[IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

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Sakuro
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[IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

This thread will be used for side stories and extended social interactions for "In the Shadow of Imperator", allowing the main thread to be used for progressing the primary story arcs at the same IRL time. This first post will be used as a table of contents, linking the start of a given side story. To keep things from getting confused, please list the IC date your character is operating on at the start of your posts, along with any marker or title you would like to use to distinguish it from other activates in the thread.


Table of Contents
Thursday 24, January 2019
- Flux
- Two Brains are Better than One
- Path of Healing. Path of the Warrior
Saturday 26, January 2019
- Martial Training for Geriatrics
- Martial Training for Geriatrics Pt. 2
Sunday 27, January 2019
- A Conversation about the Good Doctor
- A Spy in a Warehouse
- Hand Signing Time
Monday 28, January 2019
- A Cure for Hitori
Tuesday 29, January 2019
- Search for a Generation
Wednesday 30, January 2019
- Ibadan and Priam
Thursdays 31, January 2019
- Discourse between the doctors
Friday 1, Febuary 2019
- Rebirth
- Recovery
- Chaos
Tuesday 5, February 2019
- The New Now
Wednesday 20th, February 2019
- Telephone Game
Saturday 21th, March 2019
- A Night on the Town
Sunday 22th, March 2019
- Enter the Demolition Man
Monday 23th, March 2019
- Return of the First Born
- An Ascendant and his Arms
Monday, March 30th 2019
- A Meeting with The Master
Friday, April 12, 2019
- Broken Wings
- ... And I Will Do No Harm ...
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
- How to Make Friends
Monday, April 22, 2019
- Damage Control
Last edited by Sakuro on Tue Mar 14, 2023 1:07 am, edited 15 times in total.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Supernaturalist;278410 wrote:Iona
HP:4
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Friday 1, Febuary 2019; Morning - Rebirth



The young woman looks up into the mirrored ceiling in an effort to better understand who she is. "Well...I don't know right off the top of my head to be honest."

She brings both of her hands together and places them under her chin almost as if she were in prayer. "I don't think I want anything too normal, you know, like Jennifer or Susan. I want it to be sophisticated and rare, like...Fiona."

Her eyes seem to lighten up as if she just had an epiphany. "I know!!! Let's go for sophisticated and unique! I'll drop the "F" and just go with 'Iona'."

"Ever heard of anyone called that?" She asks rhetorically.

Regardless of how ridiculous or charming her name sounds to Dr. Sokolov, a smile forms on her face. "Yes, Iona it is! That is, of course, unless you object."

She pauses to get a response from the mysterious doctor before speaking further. "I suppose that I'm very much in debt to you, doctor. I acknowledge the life you have given me; and I am grateful. But there is still something I must know: For what purpose have you given me life?"
mrdent12;278411 wrote:Diego Gonzalez
HP: 1
CND: Out of Commission


Friday 1, February 2019 - Recovery

Diego simply nods at Sanders clear unhappiness with the team. "It wouldn't have been the team I would have chosen for the task Praetor Null gave us. I had my own doubts about them and still do. All I can do is try to keep them in line as best I can, which isn't working out too well. At times, it is like herding cats. We were chosen to function as a team by Praetor Null, so I need to trust he has a plan and purposefully put us together.", says Diego wincing a bit as his whole body aches. His face scrunches up as he moves and tries to bear the pain. Clearly, its not working out too well.

"I know, I should trust the team, but their past plus Sokolov being a neutral party at best is why I went out into the Under City alone. Even if Praetor Null's plans for us work out, we were going to need more allies who know their way around the city. Imagine, a honed fighting force who could pop from a sewer, quickly execute, and go back down into the underground where Stronghold can't navigate. If the display I saw a few days ago is any indication, they would make useful allies. While I respect you have been fighting here longer, one of the things I learned while in deep cover is one can never have enough allies. Even if they rebuff you multiple times, there is ways of bringing them around.", explains Diego. His body aches again as he tries to move too much. Movement is not good right now.

