Fortress V - Bridge

 

        The true brains of the Repliforce Fortress, the bridge is always bustling with activity as reploids move in and out, the crew here always watching out for the systems, subsystems, and weapons of the might Fortress V. Comfortable couches with long panels allow the bridge crew to sit while commanding the vessel, while other stations allow people to stand as they work at them. A combination transparisteel window/viewscreen rests at the front of the room, and a large steering wheel, seemingly taken from a pirate's vessel, rests in the back of the room, its purpose seemingly decorative. Doors here lead to the offices of Colonel and General, as well as the ready room.

 

Control Panel                         

 

 Starboard <S> leads to Fortress V - General's Office.

 Port <P> leads to Fortress V - Colonel's Office.

 Aft <A> leads to Fortress V - Ready Room.

 Turbolift <TL> leads to Fortress V - Turbolifts.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail <Boop! transmission request. Press 'y' to confirm. Or not.>

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "Y."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "- Com - Commander Owl? Sir? 'tis herself, Javelin..."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "I read you, Agent Whitetail. How is your recovery progressing?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "I'm all patched up, sir. The worst of it was me back, but a bit of pounding and it was fixed..."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "How - how is -"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "Yes, Agent Whitetail? How is...?"

 

Blaster Saurian arrives from the Turbolifts.

Blaster Saurian has arrived.

 

Storm Owl is currently at his regular post in the command chair of the Fortress V. All around him the bridge is full of activity as the crew man their stations. There's flashing lights from the monitors displaying all sorts of information that look like jibberish to the untrained eye, and the odd report coming from somewhere below decks about the engine power ratio, or the reinstallation of one of the heavy ion cannons destroyed a while back, or how the fact that supplies might come in late will force the crew to reschedule their assignments. Storm Owl, for his part, appears to be in the middle of a radio conversation. As he speaks, he idly taps in commands into the computer mounted on the armrest of the command chair.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "How is - the family? The one - Indonesia - only, what's going to happen -"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "Perhaps it would be for the best if you take a moment and assemble your thoughts and questions, Constable."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "Yes sir."

 

What ever could possess someone to tresspass in the logic domain of the Fortress. Honestly, its probably the place where the Owl was at every second of everyday that he could be. Or at least that's what the saurian had come to think. Well, for one thing, Blaster is a curious sort, and honestly? He hadn't seen the bridge yet! Secondly, since he was on his way, someone shoved something at him to give to the Captain. Yay. He won't be yelled at for just wandering. The result is the fairly unarmed reploid slipping off the lift and stopping as it closes behind him. "Well that's big..."

From afar, Javelin Whitetail (deer), /listening/ to advice. :O

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "*patiently waits*"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "I - I've been briefed on what happened in Ja--Jakarta, sir. And - and what - I want to know if there's anything I can do..."

 

Storm Owl does spend an inordinate amount of time on the bridge. Behind his back the crew sometime joke that he's a part of the furniture. His entire life revolves around the line of ships named Fortress. If he is not on the bridge, then he is in the ready room with paperwork, or down in engineering helping with the latest diagnostic. And if for some reason he isn't on the ship, then it's because he's out meeting with one of the many suppliers required to keep this ship in the air. As he has little in the way of personal time, only if Storm Owl is planning the new offensive into foreign territory, or responding to the latest incursion by Repliforce's enemies is he not acting on behalf of the Fortress.

        Suppressing a sigh with much self-control, Storm Owl shakes his head at whoever is on the other end of his transmissions. Unaware of a new visitor to his bridge, he makes his reply.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "In my experience, Constable, such a line of questioning would indicate that one is feeling guilt over the situation, a sense of helplessness in the face of events already set in motion, regret over their previous actions, and an intense desire to 'fix' whatever errors they feel they may have had in order to alleviate their negative emotional responses. Is this a correct hypothesis, Constable?"

