Generalmajor's Quarters, Zhukovsky Station, New Moscow (//Omega-52)
05/1/825 AS, 13:27
The room remained still and time seemed to have frozen as Anna gazed out the mirrored window past the skyscrapers of Zhukovsky Station onto Planet Jiang Xi. The view was spectacular, the Coalition had always paid a great deal to it's civilian populous, rivaling that of Volksrevolution in its current state. The steady and near-silent scene slowly brought Anna back to her time on Vogtland as a teenager, sitting out by a fire-escape looking only at the large wall past the sky-scrapers. "At least things were simpler then" - she thought to herself.
Before she could venture on into her daydream, it was cut off by the sound of her own breathing. It felt a curse bound to her in return for life following - what should have been - a fatal event. As she continued to breathe slowly, frustration only built up. All she could remember were the sound of the vessels engines, the explosion, and the distinct shapes of their ships. Still, it wouldn't draw Anna any closer to success to dawn over an event clearly planned out from start to finish.
Hann ir heðra - brynjulauss.The sound of her guard over the local comm broke Anna's second trance - probably for the better this time. It had been some time since Riemann had been in contact with Anna. In fact - the two had never met in person, only spoken over a comms channel; which ended with Riemann being exiled. Anna gave some thought to whether or not it was worth speaking to him again, he sounded more sincere; organized; and more importantly - loyal. The Coalition weren't necessary the worst at indoctrination however, and lies were the card of their sleeves they had exploited to their advantage in espionage. Was he lying or telling the truth? He wouldn't dare attack the Anna unarmed, or maybe he would - either scenario would be helpful to see the Lazarus effects Anna had acquired.
Láta hann á.Anna replied, the door opened slowly. Anna remained starring out the window.
Anxiety. An emotion he felt often, but for different reasons than this. Not too far ahead of Krsnik was someone from his past, a guiding figure of his actions now, and also a reminder of his biggest mistakes. He'd hated her during the initial days of his exile, but further along it only seemed to become more clear to him that this was a hatred not for her, but for the fact that she'd been right, he was weak. That more than anything else drove him to be different, stronger.
His walk had changed, he no longer seemed awkward with his surroundings, every step of his came with a low but audible thump, and he had more than definitely sacrificed the luxuries of idle life for a strict training regimen, or at least his current physique suggested. Between the spaces of time since they last spoke, he had killed his old self just as much as he'd slaughtered others.
He didn't have to take a moment to observe his surroundings, this was home territory, a station he was fully familiar with. That seemed to give him an aura of confidence, and at least in his mind, he was still just some stranger to her, with his real identity safe under his helmet that was currently locked in place. Stopping a few feet from her, he'd stand at ease, arms behind his back. Anna looked the same as she always did, if not a little pale, he accredited her constant stoic attitude to a well maintained facade, one that was perhaps necessary in order to live her life. As usual, her features gave nothing away, there was no sense from her eyes that she recognised anything about him or even cared that he was currently here. A perfect curtain shielded her thoughts from her countenance.
She was clearly waiting for him to say something, suggested by her continued silence and cold observation of him, taking a moment to ponder the first words he'd say, having met her in the flesh for the first time. "I knew with the return of the Hessen, you had to have returned to the fray as well. With all that has changed, I wonder. Do you even recognise me?" He wasn't expecting her to recognise him whatsoever and had actually completely rehearsed the eventuality of this meeting in his mind numerous times, he knew exactly how he would explain who he was and how he'd become different.
In truth, he wanted to know how much of his old self truly remained and if it was enough to be identified by someone that knew him.
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
Generalmajor's Quarters, Zhukovsky Station, New Moscow (//Omega-52)
05/1/825 AS, 13:27
Anna turned to see Krsnik enter the room, he stood slightly shorter than Anna, making him less intimidating than she had anticipated. Regardless, size didn't measure will, and apparently Krsnik had gained quite the amount since his exile. The woman turned, adjusting her clear breathing mask as she faced and examined the man in front of her. The mask was hooked to something around Anna's waist which she kept a hand over constantly. Ushering in that anyone who reached too close would be met with what can only be calmly described as a "physical response". She recognized his look, his tone, and most importantly - his voice. Still, having changed so much, his character was all but unknown. I see the outside of an disloyal, exiled soldier. But I don't recognize your character one bit now, hopefully, assuming you're looking to redeem my approval - I'm not wrong.
