Scene #9322: Win or Lius

Owner	Pose
Angela	Xiao, Southern Branch Section 1 Director of the Liu Association, has given plenty of headsup that representatives of the Liu and Zwei would be paying Trideag a visit. Enough that filing in the Association main office itself wouldn't be very practical. Instead, they have situated themselves in a courtyard on the outskirts of Trideag's newly expanded territory. Unlike previous big meetings between Associations, Xiao is keeping this strictly to business rather than making it some kind of half party. The Liu Association members that have come with her, minus Mei--whom Xiao has mentioned during their last communication--remain heavily regimented and are are holding position in military parade formation. Mei herself, is standing apart with Xiao who leads the detachment. The Dawn Office is also present with the Liu, though too small an office to efectively be in a 'formation'. They take up the rear of the Liu detachment. Phillip, a young man in grey and black wearing glasses and looking broadly uneasy, is with him as well sea-green haired woman with a cello case on her and equipped with metallic prosthetic forearms. The Zwei have sent people as well, though it is a significantly smaller group consisting mostly of subsidiary offices, but of particular note is Isadora, a twintailed woman with a two-handed sword on her back that's practically longer than she is tall, who seems to be taking charge of the Zwei detachment present in lieu of her immediate superior who is busy in the north of The City right now.--but this is clearly Xiao's show here. Other Trideag members are milling about, though Knifty and Nelly are absent on 'training' right now, which largely leaves the old regulars and Nonon, who recently joined up, milling about. Solace is out as well, having thrown herself into the aid work now that she's barred from combat missions though Cheer and Soothe are lingering around the outskirts of the meeting grounds, marveling at all the Fixers. Aside from being on Trideag grounds, there isn't a tight security perimeter or anything like that. Everyone else is in attendance, including Vice-Director Ceri. "Director Lilian, reporting in!" Director Xiao says. "We are here to discuss matters regarding three chief topics--namely, the matter of the Distortions, the matter of the upcoming war between the Thumb and the Index as they attempt to carve up the District, and finally ... the Tower at the center of district 12 and the mysteries surrounding it." She hasn't forgotten that Lilian had a ''warning'' for her so there is just a small bit of hesitation before she adds, "Do you have anything you'd like to add at this time, Director, or shall I proceed?" She seems like the sort of person who comes into these situations with a full lesson plan prepared--that's just the vibe she gives across. Director Lowell doesn't seem to be present today--no doubt their myriad duties keep them working apart from one another as often as they keep them working together. "Good to see you, Xiao." Ceri says. "Mm. I see your injuries have healed." Xiao adds. "Best avoid throwing yourself in the path of Colors in the future." "Duty comes first." Ceri adds and that seems to resolve the matter between them.
Odette Raskins	Once Odette hears that Trideag is going to be getting visitors today, she makes the classic rookie blunder of doing more than she's paid to. Sure, there's other people that can work on it, too, but she's a team player, and she already knows how to clean moderately well! She's got a mop, a bucket, gloves to keep her fingers from getting all cracked, and an extra-large energy drink can to keep her going to make sure the Trideag building (or at least the courtyard) looks its sort of best. She happens to be in a slight energy downtilt by the time the Liu and Zwei Associations and Dawn Office arrive, but she's ready to power through it once she realizes that the representatives are already here. After doing one last check in the bathroom to make sure she doesn't have any leftover gunk in her hair from scrubbing things down, Odette joins everyone at the courtyard! Not right in the middle of it, of course, because that'd be absolutely terrifying, but close enough to hear and see what's going on easily enough. Odette greets each the representatives with a quick salute and "Welcome!" to hide that she's having trouble remembering which name belongs to which face. Thankfully, Xiao seems prepared to handle the talking here, and Odette's not about to interrupt any of that and put a spotlight on herself. She perks up slightly in recognition, too, as the Distortions are brought up, but she looks more anxious when the coming war is brought up. She looks around briefly, too, to see if Moses or Ezra happen to be around, then waves with a modestly relieved slouch in her posture when she spots Cheer and Soothe way over there.
Timespace Riders	Sougo and Woz are among the Trideag members present, both in uniform--Woz's with the notable addition of his scarf. Sougo's brow is lifted in surprise at the number of Liu fixers in attendance. This is a lot of people present for a discussion. Woz, meanwhile, waits for Xiao to make her initial address, and for the exchange between Ceri and Xio to finish, before he speaks up. "Director Xiao, may I provide any refreshments for you or your retinue before the proceedings are underway?" The same offer is made towards Lilian and Ceri. As this is more of a business meeting and less a party, he'll keep it light if anyone takes him up on the offer; tea and pastries, barring any special requests.
Lilian Rook	Frankly, after everything lately, the militay welcome is refreshing. Lilian could use considerably more discipline and order in her life at the minute; neither Calvin nor Ariel had been it, and especially not Hindley. And though she doesn't know Xiao all that well, seeing a reliable 'coworker' who has never failed to not fuck around is a bit of a balm to her stress levels. Far from her casino dress, Lilian arrives in the short version of her Association jacket and uniform skirt, given the warmer spring weather, daffodil jumper beneath, Night Mist openly sheathed over her back and Winter Crow's holster peeking out just above her knee. Inexplicably wearing leather gloves, she reaches for a handshake immediately upon meeting, and says, "Director Xiao. It's a pleasure to see you again. I hope to get plenty of use out of this meeting." She looks for Zwei's representation, then focuses on them meaningfully. "I suppose public security seldom gives one much time to be away. Nevertheless, I'm happy that you've lent us who you can." she says, ostensibly to Isadora. She gives her a wink. Greatsword girl things. "On the matter of staff exchange, I'd like to speak later. Proceed, Director Xiao. I've prepared my notes, as they are, on everything I know and you would like to." A moment passes, before she adds, ". . . Though might I ask, did you expect interruptions? This is quite a crowd to disclose certain information to."