 

Blaster Saurian isn't at all aware that Storm is -that- devoted. Matter of fact, he could have sworn once upon a time he was a bit more laid-back, but maybe with new fortresses came new thought processes. It is Fortress -five- after all, meaning the RF lost four, or something. .. Granted IV didn't really count. STILL. After taking in an eyefull the saurian starts farther into the bridge area.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "It's - well, yes, sir."

 

Storm Owl would be the first to point out that, indeed, the Fortress IV does not count. That was Houseman's baby, and the only ship so named not to represent Repliforce. As well, the Fortress I was not under his command when Storm Eagle delivered it into the hands of the enemy... but no reason to get nostalgic. It's clear that, for the time being, the war bird has every intention of being the opposite of 'laid back', and has been so ever since he returned himself to the front lines half a year ago. Yes, this new ship demands his full, undistracted attention.

        Speaking of which, it's clear he /is/ slightly distracted by his radio conversation. He seems slightly relieved at the reply to his transmission, and then fires off another.

 

Blaster Saurian considers for a moment if he should really interrupt Storm, but then there's the fact that -everyone- on the bridge seems busy, even the little maitenence droid that skitters by the Saurian's feet. ".. Big -and- busy.." he muses, considering his options.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "Then allow me to cut to the heart of the matter: You are not guilty of what occurred in Jakarta. Yes, you were helpless to avoid being taken advantage of, but I have calculated with 98.7% accuracy that an average Repliforce soldier would have suffered the same fate. You have nothing to regret as the actions were not your own. You cannot fix what occurred; only mitigate the damage done. Finally, do not allow Psychogenesis's attack on you - and by this I mean his psychological one; not his physical take-over of your form - to hinder your effectiveness, as that was precisely his objective. However in regards to your question, I suspect that a simple letter of condolence to the family would suffice."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "More words... I - I'm sorry, commander. I'm trying. I - what is to happen to me?"

 

Storm Owl's audio sensors perk up slightly as he detects a newcomer to his bridge. Still engaging in his hushed conversation with whoever it may be, the war bird swivels his command chair around slightly, facing towards Blaster Saurian. Pressing and holding a button on the armrest which seems likely to be a mute button, "Welcome to the bridge, Sergeant." He says hastily before unpressing the mute button. It would appear that a certain faction could use a serious influx of psychologists. He sends off a reply, and is starting to think that this conversation is not going to be nearly as short as he had hoped it would be.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "I do not know, Constable. You say that your damage has been repaired? Are you certain you are still fully functional? Or is this a mental defect?"

 

Blaster Saurian nods, "Thank you commander, its my first trip up here, honestly," he tells him before finally focusing on the reploid officer. "Its not without purpose, though, I think someone from engeneering gave this to me since I was between patrols, I had a spare moment, so he and I figured I could deliver it.." the folded paper is held out to him. "Good news I hope."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "The doctor Fairchild and professor Gate - they - they looked at the damage, commander Owl, sir. Once everything had been analyzed, they fixed it... I'll be going to Dr. Hygoshi later... I mean, what says the - the law on this?"

 

Storm Owl holds out his hand and takes the paper, unfolding it and scanning it in a split-second. Refolding the paper, Storm Owl produces a pen and scribbles something on the other side of the paper. It comes out as extremely neat hand-writing, unsurprisingly enough. He hands the paper back to Blaster. "Not particularly. The ventral port engine has been reacting poorly to a new formula of fuel that we have been experimenting with. As the other five engines are operating perfectly, clearly the difference is with that one. The Chief Engineer has merely requested a few systems be taken off line to allow power to be diverted to a diagnostic on the problem." Assuming Blaster is still awake, Storm Owl adds, "I have approved of it."

        Regarding the first thing Blaster mention, Storm Owl says, "Feel free to take a look around, Sergeant." The Commander even goes so far as to stand up from his chair. "You were not present for the original tour of the ship, then?" He asks. The radio transmissions to you-know-who, meanwhile, shall have to be carried via internal radio. Annoying, but Storm cannot carry on with two verbal conversations at once.

