"Masks and disguises are the easy part. Some you build yourself, others are crafted for you. My old face is around here somewhere, though. These might even make it easier to find." The script is hard to decipher. Cynical sort that Jess is, she still can't bring herself to care if the Infernal is trying to bamboozle her into taking some sort of mind control venom. Her options had been a lot more limited an hour ago, and even if she was to be manipulated, that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Being controlled meant being useful.

"Alright. It's a plan. Also, am I being discharged?"

"Your oldest face is still on you, otherwise I wouldn't have visited.  And no, you're not discharged.  I don't have that kind of authority!  What kind of place would this be if the patients could discharge each other?"

"Probably the sort of place they can write prescriptions, but point taken." She does her best to play it cool at the mention that the Infernal was also a patient. Come to think of it, they might also be looking into her deafness not healing post-Exaltation. She herself had gone in enough times to let them poke and prod at her own similar malady.

"Well, I'm not a doctor of Sanctuary, so they can't keep me from doing that."  She laughs like the tinkling of broken bells, "Rest well, Jess."

Nidhi leaves.

Jess is alone.

Once more in isolation, Jess tries to empty her head of thoughts, but once more, her mind stubbornly begins to race. If her fans hadn't torn the ship apart seeking to find her here, they could certainly survive alone without causing too much trouble. The only question was where to start. That, and how long she would be staying here. Things were simple in Sanctuary, but it would need to end. The outside world would call, and it would once more be her job to ride into the stars and burn her enemies to more permanent death with obnoxious laser lights. Maybe it was time to do away with that, abandon her gimmick and just be another fighter pilot... mmh, no, these were thoughts she could have later, once she tried this so-called treatment plan.

She's been given a pad to pass the time, and since her talk with the Infernal it's been blinking away with a a few notifications.

One of those is a message from Journeys.  Speak of the devil, he had a potential mission 'no rush, if you're feeling up for it', but Sanctuary would certainly pitch a fit.

There's also an email from Kyle Weston, the Last Refuge's pilot and a propaganda hobbyist.  He's apparently putting together a documentary in his spare time.

Last on her list is an email from Brahe, requesting a meeting at her earliest convenience.

A good number of options here, all with their pros and cons. Brahe of all people wanted to speak with her. Probably about the same thing Red Queen had been on about at the time of the incident. Truth be told, Jess was all for her "rival" getting a shiny new carrier to be elsewhere in, but she had the feeling she was supposed to be against it.

Queenie probably thought she could better pursue her divinity away from the ship, as some far away goddess. It was a valid plan, really, but not one that actually interested her. Jess had invested herself in being of the people, and such distance wouldn't be working towards not. Besides, as much as she enjoyed entertaining the idea of the competition, it would be better for the Infernal to move on to a better rival, like Lucifer.

The smartest option was probably the new mission, as the bit regarding the documentary would inevitably put her contrary to the treatment plan. Scooping that bullshit out for good of the masses was in her job description, but she needed to focus on healing. Of course, the mission in question would mean checking out early, annoying the Plague Doctors. While not a friendship, it was at least an association she'd managed to foster over time. Maybe if she was polite.

But then again, putting off Brahe was a dumb move. Probably best to at least speak to the man, even if it meant a little added stress and politics. She sends a message back to him, asking if it was the sort of conversation he'd need to have in person. She also sends out carefully worded feelers to her hosts, asking if they had a timetable for her release.

The emails come back:

"Jess,

I would prefer to speak in person.  However, I recognize that isn't always going to be possible- especially with your current injuries.  Secure email will suffice if that's your preference.

Regards,

Gideon"

Her Sanctuary minders also send her an email:

"Leaving is permissible at any time.  However we would prefer another 2-3 weeks of supervision, with the last (3rd) week representing time spent on a battery of tests to determine any lingering, delayed-action Abyssal responses."

Hmm... polite. To be expected, as Brahe was a political type, but still reassuring. Allies, or masters, were something she was going to need after she'd most likely burned her bridges with Lucifer. She actually had no idea what her standing with Lyra was at the moment, either. There was no reason to assume the other Solar hated her, but she hadn't realized her fellow Zenith had so despised her until that night, either, so...

"Gideon,

At the moment, the most ideal circumstance is secure email. Thank you for your understanding in the matter. What can I do for you?

- Jess"

Three weeks was indeed a while.

She sends a message back to Journeys.

"Hello Journeys.

Circumstances may keep me here a bit longer, but can you give me a basic idea of what I'd be up to? I realize there are more secure lines of communication than this, but even the basics should be fine."

And finally the guy putting together a documentary.

