Myst-ified (Tornado Company)

[MKR]

The pontiff smiled as Nebula busied herself with the ornament before turning her focus back to Alicia. Her statement seemed to flash worry across her face, though if only for the blink of an eye. The other two however, were much more clear in their reactions. Eric paused his search through the papers, staring at Alicia while August looked between Alicia and Nebula.

There was a moment of silence after Nebula's remark before Eric cleared his throat.
"You'll have to forgive me but, that is unheard of for us." He said, looking over the papers one last time as if to confirm his statement.

"Any Cyber-Newtype creation is only on late teens or adults and though we've obtained records of those with less... Patience in regards to age the youngest we were able to even hear about was at the age of four. And that was because the treatment failed so spectacularly it brought them to the attention of MS hunters and Vultures alike."
His hand went through his hair as he thought of some way to figure this out.

"Unless you happen to know where there would be records of the procedure the only way I can know for certain what the case is for your daughters would be an autopsy. Which is out of the question for multiple reasons. However, I can give you an educated guess and a course that might lead to more information." Eric paused, putting the paper back together and on his clipboard, he wouldn't be needing that anymore.

"There are designer babies, Coordinators are what they're called, if you manage to find someone who is involved in making them and knows how to add the desired traits to them before birth. I'd be willing to guess some teamwork between myself and them should, given some time, be able to piece together how one would make Cyber-Newtypes before they are born."

Once Eric was done the Supreme Pontiff spoke up, having checked a device in the meanwhile.
"I'm afraid that as far as your children are concerned this is the furthest we can currently help you in finding answers. However if there is anything else you need only ask. As much as I would like to learn and talk with you more myself I have a gathering in a few minutes I must attend to but should you have need of me my schedule will be freed up in thirty minutes. August you are hereby permitted to discuss any cooperation in my stead and Nebula if you wouldn't mind may I have the ornament back?"
She would hold out her hand towards Nebula to receive the ornament.

August would nod at being given permission to negotiate in her stead, it made some sense since he had been the one to meet and escort them, though he still was no diplomat it seemed the impression he had left on the Tornado Company was good enough for them to consider and want cooperation.

 

[Lukas]

Alicia's gaze narrowed at the suggestion of an autopsy, but enough of her understood he was dismissing the idea to let it go for now. She gave one last remark as the Pontiff stood up to leave, Nebula quickly returning the ornament as well.

"We still have the devices they were born from, and no further use for them. Keep that in mind."

With that said she took a moment to fiddle around in her pocket while the Pontiff left, eventually pulling out something that vaguely resembled a military radio and flipping a switch.

"While I'm entirely on board with cooperation or affiliation, such a discussion is best done with the whole family able to contribute. Joshua?"

"Yeah, it's all working fine on this end. Misty and Hazel are messing around in the hangar, but I can grab them too if you need. Everything going fine up there, Nebula?"

"Communication systems functioning as planned. I don't really care what you decide - so I'm going to get the pods ready for removal."

A familiar man and another woman both spoke up through it in response, Joshua sounding rather cheerful about the prospect while the woman's voice lacked any and all emotion.

"Just fine, Joshua. Everyone's really nice, and a big chunk of the people here are like me and mom!"

 

[MKR]

The pontiff took the ornament with a friendly nod, fiddling with her collar for a moment to get it back into place and the prongs one more hidden by her hair. She would listen to the family chat among themselves as she prepared to leave.
"Once again good to hear, I hope you enjoy your stay here." She said, not at all surprised by the radio. "August, if you can arrange for the space next to the Jeanne D'Arc to be freed up it would allow a safer place for the Kents to remain and store their ship."
With that she bid her farewell and exited the door, heading further up the building.

Eric for his part had gathered all his stuff. Seemingly the most surprised by the radio.
"I'll ready the team for the pods then and let the hangar personnel prepare for safe transport. If you'll excuse me."
With that he too went out of the door.

Once again being alone with the Tornado company August took out a radio of his own.
"This is White Knight Captain Mertz, moving to threat level 0. Thank you for standing by and Sundermann, please transmit hangar coordinates to the Endra class." He said into it before putting it away again.

"I believe it is best for us to discuss affiliation or cooperation in person rather than over a radio, this will also give you some time to think about everything. And Mr. Kent, you will receive the coordinates for a safer residence shortly, for the time being if you head towards the main building it will offer most of the guidance. You will need."

Indeed shortly after a short range transmission from one of the hidden Weiss Barzams would reveal the destination to just be beyond the building, hidden out of plain sight but with enough room to store the Mesa and the Raumerben's own ship already there.

