Apr 02 14:53:25 105 PA

From Chronicles

The current game time is: Thu Apr 02 14:53:25 105 PA.

Knock knock knock.

Atticus rises as the door knock happens, moving to the door to peer out the peep hole. "Ah, Doc," he says as he opens the door - the Elf has an apron in his fist and his hair has been cut from shoulder length down to a much shorter cut that barely touches his eyebrows, his collar, doesn't touch his ears. "Just the man we were looking for."

Katsumi laughs and shakes her head. "No, it is not confusing at all. I know that you two are working together." and then the knocking starts. She glances at the door, waiting to Atticus to open it. "Hello Doctor Kelley. How are you?" she asks neutrally.

"Really, Atticus? Well, it's nice to be wanted," he grins at the elf. Then to Katsumi, "And the lady Katsumi, always a pleasure," he grins again. "How does the day find you folks? Well, I hope?" but moving on quickly before anyone could really reply, Dr. Kelley asks somewhat blutly - "I understand that Cali received a letter from Mr. Ordo?" He frowns somewhat when he mentions the man's name.

Atticus nods, "Sure, she did. But that's not really important. Katsumi here had an idea for you - about the robots andhow to handle their particular skillset as well as some skills we could use in the VCF. She can go through that if you'd like?" he offers, shutting the door. "Please, please, sit, get comfortable.

Kelley grumbles something low - or at least as low as a tenor can go - about "making a move on my woman", but sits on the couch, much more polite and conserved than the last time he was in the apartment. "Before lady Katsumi begins," he says,"not that I mean to interrupt, but you, Atticus, being the XO, should know that I have hired Mr. Ordo on temporarily, at least, to fill Kaomas' position. If there's any reason that you know of that we should jettison him -" he says in an uncharacteristic colloquial "- then I would appreciate the information before I solidify his contract." He looks apologetically at Katsumi and raises a single finger in a "one moment please" gesture.

Atticus wrinkles his nose, "Well, lets see. He's not battle tested. I've never seen him in combat. All I've seen him do is cause issues - although he seems better now - and I can't say he really looks like the sort to do the right thing because it's the right thing. I'd much rather see you pick up say, that Sebastian fellow from the other day - who we saw in combat and we saw act and take care of himself. That's my particular position. I can't say how he's going to add value to us. HE seems like a ... noble. Just full of pomp and cirumstance but no real skill."

Katsumi sits down somewhere, looking troubled by the new information. Ordo was flirting withs omeone? Interesting. She takes a deep breath and glances at Kelley now. "Sebastien is incredible. But I think you will need some very skilled close combatants, who are also skilled at stealth mission. I think that the military experience would be great. My idea is to create a close combat specialist unit. I have some candidates." the Japanese stalker explains.

"Good points, all, Mr. Atticus, but I just have this sense that Ordo is more than the stupid little fop that he goes around acting. I mean, if he was really that weak, he'd probably be dead, here in Kingsdale," Kelley says. Then, turning to the lady Katsumi, he asks, "Exactly what do you mean? Melee weapons?"

Atticus shakes his head, "I don't think he's the right man for the job. It's your call - you're in charge, but I think it's really the waste of a full share - not that I care about that - but more importantly a waste of an important slot. Whoever you replace Koamas - Gods rest his soul - with should be able to hold up his part. There's no evidence, none, that Ordo has that level of heavy military training or experience, or ability. At all."

"He has the ability. He is not a bad fighter and possessing an incredible psychic energy." Katsumi explains distantly, glancing down at the floor. "But that is not a question here. We need to train together. I mean the intrusion team. We should act like a military unit. And yes, I mean melle weapons."

"I shall be certain to contact Mr. Ordo about his specialties, see if he can really perform as he claims he can," says Dr. Kelley. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Atticus, and they are all valid. As for Sebastien, we have our differences, but I will consider him for the post. Perhaps we could use both, though that would cut down our reward money to lesser shares - which I do care about, to supplement my income, though E.Engineering and NewTech pay very well," he continues, scratching at the tip of his nose. Then to Katsumi - "Really? You know of his powers? Please, do tell!" As for your intrusion team - are you talking about a team going above and beyond VCF, or acting in concert with VCF? I'm certain that Zaphod would be interested in such, and perhaps Mr. Dubois, but I doubt that the rest of us would be good in a melee." He shrugs, saying, "At least I know that I'm not."

