Tap... Tap... Tap... Tap...
"(My, my, you're red mane is as expressive as always, human! I adore such grooming of a hasty individual, as you are! I do hope you may share you're secrets, of such, to my existence.)" Ash complimented, though, whether or not it is a jab or an actual compliment is beyond Nikolai to decipher with any word he would say, will only act as ammunition to either side to escalate.
"Thanks for the compliment... you look... shiny as ever. I wish I have a low maintenance skin, as much as you do." Cecilia complimented back with a sweet smile, as Nikolai tried his best not to make eye contact with her. Though, with her metal sole squeezing his synthetic leather shoe like a pressure plate, it is very difficult to ignore her advances.
Tap... Tap... Tap... Tap...
"..." Corporal Cappi remained silent to let the two women chat amongst themselves, as she takes a sip of her dark coloured tea she have ordered few moments ago. The aroma makes Nikolai salivate her position, as something tells him in the depths of his mind, that the responsibility of reiling the two women has now fallen into his hands. Whether or not that's true... he still needs to reil both of them to avoid trouble.
"(Why thank you for the compliment, I mirror you're words to yourself! You must be one of the few humans of higher stature, around this facility... I am now curious how did my escort have met the likes of you. I wonder what stories can be untold.)" Ash ushered, as Cecilia's eyes narrowed a bit.
Tap... Tap... Tap... Tap...
"It's nothing important... but it was quite a meaningful union..." She replied with the same tone of honey, as her foot squeezed Nikolai's a little more, to the point Nikolai feels something snapping in his tendons like a splintering wood chipper. He could only silently groan in agony of her flipping mood, as Ash's mandibles clicked of the reaction.
"(I could definitely see the closeness. How I envy you're position, truly.)" Nikolai immediately glanced at Cecilia, only to be responded with a tighter clutch of her metal sole digging in further as her sweet smile turned sweeter, and the shadow of malice growing ever so larger.
Tap.
"... indeed." She replied heartily as the two women made a silent acknowledgement of something very far from his grasp. Nikolai hopes the situation he found himself, would be over anytime now!
Sssiiiiiiipppp...
Nikolai glanced at Corporal Cappi, who seems to be really taking her sweet time on that drink. For someone supposed to be time sensitive, Nikolai sure thoughts she's being the total opposite of being one!
"[Here are the orders, patrons.]" The drone buzzed as it brought their food, at the same time, the quintessential quintuplet trope of the same cat drones have gone to their table. Instead of checking their vitalities, it brought with them the delicious hot meals that made Nikolai feel relieved, even if it was just a fleeting moment, he is happy to be finally be fed with something delicious.
Though, he can't say for certain to the other women as judgement already fell into their eyes. Ash giving a curious, but clearly smug look of Cecilia's mix of greens, soup, fruits and meat. Cecilia giving Ash a sweet tilt, as she watches all kinds of different meat base meals on Ash's, of which the princess commented of finally trying cooked meals for the first time. Lastly, Corporal Cappi, who's meal was a slab of steamy grilled steak, bundled with fried rice with pork toppings on a large bowl, and a rice ball pyramid on the other, as she calmly begin to silently and savour her meal.
Finally their gaze landed on Nikolai's plate, as he tensed up. Despite Cecilia already knowing he would pick pasta if he ever got the chance to bail the standard meals, he still felt being judge. Ash on the other hand, made a look of curious pity, thinking he was being discriminated of essentially being fed with moldable sticks. Which felt much worse than it was supposed to be.
'This... is making me loose my appetite...'
"[Itadakimasu-meow, nya!]" The cat drones greeted while clasping their metal appendages together before it left, as it only makes Nikolai feel worse. As all of them began to eat.
The table was filled with intensity that could swallow a grown man whole, if ever they plan to disturb such a thorny garden. One could say that being surrounded by women on all sides is a blessing, that the amount of charisma and luck one does have to attain such scenario is a place, all men would die for and sacrifice many, to reach such a predicament. Well, such a scenario only exist in fiction, and if ever a event would happen in real life, one's place is filled with a path of thorny roses. That is the feeling Nikolai is excreting, even if he didn't thought of the women around him like that all, as his mind was occupied of being that one small fish in a ocean of sea monsters.
