Z
Zack
Uso, Raphael, and their guests would make their way back into the city, heading right for what remained of the central palace. They could hear the whine of the F6 transport fly by and darken everything overhead. The whine of the F6 grew louder as Hellcat landed the ship in the courtyard of the palace where Uso and Raphael were. Then it grew quiet once more as the F6 powered down to stand by mode.
Several hours later...
Raphael passed back and forth across the common room as he thought what he was to do next. His armor was off and in its berth, and Raph's hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. He had put his black trench coat back on and a fresh pair of BDUs. He looked down at Uso as he stopped his pacing. "Well, are they ready?"
"Yeah... I mean, I guess... lets do this!" She said. Uso had stripped out of her armor as well, putting on a fluffy white bathrobe she had taken from Ivory's closet.
A makeshift table had been setup out of boxes nepleslian rations. Sitting at it were the general they had captured along with the little princess, her red face seemingly on the verge of crying. As Uso sat across from the general, she'd give him a good look in the eye,
"I know what you're thinking.... Maybe that gun will work now that I'm naked?" Uso said, tapping her fingers on the table as she leaned forward, the bathrobe tied tightly enough to keep her modest. "Wanna try it?"
The general's hand would rest ontop of the SMG she had given him earlier... but he made no quick motions.
"Right then, Raph, you wanna ask some questions first? I totally got bad-cop down."
Errowyn walked on Uso, Raphael and their two guest. She patted the princess head as she passed by. She smirked at the General seeing his hand rest on the smg. "Letting play them with the big peoples toys now Uso?" She took one of the chairs that was well cushioned and against the wall. She was still wearing her flight uniform and service pistol at her side. "
"I don't mind sharing my toys," Uso said, licking her lips a little as Hellcat passed by, Uso taking her eyes off the soldier for just a brief moment.
There was a brief moment of hesitation, and the general's hand twitched... only for Uso to shove the table about in inch his his direction, pressing his legs between the heavy supply boxes that made up the whole thing.
"Now Uso..." Raph said as he stepped forward placing his own weapon on the makeshift table. "Before we begin, would anyone object to placing their weapons on the table?" He asked placing his multiple knives and pistols on the table. He stepped over to the side of the table with the princess. He kneeled down and bowed his head. "I am quite sorry your highness for your current predicament." He said raising his head and giving the young girl a soft smile. "As long as I am here, you will be safe. May I have you name?" he said tilting his head. "I am Raphael Castiel."
"I... I'm julie...." the little girl said, terror already filling her voice, the girl covering her eyes and pulling back away from Raphael.
"Julie, that is a very pretty name." Raph said as Julie pulled away. "Princess Julie, are you scared of me? Is it the wings?" He asked flexing them. "Or is it my weird eyes?" He said crossing them, trying to get at least a chuckle out of her.
"N... no, it isn't the wings...." She said, the young girl peeking out from behind her hands for just a moment to cast a glance over at Uso... and then hiding back behind them again.
Of course, while this was going on the general was already leaving his gun on the table, his hands backing off entirely while Uso just smiled, leaning forward, leaving her hands on the table where the general could see them.
Raphael noticed the quick glance and smiled. "I see..." He said moving between them so the princess couldn't see Uso. "There little one. Pretend there is no one else in this room besides you and me. Does that make you feel better?" He asked smiling.
"... No...." The little girl said, lowering her hands a little bit, now looking at Raphael... then up at his wings.... then back to his face... then back to his wings.
*RRRIIIIIIP*
Uso tore open one of the Nepleslian ration kits... going right for the sugary snack inside and quietly placing it beside Raphael on the table before tossing the rest of the ration pack over towards the edges of the room where here armor was piled up against the wall.
Raphael chuckled. "They are weird." He said with a smile. "Think of me as your new guardian angel. Is that okay?" He asked spreading them out so that Uso and the general could not be seen.
Julie would give him a timid nod.... again looking up at his wings, then pointing at them as if she were going to hide behind her own fingers.
"Hey, don't be afraid of them. Here," He said slowly closing them and turning his back to her. "Feel them. They are very soft. Like a pillow." He said looking up at Uso smiling.
He'd feel Julie reach out, poking his wings with her finger and then quickly pulling away.... the girl pausing for a moment before reaching out again to touch him.