Atticus settles back, nodding to Kelley and settling into his seat, his arm going back over the couch and getting comfortable - he appears to have said his piece at least.

"I shall be certain to contact Mr. Ordo about his specialties, see if he can really perform as he claims he can," says Dr. Kelley. "I understand your concerns, Mr. Atticus, and they are all valid. As for Sebastien, we have our differences, but I will consider him for the post. Perhaps we could use both, though that would cut down our reward money to lesser shares - which I do care about, to supplement my income, though E.Engineering and NewTech pay very well," he continues, scratching at the tip of his nose. Then to Katsumi - "Really? You know of his powers? Please, do tell!" As for your intrusion team - are you talking about a team going above and beyond VCF, or acting in concert with VCF? I'm certain that Zaphod would be interested in such, and perhaps Mr. Dubois, but I doubt that the rest of us would be good in a melee." He shrugs, saying, "At least I know that I'm not."

Atticus settles back, nodding to Kelley and settling into his seat, his arm going back over the couch and getting comfortable - he appears to have said his peace at least.

Katsumi closes her eyes and takes a dep breath. "I mean against the machines now. I don't care about the rest, it is not for a soldier to decide the economics. If the Alien has right we better to separate some specialist units, which we could divide when the time need. I could train a close combat unit, I already know two ther candidates, if I not could Sebastien or Ordo. Ordo knows some swordmanship also, if a bit slow. He is trained quite well and he could heal fast." she rubs her nose. "As I remember from the visions, this ship has narrow corridor. We could use well a close combat team. And a team that is good at stealth missions. I would like to start to train that unit."

Caliopa lets herself in, dropping her bag on the floor along with her coat. "Atti! I'm home...You ain't goin' to believe what happened at work. A bunch of folks came in, yelling and I slit my hand open and ...Ordo set Kid's carpet alight, she was mad as hell." She walks into the livingroom, stopping dead at the sight of the others. "Oh. Sorry..."

"Hey, don't forget me, Cali! I made a cameo at AIM," Kelley grins. "Last time I was there, the four of them were coming to blows. Actually, that had finished and actually reached coming to blows. Kid was pushing Ordo around, and Kesslan was trying to hit Sebastien. I decided that it was best for me to leave before I became involved." He shrugs elaborately.

Caliopa gives Kelley a small smile, dropping a kiss on Atticus' head. "I'm gonna head to bed, my hand hurts and I ain't suited to company today." She gives vague smiles to both of the others and pads off to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

Kelley whistles quietly, looking around at the decorations of the room, allowing Atticus and Katsumi to talk amongs themselves. He wouldn't do that to a guest, of course, but hey, to each his own.

"And this, this is the guy that you think is going to replace the heavy weapons specialist in our team," Atticus says with good humor to Kelley, shaking his head with a smile. "You want me to heal you when I come to bed?" he murmurs to Cali, nodding to her as she wanders away and turning his attention back to Katsumi. "How are you imagining we're going to handle the ship. Just everyone go?" he asks Kelley, "Since Katsumi brings up a good point."

Leaning forward, Kelley says, "I'm sorry, I wasn't eavesdropping, so I'm afraid that I missed lady Katsumi's good point. I assume it has to do with the melee group and VCF? Perhaps sending in the melee group without the rest of VCF?"

Atticus replies, "She said that she'd like to train a melee group - with SEbastian and her and maybe one other person, to start training immediately for use on the ship. And also some sort of intrusion group to help get through the ship's corridors. I'm not sure if she's thinking about sending them alone or not, or just as part of a larger group that includes all of VCF?"

Katsumi takes a deep breath and turns away from Kelley. Her face is red now. "Yes Atticus, something like that. I said if the alien had right about the machines weaknes, we could use well-trained soldiers, who knows what to do. I offered my services to train a melee unit against the ranged-specialist machines and perhaps to the intrusion."

