A section of the hall serves as a food court, while others are partitioned for sports and physical fitness training. There's even a shooting range, just to make sure no space goes wasted. Structures that could be sculptures or part of a strange aerial obstacle course are suspended from above as well, though some of those clearly serve as light platforms.
Templars are everywhere, adorned in either military or scholarly clothing - identified more by color than style, since no single style could hope to accommodate all of the body forms of Abaddon. Katherine leads Tasha through the mild chaos, heading for a particular section at the back where a group seems to be huddled.
Tasha follows along, though not just because of her habit of following Katherine Vesuvius where-ever she leads. No, today she's nervous -- and not that kind of Katherine-related nervous, either. Here and now is potentially the first day of her attendance of an actual school. She walks forward with a mix of excitement and dread, gaze shifting about, her head cocking in the manner of avians, taking in the sights and trying to draw it all in; To make it part of herself. She may be spending a lot of time here, after all, and this should be a good memory. Having Katherine here is a relief as she didn't want to go along, though she has to admit the cultural icon does tend to draw a lot of attention.
"Have you been here before, then?" Tasha asks as she continues along.
"Many times," Katherine says, and gestures ahead. "Those are the recruit candidates, by the way. I'm sure -" The Karnor is cut off by a loud squeak and flapping of wings as a small Eeee girl(?) lands in front of them. She's dressed as a Templar student, and is carrying a black plastic folder which she hugs to her chest. "Miss Vesuvius!" the says in an almost painfully high pitch. "I have the final prototypes! Did you want to see them now?" The girl also gives Tasha a wide-eyed look of.. fear? Awe? She certainly seems intimidated, in any case.
"Is something wrong?" The mostly Vartan Tasha asks, feeling herself increasingly uncomfortable at being starred at. She thought she had acclimated to her injuries, but today is the first time people not already expecting them have seen her.
"Cass, this is Tasha Argentine of the JEF," Katherine says by way of introduction. "Tasha, this is Cassiopeia of the Knights Templar. She's an artist who has done some work for me in the past. Go ahead and show Miss Argentine what you have there, Cass."
"Oh.. OH!" the bat squeaks, somehow looking a bit smaller. She opens the binder and turns it to face the two women.. then turns it right side up a moment later. There are several pages inside, held in rings that connect to the binders spine. The first page shows.. an emblem.
The emblem has the Star and Anchor as its root form, but diverges in the details. The Star is made to look more like a Compass Rose, and the Anchor is in the form of curved, stylized wings that seem to made of teardrop shapes, suggesting flames. There's a teardrop-shaped but more angular form at the center of the Anchor, suggesting a bird or hawk. The very tips of the wings continue to rise and arch around to form a circle open at the top, and there are some subtle shadings behind the Star suggesting canals and other geographical features.
Tasha inclines her head, not feeling much like saying hello. Her long talk with Melchior prior to arrival has had an impact of her mood that she realizes is lingering -- and suspects may linger for quite some time. She realized some things about herself that she rather hadn't; In addition, she remembered that on more than one occassion she had stood at the crossroads between world destruction. The knowledge pushes her to distance herself, making her more surly.
After viewing the images, the red woman nods. "I like them. You did a good job. If you like, I can upload them for review by the Captain," she says.
"Upload?" the girl asks, looking to Katherine for an explanation.
Tasha glances to the starlet as well, figuring she can explain better with her words on short supply.
"A form of facsimile transmission," Katherine says. "I like it too. You worked the compass and Phoenix motifs together well, Cass."
The girl smiles, showing her teeth proudly, and holds the binder out to Tasha.
Phoenix, Tasha thinks, brow raising as she finds herself inwardly amused. Her expression doesn't change as she thinks of Raehab making an off-color remark about the image; It also reminds her to visit the old Vartan when she has some free time.
The binder is accepted before Tasha pulls out her datapad, manipulating it with her 'good' hand as she holds the binder infront of her. Nothing seems to happen, but she lowers the datapad seconds later and nods. "All done," she says as she returns the binder.
"Did you finish the second one as well?" Katherine asks the Eeee, who then flips to the next page in the binder. This one also follows the Star and Anchor motif, without featuring either. In place of the Star is a horse, as seen from below if it were in mid-leap, forming the spine of the Star. A pair of wings form the arms. The tail is long, and fans out at the bottom, framing the top of the Anchor section, which is composed of the word BELLEROPHON in an arch.
"The Captain will like that," Tasha notes with the hint of a smile. She accepts the binder back and repeats the process of scanning it, returning ti seconds later.
"I don't have one for the Titan Corps yet," Cassiopeia says apologetically.
"Titan Corps?" Tasha asks, glancing between the two women.