Corporal Cappi was the most impassive as usual, which only makes her the most thorny, because she could care less on what are the relationships between all of them, as her instructions are at the highest priority than any inconsequential squabble of young adults. Yet, despite being the most thorny, she isn't the most prickly. Cecilia's smile may be sweet, but Nikolai knows she never smiles so sweetly, unless there is some agenda behind it... in this case, it was so blatant, that anybody thinking she is giving them a flowery look is a idiot! It doesn't help that just half a metre away from her, is her stupidly large rifle just lying down on the chair, like it's begging to be noticed by anybody staring at her. It's weight alone can be weaponised as a battering bat! The princess is no different, despite being the second most behaved, with all the subtly ques and wordplay she keeps on spouting, it only makes Cecilia more aggressive. It's not like making her mad is going to help Ash's position, it was her stubborn curiosity acting up again because why not?! It's clear Cecilia is not the one she needs to appeal, but she doesn't have to be too blatant about it either.
Naturally, eyes did stare. Despite the wall of some bluish field enveloping their private area like a crude dome, acting not only as a sound barrier, but also a physical and cybernetic obscuring wall of light. Nikolai could feel the piercing gaze through the veil of the hidden meeting that is happening. It was clear their meeting was a form of some stunt, yet Nikolai doesn't understand how does this make it any better with the clear results of contempt being consistent throughout the whole ride.
Nikolai drank some water as he observed the women around him, surprisingly, despite all the possible angles of a fight to broke out, nothing happened. At least the worst case scenario didn't occur, which made Nikolai's meal rather fuller, even if he didn't taste half of it because of how worried he was.
After they finished their meal, the next agenda was now on the table as Corporal Cappi have now returned control over the table. With a snap of her fingers, the cat drones returned, plucking away their empty plates while making cat noises along the way.
"(That is indeed delicious Freeman, my kin have never thought cooking as a main course of meal preparation was any of importance! I will definitely try more in the near future.)" Ash exclaimed after putting the fork down, as the cat drone pick it up and cleaned her side of the table. "(And using you're utensils is very perplexing, however I will retain on using my claws with elegance. For I am used to such a process.)"
As Ash commented, Cecilia gave her a silent look before landing on Nikolai, but before she could say anything, she was cut off by Corporal Cappi's curt cough. Getting everyone's attention as silence takes over.
"Now that lunchtime is over, we will now begin today's purpose of the meeting, in regards of the POW, Lady Ent. Accompanying me as witness and guard, is Lieutenant Cecilia, and will act as a mediator if need be. Now that the specifics are finished, let us proceed." There was a pause, before she continued.
"Lady Ent, there has been adjustments and news on you're next interrogation and trial, so pay attention. First, is the allocated sanctioning of information that has been partially lifted permanently. Questions regarding everyday functions and information available to the public will be allowed to be ventured. Second, you are now available to explore the SkyNet in a limited degree, in adherence to the sanctions. Exploring the web, using streaming platforms, and using social platforms are available to be of used in a restricted, but accessible format. We will provide you and you're guide, new smartphones or tablets for that purpose. Third, after observation of no ill effects, you have been granted freedom of movement within designated areas around the naval yards. However, until two weeks are over, you and you're guide will be staying in the Quarantine Zone for the time being where preparations will be done on moving you to a new location." Corporal Cappi then takes a sip of her tea, before continuing. While on Ash's face, a clear interest have taken hold on her as Cecilia silently observes.
"Fourth. Certain privilege access levels have been unlocked to you're position, and credits have been deposited in you're account for you're usage. You will be given 50 Perals, equivalent to 125 Dollars, or 18900 Yen for you're disposal every week, whether you choose to invest, save, or buy is up to you. Lastly fifth, you're next interrogation will be 2 weeks from now on, or half a lunar cycle in you're terms and about the time you will be allowed to move outside the Quarantine Zone. Expect a notice will come when the time comes of date on you're implants. That is all, any questions before we proceed?" All eyes now landed on Ash, a jovial yet calculating look appeared on hee face as she proceed.
"(You have not mentioned my trial, where and when could it be?)" She asked as Corporal Cappi takes a sip of her tea. "You're correct, that's because it would depend on you're performance on the interrogation. However, regardless of the outcome, you'll be trialled in 6 month's time, or 6 lunar cycles in you're terms. You're participation is a must. Any more questions?"
Ash nodded as she leaned in slightly. "(I'll be doing it in order of the list you provided, Corporal. First, what kind of limit will be exactly impounded to my existence? And what will it do to my implant performance?)"