"Well, that's an excellent concept," Kelley admits. "However, I would highly recommend sending the melee unit in *with* the rest of VCF - after all, any good army consists of foot- soldiers - your melee group - and and long-range artillery - VCF. Of course, they also have engineer battalions and air support, but that hardly seems applicable to this situation. I'll be upfront that I'm not the greatest military mind of our time, but I've had.. experience.." he doesn't seem to want to go into any more detail "which would lead me to think that the two -pronged attack would be best. Mutually supporting, if you will."

Atticus nods, "The way I see it, we have one shot - one shot to get on the ship, one shot to get off the ship and destroy it. I think we should go with her idea - but keep it small, just a couple of people under your command. I think tactically, on the ground, we should have someone like Zaphod calling the military shots - no offense to you or I Doc, but we are not military men and we can't think tactically like a soldier can. And we need to maximize our chances for success. The way that alien was talking we need to move fast, hit fast, not get bogged down in combat and get off the ship ASAP."

"I hardly know enough information to prepare such an attack. But I know if we are going a suicide mission we need people who could work together well. We need experience abou each other reaction. And if we make a small team we need people who would follow orders and could withdraw from battle at command. My offer is just this, to prepare a close combat unit, to train together. I have no information about the target area or the robots, so I hardly the one who could make strategical decissions, but about the tactics I could.2 she explains in her deep voice.

"I completely agree, but I would emphasize the need for long-range artillery. People such as myself with rifles - and missiles - Zaphod taught me to use those - perhaps Ordo if he has the right skills." Kelley stops. "Then we all jump in - as many of us as we have. We can all move at roughly the same pace - especially when battling bots." Kelley stops as Katsumi speaks, nodding. "Yes, lady Katsumi, we would welcome your expertise in dealing with these melee robots. None of us - save Zaphod - would be able to stand up to them, face to face, in the confines of the Colossus. So please, gather your team, whoever they are, and begin training them. But if you would please let me know who you *don't* select - such as Mr. Dubois - so we can use them in the long-range artillery section." He grins again, adding, "I'm sure that we all appreciate your efforts, Katsumi."

Atticus nods his head, "Sounds like a good plan," he adds with an easy enough smile.

Kartsumi smiles quaking from nervousness. "The melee-specialist robots could be no match with us. It is a simple tactic what that alien said. We need to attack wit melee to the ranged-specialist robots, and vice versa. If we are going to attack a large group of robots, we would need a wide range of weaponry, the close combat would be only one. But if we are going to intrude the ship, we need people who could do s stealth mission." she pauses a bit. "My candidates are Desmond at first and I have a new one, but I have to test his abilities. He called Hayate."

"I agree about the plan - but I would fear leaving the entire mission to the stealth of a small group. It might be fine," Kelley says, "but then we only have the alien's knowledge of the robots' power. These robots are sentient - they could have constructed a dedicated intelligence bot by now." Dr. Kelley pauses for a moment, adding, "I've been in consultation with OPSaDOS, and we believe that they have some kind of spy slash infiltrator robots. These beings could be extremely dangerous - they might have the sensors that could foil a stealth mission."

Atticus nods, "And I think we saw one of those - that appeared in the middle of that pack the last time we fought them. I think we should go with as many people as ew can control - enough to try to assure success," he says with another nod.

Kelley nods at Atticus. "Well, perhaps not that robot, but something similar," he says. "If it's an infiltrator, I'd expect something smaller, but hey," he laughs, "what do I know about robotics?" Another chuckle, and, "I think that Atticus and I are in agreement. Jump in with as many people as possible, let the stealth squad perform its mission, then send everyone else in as, or if, needed - and jump out when possible."

"I agree." Katsumi nods and glances out of a window. "My only point is that we would be not enough to fight with a full army of machines. We need to learn to not engage in combat, just if it is necessary. And that we needed to be trained to know each other. I am not against an artillery. Or other specialist. I am just not competent to make the strategical decissions at this point. I had only an offer, and that is all. And could involve Renos. Maybe he could be able to built some anti-sensor machinery."