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Red transmits, "Commander Storm Owl, I wish to speak with you. If I may have a moment of your time?"

 

[Radio: (A) Chat] Storm Owl transmits, "I am on the bridge, Commander. You may come up at your leisure."

 

Blaster Saurian shakes his head, "Sadly I was not. A number of factors prevented it, mostly the decomissioning, it affected me on a level I wasn't expecting,". He hates to admit 'emotional' trouble to the person that thought Hail needed a psycaiatrist (Sp?), but oh well..

 

'Thought'? C'mon now... you know she needs a psychiatrist. Maybe a couple, even. Sure Storm Owl thinks a lot of people have mental defects, but when get right down to the chase, on M3 that's pretty accurate. Nodding, the Commander (who is now having 3 conversations at once), leads Blaster towards one section of the bridge, "This is the tactical monitoring system," he says, gesturing to the wide screens. A crewwoman, who was using the monitors, looks over her shoulder at the two trespassers into her territory. "It is here that we observe the over-all battle in large-scale campaigns. As our duty is often that of command ship, it is here that many of the decisions for troop mobilization is made." He points out a few dots on the screen that represent good-guy patrols in the area.

 

Red arrives from the Turbolifts.

Red has arrived.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "I do not believe that you will be held liable for any crime, Javelin. However as I am not a legal expert, I would imagine that Director Fairchild would be the best to ask about such things. I am prepared to speak for your defence should it be required, however."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "I - you would?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "You appear surprised, Constable."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "I - you thought I was untrustworthy!"

 

Blaster Saurian hrms, having a look. Considering what he likes to do, (Function check!) this is something he'd probably keep tabs on.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "*makes a sound that might be an annoyed sigh, but it's so controlled it's hard to tell* Constable, I would merely be telling the truth. Regardless of what I think of you, your actions, and your mental state, I do not hold grudges against individuals. If you are innocent of a crime - and in this case you are - then I would defend you."

 

Storm Owl emits a sound that might be annoyed sigh, but it's so controlled it's hard to tell. Maybe it's just his vocalizer clearing itself, and not his internal radio discussion with a certain someone while also giving Blaster a tour and while ALSO waiting for Red to come up to the bridge for a reason that anybody can easily guess. Storm's a popular guy when it comes to people wanting his attention, it seems.

        The war bird continues onward, "Our science station." He notes. "Here we process the information that our sensors are able to acquire. In poor conditions, such as during our recent battle with the Robot Master airship SS Dreadskull, we relied heavily on the... estimations of our science team to decipher the incomplete scans we were able to take." There were times it seemed more like guesswork than estimations.

 

The turbolift doors open with a woosh. The big scarlet giant steps out, and begins nodding to people as he carefully makes his way over toward the Big Desk. He soaks in all the details of the bridge, preserving the memory as best he can. He quietly steels himself for the conversation ahead. He looks his normal calmfaced self, although there's a tinge of something that looks less than happy. It would be easier to read his face if there wasn't that huge damn scar. He briefly nods to Saurian, and quietly walks over to the Big Desk and salutes. "Sir."

 

A bit more of a nod is given to Owl before the saurian looks back and over toward the doors, and then the reploid that came in. So -that's- Red. He never actually met the reploid before, so its an interesting encounter. A friendly nod is given in reply to Red's own.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "That makes you a better man than most, commander, sir. I - well, thank you for letting me know..."

 

Storm Owl glances over as the doors open to reveal none other than Repliforce's very own version of a Special Ed teacher. Naturally this disrupts the little tour that Storm Owl was giving, and he stands tall and straight as his fellow Commander approaches him. The normal chatter of working crew personnel dims and quiets down, leaving only the beeps of the various computers, the whoosh of the air regulators, and the sound of the two speaking Commander. Eyes from all over the bridge gravitate towards Red, Storm Owl, and Blaster. "Yes, Commander?" Storm Owl drones in his monotone voice. The young Reploid at the science station tries his best to shrink away and remain out of sight.

