Scene #7308: P:WtWO - SEES and Desist

Owner	Pose
Janine Liberi	The meeting takes place on a mountain road in Liechtenstein. Desolate enough that no one is likely to stumble on them, high enough that the only way in or out is on the road itself, and narrow enough that only cars have access. Flying in would be impossible, according to all common sense. Distant lights begin winding up the snakelike path, eventually resolving into a black limo. The back doors swing open, and from it emerges Mitsuru Kirijo. Previously, she had been clad in a simple business suit with her red hair up. Tonight, her hair is down, and she is clad in an expensive-looking white fur coat over a black, advanced-looking bodysuit. That strange gun she used to summon her Persona is holstered on her thigh, and a sheathed rapier hangs from her hip on the opposite side. But as she expressed, she is not alone. From the opposite side emerges the robot that was with her. No longer wearing clothes to conceal her nature, her digitigrade legs and weaponised arms are plainly visible. The only article of clothing on her is a red tie around her neck. From the driver's seat emerge two more. One is a tall, stern-faced man with short-cut light-colored hair wearing a body-covering poncho. Another robot? Though, he does wear a band-aid on his cheek, which would be superfluous if he was. The last arrival is a dog wearing an orange hoodie. Janine is present in her Dove look, speaking through the voice modulator. "About time. I'm Dove, that's all you get out of me. My companions can introduce themselves as they like. I know Mitsuru Kirijo, but who are the rest of you?" The four look among themselves, before Mitsuru begins to speak. "The dog is Koromaru." "I'm Akihiko Sanada," the man says gruffly. "Aigis," the robot says bluntly.
Big Boss	This is going to turn into a fight. It always does - a clash of ideals in a 'war' never goes peacefully, and Janine had practically declared war against corrupt society. Big Boss is polite enough to not smoke inside the jeep he's ferrying people in. Closed roof, a basic soldier as driver, and a /very/ heavy bundle in the back, all wrapped up, as long as a person, making it a bit of a tight squeeze, but enough to fit the whole group. As they pull up on their side of the road, the jeep turns to a stop. It's clearly military-issue, as the commander in the trenchcoat steps out. The driver remains inside, Big Boss finally taking a moment to light a cigar. He's poorly armed - a pistol at his hip and his CQC skills, sure, but if this was supposed to be a battle... He stands near the back, where the bundle is obscured from the sight of their rivals, and waits as he smokes. "Don't wait for me." Is all he tells Janine. He's not here for negotiations. He doesn't expect any to last.
Karlan Nobles	The lack of smoking is certainly appreciated by the prim and proper-looking woman in the strangely ornamental black and white garb riding in the back of the jeep. She takes the opportunity to sightsee however little she can, of course, mostly looking at the window instead of doing anything like planning for their meeting. It'll work out somehow. Pramanix might just be familiar to the Persona user facing the group from the Watch, partially from their past encounter and partially from doing absolutely nothing to disguise her own appearance. She knows there's not much dirt on her, and making a show of her own appearance might just help tilt things in their favor instead of letting it all come down to blows. How? It'll work out somehow. "A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Pramanix, Saint of Karlan. Blessings upon you, friends." She's all smiles, clearly practiced from years of dealing with upper crust bullshit and pleasantries, although with the expected edge considering the whole situation. Shee's not armed one bit, only carrying that odd little bell of hers loosely. If any research had been done on her, it'd be easy enough to figure out who she is (snow pope) and what the bell is (holy magic object). She's also visibly distracted by the dog. Not in the way that someone would fawn over a dog at the cost of all common sense, but in a clearly 'why is this here' sort of curiosity.
