View source for 1029/When is a Device not a Plot Device

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2016/02/13
|Location=Nakajima Industries Warehouse
|Synopsis=The Firebird and the Blue Dragon discuss Devices, team plans, and chinese food.
|Cast of Characters=102, 125
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato is in that warehouse. She's in civilian garb, but has Vortex laying on the table in Device Form. She has several books about computer technology, but it's obvious that she's over her head. "Any thoughts, Vortex?" she asks. "I'm just trying to fix you... would any of this stuff be useful?" she asks, gesturing to the various pieces of alien tech around the room. She sighs softly. "I half-wish you were like a normal computer... but then you woudln't be my magical best friend..." <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Scanning objects present, Mistress."</span> She strokes the mace idly. "Well... at least you're loyal if not that talkative. Just glad I didn't meet Kyubey. I would've made a contract so easily..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And then there's a quiet 'ding', as the alert linked to the warehouse's front door goes off, indicating that someone's approaching it. A moment later there's a slightly different 'ding-dang', which by this time Minoke will have learned indicates that the approaching person is recognized as a friendly by what passes for a security system on the warehouse. <br /><br />A couple of minutes later, Mikoto arrives, stepping casually around the interior partition that blocks off the inside from the entryway. She's still in her school uniform, bookbag slung over one shoulder, a plastic grocery bag in the other hand. "Hey, Minoke-chan. Been keeping busy, I see? I brought some dinner..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato smiles. "Yeah. I was just trying to read up on computers to see if there was anyting I could do to help Vortex. But this stuff is over my head, and even if it wasn't - I doubt any of it would be of much use to a Midchildian super-advanced magitech computer..." She sighs softly. "I was hpoing that Vortex could find something in the salvage piles you have here that could be of use to repair the damaged memory. I'd like to know who wielded her before I did."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods. "It would be nice to know, yes. I'm still figuring things out myself, I only know a little more than you of how they function. It helps that Carnwennan doesn't suffer from that kind of damage... but so much is different between the types... languages, file formats, processing architectures... the difference is much greater than, say, Apple versus Microsoft." <br /><br />She sets the bookbag down on the couch laid out near the workbenches, and the bag of food on the table nearby. "I'm going to get changed, then you can break for dinner and tell me about what you've learned so far. Alright?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "So is Carnwennan's operationg system that different from Swirling Vortex? They seem pretty similar to me." <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Alert. An object present has been recognized."</span> One of the pieces of equipment glows with ablack aura and floats over to the table. "What is it?" she asks Vortex. <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"It is a diagnostic tool."</span> "To diagnose what?" Vortex's black gem flashes brightly, then the mace, quietly, says, <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"That information is unavailable."</span> She sighs audibly as she picks the thing up. "It has a springly thing..." she murmurs, poking it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto walks over to the table and leans over Minoke's shoulder, peering at the tool. "Hmmm. Carnwennan, do you recognize it?" <br /><br />(("Negative, Meister. It does not match any item in my database.")) <br /><br />"Hrm... must be something developed since her time, then. Good work finding it, though." She gives Minoke's shoulder a friendly squeeze. <br /><br />"Be right back," she adds, and heads into the section that's been converted into temporary quarters to change. So far there are four rooms, one each for Mikoto, Minoke, and Nanoha, in case any of them has to stay over or wants to store things here... or just get away from family for a while.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks as she pokes at it. "Ummmmm...." she murmurs. "Well. Who knows how these things work..." She then tries to put the device against the shaft of Vortex. But nothing happens. "Hmmmmmm...." she muses as she turnsi t around and tries to put the weird item directly against the gem of Raven, hoping that something will work.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto emerges a couple of minutes later, having put away her school uniform in favor of jeans, soft leather boots, and a sweatshirt. "So, figured anything out about it yet?" <br /><br />While she listens to your answer, she walks over to the bag of food, unloading several Chinese take-out containers, bottles of soda, and some paper napkins and cheap chopsticks. <br /><br />"Sorry I'm so late getting in. Kendo practice ran long."