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Post by Zane on Jul 28, 2017 18:08:53 GMT -8
Located deeper inside Netopia is the building that the navigators of the NIA use. As the members of the NIA are often times active, the upper level that they function on is nothing particularly special or spectacular to gaze upon. It looks more like a military base and is similar on the inside, having a few rooms for interrogation and even prisons to hold some. But too few cells given their job to gather problematic navis for this to be all the cells that they would possess. Instead their base is underneath the building instead for the rest of these things. But finding out about this is something that only those who work fully for the NIA know... and those taken in by them as well.
The room that they had arrived in was one of the interrogation rooms instead. It was an immediate way to get straight to the point, Rosso not bothering to take a seat himself and instead simply taking some steps away from the Darklight Warrior. Rather than waste time he was much more to the point instead, his gaze not leaving Vanguard the entire time.
"So what happened at the border, besides a usual rampage from Genesis?"
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Post by Gaia on Jul 28, 2017 18:46:28 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
As Vanguard was ported into the NIA Interrogation room, he was plopped down into a seat at a simple table in a grey-wash room. The Navi who brought him here, Rosso, seemed to want to be done with things. That made two of them.
"Other than the usual rampage from Genesis? Two Navis appeared in an attempt to stop him and failed. One fled the scene and the other was deleted. Before that, I arrived and fired a cannon shot at the border, which is what started the deterioration process."
He spoke briefly and clearly, and turned his feral yellow eyes to meet Rosso's as he answered. Vanguard told the truth because he believed what he did was the right thing to do, and he had nothing to hide of the fact.
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Post by Zane on Jul 28, 2017 19:01:55 GMT -8
So one was stuck in Netopia along with Genesis on the grounds that he helped and fled for his life. The other was obviously K-414 of the Animus Syndicate. He was a sturdy one but had never managed to fight someone like Genesis before. It wasn't the greatest of matchups should the Onyx Overlord commit himself. Vanguard's honesty was something he could appreciate here for someone who clearly held their beliefs firmly. But for confirmation's sake, he still had to conduct this in a proper fashion, eyes still meeting Vanguard's gaze head on.
"And you thought destroying the border now was a good thing to do because of what exactly?"
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Post by Gaia on Jul 28, 2017 19:16:05 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
He studied the other Navi, looking for any sort of reaction at the information he proffered. The only thing he had to gain from his studies were that the Navi's eyes were still stoically locked to his, and that the Navi had no outward display of his own opinions.
It was bothersome how impossible it was for Vanguard to read this Navi. Even if he couldn't read his data signature, even the Navi's physical cues were impossible to read. It concerned him, how he could get so much from him, and not the other way around.
Still, he was asked to explain himself, and that was easy enough.
"I run a company contracted under quite a few governments around the world that specializes and focuses on constructing Navis that are especially adept at combating Darkloid forces, or other evil threats.
"As a business man, the borders not only slowed down the shipment of all my Navis and basic equipment to the contractors, but, also cost me additional resources outside of simple creation and shipment. Each package sent across the borders required investigation, and neither the Netopian NIA nor the Electopian ONB personally spent resources on their own investigations, meaning more came out of my accounts to run investigations required by your organizations.
"I personally assisted in tearing down the borders because they were not only a reminder that the humans cannot take responsibility for their own actions, but, they were also unjustly targeting frequent users."
He sat back, setting everything on the table for Rosso to decide. He made his peace, and knew what he did was the right thing to do. The borders didn't help anyone, and, if anything, were only a hindrance to both sides. He would accept any consequences.
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Post by Zane on Jul 28, 2017 19:40:14 GMT -8
He kept the same gaze on him, though his eyes at last narrowed ever so slightly as Vanguard finished explaining his side of the story. So in essence, because it messed with the work of a company that this navi owned he went out of his way to destroy the border to get that out of the way. A selfish reason that was justified by the Darklight Warrior's dislike of humans, like many navis these days. In essence he said the border stood for the humans' not taking responsibility, when that was their own way of taking that responsibility.
"Anyone targeted were people that no longer deserved their free will. While the Darkloids you hunt are always an evil threat, renegades like yourselves are far more so. In your own delusions you take your approach regardless of anyone else after making your own judgment. And as you know, actions have consequences."