The sound of Anna's exhale masked her movement as she turned completely, walking slightly towards Riemann so the two became distinct in height. That's why you're really here isn't it? To show me your lackluster character is out of date, replaced by something else?Anna's tone changed slightly in accordance with her statement, she was expecting what was addressed to her over the communications link. Sure - maybe there was some catching up to do, but that was never the main reason Anna's interest was peaked in the first place.Well then, show me.
An invitation to prove once and for all, that while she had been right in the past, she was certainly wrong in the present. It felt like he had waited forever for this moment to come and perhaps just for a moment, he let the full reality of it sink in for his own sense of accomplishment. "With the Armee plunging into disarray and your firm grip on it nowhere in sight, at least initially, I took it upon myself to ensure what assets there were survived and had less of an opposition to deal with. Offensives against our mutual enemies were scaled up, and I pressed hard enough on the Unioners in some misguided negotiations they opened up to us, allowing myself the opportunity to kill their former Arbeitsdirektor, that along with the truce ensured cell instability for a reasonable amount of time."
Taking a moment to ensure he had the breath in his lungs to continue sounding as confident as he'd started out, choosing to proceed after a short span of silence. "Additionally, I think you of all people will find a splinter in the Corsair society very interesting, one that has more or less openly renounced the current path of the Elders, tactfully I seized the opportunity presented by their existence, but time will tell if they are of any use to us, the Apostatas is what they call themselves, Apostates, non-believers of the traditional Cretan disease we both seek to exterminate. The more we can twist into killing one another, the better for our own people. I took the initiative wherever I saw possible, and however I saw possible. I believe I owe this to you, because without your mockery of who I was, I would have never tried to be different, to be stronger. You were always right, as much as I hated you for it. But through that hate, you taught me so much, without ever even being there or saying a word thereafter. Consider all that I have done with the Armee in mind as a thanks, addressed to you personally."
He felt he'd put forth the recent events in an appropriate tableau for her, though intentionally not as explanatory as it could have been. He felt this knowledge gave him some semblance of power in the progressing dialogue, she would more than definitely want to know more, but enough was there to prove he'd been far from idle. His name had also become fairly common among adversaries and allies alike, frequently making his presence known through the generous and at times indiscriminate application of murder and destruction, internally this never came across well for the person he was trying so hard to not become again, but with every mounting kill, the next slowly began to feel like second nature, though he remembered every name and in certain cases every face, he had stopped feeling regret for the people he'd been bound to purge in the name of his Coalition. His focus seemed to shift away from the conversation as he recollected recent events, running through his combat protocols and reliving skirmishes for the sake of keeping his mind sharp while idle, waiting for her to talk. It struck him then that he no longer felt like a person, he'd truly begun to feel more like a weapon than anything else. Only a distant twinge of remorse for this echoed through the confines of his mind, no longer cohesive enough to mend the mess he'd forced himself to become.
With a blink, this reflection faded, and the moment at hand came back as the primary focus, his undivided attention locked in place for whatever response she'd send his way.
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
Generalmajor's Quarters, Zhukovsky Station, New Moscow (//Omega-52)
05/1/825 AS, 13:28
Annabelle was a leader, spending her life to holster control, authority, and most of all - respect. It looked different from everyone, perhaps this is what it looked like from him. Well you've given yourself a platform to start, and as it just so happens - I need someone of your position and character.Anna paused for a moment and breathed in. Was it really worth disclosing to him? Was it worth the chance yet? No, there was a way to involve him without disclosing everything.I need you with the Volksrevolution though, above all else.
