Octavius Octavian

[Julian Miller]

Julian grunted under his breath after the less than helpful answers provided by the EFGF officers. Frankly he wasn't surprised in the slightest. The Titans, as a independent elite group, weren't always beloved by the other branches of the Earth Federation military. Many saw them as over-privileged and spoiled which spawned a fair degree off animosity. Hell, he was sure that many of those who had defected to the AEUG had done so for those reasons.  Furthermore if they were attempting to use the Magi Team's testimony as a tool for less than noble reasons (which he naturally assumed they were) then they would want to keep all of them in the dark for as long as possible. Surprise questions often brought out the rawest of responses and though it was a common tactic Julian despised it.

Still, he wasn't a fan of Jaime's responses either. In a delicate situations like this it would be better to keep one's emotions in check rather than let out outbursts of any kind. Doing so would only serve to arouse suspicion and looked poorly on the rest of the team. Frankly Julian didn't know why Jamie was allowed the freedom to speak in such a way. During his team Julian had known countless superiors who would never allow such things. While he didn't understand why Ennis gave him leave to talk like this he hoped it wasn't a case of favoritism. Officers who followed such practices only brought on greater disunity within the group.

Deciding to finally break the silence that followed the officers' departure, Julian took the liberty of leaning back against a nearby wall before asking, "So, Lieutenant Commander, what's the game plan? Are we going to try and create a team narrative that we all repeat verbatim or are we responding to whatever questions they might have as each of us sees fit?"

[James Ennis]

Ennis held up one finger to Julian, indicating that he needed a moment, while with his other hand he reached over and (without looking) smacked Jaime on the back of his head. As soon as the Ensign could have recovered enough to look at Ennis the Lt. Commander was glancing at him and pointing towards his own Marasai.

"New job: once we're done discussing this you are to help the mechanics clean all that goop off of my machine. Mouth off to a Captain of any branch like that again and I will reverse-engineer the stuff personally just to drown you in it. There will be no discussion on that matter, unless you would count me listening to the gurgling noises you'll be making from inside the tank as a discussion."

The entire bit was delivered practically without any emotion, simply a matter-of-fact tone. Without waiting for a response Ennis crossed both arms and looked back to Miller.

"Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, there's actually not much wiggle room in the narrative. If they grill us on the nukes getting stolen in the first place, we weren't even told the nukes existed until after we'd already made our attempt to strike at their fleet. That was information that, if I'd had it, would've drastically affected both engagements. Frankly, if I knew there were nukes on our transport I would've killed every single one of us if it meant stopping the AEUG from getting them."

There was zero indication that those words were anything but the exact truth; Ennis was being serious. He'd have overridden his own suit's safeties and nuked the lot of them if that's what it took.

"Our orders, verbal and written, can attest to that. And no one can fault our defense of the anti-air systems: even with them online the AEUG got through, so at least we made them pay for it. Especially outnumbered as we were. No, I think this is less about us and more about the AEUG. Our testimony is going to be used to help prove that it was the AEUG who pulled the trigger on Jaburo. Unless they're really looking for a witchhunt we should be safe, and even then . . . the Secretary of Defense and Jamitov do not get along very well. We're small fish to him. Well, at least you all are."

Curious, perhaps, that he would mention anyone proving the AEUG did it. Perhaps also curious that he didn't count himself as such a small fish in this matter.

[Dominic Salazar]

Four hours later...

"Gentlemen of the Assembly, I'm sure all know we're here. In light of recent events, I thank you for your summons and for holding this emergency session. Four years ago, a certain man stood right here before this sacred body and made a promise: Never again.Today, we should reflect on his words and derive meaning to his promise- for whatever transpires in this room today, we must not forfeit our cause or our destiny as the keepers of Earth."

"A certain event transpired a week ago. It was supposed to be minor. It was supposed to be insignificant. Today, however, it remains an undisputed factor in the incident that happened mere hours ago. We all deserve to know the truth. That's why I've called you here today. Behind these doors are the bearers of that truth: the The Titans 15th Tactical Mobile Suit Squadron. They were present in both situations."

[Daniel Gage]

The doors flung open. The chamber was dead silent. Gage could literally feel the hostility penetrating his skin. To his right was the Secretary of Defense: Dominic Salazar. He was the only one giving them a warm welcome. He wore a tan suit with a red tie. Everything on him looked expensive. On his left flank was a man he didn't know- an older man with a receding hairline and crooked stance. None of these people are soldiers. No wonder he felt so out of place here. He could at least conceal his insecurities behind a dress uniform that was provided before they landed.

