Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on Apr 14, 2010 15:51:55 GMT -5
A loud clank echoed in the room when an empty coffee mug was slammed against the surface of a desk, soon followed by the voice of an office chair creaking under someone who practically threw himself on it rather than sat down. Clearly, Aloysius was not pleased. And how could he be - the moment he had almost had a new test pilot in his grasp, suddenly everything reverted back to the point where all of it had began. Meaning no pilot for his crew. Still not yet.
The scientist cursed in his mind - how, how could they do this to him? Clearly from the beginning the regular military had had their eyes on whoever was to lose the final round, since of course they could use someone that well accomplished pilot, still the second best in the whole program, in their rows as well. But what Aloysius had not taken into account would be that the winner of the final match would decline. Well, surely that was something highly unlikely - but why on earth would she then have risen and fought her way through the program, especially when she was one of the few coming completely outside of the military ranks, a civilian, a school teacher?? That, the chief scientist couldn't simply understand. People. Women. Though her gender was hardly the reason he couldn't understand one bit of her action - had it been Izumi instead, he would've possibly understood it even less. But no helping that - he didn't even try to figure it anymore. He could but shrug, while bristling inside. If they wouldn't fit into his plan, work the way he would've wished, then they were no good parts for him. Either way, they were both gone, out of his reach - this being something which led Aloysius even further to dislike the situation.
Whilst he had been able to have a say about who was in the test pilot program to begin with and had later been able to choose those who met his purpose and liking the best, now the officials would be nominating someone for the position - someone whomever they'd just see fit for it. If something, choosing his own staff was something Aloysius did not compromise with until he was truly forced to. This time, too, he had disagreed, fought for his right, but had lost to reason which he did understand, yet still didn't approve of. As the Chief of Science very well knew, yet it was still kindly pointed out to him, the program had cost a great deal, and what was the result? No one. The patience of the officials had ran out, and they had decided to fill the post as they didn't wish to waste any more money nor time on such a small matter, in the end. On the other hand the scientist, too, was quite desperate already - but not that desperate that he would have just comply with that row of nobles sitting in their offices and not knowing a damn thing about what a good, let alone perfect test pilot was like. Rather it was the monetary situation of the Tintagel that finally made him to give in in the end. There would be much more useful ways to use those funds - which Aloysius also knew very well. So reluctantly he had to let them do as they wished, and cope with whatever they would throw at him at this point.
He just hoped also they understood one thing - that it was their sorry derrieres suffering if Aloysius got a no good pilot. No good pilot meant no good testing and no good testing meant slow progress - which meant that for example the Black Knights could cross the border and blow them up anytime. He was sure their research and development facility wasn't in a stand still a minute when they could be developing anything to make the Britannian Empire shake and go boom, while the empire's research was practically stagnated for the moment.
The Chief of Science sighed. It wasn't that they weren't working - it just was that at some point every project of theirs met a stone wall of incapability to succeed and get any further with it without an able test pilot. Aloysius leaned back in his chair and sighed. He knew it was no use pouting over it, yet he still couldn't shake the frustration off his mind. In time, in time... now he only hoped the new pilot would be sent to him as soon as possible, at least that he would have something instead of nothing. At least to evaluate if that someone was something or not.
Shifting to sit straight, he turned towards the desk and computer screens on it, reaching for a wireless keyboard a bit further away on the desk and lastly, the coffee cup - which he hadn't remembered was empty. The man grumbled under his breath. His mood wasn't great, but lack of coffee didn't make it any better either. He clanked the cup anew against the table and left it, opening a file of some project on the screens - frankly, didn't matter which one at this point. Work was the only good thing left - the best way for him to have his thought out all that frustrating crap he had had to deal with lately. And so, soon was the room filled with the ticking of his fingers typing furiously.
//Welcome, Luka~//
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Luka Hawcroft
Britannian
Senior Officer[M:2214]
What the hell is wrong with... us?
Posts: 9
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Post by Luka Hawcroft on Apr 19, 2010 16:32:26 GMT -5
Luka took a look at the place he was supposed to be... At least according to the note he was sent by someone to meet this guy called Aloysius Drebbel. What the heck is this place? So why won't we go check it out? Your call honestly, I couldn't care less of some Aloysius Drebbel, whoever that even is. You stay out of this one Ira, though neither do I have a clue of this Drebbel. Yeah, yeah, I already said I couldn't care less. Unless this thing actually includes Knightmare piloting... Then I'd love to make my entrance. Luka(Ira) smirked and rearranged his hair, covering his left eye.