"Dear Mr. Weston,

While certainly interested in taking part of the project, there are a few matters which may demand my attention first, depending on what would be required of me. Please let me know how I'd be helping, and what sort of time table you're working on so that I can answer you more completely.

Yours Truly,

- Jess Maraud

A flurry of responses:

"[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]

Hey girl,

Not a problem!  That's what encrypts are for!

So we've been doing some forward scouting and we came across an interesting little tidbit- a radio signal coming from a nearby moon.

Catch;  it doesn't look Abyssal.  Juno is suggesting that this is an Abyssal trick.  I'd be more hopeful if I didn't know my cosmology.  Nevertheless we want to investigate.  So we're going to very publicly send some 'scientists'.

Going by Abyssal tactics, we can assume this is an ambush meant just to inflict some attrition and possibly to attempt to test some new tactics or equipment.  Which means we can't really afford to ignore it if that means we can get some forewarning.

Yours,

Journeys

[END ENCRYPTION]"

And then the next:

"Hello,

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly Ms. Maraud!  I'm documenting the lives of the Pre-Exodites, including myself, and comparing what they say versus their various cults.  Some people have bigger cults than others, of course, and yours is one of the biggest.  So I'd just like a short snippet autobiography, maybe answer a few improvised questions during an interview.  Take as much time as you need, this is a very long project!

Also as an aside, if you could sign one of your posters for me, that'd be fantastic.

Thanks,

Kyle"

Brahe's takes a bit longer.

"[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
Jess,

As a direct result of the Raid, an Admiralty Board is being instated to handle tactics, strategy, and discipline within the Living fleet.  The Admiralty Board has mostly been chosen and will be instated shortly; the current list looks like Sunipa, Battles, an Ifrit named Aban, the Red Queen, Iorlak of the Jagganathika, and two others to be decided- one by the Senate and the other by the populace of the Last Refuge.

Unfortunately, I've heard about your altercation with Daniel after the Raid on the Buchenwald.  On top of that you witnessed his assault on my person in the hangar of the Enterprise.  Since this happened aboard a military ship while on a battlefield, this becomes a military tribunal in front of the new Admiralty Board.

I was wondering if you would like to press charges or if you would be willing to testify as a witness for the prosecution.

I would encourage the latter, but certainly not the former.  There's ample evidence for his aggression against you, no real blows were struck so it would only serve to confuse the issue.  More importantly I am in it to win it- he has a very low opinion of myself and my motivations, but my main goal is first and foremost to keep us alive, and he is vital to keeping us all alive.  We can't give him a reason to stop fighting or- even worse- take him out of the fight at all.

But we also can't let him treat us like punching bags whenever things don't go his way.

I would greatly appreciate your input, thoughts, and plans.

Yours,
Gideon
[END ENCRYPTION]

Well, this was a pickle. On one hand, Brahe was absolutely right. On the other, her serving as a witness on even what she was sure would amount to a slap on the wrists would surely annoy him. Then again, she was sure that bridge was long burned, and while Jess ultimately didn't blame Lucifer for his actions against her, he had made a public scene. People as perfect as him needed to be held to a higher standard. He'd gone off on her for using the wrong tone of voice, after all.

Speaking of which, her memories of the events prior had started to return more readily to her, and she cringed at her embarrassing conduct. Granted, she'd handled herself well until the fight, but she hadn't even noticed the brawl.

"[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
Gideon,

While I bear the Morningstar no ill will for his actions against my person, the public display of violence upon yours at such a delicate time was unacceptable. I myself, in my injured state immediately after the battle served the role of a fool, and for that I am willing to be help accountable, but the fight breaking out was concerning. Might I suggest that both I and him stand trial for dishonorable conduct after the battle? It could help soften Lucifer's response by denying him feelings of singular martyrdom, while still getting the point across. If you'd prefer to simply confront him with such a move personally, though, I'm not unwilling to serve as a prosecuting witness.

He also, as a result of the battle, may have been in an altered state of mind, which while no excuse, could impact the legal implications being levied at him. If you painted both of us as irresponsible, it would make the issue moot and still allow for a court martial.

Just a suggestion,

Jess"[END ENCRYPTION]

There was no need to immediately email Kyle back, but Journeys did need a response.

"[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
Journeys,

What sort of timetable are we looking at? They're requesting I stay for another three weeks of observation, and nothing good comes from making Plague Doctors nervous, but I'm more concerned with that than any actual remaining injuries. I can potentially be out of here a lot sooner without too much of an issue if that's going to be outside our window of opportunity.
[END ENCRYPTION]"

Her head really did still hurt, but nothing like it did before. A fight would be doable.