Pausing for a moment to recompose himself, he sighs. "Unfortunately, I wasn't as careful as I had hoped. Thanks to you I didn't become a meal for some cannibals. Each of my team has our strengths, but I fear at times their inexperience in covert ops or even thinking things through will be our undoing. You saving my life is already more than I could have asked or ever hope to repay, but I don't like leaving the team to their own devices for too long. To venture back without some maps or paths would be stupid in my condition or even if I heal enough to walk. The mission is already on a razors edge. If our cause is to succeed in taking back the city and bringing about a utopia as soon as I am able I will need to get back to the team. I would tell you the location, but that would imperil the mission objective.", says Diego starting to come back to his senses despite the pain. He knew he wasn't capable to go in his current state. Every fiber of his being told him that. Still he could plan.

Thinking for a moment, another thought crosses his mind. "Would it also be possible to get a data tablet or access to some place that information on Sokolov? Any leverage I can get on him will help in convincing him to help the cause even a little. Egotistical sociopaths like him may not always help willingly, but there is ways with enough information.", says Diego without his typical confidence. His voice is uncertain and grasping for information on how to proceed despite his body not being able.

[HR][/HR]
OOC
I know a lot of these ideas of alliances and such are in all odds not going to happen given what has happened since Diego being out of commission, but he doesn't know that yet.
Nareik123;278414 wrote:Alexandria Thompson
HP: 2

Friday 1st February - Chaos

Alex glanced at the body as Hitori raised the corpse up. She didn't want to admit but the Drs death did impact her more than she cared to admit. She remembered her first encounter with the doctor, liberating him from some stronghold soldier's after he got captured. She had concerns about the Dr, it was clear that he was out of his depth in the world of being an insurgent, but the man was harmless and didn't really deserve death.

Of course, he did interrupt the crazy doctor and broke the Doctors only rule in going to an area forbidden to him. Maybe that level of disregard to a power armoured psycho meant he did deserve death. Doesn't matter now, what's done is done.

Alex glanced up at Hitori.
"He ignored instructions and went to speak to the Doctor? Then I would say this was a calculated risk and it didn't pan out for him. He was a nice guy, helped us out. But we don't live in the world that being nice gets you out of bad situations.

Saying that, let's respect his wishes and not suicidally charge the powered armoured doctor to our death? I appreciate how you feel but dying needlessly won't avenge him or do anything productive. You want to storm the elevator anyway? Go ahead! I can't exactly stop you, but I won't be killed on your revenge mission."
Alex growled, making it abundantly clear she had no intent on marching down to he death in the same manner she assumed the doctor met his.
Sakuro wrote: Friday 1, February 2019; Morning - Rebirth

Dr. Sokolov was patient and tolerant as Iona energetically went through her thought process, though he did not share her enthusiasm. After she settled on a name for herself his response was simple, and mild of tone.

"Iona is a fine name."

When Iona mentions that she is indebted to him, and acknowledges that he made her, Dr. Sokolov nods as though to acknowledge this was the appropriate response. Yes, she should feel indebted to him. Yes, she only existed because he willed it.

"Your purpose is to assist me in my endeavors. Whatever I may require of you."

The response was stated informatively. Matter of fact. As though it were perfectly acceptable that Iona existed to do whatever it was this man desired of her. Dr. Sokolov did not linger on this topic, soon moving on.

"Now, there are some tests that I need to run to make certain you are operating as you should be. This will take some time ..."


Friday 1, February 2019 - Recovery

The Corporal listened to Diego as he talked. Listening, but unsympathetic. When he finally finished talking she shook her head.

"I'm not going to coddle you. You don't know the Under City. You have a team. I also offered to help out. Yet you chose to go exploring the most dangerous part of the city by yourself. That was stupid and you paid for it."

Turning to the right she raises her right hand and points vaguely into the distance.

"You're looking afield for things when, from what you've said, it sounds like you should be focusing your attention closer to home. Your team. You had some downtime, right? If the team has issues, fix them. Don't look for problems to solve until your own are taken care of. If your team can't keep their crap together, how do you expect to cultivate and hold onto allies? How are they going to perform better if you're off being a lone wolf?"

Drawing in a breath she holds it for a few seconds before exhaling in a sigh. Diego was wanting to research Dr. Sokolov.

"Peter had the data on Dr. Sokolov. That information isn't something I can give you. Do you have a way to get in contact with your team?"

