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Post by Gaia on Sept 10, 2017 10:05:23 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
He felt his familiar blaze before he saw his makeshift "ally," and the arrogance and countenance of his voice confirmed his worst fears. The last thing he needed was the sanctimonious pyre master himself present while he was trying to be civil; he knew, just from their first few interactions, that Rosso was burn first, find answers later.
He realized, however, that something had changed from the first time he saw Rosso. At first, Vanguard could gather exceptionally low readings from Rosso - all of his returns were of a pathetically weak Navi, with barely the strength to stand. At the time, it had been strange, as he could somehow feel his power, even if he couldn't see it. Now, while the presence he let off was unchanged, Rosso's returns were the exact same as Magnolia's: Nonexistent. He didn't appear to have any values outside of his existence within the Net . . .
He didn't have the time to linger on that thought. With Rosso present, his natural violence set off Genesis, and the Onyx Overlord was already prepared to fight. The other Navi's questions, do you know the risks, confirmed a theory of his own. Not only was this really an issue, but, it was present in other areas of the Netopian Network. That was, sadly, an issue they'd have to handle later. At this moment, he had a fight to defuse.
While distracted by everything else going on, Daemon was able to squirm from his grasp once again, and scramble up behind Thrash. The Navi's insistence on being hostile and troublesome, despite all of his offers of peace and simplicity, was starting to get on his nerves. The tension in the area was thick enough to cut with a knife, and Vanguard was more than tired of the events spiraling towards an inevitable center.
Then, Thrash spoke up. Most of what she said was a warped form of what Vanguard had been saying all along - fighting right then and there was not the most beneficial answer to this whole situation, and was best avoided, for reasons beyond what Thrash said. What none of the rest of them knew, that only he, Genesis and perhaps even Rosso could know, was that fighting at the Border - or potentially anywhere else in Netopia - posed astronomical, and rather permanent, dangers.
According to her vast report, the ONB had reason to believe that something strong and dangerous was present on the Netopian side of the border. Rather than inform the NIA of their worries, they decided to send in an agent from their side to handle the situation, which lead Vanguard to the conclusion that Thrash hadn't provided: They had assumed, or otherwise had reason to believe, that the NIA was the one at fault for such an individual.
When she referenced the little statuette underneath her, he first found himself recalling Daemon's conversation with Thrash - about the presence of the Cybeasts in the area, and their attempt to locate them. Noticing the bird-like cybeast in particular, he then recalled one of his first interactions with the NIA - the man behind the screen, ordering Rosso's capture of "the bird." Thinking of Rosso's particular skillset and potential level of power, there were few things that he specifically would be set aside for to procure . . . he cast a sidelong glance at the Navi in the desert hood. More and more pieces of his puzzle were falling into place, and, with each falling piece, new questions without answers arose.
He'd have to handle this information later, and preferably privately.
Listening only halfheartedly to the rest of Thrash's spiel, as much of what Thrash was repeating was already covered, and, to his disdain, a different rendition of what he had been saying all along. "Had you been listening to anything I've been saying thus far, you'd know that I have no intentions of fighting any of you. Beyond whatever risk your propose "beast" entails, there are other, far more dangerous risks of an altercation right now - and, if we have come to an understanding that this is a peaceful encounter," he paused, stressing his last statement, making a point to glare at Rosso, "then we can finally settle this whole matter, and hopefully alleviate some confusions for the both of us."
He paused to breath, stretching his arm to try and release the tension and stress. At that moment, he felt agony, and winced; as he had worried, not all of his wounds were healed, and they were beyond superficial. Lowering his arms and instead taking to just rolling his shoulders, he decided to press onward: First, on the matter of their "beast."
While there was new information he had to consider on the front of whether or not the NIA had anything to do with a Cybeast's potential presence, he would make no note of that to them. What he could say, though . . . "The destruction you see all around you is the result of mine and Genesis' joint efforts to destroy the border than once stood here." It was blunt and to the point, and he didn't speak with regret nor repose. He knew that it would sound weird how the current protector had once been a destroyer, but, he also knew how much the remainder would cut into Rosso. "Anomalies in the netspace - the green sky and warped environment - was caused by the presence of two different individuals that made use of bugged data, attempting to protect the border; neither of whom were these 'cybeasts.'"
Sighing, he debated on what he should say, next. There were some things they needed to know, since they were now stuck in Netopia - perhaps chief among them being that they wouldn't be able to leave Netopia. Perhaps before they could give answers to him, he would have to give more answers to them. Maybe they were just victims of chance; had they not come over to Netopia, they would've never been involved with their problems. As far as he was concerned, this issue did not pervade the rest of the Net - which was perhaps at the cause of Rosso's most recent endeavors.