Without even looking, he began his slow approach to the chamber center. He could only pray that the others were in lockstep. If I fall, why not gracefully? The man on the left made a comment as they approached.

"I must implore that the body remain silent while these are interviewed. They were gracious enough to come here and give us testimony."

His word was the word of God. No one dared to speak against them, in fear of retaliation. The urgency of the moment reduced their capacity to only watch and listen. That makes things a little better, I guess. The defense secretary awaited the others- prompting them to introduce themselves.

"State your name and rank, please."

[Julian Miller]

Julian wad dressed in his Titans dress uniform as he followed the rest of his team into the chamber. The collar of his jacket was opened slightly to show a white scarf around his neck under which hung his golden pendant. For this occasion he even chose to wear the standard issue beret atop his head. He felt a little uncomfortable given the fact that this wasn't his own uniform but then again given the fact that he had no idea where his belongings were since the beginning of the Jaburo operation he had been fortunate to find a spare at all. He was even luckier that there were some spare rank badges as well.

Remaining impassive as possible as he looked over the assembled men and women that would be their interrogators, the pilot felt rather indifferent. This wouldn't be the first time that he'd been brought before a panel of civilians though it was his first as a Titan. Without a doubt there would be more than a few differences, especially given recent events. Either way he was sure that he'd get all the answers he wanted soon enough.

Knowing that it wasn't necessary to salute civilians, Julian still performed one if only to try and start things off as polite as possible. No need to start things out on a bad foot. "Lieutenant Julian Miller."

[Victoria Sinclair]

Victoria could only think and mutter one thing as they entered the assembly. "We're so screwed." Politicians everywhere looking to blame someone, if it naturally didn't all drop on the AEUG it'd be on their laps soon too. Clad in a dress uniform and even with the stressful situation they were in Victoria couldn't help but feel cold without her jacket another thing to add to her lists of unlucky things today.

Still if she was all dolled up like this she wasn't going to make a fool out of herself and saluted alongside Julian. "Lieutenant Victoria Sinclair." A quick glance at Jamie hopefully told the Ensign to keep things in line, god knows they needed to not cause a scene.

[James Ennis]

Once more the habit of tossing his personal effects into a duffle bag stashed away in the cockpit had paid dividends. The actual medals were left off of the dress uniform - bragging wasn't the point, and he personally thought he looked ridiculous with them - but the award tabs and campaign patches remained. Odessa, Jaburo, Solomon, A Boa Qu, Stardust, his Saberfish wings next to his MS ones, commendations for valor and and the like, every bit of color sending a message: he was a soldier, an experienced one, and his words were to be paid attention to.

The potentially added benefit of drawing eyes away from his pilots went undeclared but desired.


"No sign of Jamitov. Salazar's trying to pull a fast one and push this through before the Old Man can react. Hmph," he thought as he scanned the room before saluting as well.


"Lieutenant Commander James Ennis, Commanding Officer of the 15th, Mr. Secretary."

[Katharyn Holcroft]

When Commander Ennis smacked Neston across the back of the head, Katharyn bit her lip, trying not to laugh. She wondered - not for the first time - whether Neston actively tried to make himself the class clown, as it were, or if it was just how the guy was.
But Miller had asked a good question, so she listened carefully to the Commander’s reply, her expression turning stone-cold as Ennis explained the situation, tricky as it was, that they were in. But he was right - they’d done nothing wrong. Whatever Anderson - if it was him, and she was sure it was - and his traitor buddies in the AEUG said, the Fifteenth had nothing to worry about.

Four hours later, she stood with her teammates, wearing full dress uniform - gold-trimmed black-and-red dress jacket over her uniform shirt, white dress pants, her black boots so polished they gleamed in the harsh light. Only one thing missing: The black leather holster in which she normally stored her father’s pistol. She had wanted to wear it, but reluctantly had stored it in the armory, reasoning that entering the Federation General Assembly with a loaded weapon belted to her side might not make a good first impression. Still, she missed its familiar weight on her hip.
‘I’ll get it back as soon as this political crap is over with.’ she silently promised herself, watching the assembly through half-closed eyes, an impassive and, one might have thought, almost bored expression on her face.
But that was underestimating her, as her keen, dark-blue eyes swept the assembly hall, and she saw the hostile expressions on many of their faces. She noted that there was no sign of the stern old man whose face she had seen only on a screen, with his penetrating dark eyes beneath a high forehead and stern expression.
‘A meeting like this and Jamitov Hymem is absent? This is starting to feel like a game of ‘Pin the Blame on the Titans’.’ She thought darkly

Finally, they were asked to introduce themselves, and her expression instantly changed, remaining impassive but appearing more attentive. She turned towards the Secretary and stared at him without flinching.
“Ensign Katharyn Madison Holcroft.” She said formally.