She quickly shifted her attention towards the information presented, this is what she was waiting for. The fate of the Union's leadership was satisfying to hear - and only that. The Union was never unified really, just a loose confederation of bandits that worship the word of one individual, never putting his word into action. The union would soon recover, but that egotistical shit had been dealt with at least. The Apostas, Annabelle had heard the name before upon her awakeing on Wiesbaden. Stahlbrecher had mentioned them as a nusiance to the Empire - Anna shelved the issue assuming it either was just rumor or wouldn't be of worth. But if the Coalition - a loyal soldier of them at that - had evidence of it's apparent use than perhaps it was worth looking into.This group, do they renounce them with violence or words?
For a moment he considered laughing, but he just smiled under that helmet of his. Had she really just proposed that he change sides with no context other than needing someone with his skills? Evidently she thought he'd been weak and now assumed that his pursuit of strength would have left him stupid. "You expect me to devote myself to you and leave all that I have earned in the Coalition? Perhaps I wasn't clear when I said you had taught me so much. You taught me to stop being the apprentice that's ever so eager to appease their mentor and to use that dedication to make myself my own master. I was a fool once all on my own, I will not become your fool. If I'm even going to consider a change in my banner, it'll have to be explained with more than a statement of a need for someone like me."
For a moment he took into consideration the guard that had escorted him into the room, any that he'd seen on the way and then began to consider their every aspect for weaknesses. He was well aware that her personal guard were formidable opponents, but this wasn't plotting for an attack, it was his mind's way of ensuring he had the upper hand in what was seemingly becoming a negotiation. In the event that a show of power would need to be made, breaking the observation glass behind her and sending her protectors out into space and removing her control over the situation would perhaps be the most effective tactic. "While you consider whether or not to actually give me a reason and be completely open with me. Let me address your question. The Apostatas renounced the Elders in words, this of course resulted in severe backlash for them locally. Conflict between them and their brethren is inevitable, even if it is not, it can be arranged."
All his cards were on the table, and he was prepared to put forward an ace if she attempted to strongarm him, the real question he had was whether she'd treat him like an equal, or unknowingly reveal the fact that she only desired a blind and unthinking enforcer, a charade he put on for his current master, if only to avoid the turgid dance that was ambition in the Coalition's political and military circle.
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
Generalmajor's Quarters, Zhukovsky Station, New Moscow (//Omega-52)
05/1/825 AS, 13:30
So, he had some spine, an individualistic ambitious character devoting his time to be what he claims not to be. Annabelle took in the backlash of his tone for a moment, now wasn't the time to loose her temper and lash out.Do I have to?She replied with a calm tone, a platform for a build up in suspense with her words.Do I have to? To you, someone who claims to be so well informed and so bound to the success of those who taught him his greatest lessons; but latches onto his power under the banner of Coalition - a banner that has made absolutely no effort to resuscitate it's "safety-net" when it needed it the most.The dramatic rise in tone was matched as she began to walk closer towards Krsnik. Speaking as she slowly took every step, as she closed the gap between the two, Krsnik responded with stepping back ever so slightly to keep distance.
I extend my arm to you, and ask for you to represent those who gave you your greatest gifts; and you respond with this?Anna slowed her pace as she continued foward, the brown iris of her eyes began to fill ever-so-slightly with the trademark bright blue glow; if it wasn't obvious before, it was now - she was angry. You ran when your people needed you, and I died as a result of mentoring people such as yourself! Now, you take my request as some blind meaningless devotion?! You stand here behind that mask, claiming to be ever so strong, so individualized, and so powerful. As if your mentors, those who made you who you are, are too little for you? The glow stretched beyond her iris, extending into her surrounding capillaries like a virus running through someones veins. Her guards adjusted their stance and aimed their weapons, preparing for any sudden reactions. The sound of their weapons charging caught her attention more than anything. Anna extended her hand, waving them off. Iak láta sjá.She remarked with a controlling tone in response to their movements. Anna made a dead stare into him, her demonic eyes played a huge role in persuasion - at least they did in the past - maybe they would do so again. Did you really think I would be so sentimental to see you, like this, claiming to be "my fool"; this has never been about me. I do and always will, have the authority I need. I extended my arm to have you live up to those you claim have dedicated your time to in my absence, not me individually. Those, not me. I expect someone who's grown into the person you claim to be, to have some understanding as to why your current position is futile in comparison to the one I offer you. Anna paused for a split second, was this the person she thought he was? Maybe it wouldn't match her suspicions - there was only one way to find out for certain.Rid yourself of that mask, show me who you are; it won't do you any good if you still have the will to redeem yourself.Anna finished her dramatic approach, making it quite obvious her fearful resolve had not been tampered with as a result of her apparent "death".
