opponents when he's at his limit. The battle might be something Kiritsugu familiar with, as his opponent was a martial artist who fights with bare fists and bladed weapons.
Regardless of how smooth he performed against that, the simulation would end as the time limit does. An alarm rings and the environment fades back into nothing, returning Kiritsugu back to reality and to the empty warehouse-like room. Ayame casually walks back into the room right after putting Kiritsugu in a simulation that could have killed him for real ]
How are you feeling? Sleepy?
video; private
[Private Video]
That is good to know. I like your spirit, Ms. Brief. I shall be in the Holodeck until 6PM today, so I will be waiting for your arrival. Just let yourself in, the staff at the lobby shall know which room I'm using.
Bring your weapon, should you happen to use one. I heard you say that you utilize your ki, however I first want to know if you have experience with weaponry, firearms or otherwise.
[Private Video]
[Probably a little more well rounded than most would expect a teenager to be, but the girl has good genetics and a lot of drive.]
[Private Video]
An impressive résumé. Very well, I look forward to meeting you in person. I'll prepare your exam now, it should be ready by the time you arrive. Until then.
[ Ayame nods and closes the feed, waiting for Bulla's arrival. Once she makes it to the Holodeck lobby, a portal opens with Ayame on the other side beckoning her over so she gets to skip the lines. ]
Ms. Brief, please come in.
[ On the background, the room simulates a spacious desert canyon. Even with an arid desert wind blowing through the portal itself ]
[Private Video]
She takes in the setting, curious about what the training scenario might entail. Survival, perhaps?]
Thanks for setting this up.
[video]
Good job, Ayame. Nova's in even safer hands now. Two sets of.
Lemme know how your little interviews go. Just don't employ any assholes.
*As if Ayame even needs to be told that...*
[Private Video]
Still, seeing Faye all relaxed and happy put a smile on Ayame's face and a chuckle in her response ]
Yes, I will make sure of that.
[ She nods, pausing ]
I should thank you for your support in the election. It was a close battle, and it was a time that every vote truly counted.