exsilium | 002; video

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002; video

[While unaccustomed to addressing the public without a mask, Lelouch appears entirely at ease when the transmission begins, if a little bored. Certain aspects of the week had been altogether too eventful for his tastes (hi, Kallen!), but he's ignoring those in the hopes that they might go away. Besides, this place could be downright dull sometimes, futuristic dystopia or no. That aside--]

I had been wondering, has anyone been keeping tabs on the Transport population? Our numbers, worlds of origin, dates of appearance and disappearance, things of that nature? I have a feeling that the Initiative has records if no one else, but given their frequently difficult nature, there seems to be little point in asking.

Beyond that, there seem to be a fair number of Transports who have combat or leadership experience in some form or another. Would those of you who fall into either category be willing to share what that experience has been? Naturally, if you fall into both categories, the question is doubly relevant.

[There's a slight pause, then--]

On an unrelated note, would anyone be interested in a game of chess?

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Is there a need to keep tabs on that kind of information?

Perhaps not a vital one. I had been asking largely out of academic interest.

Edited 2013-01-11 00:02 (UTC)

Paired with your second question, it sounds like you have more in mind than that.

I won't deny that, but the overlap isn't terribly significant. I honestly don't think anyone has been keeping track of our numbers. Answers to my second question therefore intrigue me more.

Do you have anything to share?

My primary skill set is what apparently is referred to as 'commando' work: behind-lines infiltration and disruption of logistics, communication and command.

I also helped start a slave rebellion, teaching some basic weapons work - knife-fighting, clubs and staves, things easily used by those on hand.

It does seem like a useful thing to keep records of. Do you think there is a pattern of any sort, or a preference?

For the first forty years of my life, I was a soldier, and I spent thirty-six of those years as the commander of an engineering regiment. I've fought in two wars, and various other battles. When I retired from the military around seven years ago, I became the lord-governor of my kind's nation.

May I ask by which means you carried out these disruptions? And are the weapons you mentioned the only ones with which you are skilled or are there others?

Combat or leadership experience? Not really. This place doesn't have the technology necessary to put my skills to use. I'm afraid I'm mostly dead weight, here.

There may be several patterns or none at all. It's impossible tell without any data, unless of course we choose to simply take the Initiative at its word.

What level of technology did your regiment deal with? Were you ever a soldier on the front lines or did you assume a support role?

There do seem to be an awful lot of Transports whose skills seem to be underutilized. I have to wonder why they didn't account for that.

Trickery, surprise, sabotage - wagons can't move without intact wheels or axles, for example, and there's ways of damaging those that won't break for a few miles, slowing a caravan considerably - and in extreme situations, assassination. I don't like the last a great deal, but sometimes the best way to stop an army is to behead it, or kill some of the mid-level commanders and cause confusion in the command structure.

I'm at least competent in those, plus most axes, maces, polearms, and blades, but my specialty - I am considered a Grand Master of - is the bastard sword.

[She steps back, so that he can see the sword, which is about two-thirds her height. She also holds it comfortably and without a great deal of effort.]

This particular one was sentient before I came here, and possesses a number of capabilities that mesh with my own. One of them, unfortunately, is not to be heard over these devices - whatever method he uses to speak, it is not audible to them.

Perhaps I should note that some people have referred to myself as 'coming from planet renfest', whatever that means.

Edited 2013-01-11 00:54 (UTC)

You're assuming that only need those of us with combat or leadership experience would have useful skills for them. Or, that they choose us rationally at all.

I see what you mean, though.

[That... is an enormous sword. Lelouch is fairly certain he wouldn't be able to lift it very high even two-handed-- er, not that this is relevant. In any event--]

Your sword actually speaks to you, then?

[Color him intrigued, even if he isn't indulging in any of the obvious physical tells. That's well beyond the capabilities of the Initiative's sentient weapons, but then if this one is magic... no, he'll ask about it later. For now--]

Thank you for the information. It sounds like you've led a fascinating life.

[All right, maybe he can let slip some of his interest. It's only polite.]

No, I assume that compensating for the fact that they can't choose us or our skill sets would have held higher priority for the Initiative. There are the weapons they've outfitted us with to consider, but I've yet to see convincing evidence that they're sufficient to bridge the gap.

[The idea of taking the Initiative at its word is clearly not something Kang is happy with.]

Siege engines, mostly, and construction with wood and stone. There were times we fought on the front lines, but our main purpose was support.

And you?

[She lays it on the bed, then steps closer to the camera to be polite.]

Indeed. [Wryly.] Sometimes a bit too much. We've been partners for almost eight years now, and suit each other.

And yes, it has been. And I have been rather rude. Meliantha, at your service.

[She sketches a small bow, as best can be seen over the network.]

If they'd brought the weapon that I and the others from my world are trained to use, we could end this whole thing in a day.

Nevertheless, perhaps there's no need to be too focused on why we're here, anyway.

[He hesitates at the question, but not for long. Now is as good a time as any to get used to telling the truth.]

I joined a small terrorist group and became its leader after proving myself in battle. My skills lie primarily in strategy, although in the right machine, I'm a formidable pilot. The small group eventually grew into a small army, then a massive force as my rebellion grew and joined those of nations across the world. Our enemy was a dictatorial empire that sought to control the entire globe; unification was our only option if we wanted to emerge triumphant from our war.

I retained leadership of our forces even as they grew to their current size. I remain their leader now.

[Oh hey roomie. Elmer's always up in everyone's business.] Did you say chess?

[A talkative sword. How does that-- no, not now, his curiosity can wait. Barely.

He returns the bow, smiling faintly back.]

Lelouch Lamperouge. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[It takes Lelouch a second or two to process that the voice is coming from somewhere other than his netbook, and blinking, he glances over. Oh, it's... you. The cheerful one.

You'll have to excuse him if he looks slightly less than thrilled by this.]

I did. Your point?

I could say the same.

I agree. Finishing this war so that we can return to our worlds is a better focus.

[Impressive. He doesn't show it beyond a slight nod, though.]

Strategy is a strong suit of mine as well. My name is Kang, of Teyr.

Lelouch Lamperouge. Perhaps we'll have an opportunity to work together in the future.

I'd play! I admit, it's been awhile since I've played, so I'm probably rusty.

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