"Before we move onto the questioning process, you two need to understand something - while it was a trivial task to enter Netopian Netspace, it is impossible to leave it. The NIA have the strictest and most secure protocols in place - even more strenuous than the efforts put in place to prevent Genesis from leaving before - to prevent anything from escaping the area. We are on high security alert . . . and, for reasons we are currently unsure of, deletion anywhere within the Netopian Network is assumed to be permanent. From my understanding, Genesis here has recently confirmed that it is present elsewhere, and the border - as well as all of the Navis lost during its destruction - is impossible to recover fully, or restore at all. Natural data restoration seems deterred and prohibited, and wounds in combat will be far more dangerous than a superficial cut. Hence why I wanted to avoid it all costs.
"I fear that you may have indeed come here with the hope of finding something, and that your superiors had no slight against you in the process - but, in coming over here, you inherit the same thing that we are fighting. Like it or not, whether you choose to assist us in finding our answers, this is your struggle now, too."
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Post by Zane on Sept 10, 2017 11:21:26 GMT -8
Rosso's eyes had narrowed with the words that the Overlord asked. The risks involved were precisely why he would execute someone like Genesis. His very presence in an area would present more harm than good, something that could be rectified by simply wiping out the blight on their world here and now. And in typical fashion the rest would just be collateral damage in the wake of the terrorist. But, like with Vanguard, he paused to listen for just a moment to the excuses that the criminal would put up for why they had presently decided to throw their lives away.
In short, for what was supposed to be a reliable source of information they decided not to trust said source of information. That immediately blacklisted them in his eyes as anyone to work together with even if some miracle caused that circumstance to take place. If they didn't trust reliable information already then they could be trusted with nothing at all. The misinformation that was presently presented to them in the first half of this likely spiel was not because of that information source, however, but the little brother lurking behind the big sister. Of this he could confirm with absolute certainty due to that exact theory that he discussed before. It was all just his thoughts on the matter.
And those thoughts were worthless. And anyone who had their eyes on him could see that while his eyes were no longer narrowed under the hood, they could practically feel him sneering at them. This is what Vanguard would catch during his sidelong glance toward him. But he had remained silent, allowing Vanguard to speak before he in fact let loose on Genesis first and foremost.
"Even though this is your jurisdiction, I'll admit that I am disappointed. Your values are easy to compromise, Vanguard. Wrongs are wrong regardless of circumstance. But it is your call to make, after all."
It was the only thing that kept him at bay. Their reasons for talking now wasn't because they felt they had to comply, but because they felt they could manipulate with faulty information. He didn't offer up his own opinion on the matter simply because it wasn't his to call to make. He wasn't someone who sought amusement from watching someone explain away all their bad decisions, so the others would have to do that instead.
The other agent had an easier job at least, nodding and leading the way with Shine out of the area. If nothing else it shouldn't be a difficult thing to discuss when they got back anyway.
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Post by Shine on Sept 10, 2017 11:30:22 GMT -8
Shine took interest in the last tidbits of conversation that she was able to pick up on as she followed the agent out of the area. It was definitely a more dangerous situation than she had at first made it out to be, that was for sure. Even more reason she was glad to have complied.
(Shine leaves the area!)
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Post by Genesis on Sept 10, 2017 11:48:26 GMT -8
*He was still waiting for the first move, because even he could tell that the justifications they gave had several flaws already. While he had issues with the ONB, the issues he had with them wasn't because they used shady methods to accomplish their ends. The very ground that this was based upon was something he wasn't naive enough to take into account. That probably could not be said for the one accompanying the larger armored one given their present situation. He at least was only being held up because he literally had attacked these people before and letting bygones be bygones was not the approach everyone took. Though he'd admit to some mild amusement that the damage he helped cause here led to such a level of misunderstanding. But he at least understood how that could happen as well, given his nature in combat. K-414 probably didn't help given he was just as much of a beast as any other beast was, just he could speak occasionally. He only stopped his own preparation once Rosso confirmed that Vanguard was in charge here, which meant there was no need to attack anyone, the black data that was beginning to surge ceasing its wave.*
"I can confirm that others along with myself experienced the change, so I sought confirmation to make certain of my own suspicions without alarming others."