Atticus nods, "Just to be clear - I don't think the stealth squad should go alone. There's only a couple. They could scout ahead, do reconnaissance for us, right? But we sould genreally all move together but like she said - that's a great point - we shouldn't get caught in fights, we should be able to disengage and keep moving quickly. And the anti sensor TW devices isn't a bad idea."

"Excellent ideas, all," lady Katsumi. "Then I believe that we're all in agreement. Katsumi will train the melee slash stealth squad, I can work with the artillery group - we need to train with some heavy weapons - and hopefully, voila! All will be as it is." Kelley laughs at his own stupid statement. "You know what I mean, I hope. Thank you, lady Katsumi, for all of your assitance - but again, please tell me who you *don't* choose, so that I can consider them for VCF. Now, if you wouldn't mind - tell me what you know about Mr. Ordo."

Katsumi starightens up, glancing at Kelley with a serious expression. "Are you listening to me Doctor? I told you that who am I choosing. And we are not mercenaries. I am not a bussinesman. I just offered my training and my experience as a soldier." she sighs and closes her eyes. "And I told you already what I know about Ordo and who I am choosing to work together." she seems quite annoyed now.

Atticus lifts his hand, "Wait wait, people. Don't get upset - folks don't get upset. WE're talking about a lot of things already. He just wants to know about ORdo so he can hire him or not. And I think he thought you may not have picked everyone yet."

"I apologize, sincerely, lady Katsumi, if I have asked you to repeat yourself. Sometimes my mind is working on too many things at one time, and I end up missing the *now*. Please accept my apologies. I will discuss with Mr. Atticus what you have said, as I am sure that he remembers what was said. It is not your problem, it is mine," Kelley finishes, his hand on his chest, leaning forward, his voice sincerely apologetic.

Katsumi sighs and closes her eyes. "Well, there is no problem, but such an attitude could be fatal in a combat situation. I told that Ordo has a huge amount of psychic energies, but I am not sure about all of his abilities. He could heal incredible fast, I saw it with my own eyes. He is good with swords if a bit slow to be a part of a real expert melee group." she pauses. "And my first candidates are Desmond and perhaps Hayate. Sebastien is also a good one, but I am not sure about him." her voice is calmer now.

Atticus nods, "He seems to be a knightly sort - maybe a cyberknight?" he asks. 'If so, he'll have ethnical concerns. But, he fought well in the battle I saw - no trace of fear, he protected the innocent and with him and his horse he was able to really be effective," he points out. "Sebastian, I mean.""

Kelley snaps his fingers together as Katsumi speaks. "Yes! Now I remember. Thank you, lady Katsumi. I know nothing of this 'Hayate' - I have yet to meet him. But Desmond would certainly be good. And of course, it goes without saying that Zaphod would be excellent - in fact, he might be able to help you train, if you desired help, of course. Sebastien would probably be good, and perhaps the bulk of VCF could recruit Mr. Kesslan for more ranged combat-capable soldiers." He laughs at his own use of the word, "soldier." He sits back in the couch, adding, "Just don't try to put Lucy on the team. She and I are not on good terms, and I refuse to work with her."

Atticus asks, "She wanted to join Si Sera - why don't you get along with her Doc, what happened?" he says as he goes back into his lean. "Do you mind telling me what happened?" A pause, "WIth Hayate and Ordo - if you pick him - and Desmond and Kesslan and Sebastian that puts us at close to critical mass I think in terms of keeping control."

Katsumi glances at Attivus now. "He has some incredible abilities, but his ethical problems could be a hinderance. I guess there could be causalities, and perhaps we need to leave some of us behind to reach the real aim, top stop that ship." she sits down again. "I would like to have around three persons in my unit. Desmond, Hayate or Sebastien and me. That is enough me or Desmond to lead. And of course we need a strict hierarchy. I mean I need a superior."