"Do either of you want anything while we wait?" he then asked Nebula and Alicia

 

[Lukas]

There was little issue as the Kents regrouped and shifted their ship to a safer position, their single Mobile Worker used to safely transport the birthing pods to a place of convenience for the cult. Sophie herself declined any offer to attend the meeting, and would be listening in via the radio if allowed.

---

"Shame I couldn't get to meet High Pontiff Nossy - she sounded pretty interesting. Eh, I guess there'll be time later." Joshua would have put his feet up on the table almost as soon as he'd sat down, acting like he was half his age but still keeping a careful eye on everyone present.

"She feels like mom, but.. softer, I guess? Don't know how to describe it."

"Mom did say that Newtypes change as they fight. She's probably more of a political leader than a fighter."

"So she's never used funnels? That's awful!"

"Not everyone enjoys funnels, you know. Using them gives me a headache."

"That's just because you never bother practising with them."

"I do! We can't all be naturally blessed like you are, sis!"

"Aren't we supposed to be clones? It's not talent, we just worked harder than you did~"

Alicia left the children to bicker, turning to August with a frustrated smile.

"I'm afraid you'll have to give them a few moments. But while we wait: I've been considering the benefits of collaborating with - or even joining - your group. Unless you've got any issue with that, Joshua?"

"Lemme see... you're not brainwashing people, you're not some sorta nutjob newtype supremacists, and nobody's tried to sell me anything yet. I'm good - unless there are membership dues, in which case I'm leaving and taking the pods with me." He counted off each reason on a finger as he talked, grinning all the way.

 

[MKR]

August still sat where he was before, with Sophie's radio being allowed to sit on the table as they talked, the captain seeing no reason to disallow her participation even if it wasn't physical presence.
"She will be available later today if you wish to discuss anything, aside from that any social gathering here is sure to have her present." August informed Joshua before the kids broke into their shared bickering. Choosing to ignore the nickname for now.

The White Knight Captain gave the parents of the trio a sympathetic smile as they did so, wondering to himself how frequent the three argued among themselves and how bearable it was in the end. He nodded at Alicia's opening remark, opting to ignore the babbling for now.
"Well, we would gladly welcome you. There are no fees for joining either so you need not worry about that. The only requirements are a genuine belief in our cause, which you have shown by even considering this extent of cooperation and attending gatherings every so often. Outside of that, considering what you've done so far, it would function mostly as your life so far outside of reporting to me. Jobs to bring in resources being the priority." He informed them, smiling back.

"Uniforms like mine will be available for each of you as well as personal or combined rooms. Simply put there would be no need to worry about day to day resource management. Joining however would mean that most of the profits of your jobs would be used for maintenance of the Romfeld area and Raumerben. While we do not intend to take all of it and a good portion will be returned to you for unit maintenance and of course personal expenses this would be the metaphorical 'due' to joining." He listed.

"If you instead choose to cooperate as an affiliate it would be a more distant relationship, while I would function as a liaison instead of a superior I would not be able to offer you most daily commodities I've described, limiting it to jobs in exchange for funds or food." the captain concluded.

"The choice, of course, is yours."

 

[Lukas]

"-You rely on em too much! You should get in close like I do."

"That's risky though - and mom hates it when we damage the suits-"

"Children."

Alicia rose her voice for a moment, ending their argument and causing all three to turn to her. She shook her head slowly, then turned back to August. This was a difficult decision to make, but... it seemed like the best option. Affiliation was a half measure that would still draw extra attention to them, so it was either join or leave.

And if they left now, this entire trip would be a waste. She reached out, letting Joshua feel her reasons for joining - and to a lesser extent, revealing it to the others present.

"I feel we'd be best suited to joining your organisation, at least for now. Joshua certainly hates the nitty-gritty of resource management, and due to our suits of choice being able to work with someone who can manufacture funnels would be a boon."

"You would not believe how much the damn things cost on the black market. And it's not like we can just buy the clear ones either. So yeah. I guess we're in - as long as I don't have to wear a suit." He shook his head, still smiling.

"I wanna wear one! But.. do they all have to be the same? That might get confusing."

"Yeah, real confusing. But it might be funny~"

The radio barked into life for the first time since the beginning of the meeting, an obviously annoyed Sophie finally deciding to contribute.

"If you give the three of them identical outfits I will find a way to make you pay."

"Uh.. yeah. I'm with Soph on that. They're all wearing different outfits for a reason - even Alicia can't tell them apart sometimes, and she's gotten damn good at that 'sensing people' thing."