Luka entered the building with caution. To the outside the building had looked quiet and still but it was more like a wasp-nest on the inside people running from here to there and vice versa. He briefly examined the place and noticed a coffee machine not far left to where Luka was standing confused of all the hustle going on. To Luka's relief a woman walked to the coffee machine and ordered a drink, a diet espresso. They make diet espressos today? I told you to stay out of this, Ira. Luka mumbled and glanced at a mirror hanging in the hallway, and took a deep breath twice. Damn I'm too nervous. He then walked to the woman waiting for her espresso. 'Scuse me madame, where could I find this man? The woman blinked twice looking quite astonished and then pointed at another door behind Luka, before rushing off with her espresso. 'Scuse me... Damn. What's wrong with these people, all just running around... Luka raised his eyebrow, sighed and walked to the door the woman had just pointed at.
Opening the door Luka entered another hallway, finding this one more quiet and spacious. Actually this one was a bit too quiet. Luka tried to find someone to ask directions, only to discover lots and lots of empty corridors, all crossing each other, and not a one soul to ask directions. Right. Sigh Oh, come on, you can't do better than that? Here, let me handle this. HELLO IS ANYBODY IN HERE?!?! I'M LOOKING FOR ALOYSIUS DREBBEL
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Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on Apr 19, 2010 19:09:25 GMT -5
Sigh.
The sound of typing had ceased, and now the soundscape of the room consisted mainly of low, electric humming of the computer. Aloysius had stopped moving, now leaning a bit forward only to support his elbow against the desk while his head was resting on his palm, the other hand half stretched towards the coffee cup - the latter being a result of something which he had been doing basically every five minutes for the past hour only to halt and remember half-way that the cup still was but empty. Finally, this had resulted him to cease writing, leaving him now only to stay still and stare at the cup. His thoughts had began to run in circles, resulting to a complete block when it came to continue working. Clearly, it was time for a break - well, the scientist hadn't exactly done much else but work for the past days after the failed final trial of the test pilots. But for something as simple as lack of coffee now to disturb him, make his capability to do anything vanish? Another, frustrated sigh, and the hand he leaned against moved as well as he straightened a bit - the hand now clutching locks of his hair in irritation. Oh, how he sometimes envied a certain General he had a pleasure to be acquaintances with. Recharging was so much more convenient than sleeping... But, this Chief of Science was still a human himself, and once again he had to admit it and give in to the demands a such form of existence gave him. Like fetching some lunch - or a meal for whatever the time of the day it was now. (He hadn't bothered to keep track of the time - and in an office without windows he couldn't tell it otherwise either. Not that he would have really been outside of the said office for a while now either.)
Oh, this won't do.
Time for a break. Seriously. So, he rose, grabbed the mug and headed towards the door. Making sure the door was properly locked after him, as usual, the sound of machines humming was soon left behind as he began to advance through the corridors. This part of the facility was quite quiet - and it was fine that way. Not that he was really hoping to bump into anyone right now - why else he would've locked himself into his office for a good amount of hours, a day or two for all he knew, in the first place? He just hoped he would make it to the break room while the corridors still remained in their present state - empty. The main hall might have been bustling, but deeper in the facility the people were clever enough not to run around so aimlessly, wasting time and whatnot, but rather stayed inside their own rooms and offices busy at something actually important. Meh.
The scientist had almost reached the break room - only one turn to the left and half a corridor to go - when a sudden yell echoing in the corridor startled him, making him to drop his cup. Staring down at the pieces of glazed clay now shattered at his feet, he was left standing still in the middle of the corridor, not moving one bit at first. Not that he really minded the broken cup, but the yell hadn't exactly been a very good thing for his already a bit aching head. And it hadn't been exactly silent, but had come from pretty close. Now that he could hear, someone else was indeed in the hallway, probably just around the corner if he wasn't too badly mistaken. But first, he bent down to collect the most of the mug's remnants - all he could, anyway - to be thrown away once he'd find a garbage can somewhere. Only after then, he continued his going, not only to the direction of the break room but also towards the source of the voice from a moment ago. What he had really only got from the yell was his own name - so, someone was looking for him? Not the very best choice of moment for the person who did, though. But just as he had thought, he did find the shouter just around the corner. And so did Aloysius emerge to the other man's field of vision - hair ruffled, with dark eye bags underlining his eyes no doubt, holding a pile of mug shards in his hands and looking definitely not so sharp to be presumed to be the actual Chief of Science of the Imperial Military.
