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Post by Edward LeNoire on Jan 10, 2015 5:22:48 GMT
“Hmm?” Eddy looked up and over at the gantry as it lowered. He looked over who was presumably the pilot of the golden mech with the red visor. He had a mop of bright golden hair, was well-built and wore a uniform similar in cut to his own except it was red instead of purple. But the most distinctive feature was his sunglasses with thick black lenses, concealing his eyes for the most part.
“Lofty sentiments, admirable even. But speaking from experience, sometimes playing it low-key is just as steady a course. Also, if we’re going to be playing the shades game...” Reaching down for a compartment on his flight suit belt, Eddy pulled out his Teashades, flipping the arms open and lowering the sunglasses over his eyes as he flashed a half-smile for the newcomer. “Lieutenant Edward LeNoire, but most call me Eddy. Formerly of the Sweeper Corps, currently flying with Zodiac Squadron off the Polaris.” He extended his right hand in greeting and as an olive branch.
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Post by Quattro Bajeena on Jan 10, 2015 5:48:59 GMT
“Lieutenant Edward LeNoire, but most call me Eddy. Formerly of the Sweeper Corps, currently flying with Zodiac Squadron off the Polaris.” He extended his right hand in greeting and as an olive branch. "Quattro Bajeena."No rank. No history. Just a name, and he was prompt about it. "The Sweepers. I've heard rumors them after the war. An Earth Federation special forces unit with experience in mobile suit warfare. Even Zeon's aces feared them." He hopped off the gantry when it was at a safe height and slowly approached his fellow pilot. "I can only imagine your reasons for being here are complicated ones."
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Post by Lars Langstrom on Jan 10, 2015 6:03:51 GMT
"Hilda. I'm glad your alright."Even through a long distance line and countless of kilometers, she could tell that the atmosphere on the bridge was toxic. Bad news had already spread. There was no way that truth could ever be contained, but that didn't mean Lars wasn't disturbed by it. "Hilda. listen carefully: The situation has changed. Make your way to Cape Canaveral. Watch for Titan patrols and avoid them at all costs. There is a rudimentary spaceport at there. Get your team into outer space. The Polaris will pick you up. Alright?"
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Post by Edward LeNoire on Jan 10, 2015 6:10:13 GMT
“Well to be fair, I think you’re giving my former unit a little too much credit.” Quietly retracting his handshake, Eddy kept his eyes on Quattro as he sensed something about the man that made him feel ill-at-ease, though he did a good job of hiding it. He’s blunt, no nonsense, doesn’t waste time getting down to business, but at least he seems pleasant enough.
“Calling it ‘complicated’ would be charitable at best, Mr. Quattro. The last thing I expected today was to see my old digs turned into a smoldering radioactive crater.” Eddy angrily sighed as he turned his eyes back to the golden mech. “The last thing this world needs is another crater, honestly. Sometimes I think Deikun had it right when he said we should leave Earth entirely if this is all we end up doing to it.”
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Post by Quattro Bajeena on Jan 10, 2015 6:21:33 GMT
“Calling it ‘complicated’ would be charitable at best, Mr. Quattro. The last thing I expected today was to see my old digs turned into a smoldering radioactive crater.” "I can only say one thing is certain: Blex would never do something like this. The upper echelon of the AEUG is full of Federation soldiers who care too much about their homes and their government to ever plan something like that. No, something like that requires cynicism- an overeagerness to correct history. Just like the Zabis."Eddy angrily sighed as he turned his eyes back to the golden mech. “The last thing this world needs is another crater, honestly. Sometimes I think Deikun had it right when he said we should leave Earth entirely if this is all we end up doing to it.” "Speaking of him is only convenient for convenience's sake. Deikun is dead, and his legacy died with him. The Earth is part of humanity. Harming it is like hurting your own limb. It serves no purpose other than to gratify our tendencies for destruction."
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Post by Edward LeNoire on Jan 10, 2015 6:34:59 GMT
Eddy let out a brief chuckle at Bajeena’s last statement. “You say that with remarkable assurance, Mr. Quattro. Just because a man dies doesn’t mean his dreams and beliefs die with him. If someone's capable - and they usually are - they find a way to ensure their words live on.” Shaking his head, he took on a sarcastic tone of voice. “Then again, who am I to say that? I’m just a lunar schooner from Von Braun who played soldier because he got scared he'd wake up one day to have a colony fall on his head.” The sarcasm and optimism faded away as he decided to bring up what was really on his mind to a fellow soldier. “Tell me something, Mr. Quattro. Have you ever felt out of place? Have you ever had doubts about whether or not what you do makes a difference?”
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Post by Quattro Bajeena on Jan 10, 2015 6:52:25 GMT
“You say that with remarkable assurance, Mr. Quattro. Just because a man dies doesn’t mean his dreams and beliefs die with him. If someone's capable - and they usually are - they find a way to ensure their words live on.” "Ideals are just as mortal as the men who make them." “Tell me something, Mr. Quattro. Have you ever felt out of place? Have you ever had doubts about whether or not what you do makes a difference?” "Every day I wake up and fight next to unfamiliar faces- some of whom were once my enemies. It's only natural that I feel out of place. But I'm just a soldier. Nothing more. Nothing less. As mobile suit pilots, we have to try and keep our objectives immediate and in sight. Losing perspective and losing sense of self means death. I'm sure you're aware of that."