Picking up the tablet she had been working on, she held it up for Diego to see, then set it on his bed next to him.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
CND: Down for the Count
HP: 1


Friday 1, February 2019 - Recovery

He wasn't in the mood to argue and knew he had messed up. Ordinarily, he would fight back, try to defend his team, and go into being able to do multiple things at once. This wasn't an ordinary time. "I realize my mistakes and like you said, I am clearly paying for my stupidity. If you hadn't bailed me out, I wouldn't be alive to have a second shot at it. While I could try to explain away everything, probably not convincingly how it turned out, I am not stupid to still think I was right. Traveling the Under City for a while even to get back to Dr. Sokolov's base on my own is clearly out of the question.", says Diego without sass or anger. It is said more as a matter of fact one would give postmortem in a debriefing. Despite the pain, he gathered himself to be professional as best one could in his condition.

"Once I am good enough to travel I will need to take you up on the offer of help if it is still on the table. He gave conditions not to tell any of Praetor Null's forces the bases location, but I do not trust him and realistically there is no way for me to get back without help if I can even figure out from a map where it is. I might be able to reach them on the comm link, but I am not sure.", adds Diego.

Looking around for his stuff, once he manages to get his comm link he does his best without help or on his own to turn it on. Can anyone hear me?, says Diego without much hope.
Last edited by mrdent12 on Thu Apr 18, 2019 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:4
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Friday 1, Febuary 2019; Morning - Rebirth
"Now, there are some tests that I need to run to make certain you are operating as you should be. This will take some time ..."
"Yes, doctor, I'm willing to run tests at your convenience.", she says - her tone soft and compliant. "I might also help clean, cook, assist in the lab, or work on projects of my own with your permission. I feel anxious and full of energy. I'd rather not just sit around."

She looks around the area imagining ways to make herself useful.
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Hitori Zanzo

Post by Camus »

]Friday 1, Febuary 2019; Morning - Chaos

Image
HP: 0
LP: 0
CND: Torn

"I..." Hitori mumbled to Alex. For some reason, he just couldnt accept Levi was gone, but Alex was speaking the truth. There was also the nagging sensation in th back of his head that imposed survival before vengeance. But there would be vengeance, that voice in his head was also anxious to try the taste of Sokolov. Perhaps somehow it knew the scientist had kept it confined for years and also wanted revenge.
"You are right Alexandria... " Hitori said finally. " Demo , what should we do now?" he added, turning from Alex to Levis lifeless body.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Friday 1, February 2019 - Recovery

When Diego requests his commlink Sander reaches into a pocket on his brown leather jacket and retrieves an earbud which she hands over to him. She watches as he handles the item with the difficulty of someone who had been hacked at, shot, a bludgeoned by a mod of lunatics and nearly died from the experience. The response to his effort was expected. Dead air. Sander's lips pursed together. Her manner was less professional that Diego's. The way she had been talking was more personal than if she were 'on the job'. Which was probably fine. Diego didn't have a rank in the military, and what his role was in Null's loyalist movement was fairly nebulous.

"This is why you need me around. I bring the common sense to your big thinking sessions. You know, the ones where you overlook things like establishing communication protocols and decide to shack up with a sociopathic super genius without any kind of backup."
OOC wrote:The date and title tag are missing in your previous post. Please edit those in when you have time.

Friday 1 to Monday 4, February 2019 - Rebirth

Before leaving the fabrication slash surgical room Dr. Sokolv gives Iona a form fitting bodysuit and instructs her to put it on. After that, for the next three days straight, Iona would not have much of a chance to be idle. First she was escorted to a gymnasium that looked less like a place that athletes trained at and more of a place where a scientist would study athletes. There she was asked to perform a number of physical tasks that tested the limits of her physicality. From strength to reflexes, and endurance. Even her speed was tracked. While endured these laborious tasks Dr. Sokolov was always asking her questions. Giving her problems to solve while under the strain of some arduous physical activity.

While Iona was not possessed of great physical ability, she learned that she was resilient and that even though there were certain things she could only push herself to do for a limited time, she did not tire. It seemed as though once she settled into a solid cruise speed she could run forever if asked to do so.