Danzo Katou	Riding along in a jeep isn't something that a shinobi is used to. Perhaps some kind of cyber-ninja of a dystopian future corporate landscape. But not the real deal. The original flavour. The kind who sits in the back with her hands neatly in her lap, not moving an inch, not even breathing, staring out the window at every single thing that rolls by as if watching an especially engaging movie. The oldschool type of shinobi who would normally be doing literally anything else, except for the need for her to be there at the all important moment where they all exit the jeep. The point of her stepping out of the vehicle along with the others outweighs any preparations she couldn't make in the car along the way. After all, the point is being Janine's squad, and if nobody even knows she's there, she's a pretty bad squad. Not that she makes for an intimidating presence herself. Even doing nothing to subdue her appearance, dressed in red and black and metallic trim, it's easy to forget that she's even there, having all the silent, motionless presence of a tree by the side of the road. She at least fills out one of the flanks of Janine's entourage, and makes the numbers even. Actually, it doesn't even seem like she's paying attention to the exchange at all. The longer the group talks, the more obvious it becomes that she hasn't looked anywhere but Aigis this entire time. Not only just unblinking, but without even a suitable twitch or swivel of pupils. The only sign that she's aware what is going on is a brief pause after everyone has spoken their names being punctuated by her soft tones half-lost in her scarf, adding only "Katou Danzo." without looking away from the robot.
Janine Liberi	"So, how are we doing this? I say 'question for a question,'" Janine says. Mitsuru appears to consider this for a moment, before nodding. "All right." She produces a coin (a Euro) and holds it up to the headlights to show it is a regular coin with both faces. "Heads or tails?" "Tails," Janine replies, and the coin is flipped. It lands neatly on the ground showing Heads. "Us first then. What are your intentions with the data you stole?" Mitsuru demands. Janine laughs. "That's naive. What else could anyone do with data like that other than blackmail? Anyone whose name is on there has a lot of money and a lot of secrets, you included. However, you are clearly more than a dirty businessman, which is why I reached out to you." Janine looks to everyone having answered the question and subtly nods to Big Boss. "Our turn; that thing you did at the bank. Putting a gun to your head and pulling the trigger to release... some kind of monster. What is that, and where did you get it?" Mitsuru looks around at her group. The big guy - Akihiko - nods to her. "That was a Persona. It is a... manifestation of my inner self. It is called forward with an Evoker." She taps the holstered 'gun.' "We obtained them during a certain incident some years back. Nothing you could look up, it was all kept secret. If you want to know more, make that your next question." Janine's hand balls into a fist. "Our turn again. Who are your companions? I have never heard of a place called Karlan, let alone a modern day saint called Pramanix. I could swear I have seen that old military man at a party recently. And a woman so good at blending in I have to remind myself she is even present."
Big Boss	Big Boss is still by that bundle. He's in earshot range, but he's busy smoking. It comes off as 'courteous', even if that's absolutely not why he's smoking near the jeep instead of next to Janine. The dog gets a flash of eyes from Big Boss. He narrows his eyes at Koromaru, and then turns up to the others. "I am Big Boss, commander of Outer Heaven. Private military company. You likely did." Another glance at Koromaru. And then, he talks into his earpiece.
Karlan Nobles	Multiple Persona users. That could prove to be tricky if things came down to a fight, and that's largely why Pramanix keeps her posture largely welcoming: Arms relaxed, stance facing the four directly, nothing to hide since... Well, it's not like she has any weapons on her to hide, anyway. "Are saints in this world different from the ones back home? I'll have to look into this more later..." She comments with a curious and mildly amused tone before clearing her throat, then going right back into that practiced pleasant formality. "Karlan is the religion of Kjerag, and I am the current Sa... Er. Leader." Indeed, she seems to radiate that unnatural holiness that would look right at home in a snow-stomping Popemobile. She can't quite seem to keep her eyes focused on any one person in particular, curious looks shifting from Akihiko to Koromaru to Aigis to Koromaru to Mitsuru and back to Koromaru. It's clear she's got dozens of questions racking her brain already, but she's holding herself back for the sake of not wasting any on something silly. Maybe later.
Danzo Katou	This time, though it's technically Janine being asked, Danzo breaks her previously established behaviour to answer preemptively on her own behalf. She glances away to look upon Mitsuru only just now, revealing the way the car lights catch in her yellow eyes almost like a road sign. Her voice raises to a level that would be suitable for speaking to someone five feet away. "A shinobi of the Fuuma clan." she says. "Even in this time, I think they should appear somewhere in this world's history." she adds. "I am currently employed. However, I have no orders regarding you and yours, as of yet. Be at ease." "Since I have answered you myself, if we are trading one question for another, I would ask one from you as well." This is where her head turns right back to Aigis. "Where are you from? Does this world have other artificial beings like yourself? Is Miss Kirijo your master?"