"Well, Melchior Pilot, Ground Crew and Mission Control patches," Katherine notes. "For now. I'm sure there'll be more Titans eventually though. It's more that Melchior and Bellerophon are powerful iconic symbols of the new JEF."
Tasha chuckles at mention of being iconinc, nodding as well. "Makes sense to me. Anything else?" She asks, turning her attention back to the Eeee girl.
"Well.. uh.. if there are any changes you want, just.. let me know?" Cass says, a bit shyly.
Tasha nods to the request. "I will." That looks to be it for a moment, but then she smiles a bit more and adds, "Thank you for your hard work, Miss Cassiopeia."
The Eeee bows her head.. and then flutters off. "Artists can be a bit flighty," Katherine notes to Tasha. "And Eeee tend to feel that they have a lot to prove in the Templars."
"I understand why; Most Confederates I have spoken with have conveyed their low approval from other groups and their anxiety about the future and their place in it," the hybrid woman replies. She ndos towards the group ahead, indicating Katherine should continue walking as they talk. "It must be difficult for those who do not adhere to the species and national stereotype. As I understand it, much of the stigma is justified generally, if not specifically."
"The Confederates have a reputation for double-dealing, but that's part of their culture - they had to always keep their enemies and allies guessing," Katherine notes. "They had superior Titans, but their technologies required a lot of biomass to fuel. It was their biggest vulnerability, and when they lost their primary life dome that biotech became very hard to maintain."
"I heard about the lifedome, though I do not know the specifics save that it was a major blow, that the life dome housed some sort of biological computer system, and that that system exhibited high level control over the facilities and the people within," the younger woman notes as the move along. "I know something about their Titans as well, though of all the Titan technologies, they are the ones I have the least experience with. I can certainly see the advantage of biological Titans, however, as you noted, Abaddon is hardly the ideal place for them. I'm quite curious as how they operate, as well."
"They were like giant powered suits," Katherine says. "Just.. the pilot didn't know where he ended and the suit began, I think." They're closer to the group of students.. although now that they're standing up and turning towards the approaching pair, Tasha sees that they can't all be students. Some of them are Gabriel's (biological) age.
"Then I understand more about them than I thought," Tasha notes as they continue along. As she approches the group she recalls what she was told about them, noting the ages and recalling their general preference for administration. Once they're close enough, Tasha says, "Hello. I am Pilot-Cadet Aldara Tasha Argentine, of the Joint Expeditionary Force, and pilot of the Melchior. I was informed of your recruitment status during my recovery. Pleased to meet you." She then offers her hand.
The nearest one - a young adult Vartan boy - takes Tasha's hand in both of his talons and pumps it up and down exuberantly. "Wow! It's really an honor to meet you Miss Tasha! I saw you fight the kaiju at the dam. I was manning one of the rim cannons! I'm a very good shot. Oh, I'm Shojo! I don't just shoot things though! I'm a medic! In training!"
Despite her intention to distance herself a bit from people, and her mood, Tasha can't help but smile at the boy's enthusiasim. She shakes the hands and then nods, saying, "Thank you for your support during that battle, though I'm not sure what to think about being honored." In truth, she knows exactly what she thinks about it, but isn't about to admit it openly. "I am quite glad to see your interest in joining the JEF, however. I look forward to seeing your progress."
The next one, who has to actually nudge Shojo a few times to get him to let go of Tasha, introduces herself. "I'm Celeste," the human woman introduces herself, and offers her hand rather than grabbing Tasha's. "I'm an analyst, specializing in agriculture projections and military strategies."
"I'm sure we'll have more use for one than the other, though who can say what the future will bring," the red woman replies, accepting the hand and shaking it in turn. "Thank you for your interest in joining us."
The next in line is an older Karnor, who has a somewhat fatherly air to him. "Joachim," he introduces himself, and bows. "General administration, humanoid resources and quartermastering."
"All things we definitely need seen to. Thank you for approaching us, sir," Tasha says, giving the man a firm handshake and thinking how easily it would be for Gabriel to find a friend in the man before her.
A Silent-One stands next in line, and is standing very straight and.. tall. He looks young though, at least younger than Strength-of-Stones. He also seems a bit nervous, and salutes. His mask identifies him as Digger-of-Ancients. "Greetings Silver-Spear," he signs, and his glove renders in a rather tinny electronic voice. It must not be a top-of-the-line translator.
A lopsided smirk crosses Tasha's face at the mention of "Silver-Spear." She returns the salute, needing to look up as she signs with her Karnor hand, "Winged-Gift, if you please," she notes, adding a second later, "You are an archaeologist?"
The cheetah blinks in surprise at Tasha signing back to him, and then nods his head in Terran fashion. "I have mostly focused on ancient battle and crash sites as part of technology recovery missions," he signs, explaining his limited experience.
"I am sure we we'll be able to put your talents and training to good use," the woman signs back, then she extends her avian hand to the Silent-One as well "Thank you for your interest."
