The "Itherael" is approaching Vogtland, Herra.The sound of the AI drew Lævateinn out of his steady, focused stance. He had begun arranging the defenses, and re-adjusting the radar-scrambling systems to ensure the Doctor's movements weren't traced. Perpare to launch the shuttle S.G.850, alert S.O.A personnel involved to divert course for escort. Lævateinn was almost interested in the Generalmajor's connection to the Doctor, as far as anyone knew it was only professional. Still, in any case, the loyalty sworn by the guards lasted for as long as the Generalmajor required - regardless of the situation. All of the guards respected the Generalmajor's power, but they even more so appreciated her skills in space. Despite the power mongering butcher she hid behind the curtain, looking even further back -she was human- and no one can survive without establishing connections to some amount of people, odd as those connections might be.
S.O.A. personnel aboard, escort vessels are approaching the Itherael to secure it's position.We depart on my leave, run all patrol loops and vessel entries closer than 20k from Wiesbaden to me, any vessels not listed on the schedule will be escorted out of the system.Yes, Herra. Lævateinn quickly entered the hangar bay, waving off the flight deck personnel as he boarded the shuttle. Three armed guards along with Lævateinn stood within the shuttle as it departed from Wolfsberg and moved towards the Itherael. The vessel was met by a wing of Odin fighters and a single Heimdall gunship, as the shuttle made haste towards the Itherael; the escort vessels broke off aligning a pathway towards the Planet. Identify and match a trajectory towards the hangar bay, alert them we're arriving aboard a marked shuttle.Yes, Herra.The collective shuttle design among the houses in Sirius made identification all the more simple. Lævateinn was certain this would -be- a simple event, in light of the assassination attempt however; he had his guards prepared for the worst.Tilbúinn vopn.
The Doctor approached the shuttle as it landed in the loading area, rendering a salute of his own custom to Agent Lævateinn as he boarded. "Surely you didn't expect me to try anything," James laughed as he tried to lighten the mood around him to no avail. The lab protection unit he was wearing was clearly damaged from laser weaponry, with what shared similar diameter to an anti-tank round lodged inside the breastplate of the suit. "I was under the impression I'd be getting additional information about the specifics of this meeting, care to enlighten me?" The Doctor's query showed his nerve, as his bearing wavered a small amount knowing he'd be vulnerable once again. His suit seemed to buckle a bit as he turned and observed, but nevertheless was functional. As he found his footing in the moving vessel, James awaited further instruction.
The guards shifted to either bench on the shuttle while Lævateinn stood for a second before moving himself, turning to his left and indicating it was time for the Doctor to board the shuttle. The guards were not aroused nor did they pay any mind to his questions, Lævateinn did however, take his second question seriously.
The shuttle hatch closed upon James' entry, and Lævateinn immediately broke the silence. Ever since the major Federal offensive within Dresden against the Army in 823 it became obvious Vogtland was not suited to guard both it's people and it's leader. The Generalmajor has since been living in a single Outpost on Planet Wiesbaden, the sharp oxygen and nitrogen supply mixed with other gases within the planet's atmosphere -in addition to it's strong gravity- make the planet un-inhabitable in the absence of life support intervention on the Outpost.Lævateinn paused for a moment, speaking through his voice-scrambler to notify their escorts as the shuttle hit -what was obviously- the Planet's atmosphere. The gravity could be felt tugging the shuttle down before life support systems could re-adjust, the ship shook slightly just before the shuttle broke through. The sound of the escort ships cracking through the sound barrier and the atmosphere shook the Doctor for a second. Lævateinn continued as if nothing had occurred. Seven months ago an assassination attempt successfully killed both myself and the Generalmajor, exposure to the Planet's natural setting killed everyone within the facility following the bombing. Several months had passed, what S.O.A assets remained had discovered the outpost and found our bodies left intact from the Planet's conditions. Mine, as well as the others who served the Generalmajor were found within the facilities interior and were revived with minimal drawbacks. The Generalmajor however, was exposed in the more open regions of the facility; and required more serious attention.
Approaching Outpost-415, ten minutes.The AI's voice broke Lævateinn's attention for a second before he spoke up again.
The Generalmajor was revived with the drawback being forced to live in the planet's conditions. Any natural exposure to universal life support settings would weaken and cripple her. The facility's gravity will be normalized to a universal setting within the meeting area for the duration of your stay , however the oxygen supply correlates with the Planet; you will need to wear mask to filter the oxygen levels once we land. Lævateinn handed him a mask, clear in setting with a tube underneath resembling the filter, the mask was flexible - made to fit any user.
There are few within the Volksrevolution who know of this Outpost's existence, you are the only person lacking Army status to know of this Outpost. What you see here is confidential, the Generalmajor seems to trust you enough to keep it as such.
The shuttle touched down, out the window nothing but vicious thunderstorms and sharp winds carrying sand rushed over the outpost. It was somewhat large for an Outpost, but then again it's host likely mandated that feature. The shuttle passed through the shield gate guarding the exterior and settled down within the center. The sound of their Odin escorts rushed over the facility quickly, followed by ground shaking sound of the Heimdall gunship's temporary stop over the hangar bay.