"Oh, I won't speak too badly of her, Mr. Atticus. She's clearly an excellent combatant. Intelligent, willing to take orders. She just insulted Aimee right to her face." Kelley looks at Atticus, saying, "I'm sure that you've heard the rumors. But I'm sure that she would be good for Si Sera - I wouldn't lead you astray. I just won't work with her until I get a decent apology from her, and I don't see one coming. But if she apologizes, I'll work with her." Kelley stops at Katsumi's comment. "I'm sorry, perhaps I've misunderstood - you want a superior? Someone over you?"

Atticus nods, "and you're dating Aimee now - which means that ticked you off, I get it. But you may want to resolve some personal issues - I think Desmond is still perhaps frustrated so you're going to want to make sure he can follow your lead, Doc. And put that aside. I think she just needs to know the chain of command Doc - you call the shots, you're in charge, if you go down or ... something happens, it's me?"

"Yes Doctor." Katsumi answers. "We need someone to cordinate the people. A hierarchy if you wish. I could easily command two or three persons, and I think we should divide smaller units of the same number. But we need a coordination. A military unit can't work with democracy Doc."""

"Oh, I understand. Yes, Katsumi, I'll be in overall command of the strike force, and after me, Mr. Atticus here. We're not great military minds, but we understand strategy well enough, and value human and non-human life enough to know what to do to conserve it. After Mr. Atticus comes Mr. Zaphod, who has an excellent mind for tactics and combat. And then, after Mr. Zaphod, you, Katsumi, would be in command of the operation. Is this acceptable to you, or would you prefer to be higher in the chain of command?"

Atticus listens and smiles, nodding. He turns to Katsumi, waiting to see what she says as he folds and folds his apron, finally setting it next to him and settling one leg over the other, getting comfortable in his seat.

Katsumi frows again. "That was not my point Doctor. You treat me like a child. Well I am not. And please try to make not a fun of me anymore." she speaks sharply. "I told that there could be several independet unit, for example one for the engineers, I guess we need one in the action. One for the ranget unit and one for the melee. To make the leadership easier. It is like a pyramid. Than you should only care for two or three people in the top of the command."

Atticus replies, "I don't think he's trying to insult you, Katsumi, or treat you like a child - we just don't think how you think, that's all. I get what you're saying - you have two to three, four people led by one person who reports to someone else who commands two, three people. But that's a lot of levels of leadership for what we need. We're dealing with ten, twelve people here tops - we can get away with Doc calling the shots, I think, and you specializing with the stuff you do but reporting to Doc?"

"Yes, yes, that's what I was trying to get at. You would report to whomever of us is still alive, in that descending order of hierarchy. It wouldn't go through four channels before getting to me, that was just an example of how the chain of command structure would go, if one or more of us is unlucky enough to perish. That's all I meant," Kelley explains. "And I certainly did not mean to treat you like a child, Katsumi. I respect your opinions as a very capable adult. I am unsure of my indiscretion, but I offer my sincerest apology. So.. does that conclude our business here?" Kelley claps and rubs his hands together, looking from the man to the woman with interest.

Katsumi eyes still glitters from anger. "I don't need to be a leader, I think Desmond could be also be a good one. It is not about me. And I tale an insult of such comment that 'would you prefer to be higher in the chain of command?'. Or like to show my weakness to everyone else in a public place." she takes a deep breath. "Yes I am uneducated and stupid. I don't know where is Japan, especially when I never saw a map about it. And why should I believe any story that I hear? I would like to explore those things what I believe." she slowly calms down. 'I am sorry.' she straightens up and walks into the entrance. "Take care Doc, Atticus."

Atticus pops to his feet with a bow, smiling. "Take care, Katsumi. We meant no offense. This is all really complicated, emotional stuff - we're saving this land. That makes everything complicated. No one meant anything bad and I'm glad you're part of the team now. Please, if you would, talk to Renos about that idea of the anti-robot sensor TW devices. Doc, good night to you as well, I should go see to Caliopa. Please, both of you have a great night," he says with a smile.

His brow furrowed, Dr. Kelley waves a hand and offers, "Good day, Katsumi. I hope to see you again soon. And good luck with your recruiting." Standing, Kelley shakes Atticus' hand and leaves the apartment, looking terribly confused about what had just taken place.