"Looks like you ain't bad with kids," Uso said, leaning back a bit and smiling at Raph, the soldier across the table never quite entirely out of her line of sight.
"See, they aren't scary. They let me fly around." He said calmly. He turned back around to her, "How old are you your highness?" He flashed a smile to Uso at her comment.
She held up eight fingers.
"You're eight?" He smiled. "I had a baby sister that looked just like you..." He smiled, cursing himself for letting his mind slip. "Would you like to come with me? We can go the kitchen and I can make you a snack." He said holding out a hand for her to take. "Nothing will happen you. I am your guardian angel after all." He said smiling.
She would timidly take his hand, and let him pick her up, leaving the SMG Uso had given her down by the table. "Did she have wings too?" the little girl asked.
Raphael smiled and held her closer to him. His other hand softly patted her back. "Nope, she is called a Neko. That means she is part cat." He said as he began walking out the room with her. "Be nice to our other guest Uso." he said with a smile. He looked over at Errowyn also. "Make sure those two don't get into a fight?" He asked
"Oh, I think that is up to him now isn't it?" Uso asked, starting up her own conversation with the general as Raph took Julie over to the kitchen area, the girl holding his shoulders tightly.
Errowyn just nodded as she sat there, relaxed watching the exchange. She was glad that Raphael had taken the Princess out of the room before any bloodshed happened. She relaxed and became part of the scenary. It appeared she was the only one armed and wasn't about to give up her side arm at the moment.
He smiled and held her tight. "What would you like to eat Princess?" He asked.
The little princess looked around, confused... "What here is food?...." she asked.
He smiled, and laid out some bread and cheese. "Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich? He asked as he prepared it with one hand, holding the little girl with another.
"Our cheese isn't yellow...." she said, watching him lay out the food, her eyes going wide... it looked quite a bit better than what they had!
He smiled as he placed a pan on the skillet and began to melt the cheese. "Would you like to ask me a question little one?"He said as he flipped the sandwich with one hand in the skillet.
"What kind of cheese is that?" she asked, leaning over so she could get a better look.
He tore a piece off the block and handed it to her. "Here, try it." He said with a smile.
She would pick up the sandwhich.... and look at it for a few moments.... checking out the underside for a bit, then looking at the sides.... then finally taking a bite!
"IFTS GOUFD," She said, her mouth stuffed with bread and cheese.
Raphael smiled. He sat her down at the table and grabbed a glass of water. He placed in front of her. He sat down on the floor. "Am I a good chief?" He asked smiling
She nodded, her eyes entirely focused on the sandwich now, trying to stuff as much of it in her face as possible, barely stopping to chew.
Raphael laughed, he placed a massive hand on her head. "Your Highness, I can make you more if you want. You don't need to inhale it." He smiled,
She kept chewing intently, holding the sandwich back for a moment.... a hearty swallow, some more chewing, and then yet another swallow before she could talk, "I like it, your cheese isn't gritty like ours..."
"I'm glad." He smiled "Be sure to drink some water. I don't want you to choke." He said softly stroking her hair.
She looked around for a water glass... not seeing one within reach.
He smiled and grabbed the cup of water in front of her, and held it up to her. "Here you go sweat heart."
She would hold onto the sandwich with one hand, and the glass with the other, following up her next bite with a long drink.
He let her finish the sandwich and her drink. "How would you like to sit in the living room. We can talk some more. Would you like that?" He asked holding his hand up again.
"I....I suppose we can talk..." She said, handing him back the glass of water, but keeping a firm hold on the sandwich.
"Silly one. You can keep the sandwich." He said picking her up again. "Come on, you can finish it while we walk."
"mmhmm..." She said, still holding onto the sandwich as she leaned her head against his shoulder, slowly nodding off.
Raph smiled. He grabbed the sandwich and placed it on the counter. He patted her back and softly cooed as he removed his jacket and draped it over her. He picked her back up and walked back into the room. He sat down next to Uso, with the sleeping princess in his arms.
"That's adorable..." Uso said, sounding more like she was upset that she was finding it adorable, than actually cooing over a sleeping child.... "The general and I had a little talk about the food situation... apparently they've got a massive surplus of the stuff, but only of one particular kind.... this green plant thing." She explained.