 

[MKR]

August smiled at the reply. "Then I would like to welcome you all to Raumerben. As for differentiating the uniforms I'll see what can be done. Because, yes. Having all three looking exactly or nearly the same would be confusing. Though in all likelihood it might be limited to mixing and matching the male and female versions." He admitted, standing up.

"The uniform is only required at the gatherings I mentioned before, so roughly four hours per month. I hope that is bearable." The captain said to Joshua with a smile.
"I suppose if you really do not want to wear it ever a physical ornament like a necklace of our symbol will suffice for gatherings? Though I am not an expert on the rules on that. Most of us prefer to wear them not only because they show affiliation but also because they are maintained by all of us and there are plenty of spares. So less of a hassle with keeping a closet of clothes ready." He admitted.

"Now then, unless there are any objections I believe now would be an appropriate time for a tour of the building. It will also allow us to formalize your joining and get through all things involved with it including getting acquainted with some key personnel." August said, waiting next to the door.

"Our first stop would be the front desk for registry forms, I know, not exactly the most exciting experience to lead off with but it effectively opens the rest of the facility for you."

 

[Lukas]

"Sure, sure. I can live with spending a few hours brown-nosing if it means not having to juggle finances and food supplies ever again. Maybe even make some friends along the way." Joshua shrugged, pushing himself away from the table and standing up. He didn't seem particularly opposed despite his complaints, patting Nebula on the head and then stretching out as if he'd been sitting for hours.

"Of course. Identification should be made as easy as possible - especially for those of you not gifted with the ability to tell the three apart at a glance."

"I want the male version. Skirts suck."

"Ooh, could I dye my hair red?"

"You'll damage your hair if you keep changing it's colour."

"But it'd look awesome!"

"And if it doesn't you'll be whining for months until it grows out, sis."

Alicia silenced their argument with a look, shaking her head silently and frowning. She took the radio and pocketed it the same was as before, revealing how it had been hidden previously to August - in a fashion making it almost impossible to notice among her outfit unless you were specifically looking.

"Fiiiine... I still want a fancy one, though~"

 

[MKR]

With everyone ready August would open the door, letting everyone exit the room. Though he noted where the radio was hidden considering they had joined them it was less for information and more habitual.
"I'm afraid I am no expert on hair dye, there are a few here who do use it however." He said as he lead the group to the front desk, the receptionist looking at the approaching group.

"Helena, do you have five registry forms handy?"

"Let me see..."
She dug around for a second, putting five pieces of paper on the table after a moment, spreading them out a bit before pushing them forwards.

"Five forms aannd." She put five pens next to them "Something to write with. There are some general questions and then some specific questions, but most of you being Newtypes or Cyber-Newtypes can skip a fair chunk of those." She remarked, using one of the pens to go down the questions she was talking about.

"Some have had some trouble answering one in particular, so don't worry too much about how long that takes. Once you're all done just hand them over to me and I'll handle the rest." She concluded.

The form itself was mostly just some identifying information, name, age the usual. The only thing that stood out however was in regards to Joshua with a box asking him a simple question, the box Helena had pointed out during her explanation, 'Do you want to be a Cyber-Newtype, yes or no'.

"Thank you Helena, can you also arrange uniforms for them? Just in case have three male versions also prepared for the girls." A moment after the explanation was done and the Kents were busy with their forms August was busy preparing the next step.

Helena nodded looking over the group for a moment before typing in a terminal.
"After you're done with the forms you can immediately head upstairs, Erna will have them ready." She spoke up again after a minute.

"You're the best." August said before turning to the group again and waiting for them to finish.

 

[Lukas]

Joshua's response to that question was simple.

NO.

It was underlined two or three times for emphasis, and deliberation took him less than a minute. Hazel glanced over his shoulder, having filled out her form first.

"Scared of the surgery, dad?"

"I like my brain how it is, thank you very much. And that brain's been kicking newtype ass for fifty years!" He laughed the question off, but Alicia followed it up with a playful smile.

"I seem to recall you falling to pieces the first time we fought, love."

"Yeah, but how many times did Joshua get one over on you before that?" Nebula asked in an almost innocent fashion, but Alicia's rather embarrassed reaction revealed it as a deliberate prod.

"...Nowhere near as many as he'd have you believe. But now isn't the time for that discussion."

"Course not, course not. But my point stands. And if I ever need funnels, I'm sure one of you girls can toss a few dozen my way. All done!" Joshua quickly gathered up the rest of the forms and passed them over, hoping to save the couple from any further embarrassment by moving the tour further along. Said hope was immediately dashed, of course.