*Though just from Rosso's words alone he could assume that he and Vanguard would never see eye to eye, especially after the altercation at the border. Similarly, it also meant that they had to move with more caution than before. Because the very instant they left the border that without a doubt if nothing else came up that Rosso would attack them with every intent of deleting them, rather permanently at that. Vanguard's desire only held up as long as they were standing in this particular jurisdiction. That didn't change that Genesis still turned to start to leave anyway, what he wanted from this acquired already. If there was any other problems, he'd deal with those as they came along. He already knew he had one as soon as he left this border anyway.*
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Post by Tiefy on Sept 10, 2017 19:41:26 GMT -8
More and more, the pieces of this whole puzzle begin to fit together as this dialogue continues. And then, the border guardian says something most unexpected... one can almost see the eyelid-like hatches on the elder sister's body twitch at the revelations regarding the area's ongoing crisis, the nature and consequences of the security measures that have taken effect here. Suddenly, the tense and hostile attitude here makes a great deal more sense - now is not the time to keep them dancing upon a knife's edge for the sake of leverage, it would seem. In fact, for a rare and wonderous moment, the idea of mutual understanding is now being brutally enforced by the environment itself...
<...Stand down, brother. The only one who will come to any harm here is the one who casts the first stone.>
The time for watching and waiting has ended... with a loud, shuddering creaking noise, the armored monster now rises to its full height, turning to face Vanguard directly, scooping up the Cybeast idol in one hand - she apparently has no intention of settling back down after this. Thus far, Vanguard can detect no hint of malice or violent intent from the elder...
<I have no qualms with being confined to Netopia, my home network... your terms are accepted, guardian. Understand, however, that the boy is under my protection. Not that I suspect any foul play... from you specifically, anyway. Circumstances such as these create a haven for those who would prey on the weak and naive... and I know the eyes of a predator lying in wait when I see them. Really, dear, must you stare so ravenously? You're going to make me blush.>
And with that, Rosso's own ceaseless glare is met by that of the open red eye on the creature's exposed shoulder. That half-lidded gaze would almost look smug if it had a face to give it more context...
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Post by Nightshade on Sept 11, 2017 5:18:13 GMT -8
Nightshade looked up at his elder sibling, before lowering his guard and soon after dropping it. He would still remain close to her, a natural habit of his, while also holding Thrash's free claw again. When his sister was around him he was immediately much more relaxed and way less tense even though the situation itself looked worse than he had anticipated while coming here. He would allow her to speak,as hse had way more experience with diplomacy than him.
...last time he tried it people got killed and a border was destroyed.
He lightly tugged on her arm when she sent a snarky remark at Rosso. The bigger daemon would definitely feel a wave of worry come off his little brother,as if subtly telling her not to press their luck or the NIA's patience. His eyes would still remain glued on Rosso,following his every move. He was unsure of all of this, but the trust he put in Thrash made him completely abide to her will and decisions.
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Post by Gaia on Sept 13, 2017 7:36:29 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
Vanguard inclined his head towards Rosso as he made his disappointment evident, but, did not respond. Instead, he turned his gaze on the retreating Genesis. While the Onyx Overlord was not making any attempt to leave the border's Netspace, the fact that he was making an effort to put distance between them made it pretty clear what his intentions were, as soon as it was deemed safe or necessary.
Thrash made her peace, albeit with a sly remark aimed at Rosso, and Daemon seemed to stand down at her command. The little Navi went so far as to grasp at the older darkloid's hand, like a child clinging to his mother in times of trouble. He turned his gaze back on Thrash, wondering if the older darkloid was fond of the obvious display of weakness and servitude Daemon allotted to her. She seemed one to consider tactical advantages and operate around them - surely, such a sign of weakness would bother her?
For now, at least, it wasn't important. Should they ever need to handle either of them, however, their obvious connections to one other could be exploited. In the meantime, however, he had questions to ask . . . and criminals to apprehend.
"Now that we have the issue all on the table, and you all have a better understanding of what exactly is at risk . . . will you return with me to the NIA Headquarters peacefully, or will I have to drag you back?"
As much credence as Thrash's speech held, he had no reason to believe that the border was in any immediate danger; or, at least, any immediate danger that would harm it any more than it already was. Just as Rosso had said, as much as he hated to admit it, these two were still partaking in criminal activity. While he had more restraint than the inferno standing next to him, he still held fast to the ideas of right and wrong.
Just then, he nodded to Rosso and indicated the peacefully retreating Genesis. "Extend an offer to him to come with us to the NIA Headquarters. If he refuses, you are not authorized to react with force. We can discuss why when without present company, if you so desire."