She was truly intimidating, and her methods did work on him and force him to back up and keep his distance. But this would only last until he realised that he had nothing to lose anymore and had no reason to still be a victim of her fear tactics, it was at this point that he'd stand more firmly in the face of her constant advances. "You haven't changed. And your inability to be anything other than a monster is what will kill you. Just like it will kill me."
Having said this, he still obliged in removing his helmet, it was firmly locked in place and required him to undo a few braces and locks before he could simply lift it from his head and present the person that hid beneath it. He was still visibly young, though his eyes had taken on a sense of coldness, almost portraying a perpetual sense of anger. Perhaps the sheer quantity of lives he'd taken came with an additional toll. "If you failed to see it by now, my loyalty to the Hessian cause hasn't faded. My actions have been in your interests, and they will continue to be. If you need my services, I'm sure you can ask for it and formally request His Watchful Eye to temporarily place me under your command."
He surely wasn't going to just cave in after being pushed around, it would make him seem weak, the opposite of what he wanted for himself. He was strong enough to hold his own ground now, though initially feeling weighed down upon by her naturally threatening mannerisms, perhaps she'd taught him something new in this very meeting. He'd have to figure out for himself how to change his behaviour to match hers in the moment at hand for maximum impact on targets of "opportunity". Expanding his existing arsenal of skills was necessary and even imperative to carrying out his duties, he had to evolve beyond just being a man behind a mask.
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
Generalmajor's Quarters, Zhukovsky Station, New Moscow (//Omega-52)
05/1/825 AS, 13:33
Of course it was Riemann, after all these years his regret must've outweighed his ego - assuming it glimmered outside the Generalmajor's presence. Still, his words only contradicted his claims of independence and self-reliance. He dedicated his life to another cause, and with it - his ability to decide for himself. Annabelle certainly did not take the notion of asking the S.C.R.A. to "borrow" one of her rightful pilots lightly. The sight of his face only continued to fill Anna with even more confidence as she spoke up against him, recoiling the temporary spur of Anger - the distinct blue glow faded from the capillaries to just her iris.Riemann, still pitting the blame and subject at hand against me, and shoving off an independent decision as if those confident words you spoke never left your mouth. The glow had completely faded from her eyes following the end of her statement, as well as a discreet "hmph" as if she were going to chuckle.
I am no monster, I'm a matriarch, something an entire nation clings to for order and survival. If what you say were true than I wouldn't have been brought back from the dead. So, if you have nothing more to add here than I suggest you leave and reconsider if your words of confidence are anything more than words. Surely someone of your character and abilities wouldn't need the authority of others to decide his loyalty in the event it calls for him, hmm?Anna turned to look back out the window, Riemann held more confdence behind the mask. Still, with or without the mask - he would be a large morale booster in the event he returned. After standing for a moment, Krsnik had been silent, Anna turned her head slightly before speaking up once more. Is there anything else, Agent?
She had angered him now by choosing to call him Riemann, a name he had nothing but hate for now. "Riemann isn't my name. If you need to call me something, my name was and will always be Lukas KELLER." He never liked to show emotion in an open setting like this, but she'd unintentionally gotten under his skin with the name she'd chose to use. His yell was quick, brief and restricted to only one word - his last name.
Allowing silence to fill the room before proceeding and ensuring his temper wasn't on the verge of bubbling over yet again, which would only serve to his detriment. "I'll consider it, but what do you want me to do?"
With his helmet removed, his eyes were clearly fixated on her, waiting for an answer. Perhaps she was partly right, maybe he had contradicted the independence he claimed to have. But with who he'd become, he was certain correcting that wasn't going to prove a challenge.
"Knowing Humanity - We will be duty, bloody and unavoidable."
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