[Dominic Salazar]

Malice bled like sickle cells. The man is the suit was polite, but no different. Salazar thrived in this sort of setting. His unflinching smile made everything he did look legitimate.

"You've all done a great service to this country. Welcome to the Assembly. I am Defense Secretary Dominic Salazar. The man to your left is Speaker Kel Ulbricht. Lieutenant Commander James Ennis, it would be improper without yielding you some procedure. I'd like to ask you some questions. The men in this room simply want to listen to your story. Your subordinates may also testify, if you so wish."

"Now, shall we get started? What was your unit doing on the March 2nd?"

[James Ennis]

"Making final preparations for deployment, Mr. Secretary," Ennis began. The Lt. Commander stopped just short of looking bored, which of course would be insulting. Instead his demeanor and tone gave the impression of someone carrying out a task that was routine, simple, and easily-managed. Talking to the Assembly was none of those things, but impressions mattered, so Ennis kept his worries and questions buried deep. "The unit had just passed its final trials, and we were scheduled for anti-piracy duties as our first task. Personally I was still arranging our final roster when I received a flash order from Commodore Ohm concerning the attack on Side 7. We were ordered to deploy immediately on an escort mission, shepherding supplies - fuel, ship-grade missiles, ammo and parts for our own machines - to the Cairo so that she could join the efforts to interdict AEUG forces returning to Luna."

[Dominic Salazar]

Salazar looked unassuming, but that's where his opponents always dropped their guard. This small man made his way into the upper echelon only through his own abilities. He sent his next volley at Ennis and his subordinates without delay.

"And when did you learn that the transport you were escorting, the Metula, had nuclear weapons? Did you have no prior knowledge of this?"

[James Ennis]

"We were not made aware of the nuclear weapons' presence onboard the Metula until after our counterattack strike on the AEUG flotilla, Mr. Secretary. They were not mentioned in any of our orders, nor were they on the cargo manifest of the ship," Ennis replied. "Need-to-know information is restricted like that to maintain operational security, to limit the chance of an intelligence leak to the enemy. Unfortunately, if the intel leaks anyways the information blackout can backfire, which is what happened in this case."

[Dominic Salazar]

Jan 18, 2015 14:39:42 GMT James Ennis said:

"We were not made aware of the nuclear weapons' presence onboard the Metula until after our counterattack strike on the AEUG flotilla, Mr. Secretary. They were not mentioned in any of our orders, nor were they on the cargo manifest of the ship. Need-to-know information is restricted like that to maintain operational security, to limit the chance of an intelligence leak to the enemy. Unfortunately, if the intel leaks anyways the information blackout can backfire, which is what happened in this case."

Salazar glanced sideways at the Majority Leader and gave him an approving nod before continuing. Checkmate. The entire time, he kept a look of concern over his face as he spoke. He merely played the role he was given: The beleaguered Secretary of Defense.

"The Rearmament Act of 0083 stated that all existing Earth Federation capital ships were to be equipped with tactical nuclear weapons in the event of an attempted colony drop. Upon commissioning of any ship within the Earth Federation Forces, it was to be equipped with these warheads discretely. This is common knowledge. What I'll tell you next isn't: We feared that this intel was compromised after many of our top officers defected. Several measures were taken since then, and should've prevented this event from happening. That's why everyone in this room is led to believe there has been a leak."

"Which leads me to my next question."

He momentarily turned to face the Assembly while straightening his jacket. The stage was set. I have you now, Jamitov.

"Did Jamitov ever contact any of you after the incident?"

It was pretty clear now: Salazar wanted one of Jamitov's own men to sell him out. The shot echoed through the chamber, leaving every single pilot present to his own moral qualms as to whether this was a necessary.

[Julian Miller]

Julian had kept his peace during the majority of the investigation. Standing in line silently, he simply remained as impassive as possible as Salazar and Ennis began their verbal duel. It was clear from the beginning that only the team leader's testimony would be required. Julian and all the other pilots were only here for window dressing, to stand by and look pretty in case any pictures were taken and to display a degree of professionalism. It was galling and a total waste of time but such was how these things tended to work.

