Hanz Zhorne's Story

A woman in a fitted white jumpsuit and dark military boots padded softly and quickly through the wide halls of the Levine stronghold. Her soft, short, blue hair swayed synchronously with the movement of her body as she walked, ineffectively held back by two white clips. The shift was just changing, and various people strode purposefully in various directions. The figure acknowledged those she passed, but did not stop. She merely continued striding purposefully toward her destination.

During her walk, Operator unit 033 thought on several things. First and foremost on her mind was her meeting with her Contractor in the Hangar. She hoped that she had gathered all necessary information and would be up to his expectations. Another cause for concern was an odd sensation in her abdomen that comprised of tightness as well as a strange fluttering. Bookworm hoped she had not consumed anything that would be detrimental to her health. It seemed peculiar that the sensation got worse as her mind focused on the topic of the imminent meeting; however,she did not have enough data to positively conclude anything.

Second on her mind was a topic more in her range of expertise. To be specific, weaponry. The part of her mind that was not focused on the forthcoming meeting was pondering the addition of a new type of laser weapon to the Mogura. There were several important factors to decide upon in this matter. Firstly, the modification of said weapon to better suit the combat specialties of Mogura. Secondly, adapting Mogura's hull to place the weapon in an effective position, and thirdly, wiring the new weapon for use at the earliest time possible. She realized that would be something that could be discussed with her Contractor. She frowned as her stomach gave another unusual flutter and quickly pushed the feeling away.

Bw quickly arrived at the hangar. She was satisfied to see that she had arrived first. It was expected since she was more than half an hour early for the meeting, but satisfying nonetheless. She strode over to Mogura, her long legs covering the space briskly. She looked over the large machine, taking a clean rag to any spot she deemed dingy and tightening any exposed screw that had any unnecessary give. Her mind was so focused on the task at hand that she was nearly not alerted by the sound of approaching footsteps. She immediately replaced the tools she had been employing and stood at attention, but she could not keep her eyes from wandering to look as the man came into view. As soon as his gaze was on her, her eyes snapped back to attention and she properly saluted, though she was a bit hurried and rigid.

=A man in a dark olive drab jump suit, with the Levine's military insignia pinned upon it, walks into view. It is noticeable both by his older appearance that this large man has been in the service a while, still though he is brand new to the role of contractor and decided to come in early to get a fuller understanding of at the very least his Titan. In his hand he holds a clip board that contains all the general data on the Mogura and even more general information on his operator. His eyes studying the data while he walks into the hanger.
He hears the sharp scuffing of feet as he sees this woman in a jumpsuit of her own snap to attention and salute him.
As he stands there puzzled at the woman's presence she can see the name tag on his suit with bold letters reading the name Zhorne, as the man before her was Hanz Zhorne, a man who though still very young in his late 20s is considered one of the oldest soldiers to come out of infantry, mostly due to him surviving a position in the military where life expectancy is traumatically low. Wondering why this woman is saluting, he looks behind him once to the left and once to the right, to see if any commanding officer was behind him to ensure she was not saluting him. Seeing as they were the only two in the vicinity he concludes she must be saluting him.
He walks towards glancing from her to the clipboard before breaking the silence.

Go ahead and drop the hand, I dont do all that saluting crap.

=He examines her from head to toe, as this was the first time he ever seen an operator before. He notices a set of numbers on her jumpsuit that read 033. He looks back down on his clipboard and confirms that this was the number of the operator assigned to him=

You are 033 assigned to the Mogul, correct? Is that what I am to call you or do you go by any other alias'?

=He ask deciding to get right down to business, and learn about his partner, secretly not at all thrilled to be teamed up with a partner for a reason recessing back within his soul=

(again sorry fro the delay)

In the time that she was able to observe him, she noted his appearance. He was a tall man with blond hair and blue-gray eyes in a dark olive flight suit. He seemed a bit older than she appeared, perhaps in his early thirties. From the name on the suit, Bw reasoned that this was her contractor, Hanz Zhorne. Her eyes now facing forward she waited patiently. At his command to drop her hand, 033 became slightly confused by his use of the word 'crap.' She knew that 'crap' was a word normal humans used for feces or to express confusion or pain, but to her knowledge, none of those definitions fit this situation. All she could reason was that her saluting had somehow offended him. "I apologize, Sir. I did not mean to offend," she said clearly, but softly as her hand dropped to her side.