Well, there he was anyway.
Though the pretty much absent minded gaze from his eyes did disappear as his eyes landed on the other man, now observing the comer. For a split second he just stood and stared at the other man before he would speak. Clearly, the comer was from the regular military, a soldier - of what rank, though, didn't immediately dawn upon Aloysius as he hadn't exactly paid so close attention to the ranking order and the badges of the regular military to remeber them right away. 'Hawcroft' he was, eh - or so told the name badge attached to the front of his coat. Ah well, that didn't ring a bell. So, with slightly rising his eyebrow, the scientist didn't yet remove his eyes from the man but asked: "...and how might I be of service to you on this fine day?"
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Luka Hawcroft
Britannian
Senior Officer[M:2214]
What the hell is wrong with... us?
Posts: 9
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Post by Luka Hawcroft on Apr 22, 2010 11:41:31 GMT -5
A crack, like a clay sculpture or a mug falling to the ground. "Uups. Now that was your fault." "HEY, what did I do? Ira, YOU are going to pay for this one." "Oh yeah, and how are you going to do that one? Perhaps you'll go to a shrink, or perhaps a doctor with all the needles and stuff, that'd be fun wouldn't it?" The argue was interrupted by steps approaching from around the corner, not far from where Luka was standing at. "Your call, I'm out. See you at lunch." Right... well better off without that one. Luka braced himself only to meet a man with ruffled hair and dark eye bags, holding a broken mug in his hands. He was definately a scientist, most likely the man he was looking for. "...and how might I be of service to you on this fine day?"
He withdrew his hand from his sidearm's case and gave the scientist a smile. "A fine day indeed. You're mr. Drebbel?" There was something familiar in him though. Of course it could've just been something like him working with the military or something like that, for there were a lot of scientists working for the military. But somehow this Drebbel reminded him of something else. "Have we met before? Oh, sorry for my primitive interaction skills, I am Luka Hawcroft, senior officer of the Britannian military. He kept his eye contact to the man as he gave him a slight bow. Here, I presume this was meant for you." Luka gave the scientist an envelope he had received from his unit's commander and straightened himself. Luka hadn't opened the letter for he knew quite well what it contained; the usual blabber of transferring a man to another unit, the standard procedures and all that crap. Only thing that interested Luka in that envelope was, his next assignment and the place he was going to serve. Though it seemed to be unusually boring one, being most likely a runner for this mr. Drebbel. That was when the thought struck him. You fool, don't you recognize him? He's the Chief of Science you moron. This isn't gonna be some stupid runners job, this is gonna be something big.
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Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on Apr 27, 2010 14:08:08 GMT -5
"A fine day indeed. You're mr. Drebbel?" Oh, so it was daytime after all. Good to know. And for his assurance that he indeed was the person he was looking for, Aloysius gave the other man a simple nod for an answer. "Very much so, at your service." the scientist paused for a moment, but the other man continued sooner than he had expected. "Have we met before? Oh, sorry for my primitive interaction skills, I am Luka Hawcroft, senior officer of the Britannian military. Had they? Now that he was asking about it, Aloysius wasn't so sure anymore that he was just a by-passer, ' nobody' if to say so, to him. He glanced at the man anew and, now when giving some actual attention to it, there indeed was something even Aloysius could call familiarity. He frowned slightly. But before he had time for another thought the man continued again, cutting his thought by offering an envelope towards him. Here, I presume this was meant for you." Aloysius took the envelope offered, though it was a bit difficult with his hands full off mug shards - that also the reason why he didn't open it right away. Instead, he made a gesture towards a door at the right side of the hallway a few meters behind Luka. "That's quite alright, senior officer - I might as well warn you that I might be no better myself at any such skill, so my apologizes already beforehand as well. Now. While I do find these corridors quite fascinating when they're this empty - I assure you, doesn't happen too often - I do think that we'd both be more comfortable continuing this conversation somewhere else rather than just standing here. Also, it would be a lot easier for me to read this letter when I've got rid of these." He pointed at the shards with his head, then making a move towards the break room. "Shall we?" While some of it being just useless blabber, for the moment Aloysius didn't really pay attention to what he let out of his mouth. Frankly, the only thing in his mind now was a crave for milk - to get his head straight to be even able to decipher whatever the envelope would hold inside. And for that purpose, just coffee wouldn't do at this point anymore. He hadn't even given any thought to what it would or could be, though seeing how soon he would be able to open and read the letter such pondering would have been quite meaningless anyway. And frankly, as long as whatever he received didn't have black edging on it, it didn't matter too much.