Frankly hearing Ennis tell the tale of what had happened to the unit before he had joined was as informing for him as it was for the panel. Sure he had read the mission reports but there were always small details that were left out after censoring and other edits. While the other pilots had experienced everything personally, Julian was as in the dark as anyone else. While at first he had blamed the team for failing to recover the nukes the fact that it had taken so long to learn that they even existed meant that there was little they could've done. Bureaucracy strikes again.

It was then that Julian heard Salazar's question about Jamitov. Almost immediately the pilot's eyes narrowed as he fixed the politician with a glare and let out a quite 'tch' of disdain. So that's what this bastard was after. This wasn't about the disaster at Jaburo or the failure to obtain the nukes. All Salazar wanted was to use their team's testimony as a way to weaken Jamitov's political position, to blame him for everything that was happening with the AEUG. Didn't this fool realize that doing something like this only helped anti-Federation groups like the AEUG? At a time where the Federation needed to be unified in its stand against dissidents he was trying to create infighting for his own political gain!

In his mind Julian began to question whether or not Salazar was actually an AEUG sympathizer himself but more importantly he wanted to know what Ennis would do next. To lie would potentially put them all at risk should the truth get out but it would also rob Salazar of his ability to target Jamitov. Personally Julian knew he would make that sacrifice for what he believed to be the greater good but there was no guarantee that his commander would do the same. For now all he could do is sit by and wait. How would Ennis play this?

[James Ennis]

Oct 2, 2014 3:09:10 GMT Jamitov Hymem said:

Without glancing down, Jamitov neatly stacked the dossier he was reading and set on the side of desk. The audience was now the center of his attention. 

"Gentlemen, we're at war; A war not of our choosing against an enemy not of our choosing. I cannot resolve you on your history or history thereof, but I can erudite you on the reasons you might've joined the Titans. We can neither undo the past nor submit ourselves to false beliefs in the present- false beliefs that, sooner or later, bumps up against solid reality on yet another battlefield. Only the messages we carry and the victory we bring can prevent a return to a false peace."

"It is for that purpose that our message remain sound. In precisely two weeks, you find yourselves thrust into a parlous spotlight. The Earth Federation Assembly and the media will ask you many questions. You will give them only one answer: The AEUG stole those warheads and disavowed all knowledge of their existence. Do I make myself clear?"

The admiral dared everyone in that room to speak out against him. He thrived in the tension he created. It was of little consequence to be audacious. 

Ennis's eyes flicked to Miller before narrowing as Salazar's question brought a few things to mind. First, his memory of Jamitov's words in his debrief and orders. Second, certain politcal connections that the Secretary for Defense had. 

"Bastard is definitely trying to knife Jamitov. And look who would end up rising in the ranks to replace him. Over my dead body." he thought.

"Yes, the Admiral contacted us. He was the one who confirmed that Commodore Ohm's orders to us were in fact a falsehood used by the Commodore to cover for the transport of the nukes. As the Commodore's plan, to move the nukes by using subterfuge and a minimal guard to throw off suspicion, did not succeed the Admiral let us know that the Assembly would likely have questions for us. I hope you can all understand that most of my pilots are new to this level of official interest, so the Admiral no doubt was offering a courtesy by alerting us to the possibility of an interview such as this one. He then ordered us to Jaburo, the results of which I'm sure everyone is here is aware of."

Even as he spoke, making a point to highlight Ohm's culpability without actually stressing any words in particular, Ennis was turning Jamitov's words over in his head. Two weeks, he'd said. Either the Assembly meeting to investigate the Metula incident had already been scheduled and merely added the attack on Jaburo to its list, or . . .


"Mr, Secretary, you said I would be yielded some procedural control. Amid the events that have transpired since March 2nd, certain experiences and information have been gathered by myself and my pilots. I feel that it would be a dereliction of my duty as a Titan not to pass this knowledge onto the Assembly."

Ennis pulled his personal comp out of his pocket and hit the send button. Several images were immediately sent to the personal comps of every member of the Assembly: each was a picture of an AEUG mobile suit, either the GM-model or one of the red heavies. Most prominent in the pictures was the heavy with obvious Zeonic insignia that had nonetheless defied attempts to tie it to a singular pilot.

"Magi Squadron!" Ennis called out as the images were copied to the main screen in the Assembly chamber, the Zeonic insignia dead-center. "Conclusions and tactical analysis of these enemy suits and their pilots for the Assembly, if you please."