She listened carefully to the sounds of her surroundings. The clock's ticking, murmurous sound of shuttles flying by, footsteps and words that appeared surprisingly distant, quiet in comparison to what Guildmaster Kirigiri had to make it through the past twenty four hours.
Back then, she'd only laugh at yet another desperate attempt of Bretonia to storm into the halls of Aland: any and ever attempt prior to that day was doomed to fail as the Guild's paramilitary and their allies have turned the station's vicinity into an impenetrable fortress.
Numerical advantage was not helping Bretonia either, and the surrounding area have quickly been filled with assorted wrecks, with no one to clean up the aftermath of the battles.
Something was different this time. A sensation of approaching approximation have bothered Kyoko for a while.
That alone left her to keep all the armed personnel on high alert, not allowing them to blatantly slack off, as most of them probably desired, feeling safe behind the defense lines of Rote Hessen Armee and the assets deployed to fend off whatever Bretonia has to throw at them.
Last thing she recalled about that day was how every soldier around her lost consciousness, like marionettes that got their threads cut...
... now, she intentionally kept her eyes closed, and a terrible headache have been bothering her since the moment she woke up. Much to her own surprise, she did not find herself restrained - and yet, under a keen watch of a couple of armed guards - that's what she assumed by listening closely to the sounds of the room.
The faint whispers, apparently, belonged to the guards, and the footsteps - to someone else, whose personality have yet remained unknown - it was necessary to open her eyes to get to know that, and right now this was beyond Kyoko's ability, the headache was the sole reason for that. She just didn't feel like opening her eyes to witness the cruel reality and further trigger the pain in the temples.
Succumbing to that pain bothering her for a while wasn't going to get the Guildmaster anywhere, so, without further complaints that would never leave her mind, Kirigiri opened her eyes, looking around.
It was a well lit room, Kyoko herself been sitting on a sofa placed against a huge window, with bookshelves along the walls, and a huge carpet depicting the emblem of the House Bretonia situated on the floor.
The large room, with the exception of the described details, was empty.
Two armed guards have been standing by the sides of the sofa.
A man in an expensive suit stood in the middle of the carpet, carefully examining the forced guest.
On the contrary to that person, Kyoko didn't have her chance to put herself in order and change clothes - on the contrary to the man, she have still been wearing standardized Guild paramilitary uniform with the traces of dust and soot, burned here and there, tall black military boots and black leather gauntlets.
Everything else, of course, was a complete mess too.
Kirigiri have finished the examination and closed her eyes again, unwilling to further jinx the fate and endure the aggravated headache, she still asked quietly:
I assume you are proud of your recent achievements, Bretonian?
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
The man stood a few feet before her and looked at her with curious eyes which stood in stark contrast to his blank, dispassionate face. No. he said simply while looking her over, aware of her discomfort yet making no moves to alleviate her pain. The woman clearly struggling to regain her senses, although they were slowly coming back It takes some time to fully recover from the effects of sleeping gas, particularly when one gets as much you. Focus on breathing before speaking, move slowly. He said, in a tone that reflected his indifference to her. While she struggled to gather her strength another person entered the room and the man directed is attention to them, before the new arrival left and the man returned to her, handing her something. Eat this, you'll feel much better...it's quite alright, it's chocolate. It helps, it really helps. He placed the chocolate in her hand and moved away again, the sound of something being poured into two glasses echoed in the room for a moment before he returned to view with a glass of water which he said down on a table next to the sofa. I suppose you will be wanting to know a few things before I start asking you questions. You are on Planet Cambridge, in my house. For now you are safe, more or less, it depends on you really. I am John Steiner, Police commissioner of Bretonia, so allow me to be the first to welcome you to the family estate, Lady Kirigiri.
Having partially regained her consciousness, by acceptable levels to properly assess incoming information, she peeked at the chocolate that have been offered to her, then - at the glass of water. Should it be anyone else but Bretonians - Kirigiri would have suspected that the water, or the chocolate, or even both - to make sure she'd perish in pain far worse than the headache she had - was poisoned; however, it was Bretonians who she had been dealing with, and there was one similarity between the people of Bretonia and Gallia - both are extremely scrupulous in matters of honor.
Backstabbing is not something to expect from either of them.
John Steiner.
She spoke slowly, rubbing her temples - the pain have still been intense, as if someone have been trying to split her skull apart from the inside - and as if she was savoring his name, getting used to the bitter aftertaste of it.
I am so confused that i am not even certain if i should be pleased - or disgusted. However, let us go with the assumption we are far beyond the childish finger pointing.
The glass of water was inspected and investigated with no less care, and it was concluded to be just an ordinary glass of water with no outstandingly harmful properties.