"You cannot look into the ongoing results of the conflict, military and industrial tools and machinery will be limited to their description, technology will be limited to their description, biological and ecological will be kept under Secondary Level, and so on. You will understand with the information that will be sent to you. Regarding about you're implants, you will not be allowed to access or use it to any services, regardless of privilege statuses being applied, unless payment or usage of credits is needed." Ash nodded slowly as she grabbed a cup with two hands, drinking it slowly so she can savour the human beverage.
"(Interesting. Very interesting. How about the new nest I would be cohabiting? And of the areas I can explore, is the coast one of them?)" There was a quick glance at Nikolai's direction, before Corporal Cappi replied. "Multiple locations have been appointed as candidates, and will be decided once you're time being quarantined being over. The location have been given in careful thought, and you're cohabitation will be not be effected by a larger degree. Regarding on the ocean, you will have access on the shores, however, attempting to swim or hold in certain time limits will be forbidden." Ash and Corporal Cappi takes a sip of their beverages before continuing.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"(Mmmm... ahh... so curious, very curious. Hm, I am mostly satisfied. I hope you can still jest with my last question... Can I use my assets and in exchange of currency? And could I buy anything that is available for the commoners? Or perhaps even of the nobility?)"
"As of now, conversion of you're assets are still on hold to decision and will be given shortly in 2 days. Due to differences in currencies and value, it may or may not be in the highest or lowest exchange rate between the three currencies and the Religiosa 'Rula'. Regarding to you're purchases, all shall be recorded, and will be checked before transaction. You are free to buy essentials and luxurious items, as long as it is within regulation. Does that satisfy you?" Ash nodded slowly, as satisfied clicking of her mandibles ensues. "(Thank you for the confirmation.)"
Corporal Cappi takes a sip of her tea once more, as her gaze now landed to Nikolai. Much to Ash's delight, and to Nikolai's growing anxiety. "Freeman, we will now be discussing on you're next course of actions as the POW, Lady Ent's guide, and in regards to you're situation and education." Corporal Cappi then grabbed a tablet as it was presented into Nikolai's side of the table.
"First, as of this semester, you're absence shall be regarded as a form of specialised training under my supervision. I will personally be you're new instructor, and as my sole student, I expect you to be punctual. You're new session will begin after quarantine ends, but you will be required to attend my meetings 3 times a week till then. Second, in the meantime, you will be joining in other training classes for a proper graduation to a Lieutenant, it will separate to you're sessions with me and is required for you're role as the POW's guide. The schedule will be as listed on the tablet, and will act as you're PDA. Any questions before we proceed?" Her sharp features pierced Nikolai as he nodded hesitantly.
"When did I became a officer...? I thought I was only trained to be on the reserves on the enlisted ranks of the Polaris Legion?" Nikolai asked, it was natural, that meant he would become a fulltime soldier, one with a rank as well, despite being the bottom of the pack, it is a position that has responsibility that Nikolai believes he could not obtain. It is a position that Nikolai didn't even envy, or even dreamed of becoming. He glanced at Cecilia as she looked away slightly, she clearly already knew it first hand. The most definite reason that Nikolai could think of, of Cecilia's presence in the meeting, despite how strict of a person Corporal Cappi is.
"With you're newly acquired position, and to better compensate you're work, you will be commissioned to become apart of the ranks. Lieutenant Cecilia and I, will be you're partners in the meantime. You cannot decline this position, for that is the orders from the Body and SAI Venture herself. You're cooperation is a must. Shall we continue?" Nikolai wanted to say something, but he nodded dejectedly, as Corporal Cappi sips her tea one last time.
"Continuing, on the topic. Third, you will be granted similar privileges that are being given to Lady Ent, however, you will be not be allowed to share any information towards her that are being sanctioned. However, the sanctions that has been pinned on you have been lifted and have been restored, prior to the arrest. Fourth, you will be given the same amount of credits as Lady Ent, and you're family will be compensated with additional credits being put into account. Fifth, you will be continuing to be cohabiting with the POW, as per orders to continue to guide her. Similarly, you will guide her throughout the process in interrogation and trial, as you're case have been found not guilty, as charges have been dropped due to evidence and recommendations." She glance ever so slightly at Cecilia before continuing. "That is all. Any more questions?"
Nikolai shook his head, at least his family won't be scrambling about his disappearance. It was a needed silver lining, as Corporal Cappi nodded and stood up from her seat. "Good. You will be given 4 hours of exploration, before being instructed to return to the Quarantine Zone. Until then, I will take my leave. Take this opportunity to catch up with you're environment and relationships." With a tip of her cap, she walks in strive. As her capelet sways and her ceremonial sword clatter about on her confident march. Nikolai watches as she phase through the veil of light, leaving the three of them alone to contemplate.