So, taking the remaining steps to the break room's door, he opened it to go in and gave the other man a sign to follow. Once inside he headed straight to the kitchenette to get rid of the shards - quite fortunately finding a trash can right next to the doorway - and then for the most important, to fetch the milk which would solve practically every problem of Aloysius' for now. Turning and reaching for a glass, then turning towards the fridge - well, kitchenettes weren't exactly big spaces anyway, nor was this one either - only a thought to strike him. What if there wasn't any milk left? He hadn't exactly been sparing any lately, but wasn't sure if anyone had got him more of it - usually he did ask someone to get it for him when he had no time to go himself (which was more a rule than an exception, really), but wasn't sure when was the last time he would've remembered to ask for it. He swallowed, and opened the fridge to reach for the milk carton. Be not empty, be not empty, benotemptybenotemptybenotempty... The carton he lifted - the only one left in the fridge - was light. Far too light for his liking. But, he shook it lightly, only to hear the faint sound of liquid splashing inside, and a simple, happy smile spread over his face. It wasn't empty. Almost, but not completely empty! And so was it soon proven also by the glass in his hands which was soon filled almost full. Perhaps only that much, but it was milk nonetheless - the white gold more precious than the real deal to him. And now having it there, he didn't wait for another moment. It wasn't much, but it was enough for the time being. A gulp, all down in one swig. And a deep sigh of pleasure followed.
The scientist's adventure in the kitchenette might have not taken too long but a while anyway, but he didn't apologize right away when he got back to the actual room's side. Instead, he had now opened the letter and while reading it wandered about the room to finally find a place to sit on the small couch at the other side of it. Aloysius frowned and kept staring at the paper in his hand, and frankly, he had had to read the text twice only to believe it was really there, in solid black and white, telling him exactly what he only thought his eyes were extracting from it. But, there the words stood, and it was no lie. It took a moment for him to finally lift his gaze from the paper, only to notice that the senior officer had apparently followed him into the room after all. The Senior Officer. Apparently - yes, it was there on the letter all set and clear - the Tintagel's new test pilot.
Judging from the other man's appearance though, he most likely had yet now clue about what he was up to, nominated by his superiors. Aloysius didn't notice it himself again, but was left to stare right at the man for quite a while, while what the scientist really concentrated in were but his own thoughts. On the surface - joy, relief. But when he thought more about it, of course he was slightly disappointed. Even a bit dubious. The disappointment - it was Aloysius' habit to pick his own staff after a careful observation and seeing that they really knew and handled their share (while being someone who could cope up with him and vice versa). And this man here - the scientist knew practically nothing of him. Dubious - while he knew nothing of him, he knew nothing of his skills either. He might look good on paper, but could be quite something else in real life. Or, then good for real, but just not suitable for this assignment. Aloysius could but truly, sincerely hope that the senior officer would do - be a good, or at least suitable test pilot. Otherwise, he wouldn't know what to do anymore.
Reading the letter though, had made Aloysius remember something else, really nothing related to the matter at hand - that he had indeed met this man before, and actually more than once. He hadn't really known him though, and at the time the man had been but a minor officer, but there was a good reason for Aloysius to remember him. He had been an acquaintance, a friend of his younger brother. Which meant Aloysius could remember that this man wasn't good only in paper. Oh, no. And by the progress he had done after the Chief of Science last remembered of him, he could well assume that this Hawcroft would be actually a good choice for his pilot. Someone he could trust really to fulfill even his criteria. My, have the honorable folks really done a good choice for once, haven't they? And by that, Aloysius was quite sure that Luka should have remembered the scientist at least somehow as well - well, more than casually asking if they had met before or not. It just seemed odd... ...like he wouldn't remember a thing? Well. Seeing how things were, he would most likely have plenty of time to discuss that with him later. But, now, the test pilot thing. Quite a fine day indeed - seemed like fortune had finally began to turn its tides for his good, too.