 

Red sighs. "We need to have a talk. You know that my intention is to ask that the exile placed upon Flame Hyenard is removed. I am here to discuss the terms of this repealment, and speak with you about your treatment of Flame Hyenard." He pauses. "I am not here to debate or argue the reasons behind the decision of you and Commander Grizzly. And I'm not here to make you /like/ Hyenard. But this... escalating war of hostility and reaction must end. Sir." Red stops, and briefly looks around. The personnel seems spooked. Whoops. He looks kind of guilty now, he didn't /mean/ to spook anyone. He just sort of has that effect.

 

Blaster Saurian ohhhhs a little, this is about Flame. Who was, surprisingly, not so loud on Global earlier. It was a surprise to Blaster, to be sure. Granted, he hadn't actually heard about Flame's exile from the ship. ... What possible downside is there to that, anyway? For the moment he'll just keep his nose out of it and listen.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "You are welcome, Agent Whitetail."

 

An unidentified member of the crew on the far side of the bridge sucks in a deep breath at the 'your treatment of Flame Hyenard' part. Yes, all eyes are glued on the trio. Storm Owl's own response is merely an arched optical brow. Another Commander in Storm Owl's place might feel the need to prove his dominance in front of his own men, but for better or for worse Storm Owl does not. Evidently aware that everyone is watching, however, Storm Owl says in his monotone, "We shall discuss the matter in my ready room." Storm Owl leads the duo towards the rear part of the bridge, and all eyes continue to follow. Blaster can either pass off his note to someone else to deliver, or hold onto it for later.

 

Blaster Saurian isn't entirely sure if he's -welcome- to follow along, but he has delt with Flame on an occasion or two, has some... 'opinions' on Flame, and as such, decides 'what could it hurt?' Spotting one of his many many siblings on the bridge, he waves him over, whispers what to do with the note, passes it off, then moves to follow, barring either of the commanders keeping him from going.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail sounds /very/ sheepish all of a sudden. "Erm... only there's just one other thing I'm worried about, Commander Owl, sir..."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "Yes, Constable?"

 

Red nods, and walks behind Commander Owl to the ready room. This is going to be harder than he thought. But Red knows he's got to try. Red is tired and worn out and doesn't want to play peacemaker and doesn't want to be upset or angry. He takes a seat in the ready room, and waits for Storm Owl's reply. He selects one of the bigger chairs, because he's 10 feet tall. And tall. And Menacing. Although he tries to keep that to a minimum.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail speaks very delicately. "Mr. Hyenard was -- he's been kind, sir, and -- and he's helpful... and he's not in any trouble, is he?"

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "Yes, Constable. He is."

 

You enter the Ready Room.

 

Fortress V - Ready Room

 

        A large table and holographic monitors fill the ready room of the Fortress V, a place for Repliforces to get together and plan their next moves. The holographic projectors can fill the room with any needed image, the inducers buried in the center of the table, which is surrounded by large, comfortable chairs, a huge one at the far end big enough for General himself. There are windows here, pointed back and out the ship's rear windows, but these can be closed in order to have a clearer view of any needed holograms.

 

Ship's Log [#6581 TL]                 

 

 Out <O> leads to Fortress V - Bridge.

 

Red arrives from the Bridge.

Red has arrived.

 

Blaster Saurian arrives from the Bridge.

Blaster Saurian has arrived.

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "Only - only I thought I should say something, sir - but why is he in trouble? He's been a great help..."