This meeting was already going worse than expected. She had managed to disappoint her new Contractor without saying a word. She continued to stand at attention as he examined her, though she was experiencing the odd sensations once again. The tightness in her abdomen was now accompanied by a tightness in her throat and a burning at the back of her eyes. She quickly pushed these away and was relived when the strange symptoms lessened.

"The Mogura, Sir," she said, hoping she would not be offensive in correcting him. "You may refer to me as you wish. I have also been identified by the alias "Bookworm."

=Hanz looked at his operator a moment taken back at her apology= Offend? You didn't offend me, I'm just one who doesnt care for formalities like all these other yahoos. Anyway it is good to meet you Bookworm =Hanz says as he extends a hand, not openly saying it but thinking in his head "This one is a bit sensitive."

So why the name?

=he ask her in an attempt to make small talk and not present to the woman a needlessly hostile first impression. He hears the footsteps of two individuals on the way and spotted a comrade of his Cyrus along with a new person in unifrom, a girl with blond hair in uniform, no doubt his own operator.=

Bw was somewhat confused by her Contractor's various expressions. He expressed that he was not offended, but merely didn't care for the saluting. The way he used the term "yahoos" was also not something that she was not familiar with. She began to wonder if it would be wise to read a book on common expressions to make their conversations easier, especially if he usually spoke this way. It was unusual for her to have this much difficulty in a conversation, but perhaps it was because she was used to talking to scientists.

As he offered his hand, she took it firmly and gave three precise shakes while maintaining eye contact. As she dropped his hand, she was pleased that she was familiar with this at least. She thought back to her first awkward attempt at this common gesture. Thankfully, she quickly learned the proper way to shake hands. Hopefully she hadn't been too much of a disappointment to her Contractor. Though they had just met, she had the undesirable feeling of being unprepared.

To his question she replied,"I received the alias 'Bookworm' when the scientist and researchers at my former occupation noticed my preference for reading rather than downloading information when possible and the frequency that I partook in this occupation." After a moment's pause, she added, "What would you prefer I call you, Sir?' she said hesitantly. Just then, she noticed two others enter the hangar, a red-haired male and a blonde female. It was highly probable that they were the other Contractor and Operator. She looked to her own Contractor and followed his lead, hoping not to blunder again.

Cyrus and Cannon's footsteps echoed through the cold hangar area of the Levine stronghold. It was early so only a few pilots and engineers were seen here and there tending to their normal duties. To his right, Cyrus spotted his own titan, the Fidelis undergoing a light maintenance probably before the training exercise. The tall, red and white, titan stood there proudly bearing the crest of the Levine family. Even though Cyrus hadn't gone into battle with it that often, he could already feel an attachment to the large machine that had become his tool for protecting the ones he loved. Just like Canon, the Fidelis was also a "partner" that fought beside him.

Cyrus was about to make his way over to the titan but someone caught his eye. Just ahead of them was a strikingly familiar older looking man. Dressed in an olive drab jumpsuit, the man who was none other than Cyrus' comrade Hanz Zhorne, was standing next to a blue haired woman who was probably his own operator. Cyrus stared in surprise and pointed to the two. "Are they the pilots of the 'Mogura'?", he asked Canon with a wide grin on his face. "I know him!"

Cyrus approached the tall man and held his hand out to greet him. "Hanz! Long time no see! What are you doing here?"

=After Bookworm and Hanz performed a rather quick textbook handshake his head would turn toward the sound of his own name being called. Hanz would then show a side of himself no one else seldomly ever gets to see, one of open hospitality towards someone else as anyone who isnt in his close knit circle is normally closed off from such mannerism. No doubt Cyrus must have gone back some with Hanz during the war as Hanz confronted him also with a smile.=

Holy sack of dog shit, Dont tell me they are letting just anybody pilot these things. How the heck are ya, you pink haired mongrol?

