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Twisted Paths; Ennis and Orrick meet again . . .
Topic Started: Oct 4 2009, 01:54 PM (673 Views)
GM ace
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Headhunter (Titans Commander)
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Shortly after the Battle of S-12 . . .

Ennis let a small groan slip through his lips as he eased himself into his office's chair aboard the Garuda. He was tired, he had a new set of bruises from getting tossed around in the Gaplant, he was upset over Sean's family, and he was frustrated because of Bask's orders to hold their position.

So just this once he was willing to put someone else in charge of cleaning up the battlefield (Jurik, in this case) and relax a little. He needed to think, and he needed to drink.

A few moments of grumbling and sifting through his desk and a bottle and glass was procured. Surely duty could leave well enough alone for a little while and let a man enjoy a drink.
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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Orrick Alexander
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After something of a shock from the woman whom he thought had been left in his past he was in a pretty good mood. There was just two things that he currently had and, even though only one of these problems could be solved at the current time. It seemed as though it would be the right time to do it. Thanks to the comm lines though out the ship it was nice and easy to hear that Ennis had dumped the rest of the load on the someone else

Orrick arrived in front of Ennis' door. Deciding to dispense with the formalities, Orrick entered the room with ego, and temper ready to fire. "So, you wanted a little chat there boss man?"
Lieutenant Commander Orrick Alexander Current Machine: ORX-005 Gaplant Kills: 12
Ensign Summer Hearst Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 1
Ensign Samantha Alexander Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
Ensign Linda Adams Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
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GM ace
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[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Ennis frowned, pausing in the process of opening the whiskey bottle, before shrugging and pouring his drink. He didn't want to go through the added stress of talking to Orrick, not right now . . . but life tended to ignore what Ennis wanted at times like these.

"Might as well get this whole thing hammered out now, I suppose. Have a seat," Ennis said, placing the bottle back on the desk and picking up his glass, gesturing with it. "You want anything before we get into this?"
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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Orrick Alexander
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(HA I am getting your Alcohol Ace :) )

"I suppose that I'll take a glass, only if you drink first." Orrick took the offered seat, his eyes never leaving Ennis'. The man was far to crafty for his own good, only the utmost care could be taken. Orrick took his seat, "Let's get to why I'm here right now... Maybe I should ask the better question, why shouldn't I kill you right now for what you did."
Lieutenant Commander Orrick Alexander Current Machine: ORX-005 Gaplant Kills: 12
Ensign Summer Hearst Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 1
Ensign Samantha Alexander Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
Ensign Linda Adams Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
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GM ace
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Whatever you think of me, I am terribly offended that you'd accuse me of sullying good alcohol with anything, never mind poison," Ennis said matter-of-factly as he fished anything glass out of his desk and filled it. He slid the glass across the desk to Orrick before taking a sip of his own and leaning back in his chair, his eyes wandering to the ceiling as the drink burned its way down his throat.

"This could turn into an ego contest pretty quickly, so I'll keep my answer simple. You shouldn't kill me because I didn't kill you," Ennis said with a shrug. "The way you were acting on Alcatraz, I couldn't think of a way to keep you in the Titans without having to put you up against a wall in short order, which isn't what I wanted. Handing you over as a prisoner and making Anderson put you under his protection was the only way I could think of to give you a decent chance of survival and still keep my own plans intact."

Ennis took another sip of his drink, placing the glass back on the desk.

"And things Anderson said had me thinking you might even be able to find a decent reason for wearing the uniform. Anything come of that sister thing while you over there?"
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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Orrick Alexander
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Orrick looked down at the glass in front of him, he picked it up swirled the liquid around once or twice. He laughed, "So, you trust your enemies that you've been fighting since eight years ago more than your own men. I sense a lack of trust here James. This Anderson character you seem to have put so much faith in wanted me dead more than that freak Tirpitz. A real smart move, and as for your great little plan about my sister, well the girl who Anderson had you believing was my sister didn't know me from the next random guy she'd have met."