The final potential recruit is an Eeee - and definitely male, from his size and broadness. His uniform is different from the others as well. He does not shake hands. "Beld," he introduces himself, keeping his hands behind his back. "Mechanized Warfare piloting, support and engineering."
"Ah, a soldier then?" Tasha asks. When she sees his hand isn't forthcoming, she does not offer her own in kind. "Does your training primarily deal with techno-biological piloting, support, and engineering, or do you also have training in purely mechanical devices? Optical? Something I'm missing?"
"I'm familiar with Templar systems, which are largely Terran and Imperial in origin," Beld explains. "We don't use Silent-Ones optical systems within the Knights Templar or Confederate biotech for military purposes. I am more familiar with electrical, motorized and hydraulic systems on vehicles, as well as cannon and missile systems."
The mostly Vartan nods. "I see. Well then, I'm sure we can put your skills to good use. Thank you for showing interest in joining the JEF," she bids the man.
"I'm sure Tasha will be seeing you all again later," Katherine says. "Thank you for coming to greet her, but we have other matters to attend to before any formal interviews."
The cadet nods to Katherine's words. "I will be on-site for quite some time after this, barring any difficulties. I can answer any questions or concerns you have at a later date. For now, I have an appointment to keep. Thank you again for coming to meet me and for your interest." After inclining her her to the group, the young woman turns to join Katherine.
Tasha is led through unfamiliar areas, mostly involving long flights of stairs. Eventually they reach the administration level, which looks relatively unchanged from the original function as the command decks of the carrier. After a few pauses and check-ins at various desks, Tasha finds herself in a windowless office, sitting next to Katherine before a large desk. To make up for the lack of windows, the walls are covered in colorful, if childish, fingerpaintings. A human male sits behind the desk, sporting one of the most impressive moustaches Tasha has ever seen - it flows from his upper lip like a waterfall, and droops down several inches past his chin. It's also a bit greenish, to match his hair. "Hello, Miss Argentine," he says. "I'm Counselor Travic, and I hear you wish to enroll in classes within the Templar scholar program?"
When addressed, Tasha stands out of respect. "That is correct, sir. As part of my recovery and continued training effort, I would like to partake of the Knight's Templar education and training resources and enroll as a student," she answers.
"Normally we would require a background check and a sponsor," Travic notes. "However, you are from Sinai and we have plenty of other references to your character. And of course there is the new treaty and information-sharing contract with your organization. So we can dispense with a lot of the formalities. I'd like you tell me what you wish to study, and how you hope to make use of what you learn."
"I am hoping to study ancient technology, military history, tactics, and strategy, current and past politics, Abaddonian history, and if possible continue my martial training. As far as how I will use this knowledge, I intend to continue my roll as a JEF officer and utilize what I have learned for the betterment of both our organization and the worlds of the Primus System," the red woman explains. What she does not note are her fears, not her thoughts on her character. While she belives what she says is accurate, an increasingly loud voice in the back of her head reminds her of how she's used her knowledge previously, the uncertainties of the future, and all that can go wrong. Her expression remains neutral throught, making her glad she learned how to hide her emotions when she can manage the mindfullness enough to do so.
"Quite a full plate," the man notes. "Where you looking to specialize in any of those topics, or for a more general and broader experience?"
"My primary duty is that of field agent and troubleshooter, as I am usually employed in either exploration or combat roles. As that is likely to be increasingly the case in the future, I would like to focus in that direction with a general education in the rest, save ancient technology, which I would also like to focus on," the cadet answers. The voice in her head is at least pleased with her choice; After all, with having survived so many difficult and dangerous battles, she is sure more are to come. It sates another appretite as well, one she decides is best left unmentioned.
"Ah, a troubleshooter," the man says, sitting back. "I'd suggest the joat backgrounder then, which will cover many of your desired studies in a general way, before you pursue specific interests. It also focuses more on problem solving."
Tasha inclines her head, then asks, "I am not familiar with the terminology "joat," would you please elaborate, sir?"
"It's just a shorthand term for 'Jack Of All Trades'," Travic explains. "It's a general primer for many other fields."
The woman inclines her head again. "Thank you. Is there anything else you wish to know, sir?"
"Think of Mr. I as a joat," Katherine whispers to Tasha.
Tasha leans in to the whisper, then nods. "Ah, that makes sense. A master joat," she murmurs.
"Well, you'll need to take some assessment exams to see where you stand in the basic skills and knowledge you'll need, and then shore up any areas you may be behind in," the man explains.
"I figured as much. I'm afraid my education has been very piecemeal; Prior to establishing the Joint Expeditionary Force -- the second Founding -- I was an adventurer, before that, a ... religious functionary, and before that, I was an airship drover. Most of what you would consider to be modern education by the standards of this world I did not have until very recently," the cadet explains.