 

Storm Owl strides in and takes a seat at his usual spot around the conference table. For the record, Red, at 10 feet, will be slightly taller than the war bird. As Blaster noted, however, there's a good chance that Storm Owl will be bigger in other areas. Sliding his chair up to the beautiful glass and marble table, Storm Owl rests his arms on the table and clasps his hands together. "Now then, Commander." He says, "You were speaking of Flame Hyenard." The door leading to the bridge, meanwhile, slides shut, leaving many Reploids dying of curiousity out in the cold.

 

Blaster Saurian actually feels rather out of place within the room and amidst the two high ranking officials. He's just a seargent! ... Oh well, maybe he'll have something to add, maybe Owl will like it. Maybe he'll get a recomendation. Stranger things have happened. .. Like Collateral Raptor becoming a commander! ........ She's not that bad anymore though. ... Really. Regardless of all that, the saurian slips around and has a seat in a neutral spot.

 

Red sits and tries to relax into the chair. "I speak of Flame Hyenard, whom you have exiled for reasons of insubbordination and disobeying direct commands. But I don't think that's everything to it, no." He pauses. "I would like you, Storm Owl, to participate in a word association exercise. Please tell me the first word that comes into your head when I say... Flame Hyenard." He has pulled this trick before. Red seems to think the answer will be worthwhile. Idly, he wishes he had a beer. He's probably going to need a couple after this. He turns toward Sergeant Saurian, and flashes a quick smile. We're all friends here, yes. Commander Owl, Commander Big Red Guy, and Sergeant Saurian.

 

Storm Owl apparently does not mind Blaster being in the room, but he doesn't say anything about it either way. Perhaps he considers it obvious that the Saurian is allowed. Either way, he remains focused on the scarlet Repliforcer sitting at the table. Another optical ridge is arched at Red's idea of playing a word association game. Before he can say that he imagines this will be a futile exercise, Red has already gone ahead and said his first words. Without hesitation, Storm Owl replies immediately after the name is given. "Ground." He replies. "As in 'Ground Superiority'." One assumes the '(And Letting Everyone Know It)' is not on his official dossier. And if it is, Storm Owl has dismissed it. Red's smile, meanwhile, is met with the hard emotionless unflinching stare of the Fortress Commander.

 

Some point in the future, Blaster notes to himself that he'll have to just meet Red on better terms. If for no other reason, to just get rid of that 'commander aura' he has on him. You know that feeling. THe one when you're at work and the boss walks in, or the store owner walks in, and you're just nervous. ... That feeling. Of course its entirely impossible to remove from Storm Owl, since charisma is important in ridding oneself of that aura. When Owl's answer comes, Blaster already knows where he got the answer. He's no slouch to personel records either, and Flame's offical 'job' in the RF is that. Its no surprise the owl said that..

 

Red shakes his head. Damn. He knew this was going to happen. "Alright. I will tell it to you straight then. I asked this very same question of Flame Hyenard, about you, and he gave me a very honest answer. He shared some very honest concerns and reasons regarding his behavior relating to his treatment and general image that others seem to have of him. I spoke with him about rectifying certain behavioral patterns. Some, he has attempted to change. Already I have witnessed his good faith effort to avoid insulting Repliforce and Allied forces."

            Another pause. Red looks around. Damn. No beer. He makes a mental note not to have a talk like this without some form of covered canteen. "I do not feel your answer correctly reflects your attitudes toward Flame Hyenard. It is my belief, gather from mounds of evidence, that you and the rest of command severely dislike him for his attitude and your orders and conversations with him may have been affected by this. That's normal. That's what people do. But It's a little unfair." Red's never been known for dodging the point. Or, at least, he won't be known for it anymore.

 

Blaster Saurian hrms lightly at this. Even Blaster wasn't very fond of Flame and his actions. He'd even witnessed a few of the occasions on his own, so he pipes up, "I'll admit even I wasn't all that impressed with his attitude. He came here, he was loud, he took advantage of anything he could, he walked right up to the line of 'wrong' and only slipped across it fully once or twice," he tells but then holds a finger up, "But," he sets it back down, "Something's going on there. Its obvious. I mean, for one thing, he's not so .. well loud, anymore. I couldn't believe it was him on the radio earlier, so that's something. He wasn't insulting anyone, far as I know, and his entry in the database seemed rather honest. S'my two cents.." Yay he said something. hurrah.