He had every intention of making his own judgment then, the barrels on the right claw beginning to heat up. Before the fire could be given form, a screen opened up beside him. It was voice only with no image to display, Rosso not breaking away his gaze from Vanguard even still. But it had at least halted the flames that he fully intended to invoke now instead. It would be hard to tell whether it was a human watching or another navi, but it was very likely a human given this was the NIA.
"Those consequences, however, can be leveraged. At least a bit, in any case. So I would present two options for you instead. You can accept the same punishment that we would offer Genesis, locked away for the good of others. Or you can monitor, analyze, and target those who would cross that you deem to be justified targets moving over to and from. Acting as the border you yourself helped destroy."
Rosso's eyes narrowed a little more than instead. It was more clear that he was more willing to just do the first rather than the second. For those who cast judgment it was only fair for others to cast judgment on them. Others could do the same to him as well, though that didn't mean he would accept their judgments. He was more likely to, like Vanguard, accept that his way was the right way. And like Vanguard, he would eventually suffer the consequences of such as well, when the time was right.
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Post by Gaia on Jul 29, 2017 6:18:17 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
Finally, the Navi gave, and his eyes were narrowed. Vanguard payed closer attention, now, waiting to see what he had to say, after obviously piquing something within the fiery, desert Navi.
Delusions? Selfishness? Had he not listened to a word he had spoken? He was preparing to retort, when the Navi mentioned consequences, and the fiery barrels ignited. His visor read off incredibly high signatures from the opposing Navi for the first time, and, as Rosso's barrels flared, so, too, did the darklight harvesters that made up his hands. The two fiery Navis, with two different flames blazing, glared at one another in a moment spanned across a life span as, suddenly, a screen appeared to interrupt the ensuing conflict.
The static from the other side of the screen made it difficult for Vanguard to make out who the interrupting party was, but, he was glad nonetheless. He had every intention, and he was sure Rosso had the same, to prove his judgment was the right one to pass. As the figure began to speak, Rosso's flames died down, and Vanguard allowed himself to calm so that his own flames retreated to the simple blaze his hands normally proffered.
He listened, intently, on the man's offer, sure of only the masculinity his voice possessed. Vanguard had no way to know if there was a Navi or a Human on the other side, and, either way, he didn't really care. Anything to avoid the pointless conflict with the ostentatious NIA officer; he had been expecting a possible trial or even just an outright prison sentence. He had not been expecting someone to simply attempt to attack him, once his story was told.
They gave him a choice. He could either go to prison, for the simple act of tearing down a border, without any intent of harming anyone in the process, or set up as the very border he tore down to prevent and eliminate threats as they presented themselves. He couldn't go to prison; his work was far too important. As he looked at the screen of static, and glanced back at Rosso, he knew that the opposing Navi wanted the opportunity to drag him into a cell. It wasn't hard to guess that the man on the other side of the screen wouldn't care about his innocence outside of the destroyed border. No amount of slick negotiation would get him out of this choice . . . he needed more information.
"I would have some questions about the second option, before I make my final decision. On the surface, it appears a better option than prison, but, I need to know exactly what I am agreeing to.
"Will my own judgment on threats to the border be recognized and respected, for one, or will I be forced to put down and assault anyone you deem as a threat? I will not have my actions forced upon me, by anyone."
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Post by Zane on Jul 29, 2017 7:04:55 GMT -8
Rosso maintained his silence, waiting for the voice on the other side of the screen to answer instead. And for that there was a brief period of pause before a reply came to Vanguard's inquiry. Possibly for some deliberation among others or simply some thought put into it on its own.
"We would allow you to do so at your own discretion. It would allow us to properly evaluate your capacity for judgment as well."
The one behind the screen was more reasonable than the one directly in front of him, of such was likely clear already. It was only here that Rosso finally tore his burning gaze away from Vanguard to pose a question of his own to the person addressing the owner of the Siega Corporation.
"Am I to pursue Genesis? No matter when or where I do, conflict is unavoidable with someone like him."
The other one who got away and instigated this whole situation that Vanguard simply took advantage of. Powerful or not they weren't allowed the luxury of simply letting him go. He hadn't made it to Electopia, after all, which meant that he was most certainly still their problem. And that was more than likely an intentional decision, as he didn't put much effort into crossing to the other side from the beginning. He would have simply been more aggressive than he already had been if that was so.
"He poses an unexpected threat. We have thus far been unable to repair any of the damages caused in that area, nor the personnel lost in the attack. We would like to analyze this situation more first instead."