Janine Liberi	Pramanix just gets a long stare from the four (yes, even the dog). As Big Boss mentioned 'Outer Heaven,' Akihiko produces a notebook and takes the name down. At this point, Aigis speaks up. "I believe I understand now. All of you..." She points to Pramanix, Big Boss, and Danzo in turn. "Are from some other realm, akin to Tartarus, or the Midnight Channel. And you," She points to Janine. "Are the contractor." "... yeah okay, let's go with that," Janine says. It is at this point that Danzo interjects, asking a question of Aigis. Mitsuru looks to the robot and says, "It is up to her if she wishes to answer. If she doesn't, I won't count it as your question." The robot looks to Danzo and considers her for a moment before answering. "My original purpose was as an anti-Shadow weapon. There was once a whole line of others like me. Now, only one other remains, and creation of more has been discontinued. Once, I simply followed orders, but my purpose has evolved. Though the Kirijo Group created me, I follow and assist Mitsuru of my own will." "There you have it. Our turn. What is it you are planning, beyond simple blackmail? I doubt someone merely interested in money would call this meeting." Janine taps her foot and considers it for a long moment before answering. "I'm going to overthrow all the old power structures in Europe and use it as the start of a new, better world order where-" "I've heard enough," Akihiko says. He throws off that poncho, revealing a bare, ripped chest and raises his gloved fists. "Another maniac with delusions of grandeur." "Let me finish!" Janine demands, but the massive man has already produced his Evoker and placed it against his temple. "Caesar!" Janine draws that sabre at her side as a tall figure erupts from Akihiko's head. A tall masked figure with a sword in one hand, and a globe in the other. Things are breaking down fast.
Big Boss	As Janine explains herself, Big Boss listens, and then Akihiko breaks it down. Maniac with delusions of grandeur. He chomps at the cigar, before speaking. "You're one for the status quo, I take it. After all, you work as bodyguard for the elite. Corruption runs in her blood." Whether or not Big Boss believes it, it's meant to aggravate him. "Bloody Brad, activate." The commander speaks, clearly, as Caesar appears. The bundle in the back begins to move, before suddenly, it throws itself out of the jeep. Ripping the wrapping off, it stands tall, almost seven-to-eight feet, to be exact. The giant of a man, Bloody Brad, is pale, with blonde hair, piercing white eyes, and venting enough heat to cook something. "Operation: Sic Semper is now go. Primary objective: keep the VIP safe until the battle ends. This is unlikely to end in death." The android grunts, and then pushes forward, starting with a walk and ending in a superhuman stride, where he arrives to get right in front of Caesar and between him and Janine. He does not attack immediately - sizing up his opponents - but the android quietly steps on a rock in his path. It's smashed with pure superhuman might, as Big Boss leans against the jeep to watch. Bloody Brad has his orders. He'll see how it goes from here.
Karlan Nobles	Luckily for Pramanix, she's used to scrutiny! She's not quite expecting Akihiko to speak suddenly, though, and then it's his turn again to get a blank stare from the holy woman. Janine, too, gets a blank stare, although Pramanix simply shrugs and smiles after another moment of thought. "Yes, let's go with that. Although we haven't signed anything so formal, I'm afraid." Aigis' story, meanwhile, gets another curious look from the saint. "If you're doing the same thing as before... Hmm. I see, I see." There's a brief glint in Pramanix's eye as she nods at Aigis, but it doesn't last long as she refocuses her attention on the continuing questions. Unfortunately, it seems that the talk doesn't continue for long as Akihiko throws his poncho off and... Oh no. He's /hot/. Pramanix finds herself staring at the boxer (?) briefly before backing off, her hand resting on the handle of her bell. She doesn't start ringing it yet, though, taking on a more defensive stance even as she edges back slowly to get out of the immediate path of the more close-range oriented fighters. "Must this turn to violence so quickly? I'd rather talk this over to see if we can find some common ground to work together or... Tolerate each other, at the very least." She conveniently doesn't address Big Boss' jab at Akihiko nor Bloody Brad's arrival, instead glancing at Janine before turning towards the four (?) Evoker wielders. "But... I won't hesitate to call on the holy power of Karlan to protect my allies if I must. How shall we proceed?"