There was an awkward silence, as the three of them stare at each other of the absence of the winter flower. That is until Ash performed a clap, since she can't imitate a snap, it was the closest one she can do. Followed shortly, was the cat drone, speeding up to them as Ash nodded at herself of her accomplishment. "(Freeman, before we continue our outing, my tongue is need of the pristine cuisine of this, 'grilled steak', I would take my time on this leisure. Do what you must, for I will consume that exquisite, scrumptious meat!)"
Nikolai raised an eyebrow of the sudden shift of topic, that is until he realised he was given some free time for himself for once. Nikolai then glance at Cecilia, as she nodded and stood up first to move to a different empty table. Hesitantly, Nikolai stood up, glancing at Ash if she will be alright with ordering whatever she wants. She seems to noticed his concern, as a smug look came up to her face, draining Nikolai's worries and concern with a sigh, as he finally leaves her behind for herself.
"(Hmmm... human relations... aren't they quite interesting?)" She asked the cat drone, only to respond in incoherent purring, with Ash staring at the metal creature with mixed feelings about it. "(Oh well, now, bring me the compatible meat delicacies, that suits my tongue! Oh, metal follower.)"
As Ash orders for her next meal, the two childhood friends sat on a different table. With the first conversation starter was a kick of Cecilia's metal sole, into Nikolai's leg. "I know, I know! Sorry for not talking for a few days! You can't blame me from not being able to contact you with the sanctions, can you?" He got a puff of air as a reply, with a look on Cecilia's face, as he scratches his head in contemplation.
"Uhh... fine... sorry for getting you involved in my... stunt. Well, it wasn't suppose to be a stunt, it just somehow ended like this. Guess I'm now a diplomat and a babysitter at the same time, crazy ain't it?" Nikolai sighed as he leaned over the back rest and looks upon the ceiling of the underwater restaurant. "Guess life is really that unpredictable, huh? Hahahaha... at least I get paid for it."
Cecilia stare at him for a few more moments, her blue eyes glowing for a second. "Are you feeling... alright?" Nikolai glance at her gaze, as he smiled slightly. "Obviously not, when you're life gets turn over like a pancake, I'm pretty sure the other side would be just as cooked as the other." He joked, as it was Cecilia's turn to sigh.
"Seriously, I'm surprised you even made it this far." Cecilia joked and warned, as Nikolai chuckled to himself. Leaning over the table to fiddle with utensils being laid out. "Hey! That's what i said! Hahahahaha... got all of my stored luck sucked out of me that day. Meeting the princess, and somehow getting away with minimal injuries from those crazy aliens, would put me in debt in the next life ove! Hah!" He mocked himself, slumping in fully to the table as Cecilia frowned slightly.
"I... am not getting away scott free, am I?" He asked, daring not to look at her. "... Obviously not. You're too tied up now, it would be a shock if they did." Cecilia replied curtly, as Nikolai didn't made a sound, letting her take a long breath of air, using her foot to act as a gesture to his legs.
On the other table, Ash watches in silence as she eats her meal. Observing the two humans before her, one she knows in the matter of days, and the other who hated her, and have no connection whatsoever. Two sides of the same coin, or so the youngling book she reads tell so. Just as their conversation earlier, and even her impressions of her in their first meeting, it seems there indeed was a connection between the two of them as physical contact is exchange. Ash then focused on Nikolai, as she could only pity him for being dragged into a world far bigger than it seems. Frankly, Ash knows of Nikolai's degrading mental state, due to her experience, it was easy to pick apart of with the likes of Nikolai, who lacked the experience in hiding their emotions. Yet of course, she could do nothing about it, not just because it wasn't in her expertise, it's because it is not her place to do so. They are strangers at the end of the day, and it was her, that dragged him in to her situation.
Her wings buzzed, as she expects it will be only a matter of time before their separation in the near future.
Nikolai after being nudge by Cecilia for some time now, made him move to take a look at her. Where she is staring at him back in the same position as he is in. "Feel like talking now?" Cecilia asked as Nikolai made a small smile and hide his face. "No." In which he earned a tighter nudge that made Nikolai do a 180, and sat up properly. "Fine, fine... no use moping around now. Alright..."
Nikolai then crossed his arms as he looked down at the table, staring at the intricate designs on the tablecloth and closed his eyes, before opening them and look at Cecilia with a a slight bow at her direction. "Celia, care to help this foolish friend of yours again? I'll make sure to serve my noggin to the ground to gain you're trust back, I'll try to make sure you won't be worried sick with my actions and talk to you whenever I did something stupid again..."
