Sierra Starport was unfamiliar territory, even for him. He'd never spend much time entertaining the Crayterians, mainly because they didn't warrant his attentions, what with being seemingly so far removed from 'civilization'. So what the hell was she doing here? But perhaps that was the point. As his shuttle pulled into the hanger bay he mulled over what Issak had told. He barely understood the beginnings of her life but she was born, at some point had a relationship, had a son, lost both and ultimately lost herself as well. Until they came along at least, apparently undoing something in her head that had a hand in her leaving the Hessians. He paused his thoughts for a moment as the doors opened and he gathered his briefcase and cane. Leave might be the wrong word fled might be better.
The gentle tap-tap of his cane echoed down the otherwise silent corridor and he continued walking for a while before reaching a viewing station that overlooked a good portion of the starport, various ships coming and going, the soft flickering lights of stations towers and hangers, a dull hum in the air that so often accompanied life away from planets. He'd spent a good deal of time on stations now, he'd grown accustom to their atmosphere and the people who called such places home. There was some sort of beauty to be had in this place, but perhaps that was a romantic view of the situation. Perhaps it wasn't as pretty as it seems and he was more inclined to think that way because it represented some form of escape. Maybe then it wouldn't be so hard to imagine her on a place like this after all, well away and removed from the Omega battlegrounds, yet only a short flight away from Bretonia itself. That is, if she lived here, perhaps this was just a neutral meeting ground or a convenient place to stop until she carried on.
He kept walking, while he liked to assume no one would recognize him, he still thought it prudent to bring his sword cane, just in case something went wrong, although now he wondered if that was a clever move, perhaps she would misinterpret it as a threat. He dismissed the idea, she may have changed, but that didn't mean she'd gone soft....or did it? Too many questions about her now unknown nature swirlled around his head. Who was he actually meeting? A changed woman? A broken one? Was this still the fabled 'Empress of the Omegas'? or had she become a cautionary tale? He would find out soon enough, and he allowed a small smile to cross his lips, it was also entirely likely he was overthinking this. He'd barely been back a week and already reappointed to Director, meeting Issak, soon to be attending another diplomatic mission, and afterwards, the arguments with the Armed Forces over Security. It felt like old times but also...lesser. So many old faces had now gone, he didn't even really know the leadership anymore. He found it strange how the one constant in his life was an enemy and more strangely how that brought some level of comfort.
The long and bland corridor eventually gave way to a large common area, a marketplace of sorts with various bits and pieces being sold here and there. He pushed his way through the crowds before reaching his destination. A small room in a quiet section of the station, there wasn't much too it. A single bed, small shower, a metal table with two chairs and a small kitchen. Simple lodgings, nothing wrong with it. He sat his things down on the table and produced a book from his bag which he set aside. He fired a message away to Henrich to tell her he had arrived, where he was staying and perhaps she would rather meet somewhere else because the place was rather bare. He picked up his book King's Gambit, and other Openings in Chess and quietly began to read.
Lounge/Bar Sierra Starport, Coronado
07/11/828 AS, 00:44 There was no one with him, luckily. Anna had gone so far with no one knowing what she was really up to these past few months. Ever since Lucien died, she was a loose cannon running around flying, killing people - killing time. She knew in her heart redemption was all but off the table for her, with Lucien gone all that was left was Isaak; who was about as fond of her choices as Victor Steiner.
She approached the table where he laid back from his left. She was dressed in a long sleeve thermal shirt, jeans that were overlapped by some cheap boots. Her hair was a bit longer, distorted and messy - an accurate reflection of events past.
The only thing that had changed in her facial appearance was the lack of scars. They were healed, gone, definitely enough to throw off someone who hadn't seen her face more than just on a wanted poster.
Don't act startled. She said as she pulled out a seat and sat down quickly in front of him. She leaned over on the table and pulled her chair in a bit. The noise that followed was a light tapping of metal against the bottom of the table, one of her arms extended underneath.
If I see anyone come through I shouldn't; this will be the last conversation we both have. She said, following the tapping against the bottom of the table. Her voice still sounded sweet and sharp like any irritated Rheinlander.
Perhaps he should have expected her to follow him, but he didn't. He did genuinely believe she would be a little more codial, but then, he sent her a message, he expressed an interest in meeting, not the other way around. It was perfectly understandable she would be cautious, hostile even. Maybe this was uncharted territory for her as much as him, perhaps it is just common sense not to trust intelligence officers, or maybe she just didn't like him, which would be less than surprising if he was being honest.
His eyes followed hers as she sat down, her manner, her tone of voice, the rise and fall of her chest all of it gave him the indication that she was still the predator that many feared. Odd really, for someone who willingly came here and had her son deliver a message. He closed his book and set it aside, now giving her his undivided attention, he spoke gently, not wanting to provoke her, his time in Rheinland returning to him a light, but still obvious, Rheinlandic accent. No one is coming through the door my dear. I gave you my word, face to face and alone. He looked into her eyes, he didn't come here to flirt but now that she was physically here in front of him, he realized that he'd never actually bothered to look at her in any great detail. The corner of his lip sprung upwards in amusment for a brief moment, she was pretty of that there was no doubt, but her looks hid a heart made of ice and a will of Iron, just like Dagon. Still, how many had met their demise thinking they had a shot with her? Whatever the number he was sure it was high, and he wasn't about to push his luck, although by now she had probably noticed his examining of her.
Thank you for coming. I imagine you're still a rather busy woman and I appreciate you taking the time. He smiled warmly at her, not feeling the need to be rude or rush things, one of the few pleasures he noticed while away was the ability to actually hold conversations and talk to people in a more open and civil tone. Perhaps she would be more comfortable if she saw him relax as well and maybe she would appreciate it as well if he could be a half by decent host at the same time. I was just about to put the kettle on, would you care for a brew? He said, standing and walking over to the small kitchen I hope you have been well. Your boy tells me you've undergone a few changes in lifestyle as of late. If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing with yourself these days? he filled the plastic jug and flicked the switch to turn it on before leaning back against the wall, waiting for it to boil. He watched her stir slightly and he wondered what she was thinking.
Lounge/Bar Sierra Starport, Coronado
07/11/828 AS, 00:50 Courtesies still went in one ear and out the other, even if they meant something. Out in the Omegas charisma like that usually meant you had no leverage in whatever deal was being made. I'm fine, and I don't think you need to worry too much about what I do to get by now. She replied, maintaining the same gaze she gave him upon arrival. His demeanor in the face of being likely killed gave her the impression that Isaak really did tell him almost everything. That, or he felt he had nothing left to lose.
I told Isaak about that speculation a long time ago. Why are you here now?
He sighed, so it was going to be like this was it? cold, hard and calculating. He looked at her with a slightly unamused expression which was lined with a certain level of disappointment. Duty he said quietly but firmly. Victor let the word linger a little before the kettle clicked and he continued making his tea. I also was not aware of what has been happening since I was gone. Issak only found me recently. He resumed his seat at the table, tea in hand, You have my condolences by the way, on the loss of your partner, Iassk's father. I would not wish such a thing on you, nevertheless, you do have my sympathy. He sipped his drink, it was far, far too hot for his liking and so he set it aside. He returned his attentions to the woman in front of him. It amused him that her cautious nature and inquisitive mind had not dulled since he was away. Yet her physically being here, even when she showed no sign of trust toward him what so ever did beg a question.
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