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato shrugs. "No. Vortex is sure it's a diagnostic tool, but she can't remember what it's for. I'm half-tempted to ask Vortex to shift to integrate the device. Maybe it'll do something good that way. But do you think it'd be safe? I mean..." She ponders. "Vortex, does this item conform to Midchildan or Belkan technology?" Vortex hums. <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"The item is of Midchildan origin."</span> "Well, there's that. It should be safe, right?" she asks.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Mmm. You can certainly try," Mikoto agrees. "I wish Nanoha could've gotten away tonight. I bet Scrya or Raising Heart could tell us what it is." <br /><br />She shrugs and opens a carton of noodles, scooping some into a bowl, then adding some sesame chicken. "Come on and eat, take a break."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Vortex. Integrate the diagnostic tool and try to access it," she muses. "If there are any problems, stop immediately." She smiles as she watches Vortex change to attach the weird springly-device to it. She rolls over to you. "Sure," she states. "Think Vortex will be ok? The problems, whatever they are, don't seem to be getting worse." She smiles and grabs the soy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto shrugs and settles back in the comfortable office chair. If there's one thing about working with a girl from a filthy rich family, it's that she springs for the ''really good'' furniture. With a bite of chicken in her, she reaches for the soda and takes a drink. <br /><br />"Carnwennan, monitor Vortex, would you? Give us an alert if the new tool looks to be causing her any difficulty." <br /><br />(("Of course, Meister. It is not likely to cause problems."))<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato hmmmmms as she takes her bowl and starts to eat it. "Good stuff," she murmurs. "It's amazing how something like this can affect you - it's like hearing that your friend is sick. And Vortex is just a computer but she'e also so much more..." She sighs softly. "Am I making any sense?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto hmmms to herself, then nods. "I think so. My Carnwennan's been a partner for nearly a year, now... I don't think I could imagine going on without her." She seems almost wistful, by her tone. <br /><br />She focuses on eating for a bit, after that, enjoying the chicken and noodles. "So, have you learned anything interesting today?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "No, not really. But I did fight off a youma yesterday. Not sure what it was all about. Some weird thing made of newspaper and a pendant that was throwing ice cream. A friend and I beat it and I sealed the pendant just in case."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods, "Good work, that. You still have it? Might be worth taking a poke or three at it, see if we can figure out what it is." She flashes Minoke a light, pleasant smile. <br /><br />"How's your flying coming along? Getting used to the new spell?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato ponders. "Yeah. It's sealed inside Vortex. I did a scan - there was a faint magical residue on it but it was so inconsequential - I thought it best to make sure. Also have a few crystal shards in there that I got from Axe Knight. She thought it was safer in there. Something about an interplanar prison or something." Vortex is still beeping as she's interfacing with that weird device. "Someone called Yusha Fu helped me. And..." She blushes. "We found out our identities. The monster appeared outside the store we were both in, I hid the chair in the bathroom to henshin and... she got back there before I did."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well, since you're here, I assume she trusted you to keep her secret. I hope you'll do as well by her as you have to me." Mikoto grins again. "Secret identities are a thing for a lot of us... even if some of us don't care, a lot do."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato sighs. "Well..." she murmurs. "I'm not starting to care as much, honestly. It's just af ormality." She shrugs as she finishs her meal and rolls back over to Vortex. She is quiet as she watches the mace that attache that tool to its side<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto shifts in her seat, then sets her bowl down, chopsticks laid across it. "I'm considering retiring 'Miss Blue' in favor of something new, anyway..." Maybe more than one, depending on just how chummy Hannah is with Riven-baka. She might not have her nose in every pie like certain Senshi, but she certainly knows how to put clues together and interpret patterns. <br /><br />"It's your decision, I'm not going to tell you you can't, but I think it's kind of counter-productive."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "Oh. Well. Will... Hannah be able to fight down an arm?" she asks curiously. "And... well... I did tell you why I use Firebird, right?" she asks. "When I was a kid, I used that name when I did my gymnastics. I wore something like this. Let my hair flow. I flew, and wore red, so one of my friends said I was like a Firebird and I used that name ever since." She then strokes Vortex, not wanting to interrupt.