The shuttle bay was lit up with armed guards and S.O.A personnel. Several strange looking fightercraft stood within the hangar bay, further revealing the significance of the Outpost. The structure behind the personnel and craft within the area very much reflected just how uniform the Hessians could be at their peak. Despite their lack of military power in comparison to their two rivaling neighbors, the Corsair Empire and the Corporate Owned Federal Government, they possessed what several Rebellious groups did not - a uniform structure.
Lævateinn spoke again with his voice scrambled, the guards exited out the vessel and assumed positions along with the personnel already occupying the hangar bay in response. Lævateinn stood, awaiting the Doctor to exit.
James donned the mask he was given before donning his helmet, which had an extreme level of heat damage and scraping across the face of it, as if it were dragged across a sand grinder. Small hissing noises emitted as the Doctor's helmet sealed into the internal life support systems, whose integrity could easily come into question under pressure. "It is an honor, and the trust instated to me will not be misplaced."
His steps became much heavier as he departed the shuttle, almost becoming stomps, and the electrical hums of the servos became stressed as he descended down the ramp onto the hangar floor. He stopped for a moment to observe, waiting to be directed where to head next, falling into a small sense of wonder. "Sometimes being at the top you forget what happens below you to hold yourself high - truly marvelous." James turned back to the agent to gain his bearing for direction, taking a moment to make a small adjustment to one of the actuators now exposed on his armor.
With the doctor falling in line the two proceeded up the stairs onto the catwalk leading directly to the Generalmajor's quarters. The entrance was crawling with guards, all of which backed off at the sight of Lævateinn. They were armed, and covered in armor, as if they were constantly ready to board a ship. Despite their intimidating appearance, they all continued about as if nothing was wrong, or better yet - out of the ordinary. The discipline and loyalty set into these people might as well have been artificial, the guards willingness to answer to someone at her beck and call showed just how far people would rally behind the word and actions of a single human being - foul as she may have been. Lævateinn stopped near the doorway, pressing down on one of the buttons before speaking over the intercom.
HNNNNG. Anna groaned, her deep vocals certainly glimmered as pulled up the loaded bar, just to drop it immediately to feel the ground vibrate. Deadlifting was quite the way to measure strength, and Anna had a certain love for it now with even more spare time. Her genetics practically screamed for her to have more muscle mass by the week, even with limited metabolism for her age, the height factor really let her stack on more.
Upon hearing the intercomm turn on Anna replied assuming it was the doctors arrival. Let him into the meeting room, I'll be ready in a moment.The intercom shut off and Anna could hear the lounge door open faintly.
Lævateinn stood by the doorway as the doctor walked into a large room with an equally long table in the center with several chairs. On the far side of the room was a glass wall holstering a spectacular view of the desert, though just beyond that the view was clouded with debris from the fallen battleship - RHB-Ymir.
She'll arrive shortly, wait here.
Anna's quarters had practically everything built in, an armory, a meeting room, a bedroom, shower, lab, even a private gym. Doorway entrances from the meeting room gave a vague impression of how much it was despite not being able to see everything. A few moments went by, walked towards the window - taking in the view before hearing footsteps approach one of the doors.
You've been flying for too long if that view really catches your attention. Considering what it is now. The door slid open and shut, in walking Anna suited in one of her older uniforms. It was less formal, but then again so was the occasion. Excuse the parameters, if I stay off world for so long it eventually catches up with me.*Beep* Anna pushed her thumb against the same datadisk-looking object she had on vogtland, signaling for the gravity to adjust as she walked next to the doctor.Gravity levels resetting to universal setting.The shift in gravity allowed the doctor to regain his posture, even in his suit the effects would wear at his stance a little. Anna's feet dug into the floor in response, as if she had gained several pounds.I haven't been to Gran Canaria since you messaged me, with everything going on I can only deviate for so long. Have there been any developments since the CoF's dismissal?
"Straight to business as usual. I've been too far in the dirt to pay attention to Zoner affairs, but as far as my personnel is concerned, there have been many."
The Doctor gazed blankly into an infinite distance before gathering his thoughts.
"Each time I place myself into a group and get comfortable, something happens that makes me question everything."
He refocused his eyes on the floor, clearly in genuine thought.
"I trust people, then I am forced out of that trust by yet another person trying to stop my goals."
A moderate level of anger infected his words as he continued.
"Not many agree with my goals, because somehow, in the midst of it all, a line must be drawn."
Still frustrated, he started to pace, as his words increased in tempo.
"In my time in the Order, I could not research at my own volition; I had to participate in genocide. Yet with the IRG, I could research at my heart's content, but was trampled in the name of diplomacy. Ramblings aside, I need a situation where I decide my own mission and balance."
James turned his attention back to Anna.
"I wanted to clarify our plans with this vessel, I don't want you to proceed with this without knowing what we're getting into, as well as our rules of engagement when this vessel comes online."
A small optic device on the Doctor's suit make a projection, revealing schematics of the 'Angurvadal.'
"The vessel is a warship on nearly all accounts. Without going into the finer details, it has all the gadgets it needs to serve both of our causes efficiently."