Eventually the testing made a transition to the more esoteric. Dr. Sokolov began by explaining that Iona was a mechanical construct with synthetic organic components. Housed within her person were aspects that allowed her control of the electromagnetic spectrum. Starting out gradually Sokolov guided her through the process of activating these portions of herself and instructed her in the manipulation of these energetic forces. As Iona orientated herself to her abilities the scientist kept asking her questions with a psychological bent, gauging how she was feeling, what she was thinking, and how she came to feel and think these things. All while he tasked her with performing feats using her control of electromagnetism.

After three days of constant tests, instruction, and analyses with neither Iona or Dr. Sokolov resting, it finally came to an end. Sokolov gave Iona some time to settle herself before shifting to a topic that did not revolve around the strains she had endured for the past seventy-two hours straight.

"Guests will be joining us before the end of the day. Volunteers, of a sort, for an experiment along with their master: Null. While these are not our friends I expect you to treat them with caution as well courtesy unless they are disrespectful."

As he spoke of 'volunteers' Dr. Sokolov makes a gesture towards Iona and she finds herself able to bring up visual representations of files in a HUD before her. Within the files she finds documentation on Diego Gonzalez, Alexandria Thompson, Peter Ezima, and … two other people. Included in the documentation are photographs and medical histories for each person.

"What details you require to assist me during the experiment will be provided. You do not need to be aware of the full breadth of the project."
OOC wrote:We have two PCs no longer viable for Ascension, but there remain two slots open for Ascension candidates. These will be NPCs. Iona, the character, gets their identities ahead of time. However I want to surprise the players.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:4
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Friday 1, Febuary 2019; Morning - Rebirth
"Guests will be joining us before the end of the day. Volunteers, of a sort, for an experiment along with their master: Null. While these are not our friends I expect you to treat them with caution as well courtesy unless they are disrespectful."

As he spoke of 'volunteers' Dr. Sokolov makes a gesture towards Iona and she finds herself able to bring up visual representations of files in a HUD before her. Within the files she finds documentation on Diego Gonzalez, Alexandria Thompson, Peter Ezima, and … two other people. Included in the documentation are photographs and medical histories for each person.

"What details you require to assist me during the experiment will be provided. You do not need to be aware of the full breadth of the project."
Iona tries to pay attention to the results of all her testing. It is difficult given the physical and mental exertion required during her trials. Still, she formulates a good approximation of her limitations as a whole.

All of these abilities…I wonder how The Good Doctor will put them to use.

As the evaluation period ends, she transitions into a period of study. There is a lot of information to absorb in a short period of time. However, her powerful intellect and tireless mind allow her to voraciously take in page after page of data. Much of that data is related to current events and personalities concerning Hadron City.

These individuals chosen for “Ascension” must be special indeed. I look forward to meeting them.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by mrdent12 »

Diego Gonzalez
CND: Down for the Count
HP: 1


Friday 1, February 2019 - Recovery

"We shacked up with a narcissistic and socipathic super genius because I didn't imagine any other base that would take what Hitori has become. It's also safer he is down there than anywhere closer to Praetor's Nulls forces for now until he gets a better understanding of how to control himself. I may have made missteps in leadership, but I won't leave someone on their own simply because they have become something else.", retorts Diego. His voice contains inflections of a fierceness that betrays the professional behavior he is trying to maintain despite the pain.

Looking off for a moment while he winces some more, he turns his attention back to Sanders. "As for the discipline in the team, It is herding cats. I don't say it for sympathy, but when one of the members is clearly not made for being outside of the creature comforts of the world and another too stubborn to see past his own pride there is only so much that can be done immediately. Of course, someone like you to bring common sense is required. That is abundantly clear. Once I manage to make it back there will be a lot of changes in discipline. If the doctor comes through with his promise of help, this will all be worth it though and many things will change.", continues Diego dropping his coolness for a moment before recovering.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Friday 1, February 2019 - Recovery

One of Sander's brown eyebrows raises when Diego mentions that the team's reasoning for 'shacking up' with Dr. Sokolov, or at least his own, was governed by Hitori. An expression of curioisty turns to one of concern as Diego's tone becomes fierce and he uses words that hint at something having gone wrong. Something to do with Hitori. She doesn't interupt, letting him go on to talk about the difficulties with the team and his plans to do something about their discipline. But once he finishes the Corporal raises a hand.