Repairs weren't always immediate so that was nothing new. Though they couldn't restore the personnel lost? That was usually a fairly simple task in itself at the very least. And yet they found themselves unable after the Onyx Overlord destroyed them in the crossfire of the ones that Serix moved. It left a conclusion of its own, one that certainly was a rather unexpected threat. Rosso nodded in agreement then. Should he engage him haphazardly, even a victory would be more costly than simply repairing the damages.
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Post by Gaia on Jul 29, 2017 8:07:49 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
This posed an interesting opportunity, for both himself and his company. For himself, it meant escaping prison, if only to do that which he set out to do in the first place - remove the necessity of the borders, and bring trust back to users on both sides. With a small task force lined at the borders, as opposed to a full on border which deters cooperation and hinders communication, Navis would not only be more free to enter and leave the vicinity, but, countries would have a more readily accessible communication network. Navis already present on site were also an incredibly effective defense measure, as opposed to only calling on defenders when a threat arrives.
He could treat it as a full blown contract, even if the NIA didn't see it that way. Protect the crossways between this country and the other from immediate threats, and, in return, he essentially accomplished all that he set out to do, and continues to work as though nothing had happened. While he was certain the NIA had a bit more in mind than him simply acting as a protector, it spoke volumes towards a step in the right direction.
Still. Something didn't set well with him, and Vanguard still had a few questions that he needed answered.
"I have but two more questions to ask . . . would I be allowed to put my company's resources into the protection of the border, utilizing subordinate Navis instead of constantly being on site, myself? If, in fact, there is no intention to reinforce the previously strenuous and endangering border, a Navi Task Force on site would be far more effective than calling on help only when it was needed.
"My second concern is about something you just said . . . why, exactly, is my judgment being evaluated? For what purpose?"
He had insight to offer on the issue of the border that the two were discussing in the midst of his own conversation, but, would keep his information to himself until he made a final decision. If what he thought was true, then, this was all a great opportunity that he had never considered, before.
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Post by Zane on Jul 29, 2017 11:44:59 GMT -8
"You may. However, as they are your company resources, they are your responsible and not ours. We can, however, provide our own assistance."
As he destroyed the border to better use his resources, he could be responsible for them as well. It also meant that were Genesis to return, those resources could very well go up in smoke if they engaged in battle instead of letting him pass. A Task Force was effective, but in honesty the quality of one was what was necessary to combat him. Bringing a small yet unqualified unit wasn't effective at all, so in a way the Onyx Overlord was much like the Inferno Knight that was his ally. Both required not only a powerful opponent to combat them, but also required a particular direct approach as well.
"As for your second concern, Rosso is a bit of a problem for us as well. While a necessity to our forces, he has a habit of making his own calls as well. For that purpose, we simply require for you to prove that you're right to him as well."
He was able to listen to his orders and superiors of course, but still shared his own opinions. That was something they couldn't quite get past as it still allowed him to make quick calls. Necessary calls more often than not, but they still couldn't say they were entirely fond of it. Part of his worth was clearly how difficult it was to discern any sort of reading from him, from his actions to what he could do. The rest of that worth likely lied behind whatever his flame could do, something Vanguard shouldn't need to find out right now.
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Post by Gaia on Jul 29, 2017 17:22:24 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
Vanguard eyed Rosso as his superior began to talk down on him, while the Navi in question was still in the room. While the fact that he had no problems berating him to his face showed some spine and self confidence, it also portrayed just how little the man on the other side of the screen cared about his subordinates.
Still, his questions were answered, and, if he were being honest, he couldn't possibly care less about whatever problems the NIA had within their own ranks. Standing, Vanguard pushed himself away from the interrogation table, his decision made.
"I will take your offer and take the site of the previous Netopian Border as my own for analytics and defense. In return . . . I won't get thrown into prison.
"In the mean time, I have some information that may aid in your repairs of the border," he went on, moving closer to the floating screen, indicating with a glance for Rosso to step to the side. "Genesis was giving off readings similar to other records of data manipulation, meaning he has likely done something to the very data of the border down tot he very core.
"Another likely hood is that one of the Navis who was on site, by the name of PlagueMan, unintendedly littered the entire Network with their bugged data. It is possible that your inability to restore the border is drawn from the residing effects of both of these Navis' individual abilities.