He drank the liquid and slammed the glass onto the desk in front of him. "I still hold you responsible for this." Orrick pointed to his face as an indication. Then on top of that... well I can only really say there's the selling me out to the enemy and since you no doubt helped Anderson escape, well I can only say I'm certain some of the higher ups would just be willing to believe me if I told them this. Especially your dear friend Bask Ohm, am I wrong?"" Orrick smiled as he tilted his head slightly, with a strange smile on his face.
Edited by Orrick Alexander, Oct 7 2009, 10:39 AM.
Lieutenant Commander Orrick Alexander Current Machine: ORX-005 Gaplant Kills: 12
Ensign Summer Hearst Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 1
Ensign Samantha Alexander Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
Ensign Linda Adams Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
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GM ace
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[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Ennis snorted, before slamming back the rest of his drink, placing the empty glass back on he desk slowly.

"Well, it was worth a shot. And there's something to be said for familiarity. And Anderson's far too moral to execute a prisoner. Probably helped that I promised to execute everyone in his unit down to the last clerk for war crimes if you were harmed while under his protection," Ennis said with a vicious grin of his own.

The Commander leaned forward, placing one elbow on his desk, smiling a little as he talked.

"See, the trouble here Orrick is that you stumbled into a much larger and much more dangerous game when you walked into that prison cell with Anderson. Shooting these bastards down won't do the trick, it's not enough. The AEUG has internal conflicts waiting to happen, it's just a matter of exploiting them. Karl is an evil bastard, and Anderson views himself as the good guy. I merely made Karl's bastardy more obvious, and sent Anderson on his way. I didn't give the AEUG back a pilot, I gave them a ticking time-bomb that might just be enough to tear Karl's unit apart. Even if Jim tries and fails, it'll cause damage."

Ennis shrugged, leaning back again, his eyes closed.

"And sure, you could tell Bask. Baldy would believe anything about me if it could be used against me. But I've got a feeling that you're not a fan of his either. After all, I didn't start that Cyber Newtype butchery or sign the orders to cut on you," Ennis said, tapping his own face where Orrick's scars were. "That would be him and his ilk.

So, you could sell me out, get a pat on the head from the guys who messed with you, and then probably end up back under the knife. I'd either be dead or on the run, the squadron would likely be disbanded, and you'd end up wearing another one of those,"
Ennis said, gesturing to the spot on the shelf where Valder Shrike's helmet lay, a testament to a failed madman. The hand he used to gesture with moved back, extending one finger to make a point, hesitating for a moment as Ennis decided to take a risk. Or. Or you could help clean up the Titans. Including Bask."
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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Orrick Alexander
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Orrick couldn't help but laugh at the man's face as he made his comments, he closed his eyes as he replied. "Ya see James, you've got this nasty tendency to do the right thing. Always pulling stings from the shadows, the noose you have on Anderson, and god knows how many other people.... I won't fall victim to it. Frankly, you're no better than the "ilk" you want to get rid of. Sure maybe a little more humane, maybe a little nicer, but the reality of it all is that you are exactly the same as them. They have their agenda and you have yours. Then there's me with my own agenda. Frankly, I don't owe you or them one damn thing. Never once have you stood up for me, be it eight years ago in the briefing, or four months ago when I was cut open."

Orrick turned his head and stared at the man's face. "Help reform this thing thing." He laughed as sarcastically as ever. "Well that might be just the funniest thing I've ever heard you say. You can reform a cancer once it's infected the blood. In case you've been ignoring the news as of late, this cancer has spread and no amount of treatment can fix it. It either kills you or you kill it. This world no longer has the luxury of a gray area, no more shadows to hide in. There is only black and white, good and evil. From where I'm sitting right now. This cancer will win and we will all die... And you... Well, let's just say you are a cancer, and I intend to fight. I will beat this thing, and I will finally find my happiness, if there is even such a thing."
Lieutenant Commander Orrick Alexander Current Machine: ORX-005 Gaplant Kills: 12
Ensign Summer Hearst Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 1
Ensign Samantha Alexander Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
Ensign Linda Adams Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
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GM ace
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Ennis threw up his arms in frustration and disgust, before standing up and placing both hands on the desk.