Sarracenia	Sarracenia has been in the City only sparingly after what happened with Black Silence and her resulting suspension. Despite that, she has been looking for valid reasons to be here and help in some way. She isn't entirely sure this counts, but she figures one of the Trideag's higher ranked Fixers might be able to get away with being here. Much like Sougo and Woz she is in her (personally tailored) uniform, a black velvet royal gown dwith gold hems and a double-breasted design including twin rows of gold buttons down the chest, black arm-length velvet gloves, and heeled black slippers. Her silver hair is done up in her favorite style, that being a twin set of small braids forming a sort of circlet around the back of her head from one temple to the other and joining in a larger braid that mingles with her waist-length behind her back. And of course the eyepatch she has yet to remove. 'Best avoid throwing yourself in the path of Colors in the future.' 'Duty comes first.' Sarra frowns lightly as she overhears Xiao and Ceri. She really has to figure out how to make it up to Ceri. And she doesn't like Xiao's implication that it was somehow Ceri's fault. Sarra keeps quiet as she listens to the bullet points of the meeting, and takes up a spot behind the main leadership but far enough out to one side that she is still visible. She greet Xiao with a proper curtsey when the opportunity arises. Woz has refreshments covered so all Sarra says is, "Greetings, Director Xiao. I hope I can be of assistance in the future."
Blemishine	"D-Dost my senses d-deceive me...? In the very flesh, th-t-th-the-the-th-th-tha-th-th-t-thththth--..." There's a stammering and stuttering voice near the to the unfortunately low-security courtyard, so high-pitched that only those close to it might be able to even begin to hear it. But even if they did, by the time they would be turning towards the source, it's already in the middle of becoming everybody's problem. Very loudly. "THE VERY SAME LADY LILIAN ROOK WHO CROSSED BLADES WITH THE RED MIST HERSEEEEEEEEEEEELF!?" "WHOSE LEGENDARY BATTLE SPREAD FAR AND WIDE ACROSS THE INTAR-NET TO GRACE MINE EYES!?!?" "A STAR RISING LIKE NONE OTHER, WHOSE EXPLOITS AND DEEDS ARE ALREADY THE STUFF OF OFT-SPOKE LEGENDS IN NARY ANY TIME AT ALL!?!?!?" Said source is a short-ish girl with scruffy and unkempt blonde hair, and equally scruffy clothing; while it all might've been fancy at one point, the white dress uniform and matching slacks she's wearing have since grayed and been worn over with dirt, and the dark brown coat over it, fit for formal engagements (like several high profile Association Directors and Fixers having a meetup) more than anything, isn't much better off. The only things that don't look travel-worn are a big heavy rucksack slung over her shoulder, decorated with all manner of Fixer memorabilia stickers - including one that looks suspiciously like Lilian's hairpin - and a pair of sturdy-looking running shoes. That'd make it easy to... ...did she seriously walk here? Apparently entirely ignorant of her appearance, the girl's brown eyes are so lit up that you don't need to squint to see the stars in them - including the reflection of the same woman they're laser-locked on, thanks to the tears of happiness(?) bubbling up in them. After busting the eardrums of anybody who had the misfortune of being next to her, there's a loud and audible sniffle as she raises a sleeve up to wipe away at her face, which soon breaks out into muffled sobs of also happiness(?). "Gueeeeehhhh... this is too much of an honor for my unsteady heart... I-I had thought I had steeled it on the long travail to reach the realm of the Trideag, yet I had underestimated the joy that would suffuse my chest upon laying eyes on the genuine article... p-prithee, a moment..." Her free hand comes up in a 'wait' gesture, just to tremble before closing into a fist, that shudders more and more by the second. Only three of those seconds pass before she lets out another choked sound - and then bounces back completely, drawing both hands over her heart and all but bounding forward to join everyone at the center of the meeting grounds with a devastatingly ecstatic smile. "NAY, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTAIN!! Though I know not what the purpose of such a grand get-together may be, those of the honorable Liu, with Lady Xiao! The dedicated Zwei! And more! Have gathered here today for what MUST be a grand plot to further rid this City of villainry! I could not miss this opportunity to join your great and heroic noble fight!!"
Angela	Director Xiao gives a nod to Odette--a flicker of recognition entering her eyes after she thinks back a moment. "Odette. You assisted Lowell against the mermaid excursion. I remember. ... Thank you for your assistance back then, you kept many of our number in good health." Which is perhaps notable when dealing with entities with toxic fangs and claws. She tilts her head to Woz as he offers to provide refreshments and then adds, "Perhaps after business. I don't want anyone to be distracted while we are trying to discuss business. Even the slightest distraction could prevent important information from being passed down to the right people." ''This is quite a crowd to disclose information to.'' "I am accustomed to dealing with large groups of Fixers but I am not expecting interruptions--though I will entertain reasonable questions, particularly from those of Trideag as we are imposing on your hospitality. What is going on in District 12 is more than one Fixer organization can handle. Then with your permission I will begin." Isadora gives Lilian a tired smile and a wave of her hand and adds. quickly but quietly, "It'd have been better if we could send more--" Xiao clears her throat. "Starting with the war. Right now, the two biggest Syndicates encroaching on District 12 are The Thumb and the Index. The Thumb is a mafia-like organization with a large number of personel, powerful augments, the wealth and skill to wield and pay for firearms, and a very strict hierarchy. While they are the most reasonable of the Fingers to make 'deals' with should it come to it, if they take over the District, they'll rapidly solidify control of the Backstreets and it will be a lengthy expensive ordeal to pry it from their hands. The Index is arguably worse. They are fanatics that follow seemingly random 'prescripts' that can range from the reasonable and normal to the maddening and impossible. They are utterly devoted to following those prescripts. If they take over the District, it is difficult to say for usre where it will go from there but they'll no doubt step up their recruiting efforts in the District and use their greater numbers to push against the other Fingers in other areas of the Backstreets. They are incredibly unpredictable. Needless to say, ideally, they will not end up in charge of the District either. Ideally, until the L Corp remnants stabilize or a new governmental force steps in, Trideag will remain the strongest force in the region and allow for gradual restoration of services in the area with minimal influence from the Syndicates. I believe that the Liu would be best suited to helping combat the influence of these Syndicates." Xiao gives a nod to Sarracenia and says, "Of course, that is what we are here to discuss--" ''Did you expect interruptiuons?'' ''THE VERY SAME LADY LILIAN ROOK WHO CROSSED BLADES WITH THE RED MIST HERSEEEEEEEEEEEEELF!'' Nearly as one, the heads of the Liu Association detachment snap to look at the short woman. None of them recognize her. It's such a strange occurance that it's like a virus entering a bubble, their system doesn't entirely know how to react. Xiao recovers most quickly, looking to Odette and asks her, "Please," She says. "That woman needs medical attention. Please look after her." Other than that she glances towards Lilian, her eyebrow raising inquisitively.