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Post by Zane on Jul 29, 2017 20:06:49 GMT -8
They had managed to reach an accord then. It was only here that Rosso finally managed to stand down, the tense air coming from the navi ceasing. And rather than keep the hostily going, he stepped aside as Vanguard glanced to him. Regardless of the circumstances of this recruitment, they were on the same team as of now. There was no reason not to be cordial with one another. While they didn't know if Vanguard's revelation was accurate, it didn't hurt to assume that it was likely. That meant they could investigate it and see if that was the source and were it not the case, then they would have to presume the worst from either Genesis or this PlagueMan.
"We'll investigate it with this in mind, while also keeping an eye on those two. Keeping track of either one in Netopia isn't a problem for us now. Rosso, you're tasked with our other mission now."
"The bird? I can transport it no problem as is. Take this, then. It'll allow for communication and transportation."
As things were settled here, Rosso produced a device to hand to Vanguard. It wasn't hard to just keep on hand or put somewhere else, but in case he needed to get here or contact one of the other officers it was useful. Odds were it wouldn't be necessary, but it was a just in case procedure and also allowed him to leave here in short order. He moved to leave then, vanishing in the same show of flames as when he had first arrived at the border. He had to be a bit timely about this or the chance would be missed and he wasn't needed for the investigation that was going to take place.
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Post by Gaia on Jul 29, 2017 20:46:59 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
Vanguard accepts the small communication device, and his darklight harvester devours it in its blaze. The data on the device runs through his darklight harvester, and, with a few taps on a monitor in front of him, the functions of the device were uploaded and affixed to his visor.
Once the tension of the room was lifted, Vanguard could come off edge, too, even if he hadn't been showing it. His muscles loosened up, and his reflexes lowered to a point that the world wasn't moving in slow motion all around him. He stopped paying attention to every little detail about Rosso, and, once Rosso himself left, Vanguard felt almost at home in the little chamber.
He turned his full attention back to the monitor, now a member of an organization that, two moments ago, he would've paid any amount of money to tear down. The things one did to accomplish their goals . . . while he disliked what the NIA stood for, it gave him an outlet and the supported means to better follow through against that which he despised even more. The enemy of my enemy . . .
"Am I to assume, then, that the task of investigating the border issue is delegated to me?" he asked, pulling himself out of his reverie. While his skills in analytics were mostly dedicated to his business and problem solving of a different caliber, his analytics and data collection thanks to his unique battle style could be applied in a number of ways. Getting to the source of whatever did this to the border shouldn't take too long; he'd need to visit it eventually, anyways.
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Post by Zane on Jul 30, 2017 1:10:44 GMT -8
"That is correct. You possess a skill set that is already adept at it, correct? Whatever answer you reach, keep it between us and yours. Many believe in him as things stand, and we don't need that to be further influenced by anything else."
He had come to the same assumption on the issue. While their own would be investigating it, Vanguard's skills at it should be refined into an art all their own. It was part of what allowed him to do what he did after all. As for the secrecy, things were bad enough to have the Onyx Overlord known to be active again. Those who rallied by him would become active as a result and be spurred on by his actions, the rebel who stood against authority rather successfully for years on end. They needn't cause any further panic from anything that could be caused by him working in tandem with someone with bugged data causing this sort of effect. In all honesty, it would almost be preferable if that were not the cause.
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Post by Gaia on Aug 1, 2017 17:53:10 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
It was strange thinking about going back to the scene of his latest act of vigilantism, looking to see what was causing the border he destroyed to not reform. Not that it was going to be remade; it was purely for analytical purposes. At least, that's what he believed - should that ever prove otherwise . . .
He turned, preparing his own connection to the NIA Border. "I'll go to the border, now, then, and start my investigation. The sooner we find out why, the sooner we can adapt that information to stop this from happening to more important sites." He paused, then, turning to look back at the man behind the screen.
"If I am to meet any resistance . . . ?"
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Post by Zane on Aug 2, 2017 16:38:08 GMT -8
"If you are to meet any resistance, you can eliminate or capture them for imprisonment. They have no business interfering, nor would they be of our forces."
They were only about business and cutthroat at that. While they would allow the border to be taken down in the capacity that it had been, that spoke nothing of what they would do after that. Their overall goal was still the same. The screen was about to close to allow Vanguard to go and do what he had to do now, but he heard some additional words then. It wasn't directed at him and sounded closer to an activation code of some kind. The sound of steam was released after, and then the communication was cut off after. It was likely nothing that Vanguard had to worry about, but if he wanted to know more about it he would have to ask at a later time instead.
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