"However, simply subjugating an enemy doesn't guarantee good outcomes. When does a conflict necessarily end? When the opposing army is eliminated? When a nation is leveled to the ground? What about when the goals and ideals of your enemies are firmly rejected? I was probably certain as you were that nothing was certain after the peace treaty of 0080. Something was left undone. To put our battles into proper context, that is what I believe our enemies think."
"Regardless of the outcomes, Jaburo was the correct choice. I fear that if this prolongs that the AEUG will have to start defining long term strategic and political objectives beyond just defeating the Titans- ones that it has steadfastly avoided so far."
"Walk with me."The Lieutenant gestured him to follow him on a tour around the outer deck.
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Post by Jim Anderson on Jan 10, 2015 19:04:32 GMT
Chuck managed not to laugh as Petrenko had what looked an awful lot like her first drink ever, although a hearty chuckle did escape his mouth. "Its an acquired taste. And not one for the faint of heart, kid" he said he said, a good-natured smile on his face with that. He leaned back in his chair, taking another pull on the whiskey, savoring the flavor for a bit. After all, I have this strange feeling that Steiner and LeNoire are gonna string me up here soon. God damnit Headhunter... you couldn't leave well enough alone, could you? he thought, shaking his head.
He then looked back at Petrenko. Of course, you couldn't either. All you had to do was keep your trap shut and not show up the powers-that-be tactically he said, thinking about that. But that would've gotten Petrenko dead, and at least one more. What happened to your promise that the Titans would die, and fuck all considerations, Jim? he asked himself. If you'd left her to die, you could've bagged two of them, at least. Ennis is good, but... he thought, blowing out a long breath.
But you don't leave a teammate to die, Jim. Rick taught you that he knew, and Petrenko's youth only made the point more clear. "But its not a great habit to get into, Marika. Expensive, and it can dull reflexes with enough of it. Don't end up like me - just keep fighting like hell" he said, offering the kid some advice in the wake of his soul-searching. He dropped the bottle back into his duffel, and it landed right next to the rest of the things in his private box - including the one, small bit of metal that his fingers brushed over, which flooded the AEUG pilot with more memories he wanted to forget.
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Post by Edward LeNoire on Jan 10, 2015 20:08:41 GMT
Eddy wasted little time to retort to what he perceived to be unnecessary cynicism on Quattro’s part. “But ideals can just as easily transcend the men that make them.” However, he listened carefully to what Quattro had to say in reply to his questions and found that a great deal of his words clicked with him. Some of it he already knew very well, but when Quattro brought up the uncertainty of a postwar world, his words really resonated with Eddy. Considering how I spent most of my postwar life...
When Quattro asked Eddy to walk with him as their conversation continued, the ex-Sweeper quietly nodded and began walking with him toward the outer deck. He looked contemplative and melancholy, his eyes full of uncertainty. “You know, when I first joined the AEUG, I was good. I knew my place: training cocky civilians and ex-stunt fliers, bringing old warhorses up to snuff or just familiarizing skilled recruits with how we operated. Being a training officer gave me a sense of purpose, it made me feel like I was making a genuine difference to the cause.”
“But now, flying with Zodiac, I’m reminded of the fact that I lack true command talent and yet I’m stuck in a position that forces that inadequacy to the forefront. All I want is to return to that role that gave me purpose, made a difference.” And get the ever-loving hell away from Anderson and his secrets.
“I’m guessing you’ve had moments like those, Mr. Quattro?”
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Post by Quattro Bajeena on Jan 12, 2015 1:47:54 GMT
“But ideals can just as easily transcend the men that make them.” "But these ideals undergo a transformation- becoming a collective will of the people rather than the sum of any ambitions of a single individual. You cannot derive the original from the copy, no matter how many times it replicates and projects itself." “You know, when I first joined the AEUG, I was good. I knew my place: training cocky civilians and ex-stunt fliers, bringing old warhorses up to snuff or just familiarizing skilled recruits with how we operated. Being a training officer gave me a sense of purpose, it made me feel like I was making a genuine difference to the cause." "Are wars only fought with officers? Historians always try to give credence for every victory and achievements to a single man. What was Julius Caesar without his legions? What was Augustus without Agrippa, the Second Triumvirate, or his armies?" “But now, flying with Zodiac, I’m reminded of the fact that I lack true command talent and yet I’m stuck in a position that forces that inadequacy to the forefront. All I want is to return to that role that gave me purpose, made a difference. I’m guessing you’ve had moments like those, Mr. Quattro?” That last questioned deeply bothered him. Eddy could tell. The officer longingly looked out into the sunset from the window of the corridor. "There's not a day that goes by where I don't ask myself that. Focus on what's immediately in front of you. You cannot distinguish friend from foe if you lose sight of the present. Focus on simple goals, such as surviving. That's the only way I'm still alive. That's the only way I couldn't cope with conflicting obligations that threatened to pull me apart." Quattro turned to face him with a reassuring smile. "History is something can be told, but it cannot be predicted. I'm not foolish enough believe in destiny, or that the future isn't a single trajectory. That's why we're all here, isn't it?"