"I see." He said softly patting Julie's back. "So we could live off plants then?" He chuckled. "Can I have your name sir?" Raph asked as Julie drooled on his sleeve.
The soldier just gave Raphael a stern look.
"Oh don't be like that..." Uso said, leaning forward again, "Yeah we killed your soldier-Friends, but let's face it they were soldiers and they were probably going to die anyways. You can sit here and sulk, or you can make the best of the situation." She'd then slide the brownie she had put on the table over toward the general, "Here try this, It is kinda crap compared to our normal food but it'll be amazing compared to what you have."
The general would reach over to the brownie and take a bite... Renewed anger in his eyes as he realized this actually was pretty good.
With a heavy sigh he'd respond,
"I am Reginald Braith."
Uso leaned back a bit now, "And I'm Uso Tasuki."
Errowyn sat there with her eyes closed. In all appearance she looked asleep and bored. But she was awake and listening. She was also watching through the barest of slit. Just waiting patiently for them to get done with business.
Raphael smiled. "It's a pleasure Reginald. My name is Raphael Castiel. I am sorry for the choke hold." He started. "I had wished to do thing peacefully, but fate deemed that we could not walk that line. I hope we can start now with a clean slate?" He asked with sincerity in his eyes as he continued to craddle the sleeping Julie.
Errowyn kept quiet, carrying on the charade of sleeping, letting Uso and Raphael do the nice nice talk.. She did think it was cute the way Raphael held Julie as she could be used as a shield against General schemes of any apprisels. She ignored the questioning sent her way.
"It doesn't seem that I have much choice. I suppose I will need to be a collaborator one way or another... What do you want from us?" He asked, his arms crossing over his chest as he looked at Julie, leaving his gun on the table.
"No," Errowyn spoke softly, "you need to be true to yourself and accept that Her Highness.." She sniggered softly ... "Uso As the new Ruler of this mudball of a planet. And that Rahael is her equal in command." She fell quiet once more in her peaceful state of rest.
Raphael grinned. "Well, that wasn't exactly how I was going to go about it but yes. That is what is going to happen. We will bring in advantanced technology. We can cure all your sickness, ease all your hardship, unite this planet under one flag. We can make you and your people a major power, but at a price. Uso here will be your new Empress. Her word will be law." He face didn't waver from the happy carefree look it had. "This will happen with or without your consent. However if you want to help your people and yourself, then help us make this transition as smooth as possible." He said smiling
"Awww... You guys," Uso said, enjoying the warm and fuzzies from being called your highness.
Reginald would look them over one at a time, slowly, getting a better handle in his anger, "And that makes me what? Your puppet? Or do I get authority over the city?" He asked.
"Great! You want to play!" Uso said, sitting upright now, her intrest peaked, "I want you to keep things as they are while we get settled in. There will be changes sure, but we want you to help make sure they go smoothly. In exchange we'll help you out, You want power? This is your chance to get something a bit more real than being just another soldier.... It is your shot at being king ... Or president... Or you know... Whatever."
The General looked deep in thought, and Uso could smell the ambition in him.
"Plus Raph here has some stuff for You,"
"Mr. Reginald, you seem to be quite intellegient." Raphael started. "If you want power in this new order, then you must help me first. Can you round up your most sharp and ambitious soldiers? I will be creating a task force. A group of soldiers who will be my eyes and ears. I after you get those soldiers for me I want that list burned. Plus, I could use help with traning them and you seem like you could be a good second in command for my intellegence branch." Raphael gave the man an apprasing look. "Are you in Mr. Braith?"
"Will I be in charge of these soldiers, or will she be in charge of disiplineing them?" He asked, looking over at Uso. "I will not be party to sending more young men to their deaths."
"Reginald, You and I will work closely to form the best intelegence network around, you will coordinate with me on all aspects of their training. I have no intentions of sending these men to the slaughter. I hope that we will set the stand for intellegince wetwork in the known galaxy. What do you say?" Raphael asked leaning back in his chair.
"The known galaxy? ... Just how many other worlds are there?" He asked, his curiosity peaked,
"Its a big galaxy," Uso said sternly, shutting down the conversation, "You in or out?"