Timespace Riders	Woz offers Director Xiao a cordial nod. "Of course," he says, until-- THE VERY SAME LADY LILIAN ROOK WHO CROSSED BLADES WITH THE RED MIST HERSEEEEEEEEEEEEELF! "The very one," says Woz, rubbing his ear consolingly with his index and middle fingers as an annoyed frown settles in. "Impossible though it may be, madam, I urge you to make the heroic effort necessary to contain your enthusiasm, if only for the sake of several futures free of tinnitus." "I like her," says Sougo, who was far enough away from the well-traveled, scruffy Fixer to not feel the residual ring of a flashbang in his ears. "Very good, sire," says Woz, his tone only a little more polite and indulging than 'you would.' "In any case," he says, clearing his throat, "You have caught Director Rook at business. As Director Xiao noted," "It is business which will proceed the better the less distractions there are. Do you have an appointment, madam?"
Sarracenia	Sarra's hands move to cover her ears as that scruffy girl yells about how magnificent Lilian is and her expression goes flat. "...did some Distortion create another Petra clone?" Sarra asks not completely quietly as she peers at the girl. Sarra starts to say something else, but Woz speaks up first. After he asks about an appointment, Sarra hmphs softly. "That seems rather unlikely." she says, then addresses the girl. "Sweetie, it is quite rude to impose on such a meeting uninvited, and even more rude to do so in such a boisterous manner. However, I have no doubt that Li-..." Sarra hesitates. Would it be too disrespectful to call Lilian just Lilian in such company under such circumstances? Usually Sarra would not care, but she is at least aware that she could make a good impression here that could lead to being unsuspended. Of course, that would mean using one of Lilian's proper titles. Sarra mmphs a half second after her stutter. "...Director Lilian would be willing to talk with you if you have a bit of patience."
Odette Raskins	Odette straightens up stiffly as Director Xiao addresses her, then relaxes slightly when she realizes that Xiao has good things to say about her. "The mermaid... Yes! Oh, y-you're welcome. I'm flattered you remembered." She blurts out at first, taking a moment to recompose herself even though it's pretty obvious the EMT is thriving on that kind of attention. "I mean, I was just doing my job, but still. Have there been any updates on their... Er. Condition since then?" Talk of the war soon kicks things off, and Odette's expression becomes more somber as she tries to get herself into a war-room mindset. Having done so at least a little in Elibe helps somewhat, but it's still discomforting to realize she's even trying to do that at all. "Do you think the Thumb or Index might try to make moves against us? They have to know we're here being the biggest potential wildcards in their war." A pause, and then she adds. "Is there a chance they'd ever form a truce just to get rid of us?" Odette perks up again, looking in the direction of a voice stuttering even more than she ever has. Could this be real? Could there truly be someone more nervous than herself? Does hearing her talk like that really sound that annoying? By the time the source of the loud voice becomes visible, Odette feels a little more motivation to once again commit to talking clearly. She's also reeling a little at jsut how loud the girl's able to shout, slowly acclimating to it while she comes closer to the group. "Sounds like you've got another fan here, Dame Commander." She comments with an amused little chuckle, then nods at xiao. "Yes, ma'am! Ah... Are you okay, miss? Any injuries, dizziness, fatigue, anythingfeeling worse than usual?" As she asks those questions, Odette already has a hand up to slide her medical HUD glasses on to get a better read on the excitable and dramatic woman. Although she's pretty sure she shouldn't be revealing too much about today's meeting to a stranger, it could hurt to indulge her a little bit, right? "It could, be miss! But... It's also of vital importance that we maintain a certain level of secrecy, too." She says while holding a finger up in front of her mouth in a conspiratorial shushing motion. "You know? It's on a need to know basis, and the villains of the City don't need to know." One more pause, and then she finally realizes the obvious upon hearing Woz address her. "Right... Did you come here to sign up, or do you know someone here already...?"