It will not be easy to settle down all the diplomatic mess that the fighting in Omega-3 have caused.
But we've got to start somewhere. Ask your questions, mister Steiner.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
He tilted his head to the side, a curious expression crossing it Who are you to the IMG? What role did you play in the defence of Aland? What was the last thing you remember and What will you do now? He was surprised that she would even bother to mention the possibility of Diplomacy, considering the state of affairs that had recently happened. He had no particular feelings towards the IMG, about the same amount of feeling towards them and the Zoners. It wasn't that he didn't care out of spite, but rather he chose not to care due to the serious possibility of favoritism. I should advise you don't attempt to restart any type of diplomacy today. You will first need to recover, where that will be depends. He noted that, for all intents and purposes, she was younger. Perhaps, he though to himself, her desire for diplomacy was born out of youthful naivety as to the current situation. Still, there would be no harm in listening to what she had to say for the moment. He was actually rather surprised at her arrival, considering he was not in anyway related to affairs regarding Aland. He was even more surprised that the guards knew where the Steiner residence was and that they took the trouble to bring her here. No doubt Edmund would want to have words with the girl.
With the progression of the conversation the harsh pain bothering started to gradually decrease, and her senses and somewhat more clear state of mind to hold a deliberate conversation with her opponent.
She had no illusions about the men with a curious expression on his face, and those guards, that stood perfectly still since Steiner have entered the room. They were teki - the enemies, and she should not let her guard down, and, on the contrary - be prepared for worst.
Even so, they upheld her expectations and did not poison her, and they are unlikely going to. Thus, she considered allowing herself a bit of honesty with Steiner, too.
You know my name, but i expected you to be somewhat more informed about who exactly you allow into your house. What if i am a terrifying assassin that can kill everyone in this room with a leg of the table. Or a tea spoon.
But, luckily for you - i am not. Just a meager Guildmaster who meagerly spearheaded the defense efforts of Aland paramilitary marines - mostly unnecessary - and actively participated in the battles outside of it in my personal Odin.
Kyoko exhaled, giving herself a little break, feeling the headache starting to gain strength again.
Diplomacy... eventually, we will get to that topic as well. You have acquired Aland, further hostilities are unreasonable. However, i suppose you'll have further questions?
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
Yes. He said, again without passion or feeling Why are you here? What do you want? These might seem like silly questions, she hardly had a say in the matter of where the guards took her. But she clearly wanted to speak to someone in charge, why she wanted to remained a mystery. If she was hear to gloat, mock, insult or otherwise make a nuisance of herself, John would rather see her off the grounds as quick as he could. He was enjoying a quiet afternoon of reading before the guards came knocking on the door with a passed out girl, which didn't look at all suspicous to the surrounding community. No doubt the village vicar would be along soon to make sure nothing godless or heathen was happening within the estate and then would insist on the boys reading a verse at the chapel on Sunday like they did when they were younger. Perhaps, John thought, he could set the rev. on Victor, matters of the heart troubled him as of late, no doubt Reverend Tom would be able to help.
Turning back to the matter at hand, he stared at the girl without any emotion, guessing that she was probably going to have to stay for supper. He put the other glass of water in front of her and took her empty glass away. While waiting for her response.
I am here because i fought for my people, back to back with my people. I acknowledge - i have failed. Which makes the only possible answer for your second question - i want my people to live in peace. Without any further Bretonia intervention.
On the contrary to her acquaintance, her short speech was emotional, one would assume she spoke from her heart, and such words could never lie, it is us, humans, and our mind that have developed the trait of lying at will.
Kyoko have combined her words with confidently gazing at Steiner.
As you probably understood at this point - i would rather discuss anything beyond this statement with your superiors. This was going to be the diplomacy i have mentioned prior to your questions.
I am under an impression that you are quite capable, and getting me in touch with them will take you little to no efforts.
Is that right?
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
For the first time, John's face showed some emotion, he tilted his head slightly to the side again as a bemused smile crossed his face That is...more or less correct. My Brother will be along shortly so you may be able to speak with him. For now however, I must insist you change your clothing and have a shower. With that, he rang a silver bell sitting on the table next to her and an older man appeared, Nestor could you please show Lady Kirigiri to the showers please and have mrs white fetch some appropriate attire for her once she is done. The older butler bowed wordlessly and held the door open for the younger girl. Gentlemen John said turning to the two guards. You may wait here, the Admiral will be along shortly. The two nodded and stood easy while they waited and John followed Kirigiri out into the Hall, ensuring that Nestor was indeed taking her to the right place. When he was certain the elderly man was going in the right direction, he returned to speak to the two guards.
This was a much needed relief, the uniform she was still wearing could work for a generic chatter like this, it had no real value.