He looked at Uso, and then over at Raphael, "I suppose I am in. do I get to leave now and take care of my end of this bargin?"
Raphael smiled. "Yes please. You are finished, go and round them up. Meet me back here as quickly as possible." He said nodding his head towards the door. He then looked over at the sleeping Errowyn. "Done napping over there sleepy?" He asked with a chuckle.
The general would nod, pick up his SMG, and head for the exit, leaving the four of them alone.
Errowyn just resumed her sleeping appearance in the chair, yet she didnt have the slump of one, for she was alert and watching the exchange between them all. "1 Missile. Anti-ship Hellfire. 20 k ks, or 40k FSC." Eyes opening as she looked at the both of them. "Time to renew the contract." She looked at the both of them. For now ignoring the sleeping Princess Julie in Raphs arms.
"OW... Fuck, Hellcat... That's a lot of bank... I told you I am on a budget!" Uso said, looking over at Raphael and the sleeping child for a moment before restating, in a softer and quieter voice, ".... on a budget...."
"it was either that or you losing a whole merc team IN power armor." Errowyn spoke softly, from relaxed spot. "And that would've left you... mmm.... At their pleasure...." She smirked as a hand rested next to her weapon in her holster with the flap tucked out of the way.
"You wanna risk loosing the biggest payday of your life?" Uso asked, turning to face Errowyn, sitting on the edge of the box they had been using as a seat, leaning in towards her pilot for hire, "You'll get your money, I'll settle up all my debts with you at the end of month 2 just like I said."
Errowyn nodded as she stood up and stretched in the most alluring feminine felinish way, making it look so natural. "Ive two ships that need looking after. Make sure you throw in the cost of the Hellfire, also." She strode out from the room in a lazy manner of her own style, hips swayed naturally as she pushed her way through the doorway to leave the room. She had a date with a certain Merc Boss.
Uso retained her aggressive posture as Errowyn stood up, watching as she stretched, and then watching her hips leave the room like a lioness would watch her dinner,
".... When did she grow a backbone?" Uso thought out loud once the pilot had left, standing up and straightening her bathrobe out a bit, ".... I suppose we should find Julie a nice place to sleep? Maybe Small's ship would be better? It'll be a bit quieter and Ivory can keep an eye on her while you're out and about."
~~ Since I have the only means to leave everyone stranded~~ Errowyn returned via open telepathy when her hearing picked up Uso thoughtful comment as the doors swung shut behind her.
Raphael snickered at Errowyn's telepathic comment. "No, I will watch over her. She will stay in my quarters for now. At least until her brother arrives." He looked up and gave Uso a tired smile. "Besides, I like children. They are so sweet and innocent." He said softly stroking Julie's hair.
"Hrmm..." Uso said, tapping her fingers on the box in the center of the room for a moment. "Yeah, just be sure to lock her in your room then. Don't want her running about, or running into the other mercs. This ain't a daycare." Her voice had a bit of an edge on it now, Uso wasn't one to hide her feelings too deeply.
Raphael sighed. "I know darlin. But, we have destroyed this girl's future. A quiet life, one day to become queen. All dashed in a matter of moments. I know this little ones pain and suffering. I was in the same place. No one was there for me, but I will be damned if there isn't anyone here for her." He said calming down as to not wake the sleeping child.
Uso shot him a sidelong glance, "How many fathers and mothers did we kill today? I mean, just us personally?" She'd turn to face Raphael, holding up her hands, "I know I don't have enough fingers to count em all. This kinda shit happens, Boo-fucking-who." Uso said, "You don't owe that kid anything."
"I had a sister..." He blurted. "When the Heavens fell, we were running from our home..." He said down at Julie. "She was eight years old, little blond curly hair. An enemy combatant shot at us. I wasn't fast enough... she..." He stopped, letting the silence hang. "I just can't Uso... I just..."
"She probably enjoyed the eight years she had. That's more than a lot of people get," Uso responded callously, "And this one got eight years being treated like a princess."
He stood as he slowly moved the toddler to his shoulder. "Honey, no matter what you say I am taking care of this girl. I am her new guardian. End of discussion." He said flatly.