"There's no talking things over with you, is there?" he said, frowning. "You insist on seeing me as the root of all evil, when it's Jamitov and Bask who have led the Titans astray. Cut them out of the equation, purge the Titans of their influence, and do our job the way it was supposed to be done. That is what needs to happen, and we're running out of time. They've got their own plans, I'm sure of it, and Axis is still out there. None of us can afford this chickenshit any longer."

Ennis pushed himself away from the desk, pacing back and forth.

"You've got options for that happiness of yours, Orrick. Plenty of them. Do whatever you want, let the dice fall where they may, but make a damn choice. Try to take me on, try to turn me in, work with me, or get the hell out of my unit. Make a choice, because I've got work to do. I've sacrificed too much and come too far to be held back because of your indecision."
Edited by GM ace, Oct 7 2009, 01:19 PM.
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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"I'm not asking again, Petty Officer. We rescued a fellow Titan when we stomped that rathole. He was a prisoner of the enemy; I wish to speak to him. You don't want to refuse a direct order from a commissioned officer, do you?" Kerin asked Ennis's yeoman, getting dangerously quiet as he finished his sentence, letting the threat hang in the air. The YN2 stood there, sweating it as he pondered what to do. Kerin saw him inhale deeply as he finally caved. "Sir, Lieutenant Commander Alexander is in the Commander's office. But he left instructions not to be dis..." the Yeoman trailed off as Kerin pushed past the enlisted man to Ennis's office. Kerin was about to push the door open before he paused. An LT acting like he owns the CO's office would throw too many red flags. Besides, Ennis just might be stupid enough to pull a weapon on me again he mused, electing to try and preserve his cover. He pulled his hand away from the doorknob and instead knocked three times. "Commander, its Lieutenant Jagger, your Intel officer. Permission to enter?" he asked... well, half-asked, hoping Ennis would take the hint.
Lieutenant Commander Jim Anderson
Anti-Earth Union Group
Kills:
12 X Mobile Suit

Lieutenant Kerin Jaggers
Titans
Kills:
3 X Mobile Suit
1 X Colony
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Orrick Alexander
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Orrick's eyes grew with anger once again. "You, you, you. Everything is always about you and your grand schemes to get as much damn power as quickly as you can. Since the days of the Stallion, it's always been about you. Not your fellow pilots, not your countless lovers, no one but little old you. Don't you dare for one instant try to place blame on me for your problems."
Lieutenant Commander Orrick Alexander Current Machine: ORX-005 Gaplant Kills: 12
Ensign Summer Hearst Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 1
Ensign Samantha Alexander Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
Ensign Linda Adams Current Machine: MSA-099 Rick Dias Kills: 2
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Ennis gritted his teeth for a moment and pressed a button on his desk to use the intercom in the foyer outside his office.

"One moment, Kerin. I'll be with you soon," he said, keeping the tension out of his voice thanks to his years of hiding his temper. But oh, it was a close thing. Ennis lifted his finger off the transmit button just in time for Orrick to open his mouth again. Ennis stood agape, a clear look of shock on his face as one hand went to his forehead.

"All about me?" he muttered, the shock in his voice. In the next instant he was scowling, anger leaking into his voice. He had to make a huge effort to keep his voice down so Kerin would not hear him.

"This is all about me!? About power!? Are you fucking insane!?" he hissed out, practically hysterical. "You think I want this? I've got scores of people who have personally made killing me a part of their goals, and half of them are on 'my' side! And it's only getting worse! I'm having to fight against some of my best friends for this, hell, I was the best man at an AEUG member's wedding after the War. And he and I have been having to shoot at each other for months!"

Ennis began pacing again, running his fingers through his hair as he rambled, seemingly incapable of controlling himself beyond making sure he wasn't yelling.

"For God's sake, I'm not even 35, and my hair is going gray. Every time I fly in the Gaplant, I walk away sore. Even if I don't get killed, I'm practically killing myself by staying in the cockpit so long. And even if I succeed, I'll probably have assassins from every tinpot rebel group trying to take me out, or a pile of subordinates trying to oust me, and the odds have never been good for even getting that far!"

Ennis stopped pacing and whirled on Orrick, looking as if it was very important that he make Orrick understand something his tone not as frantic but even more serious.