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Firebird, from your gymnast days, right? You've mentioned it. I use 'Miss Blue' to fit in at WPS, myself." She hmms softly and looks over at you, imagining that red hair streaming out beind you. "We ''will'' work it out, you know. One way or another, you'll walk again, and run, and all the rest of it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "The Free Fall spell works great. It doesn't even tire me now. That black aura I was using - I figured out it's a defense aura that I can use to alter gravity around me - like if you threw something at me I could make it deflect or something." Vortex starts beeping suddenly. "Hmmmmm, what's that?" she asks as she looks at Vortex, still not touching it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Excellent question," Mikoto asks, and pushes herself up from her chair to walk over to the table where you left the Device. "Whatever is going on?" <br /><br />(("I will ask,")) Carnwennan interjects. (("Opening network connection."))<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The extra module popped off. <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Download complete. Repair program installed."</span> She raises an eyebrow. "So it's a... memory stick?" she asks blankly. "Well. That's good to know. Like some kind of repair service or something. Not sure it's work with your device, Mikoto, but it shoudl owrk with Midchildan-style..." She hmmmmms. "Well, give it a try, Vortex." <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Acknowledged. Initiating."</span><br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well, that'll be useful, at least. Anything to help get Vortex up to full function, ne?" <br /><br />Mikoto hmmms softly and considers it. <br /><br />(("Network protocls negotiated. Connection on standby while subject Swirling Vortex tests new hardware."))<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato hmmmmmmmms. "How can these two talk to each other?" she asks. "Don't they literally speak two different languages or something?" she asks as she watches. <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Program initiated. Scanning for damage and repairing."</span> She sighs softly. "It sounds like it's going well..." she mutters as she leans over and puts her arm around you.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"So do Apple and Microsoft computers, but they work just fine on the same network... it's all a matter of negotiating protocols. Looks like these two managed it." <br /><br />She flashes a grin and pats the amulet that is Carnwennan's standby form. "Who's a good little Device, hmm?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato hmmmmms. "I hope there's not data that's forever lost. Vortex deserves to know who wielded her before. Besides - maybe if I could learn more about that person, it'd help me." She smiles faintly. "Some other companions are quiet talkative. I me this guy who has like a three-inch 'child-clone' of himself or something." She shrugs as she gently strokes Vortex. "Feel better, sweetie..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto mulls for a moment. "Three-inch chibi... couple years younger than us, goes to Seiyou? Blonde kid, maybe a little too cute for his own good?" She's thinking of Tadase, of course, since she barely knows Kukai.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Yeah - that sounds about right." She smiles softly, as she shrugs, rubbing her forehead. "So - maybe that device is like a self-help module for Devices or something..." She ponders. <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"New spell matrix detected."</span> She raises an eyebrow. "That was fast." She ponders. "Show me?" The matrix forms in the air. "Looks like graffiti tome."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods, hmming softl. "Can't help you therre, luv. I can't read Mid spellcode at all, at all." She sighs and shakes her head. "Won't say I wouldn't like to work it out, though." She'd want to work out Belkan first,t though, for her own Device.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato hmmmmmmmmms. "What is it for, Vortex. <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"It is a waypoint spell."</span> She blinks. "That's... helpful. Ummmm...." She scratches her head. "A waypoint for what?" <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Unknown."</span> She ponders as she picks up Vortex. "Waypoint, huh? Well..." She glances at MIkoto. "Mind if I try it?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto considers it. "A waypoint, hmm?" She taps her chin, looks over the Device. "This had better not be a remote teleport beacon beaming a hundred youma into our laps...."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato shrugs. "If you'd rather we wait till we figure out what it is... but why would Vortex have a spell that'd call monsters to us?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods. "Testing of anything like that should be done under controlled conditions," she explains. "Better tha than, oh, finding out that the new steel door still isn't tough enough to stop your own cannon fire....<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Yeah. I suppose you're right. But it sounds like it's a piece of a larger spell that Vortex hasn't found yet..." She sighs softly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"You're probably right. And it's definitely worth checking out. Just keep safety in mind. That's all."