=he says friendily giving him a hard time while shaking his hand, and giving him a shoulder bump followed by a pat on the back=

Just trying to get back on the front lines to pay off some old debts brother, how about you, I'd figure you would be out chasing skirts now,

=Though she was not yet regarded as being within his close circle of friends to where he would display the same mannerisms as Cyrus, Hanz was not above being polite enough to introduce associates. He holds his hand in Bookworms direction for her introduction=

My opperator, 033 Bookworm.

(Hey, guys, made another anime-ish RP recently. If anyone's interested in a high-powered modern fantasy/goofy parody comedy type thread, check out "Colour in My Closet." You can find the link on my profile.)

"Oh? I see," Canon said stoically, watching as her Operator hailed the other pilots, taking the time to regain her composure and breathe a slight sigh of relief. Cyrus hadn't noticed her fearful reaction, which was certainly good. She didn't want to insult him. No, that was most certainly one of the very last things on her list of things to do. Even she was slightly surprised at how important it seemed, however, for the feeling of calm that burst forth inside her at the knowledge her mistake hadn't been noticed was like a flood bursting forth from a dam, driving her consternation before it like chaff on the winds of a gale.

The young Operator raised an eyebrow at the other pilot's rather vulgar greeting. Considering Cyrus was his commanding officer, the amount of profanity in his response was such a breach of formality that it stunned Canon. How could Cyrus be so overjoyed to see this man that he himself would break decorum, when the man returned his cry of recognition with such a string of insulting curses?

"Are you on particularly good terms with this man, sir?" Canon asked under her breath, the slightest hint of what might have been the indignant fire of anger glinting in her eyes, although she kept her rage to a simmering calm, tranquil boil beneath the cool, cold mask she wore. Her gaze darted back and forth, glancing between the still-smiling face of her commander and partner to the cocky, arrogant smirk of the man who had just insulted him. That man... Who did he think he was? She wouldn't tolerate any offenses against her partner's authority, and if this man continued, Canon knew - to her great surprise - that she might just get angry for real. It was a feeling she had almost never felt before, only a vague recollection from the days before she had learned her place. But it was unmistakable. From the very instant this "Hanz" began to speak so condescendingly to Cyrus, she had felt that same sensation once again. Even if Operators had no place in feeling, this urge to protect both her commander and his reputation was one emotion she would not repudiate.

As the two approached, the red-haired male greeted her Contractor. Perhaps they had met each other before? However, from the man's words, Bw inferred that they had not first met here, but at some other time in the past. She immediately began to wonder when that was, how long they had known each other, what the nature and depth of their relationship was, and so on. Before she could complete her musings, however, her train of thought was interupted by Contractor Zhorne spewing obscenities. Her gaze snapped from the approaching pair to his face. He didn't appear to be angry, belying the nature of his words. He continued his odd greeting with the most unusual hand shake Bw had ever seen. Perhaps this relationship was more complicated than she could have anticipated.

She looked to the other Operator to gauge her thoughts on the unusual greeting, but was met with a flash of what could only be anger that was quickly covered by a mask of calm. As Zhorne called him brother, Bw wondered if the man really was or if it was just another expression. These two men look nothing like each other, Bw thought, becoming more baffled. By the reference to chasing skirts, she was completely lost. Were they speaking in some kind of code?

She looked back at the other operator and wondered again about the flash of what she had thought was anger. Were the things her Contractor said offensive? Why could she make no sense out of this? By the time her contractor introduced her, she was completely bewildered. Should she give a hand shake like he had, or was that some sort of special greeting between the two? She offered her hand, ready to do either the special handshake or a normal one, depending on how the red-haired Contractor reacted.

Cyrus could sense the hostility in Canon's voice. Oh great, did she think that Hanz insulted him? The female contractor probably took the friendly greeting as a negative comment. "Yes, Canon. I've known this guy for a long time. Don't worry about him, we're just joking." Cyrus turned his attention back to Hanz. Gesturing to the girl beside him Hanz introduced her. "My operator, 033 Bookworm." The operator looked a bit surprised when her name was mentioned. Offering her hand, probably in greeting, she seemed a bit confused as what to do. Cyrus grinned and shook her hand in return. "Cyrus Levine. Pleased to meet you. I'm not sure if your acquainted with my partner yet."