Lilian Rook	That's right. The Syndicates. This is the subject that Lilian least likes, despite it being the most straightforward, without any of the conflicts of interests that the others have. She adjusts her posture to signal attentiveness, clasping her hands behind her back, but her thoughts wander a little as she listens. She doesn't have to examine herself to know why. District 12 is the size of a country. No matter how much she learns about scaling and running an organization, she can't make all of it a part of Trídéag. Though she's made good progress throwing her billions around, even that isn't enough to make up the difference in providing for millions of people. The Syndicates are the power that can restore order, of a kind, over so far and wide. Trídéag is barely starting to fill up this HQ, much less hundreds of branch offices. And though there may have been ways in which she could have fought harder, done more, chased a decisive and unconditional victory, the weeklong war in L Corp's ruins is a recent reminder of the fact that her own strength alone isn't capable of singlehandedly obliterating a criminal empire. Undermining it, decapitating it, perhaps, but not cleanse a nation of organized crime. Lilian grimaces a little at the thought. It coincidentally ends up timed to Xiao's description of the Index. "I have preliminary information on both factions. Though I'm afraid I have to keep my sources confidential, for their own security, I can confirm that my cooperators in the field currently dramatically favour the Thumb over the Index." Lilian says. "Of course, I'd rather they do as much damage to each other as possible. To this end, it is my intent that Trídéag will remain 'neutral'. If and when negotiations or offers occur, it will be my stance that I have no intent to side with those who haven't proven themselves; waiting to see who has the upper hand is a known and predictable strategy, so I expect them to think little of it." "However, for the sake of keeping you informed, I have already mobilized certain . . . clandestine assets." says Lilian, half-truthfully. She has absolute confidence that she will, though. "Our goal, objectionable or not, will be to incite bloody gang warfare in areas of little concern, deprive both sides of material gain, feed misinformation through inner channels, and conduct acts of sabotage, harassment, and proxy skirmishes, to force them to commit more valuable assets. At the same time, my sources on the ground will be contributing to raising a grassroots effort of cooperative sympathizers; a resistance and a safety net for those who are unable to leave the backstreets, depriving the Syndicates of leverage." "Finally, I fully intend to deprive the Syndicates of certain other things." Lilian says. She goes silent, for a little while. As if whatever else there is to say shouldn't be spoken aloud. "Personally." she adds. "So I'd--" 'THE VERY SAME LADY LILIAN ROOK WHO CROSSED BLADES WITH THE RED MIST HERSEEEEEEEEEEEELF!?' Lilian pauses in soft stunlock. She's always so fastidious with keeping clean hands regarding her fans as an Elite that it takes her completely aback for her fandom, extant as it is here, to track her down on foot. And scream about it. She squints a little at the volume. "The same." she says, after a moment. "If your destination is Trídéag, I can assign someone to see you the rest of the way there, though I'm afraid you'll have to undergo the same refugee processing as everyone else." she adds, eyeing the woman's bag instead of anyone she intends to help. "Nonon." is all she has to say after, unclasping and raising a hand. "At least it seems the journey wasn't too exhausting. It appears you have energy to spare." Lilian says, finally smiling a tiny bit. Even if it's all so bothersome to Xiao, she herself finds the bit of levity welcome.
Lilian Rook	"However, I'm afraid we're not at liberty to discuss anything at the moment." Lilian turns her head partway, looking back out of the corner of her eye in that princessly way she does. "Now, if you wouldn't mind." she says, just before turning her gaze back to Xiao. 'NAY, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTAIN!!' §God.§ "Naturally." Lilian says. The correct thing to say was that there's no grand quest against evil going on here, and that thinking so is delusional and stupid; but frankly, there is. At least, Lilian is thinking of something close enough. As a Director, it's an 'operation', but as a Knight . . . "But I'm afraid that we aren't accepting unaffiliated Fixers." Lilian says, presuming a lot. "If you want a piece of the action, then your best option would be signing on." Maybe that deflects her. Telling an Elite to do one additional step on their own initiative usually serves to make them either forget or give up. "Ideally, Director." she says to Xiao. "I would like to keep the scales persistently in the favour of the Thumb, but only just. An organization as chaotic as the Index will be extremely challenging to sabotage. They'll require more military damage to keep in check. As far as our mutual interests are concerned, I'd like to hear Liu's and Zwei's priorities regarding this matter. In my perfect world, I'd like Zwei's guarantee to provide public safety detachments to the civilian organizations masterminded by my confidential assets, and concentrate significant force on only those locations within District Twelve. I'd like Liu's cooperation as well, in . . . let's say shooting fish in a barrel." Lilian says, closing her eyes and brushing her hair back. "To inflict massive damage on both sides, we can't rely exclusively on the profit motive or the prescripts. Liu's military assets are considerable; too much for organizational retaliation to be a casual affair. I'd like to coordinate with your leadership to take certain 'jobs' and deployments where they can be the anvil for Trídéag's hammer to strike against. That means numerous, widespread tactical engagements, planned from within; brushfire fights with Syndicate assets in positions of overwhelming disadvantage, fed to the fire. Cleanup." Lilian takes a deep breath. The length at which she's been talking is already betraying how much she's thought about it. "Once their major assets come out of hiding, forced to oversee the situation themselves, I'll be deploying my most elite personnel, and taking to the field myself. In this way, I estimate we can hemorrhage personnel, weapons, money, and support, from both factions so effectively that they're unable to establish a firm grasp on the District." Now the annoying part. "We'll confine our efforts to the Backstreets as much as possible. For certain reasons, I have it on good authority, from multiple trusted sources, that the Nest is soon to be a far different problem; one that won't be hospitable to either the Thumb or Index."
Blemishine	It is business which will proceed the better the less distractions there are. Do you have an appointment, madam? "NOT AT ALL!" She booms back to Woz, apparently still having not toned her voice down from a moment ago - before even she catches on and clears her throat, closing her eyes serenely and standing as tall and straight as she can. Which still isn't very tall. "...Ahem. However! I have traveled /many/ wearysome days and equally weary nights for the sole sake of reaching the governance of the Trideag Association! Can you fathom my astonishment when I discovered I need not sojourn all the way to their headquarters!? Not only was the esteemed Lady Director at these outskirts, but countless other Fixers of renown!!" She looks like she might be on the verge of sobbing from joy again, despite her efforts to appear professional. "T-To think Lady Xiao of the famed Liu and her associates would also be present... to bask in the presence of not one, but two esteemed Directors! E-Even being within the presence of the Southern branch of the Zwei is nearly enough to overwhelm me... should this day end without obtaining autographs in triplicate, I might never recover..." That woman needs medical attention. Please look after her. Are you okay, miss? Any injuries, dizziness, fatigue, anything feeling worse than usual? "...Eh? Verily, I find mine health to be in fine condition, and with spirits higher than in an entire fortnight... surely, my legs are rather wobbly and jello-esque, yet..." She pensively opens her eyes and glances upward, as if struggling to comprehend why she would possibly need anything of the sort - before stopping to widen her eyes and bounce on her heels. "Hoooohhhhh--!? F-For the Director of the Liu Association herself to take heed of mine health...! Personally!? Perchance I perished on my journey and have ascended to the hereafter!?" While she's doing so, Odette's readout can quite easily confirm - aside from the obvious physical exhaustion and the scruffles of a long on-foot trip, she seems to be in fine health. Which leaves... Did you come here to sign up, or... But I'm afraid that we aren't accepting unaffiliated Fixers. "--Urk... even if I swear upon my name that no undue information will ever leave my lips... and 'tis also true I have yet to acquire a Fixer license of mine own... it seems the due motions must be gone through..." This does seem to actually cow her for a long moment. This peace lasts for as long as it takes to get a handle on the situation through Lilian's explanation. "THEN!" Starry-eyed again and with no handle on her volume. "If becoming a most honorable Fixer of the Trideag is what is required, no task is too large, no road is too long! My rrrrrrrRRRIGHTEOUS heart of justice will not allow me to stand aside in this war against these vile Syndicates seeking base opportunism! I shall even endure this 'ref-yoo-gee processing' if necessary!" She doesn't know what that is.