"You're just scared we'll read your mind and discover you've just been making it all up as you go along."

"Misty, I- have my plans ever gone wrong for us?" At that, all three girls and Alicia fell silent, but they were clearly smirking right up until Sophie's radio connection reactivated.

"...Is that a rhetorical question?"

 

[MKR]

August leaned back and watched the show while Helena arranged the uniforms. All the while smiling to himself but with Joshua and the rest of the family done and their forms handed over to Helena he once again took point.
"As much as I hate to interrupt this family moment. The clothes are ready and making Erna wait is generally a bad idea." He said with a smile, leading the group up a staircase and to one of the rooms. The walls of said room were mostly glass, allowing anyone to look in and see a veritable collection of the Raumerben uniforms in many shapes and sizes.

August opened the door and immediately six sets of clothes on a table became clear, three uniforms of both the male and female variety.
A moment later a brown haired woman in her late thirties with glasses came out of a side room with what seemed to be another two, larger, uniforms.
"Ah August, and you must be the Kents. Just on time." She remarked, putting the last two uniforms on the table.

"These are yours. Changing rooms are to the left." The woman said, getting straight to the point.
"As for the girls, male uniform's shoulders are a bit wider so they might be loose but you'll have to wear it to see." She looked over the trio for a moment.

August let her finish speaking before he himself spoke up.
"This is Erna, she's our local expert on clothing. And the woman to talk to to make sure the three of you don't look too alike."

 

[Lukas]

Misty took one of the female outfits with a polite nod and vanished into the changing room, leaving the rest of the family to argue amongst themselves. Hazel spoke up first, taking the male variant of the outfit and running her fingers over the material.

"Didn't auntie Soph say something about nylon irritating skin?"

"You know how she is about materials. Just try it on, Hazel. It's not going to hurt you, and Alicia said you have to."

"But why do we all have to wear one if you aren't going to, Dad?"

"Joshua. I haven't worn a uniform in twenty-five years, and I really don't feel like starting again now." The (ir)responsible adult in the room shook his head, waggling a finger from side to side as Alicia stepped up behind him.

"Joshua." Alicia's tone was rather icy as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just try it on. Be a good example for them."

"Alright, alright. But if I get the urge to start goose-stepping it's going out the airlock." He threw his hands up defensively for a moment, before taking the male outfit offered and going to try it on. Which left Nebula alone in the room for now, still poking at the outfits.

"Hmm... I think I'll ditch the skirt. No offence, but they're really not my style. Back in a sec~"

---

"I can see myself wearing this more often. Very nice." Alicia had a rare smile on her face as she emerged from the changing room, tweaking the collar until she had it just right for herself. While last to enter the changing rooms, she was the first to exit.

"Funny, I can see you wearing it more often as well. It definitely frames your assets well." His hand was swiftly swatted away as he reached for her. Joshua seemed... somewhat uncomfortable wearing the uniform, but kept his grin up regardless. Had to keep his image up, especially in front of people he'd be getting to know.

"So. While the kids're busy. Is there anything you're supposed to tell us that we shouldn't tell them? I figure there's a skeleton in a closet somewhere down here, and better to get it out of the way now than later."

 

[MKR]

Erna nodded affirmatively as Alicia coerced Joshua to try on the uniform. Giving the kind of smile that explained if she hadn't done it the woman would have in her stead. Following after Nebula in case any of the kids needed help, or to add minor tweaks to them.
August for his part patiently waited for the family to finish their change of clothes, looking over both Alicia and Joshua as they approached him giving them a smile. Both wore the Raumerben's colors well, though one more comfortably than the other.
He turned to face Joshua as he asked his question, it had been a matter of time until that came and now was as good a time as any.

"Two things, first one about internal politics." He informed them. Pausing a second to make sure they were alone.
"Simply put, hairline fractures have gotten somewhat worse recently. As there are those who fully blame the Supreme Pontiff for not seeing our brandishing as vultures coming. They, as well as those who believe the Supreme Pontiff disassociated from the rest of us wish to replace her but lack a suitable candidate themselves. So far this has remained entirely civil but you may find yourselves used as 'ammunition' for their arguments or possibly have them try and convince you of their cause. Generally however the White Knights, which you will fall under, are to remain neutral in local politics. But not unaware of it."

The commander crossed his arms, and from the tone of his voice it was clear he disagreed with the stance of this faction within his faction. Though he tried to convey it neutrally. He shook his head for a moment, moving onto the second issue.