"Hold up. Master Zanzo has ...what? What happened?"
OOC wrote:Unless you want to do more with this scene, MrDent, we can end it there with a hard cut. If you want Diego spill the beans on what happened to Hitori you can just let me know OOC what he tells Sander.

Did I give you a HP for playing through Diego's Interlude scenes yet? If not, you may have a HP now.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by EnigmaticOne »

Peter Ezima
HP: 1 / LP: 0

Friday 1, Febuary 2019; Morning - Chaos

Peter, tired from the night of drinking and camaraderie with Alistair, stumbled out upon hearing loud yelling. "...What's going on-"

He stopped short, aghast at seeing Levi lying there. "Please tell me this isn't what it looks like."
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Nareik123 »

Alexandria Thompson
HP: 2


Friday 1st February - Chaos

It sill unnerved her talking to Hitori, she couldn't quite get the image of the woman he consumed out of he head. She mentally grimaced as she thought about it, but her exterior expression didn't crack from her face. She couldn't quite bring herself to look him in the skull mask that she assumed was his face.
"I'd say we bury him, but jeopordising the op would be unacceptable risk for that action. We could cremate him if anyone knows of the facilities her to do so. Otherwise, you can do what you want to do."

When peter arrives, she is grateful for the distraction from Hitori and turns to face the engineer.
"Hitori found the body. Cause of death unknown. Hitori believes it is related to Dr Levi trying to have an unauthorised meeting with Dr Sokolov. Nothing that we can really do about it, just learn from mistakes made."
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by EnigmaticOne »

Peter Ezima
HP: 1 / LP: 0

Friday 1, Febuary 2019; Morning - Chaos

"He. What?" Peter stared blankly ahead. "One. Rule. There was one rule." What in hell possessed Levi to think breaking Dr. Sokolov's rule was a good idea?

"I have no idea what Diego-" Peter paled more as a thought entered his head. He'd been busy and not thought about it before but... "When has anyone last seen Diego?"
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:2
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Saturday 26 January 2019 - Martial Training for Geriatrics?

Levi is understandably nervous about the whole prospect of martial arts training. The conditioning program alone poses a serious threat to injury for a man almost 60 years old.

Hitori looks fit...not overly muscular like a body-builder but certainly lean and wiry. Levi looks down at his own flabby belly and sighs, "I know we agreed to morning programs a couple of times a week, but you could show me a few things now?...even if it's just a few exercises to strengthen the necessary muscles?"
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Hitori Zanzo

Post by Camus »

HP:1
Cnd: Normal

Saturday 26 January 2019 - Martial Training for Geriatrics?

The japanese man smiled broadly, as he eyes Levi with amicable eyes. It surely had taken a lot of courage to come here seeking training from him. "Certainly my friend." he answered. "Come, lets start by evaluating your weakspots." he explained, motioning Levi to the training tatami. He himself moved to the tatami as well, removing his shoes, and motioning to Levi to do the same if he didnt.
"Now, Levi-san, you will try to copy the moves I do, and I will see how much you struggle." He added as he started to make poses. Easy to copy at first, the posturing and the amount of time Hitori sustained each posture became harder and longer.
Last edited by Camus on Thu Jul 11, 2019 1:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

Iona
HP:2
Cnd: Normal
PP:0

Saturday 26 January 2019 - Martial Training for Geriatrics?

At first Levi doesn't struggle very much. Sometimes Levi is required to hold a position for a considerable length of time, using muscles that he rarely uses. It doesn't' take long before he feels the characteristic "burn" of muscles pushed to the limit of their isometric strength. Eventually, Levi finds it impossible to hide the discomfort. As sweat begins to form all over the older man's body, his breathing becomes more labored. Finally, the elderly physician begins to tremble from the strain and a wince forms on his face.

"Whew! How did I get talked into this?"' He says half-jokingly. "Go easy on me! I'm still the physician around here. I don't know who'll treat me if I go into cardiac arrest."
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