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Alright. I'm going to cast the spell. Barrier Jacket, set up." Her clothes shimmer as her Barrier Jacket forms around her. "Be on guard in case something goes wrong, ok?" she asks as she grabe her mace, staying sitting in the chair, not using Free Fall yet.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto dons her own Barrier Jacket, and casts a Barrier about the warehouse, just in case. "It looks good on you," she murmurs, maybe a little too quietly. Louder, she adds, "I'm ready."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods as she says, "Vortex. Waypoint." <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">Waypoint active.</span> There was a faint shimmer as a black rune appears on the ground in front of Minoke. It looks like a circle with curved radiating spokes. She blinks, rolling back and looking down. "Ummmm...."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto hmmms softly. "Well, that was anti-climactic. Carnwennan, analysis?" <br /><br />(("Scanning... the marking is emitting a weak encrypted beacon. Purpose: Unknown." <br /><br />"Well, how weak is weak?" <br /><br />(("Unlikely to be detectable outside this facility."))<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato shrugs. "What's the point of it then?" she asks softly. She scratches her head. "This science-magic stuff is so confusing." <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"The beacon corresponds to my magical signaure. It can be detected by this Device ONLY."</span> She blinks. "What would be the point of such a thing, Vortex?" <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Unknown.</span> Minoke sighs audibly. "Speculate on what the use would be?" <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Logic dictates that knowing where this point is could be important in a way that only this unit could detect."</span> Minoke just rests her head back and rubs her forehead.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto steps up beside you and considers it for a long moment. "Mm, well. If it's directly tied to your Device, it's got to be some sort of... I don't know, targeting indicator, maybe? A way to tag something, or someone, so your spells will home in on it?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Well. Should I leave it alone for now, or see if I can remove the 'tag' until I know what it's for?" she asks as she looks at it. The rune is fading from sight and soon enough disappears. "Oh - I can't see it anymore..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Neither can I," Mikoto adds, stepping over to where it had been and stooping to examine the spot. "Carnwennan, anything?" <br /><br />(("The magical signature has dissipated, Meister. It can no longer be detected."))<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato raises an eyebrow. "Vortex?" <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"The waypoint is idle."</span> "Well. That answer that. If Carnwennan can't even detect it right on top of it, I think we're alright. I can't wait to find out what this waypoint is for."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto straightens, nodding. "I'm sure you'll work it out in time," she agrees, walking back to the table and leaning against it. "You're doing very well so far."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato hmmmmms. "I'm so glad I found you. I felt so... helpless. Having this thing, but having NO idea how to use it. What it could do. By the way, do you know what a Jewel Seed is? I heard Nanoha talking about them..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'm glad I found you, too," Mikoto says, softly. "This can be a pretty lonely life." <br /><br />"Jewel seeds? Yes... well, sort of. I don't think anyone knows ''exactly'' what they are. But they're some sort of ancient supertech gadgets, massively powerful and kind of unstable. She's been trying to help the guy who lost them recover them, and fight some bad guys who're after them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods as she moves over and puts her arm around you. "Thank you... I'm... starting to think of you as the older sister I never had," she murmurs. "Nanoha is quite a girl - she's so young, but takes so much responsibility..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sister, huh? Well... Mikoto smiles a little, and puts her own arm around Minoke. "Yeah... she's a great kid. And I'm glad to have her as part of our team..." <br /><br />She leans her head on your shoulder, happy to just have someone this intimately close. It's been, like, ''forever'' since Ikuto scarpered off to wherever he went after Walpurgisnacht. <br /><br />"'m glad to have you, as well."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato smiles softly. "Vortex is getting better - I'm making new friends... I wonder... if any of this would've happened if I didn't have the accident - but then Mom wouldn't've bought me my choker which became Vortex so..." She shrugs. "What might have been - what a dangerous game to play."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods. "Sometimes it can be... a dangerous trap. You get mired in it... in what might have been... asking yourself, if I could've been a bit quicker... a bit smarter... noticed what was wrong just a little sooner..." <br /><br />She squeezes Minoke close. "Learning from your mistakes is a good thing... drowning yourself in second-guessing just gets you depressed."