"And...?" Cecilia added as Nikolai hesitated to answer. "I'll... make use of the money I received to treat you every now and then... does that satisfy you?" Cecilia nodded, as Nikolai sighs in relief and slumps back to the table with a thud.
"In here I thought I would be shot at."
"Yeah, I would have done that."
"What?"
"I didn't say anything."
"Hey, hey now. You just said something really scary just now." Nikolai pointed a finger at her as his eyes landed on the gigantic gun on their previous table, as Nikolai swear it shined at his gaze.
"Did I?" She tilted her head, playing dumb with a smug smile, as Nikolai's face twisted at her humour.
"Why do all the women I know have a twisted sense of humour?"
"The real question Nik, is why you're so easy to be made fun off."
"Am not!" He spats as Cecilia chuckles, which makes Nikolai rolls his eyes. "For Aperture's sake, you should be grateful that I'm you're friend, you would've been lonely by now and..."
As Nikolai's voice fades in the background, inwardly, Cecilia was relieved, more so than what she lets on, knowing that Nikolai wasn't mistreated, or at worst, neglected. After their short reunion, then sudden cut off for days end, was a experience she does not want to witness again. Despite the decisions that led up to Nikolai's arrest, he was still at risk at the hands of law and bureaucracy, but at least thankfully, he was fine in the end of the day. Knowing the current situation, she thought she might never see his stupid face again. The only thing that keeps her awake at night is the xeno he is living with, and speaking of the xeno, she has long finished her meals and have now been silently observing them.
There Cecilia made eye contact with the xeno, as she gave her a unreadable expression, with her mandibles clicking in anticipation. Out of all the other xenos she have personally shot in the head, the one staring back at her might be the most dangerous. Not because she is the strongest, far from it, if Cecilia was permitted, she could have shot that regal head to bits as practice shots. The xeno knows of it, yet shows no fear, like a predator meeting another predator, neither backed down of the challenge. Cecilia stared and stared, and yet, she was the first that backs down.
'Now is not the time... now is not the time...'
"Nik, you're xeno mistress is waiting for you." Nikolai made a stupid look on his face, glancing back at the princess as she made another smug expression which fell Nikolai's face. Making him groan slightly with a sigh. "That... time's up I guess, sorry Cil, you know..." Cecilia just nodded as she got up first.
"Don't worry Nik, I'll be at the back escorting both of you as orders stated. We'll continue later once you're free." She stated, passing by the xeno noble, as a silent stare past by for a moment between them. "It's no problem." She insisted, attaching the magnetic clamp on her jacket, allowing the comically large rifle to easily grip on her back, yet no tension of the weight made her breathless as she strides forward effortlessly as Ash stare at her with a genuinely amused look.
"(Well, well, well, if only Freeman has such strength, then his cowering form wouldn't have been for naught.)" She egged, as Nikolai looks away, of the half truth. "It's unfair to even compare me to her in the first place! She has implants and the like, while I'm just a pure, it's simply a whole different benchmark." Her antennae twitches in curiosity of hearing a new term as she got closer to him, her stubborn curiosity kicking in again as Nikolai looks away slightly.
"(To think I have met a 'pure' human, oh how miraculous my existence truly is. I am now curious on what are the other types of humans present in this facility.)" She ponders as her wings buzzed, as she then glance at her surroundings. Looking at the veil of light surrounding him, followed by the ceiling of the glass that separates them from the ship above, and then at Nikolai and Cecilia. As Nikolai already knows where this is going.
"(Freeman, if you may?)" She presented her hand at him, as Nikolai accepted it. "I thought we're done with the whole 'knight thing'?" She only swayed her head with grace. "(Oh no, my knight, for our journey in this 'castle' has begun!)"
"Oh dear..." Nikolai prayed that this won't end in some scandal. "You really are starting to pick up more and more words from those story books, aren't you?" Her mandibles clicked rapidly in amusement.
"(With how easy you're youngling literature is organised, it is only a matter of time of someone, of my existence's intellect to master it's fullest. You're comrade seems to agree with my opinion, is in it correct, human?)" At the mention of Cecilia, Nikolai looked at her, as her face was far from agreeing at all, and was more like...
"When did... you two get close?" She asked with a dumbfounded and a disbelieved look on her face. As Ash tilted her head, with Nikolai once more, will have to reil both of them in.