Angela	Xiao doesn't seem to like the strange girl who just showed up or be particularly pleased with her interruption. She is unsure if she should be expressing pity or loathing. She knows she carries some responsibility for this, for having this meeting in not the most secure part of Trideag's domain but she was less concerned with security and more ease and speed of passing on information. Naturally, she is relieved that Trideag seems to be moving to contain the situation. She doesn't think Don's a Distortion or created by one. She looks too human and so far there's no indication that Distortions can obscure their nature. She sounds like any other Fixer fan, though they usually don't go to this length of trouble in their fandom. "They will, eventually." Xiao tells Odette. "I imagine they'll avoid a confrontation with the Director directly, but there are other methods of pushing us out of the District--and minimizing what we can do. They may indeed form a truce with one another if they deem it to be suitable, though the Fingers generally do not get along--it would not happen quickly or easily. That is why it is important to enter this situation in the strongest position possible. Best they fight one another over scraps than allowing them to strike at us directly." Xiao quirks her head to Lilian as she gives her own plan and reasoning and then cups her chin, closing her eyes as she rolls it around in her mind. "Understood. Then we will focus our forces in major residential and commercial areas to...encourage their flow in that direction." She has enough trust--and experience--to know that trying to plug Lilian for sources isn't going to help her out too much right now. Lilian is the one who has to prove Trideag works and she can't do that if Xiao throws her weight around just because she has the bigger army. She'd rather keep things copacetic and it's not like the logic is unsound. "...Other things?" She can't just let THAT go without comment that could mean anything! Possibly even stuff! But then... ''Nonon.'' "...The pirate..?" Xiao says and seems surprised when the outlaw steps into view and approaches Don Quixote with a big excited smile because she is fairly certain this means she gets to pick someone up and even though Nonon's been in a downer mood lately she is always excited to lift people up. "Hey there!" Nonon says excitedly. "You seem like someone who is thirsting...for adventure!"She places a hand on Don Quixote's shoulder and bends over deeply so she can look her in the eyes. "Well don't you worry--I'll take you right to where you gotta go to sign up and one day you'll be a legend...yourself! Ha ha!" She intends to heft Don Quixote up on her shoulders like she's taking the role of Rocinante for the day and points forward. "Onward!" And if Don Quixote lets her she'll take her right back to the main office for signups.
Angela	Xiao exhales and turns her attention back to Lilian. "My priority is to minimize civilian casualty and long term disruption and to restore order to the District. But there is much we still do not know which is limiting our effectiveness in this regard. In some ways, the Syndicate War is--at least--normal business for us--but investigation is not Liu's forte. We know very little about the Distortion phenomena but we know that there is more cases occuring--not too many to keep it relatively under wraps, but enough that it's noticeable to those who are paying attention. We are not certain of the source. The prevailing wisdom is that the tower at the center of District 12 is responsible--simply due to timing--but I do not wish to rely too much on presumptions just because they are convenient." Xiao frowns when she hears about the 'Nest' (which she assumes Lilian means the new Backstreets area rather than the old one) having differnet problems. There's only two options she can think of being the source of that. She nods to Isadora who walks up to her and then gives a small nod to Lilian, reaching into her coat and withdrawing a red envelope. "The Streetlight Office received this invitation. It just appeared in their desk drawer out of the blue. They've already lost people and passed this invitation on to me, begging us to learn more." Isadora opens the envelope and reads from it. "Dear Guest: I formally invite you to the Library. The Library's books can provide you with all the wisdom, wealth, honor, and power you seek. However, an ordeal will await you in the Library. If you cannot overcome this ordeal, you will be converted into a book yourself." "-Angela." Isadora quickly puts the letter back in the envelope. "Some sort of transportation magic activates if one does not hurriedly return the letter to the envelope." Isadora says. "Right now the Hana Association has designated the Library as an Urban Legend." Xiao explains. "So we also intend to have the Zwei Association and its affiliats investigate the Library. Their chief purpose will be to determine if it is related to the Distortion phenomena among other responsibilities--though that is the chief one." Xiao seems immune to expressions of flattery and celebrity but she seems relieved that Don Quixote is willing to get processed though she does watch after lean in to Lilian and murmur a, "Are you certain about this?" regarding taking on Don Quixote--EITHER as a ref-yoo-gee or a Fixer frankly. She is reacting like she's never seen a Don Quixote type in her life and, frankly, she hasn't even amongst the plethora of loud people she's had to engage with over the years.