"I guess that's on you then," She said in a huff,
Raphael smiled. "Glad you see things my way." He said with a smirk. "I will watch over the girl then." He softly began to coo again as Julie stired and left the room to leave Uso alone with her thoughts.
Several hours later...
Raphael passed back and forth across the common room as he thought what he was to do next. His armor was off and in its berth, and Raph's hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. He had put his black trench coat back on and a fresh pair of BDUs. He looked down at Uso as he stopped his pacing. "Well, are they ready?"
"Yeah... I mean, I guess... lets do this!" She said. Uso had stripped out of her armor as well, putting on a fluffy white bathrobe she had taken from Ivory's closet.
A makeshift table had been setup out of boxes nepleslian rations. Sitting at it were the general they had captured along with the little princess, her red face seemingly on the verge of crying. As Uso sat across from the general, she'd give him a good look in the eye,
"I know what you're thinking.... Maybe that gun will work now that I'm naked?" Uso said, tapping her fingers on the table as she leaned forward, the bathrobe tied tightly enough to keep her modest. "Wanna try it?"
The general's hand would rest ontop of the SMG she had given him earlier... but he made no quick motions.
"Right then, Raph, you wanna ask some questions first? I totally got bad-cop down."
Errowyn walked on Uso, Raphael and their two guest. She patted the princess head as she passed by. She smirked at the General seeing his hand rest on the smg. "Letting play them with the big peoples toys now Uso?" She took one of the chairs that was well cushioned and against the wall. She was still wearing her flight uniform and service pistol at her side. "
"I don't mind sharing my toys," Uso said, licking her lips a little as Hellcat passed by, Uso taking her eyes off the soldier for just a brief moment.
There was a brief moment of hesitation, and the general's hand twitched... only for Uso to shove the table about in inch his his direction, pressing his legs between the heavy supply boxes that made up the whole thing.
"Now Uso..." Raph said as he stepped forward placing his own weapon on the makeshift table. "Before we begin, would anyone object to placing their weapons on the table?" He asked placing his multiple knives and pistols on the table. He stepped over to the side of the table with the princess. He kneeled down and bowed his head. "I am quite sorry your highness for your current predicament." He said raising his head and giving the young girl a soft smile. "As long as I am here, you will be safe. May I have you name?" he said tilting his head. "I am Raphael Castiel."
"I... I'm julie...." the little girl said, terror already filling her voice, the girl covering her eyes and pulling back away from Raphael.
"Julie, that is a very pretty name." Raph said as Julie pulled away. "Princess Julie, are you scared of me? Is it the wings?" He asked flexing them. "Or is it my weird eyes?" He said crossing them, trying to get at least a chuckle out of her.
"N... no, it isn't the wings...." She said, the young girl peeking out from behind her hands for just a moment to cast a glance over at Uso... and then hiding back behind them again.
Of course, while this was going on the general was already leaving his gun on the table, his hands backing off entirely while Uso just smiled, leaning forward, leaving her hands on the table where the general could see them.
Raphael noticed the quick glance and smiled. "I see..." He said moving between them so the princess couldn't see Uso. "There little one. Pretend there is no one else in this room besides you and me. Does that make you feel better?" He asked smiling.
"... No...." The little girl said, lowering her hands a little bit, now looking at Raphael... then up at his wings.... then back to his face... then back to his wings.
*RRRIIIIIIP*
Uso tore open one of the Nepleslian ration kits... going right for the sugary snack inside and quietly placing it beside Raphael on the table before tossing the rest of the ration pack over towards the edges of the room where here armor was piled up against the wall.
Raphael chuckled. "They are weird." He said with a smile. "Think of me as your new guardian angel. Is that okay?" He asked spreading them out so that Uso and the general could not be seen.
Julie would give him a timid nod.... again looking up at his wings, then pointing at them as if she were going to hide behind her own fingers.
"Hey, don't be afraid of them. Here," He said slowly closing them and turning his back to her. "Feel them. They are very soft. Like a pillow." He said looking up at Uso smiling.
He'd feel Julie reach out, poking his wings with her finger and then quickly pulling away.... the girl pausing for a moment before reaching out again to touch him.
"Looks like you ain't bad with kids," Uso said, leaning back a bit and smiling at Raph, the soldier across the table never quite entirely out of her line of sight.