Snapping out of it, even startling a bit visibly, Aloysius glanced once more at the letter before folding it, though still keeping it in his hands. He stood up from the couch and gave the senior officer an indicative look. "...so, you have no idea why you were sent here, and what this letter tells me to do with you, correct?"
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Luka Hawcroft
Britannian
Senior Officer[M:2214]
What the hell is wrong with... us?
Posts: 9
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Post by Luka Hawcroft on Apr 29, 2010 7:21:17 GMT -5
"...Shall we? The scientist turned to the door at the right side of the hallway leaving stunned Luka thinking of what the scientist had said a few seconds. ... we'd both be more comfortable continuing this conversation somewhere else... Why does he sound so familiar? The scientist seized at the door and gave Luka a sign to follow him, waking Luka up from his thoughts. He walked to the door the scientist had just entered. Before entering he - never too cautious - shifted his jacket's hem and placed his right hand on his sidearm, only to find out that the room the two had entered was empty, not counting the furniture and the back of the scientist. You did it again Ira. So?? I don't want to get shot without taking someone down with me. Besides, I don't trust this guy, he seems so... I don't know, too absent. Just look at him, what the hell is he doing now for example? Making coffee or something, I don't know, why does it matter?[/i] Oh, I don't need anything, thank you.[/color] Nothing, not even a twitch. Apparently the scientist hadn't either heard him, or he wasn't paying attention. Ain't making coffee obviously. Told you, he's too absent. Oh cut it out, will you?[/i] The scientist gulped so loudly even Luka heard it. Ok... he is a bit strange. Where the hell do I know him from? Beats me, haven't met him before. Maybe someone from the past? Yeah, maybe. If I only could remember....
Luka sat down on a chair so that he could see the scientist. Trying to remember something, anything, he just stared at the scientist for a moment. The scientist closed the fridge, opened the letter and started to read it. Kicking his foot to a table awoke Luka from his thoughts again. He shrugged and thought it wouldn't be so important anyway. Instead of staring the scientist Luka decided to investigate the room a bit more. It was apparently a break room of sort, a very nice one actually, at least compared to the senior and junior officers break room at the barracks. A couple of chairs, a sofa and a table in front of the sofa and a small kitchenette - a nice, tidy room. Unlike the barracks, where Luka had found 4 disassembled assault rifles on the sofa, clothes and bulletproof wests on the floor and bunch of black bananas on the only chair in the room. If the higher ranks found out...
"...so, you have no idea why you were sent here, and what this letter tells me to do with you, correct?" Luka was staring the table so intensely he hadn't noticed the scientist had already sat down on the sofa. QUIT DAYDREAMING YOU DIM-WIT!! What's wrong with you, you'r gonna get us killed if you don't pay attention, so please try to straighten up. That damn Ira was right, Luka had been daydreaming the whole day. He shook his head, clearing his head a bit, finally realizing he was asked a question. I'm afraid I don't, sir. All I know is that it has something to do with the Chief of Science, so it'll have to be something quite big, or then I've been caught doing something wrong and I'm going to be your errand boy for some time. He lifted his right eyebrow, trying to read the answer from the expressionless face of the scientist. As he was unable to find anything from there... Hey, I haven't done anything stupid... lately...
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Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on May 19, 2010 17:12:48 GMT -5
I'm afraid I don't, sir. All I know is that it has something to do with the Chief of Science, so it'll have to be something quite big, or then I've been caught doing something wrong and I'm going to be your errand boy for some time.
Aloysius lifted an eyebrow. An errand boy, eh. Well, one might have made a joke about it or mockingly called a test pilot that - after all, the job was all about running errands, this time with the machines, on behalf of the scientists; going through tests and trials and whatever they might come up with to test their new creations. In a way. Aloysius, though didn't think that way, though - after all, a test pilot was something very vital for him, something actually significant, something much more than just an errand boy. Errand boys came and went, but the test pilot was no good if they'd also do so. They were as important as any other part of the machine, and... well. An errand boy, or a part - one might wonder which was a better option to call it in the end. Though being the 'part' was something way more special - might just not have sounded like it, but it was. Parts were essential. Parts were precious. And the (un?)fortunate Senior Officer who now stood there right in front of him was more precious to Aloysius than the officer himself could ever imagine.