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. 'Yes - but until Vortex came into my life I was mired in it. Not a day went by that I didn't hear that awful screechign sound of the trapeze anchor giving way, or falling." She shrugs. "But things are going pretty good now. All I can think - is that I'm glad that Kyubey didn't come to me. If he had - I know I would've made a wish."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto can't suppress a shiver at the thought. "Yes... that would have been... bad." She doesn't really know ''how'' bad, of course, since no one's informed her of Homura's little revalation yet. <br /><br />"I'm glad you didn't," she adds.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "But Shinobu was just as vulnerable as I was. Originally healthy... rendered disabled by an accident - she wished for sight..." She murmurs, "I understand her choice."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'm not shocked at all that she did take that opportunity... hell, in her position I might have, too." Mikoto lets out a slow sigh. "We'll support her, though, right?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Yes. So - if you're going to put aside the name Miss Blue, what name will you pick instead? Bluejay?" she asks, smiling.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto mulls it for a minute. "No, I don't think I'd go with something like that... Mmm. If you're Suzaku, then I'm Seiryu. Which makes Nanoha Byakko, and Shinobu Genbu." She grins. It actually fits together pretty well.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "Suzaku..." she murmurs. "Wow. That's... quite an honor you've conferred to me. Do you think I'm worthy of it?" she asks. Shenlong fits you very well - and Nanoha is small but fierce..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Nobody starts out worthy of that kind of title. You grow into it. But you're our little firebird, aren't you?" Mikoto smiles at that. It ''does'' fit quite well. "And Shinobu... caught in her shell, by that damned contract..." Her smile fades as she is forced back to that, but not as much as it might have.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods as she smiles. "Yes, it does. And... wow, you must've put some thought into it..." she murmurs. "I like it. But would we be disrespecting the heavenly guardians by using their names? I'd hate to be smited or something..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Enh, if they really exist... I think they'd understand." Mikoto drifts away from you to re-take her seat. "We're not claiming to be them. Just to aspire to be like them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Alright..." she murmurs. "We should get the four of us together. Maybe we can call ourselves something cool, a new team name. The Four Spirits or something..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I like it," Mikoto agrees. "I'll have to come up with a different Barrier Jacket design, but that shouldn't be too hard." She leans back in her seat and hmmms to herself.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato hmmmmmms. "I might decorate my Jacket..." she ponders. "Hey Miki - what are Barrier Jackets capable of? I mean - how versatile are they?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well," Mikoto muses. "As far as I know they can ''look'' like anything you want... what did you have in mind?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "I'm not talking about looks but functionality... are they just for protection or can they do other things?" she asks. "I had a funny mental image of maybe - somehow using my Jacket to control my legs or something so I could walk - even if it's a ghastly marionette walk, it'd be better than nothing..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto blinks, and pauses in her reach for a sketchbook and pencil. "Hmmmmm. Now there's an interesting thought. I... really don't know. Carnwennan?" <br /><br />(("I have no record of such usage, Meister.")) <br /><br />"Thanks, partner." She looks up at Minoke. "I think... it's certainly ''possible'' that it could work..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "But can a Barrier Jacket move like that on its own?" she asks. "I know it's just a twinkling of an idea, but... I'm not going to devote my life to having my spine fixed. If modern medicine can't do it - believe me, they tried - and most magic healing I've seen so far is more of purification than healing..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"It's certainly worth trying," Mikoto agrees. "I've seen healing that can do more than purification, but it's not ... not ''easy''." She looks at Minoke, contemplating the girl. "I'd say, we'll look into it, try it. And maybe it'll work. Maybe it won't. But don't just ''settle'' for it. Don't give up."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "I'm used to the chair - and when I'm Firebird, I can fly so... it's enough for now." She smiles. "I don't want to 'settle' for this - but I can't hope too much, for I'll just disappoint myself. A narrow tightrope..