Janine Liberi	Bloody Brad inserts himself between Janine and Akihiko, which prompts Aigis to interject herself between Brad and Akihiko. She slams a drum magazine into her wrist, the tips of her fingers open to reveal gun barrels. "The elite? /Corruption?!/ Do you have any ide-" "No, of course they don't," Mitsuru interrupts Akihiko as his hackles raise from Big Boss' jab. She is thumbing her own rapier, as if considering whether or not to draw it. Koromaru stands ready, baring his teeth. "You must understand how you sound, yes? We had our own troubles with someone who spoke like that. But, I will let you finish. What would your world look like?" It's hard to tell, but it seems like Janine may be glaring daggers at Mitsuru around Bloody Brad. "A world where power is in the hands of the people, and not these hegemonies from centuries ago. The churches, the royals, the old money. I'll tear them all down and destroy their influence so that the many aren't pawns in the game of the few." Mitsuru crosses her arms and looks to the ground. "After Tartarus - the incident I mentioned. I inherited my father's company and power. I've been using it to investigate otherworldly things. Things that I suspect you came into contact with. Had I only expanded into Europe sooner, I could have helped you. Akihiko, Aigis, Koromaru. Stand down." The boxer, the android, and the dog all step back. "I was in that bank to clear the Kirijo's accounts with them. Both public and private. You don't have to believe me, just as I don't have to believe you." She begins walking back to the car, buttoning up her coat once again. "But we will be watching. And if we think you are wielding that otherworldly power to suit your ends? It won't be just us four coming for you. However, if we think you stand a chance at making a difference? I'll gladly relinquish my power to throw my lot in with yours. Don't make me regret this." She's about to climb in, before pausing one more time. "Oh. And in exchange for this show of faith, may I ask one from you? Keep my organisation's name out of whatever you do for now." Janine taps her foot and sighs. "Well now I look like an asshole if I do. Like the kind of scumbag you think I might be. Shit, you're good." In the headlights of the jeep, a ghost of a smile crosses Mitsuru's face. "You noticed. That's a mark in your favor." The other three climb in. Akihiko doesn't say a word. Aigis politely bows. Koromaru barks. And soon, the four drive past the Watch.
Big Boss	As Aigis repositions, Bloody Brad's head shifts to turn towards her, meet her gaze, and crack his knuckles as she loads her arm barrels. It's very mechanical. But, Mitsuru saves the day, marking an 'accord' with the group. "Bloody Brad, retreat." Boss says, and the android returns to the jeep, grabs his cloth, and rebundles himself up in the back. Yep. Big Boss doesn't say a word as they begin to leave. Instead, he finishes off his cigar, and turns. "Hm. No combat performance, but a success anyways. There'll be another opportunity for Bloody Brad. Good work." And as such, Boss gets into the jeep. He'll be looking over Brad's internal recordings of the conversation as they leave, uploaded to his iDroid.
Karlan Nobles	"Well... Yes, it does sound rather crazy from the outside, doesn't it?" Pramanix laughs awkwardly, and it's actually somewhat genuine this time! Not entirely, of course, since she's had her share of awkward laughs in the past, but... Well, it /does/ sound kind of crazy. The exchange between Mitsuru and Janine, however, has theSaint furrowing her brow in thought once more. She lowers her own hand when the call to stand down is issued, and she breathes a sigh of relief as Mitsuru explains her own purpose in being at the bank that day. Whether they can be believed or not... Pramanix certainly seems pleased with the result at least. She returns Aigis' bow with one of her own, although there's still a mild wariness in her expression as she looks towards the rest of the group. "Get home safely, friends. May the light of Karlan shine upon you." A single ring of her bell, and a gentle breeze follows the SEES jeep for a good five seconds or so until Pramanix turns her attention back to her allies. "... Good work, everyone. That certainly could have gone worse, and... And I think we may have found some potential allies in this venture. Don't you think?" She sounds optimistic, but the uncertainty remains.