"See, they aren't scary. They let me fly around." He said calmly. He turned back around to her, "How old are you your highness?" He flashed a smile to Uso at her comment.
She held up eight fingers.
"You're eight?" He smiled. "I had a baby sister that looked just like you..." He smiled, cursing himself for letting his mind slip. "Would you like to come with me? We can go the kitchen and I can make you a snack." He said holding out a hand for her to take. "Nothing will happen you. I am your guardian angel after all." He said smiling.
She would timidly take his hand, and let him pick her up, leaving the SMG Uso had given her down by the table. "Did she have wings too?" the little girl asked.
Raphael smiled and held her closer to him. His other hand softly patted her back. "Nope, she is called a Neko. That means she is part cat." He said as he began walking out the room with her. "Be nice to our other guest Uso." he said with a smile. He looked over at Errowyn also. "Make sure those two don't get into a fight?" He asked
"Oh, I think that is up to him now isn't it?" Uso asked, starting up her own conversation with the general as Raph took Julie over to the kitchen area, the girl holding his shoulders tightly.
Errowyn just nodded as she sat there, relaxed watching the exchange. She was glad that Raphael had taken the Princess out of the room before any bloodshed happened. She relaxed and became part of the scenary. It appeared she was the only one armed and wasn't about to give up her side arm at the moment.
He smiled and held her tight. "What would you like to eat Princess?" He asked.
The little princess looked around, confused... "What here is food?...." she asked.
He smiled, and laid out some bread and cheese. "Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich? He asked as he prepared it with one hand, holding the little girl with another.
"Our cheese isn't yellow...." she said, watching him lay out the food, her eyes going wide... it looked quite a bit better than what they had!
He smiled as he placed a pan on the skillet and began to melt the cheese. "Would you like to ask me a question little one?"He said as he flipped the sandwich with one hand in the skillet.
"What kind of cheese is that?" she asked, leaning over so she could get a better look.
He tore a piece off the block and handed it to her. "Here, try it." He said with a smile.
She would pick up the sandwhich.... and look at it for a few moments.... checking out the underside for a bit, then looking at the sides.... then finally taking a bite!
"IFTS GOUFD," She said, her mouth stuffed with bread and cheese.
Raphael smiled. He sat her down at the table and grabbed a glass of water. He placed in front of her. He sat down on the floor. "Am I a good chief?" He asked smiling
She nodded, her eyes entirely focused on the sandwich now, trying to stuff as much of it in her face as possible, barely stopping to chew.
Raphael laughed, he placed a massive hand on her head. "Your Highness, I can make you more if you want. You don't need to inhale it." He smiled,
She kept chewing intently, holding the sandwich back for a moment.... a hearty swallow, some more chewing, and then yet another swallow before she could talk, "I like it, your cheese isn't gritty like ours..."
"I'm glad." He smiled "Be sure to drink some water. I don't want you to choke." He said softly stroking her hair.
She looked around for a water glass... not seeing one within reach.
He smiled and grabbed the cup of water in front of her, and held it up to her. "Here you go sweat heart."
She would hold onto the sandwich with one hand, and the glass with the other, following up her next bite with a long drink.
He let her finish the sandwich and her drink. "How would you like to sit in the living room. We can talk some more. Would you like that?" He asked holding his hand up again.
"I....I suppose we can talk..." She said, handing him back the glass of water, but keeping a firm hold on the sandwich.
"Silly one. You can keep the sandwich." He said picking her up again. "Come on, you can finish it while we walk."
"mmhmm..." She said, still holding onto the sandwich as she leaned her head against his shoulder, slowly nodding off.
Raph smiled. He grabbed the sandwich and placed it on the counter. He patted her back and softly cooed as he removed his jacket and draped it over her. He picked her back up and walked back into the room. He sat down next to Uso, with the sleeping princess in his arms.
"That's adorable..." Uso said, sounding more like she was upset that she was finding it adorable, than actually cooing over a sleeping child.... "The general and I had a little talk about the food situation... apparently they've got a massive surplus of the stuff, but only of one particular kind.... this green plant thing." She explained.
"I see." He said softly patting Julie's back. "So we could live off plants then?" He chuckled. "Can I have your name sir?" Raph asked as Julie drooled on his sleeve.