But the stains of soot, sweat and blood along with similarly adorned military uniform would not go for a formal discussion between the high ranked personnel of the opposing sides, who technically are still at war, but somewhat beyond reckless attempts of destroying each other with no mercy.
Finding yourself situated in the middle of the hostile grounds had nothing to do with neglecting their hospitality.
Kyoko walked out of the room, following the butler, she stopped for a moment and spoke, raising her voice a bit to cover the distance that have now separated her and John.
Thank you.
Was everything she'd say, but at this point common courtesy could not hurt.
She walked slightly behind her guide - despite her inappropriate looks - she literally have just came from the front line, where she managed to put up quite a fight - until the Guild paramilitary holding their line at the air distribution system have been overwhelmed, it fell under the control of the invaders, and that alone have decided the fate of the resistance on the rest of the station.
The old man have led her to the opposite wing of the estate and brought her into a secluded room that wasn't much different from the hall they've left not so long ago; except it was significantly smaller and looked more like a bedroom, further inside a door could be seen - likely, the connection to the bathroom promised.
Much to her surprise, once again she found herself expressing gratitude to a Bretonian.
Thank you. You may leave now, i assume Steiner had two assignment for you and i wouldn't want anyone to be around while i'm bathing.
The door have soon closed, notifying Kyoko that the room was now relatively empty - it no longer held anyone but her inside, and the footsteps of Nestor the Butler have fainted over these few minutes until she couldn't hear them at all.
The delicate sound of rough fabric have filled the room as the Guildmaster disposed of her military uniform - as comfortable and fitting her as it is, in it's current state it was no less than disgusting and not worthy of any maintenance: it was easier to replace it than to actually bring it into somewhat adequate state.
Considering her current status of a special guest it would seem she's got all the time she needs for herself; however, it would be impolite to outright abuse the hospitality of Bretonia and make her appear improperly as a guest.
Kyoko took her time. The warm water was far more hospitable than the cold, emotionless Bretonians with their expressionless faces. Kirigiri would even assume they were machines and not humans if she couldn't actually see them bleed when shot back then, in the narrow corridors of Aland. The water have removed most of the traces from the long concluded battle - the stains of blood and soot were gone from the pale skin, leaving only the bruises and the memories as the reminders of it.
Refreshed and relaxed, with the only exception of her guard still being raised - you can not really let it down when lingering among the hostile lands and people - even they have ultimately proven not wishing any harm to you. Yet, it will be a subject to change, so it is always better to be prepared.
Hopefully, Mrs. White have already picked a more fitting attire... but where exactly should i find her?
The matter have resolved it rather quickly: Nestor have re-entered the room, holding a coat hanger; a white blouse and a black skirt along with a black blazer. That very much reminded her of Kusarian school uniform, however, all the composition, accompanied by the black tights looked formal enough. Making Nestor to leave again and quickly changing - Kyoko likely made the two Steiners to wait for too long already - she'd leave the room, expecting the butler to guide her back - she did not really remember the way they walked to that secluded room.
Peace, being the distant dream it is, comes inevitably, and goes hand in hand with justice.
Cursed be the war. Heroes never die! @Vitoniz30 @Connor
About this time, an older lady in her 50s or 60s came barreling out from around the corner with a younger girl in tow. The older lady held in her arms a fine dress of silk with a pair of slippers made of satin, the younger girl brought with her an evening dress of royal purple as well as a hamper for Kirigiri's used clothing. The older lady spoke with a thick Scottish accent as she approached My dear, Master John requested that I bring you these? I feel you will find them far more acceptable than what that old fool Nestor has given you. Mary has an evening dress for you, the masters would not have you appear informal at dinner. We shall take your older clothes and see that they are washed and fixed before you leave. Once you've changed, I'll take you to master Edmund.
While this was going on, Edmund had arrived and been informed of the current situation within the household. Presumably you are going to abide by the rule of no politics or religion at the table tonight? John asked as his brother was busy changing out of his uniform Of course. But I doubt she will want to wait until afterwards Edmund replied Then discuss it beforehand, but the dinner table is a place of civil conversation, not politics. When she has finished in the showers, I will meet with her in my study to see that everything, or most of whatever she has to say, is dealt with before hand. Does that suit you Brother?
John rolled his eyes Formalities must be upheld Edmund. This house is our home, not some public meeting house or the house of commons. I would not have her say anything here, but she is a guest, and thus must be entertained accordingly. So make no mistake, you're not doing it for me, but rules are rules.
Edmund waved his hand, Yes yes. I'll finish up here, and see to her soon.
Satisfied that Edmund would observe the rules of society, John retreated to the music room to leave his brother in peace. Once he was finished dressing into a more casual suit, Edmund made his way downstairs to the Library where he would wait for Kirigiri.
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