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Post by Edward LeNoire on Jan 12, 2015 4:16:56 GMT
The more that Quattro spoke, the more Eddy felt like he was less in the presence of a pilot and more a philosopher or a politician – and he didn’t know whether to feel impressed or intimidated. The man had an impressive grasp of history and he spoke with a strong sense of presence. But Eddy also sensed a great coldness about Quattro and it was that which worried him. His worries subsided though as he saw the man’s bothered reaction to his question about place and purpose. Guess even cold people can feel lost sometimes.
Admittedly, Quattro’s answer wasn’t wholly satisfactory but it helped put Eddy at ease somewhat. And his curiosity was piqued when his fellow pilot mentioned “conflicting obligations”.
“Yeah, I suppose it is. At least I've held onto why I'm here and why I stay and that's enough for now. Though I’ve had enough experiences with destiny to know it exists and that it can throw plenty of curveballs. I have to ask, though. Who are you, Quattro Bajeena?"
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Post by Marika Petrenko on Jan 12, 2015 13:58:46 GMT
Marika scoffed at the kid comment, but knew it was in good taste and not something she should take personally. Still the banter was raising his spirits so she returned the smile. Although this was on a good track she knew and caught enough of the battle chatter to know something wasn't right. Although trying to stay alive made most of it just static to her, how everyone was behaving and how Chuck had been fighting out there wasn't typical. Even now she was trying to mull over if she should try and ask about it.
It was however the warning that made Marika smirk and chuckle. "Yes because I'm a model listener." A quick adjustment as she rubbed her neck, before she turned to the wall and kicked at it lightly. "Fighting as hell in that crap tin can isn't exactly doing me wonders. I just want to burn it down the more I pilot it." Another series of light kicks assailed the wall before Marika huffed and spun around from it and refocused on Chuck, her expression slowly turning into a slight frown.
"Ah...Chuck I know things are kinda you know, bad right now. But Hilda and Edward are all angry at you because of the last battle right?" Now very unsure of how to proceed Marika scratched the back of her neck anxiously as her gaze dipped slightly before returning to Chuck. "The stuff about the Titans and whatnot."
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Post by Quattro Bajeena on Jan 13, 2015 1:25:01 GMT
“Yeah, I suppose it is. At least I've held onto why I'm here and why I stay and that's enough for now. Though I’ve had enough experiences with destiny to know it exists and that it can throw plenty of curveballs. "And as long as you're aware of that, you'll be fine. Find your own way, Lieutenant. Trust your instincts. Do you what you feel is correct. That's truly the only way to live."[ The pilot in a crimson suit gave his partner a pat on the shoulder before beginning to walk off. "I have to ask, though. Who are you, Quattro Bajeena?" "Like I said: I'm just another soldier, just like you."After a gesture of goodbye, the young Lieutenant disappeared down the hallway.
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Post by Jim Anderson on Jan 13, 2015 3:52:25 GMT
Chuck had to resist the urge to pull what his fingers had closed around out as a reminder. Instead, he just laughed as Petrenko reminded him she really had to work on her listening skills. "You can say that again kid" he muttered as he looked back up at her. He rolled his eyes at the comment on the Rechts. "The Rechts isn't bad. Still a One Year War design at her heart, and showing its age, but its still hanging on. Of course, some of the Zek - the Zeon units at the end of the War, and the up-modded birds Delaz's boys rolled in could compare" he conceded.
Of course, then she brought up the one thing he hadn't wanted to bring up. He pinched the bridge of his nose, wondering why the whiskey was hitting him this hard. Truth be told, he'd passed on his morning eye opener, and he had been almost naturally sober when he'd started belting whiskey. He shook it, clearing it out (mostly), clearly trying to figure out how to respond to that. "Nothing much to say about that, Marika. LeNoire and Steiner seem to be buying the notion that Black Leg bastard Eddy knows little notion that I'm something I'm not" he said, but he wouldn't meet her gaze, instead looking up at the overhead bulkhead. "Anymore" he muttered, a lot louder than he intended to, but he didn't realize that.
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Post by Edward LeNoire on Jan 13, 2015 4:19:08 GMT
Eddy returned Quattro’s gesture, this time with a full smile and a more overall positive disposition. He still had a feeling that there was more to this blonde-haired man with the thick black sunglasses and he made a mental note to try and find out more about him later, but for now, he appreciated the opportunity to speak with someone intelligent. I never did ask him what that gold coating on his mech was really for. Eddy made a mental note to ask Quattro the next time he met him about the purpose of the coating aside from being really flashy.
Turning to return to the hangar bay and get a better look at that Gundam, Eddy began pondering how he and Hilda would go about hanging Anderson out to dry for his antics once they’d returned to space and how he’d do his utmost to arrange a transfer and get the fuck away from the man. He knew it’d put a damper on Langstrom’s day, but Eddy had had enough. He was putting his foot down.
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