Nothing queer in it.
So in response to him, Aloysius shook his head. "Ah, no - I see you really haven't read your orders, officer? Well, I can assure you - you'll be entrusted with a task no mere errand boy would ever be able to fulfill. Nor would I allow an errand boy take the post - oh, nonono, definitely not." The scientist now gave a firm look right into the other man's eyes, and stood silent for a moment as a smile slowly but steadily crept on his face. Oh, he was pleased - more than pleased; relieved, excited, thrilled, overjoyed about the fact that the days of his agony were finally over, it seemed. That finally the Tintagel would be able to make progress again. That he could finally voice out the words which would enable everything now mentioned, and much more. "No. You'll be ours - the Tintagel's - new test pilot." There. Even wider, and if one didn't know better, warm smile spread upon the scientist face. "So, I bid you welcome to the crew. Offering his hand for a handshake, Aloysius kept the smile, sincerely happy, though along with the essence that he was still completely serious. Yet there was something oddly casual in the way he voiced his last sentence, like along all the excitement and whatnot, it still was something pretty happens-every-day -stuff he dealt with. "I have high expectations of you, and can but hope you won't let us down. Our future and all the progress now rests upon your shoulders."
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Post by thelightsworn on May 21, 2010 4:12:34 GMT -5
Frederick had been helping out at the R&D facility all day. He was also using his time there to "shop around" for ideas for the custom knightmare he was planning on commissioning soon. He had the day to himself after returning from his recent mission in the European Universe. He had been sent to the EU with a small group under his command in order to attack and remove a small contingent of rebels in a recently acquired territory. The resistance had been greater than expected. During the fighting Frederick had managed to stress every joint and motor in the knightmare beyond their breaking points. The mission was accomplished, but the sutherland he had ridden into battle was ruined.
Frederick leaned against a wall in the corner of the room. He had been enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the break room when Aloysius and his protege came in. Apparently the two had been too caught up in their own thoughts to have noticed the lone figure standing in the corner.
Frederick picked up his cup of coffee from the counter and took a sip.
As soon as they had entered Drebbel had made a bee-line directly for the kitchenette. Frederick watched from the other side of the counter as he downed what was left of the milk that Frederick had used as creamer in his coffee. After he was done he walked out and began to discuss what sounded like somewhat important matters. As the Knight of One, Frederick could have eavesdropped on the conversation without the slightest trace of remorse, but he respected the privacy of the speakers as much as he could in the small break room.
"I have high expectations of you, and can but hope you won't let us down. Our future and all the progress now rests upon your shoulders."
Frederick chuckled and stepped out of the corner.
"Come on now Aloysius, you're going to frighten the boy, and then you'll be out another test pilot."
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Luka Hawcroft
Britannian
Senior Officer[M:2214]
What the hell is wrong with... us?
Posts: 9
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Post by Luka Hawcroft on Jun 21, 2010 12:48:08 GMT -5
"Would be best for you, Knight of One, if you wouldn't do that around me again. You nearly scared me enough to pull the trigger." He lowered the gun he had drawn and aimed at the direction he had heard the voice as he recognized the Knight of One stepping out of the corner. 'Ira what the hell are you doing!! That is the Knight of One!' I don't care if he's a knight nor would I care if he was even the emperor. You should be alerted too, this thing gets creepier every second.' Luka's voice pitched a little up as Ira (whose voice was a little darker and lower than Luka's) once again left the scene. "Forgive me my manners, but as you can imagine this is rather unusual situation for me." He put his sidearm back to its sheath and sat down again. "And what's with this Tinta... a... gel anyway? Haven't heard of it nor have I seen any reports of any new projects anyhow. Some sort of a new Knightmare or something? Or that's what I'd consider the only thing needing my piloting skills. And what frightening could there be, being only a test pilot?" He slightly smirked. Of course it would be exciting to see some top secret equipment the military was developing, but being only a test pilot... That wouldn't bring him closer to his answers, closer to his past. But as the military hadn't assigned him to any close-to-combat missions... well, this would be a nice change.
