[LoweGear]

Part V of Mai's Profile up, which is more of an interlude than anything, since I decided to cut it shorter than I wanted.

Spoiler for length:

- TSAB Midchilda Main Command Base, Kuragana
Office of General Hiram Maxim, 79th Army Battalion

Artei: And that’s all folks.

Glock: A C’tan on the 178th… it can’t be…

Kay: Deva, The Traveller?

Glock: *nods* This is bad… Iisa was under the impression that The Traveller was still dormant like the rest of the C’tan. According to him, the rise of a C’tan typically signals further Necron awakenings. Whoever this rogue Confessor of yours is must’ve woken it up somehow for dubious reasons.

Kay: Probably for the same reasons the Crafters were after for the Eye of God. Power.

*Door slides open, revealing Kha and Sophia*

Artei: Ah, the late Kha and Sophia.
Sophia: We’re not dead yet!
Kha: What’s the situation?
Artei: Glocky here’s been put up to speed on our latest.

*gestures to Kha*

This is my boss Kha Alexei Testarossa, leader of our Trinity of Merry Men.

Glock : Testarossa? Any relationship to Enforcer Fate Testarossa Haraown?
Kha: And how do you know Fate?
Glock: I’ve worked under her for several years now, including my latest assignment. I know she mentioned a non-blood related brother… that would be you?
Kha: Yes. But it's not to Fate directly... you probably know her story by now?
Glock: I know much about her background at least, including her unusual origins.

Kha:*pauses in reminiscence*

Many years ago, I met Alicia when she lived at that research laboratory. I'd promise that I'd protect her and Testarossa-san for as long as I live, but all she wanted was me to be her "oni-chan". She wanted to have a whole family...

Glock: “Oni-chan”?
Kay: *whispers* Affectionate term for older brother.
Glock: I know. I’ve been called that before. Guess it’s a complicated situation between you and Fate then.
Kha: It’s all sorted out by now.
Artei: Very well sorted out, in fact Kha has a-
Sophia: *cough*
Glock: A what?
Artei: Nothing much.
Kha: Putting that aside, it’s a pleasure to meet you. *Extends hand*
Glock: As do I. *does same*

*Both men shake hands, when suddenly Kha seems startled by something as his right eye turns blue*

Glock: What is it?
Kha: The Whispers. I forgot about your mechanical right arm.
Glock: *sigh* I guess I can drop the illusion now.

*Skin over Glock’s right arm vanishes into thin air, revealing his metallic arm*

Kay: You haven’t brought it in for maintenance and re-grafting…
Glock: I’ll do so later.

*turns to Kha*

So what exactly do you need me for?

-----------------------------

Wesson: He’s not here at least.
Smith: Must be out then.
Wesson: But where? We told him we’d be waiting for him in his quarters.
Mai: *sigh*

::Gentlemen, Good Afternoon.

Smith / Wesson: General Maxim…

We mean…

*Salutes*

Sir!

Maxim: At ease both of you.

*kneels down in front of Mai*

And you little one, it’s been a long time.

Mai: *bows* It has, Maxim-sama.

*pats Mai’s hair*

You’ve grown up to be such a splendid young lady, elegant and graceful.

Mai: … Domo arigato gozaimasu.

Wesson: Have you heard from Glock yet, General?
Smith: We thought we’d drop by, but seems he isn’t here.
Maxim: *standing up* The 2nd Lieutenant is currently in my office. He was summoned by the Saint Church on a classified matter which I am not privy to inform you of, nor am I capable of telling.
Smith: Sounds serious…
Maxim: It is a Code-A Classified mission with Code-B Requisition permit. A Top Level Threat I can surmise.
Wesson: Saint Church must need Glock badly to do some dirty job for them.
Smith: *nods*
Wesson: We understand what you’re saying sir but…
Smith: …the three of us have been assigned together on missions for the last 3 years.
Smith/Wesson: You know us very well sir.
Maxim: *smiles* I had anticipated this when I heard you three would arrive today. That young Mai is here with us today is a testament to your skills, and the trust I put into those skills. I have no doubt that whether they accept or not, they will find your services, experiences and talents most useful.

Mai: … hai.

Smith/Wesson: Thank you sir!

Maxim: Do not thank me yet, for I have lots of protocol machinations to perform for you two to be assigned to this mission, whatever it may be. It is but paperwork, and I am certain you two will be able to work with 2nd Lieutenant Heckler again in the near future.

Smith/ Wesson: Yes sir!

Maxim: On the subject of paperwork, I suppose you have young Mai’s available right now?
Wesson: Right here sir! *Opens up holodisplay, then hands them to the General*
Maxim: This will be sufficient for today. It might be wise to head to my office now to meet with Glock, while they are still in briefing. I will cover for your presence there.

Smith: Thank you again General!
Wesson: We appreciate this sir! Mai, lets-

*looks around* Where’s Mai?
Smith: Don’t tell me…
Maxim: You will find her in my office for sure.
Smith: Maaaai… don’t leave us here!
Wesson: Will you be coming with us sir?
Maxim: *shakes head* I’ll personally be delivering these for processing. It is the least I can do for the girl to start off her path as an Enforcer.
Wesson: I understand sir. We’ll be going then.
Maxim: Dismissed then.
Smith/Wesson: *salutes* Sir!

*runs off, spouting various complaints as they disappear around the corner*

Maxim: *turns around* Oh, you’re still here little one?
Mai: *sips juice from cup in her hands*

Thank you, Maxim-sama. And also I must apologize for the trouble.

Maxim: There is no need. Once you were a girl with just a dream. And now you are pursuing that dream. I am simply assisting you in reaching that dream.

Mai: *shivering slightly* Datte...

…

Am I worthy enough?

…

After all I’ve done?

Maxim: Now now little one, you have no need to doubt yourself again. We have discussed this in great length in the past.

*Puts his hands in Mai’s shoulders*

Yes, that day I have lost men under my command, even if not in life, then in mind, and it pains me still. But I do not hold you to your actions, no matter the consequence, because such is but expected of the duty we have been given. And now you have accepted that sacred duty as your own. The duty to protect that which is most dear to us. That, little one, is enough consolation for me.

Mai: …

Hai.

Maxim: *removes hands* Go now little one, they are quite worried for you.

Mai: … *nods*

Maxim: You know where to find me if you need guidance.

Mai: … Hai, Maxim-sama.

*disappears into thin air*

Maxim: *eyes closed, a solemn expression as a lone tear falls down his face*

My only regret, is that I may no longer be there when you need me…