[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
"Jess,

Absolutely not.  I will not allow you to be put under a court martial for thoughtcrime!  Please understand- we have enough dead and broken by the system.  We do NOT need to add someone unnecessarily.  Also remember the history of my people- at some point, Jess, you need to realize that self-hatred and deprecation will only lead to heartbreak.  You need to realize your own power and turn what's broken into a flaming sword.

As far as Lucifer's altered state of mind, I'm sensitive to this and it's a reason why I'm attempting to reduce any issues that come of it.  But he still put us all in a difficult situation.  Think of it like the old drunk driving- if you're of an altered state of mind, you can still be held accountable for your actions!  Think about how people would react if they knew that all of us were one bad day- one Abyssal mind-charm- away from violence?

Glad to hear you'll serve as a witness.  You have my word that I will make sure his punishment- such as it is- makes everyone happy.  If Lucifer is the man he says he is, he will accept it with grace and conviction.

Yours,

Gideon"

Journeys must not be doing anything...

[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
"Jess,

Timetable's only a few days.  Three weeks?  Typical doctor bullshittery.  Listen, I'm not much of a doctor but sounds like you need a beer, some all-natural herbage, and a long trip on a luxury cruise liner towards certain death.  If they give you any shit send them my way, the hacks.

Namaste,
Journeys"

That was an interesting response, at least. She had legitimately expected him to go for it on the basis that it would make the Solar Exalted in general look bad, further legitimizing the move of more Infernal's into positions of power. Then again, the issue was probably just a lot more complex than that. Signs that Brahe had some principles beyond utilitarianism were also good, given that he was poised to gain significant influence very shortly.

[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
"Gideon,

I'll take that under advisement, and appreciate the advice, along with the sentiment. Regarding Lucifer's state of mind, I would argue that intoxicated driving as a crime usually operates under the assumption that the person in question became willingly inebriated, but I nonetheless see your point. As a secondary, ideally more reasonable suggestion, I would prefer to inform him of the charges in-person, along with my decision to act as a witness. He won't like it, but me telling him might soften the blow of a 'fellow Solar Exalt' seemingly acting against him. Perceived treachery is something I'd prefer to avoid if possible when dealing with the Morningstar, however damaged our association already is.

If he's already been informed, of course, then so be it. I've not been getting much news here.

Yours,

Jess"

Sending it off with a sigh, she considers Journey's response. The dismissal of the doctor's concerns was a bit juvenile, but if the timetable was a few days, she needed to be out of here, whatever threat to her safety there might be. Unless there was a truly frightening arsenal, she would be fine. And if there was, she would be either back here or dead.

She sends off a message to the doctors.

"After reviewing certain matters in need of my immediate attention, I must unfortunately end observation and request discharge within roughly 24 hours, barring anything especially worrying that might have been uncovered."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:08, Mon 05 Dec 2016.

[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
"Jess,

Perhaps you have a point there.  But law is law, and in my opinion eh was acting on feelings he's had for a long time, so I'm not exactly too sympathetic here.  I will also have to inform you that no, I'll be personally discussing this with Lucifer, and informing him of your decision to testify.  He won't see it as a stab in the back because he'll see you simply as a tool I'm wielding.  I'm sure he'd much prefer I tell him in person.

As far as I can tell he's doing work for the Last Refuge, and I will attempt to inform him once he has finished his important work but before he can relax too much.  There's not much worse than interrupting someone's rest.

Yours,

Gideon"

The doctors send her back a form letter- very long, full of a billion little cells to fill up, all amounting to the concept that it's not their fault if she leaves and drops dead to an Abyssal pestilence, thank you very much.

Jess dutifully fills out the form letter to the best of her ability. She really did want to stay, but there were things to do which were more important than her health. With that in mind, she makes a note to stop by the pharmacy on the way out for her anti-depressants.

[ENCRYPTED MESSAGE]
"Journeys,

I've told the doctors I'm going to need to be out of here in 24 hours. Currently just filling out the paperwork. Please have the luxury cruise liner towards certain death warmed up.

Jess"

The anti-depressants look like horse suppositories.  How's she supposed to take them, surgically implant them in her stomach?!  Makes sense, though, she must be getting bigger doses thanks to her physiology.

After leaving Sanctuary- which seems a bit busier than she remembered- she heads for the hangar so she can transfer over to the Fleet.  Journeys is waiting for her with a shuttle.

"Hey Jess, girl, how're you doing?" Journeys shakes her hand, "Feeling better now that you're up and out? Good, good. So, ready to fall for yet another Abyssal trick?"

Staring at the absurd capsules, Jess looks quickly side to side for witnesses, finds none, and slides the first one down with remarkable ease, daring the universe to judge her. She pointedly doesn't talk to anyone until she eventually arrives at the hangar.