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Post by Zane on Sept 13, 2017 8:50:52 GMT -8
Looked like things were going to settle down instead in the outcome that most desired. Though he was fine with Thrash's attitude too. It was how most were until that shell was cast aside. If nothing else, she spoke some truths even on the matter. Truths that he had no problem acknowledging either and in part why he was fine with her. She was the sort he was best with.
"That's true. You are weak and naive and I am a predator, so best keep your guard up around me. You never know what could happen at times such as these."
He was referring to more than just her, given the one cowering near her as well. He managed to hold his sigh in at Vanguard's request, instead thinking on how to make that offer in an amiable fashion. He decided that his tone of voice didn't particularly matter, especially with Genesis. This was just a pointless formality from his point of view, but one he was stuck with all the same. May as well get this over with.
"The offer of coming with us to the NIA Headquarters is extended to you as well, Genesis."
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Post by Genesis on Sept 13, 2017 8:59:14 GMT -8
*He had paused in his stride for but a moment, looking over his shoulder to Rosso. Really? Had he not made himself clear already on this matter? He supposed he might have left out some words and perhaps that was the reason why this offer even still stood. Maybe he misunderstood something about the relationship he already established with the NIA. Or perhaps they likened him to Vanguard? Still, this was something that he could easily clarify for them.*
"I came for that confirmation and nothing else. I refuse your offer and would quite literally prefer death over it. The only time I will be heading to your headquarters is when I arrive to destroy it. So if you want me to come on over, wait until then."
*With no room for any further misunderstandings here, he continued on his way to leave the Netspace. He had no reason to stop for them unless they tried halting him with force, of which he would respond in kind. He had other things to do right now than spend it trading blows with someone he could do just that with at a later date as well. One that would be sooner rather than later, he still felt.*
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 13, 2017 18:51:38 GMT -8
...a moth drawn to flame.
A short distance from the near-standoff, another Navi draped in a cloak like so many others wishing to stay hidden in this heated political climate walks up to investigate the broken gateway. He'd remained largely uncaring towards current situations, but his presence in this network had long overstayed its intended welcome.
The Navi looks on in silence, revealing a stoic air about him. From his actions, two things were already obvious; he meant no harm for the time being, but was on a very short fuse....
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Post by Tiefy on Sept 14, 2017 8:35:31 GMT -8
<...Hm. Well, if you're going to be that slow on the uptake, I'll make it more obvious.>
And with that, the elder of the 'criminal' duo proceeds to crane her neck upwards... higher, and higher, and higher still, her head now a translucent serpentine tendril twice as long as the rest of her armored body is tall. And as it does so, the rest of the gelatinous mass within the armor continues to shrink and shrivel, starting with the thick-fingered hands disappearing into the metal 'sleeves' of its plated carapace. After several seconds, its heavy-built legs have retracted completely as well, and the liquid form of this creature has completely abandoned and shed its outer shell, dropping to the ground with a loud *splat!*. This thing could easily be twenty feet long or more from the tip of its 'tail' to the curved snout of its steel mask, though it'd probably be easier to define its size in terms of volume than dimensions. Indeed, it is quite obvious that this gelatinous monster could mould and morph its body into nearly any shape it desires, stretching itself out like a gigantic snake out of simplicity alone. It is likely that the mask is only even there to give a Navi with more orthodox anatomy something to focus on and talk to, as its 'face' contains only one of the nine glowing red 'eyes' suspended within its mass at various intervals. Bereft of its 'wearer', the armored husk sits motionless upon its coiled tail, its numerous hatches and openings now sealed off...
<There we are. I have set aside my weapon systems, as you can see - I don't believe I can make this message any clearer. We will proceed to NIA Headquarters as planned, and when we are there, I assume there will be many questions to answer. Having said that - I will request, if this 'lockdown' is not also interfering with communication to the NIA's human personnel at your HQ, that our Operators be contacted and notified of this matter. I should hope that your offices are not entirely staffed by AutoNavis and Mr. Progs, anyway... but I digress. I have no intention of making this any more difficult - your lot clearly have their hands full already.>
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Post by Nightshade on Sept 14, 2017 9:56:08 GMT -8
Nightshade jumped when his big sister removed her armor. It's okay being confident but this was a little too much for comfort. The little half daemon grew more agitated and paranoid by the second. He would keep staring at both rosso and Vanguard,maky sure there were no funny moves in play. He would follow his sister's direction, but that did not mean he would let his guard down. Especially since they were now risking everything.
He wouldn't allow them to kill her. No way in hell.
The little daemon hybrid hopped forward, between his big sister and Vanguard as a preemptive measure of interception. "I will cooperate as long as nothing happens to my big sister."