 

Storm Owl listens to Red's speech, giving no hint of what he's thinking internally. He does not react to the accusation that he made the wrong choice in this matter. Without a word, Storm Owl turns towards Blaster, listening just as intently to what he has to say as he did with Red. Finally, the war bird leans back in his chair and unclasps his hands, letting them rest on the arms of his chair.

        He addresses his reply towards Red. "I am pleased to hear that Flame Hyenard is, in your opinion, making progress. However I submit the following to you: Lieutenant Flame Hyenard has been acting in his unprofessional manner for months. That he has 'changed his ways' for... one day, Commander? Two? Is hardly enough evidence to support a complete change of heart. I also submit to you that the fact he has 'avoided insulting Repliforce and allied forces' is hardly grounds for rewarding an individual. I would reward a human /toddler/ if they were able to do that, but a fully programmed Reploid officer holding the rank of Lieutenant in Repliforce's special task force division?" He doesn't answer that rhetorical question.

        "You are correct that my answer does not reflect my opinion of Flame Hyenard. 'Ground Superiority' is the first thing that entered my CPU, however, because it is what I -expect- of him. However this is not what we get. Instead, we get..." Storm Owl pauses to tap in a few keys into the table-mounted computer. Behind him, one of the briefing screens comes up, displaying Flame's latest performance review.

        "To sum it up, Commander, Flame Hyenard is the very worst officer I have ever met in my entire life of serving with Repliforce." Presumably that doesn't include the traitors. "Colonel has spoken with him, I have spoken with him, and Crescent has spoken with him. Have you heard of the phrase 'three strikes, and you are out'? I personally believe in a mere one strike, however I have given Flame chance after chance to prove himself." Storm leans forward, growing to a crescendo. "And he has failed and failed. Remarkably, he has never been severely punished. Now... now he has been, and he will have to endure it."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission to Javelin Whitetail: You say, "This is a Repliforce concern, Agent Whitetail. Thank you for your opinion. We shall deal with it."

 

[Radio] Tightbeam transmission: Javelin Whitetail says, "-- yes sir. Thank you."

 

Red sits. And listens. And nods occasionally to assure Storm Owl he is in fact still listening. Finally, he is finished. And it was quite a speech. Red holds his chin thoughtfully for a few moments. He brushes a hand through his magic anti-gravity hair. And finally sighs.

            "Well then. That... that was fairly honest. Alright. Then we can continue the frank discussion about this. I hinted at the fact that there was a cycle of hostility and reaction. Hyenard, well, he isn't the nicest person around. He's damned smart if you get to know him, and anyone who'd take the effort to get to really know him would discover this. But that's not the point. The point is you're all extremely hostile to him. And he resents this, and acts out in response. Occasionally I have seen asinine orders assigned to him in an attempt to deride his use, and I can see no way anyone could react well to that. In short, I have spoken to Hyenard and he will try to modify his behavior." Pause. "I came here to talk to you about yours. He's going to at least /try/ to tone down his acting out. And I know you don't intend to let him back on board right away just because I make this claim. It will take time. But I'm going to have to ask you to treat Flame Hyenard with the same respect that you would treat everyone else in Repliforce with. Respect is a two way street, and Flame won't make any progress unless there's some changes on this side of things."

            Beer. Red needs a beer. Red glances at Saurian and manages a sheepish grin. He's not a bad guy, really. He just talks in an angry command tone and carries a scythe meaner thin Sigma's. He turns back toward Storm Owl. "My original question still stands. I would like to know when Flame Hyenard and I may return to Fortress V." Subtle like a falling pile of bricks.