"I haven't been home in more than a year and a half. Hawaii was the first leave I've had in a year. What friends I'm not being forced to fight against have either drifted away or cut ties completely. My girl - and that is singular, fuck you for even suggesting I'd be unfaithful - has not seen me in a year. Instead I get to spend my time fighting and killing and planning, or being treated to gems like watching Sean's family be murdered. And if I succeed? If I actually succeed in this mad gambit? It'll always be like this. I'll never have a normal life. Any chance of putting the uniform aside and fading into civilian life will be gone, because I'll have gone too deep to avoid the consequences."

Something seemed to go out of Ennis, as if he'd lost steam. He slumped back down into his chair, his forehead resting in one hand.

"All I ever wanted to do was to fly a fighter. But I swore an oath. Nobody else seems to be remembering that oath, so I will. I could walk away, right now. Vanish and likely never be seen again. I could stop fighting my friends. I could stop risking my life. I could just let the world burn. But . . . I swore an oath. And so many have died for it . . . so I'm risking everything to try and do the right thing. I'm not perfect, not pure, not a messiah. I'm just a man who is probably going to die, one way or another, whether I win or lose. But I'm trying where no one else is, and I'm willing to gamble everything for it. So don't ever accuse me of being power-hungry again. Call me a bastard if you want, sure, I've earned that. But this isn't exactly a situation I can ever profit from."

Rubbing his eyes, Ennis stood and walked around the desk towards the door. He still didn't know what Orrick would do. He might talk to Kerin, spill the beans about Alcatraz. Part of Ennis just really didn't care. If Orrick did talk, it would likely turn to more bloodshed. At least fighting for his life would be simple.

"Sorry for the wait, Lieutenant," Ennis said politely to Kerin as he opened the door, all traces of his previous ranting and exhaustion gone from his voice and face. "Orrick and I were discussing his place in the unit now thathe's back with us. What can we do for you?"
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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Kerin simply nodded at Ennis's explanation, and even though both Ennis and this Commander Alexander seemed pleasant enough, there was enough tension in the room to cut with a knife. Kerin did rather wonder what the hell that was all about, since he had heard raised voices, although he hadn't been able to make out anything specific. "Commander, I heard we'd rescued a man from the enemy; and I wanted to assist in his debriefing. Just doing my job" he replied, hoping that Ennis would be smart enough to maintain the appearance of normality between them, since the man wouldn't be stupid enough to pull a weapon on an IAD agent twice. And just in case, Kerin did have his Glock 29 subcompact on his ankle, and was oh so hoping for an excuse to use it. If this idiot had let me do my job, we'd still have Anderson he fumed behind an emotionless mask of a face.
Lieutenant Commander Jim Anderson
Anti-Earth Union Group
Kills:
12 X Mobile Suit

Lieutenant Kerin Jaggers
Titans
Kills:
3 X Mobile Suit
1 X Colony
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"Feel free. Let's try to make this quick," Ennis said, walking back to his desk and pouring himself another drink. "It's been a long day, and we're going to have plenty of work to do securing the Azura, the base, and the prisoners while we're . . . 'posted' here."

Ennis frowned a little, but it quickly faded as he took a seat and put another glass on the desk.

"Help yourself, if you want, and have at it. Unless you have any objections, Orrick?" Ennis said, leaning back and sipping his drink while he considered what to do if this got ugly.
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Captain James T. Ennis, Anton Team Leader, Helios Squadron CO, Titans Alexandria-class Retiro
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Kerin looked over at Ennis and nodded, pulling out his PDA to take notes. "Commander, I had just gotten here after the raid by the terrorists at our Alcatraz facility, and I understand that one James Anderson, a former Titan now turned traitor, captured you there in the process of escaping custody. Since we had Anderson in the .... 'special' interrogation room, we have no visual record of how he overpowered you. Could you describe to me how exactly the prisoner escaped holding?" Kerin asked, diving right into the matter, since as good as Anderson was at hand-to-hand, there had to be more to it than what was on the surface.
Lieutenant Commander Jim Anderson
Anti-Earth Union Group
Kills:
12 X Mobile Suit

Lieutenant Kerin Jaggers
Titans
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3 X Mobile Suit
1 X Colony
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