Blemishine	You seem like someone who is thirsting...for adventure! "Hooohhh...!? My good Lady Nonon, if I heard correctly...! You're a woman of the Lakes!? A swashbuckler whom conquers the roiling waves!?" That's quite an interpretation of 'pirate', yet in the moment of that eye-to-eye contact, an understanding seems to have been made. Perhaps a one-sided understanding. She doesn't even fight being hauled upwards, holding tight onto her stickered bag so as to not lose it. "Then you, too, know what it is to acknowledge the call of ADVENTURE! A kindred soul in this sea of esteemed Fixers, any of whom may cause me to faint and crack my noggin upon the ground at any moment...!" She not only goes up, but she even makes herself comfortable. Enough to also point forward, bright eyes practically sparking all over again. "Mark today as the beginning of the legend of DON QUIXOTE, she who will write the tale of not only two, but all five of these vile Fingers being brought to heel! Mwahahahahaha!!" They're completely on the same level. It's only when they're already halfway gone that her finger curls, her arm goes limp, and an utterly stricken look comes over her face. Tears begin forming in her eyes again as she looks back at the now-disappearing group. "Fie! W-Wait one second! In mine excitement, I hath unduly forgotten my autograaaaaaAAAAAPHS!!"
Timespace Riders	Sougo heads over to Woz and whispers something in his retainer's ear. Woz nods and provides Sougo with a notepad and pencil, procured seemingly from his scarf. His pencil pauses at 'bloody warfare' and he can't stop the frown from coming shortly after it. But after everything that happened during that week, after everyone who got hurt because of me, can I really hesitate now? Even if I try and opt out of that part, I'm still a part of this. I'd only be fooling myself. Until I'm strong enough to do it the way I want to, I have to help the way I can. Sougo sighs through his nose. The pencil resumes its urgent crawl across the paper. NOT AT ALL! "I see," says Woz with an annoyed grimace. "I count my blessings that your clothes are not so loud as your voice; otherwise I could not truthfully say even that." I shall even endure this 'ref-yoo-gee processing' if necessary! "Splendid," says Woz, for whom this is not splendid at all. "My heart leaps with joy at the prospect of sharing in your unbridled enthusiasm," he adds, with a flatness of tone that communicates quite clearly his lack of joy at this prospect. "Woz, be nice," says Sougo without looking up from his notebook. He maintains an unbothered exterior with some effort at the mention of the tower in District 12, much more naturally than he had with Lilian's mention of the upcoming fighting. He forces the pencil to keep moving as the invitation is read aloud, stopping only after Xiao finishes her explanation. "Have the Liu or Zwei Associations run into any Distortions so far?" he asks--but only after raising his hand. He has a feeling Xiao would appreciate a little order and decorum after Don Quixote's interruption.
Sarracenia	Sarracenia feels almost invisible here. Except for Director Xiao, no one has really acknowledged her (not that she has given much reason to). Lilian hasn't even sneered or made any snide comments. Sarra isn't sure if that is a step up or a step down. She has heard that when someone ignores you in such a way it means you are no longer a consideration at all, good or bad. And to top it off, this odd girl who is obsessed with Lilian and Trideag and fixers did not even glance Sarra's way. Odette offers medical help. Sarra sighs softly. What good are bombs and a hammer at times like this? Nonon is selected to take the girl the rest of the way. Sarra can't help a small smile at the way Nonon approaches the ref-yoo-gee. And to her surprise, Sarra finds herself wishing she had been selected. Not only would it be a Trideag duty that might mean she was no longer suspended, but...she would have been able to be helpful to someone who's life she might have made worse after the war in the Library. A whole scene plays in the princess's head of taking the girl to Trideag's headquarters, helping her get bathed and in a clean outfit, and helping her through the first steps of joining. The princess sighs in mild annoyance since she knows things surely would not play out that way even if she were somehow assigned such a task. "Say hello to Bisu for me!" she calls to Nonon as she carries away the overexuberant Don. "...Don Quixote? Why does that name sound familiar?" Sarra isn't learned enough to have read the book, but even she has head the name in reference. Speaking of names...when Isadora reads off the name 'Angela'...Sarra freezes with her eyes wide like a deer in the headlights. "A-ang...! Wh-wha-...! H-how...!" She stammers through several words before finally realizing she is stammering aloud and possibly making another Black Silence incident. She lets out a distressed 'eek' before quickly trying to cover herself with more 'stammering'. "...L-library? T-turned into...a book?! How would that even work?!" She maintains her deer-in-the-headlights look as best she can, then lets out a sigh to calm herself. "I...am not sure it is a good idea to have those of this city investigate. If this power to turn visitors into books is true, then perhaps a team of Outsiders would be more appropriate. We seem to be less susceptible to the powers of the strange creatures and anomalies of this world. I would be happy to help with such an investigation." she says, then glances sidelong at Lilian. "...once I am cleared for duty again. Surely it has been long enough, Director? I could be assisting in any number of ways with the situations in the City."
Odette Raskins	Lilian having a full strategy and action plan for how to handle the Thumb and Index situation does't surprise Odette. The medic does still grimace slightly at hearing what the strategy actually is, but no alternatives are forthcoming for her. The mention of 'clandenstine' assets has her raising an eyebrow in curiosity, too, and hearing about 'cooperative sympathizers' really has her wondering if Lilian had been in touch with Berislav all along. She doesn't dare ask this, of course, but she does loosen up again when it sounds like she won't be in trouble for wearng three hats during all of this. "Better to do something objectionable that'll be good for the City in the long run than nothing at all. Still, more of those 'widespread tactical engagements' means more wounded, so..." Being reminded that they're not in the safety of Trideag grounds, even if it's still allied, reminds Odette not to let her guard down or relax too much. "Do we have enough medical personnel between all our groups to handle that? I can handle a lot as long as I've got enough supplies, but we'll need plenty of hands if any one of those goes wrong." "That is why it is important to enter this situation in the strongest position possible." "Understood... Ugh. Yeah, that explains all this here. Trideag, Liu, Zwei, and the Dawn Office all working together should mean it'd be crazy to even think about coming after any of us. Still, I've got this... This bad feeling they might try and do what we're doing just to get back on proper footing against us. And if they bring more Fingers into this..." Odette rubs her head lightly, sounding troubled again. "Will we have enough time to build ourselves up if one more gets involved?" The stranger's energy proves to be infectious to Odette, and even the EMT finds herself starting to match her tone a little while checking over her vitals. "That's better than the alternative, then... Yes, please take a seat. No, no, you haven't died. This is still very real here." Laughing lightly, she reaches over to give the excitable lady a light pinch on the arm, like she's afraid of hurting her after going through so much just to get here. "Er. Maybe a bit of water could help, too. Mister Woz, could you bring over a cup for miss-" She doesn't actually know this girl's name, does she? Realizing that, Odette takes out a cheaper disinfectant to first spray a little on her hand and make sure it's not defective, then starts treating the woman's lighter wounds. "Might sting a bit there... What's your name, anyway? I mean, we'll probably still get it on the forms if-ehm. When you sign up, but still." Satisfied that the stranger isn't actually injured at this point, Odette offers her a small hand towel (that totally looks like something from a hotel) for wiping her face off. "Here. It's not much, but it might help with all hte sweating, at least."