James turned to a different set of images, showing the vessels weaponry and key combat components.
"It uses conventional weapons, for now, taking the strengths from both of our weapon designs to make a middle-ground output that is acceptable for both purposes. These will be phased out as we create new hybrid weapons, with what we learn from our Nomad research endeavors, that will fill the same roll more efficiently."
The Doctor pulled a drive from his suit, handing it to the Generalmajor.
"This has all of our specs, as well as plans for the future enhancements of the vessel. We will be sharing any advancements we make with the Army, and the Ingenuus personnel who crew my vessels and work under the understanding that I'm still alive swear to confidentiality."
James took note that he hardly gave the Generalmajor a chance to speak, and asked, "Is there anything in particular you'd like to know?" and waited for her reply.
The doctor's skeptical attitude to the order was a common theme in many people retreating from the Omicron regions, those that didn't share it were quite the opposite. Anna wasn't afraid, she only looked for the benefits in partnership on a formal level, informally it didn't seem to bug her either. There were dozens of subtle groups that were slithering about within the activities of the Volksrevolution, so long as they didn't directly jeopardize plans it wasn't a concern. No one had the spine to do that anyways.
Anna took the tape from Erzie and glanced at it briefly before placing it on the table behind them. She responded immediately upon turning back to face the doctor.
Consider you may indirectly represent us in appearing with the vessel at the very least, never mind the worst case scenario. With all of that considered, where will this vessel be stationed for the bulk of it's duration?
She wouldn't drag up the Zoner conversation at the moment, better to finish discussing the main picture that was the vessel itself.
"If our modifications are fronted as a part of the project, our operations would take place primarily in the Omicrons and Borderworlds. We would do what research we could on Nomad technology in the Omicrons, then return to the Borderworlds to resupply and support any operations against the Corsairs."
The Doctor took a few seconds to refine his words, continuing his thoughts.
"Our methods would require both field and home station lab research, but tactical usage of the jump systems on board would guarantee our mobility to operate anywhere we're needed."
After further refining his expectations, he concluded his points.
"This is a war vessel with a capacity to facilitate research with the mission of supporting both our causes equally. Funding is not enough for either of us to have what we truly need. It must be a cooperative effort. We will help you with detailed research and armament developments, supporting the Army in any way we can."
James put himself in an idle position, waiting for the Generalmajor's reply.
That kind of mobility would require mobile supplies, whatever his trade connections were they must've been quite vast. This was good for a number of reasons, it meant the Army would in turn have the possibility for more suppliers should a good word be put in through the Doctor's contacts. If they were already willing to support him and the craft he wielded, perhaps they might consider benefits towards the Army, or perhaps rather - maybe the Doctor would make them.
There are a number of special Armaments the Army requires for it's finest war vessels, but projects surrounding that are under the noses of more people than myself. Even if those people holster less authority than me, it would create complications.
Anna paused and thought for a moment, perhaps some nomadic weaponry designs might be more beneficial than investing in already adopted special weaponry by a much larger collective of organizations in Sirius... Even if it was more of a hassle, certainly the SOA would shove their dedication forward tenfold in the event the realized what impact their research might have. Still, that would require the doctor's willingness to streamline the original data to the Army. Anna only had such a grip on the Doctor's movements, she couldn't control what secrets he would choose to share.
Nomadic materials do draw a certain form of attention, capital ship weaponry is a large priority following... certain military projects. Have what data you can relayed to both me and Direktor Draay. It might be more beneficial for you to make use of what home station labs they have available. What else do you else would you require to make this idea become a reality?
She turned to face the doctor, still starring out the window into the sunset.
James put significant weight into his heels, knowing in full what he was asking. He had some research done, but no actual combat tests. He was confident his numbers would deliver, and saw to it that these could be carried out, but this would require the control of every variable he calculated for.
"I will need a level of autonomy, in how my ship is commanded. For all intents and purposes, the vessel should not be a significant part of your overall strategy other than being an operative in the Omicrons."
The Doctor retrieved his flask, wetting his mouth quickly before continuing.
"We would also require an allotment of cobalt and iron, how you obtain it is up to you. Beyond that, trust."
His words seemed veiled in a way, which much more truth and meaning under the surface of his summary.
"My actions which have been loyal to the Army have vastly been to create a mutually beneficial transaction between us. You get what you want, and I get what I want. Unfortunately, we must act beyond this simple statutory, as continuous trust must be extended in order to allow the other to succeed. I don't normally function in politics, and as you'd expect, neither condemn nor condone the Army's political opinion. This, however, cannot be mistaken, that this project will have a level of political impact, and thus must transcend traditional business level trust."
James pushed his weight into his toes looming forward. Continuing with a clear and poignant tone.
"We have a common enemy, and some mutual goals. But this must not be mistaken for political loyalty, as we remain independent. The crew you assign to the vessel must understand that we will be working within close proximity to your enemies that IRG does not show aggression to as a premiere evasion to conflict, and likewise that myself and my crew hold our own prejudice in the wayside for the Army's representation. So this 'trust' may resemble what name you give it, but it must function within these methods. I humbly request you extend this trust, in good faith we will deliver all you require and request."