"We can fix that," the man says reassuringly. "After all, the Knights Templar are made of people from different nations, species, religious and educational backgrounds. We just want to make sure you can read, write clearly and handle basic mathematics."
Tasha nods. "I'll do my best, sir. Is there anything else?"
"I'll arrange for you to be in the next orientation group, and see about getting you an advisor," Travic says. "You will not likely finish your education here in the Winged Citadel, however. Many of the disciplines you are interested in are better handled at the Expedition City campus. Do you have any questions for me?"
"I'm fine with transfering out, though that may hinder my ability to stand guard at the Pit," Tasha notes. She then cocks her head to the side and asks, "Would it be possible if I transferred my quarters and Titan to this facility? I would like my resources to be on hand, both for study and emergency, and I haven't yet fully recovered from my injuries so I would prefer not to strain my wings or rely overmuch on local transport," she then asks.
"Your.. Titan?" the man asks, looking a bit shocked at the notion. "What sort of support system does it require? I'll have to speak to the Master at Arms about this."
"Very little. Its fusion reactor power plant is intentionally transportable and self-regulating; The same goes for the equipment locker. Beyond his ... it's," Tasha smirks wryly, "function as a combat system the Melchior can also assist me in learning and other activities." What she leaves out is her apprehension with the machine so far away. Better to have him close, she thinks, finding no real reason why he shouldn't be anyway.
"I'm sure we have someplace that can accommodate it," the man notes, looking thoughtful. "We may still have an unused Titan bay, at least."
"I appreciate the effort, sir. What about my being housed here?" The red woman then asks.
"We have room in the student dormitories of course," Travic notes with a smile. "Do you have a roommate preference?"
"No, sir. Well," tasha cocks her head to the side, ears flickking. "I suppose somebody who doesn't mind oil paint fumes."
"You didn't mention art as one of your study interests," the man notes. "Did you want to add that?"
"Oh, well, it's not that important. I wouldn't want it to cut in to my other training," the cadet notes, head leveling. "It's just something I learned to do in my, ah, spare time while recovering."
"We do have painting studies," Travic notes. "Being able to depict something from memory is a very useful skill to have, and drawing or painting helps strengthen that skill."
The mostly Vartan inclines her head. "Then please add that to my list of studies, sir. I have brought my own paints along, along with my medication and my other equipment. Which reminds me: I will also have my powered armor on hand, and personal weapons, though if I am able to house the Melchior here I can simply store my equipment with his. Its."
"We generally don't have students going armed here, so storage would be best," the man replies. "You mention medication, so I have to ask if you have any health conditions that might require special medical treatment, as well as if you have any adverse reactions to common medications?"
"I take a combination anti-depressant, muscle relaxant, and pain medication fashioned for me by our doctor, to deal with the serious injury I suffered months ago. I sustained traumatic brain injury and the loss of half my face and my elft hand -- as you can see -- and have mostly recovered. However, I have been largely immobile for some time, and should not strain myself for a while yet. I should still be good for move around, even fly and do some combat exercises, but otherwise I should be resting. My studies here are part of that. Also, I'm a cyborg. I have neural implants and probably should avoid intense EMPs and other fields. My cybernetics are very robust, but best to avoid unnecessary risks. Aside from that, I ... Well. I have been under a great deal of stress, so, well, I get nightmares. Severe ones. That may be, um, disruptive to other students," the cadet explains.
"Hmmm, I think it would be best to sign you up for choir too then," Travic notes. "Do you react violently to your nightmares?"
"Um, well ... Sometimes," Tasha admits, glancing away and scratching her head. "Sometimes I remember the, ah, the disaster. I think I'm still fighting. Occassionally I have what our doctor calls 'flashbacks.' I may say strange things, or so I've been told I do. I'm afraid I'm not much of a singer either, most of the songs I know are, well, not suitable. To sing. At least, not here."
"Being a good singer is not what choir is about," Travic explains. "It is about being a small part of a greater whole. According to our choirmaster, it is the 'only true sign of civilization'. Take that as you will, but it is very popular among those who have been traumatized by combat."
"Well, I can't say that I haven't been. It's a bit embarassing honestly, but sign me up," the hybrid woman agrees.
"For the time being, I expect you are staying at the PHTO compound?" the man asks.
The young woman nods. "That's correct. I'll need to see to a few things soon, but after that I should have a free schedual."
"Barring any emergencies or disasters," the wman adds a second later, in afterthought.
"I'll have any communications sent there then, once things have been arranged," Travic says, and then leans across his desk and extends his hand. "Welcome to the Templar Academy, Miss Argentine."
Tasha's smile is genuine, if not as wide as it might have been. "Thank you for having me, sir," she says as she shakes the man's hand.