"The second, well." August sighed "You are actually the solution to. Recently we have run into issues going even on monthly spending and while we have enough reserves to buy us time the fact we were very much limited to simultaneously defending and scavenging meant it was a steady decline. Given you have provided us with access to not only a ship but effectively a forwards force to gather resources with means that should solve itself in due time."

The White Knight Captain looked over the pair, their timing could not have been better all things considered, let alone the full joining actually enabling them to work alongside and for him.

"In return, anything we need to know about surrounding your group's past I take it you have your own share of skeletons?"

 

[Lukas]

"Nothing that will surprise you, I suspect. Io's government - or parts of it, at least - have made armed attempts to retrieve both our mobile suits and the children. Once our association is made public, you may find certain industries in that sector no longer wish to deal with you."

"That or they'll try to get you to sell us out. It's happened before." Schisms and money shortages. Weirdly enough, this seemed to be reassuring Joshua - people were allowed to disagree, same way people were allowed to be idiots. And they could be idiots all they wanted as long as they didn't cause him any trouble.

"But if they just wanna offer you money to get info on us... go for it! Hell, they've been paying Sophie for a decade at this point - helps us pay the bills, and making them think they know where we are means we can vanish when we absolutely need to." While the grin on his face made it clear he found the entire situation hilarious, this was very much not a joke.

"Hopefully their belief that they already have a spy within our group will lessen the chance of any infiltration attempts on your- our organisation, but it is something to keep in mind regardless."

 

[MKR]

"Yes, we were indeed aware of your unfriendly relationship with Io prior to your arrival. Though we have confirmed no direct relation between those pursuing you and the part of Io responsible for the creation of our units. So you needn't worry about that." He informed them.
"Actually, would you have any issues with the Qubeley units in your ownership being painted to match the Raumerben's colors? It is likely to dissuade your foes if they well and truly know going after you directly would cause the backlash of all of us here." August suggested. "A more defensive employment of faction colors outside of merely showing allegiance has always been to dissuade foes after all. The unit you piloted earlier could even adopt the White Knight colors if you wish."

He paused for a moment, milling over the money and infiltration.
"I'll make the higher ranking members aware of the possibility this may happen and your suggested actions should it, so we will be prepared should they try to do so." The Captain looked outside for a moment, the hallway currently empty then he looked to the still occupied changing booths.
"About the children. What would you have them do? If they will continue to fight alongside you I would prefer confirmation they are at least adults. Otherwise we could see what there can be done for them to keep them busy."

 

[Lukas]

"Well..."

"Hey!"

Before the Kents could ponder that question long enough to answer, they were interrupted by a trio of younger voices. Neubla, Hazel and Misty had returned, and apparently heard enough to decide to contribute.

"We're adults! You wouldn't be saying that if you'd seen us fight."

"I assume Mr. August has seen funnels before, if he's like us."

"Yeah, but I doubt he's seen thirty of them in sync~"

All three were dressed in similar uniforms, but the two identical twins could be told apart by the gender of their uniforms - or just a simple glance downwards. Only Misty was wearing a skirt, with the other two going for the trousers of the male outfit.

"It would be thirty-six if you two could concentrate better, but yes. We've had experience on the battlefield."

Alicia gave a proud smile and nodded along with the girls. She and Joshua had taught them everything they knew, but the three fighting as one proved to be far stronger than the sum of their parts.

"I see no problem with repainting the majority of our units. The Qubeleys still bear the colour of the organisation that created them - while removing it is merely symbolic, it still feels pleasant."

 

[MKR]

August would turn around, immediately raising his arms in defense against the children.
"I just wanted to be sure that we wouldn't be allowing children to be put in danger, but if you are adults there are no problems on my end. But don't worry I have been made well aware of the quantity of funnels you can field." He responded before looking back to Alicia. Though he had to admit, seeing the Kents all in uniform did remind him of his early days in the Raumerben.

"I'll make sure the arrangements are made so that the process can start whenever you are ready to." He concluded the prior topic and turned to face the group as a whole.

"And now that all the preparation work has been done, and you are well and truly part of the Raumerben. Allow me to in the Supreme Pontiff's stead once again welcome you among us, from hereon out the Tornado Company will also be the White Knights' second division though we have no intent to take the name of your company away from you." he looked over the group, giving them an affirmative nod.

"We will do great things together, I am sure of it. From now onward, your troubles are ours and our home is yours. May we together improve lives and protect those that live here."