The soldier just gave Raphael a stern look.
"Oh don't be like that..." Uso said, leaning forward again, "Yeah we killed your soldier-Friends, but let's face it they were soldiers and they were probably going to die anyways. You can sit here and sulk, or you can make the best of the situation." She'd then slide the brownie she had put on the table over toward the general, "Here try this, It is kinda crap compared to our normal food but it'll be amazing compared to what you have."
The general would reach over to the brownie and take a bite... Renewed anger in his eyes as he realized this actually was pretty good.
With a heavy sigh he'd respond,
"I am Reginald Braith."
Uso leaned back a bit now, "And I'm Uso Tasuki."
Errowyn sat there with her eyes closed. In all appearance she looked asleep and bored. But she was awake and listening. She was also watching through the barest of slit. Just waiting patiently for them to get done with business.
Raphael smiled. "It's a pleasure Reginald. My name is Raphael Castiel. I am sorry for the choke hold." He started. "I had wished to do thing peacefully, but fate deemed that we could not walk that line. I hope we can start now with a clean slate?" He asked with sincerity in his eyes as he continued to craddle the sleeping Julie.
Errowyn kept quiet, carrying on the charade of sleeping, letting Uso and Raphael do the nice nice talk.. She did think it was cute the way Raphael held Julie as she could be used as a shield against General schemes of any apprisels. She ignored the questioning sent her way.
"It doesn't seem that I have much choice. I suppose I will need to be a collaborator one way or another... What do you want from us?" He asked, his arms crossing over his chest as he looked at Julie, leaving his gun on the table.
"No," Errowyn spoke softly, "you need to be true to yourself and accept that Her Highness.." She sniggered softly ... "Uso As the new Ruler of this mudball of a planet. And that Rahael is her equal in command." She fell quiet once more in her peaceful state of rest.
Raphael grinned. "Well, that wasn't exactly how I was going to go about it but yes. That is what is going to happen. We will bring in advantanced technology. We can cure all your sickness, ease all your hardship, unite this planet under one flag. We can make you and your people a major power, but at a price. Uso here will be your new Empress. Her word will be law." He face didn't waver from the happy carefree look it had. "This will happen with or without your consent. However if you want to help your people and yourself, then help us make this transition as smooth as possible." He said smiling
"Awww... You guys," Uso said, enjoying the warm and fuzzies from being called your highness.
Reginald would look them over one at a time, slowly, getting a better handle in his anger, "And that makes me what? Your puppet? Or do I get authority over the city?" He asked.
"Great! You want to play!" Uso said, sitting upright now, her intrest peaked, "I want you to keep things as they are while we get settled in. There will be changes sure, but we want you to help make sure they go smoothly. In exchange we'll help you out, You want power? This is your chance to get something a bit more real than being just another soldier.... It is your shot at being king ... Or president... Or you know... Whatever."
The General looked deep in thought, and Uso could smell the ambition in him.
"Plus Raph here has some stuff for You,"
"Mr. Reginald, you seem to be quite intellegient." Raphael started. "If you want power in this new order, then you must help me first. Can you round up your most sharp and ambitious soldiers? I will be creating a task force. A group of soldiers who will be my eyes and ears. I after you get those soldiers for me I want that list burned. Plus, I could use help with traning them and you seem like you could be a good second in command for my intellegence branch." Raphael gave the man an apprasing look. "Are you in Mr. Braith?"
"Will I be in charge of these soldiers, or will she be in charge of disiplineing them?" He asked, looking over at Uso. "I will not be party to sending more young men to their deaths."
"Reginald, You and I will work closely to form the best intelegence network around, you will coordinate with me on all aspects of their training. I have no intentions of sending these men to the slaughter. I hope that we will set the stand for intellegince wetwork in the known galaxy. What do you say?" Raphael asked leaning back in his chair.
"The known galaxy? ... Just how many other worlds are there?" He asked, his curiosity peaked,
"Its a big galaxy," Uso said sternly, shutting down the conversation, "You in or out?"
He looked at Uso, and then over at Raphael, "I suppose I am in. do I get to leave now and take care of my end of this bargin?"