Cyrus motioned his hand towards Canon. "This is Canon, my operator."

"A joke...?" Canon asked, now sounding more confused than indignant. The fire in her eyes seemed to simmer down somewhat, and she glanced down at the floor for a moment, as though in contemplation. A few moments later she glanced back up, her expression one of puzzled bemusement.

"The recognized definition for the word 'joke' is 'Something said or done to provoke laughter or cause amusement, such as a witticism, a short and amusing anecdote, or a prankish act.' Analysis of the statement this 'Hanz' used as a salutation indicates it to be a veiled insult. As far as I am aware, such a sarcastic remark is neither humorous nor in line with standards of decorum," Canon said stoically. Looking this situation over, she just didn't understand. She knew her commander not to be a fool who would simply pass over such a derogatory remark, and yet he seemed to be paying it no mind. That could only mean that he understood it, but didn't care...? Or was there some other possibility she had missed? Why would Cyrus choose to ignore such an insult from his subordinate? She didn't understand how this conversation could be a joke, as it was not in line with the main definition for that were she had been given. But, she supposed, she had no choice but to simply trust in her esteemed commander's wisdom.

"I apologize," She said quickly. "I did not mean to speak out of turn. If that is what you say, sir, then it is not my place to question either of you." Turning to Hanz, she straightened into an attentive stance, saluted, and spoke with a reluctance she did not let show in her voice or face. "Sir! Operator unit 017, formerly known by the appellation of 'Doll,' now designated by order of Squadron Leader Cyrus as 'Canon,' at your service. Reporting!"

Even if this was all supposed to be just some kind of bizarre joke, Canon still didn't like this man. However, it wasn't in her nature to let this dislike show, or influence her actions. She would continue to serve as befitted her rank, station, and nature. That was the only path she had been given to follow.

=Hanz attention shifted over to Unit 013 as she snaps to attention saluting him and stating very formerly her identification. Hanz looks over to Cyrus a moment rather put off by these operators and their wound tight nature=

Whats with the military coming to these days?

=he says a bit bothered about all the formalities and salutes. He lets a sigh escape his lips and looks over to Operator 013=

I suppose it can not be helped

=He says as if all these salutes are becoming a chore to him. He lowers his salute to her as quickly as he puts it up then turns to Cyrus and gets him into a head lock. While in the headlock he rubs his knuckles against Cyrus scalp like old times and mumbles in his ears=

I'm counting on you to train these girls on how Ol' Alpha Company worked.

=With that he lets Cyrus go and then speaks again=

Well, your highness, team Mogura is all set to get things started, you guys?

"Whats with the military coming to these days?" Cyrus chuckled at Hanz's question. What WAS the military coming to these days? Technically the "new" military was the many titan squadrons that him and the others were involved with. The normal military stood no chance against even one titan alone and to think what a whole squadron could do. So to counter the threat of being attacked by a titan squadron, countless countries and political factions created their own and that was what lead to this new tension between all of them.

Cyrus' thoughts were interrupted by Hanz, once again as he was put in a playful headlock. With a fistful of knuckle being bored into his head, Cyrus began to laugh in between efforts to tell Hanz to stop. Just like old times, huh? His friend eventually let him go and Cyrus rubbed his head trying to groom down his now messy hair. "Geez, man. If you would have done that during a briefing, I would've had your head!" Hanz spoke up and Cyrus instantly knew that tone of voice he used. It was time to go.

"Well, your highness, team Mogura is all set to get things started, you guys?" Cyrus nodded and turned his head to Canon. "Well, that's all up to her. We ready, Canon?"

