Strike in a place unexpected

[jianai]

[One of the transports carrying goods to Alhambra deposits a weary-looking person in a nun's habit. Except that nuns don't normally have horns, betraying that it's actually Ren.]

Ahh, it's good to be back! This place starts to feel like home for me, you know? I'm happy to report that the refugees received as much help and assistance as they should. There's still a lot of labor awaiting them, but that's something they have to do themselves. Their lives and well-being are no longer in any danger.

I must admit, that was some hard work. The living conditions were not ideal, though I'm used to it a little. Still, I don't regret it. In fact...

[Ren smiles embarassingly. Wait, is that blush on their face?]

I'm glad, and not only for those people. I mean, for myself. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful individual.

So, what happened while I was gone?

Comments

[deathflag_survivor]

That's good to hear, and it's good to have you back again, Ren!

[But that blush doesn't go unnoticed.]

Though what about an amazing person? Aren't you always saying you love everyone?

[jianai]

I am, and I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it.

But this time, it's just... different.

[deathflag_survivor]

I know what you mean.

It's a good feeling. Nothing else quite like it out there.

[jianai]

I'm really happy that you could experience it. Well, I'm happy for myself, too... but also a bit worried.

My feelings for humanity should be all-encompassing and unconditional. Is it really alright to play favorites?

[deathflag_survivor]

Well, you tell me. Do your feelings for this person mean you care and love anyone else less than you normally would? If the answer's "no" I don't think you've done anything wrong as far as I'm concerned.

[delouser]

You're back.

[jianai]

Indeed I am! Did you miss me?

[brought_it_back]

...They must be...very interesting.

You should tell me everything about them.

[jianai]

Yes! His name is Mark, and he's interested in philosophy, reading and talking about the same kind of things that I like to read or talk about... he's also kind.

And a bit awkward socially.

[brought_it_back]

Is he a...man of the cloth?

[jianai]

Oh? Ah, no, no!

He's a soldier. I think you met him once, actually.

[brought_it_back]

...?

[majestic_keiki]

It's mostly been quiet while you were gone. So a more permanent solution has been found for the refugees?

[jianai]

Yes, yes there was! Some of them accepted an opportunity to move to Optimus's new city. Others, those who didn't want to leave their country, were resettled on a new land. We've helped them build the foundations of a settlement - not quite a town yet, but more than just a camp.

Everything turned out fine in the end. I am very happy.

[majestic_keiki]

It must be a lot of work to build an entire city from scratch, rather than expanding one already there.

[jianai]

I'm sure Optimus didn't have too much trouble. He had most skilled Autobot engineers to help him, not to mention assistance from the human side.

[majestic_keiki]

Right, there is that. The ones staying behind in Africa are okay too, I guess.

...So what is this about meeting someone? You better prepare for Tamaki being extremely interested.

[abugslife]

You seem to have obtained a peculiar outfit while you were gone.

[jianai]

You may call it a clever disguise. The refugees didn't need to be concerned with why a person with horns is helping them. A nun whose hood seems a little bit deformed is not suspicious in comparison.

Also, this is quite comfortable.

[abugslife]

What about your wonderful individual? Do they know?

[jianai]

He knows I have horns, yes. He saw me before, it was useless to hide them.

But he doesn't know who I am. He thinks I'm an "angel who fell from heaven"... at least that's how he called me.

[ugyuuya]

Terrorists attacked the opening of the Blue Flag and stole some new units. One of their surviving test pilots joined with a unit she was able to keep from being stolen and Yukon is having to rebuild several hangers and training areas. It was troublesome and there were casualties but having us out in the field already maneuvering helped as did having Seta in the crowd watching.

There isn't much more to go into that the debrief wouldn't answer better but it seems like you've had quite the interesting time while you were gone. Do we need to arrange to have someone play the family role and vet this "wonderful individual" you found.

[jianai]

He's a busy person with his own duties, so I don't know if he'll be able to come visit any time soon.

And indeed, I had an interesting time... but I'll admit, I feel pangs of guilt knowint that I enjoyed myself while something like that happened to you. A terrorist attack? That's horrible!

[ugyuuya]

It's logically no worse than the attacks that happened in cities or at other installations. It's just a bit of a rude awakening that people could do something like that. Most of the damage was isolated to a training range and the military hangers so the local civilians weren't impacted too badly by the event. Actually I think with all the contract work to repair the base they're doing better than ever.

Always have to find the bright side of things right?

[jianai]

That's true. Focus on the positive and keep on going - though I suppose I don't have to tell you that, Yuuya. You're doing a fine job yourself.

Could you tell me more? What motivated those terrorists, do we know?