"Headache." the Solar says with a grin and a the slightest touch of a sore throat. "My ears aren't coming through my skull, though, so I'm feeling just about ready to be foolish. Is this boots on the ground, or do I need to go see if Shofar is feeling better?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:38, Tue 13 Dec 2016.

There are no witnesses as Jess does her best snake impression.

"Sorry to hear about the headache but we can fix that," He tells her, "And yeah, you're definitely gonna need Shofar for this one.  We've got a bunch of Dragon-Blooded stormtroopers to cover the possible ground insertion on the yacht, but we need someone to cover.  Hopefully someone who can do a lot of damage fast in case we have to deal with a frigate.  You up for that?"

"A Frigate? That's... nothing." she says, her tone less boastful, and more doubtful. "If they send a little fly like that, I'll light it up like Christmas in Underforge. If they send enough of an ambush to suppress me, that could limit things a bit, but so long as we have an exit plan, I won't need to worry abou the long term."

Jess scratches her throat as she waits for something to happen. "I'm probably just being paranoid, though. The answer's yes."

She sincerely hoped Shofar was doing alright. Poor little guy had taken as much of a beating as her during the last battle. Of course, in a way, it must be nice to take your blows, get repaired and be brought online just for the next fight. It was absolutely certain purpose and direction. Either way, Jess missed him.

"Well, exactly.  They're nothing, to you.  Everyone else needs a bit longer to take one out, in which time they've called a good dozen cruisers on us."  He tells her, "And I've got a few exit plans.  We're going in small and fast and that means I'm packing maximum power into a small package.  Think the Defiant, hey?"

Star Trek fan?  Well, he looks the part...

"Glad to hear you're in."  He throws an arm around her shoulder as he walks them towards the hangar, "We're honestly expecting an Abyssal, so if we run across one of the Big Three we'll just cut and run.  And you can survive against one of them long enough to run."

It was odd that she knew as much as she did about Star Trek, but you could only avoid it so much when you were around the Pandora Bay crowd as much as she had during the construction of both Shofar and her suit. The Defiant was a powerful offensive craft known for shaking apart when used to its greatest potential. Sounded good.

The casual physical contact gives Jess more comfort than he probably realizes. She really did need to get friends, but that was a matter for later.

"Yeah, sounds like a plan. Hmm... I really should actually watch Star Trek. The Defiant was... Deep Space Nine, right?"

"I think?  I've always liked Voyager more,"  He says- unaware of the irony, or of the fact that he should be skinned alive and dunked in boiling oil for the statement.  "But yeah, small powerful package.  We'll have room to attach the Shofar to the bottom of the yacht when we make the jump, so you'll be pretty much the only ship flying.  Is that a problem?  Will you need more backup?"

Jess shakes her head. "No. Either they'll be focusing their fire on me, or they'll be focusing it on the our transport. They won't bother going for anything smaller. Maybe if it was a longer battle, they'd try racking up casualties, but this is an in and out sort of deal. Offensively, I have enough firepower on my own."

Something occurs to her and she stops suddenly before pulling out her datapad.

"Hey, just a second." she says to Journeys.

To: Pacifica Spacewolf
Hey Pacifica,

Hope you're doing well. Wanted to visit, but I ended up being a bit isolated myself. I was kind of hoping we could meet up at some point, maybe in a few weeks. I'm sure both of us are pretty bored with hospital walls at this point. If you aren't already healed up, I should be able to at least show my face soonish.

- Jess

End Message

It takes Jess a little longer to track down Kumiho's contact information, as she seems to have been given a hire level account. She gives Journeys and apologetic look.

To: Kumiho

Hello,

I want to express my sincerest apologies for what happened the other night. I spoke callously, and there's no excuse for that. Lucifer rightly called me out on it, and I'm going to make sure I express the gratitude I do sincerely have for the people who give their lives to defend this place. People depend on their heroes to lead the way, and appearances are important.

I hope someday I can prove to you that I'm not that person,

- Jess Maraud

End Message

"Sorry. I had a few things to say, just in case."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Sat 17 Dec 2016.

There's no reply from either of them- they likely have shit to do!

"Yeah, that's what I thought but I figured I'd ask.  Everything okay?" He asks, stepping back as she composes her mail so he doesn't spy.  "In and out, no problem!  Yep, that's what we do for reconnaissance but let me tell you, it's usually me locked into my little fighter for days at a time.  This is practically a pleasure cruise in comparison."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:57, Fri 30 Dec 2016.

She looks up, not surprised that they didn't immediately respond. It was more that she needed to make sure that was off her chest in case something happened.

"Everything's fine. Just doing my best to not leave any embers on bridges while I'm gone." Jess says as she continues towards the ship with her few personal effects. "And good to hear. After the Buchenwald, this should indeed be a pleasure cruise."