Canon nodded, still rather uneasily. This all seemed too strange, too incomprehensible. No matter which angle she pondered it from, she simply could not understand the enigma of Human behavior. Even with all of her meticulous research and knowledge, she could not discern the intent behind either man's actions. It was a matter beyond both her area of expertise, and her comprehension. So, resigned to the fact that she would not be able to grasp this distinctly abnormal situation from a Human perspective, she simply trusted Cyrus that this was all somehow a "joke," even if he had dodged her question of how exactly it was supposed to be considered one.

"The MBU-01, designation Fidelis, has been fully equipped for the training exercise, according to the recommended supply loadouts required by the calculations done by myself and the combat forecast system. Both myself, and this unit, are fully prepared to depart as soon as you command it, sir," She said stiffly, her ever-rigid posture not faltering for an instant as she spoke. No matter how many times one saw her, it still seemed unnatural that such a young girl act with such a precise demeanor. As though she was a doll... yes, she had earned that nickname well, for at that moment, she was just a military marionette, serving her duty and dancing as her strings were pulled.

Good, lets get this show on the road then, I rather our titans do the talking. =Zhorne said as he turned around motioning with his hand for Bookworm to follow as he walks towards the Mogura. He glances at the goliath piece of weaponry a bit amazed at its impressive presance in the hanger. No doubt about it these new instruments of war would be game changers, for better or for worst is still undecided however one thing is for sure, Hanz, Cyrus, 013, and 017 were about experience something revolutionary in history.

Cyrus nodded and turned towards the Fidelis. "Let's get going then. See you on the battlefield, Hanz." Now making his way to the Titan, Cyrus felt the excitement from this morning build up inside him. It was the all too familiar feeling every time he was about to go on a mission. He was ready. According to Canon, the Fidelis was all gunned up and ready to go. But before he entered the massive titan, Cyrus gave a friendly smile to Canon, who was already getting things ready for launch. "Let's do our best, okay? Its been awhile since we've been in this thing together, huh?"

Bw watched a moment as 'Cannon' and Contractor Levine turned and made their way to the Fidelis. She looked back as Zhorne motioned for her to follow and quickly found herself scurrying along after him. If this was an indication of what his his normal behavior around her would be, she would have a more manageable time figuring out how to react. With her long legs and fast stride, she quickly overtook him despite the small distance. Already, she began communicating with the computer systems of Mogura, readying it for boarding.

Soon, she stood next to the imposing machine. Its height and bulk made her seem minuscule in comparison. Mogura was immense, even for a Titan unit. Every aspect of both its hull and inner workings were as sturdily reinforced as they could be while keeping it as light as possible. Without some speed and agility, the Mogura would be at a definite disadvantage against other Titan units, even with all of its weapons and firepower. "Power at 11%... 46%... 78%..." Bw mumbled in a nearly inaudible tone. "Boarding system, activate. Lifting system on." As the machine began powering up, the chest opened like wings. Various lighting streamed out of the opening as well as noise. Small clicks, beeps, and tones reached Bw's ears and she gave a smile sigh of relief at the familiar noises. "All systems operational," she said, directing the comment to her Contractor.

She grabbed the handhold on the right cable, making sure of her grip while waiting for Zhorne to join her. When he was ready, the lift activated, carrying them gently to the open compartment. When the lift stopped, Bw clambered to the back, her long limbs conspiring to tangle in various openings. She noted the increasing ache in her joints, something that was usually minor enough to ignore entirely. Arriving at her seat, she sat down with another sigh, one of comfort and familiarity. Though common human conversation and 'joking' was not her forte, this certainly was.

When both Contractor and Operator were seated, the flaps of the chest eased shut with a small hiss of air. A flexible, yet strong metal framework closed around each of them, connecting them to Mogura's systems, and thus, to each other. "All systems functioning normally, ready for your command, sir," she said through the communications system, her voice calm and clear.