Raphael smiled. "Yes please. You are finished, go and round them up. Meet me back here as quickly as possible." He said nodding his head towards the door. He then looked over at the sleeping Errowyn. "Done napping over there sleepy?" He asked with a chuckle.
The general would nod, pick up his SMG, and head for the exit, leaving the four of them alone.
Errowyn just resumed her sleeping appearance in the chair, yet she didnt have the slump of one, for she was alert and watching the exchange between them all. "1 Missile. Anti-ship Hellfire. 20 k ks, or 40k FSC." Eyes opening as she looked at the both of them. "Time to renew the contract." She looked at the both of them. For now ignoring the sleeping Princess Julie in Raphs arms.
"OW... Fuck, Hellcat... That's a lot of bank... I told you I am on a budget!" Uso said, looking over at Raphael and the sleeping child for a moment before restating, in a softer and quieter voice, ".... on a budget...."
"it was either that or you losing a whole merc team IN power armor." Errowyn spoke softly, from relaxed spot. "And that would've left you... mmm.... At their pleasure...." She smirked as a hand rested next to her weapon in her holster with the flap tucked out of the way.
"You wanna risk loosing the biggest payday of your life?" Uso asked, turning to face Errowyn, sitting on the edge of the box they had been using as a seat, leaning in towards her pilot for hire, "You'll get your money, I'll settle up all my debts with you at the end of month 2 just like I said."
Errowyn nodded as she stood up and stretched in the most alluring feminine felinish way, making it look so natural. "Ive two ships that need looking after. Make sure you throw in the cost of the Hellfire, also." She strode out from the room in a lazy manner of her own style, hips swayed naturally as she pushed her way through the doorway to leave the room. She had a date with a certain Merc Boss.
Uso retained her aggressive posture as Errowyn stood up, watching as she stretched, and then watching her hips leave the room like a lioness would watch her dinner,
".... When did she grow a backbone?" Uso thought out loud once the pilot had left, standing up and straightening her bathrobe out a bit, ".... I suppose we should find Julie a nice place to sleep? Maybe Small's ship would be better? It'll be a bit quieter and Ivory can keep an eye on her while you're out and about."
~~ Since I have the only means to leave everyone stranded~~ Errowyn returned via open telepathy when her hearing picked up Uso thoughtful comment as the doors swung shut behind her.
Raphael snickered at Errowyn's telepathic comment. "No, I will watch over her. She will stay in my quarters for now. At least until her brother arrives." He looked up and gave Uso a tired smile. "Besides, I like children. They are so sweet and innocent." He said softly stroking Julie's hair.
"Hrmm..." Uso said, tapping her fingers on the box in the center of the room for a moment. "Yeah, just be sure to lock her in your room then. Don't want her running about, or running into the other mercs. This ain't a daycare." Her voice had a bit of an edge on it now, Uso wasn't one to hide her feelings too deeply.
Raphael sighed. "I know darlin. But, we have destroyed this girl's future. A quiet life, one day to become queen. All dashed in a matter of moments. I know this little ones pain and suffering. I was in the same place. No one was there for me, but I will be damned if there isn't anyone here for her." He said calming down as to not wake the sleeping child.
Uso shot him a sidelong glance, "How many fathers and mothers did we kill today? I mean, just us personally?" She'd turn to face Raphael, holding up her hands, "I know I don't have enough fingers to count em all. This kinda shit happens, Boo-fucking-who." Uso said, "You don't owe that kid anything."
"I had a sister..." He blurted. "When the Heavens fell, we were running from our home..." He said down at Julie. "She was eight years old, little blond curly hair. An enemy combatant shot at us. I wasn't fast enough... she..." He stopped, letting the silence hang. "I just can't Uso... I just..."
"She probably enjoyed the eight years she had. That's more than a lot of people get," Uso responded callously, "And this one got eight years being treated like a princess."
He stood as he slowly moved the toddler to his shoulder. "Honey, no matter what you say I am taking care of this girl. I am her new guardian. End of discussion." He said flatly.
"I guess that's on you then," She said in a huff,
Raphael smiled. "Glad you see things my way." He said with a smirk. "I will watch over the girl then." He softly began to coo again as Julie stired and left the room to leave Uso alone with her thoughts.
