.02 [Video]

[thatwasnotmyintent]

[And what does our illustrious Commander have to say about Team Evolution and everything relating to them?

Very little, apparently, though his expression, brows drawn down and together, speaks volumes.] I don't think I need to remind any and all Rangers -- and aspiring cadets -- to be civil, polite and welcoming to our honored guests, do I?

[Pause.] Provided, of course, that they are also discreet. [A short nod and he turns off the video.]




[Only to switch it on a moment later, looking suddenly frazzled like he's only just remembered something.] I-In addition, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind all applicants that they should absolutely not take any interest in or notice of idle gossip regarding their potential superiors, and that failure to follow this advice may result in their applications being denied.

[Lbr here, he's talking about the commonly circulated rumors about himself and Corporal Levi and their status as "roommates" and "confirmed bachelors".]

Comments

[aniiue]

Maybe there's more than one.

[thatwasnotmyintent]

A grim, but entirely possible theory.

Tell me. Whom do you consider an enemy?

[aniiue]

I think...

[He frowns, looking away off screen.]

I think who's hurt the Union most. That's the enemy.

[thatwasnotmyintent]

[Loooong thoughtful pause.]

You sound like you have someone in mind.

[aniiue]

[....]

I wouldn't make that decision by myself, sir!

[thatwasnotmyintent]

Why not? I welcome your opinions, Barklight. You have good instincts.

[Just about then, Gunsmoke wanders through the room and, upon hearing Chester's voice, leaps up onto Erwin's lap, panting happily and nosing the screen. That's the voice that means little friend is near!!]

private;

[aniiue]

[.....]

I think Team Evolution is bad news, Commander.

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

I think that is a wise instinct, Barklight. Trust it.

private;

[aniiue]

They... hurt a lot of people, Commander. Even though some people are saying the Earthquakes weren't their fault.

I think they knew Union was here.

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

If they're even half as advanced as they claim, I have no doubt they did.

The question is, of course, what to do next.

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[aniiue]

... It's not like the Union can go off looking for them though. Not even the Rangers can get very far outside the walls.

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

Unfortunately that's true. Time, manpower and resources are not on our side -- for now, at least.

For the moment all we can do is defend ourselves against repeat visitations, from any unwanted guests.

private;

[aniiue]

I... don't want them to take their machines back, sir. What if they use them again?

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

They won't. [This is a very forceful, all-encompassing statement -- they won't get the machines back, they won't use them again, they won't threaten Union anymore.]

private;

[aniiue]

[Chester finally smiles, just a little. He's relieved by those words.]

Thank you, Commander Smith.

[This whole time he's been ignoring Gunsmoke, because knowing why Gunsmoke is excited to see him hurts a lot. He'll finally let Ami's Cleffa hop into view hoping it'll quell the Houndour's interest.]

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

[No such luck. Gunsmoke perks up even more, starting his high-pitched confused stress noise, because tiny friend's tiny friend!! This prompts Erwin to ask:]

-- ah, yes, how is your sister?

[Oops.]

private;

[aniiue]

[Chester's face pales a little bit, and he pulls Apple back from the screen to hold her close.]

She died in the earthquakes, sir. Trampled by the stampede.

[His voice is as emotionless as he can make it, his eyes blank. He hopes Erwin can't hear how dry his throat is suddenly.]

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

....ah.

[Erwin is very quiet for a moment, the only sound Gunsmoke's baffled, earnest panting. Then, in a short, but genuine voice:] I'm very sorry, Barklight.

[Gunsmoke whines anxiously, licking at the Warp Band, because everyone is suddenly upset and kisses fix sadness.]

private;

[aniiue]

[He pets at Apple's soft fur a little bit.]

There's nothing to be sorry about, sir. She didn't die under your care.

[He never should have left his post.]

private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

Nor yours.

My sympathies stand, though. If you need to take a leave of absence, I can manage the paperwork for it.

private;

[aniiue]

[...]

I'm fine, sir. I'd rather work.

Re: private;

[thatwasnotmyintent]

Of course. In that case, I look forward to seeing you at the training camp.

private;

[aniiue]

I'll be there sir!

[He's just happy the commander isn't pitying him.]