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Post by Gaia on Sept 17, 2017 7:28:07 GMT -8
Vanguard.EXE
Vanguard widened his eyes in exasperation, turning his gaze as yet another security warning appeared on his visor. Turning his head to one side, he only could just barely see the new arrival within his peripheral vision, but, risked losing sight of Daemon and Thrash should he want a better view. He turned back, just in time to watch Thrash begin to remove her suit.
At first, he must admit, the sudden whine of the armor as the gelatinous figure within left it startled him. He hadn't realized he was so on edge. As she pulled herself fully out of her shell, she made it clear in more ways than one that she had no intentions of being hostile. Be that as it may, it was a shortsighted and rather fool hearty show of trust. Even in the midst of enemy persecution and risk of execution, Vanguard wouldn't discharge all of his weapons to show his compliance. Not ever.
He listened to, but did not immediately acknowledge, her request of notifying their operators. Despite his diplomatic show thus far, they were still partaking in criminal activity - and in no position to be making requests. Besides . . . he turned, looking at Daemon as he stepped forward. He was still a problem within a problem, and an interesting one at that. A problem that, this whole time, had only been stretching his patience.
"Had I any intentions of harming you or your sister, you foolish little Navi, I'd have done it while she were wearing her armor. Now, stand down. Given that yet another matter calls my attention, I will leave your transportation and questioning in Rosso's oh-so capable hands."
Vanguard took a step back, pivoted on his heel, and walked away, closing in on the newest arrival to the border. As he walked, he pulled up a message and silently sent Rosso new orders:
Separate the two of them. Press this Daemon one for more information, but, be careful - this Navi isn't in any database. He doesn't appear to be all that troublesome, but, based on what he's told us, he doesn't exist. Find out who he really is - and be prepared to use the lizard as leverage, or vice versa when talking to the eldest. Remember, we want intel. Anything they have that could be of use. After they've given us what we want . . .
Well, they're still criminals.
His message sent, he approached on the new arrival. Rather than mask his presence, he made a point of making his footsteps heard, so as not to startle the Navi into action. With each passing moment, he reminded himself more and more that he needed to request stricter security protocols on this blasted border. "I'm going to have to ask you to explain what you're doing here, sir."
Just as the Navi he was speaking to, he meant no harm, but, was on a short fuse all his own.
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 17, 2017 8:57:57 GMT -8
Red eyes; a feature over-done on many Navis nowadays, especially those owned by younger operators. As such, they'd all but lost their meaning and impact in recent years. However, in the crimson glint that stares back to Vanguard is an unyielding force unlike that of anyone else here. This foreboding makes one thing very clear; any attempt to issue a challenge here would need to be thought out very clearly....
The Navi offers no direct aggression, and no show of force. He just turns away from Vanguard and begins to walk away.
?: Looking.
A generally reasonable, though very short response. However, would it suffice the needs of those seeking to brandish the name of justice here...?
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Post by Zane on Sept 17, 2017 9:21:52 GMT -8
Rosso shrugged his shoulders at Genesis' words. All of it was expected, threats included. While he was a reasonable terrorist he wasn't one you could reason with once his foot was set down. So he turned back, ignoring Thrash's next spiel before his eyes focused in on the new occupant of the area. His glare was unyielding just like the cloaked navi who was looking around... but he didn't act on it just yet. No, even though he would have preferred to do so now rather than later... he would have to wait still. This was fine too. But all things considered... well, he supposed that wasn't something he could really contemplate right now. They would find out shortly.
"Alright then you not-so-deadly duet, let's get a move on."
Unlike the other agent who walked with his subject, Rosso had another method that he could utilize here. So he walked over to both of the criminals placed his hand on the younger's shoulder and just touched the eldest one in general, though the same result happened with both. A painful, burning sensation coursed through them down to their very cores before both were transported in a blaze of fire. Both would find themselves in different rooms, but Rosso didn't go back with them yet either. They'd be fine waiting for a few more minutes on him to come back and run through the process of talking things out. Because he figured he may as well try to keep Vanguard alive should he say the wrong words, which meant he had to stick around for a bit longer. Besides, he wasn't too concerned with questioning the pair that Thrash and 'Daemon' were composed of. Because unlike Vanguard he already had the answers regarding both. The rest was just playing on their supposed intelligence and that was as easy as he expected it to be.
So the ball would rest in Vanguard's court for the time being. How would he address another person who didn't care about his authority after dealing with so many others who frankly did not care for it? Was a poor look for him to have to maintain at this rate.
{Thrash and Nightshade Location Change: Sequester}
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