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Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on Jun 22, 2010 11:02:49 GMT -5
"Come on now Aloysius, you're going to frighten the boy, and then you'll be out another test pilot." The sudden comment coming out of the blue made also Aloysius startle slightly, though unlike his new charge, that was pretty much all what it came to his reaction of seeing the man emerge from the back of the room. Well, wasn't this surprising to see the Knight of One himself in the mere break room of the Research and Development Facility - though not completely unlikely, it was still quite unusual. Aloysius, too, was rather surprised, but instead of pointing any weapons at the man like his new charge had chose to - like the scientist would've ever even carried something called a gun with him - he chose but to response to the comment with a slight, impish smile. "Why, your Excellency - if he really gets frightened and can't fulfill his duty, it's all the same then if I have one or not. It's the truth." Even Aloysius couldn't have missed the sudden change in his protege's attitude, which though changed back to the senior officer's former polite tone as soon as it had happened. Still, it made the scientist curiously lift an eyebrow as he stood silent until the other man had lowered his gun. Then, he made a polite bow towards the Knight of One, greeting him properly. "I apologize on behalf of senior officer Hawcroft here - call it a newcomer's flaw-", he straightened himself, but was then cut by the question voiced by the senior officer. "And what's with this Tinta... a... gel anyway? Haven't heard of it nor have I seen any reports of any new projects anyhow. Some sort of a new Knightmare or something?" In response, the Chief of Science shook his head. "Ahh, no. I'd be more worried if you had heard too much of us - how could we then even develop anything new for the Empire if it was known by everyone, our own people let alone our opponents. The Tintagel-", suddenly there was yet again a tone of passion and pride to be heard in his voice, "- is the team, a group of people working down here to ensure the Britannian Empire has the best means to compete it's opponents. We create the weapons and devices they might need and could use, mainly concentrating on Knightmare Frames and related technology and weaponry. Being 'only the test pilot' sounds pretty easy for you, although...", he crossed his arms and gave the officer a firm look, "...it is something in which you might end up loosing your life. Remember, everything you might end up testing is but a prototype, and no one knows what might happen when they're turned on and driven out for the very first time, or even the second. Until we've completely tested out every system and device, the risk of anything may happen is always there. By joining us you'll accept this and do what you must - and by this letter you brought me, may I say, your higher ups don't really give you much of a word about the matter." Aloysius kept looking at him. "...I, on the other hand, won't have a man possibly blowing up by my hand if he really doesn't choose such possible fate by himself. So, I ask you to join us, not forcing you to do so - whatever the higher ups may have to say. The good thing is we're a specialist team - outside the regular rules and regulations of the military. So we may push our freedom a bit." Lastly, the Chief of Science smirked. "Think about it. And give me answer when you're ready. I can wait for another day or so - it won't hurt after the amount of time we're already waited for."
Then turning and giving the knight an look of interest instead, Aloysius remained standing. "May I ask, what might be the honor to have Yourself down here to greet us?" He kept the polite tone, though frowned slightly. "Another case of a broken Frame, might I presume?"
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Post by thelightsworn on Jun 22, 2010 13:10:31 GMT -5
"Sorry to make such a suprise appearance," Frederick said, smiling at the man pointing the gun in his direction. As soon as the gun was put away Aloysius offered an excuse for the officer, but Frederick merely smiled and nodded at the boy. After they had concluded their conversation Drebbel turned to Frederick.
"Another case of a broken frame, might I presume?"
"Well, that is part of why I ventured down to your part of the world, but I also have been helping out in the hangar, moving around boxes and such. I've also been shopping around for a new knightmare frame, as you've already guessed. The Sutherland I had employed on the last sortie may have gotten stressed beyond his breaking point," he said somewhat sheepishly. Frederick looked to Hawcroft. "Congratulations on being selected as a test pilot for Tentagel. If you end up saying yes, then bear in mind that while they may seem like a bunch of mad scientists bent on putting you in the hospital, these men and women have developed some of the cutting edge technology that have kept out country in the forefront of the military world."
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Luka Hawcroft
Britannian
Senior Officer[M:2214]
What the hell is wrong with... us?