 

Blaster Saurian hmms a little, considering Red's words. He has a good point. Blaster never really did get along with Flame, but that was mostly because by the time he was around enough to form an opinion on Flame, the rest of the 'Force already did, and as such, he sort of fell in with everyone else, thinking the Hyenard was loud, annoying, and downright insubordinate. "Hrm. I'll admit I'm as guilty of that as some others.." he says, considering comments he'd made over the global frequency. "I never gave him much of a chance either, Red, maybe I'll try to fix that... at the same time though, and not to play devil's advocate to either of you," Seeing as he agreed with Red just now, "But the behavior did deserve some sort of response, after all the talk attempts," again, just his two cents. "I'd suggest this. Work with Flame a little, work on his attitude and all that, and at some point down the road, maybe he and perhaps Commander Owl, or Colonel, can have a second talk with him and make their own decision..?" he glances between the two.

 

Storm Owl nods at various points in Red's reply. Unlike Red, however, he isn't doing it just to let Captain Scarlet know that he's still paying attention. Instead it's during points where Storm Owl believes he has discovered something, or there's been a point of interest. The war bird raises a hand slightly and first starts off, "Before we get to how long Flame Hyenard will not be allowed back aboard the ship, I wish to clarify certain points that you have made."

        Storm leans forward once again, clasping his hands together. Maybe these are the only two positions he uses when discussing things with people at the long conference table. "Which - undeserved - hostility are you referring to? I seek examples. Which asinine orders?" Pause. "You are correct that I will not let him come on board based on your belief that he will change. As I recall, you have made a similar claim of attempting to control him before this latest incident. However, let us continue: Which incident do you speak of where I (again, undeservedly) disrespected Lieutenant Flame Hyenard? Note, however, that if you are planning to refer to situations where he is disciplined due to his own actions, it will not serve as a valid point."

        "I seem to recall, Commander, that my reply to Flame Hyenard's recent 'performance review' was tolerance. I allowed him to state his claim and did not discipline him for it. Yet, remarkably, he /continued/ to insult and argue with myself on broadband. Face facts, Commander: Flame Hyenard has been given far more leeway than most officers would have been given."

        Storm Owl glances over at Blaster, "He has been given several similar chances in the past. However I am open to negotiation on such a course of action." He unclasps his hands and raises a finger, "But first, I wish to have these points clarified."

 

Red sighs. It is an eternal struggle not to roll his eyes, but he prevails. "I noticed some unusual orders regarding Gumbo in his current assignment duties. Or perhaps Colonel's order for him to swab the deck. Or perhaps your public announcements on global frequencies ordering him to silence which could have perhaps be done through shortwave radio or over Repliforce channels. The list goes on. I can't even remember them all. I'm tired of everyone jumping on the Hyenard Hating Train." He pauses. His left arm balls into a fist and shakes. Red closes his one optic for a moment. Calm returns. "Clarification isn't necessary. You already have all your facts and you know it. I don't know exactly what happened in Jakarta, and it doesn't matter, but it was clearly the straw that broke the camels back. If you feel Hyenard has been given uncessary leeway, Fine. Do what you must. But know that it's not entirely his fault. It's easy to dislike or even hate Hyenard. He might be different from everybody else. But I know for a fact that he's a valuable member of my team, and I'm going to stand by him." Pause. "Unless you have further discussion Commander, I do not wish to occupy you further. I am sorry to have wasted your time." He folds his arm, face an unhappy grimace.

 

Blaster Saurian winces, right, not saying anything this time.