Lilian Rook	'--Urk... even if I swear upon my name that no undue information will ever leave my lips... and 'tis also true I have yet to acquire a Fixer license of mine own... it seems the due motions must be gone through...' "Unfortunately, swearing on your name doesn't mean much if your name is unknown." says Lilian, offhandedly. "If you want to be taken on your honour, it's natural that first you'd have to accomplish some deeds." '...Other things?' "Things that only a mad dog can do." 'My priority is to minimize civilian casualty and long term disruption and to restore order to the District.' Lilian keeps talking so smoothly that it's easy to believe you'd only ever imagined that sudden, strange, skin prickling intensity. "Then our intentions are aligned. Trídéag is managing as much influx as we can, but in order to minimize collateral damage, we need the civilians both out of the way, and unlikely to opportunistically flock to the Syndicate power promising them wealth, order, and safety. Fundamentally, if we want to minimize casualties, what we need is to capture hearts and minds; far more than tactical concerns." 'The prevailing wisdom is that the tower at the center of District 12 is responsible--simply due to timing--but I do not wish to rely too much on presumptions just because they are convenient.' "Your caution is well-placed. I'm satisfied with your skepticism." Lilian says. "I haven't been able to confirm my information about the phenomenon either, but talented personnel are working as investigators on that very thing right now. But if it is related, my money is that the Distortion phenomenon isn't what they were trying for." '-Angela.' It's been a long time since Lilian has had to use her poker face so thoroughly. Allowing herself to react, to express, to be open, had taken her so much time and effort that she's almost loath to put it away. But the circumstance calls for the frosty affect of the old her, and so she wears only an expression of imperious distaste. 'So we also intend to have the Zwei Association and its affiliats investigate the Library.' "Don't." Lilian pauses as if for effect, but in reality, to wrestle back down the feeling that had started to claw its way out. "The warning I want to give you is about that place. And I'd appreciate that it not leave this gathering." she says. "The letters are bait. The Library is host to what you could call a considerably powerful paramilitary force. Far more than your subordinates can handle. The anomaly wants only one thing: to devour the people that will help it grow stronger. Whoever you send will be outnumbered, outgunned, and ruthlessly erased." "Consider that my personal evaluation. The power lurking there is something even I wouldn't take on casually." 'Are you certain about this?' Lilian shrugs. "Taming eccentric characters and forging them into valuable steel is part of my trade." she says. "Speaking of which, I'd like to borrow your resources for just that." Lilian gestures in the direction of Sarracenia. "I'm assigning Sundew as our party for the exchange. As a personal favour, please instill into her the knowledge of 'how Liu does things'."
Lilian Rook	'Still, I've got this... This bad feeling they might try and do what we're doing just to get back on proper footing against us. And if they bring more Fingers into this...' "There are no less than three more major factions I have at my disposal." says Lilian. The assertion is, of course, completely absurd, and yet she seems utterly confident in it. "Four, if I call in an important favour. A few months ago, our position wasn't so favourable, but now I fully intend to break the Syndicates on the stones, from all sides at once. As for the wounded--" She looks back to Xiao. "The Syndicate footsoldiers I intend to send your way will be specifically chosen, misinformed, and poorly prepared. Your forces will be warned ahead of time, and should be able to decimate them with minimal issue. Zwei's will be working with the militant assets of my cooperator; they only happen to have little to no experience 'holding territory', which is Zwei's specialty." "And so I ask you to think more highly than simply preserving order in the chaos. Perhaps it's because I only became a Fixer later, but . . ." Lilian says, closing her eyes. Her finger drips up to her scar before she opens them. "I want to obliterate evil."
Odette Raskins	"The Library is host to what you could call a considerably powerful paramilitary force." Although Odette's missing plenty of context about the Library, she knows just enough about that situation and the involvement of several people she knows that that the best thing for herself... No, for the Associations and Offices involved that she just pretend not to know or care about what's going on there. She's still looking in Lilian's and Xiao's general direction and even nodding slowly every now and then, but in that way people often do when they're zoning out a little about stuff they're not particularly aware of or interested in. "but now I fully intend to break the Syndicates on the stones, from all sides at once." "I want to obliterate evil." Everything Lilian says gives Odette the boost of confidence she was missing earlier along with an excited flutter in her chest. "Then we're really going to be getting on everyone's radar once this all gets started... But starting like this doesn't sound too bad. Building up momentum, giving people hope that things can... Are finally changing once they see that the Syndicates aren't as invincible as they've been for this long?" She's feeling pumped up again, and not just because of a second wind from chugging down that energy drink earlier. "This might even become an unstoppable wave spreading around if things go just right."