Posts: 9
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Post by Luka Hawcroft on Jul 12, 2010 13:23:17 GMT -5
"Mainly concentrating on Knightmare Frames and related technology and weaponry, end up loosing your life, another case of a broken Frame, BOY this really starts to sound interesting. You wouldn't even consider refusing would you?[/i] The two men kept talking as Luka considered his opinions. No, I wouldn't even consider. Specially when you're around. Wouldn't mind to get rid of you at the same time.[/i] Oh, but you would, you'd miss me. Though you hate me a lot, you also couldn't live without me so there isn't much to choose. Besides we make a wonderful pair, don't you think? Quit bragging will ya?[/i] He turned to the scientist who stood listening to the Knight. "Yeah, well there's not much to think is there? Of course I'll be a test pilot if a have a chance. Knightmares and sniping, those are my life."But... His voice changed again as Ira took control. This time no one could blame being afraid or anything for the change in his tone. ...before we write any contracts or shake our hands, let ME represent myself. I am IRA, Lukas better or worse half. He moved his hair a bit so that it covered his uninjured eye revealing the green eye that almost shone in the dimly lit room.
As you may have read from my file I was injured somewhere, in a fight I nor Luka remember. It seems I lost my memory in the same incident, or more likely after the incident as I was used as a test subject. Luka can't remember anything about this particular thing, but I am aware of some parts. I don't know what did they do to us, but I sure am going to find out. His head lowered and his hair pleat on his face covering the unconscious man. A short time passed as Luka covered from Ira's full control. This was not unusual for him because of the fact that they shared the same brain and body, and as Ira took full control the processing capabilities of his brains came to the full maximum resulting to a sudden unconsciousness. Though Ira usually didn't take full control which was a bit awkward. Luka lifted his head and saw both of the men staring at him. I guess you two met Ira. He shook his head and recovered from his stun. He had to think for a second what might have happened and what Ira might have said. Then he inhaled his lungs full of the rooms musty air and opened his mouth for Ira to say what he couldn't form himself. So IF you don't mind working with someone who represents somewhat a psych, I'll gladly be your test pilot, Chief.
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Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on Nov 20, 2010 18:26:01 GMT -5
Well, this sure was unusual. Even so, that it made even Aloysius' interest to peak, as he was left staring eyes wide open at the Senior Officer. A split personality, eh? Well, this was definitely something. How it would affect the newly assigned Officer - well, in Aloysius' books anyway he was as good as assigned already - the Chief of Science didn't know. But, he brushed it off his mind quite quickly - well, if it was to affect the man's skill as a pilot he would be dispatched, if not, then he'd be good enough to stay, be his mind split or not. Simple and clear - Aloysius saw no reason to be bothered by it more than he was. Though it was only then that he realized he had been staring at the man (again), and instead drew his gaze towards the Knight of One. The issue he had presented hadn't come as a surprise to the scientist, and he nodded politely to the man, keeping his expression quite neutral - of course hearing about a broken Frame wasn't exactly to his liking, but it could be said that fortunately it was just a standard Sutherland. It didn't mean he wouldn't have spent many hours working with it, though. "I thank You for Your trouble, my good Sir. And might I be of any help in Your quest for another Frame, You know that I'm at Your service regarding any such matter." Returning to look at the Senior Officer, he nodded to him as well, approvingly. "Guess we did. A pleasure to meet you, fully, and no, I won't mind - as long as you fulfill your duty accordingly, I personally don't care the slightest whether it is one or two in one doing the job. Just don't expect double salary for it." He winked, then paused for a while to give a final glance at Luka. "So, I believe I can interpret that as your answer to be 'yes'. Truly, this lifts a weight off my shoulders." It did, truly did. It was kind of rare for Aloysius to show off his emotions that clearly - other than joy of success or rage of failure, that is. So it could only describe how relieved he indeed was. Though it was only to wait and see now, how big a weight had been lifted, and whether his coming would bring a new weight or quite something else to press the shoulders of this Chief of Science. It would be time for trials - this time the actual ones for a new invention.
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Aloysius Drebbel
Co-Admin
Britannian Chief of Science[M:4404]
The proof of the pudding is in the eating~
Posts: 349
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Post by Aloysius Drebbel on Feb 19, 2012 14:15:43 GMT -5
-Topic finished-
Aloysius Drebbel: (4835 Words, Normal RP) 494 Exp, 494 Credits [+10] Luka Hawcroft: (2037 Words, Normal RP) 214 Exp, 214 Credits [+10] Frederick Di Lowenthal: (531 Words, Normal RP) 63 Exp, 63 Credits
Credits and EXP have been added.
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