=Upon reaching the Mogura's cockpit via the lift cable, things became all business for BW and him. All business aside from one last gesture; for when Hanz is about to get into the cockpit he pats Bookworms shoulder as a gesture of reassurance that she will do well, and that the two of them are in good hands. Once Hanz sat down he quickly looked over all the instruments in his cockpit to insure everything was functioning, it was almost muscle memory for him. After he had gone over all his manual emergency controls he reached for his helmet and looked it over a moment to insure everything was intact; he certainly wasnt going to put on a faulty piece of equipment if it was going to tap into his brain. When he notices that there is nothing wrong with the helmet he then puts it on.
A sensational shock shoots through him, merging with the synapses of his brain. Flashes of pages of books go across his mind, no doubt from his operator's thought processes. The visions of books, and manuals, and pamphlets soon diminish as Hanz vision becomes clear again, however this time not from his perspective but the perspective of the Mogura. Hanz discovered this by desiring to look at his hands and move his fingers only to see the dark Goliath claws of the Mogura instead.

Cerebral synchronization for the Mogura is complete.

=Hanz reports in, soon hearing Canons voice via com link=


"Now hailing Mogura. Mogura, do you copy?" Canon activated the communications systems, signaling the other unit. "I am preparing to establish a data link. Please activate your transponder systems."

=Hanz replies back=

Fidelis, this is Mogura, we read you loud and clear, acknowledging your request to establish a data link, activating transponder system now.

=and with that a data link has been established=

Bw gave a wince as the synchronization system entered the final stages, physically connecting her to the computer systems. As it raised fully to its final position, Bw's eye began noticeably glowing with electric blue flashes that increased both in intensity and frequency until one could not discern individual flashes. This feeling of being fully connected to the Mogura gave Bw a slight thrill. It was a feeling of fulfilling her purpose, and she was ready to give her all for that purpose. Substantial amounts of information filled her mind and she easily, even happily, processed it.

In moments, all necessary systems were brought to full power, others put on standby as she prepared for the synchronization of the pilot into the system. She silently made another check of the systems, thinking back to her training and the information she had read to make sure she had missed nothing. When Contractor Zhorne synchronized with the computer, Bw gave a small jump. It was strange, being directly connected with another consciousness, their thoughts now yours. Though this hadn't been her first time making this link, it was her first time synchronizing with Zhorne. The feeling was oddly different, though with many similarities. There was something very guarded about this man, and Bw was intrigued by it.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the Operator of Fidelis, Canon. Zhorne's words felt like they were coming from her, as she heard them almost before he said them. She immediately began activating the transponder systems, and a few seconds later, they were at full power and the data link was established. She communicated with the tower, acquiring permission to launch, and connected to Mobius Ward, the strategy system, which she had consulted earlier this morning for information about this mission.

"We are prepared to commence launch, sir," she intoned, a certain eagerness in her voice.

"Roger, sir. Please move to the center of the hangar while I establish a data link with the Mogura. I am also sending a message to the control tower requesting permission to launch,"

"Got it. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"

Cyrus took his first step and the metal machine moved away from it's docking bay. Taking one step after another, Cyrus was fluid with his movements as if they were his own, already piloting the Fidelis numerous times before, he was well past being "used" to it. It was no longer Cyrus, the Fidelis and Canon. The three were now one conscious metallic being that moved, thought and acted as one. Cyrus made his way to the center of the hangar as Canon had instructed and let his massive arms rest at his side as he looked around for the Mogura.

"I have a response from control, sir. Permission has been granted for takeoff at your request. The bay doors will open presently, and we are currently being linked to the base's strategic systems."

A small icon to the top right hand corner of his vision appeared, signaling the successful connection to the Mobius Ward. Cyrus consciously noticed it and as if in response to his mental recognition the icon blinked once and faded out of his view. A loud hiss and the sound of metal striking against metal was heard and before Cyrus, the massive metal doors of the hangar began to open. Guiding lights to assist with takeoff blinked down the whole length of the "runway" leading to the gaping doors, beckoning Cyrus. It was almost time to go. The Mogura seemed to have everything in order and they sat patiently waiting for their turn to take off.

"This is Cyrus Levine: pilot of the Mobile Bombardment Unit 01, designation 'Fidelis', initiating launch procedure." Cyrus lowered his body and put his right foot forward while crossing his metal arms in front of him and tucking his upper body towards the ground, bracing for takeoff. "Canon, how are the engine thruster units?"