OOC: Alright! Continuing on from there...Let me warn that this all came from an aim conversation Zach and I had so I apologize for any grammatical errors, such as errors in tense. Just deal with it for now, cause it's a lot!
IC:
Kiyoshi held out his hand to Zach.
Your Gundam is an impressive mobile suit.
Zach takes Kiyoshi's hand and shakes grudgingly.
Zach: Thank you, she's more than an asset to The Defenders.
Kiyoshi lets go of Zach's hand then steps back.
As Ess has said, I have come with a proposition.
Zach glances at Ess again, the merest hint of a frown on his face, an expression of defiant indifference on hers.
I would like to propose an allegiance between the Defenders and the L3 Defense Force. You should know about how dangerous it is becoming both on earth and in space.
Zach - You're right, but The Defenders should be able to prevent the worst of it.
With one Gundam? You are too optomistic.
Zach refuses to let himself show his anger.
Zach - You should know that there are more ways to fight than with MS. Remember; you're the one who had to deal with a busted ISS.
The pilot you faced before will be coming here to kill you and destroy this ship. He has something up his sleeve, you won't be able to win this time.
Kiyoshi focused his eyes on Zach's trying to make his point clear.
Zach stares back, green intensity betraying his calm demeanor.
Zach - Well, I've been working with Epiphany, and we've improved. If this guy comes along trying to kill us, I'm not going to stop and go for nonlethal tactics.
Ess - Zach, you know that we do not kill people.
Zach - We try not to.
You don't have the experience to stop him. He killed a former member of }{G on MO-V during it's take over. This member of }{G I knew personally, and he was not an easy kill.
Ess - Zach, we're going to need help, and we don't have the supplies to keep Epiphany in repair through too many battles. We need to avoid fighting if we can. You have improved, but it's only a step up from the ground floor. I've watched records of expert pilots and to be frank, you're a better medic than a pilot.
Zach lets out a calming sigh, trying to ignore the feeling that he's being ganged up on.
Zach - If I need practice, then I guess I'll take Epiphany out for some training. You two can work things out and get to know each other a little better. Have fun, Ess, I'll see you later.
Kiyoshi steps back and shakes his head.
I'm sorry. I do not wish to seem threatening or forcing you into an allegiance with me. I've just seen too many lives wasted...
Ess sighs.
Ess - I'm sorry about Zach, he's just been on edge lately.
I understand. There is no need to apologize. I understand him more than he might realize.
Ess - Well, kudos to you, because I know I don't.
Kiyoshi smiles slightly.
Pilots tend to understand each other better.
Ess sends Kiyoshi a "that's so corny" look.
Ess - Right, well, he's a nice guy when he doesn't feel threatened. He thinks you're here to take his place as primary pilot. He's been overshadowed by them his whole life.
I wouldn't want to do that. If Kaden does arrive, however, Mr. Rendar should not be the one that pilots Epiphany.
Ess - Yes... but Epiphany is tailored to Zach. The two of us have a pilot/mechanic bond to it. It feels like we were... er... nah, that's silly. I was going to say that we were meant to be Epiphany's team. But, Epiphany is just a machine, like any other.
I've studied it well in simulations. It is, as I said, impressive. I will not try and force myself to be the pilot of it, but, if the need arises, I will help protect this ship. Even if you decide not to join with me.
Ess - If worst comes to worst, we can support Epiphany in the Enkido. I would, though ask if you'd like to join us in a strike against an Asian weapons facility that's being constructed right now.
I do not know how much I could help myself. I do not have a mobile suit of my own, but the three pilots I mentioned could be helpful.
Ess - Very well, we'll work together then. I'm not sure if Zach'll be too happy with that, but I don't think- well... I hope he doesn't leave because of it.
I do not want to cause any internal problems within your group. Losing Zach would mean you would lose the Gundam, with out that, the Defenders are more in danger than they are now.
Ess - Zach won't leave us... I just have a feeling about it. We'll be glad to set up an alliance with your men, if it'll save us the grief of a battle.
I will need to return to L3. I would like to ask if my men as well as two women could remain on board the gilgamesh.
Ess - Of course, of course. Some fresh faces will be welcome aboard.
I will not be returning to the Gilgamesh right away. I will have to return to my place within the }{G and monitor Kaden. He may become our next ally.
Ess - Alright then, I'll be sure to inform everyone about the changes about to go on. Just please keep your visit to us on the down-low around Kaden. I know how some pilots can get when their MS are destroyed.
That's not why he wants to kill all of you. The Leo was practically nothing to him.
Ess - Then... why?
Zach attacked the Colonies and the Pegasus, the battleship that entered the battle. The Pegasus has been the home to many pilots throughout the years.
Ess - The Pegasus? Was that the battleship? We thought you called that in as reinforcements!
It holds a very treasured place in our hearts.
Ess - Oh... I see...
No, the Pegasus appeared randomly. I was not expecting reinforcements, nor did I call for any. I hope to make Kaden realize that Zach was only trying to escape by distracting him long enough to get away. At least, that is what I am guessing he attempted to do.
Ess - I hope you're successful in doing so. The last thing Zach needs is enemies. Especially when he does so poorly among friends...
Sometimes it is better to not have friends. It hurts less when they die.
Ess - . . . He was a medic on the side of White Fang, do you think that's why? He saw people dying in person during those battles, not exploding MS...
He probably saw it more often than I did. The reason I am the way I am today, is because of all the lives I've seen lost. Many at my own hands.
Ess watches as Epiphany flies by past the windows outside.
Ess - Do you think he'll ever get better about this?
Kiyoshi sighed as he walked closer to one of the windows and looked out it.
I hope so. If not he'll end up like me. Cold and alone.
Both stare out the window for a while, watching Epiphany improve it's maneuvers slowly.
Ess - He doesn't deserve that.
Very few do.
Kiyoshi continues to watch the Epiphany.
Hopefully, by the time I return to this ship, I may have a mobile suit comparable to his.
Ess - He could use the help. Feel free to come back anytime. I'll try to make Zach behave next time.
Heh, who knows. Maybe one day in the future we'll call each other friends.
Ess grins at Kiyoshi.
Ess - In the future of an alternate universe where people throw ducks at balloons and nothing is as it seems.
Kiyoshi smiled then turned to Ess and bowed slightly.
Take care, my crew will arrive whenever they leave off of L3.
Ess - See you later then.
Ess returns the light bow.
Kiyoshi then made his way back to his shuttle, he looked back for a moment and thought "Objective Two...Complete.". Then, Kiyoshi made his way on board. His shuttle had been refueled by this time and so Kiyoshi left off for L3.
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