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods. "It's a balancing act, sure. But we all balance on that tightrope, Minoke-chan. All the time. Just for different reasons... that all boil down to the same, when all's said and done."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato smiles. "You are so wise..." she muses softly as she glances down again at the floor where that weird waypoint was located. "Well. Vortex is slowly getting repaired - one day, so will I."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"That's the spirit." Mikoto smiles lightly. "Now come back and finish your dinner." She picks up her own bowl, still about half-full, and starts munching.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "Oh. Right. So this girl I met challenged Usagi to an eating conteset." She shrugs. "I told her that I want a picture of her in odangos. The winner gets to do the loser's hair." She grins.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto looks up from her food. "An eating contest, huh? That ought to be interesting..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Yeah. She sounds confident - but I dont' think I'd look good in odangos. Besides, I have to eat healthy. It would be hard to burn off fat in my condition."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto has to agree. "I like your hair loose," she says. "That brilliant red deserves to be unrestrained."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato smiles as she runs a hand through it, finishing her food. "Yeah - it's the one thing I take good care of. I probably have more hair care products than the rest of my personal hygeine combined."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'm not much different. Hair this glorious needs a lot of care." Mikoto smiles again, happy to find something to smile ''about'' after the earlier talk of Shinobu's problems. <br /><br />"And you'll find using magic burns a lot of calories by itself, even if you aren't moving around that much. Flying isn't as draining as walking, but you're still doing a share of the work."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Yeah. I have noticed that I did drop a couple of pounds. I'd probably call myself in peak physical condition - from the waist up."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A grin splits Mikoto's face. "Don't worry, then! You're doing great!" <br /><br />(("Minoke Sato is quite beautiful,")) chimes in Carnwennan.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato raises an eyebrow. "Awwwww, Carnwennan, you'll make me blush." <span class=" bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">"Mikoto Nakajima is also quite beautiful."</span> Minoke smiles at Vortex. "Gotta get that last word in, huh? Well - you know, come to think of it - have you ever seen an ugly magical girl?" she akss. " I know I've only been doing this for a bit but I haven't."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Mmm, no, you've got a point there. We're all at least cute." She leans back in her seat and stretches, hands pushing high above her head. "But some stand out above the rest. You. Homura. Sailor Mars."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato blinks. "Ummmm... I'm sure that's a compliment but... I don't know who those other two are so..." She blinks. "Do you really... think I'm that beautiful? I stopped caring for years..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods. "Yes, I do think so. You could stand to dress better, but I can understand why you've neglected that. The chair, and all..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato nods. "Well - I believe you just offered to take me clothes shopping," she muses, grinning. "Don't worry - I have plenty of allowance. And as long as it's a wraparound skirt I can wear it easily enough. Especially now that I can have Vortex lift me a bit." She giggles.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well then. I suppose we'll have to plan a trip. Perhaps we should make it a team outing, take Shinobu and Nanoha along as well."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato smiles. "Yeah - well, I guess we should inform our turtle and tiger that we are a team now..." she muses. "We should probably do that first." She giggles. "What about the WPS? I mean - Hannah... she's minus an arm so can she really fight anymore?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto hmmms softly. "Well... she isn't really the type to let that drag her down. My wager is, she'll find a way to work around it, one way or another." Quite possibly a rather dark way, given Hannah being Hannah. But that doesn't really stop Mikoto from admiring her.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:125|Minoke Sato (125)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Minoke Sato smiles softly. "Well. I don't really know Hannah as well as you. But I know Nanoha, you, and Shinobu pretty well so..." She smiles. "It's funny how even our main color scheles fit in. Me, the red phoenix. You, the blue dragon. Nanoha the white tiger.... and Shinobu, the black tortoise..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:102|Mikoto Nakajima (102)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mikoto nods and smiles. "A team." It's a good feeling. Warm. Comforting. Like coming home, after so long alone.<br> <br>
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