Angela	''I hath unduly forgotten my autograaaaAAAAAPHS!!'' "Aw I'm sure you'll get another shot!" Nonon says. "At least for some of them..." She adds in a lower voice, giving Sarracenia a thumbsup but is naturally trying to avoid dragging Don Quixote back into the conversation and meeting. "Worry not, in lieu of autographs, I shall tell you many a tale of my adventures on the high seas!!" There may be some kind of terrifying synergy between these two, Lilian may have found the perfect solution or unleashed a terrifying combo upon the world. Regardless, Woz can see out of the corner of his eye that Ceri is also grimacing the hell out and rubbing at her own forehead. Perhaps as fellow #2s of their respective groups, she has a similar temperment when it comes to suddenly present loud short blonde girls. Nevertheless, she can't even bring herself to flatly agree with Woz's own flat comments. She just takes in a deep breath and tries to put it out of mind. She can't believe this has happened. ''Have the Liu or Zwei Associations run into any Distortions so far?'' "Nothing near on the level of The Pianist, though anomolous entities are not new to any Fixer in the city. We have had an encounter with one Yesterday's Promise but the encounter ended unconclusively." Sougo is right, though, that Xiao seems a bit more at ease as matters return to business. The name 'Don Quixote' doesn't seem to ring any bells with her or anyone else though Sarracenia's panic at talk of the Library definitely draws more attention to her, particularly from Mei who gets a bit of a mischevious smile on her lips after--though Xiao is also looking at her, again. "...That will be up to your Director, of course." Xiao says. "Certainly the ability to turn someone into 'books' is unusual, but there are many unusual anomolies and singularities in this world--being told the rules in advance, for once, ... I suppose it does feel suspicious, but that is about as close to 'fair' as a Fixer can expect." Phillip's shoulders slouch further when Odette calls the Dawn Office as so reliable as she does. He doesn't seem to feel the same way about Phillip. ''Will we have enough time to build ourselves up if more get involved?'' "Unless this situation drags on for much longer than I hope, the other Fingers won't be getting involved. The Middle is still licking its wounds and the Pinky and Ring are presently in conflict with one another in other territories. They simply aren't in a position to get involved in this quagmire right now." But at least she's going to let Odette handle Don Quixote along with Nonon. ''Things that only a mad dog can do.'' Xiao's expression shifts to something more inscrutable. "...You are adapting well to the way Associations do things." She says quietly. Xiao seems like someone who would much prefer to wage war on the Syndicates straight on rather than do any of this backdealing for practicality's sake but she knows she can't complain either--that's the way things are done. And it's worked for The City so far. Even Associations keep their secrets and know when to bring out the bloodier tools. But she's mollified by Lilian agreeing with her chief goals. Xiao isn't just no-nonsense about her duty, but she is something of a rising star herself. She still believes she can make a better City so long as she has the dedication and the discipline.
Angela	"It is difficult to imagine why anyone would 'want'' a Distortion phenomena. It doesn't exactly seem like a controlled phenomena, but this wouldn't be the first time that a Wing played with fire and got burned. Even with the taboos of The Head, and even with the power they've accumulated, Wings have a tendency to reach beyond their limits. I suppose seeking to soar into dangerous skies is why they are called Wings. ... Still, regardless of the truth of the matter, there is much that happened at L Corp that has to be uncovered." ''Don't.'' Isadora's mouth hangs open in shock, Mei is visibly surprised, Ceri is anxious but closes her eyes and steadies her breathing to make it less obvious, and Xiao ... is concerned. ''The letters are bait. THe Library is host to what you could call a considerably powerful paramilitary force. Far more than your subordinates can handle. The anomaly wants only one thing: to deovur the people that will help it grow stronger.'' "...As a Director of a major association, that stings my pride." Xiao says. "...But reports did show you leaving the facility, heavily wounded. And considering who you have been shown able to fight on par with, I can't argue with your analysis." Xiao exhales out a sigh. "...But it won't be up to me forever, Lilian. I can stall for now but at a certain point, The Hana Association--no The Head itself will want answers. And if the Liu is asked to go, we are duty bound to in more ways than one. And that goes double for the Zwei." She sighs. "But I appreciate the warning. I will hold off on sending an expeditionary force and keep to learning what we can on the fringes for as long as we can while tending to our other duties." ''I want to obliterate evil.'' Xiao stares at Lilian. She is not one who has ever been told before in her life that she doesn't have ''enough'' ambition. "Perhaps that young fan of yours... and yourself... do have a bit in common after all. If you can forge her into a proper Fixer ... Well, I will look forward to seeing what becomes of her." ''I'm assigning Sundew as our party for the exchange.'' Xiao doesn't have any problems with Sundew, actually. She certainly wouldn't say she's Liu material but as emotional as she was, she did help show her something she hadn't seen before. And even Iron can appreciate that. Xiao steps through her soldiers and approaches Sarracenia. She walks around her, studying her the way one might a dress or a sword--maybe both. And then she says, "Very well. We will endeavour to do just that. Sarracenia, as of this moment, you are working with the Liu Association. We will teach you what it means to be Liu. I warn you, I do not intend to go easier on you simply because you were sent by Director Lilian. If anything, I intend to be harder on you than any of my subordinates but when I am through I will see you as steel or scrap." She whistles. "Chun. Miris. Get her to a fitting station." The next thing Sarracenia knows she's being escorted off property by two Liu Association lieutenants.
Sarracenia	Sarra tries really hard not to sweat when the Liu look toward her after her stammering, though Mei's mischievous smile makes Sarra nervous. 'I'm assigning Sundew as our party for the exchange.' Sarra blinks in surprise and looks toward Lilian. "Me?" she says, then looks to Xiao as she approaches. The princess recoils ever so slightly at being appraised like that, but only for a moment before she hmphs and stands tall and proper with her nose turned up ever so slightly. She knows her appraisal value is high, even if others don't think so. She also eyes Lilian at the implication that she is not yet valuable steel. "Obliterating evil is also one of my goals. I intend to become a shining star of hope." But, when Xiao starts speaking again Sarra turns her attention back to the Liu Director. "I would not ask nor expect you to go easy on me, Director Xiao. And if it will help me become even stronger steel then I welcome it." she says, her eye flicking to Lilian again. 'Chun. Miris. Get her to a fitting station.' Sarra blinks. "Fitting? Oh! Do I get a new wardrobe?" she asks, a bit of excitement creeping into her voice before she is escorted (carried?) away. "This does mean I am no longer suspended, yes?" she calls as she is dragged off.