 

Storm Owl replies quickly, "I am unaware of any orders Crescent Grizzly may have given Lieutenant Flame, so you should take it up with him. As for Colonel's orders to swab the deck... that is a perfectly legitimate order, Commander. The halls need to be clean. As far as I am concerned, if that is the worst that Colonel has done to Lieutenant Hyenard in disciplining him, and if Flame was unwilling to do so, then this organization is not for him." Storm is still completely calm. It might be eerie for someone who's not around him very often. "In a similar vein, if being ordered to be silent in public is beyond Flame's ability to handle, then he had best learn to cope with it. Orders will be given when others can hear. It is inevitable. I would also point out that the incident to which you are referring was the result of him openly insulting me... to the entire world, Commander. And he has the gall to cry foul when ordered to halt over the same frequency that he was using?" Storm gives Red a look of disbelief.

        At Red's last part, Storm is silent for a few seconds. "Now that you are done accusing the chain of command of being unfairly aggressive against him, allow me to point out what /I/ believe: I believe you are blind to his actions. You see what he does wrong, and you either ignore them or rationalize them as being one of his 'harmless quirks' - which I assure you is /not/ harmless."

        Storm then adds, after another moment of consideration, "Note that I understand your desire to stand by your trooper, and I respect that. I do not feel this time has been wasted. As Sergeant Saurian has noted, we can work on his attitude. I have a proposal. I shall allow him back aboard the ship on three conditions: 1. Flame Hyenard accepts a demotion back to Corporal. He will be permitted to regain ranks as normal for any officer. 2. He goes through and passes a standard Repliforce course on our rules and regulations. It will not interfere with his duties, and is part-time. 3. He does not continue to conduct himself in his usual manner." Storm Owl finally ends, "I would note that number 3 is something you have already promised."

 

See? Now that sounds reasonable to Blaster, and hopefully it sounds the same way to Red. If Flame really wants to make ammends, this is his chance, and likely, his final one. "In all honesty, Commander Red, I think that's very fair. I highly doubt either of you are going to agree on the things Flame has done, but I would hope you agree on getting him his best chance to remedy the things he's done.."

 

Storm Owl also adds, "Note that this offer is for /you/ to accept or decline, Red. You are his Commanding Officer." He nods in agreement to Blaster agreeing with him.

 

Red looks a little annoyed at the response accusation but lets it slide. "I will inform Flame of these terms. I will not make this decision for him. It's his life, not mine. What I /will/ do is make the decision based entirely on his. I am his commanding officer, true. But I do not impose orders unless absolutely necessary. I will take his opinion on the matter, weigh the decision, and then return to you with my own." He pauses. "And I take exception to the fact that you assume me blind. He's a PR nightmare, expresses his opinions freely, and has an unsavory habit of participating in the ugly menagerie that is the global frequency radio." He lets that one sink in for a moment. He decided against saying Hyenard had a bad habit of stating the truth. No way that would go over well.

            "Until such time as his exile ends, Flame Hyenard and I will continue to operate in a Repliforce capacity from a Non-Fortress V location. We will continue to perform as we would normally, without the benefit of this headquarters." Red stands and salutes. "If that is all, sir?"

 

Blaster Saurian hrns a little, slipping up a salute at about the same time, "Rest cycle calling, excuse me, commanders," And he slips out. Hopefully without incident.

Blaster Saurian retreats from the area swiftly, leaving him open to pursuit or parting shots from Storm Owl.

 

Storm Owl stands up as Red does, returning the salute. "Very well, Commander. I will, once again, allow you to handle my offer in the way you see fit. Do not fail again to keep him under control." Storm Owl doesn't bother pointing out that Red himself has no condition about not operating within the Fortress V. It's clear the crimson leader wishes to be with his trooper. "Do let me know of Lieutenant Flame's decision. Please do not wait too long before supplying a response. That is all, Commander." The war bird gives Blaster a curt military salute to the departing Blaster.

 

Red nods, and departs. He's going to walk nice and calmly to the turbolifts, to the teleporters, and back to where he and Hyenard have been hanging out. He's not going to mutter, grumble, or sulk.

            What he is going to do is probably completely destroy the next Maverick, Master, Yakuza, or Arcadian he sees. Because when Red gets angry, which is seldom, bad things happen to bad people.