[Episode] Under Control

Anton had figured a tour of the marine headquarters first would make a good impression. The large mansion had definitely seen improvement since Anton first came here. Walls and windows had been repaired, empty rooms converted into offices, living spaces and storage. They had even started adding extensions to the place as well. Anton had been making sure that the reconstruction of Minion had been going smoothly.

As he showed the two inspectors around, he had started explaining the program to them. "The way I figure it, Pirates are already capable in both sea faring and combat. Why simply waste such potential by throwing them in prison, when we can add them to our ranks? Naturally some training is required to get them in our way of doing things, but it will increase our forces while decreasing the criminal element at the same time."

Closou appeared unimpressed. "And is there any criteria for this program, or can any old criminal expect a position?" Anton shook his head. "Positions would be limited to criminals with lesser charges. Theft, property damage, assault. Straight up mass murder and war against the world government are instant disqualifiers, so the like of Revolutionaries or say the Yonkou would be ineligible." Closou nodded as Anton continued, "Psyche evaluations will be performed as well. Any dangerous psychopaths will also be excluded."

It seemed like Anton had certainly thought about this. Closou still looked unimpressed. "I see. These are still dangerous criminals though. You simply wish to leave them in charge of marine equipment?" "No, that would be irresponsible. Candidates will be mixed with a functioning marine crew under a marine captain. All candidates will start with the rank of seaman, including former pirate captains." Granted, Anton wouldn't be opposed to using their knowledge as captains from time to time, but he wasn't going to say that.

Suddenly, there was a rumbling in his pocket. Anton reached in, pulling out the small Den Den Mushi that was currently ringing. "Give me a quick moment gentlemen." Anton gave a smile that very quickly faded as he stepped into the next room. He was hoping against hope that this was Celia with good news. "Yes?"

No such luck. It was Ryoichi, and what he quickly spoke out caused Anton's expression to fall flat. A talking penguin...that slapped him? "Ryoichi...have you been drinking?" No, that was Yumiko's thing, "Did you take one too many blows to the head or something?"

Thrn he continued. Something about there being more pirates than they recruited. That...was certainly not a good sign. But before Anton could ask for clarification, the call suddenly dropped. "Ryoichi? Ryoichi!"

Anton let out a stressed hiss as he gripped his hair. Was this something else now? He could not have anything else go wrong today. Not today! Why did it have to be today!?

"Everything ok Rear Admiral?"

Anton took a deep breath before spinning around, a strained smile stretched across his face, "Absolutely. Nothing my men can't handle. Now, where were we?" Closou gave a predatory smile, "I think I would like to see some of these pirates that you have 'recruited'. See who you intend to have join our organization." Anton's eyes twitched, "Of course. Right this way."

Internally, Anton was screaming.


Post Word Count: 544
Total Word Count: 2,133

The crimson splatters of blood were covering the white snow all around the small area where an incident had happened. Fortunately, no one seemed to have crossed the border to the light or darkness of the afterlife. The hybrid bear form-wielding Ryoichi knelt down to look at one of the soldier's wounds to confirm what he had just seen...

Indeed... That of a blade, and what he saw was Yumiko wielding it. "I'll call help. Those who can still stand and move, help the wounded." as he stood up and looked around for any clue where Yumiko could have gone, his hand automatically moved towards the previously used den den Mushi to dial up to a person he knows could help out.

"Black. Gather your available medics and yourself aswell to the eastern flank of the base". Bring enough supply of bandages. There has been a rather... Unfortunate incident. I am on my way to figure out what the hell happened exactly." the voice of his lowered as he turned his back to the wounded and whispered into the mushi, "Please, try to keep it low-key for now. It probably involves Yumiko. I'll see what I can gather." all the while noticing a thin track of blood, leading toward the base.

The call ended then. He turned his body and head a bit to see if the less wounded were there to help out the more wounded once, thankfully most did. "Help is on the way." he assured all the wounded before he began to follow the trail. He felt comfortable enough to leave the wounded to wait for the doctor, especially since the medical base was not far away.

The eight feet two inch hybrid of polar bear and human had to lower his head a bit to enter the mansion that was the base of theirs. His nose sniffled, the ears of his twitching, and eyes scanned the room, it did not take long to pick up the scent of the blood, hear the soft gush of wind, and even someone talking, he followed all of these hints along with the trail of blood he could see, all the way up to the second floor of the building.

He was not happy about what he had seen, and he especially was not happy to see who had done it, and who seemed to want to do the same thing once more. Ryoichi was standing behind Yumiko, growling on the spot with the sharp teeth visible from the edges of each side of his mouth, his eyes are fixated on Yumiko and that of one of the misfits from the previous mission.

"Answers... I need answers immediately."

[448/1794/5000]

Anton La'croix uses:
Molting - toggle, active
Pirrohuete - MT at The Inspection
Fast Hopping: LT on self
Grind Slash - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 18, 3, 1

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 14, 14, 4, 19

Anton La'croix uses:
B-Flat - AoE at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 11, 9

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 18, 4, 14, 19

Anton La'croix uses:
Soul Shriek - HT at The Inspection
Hopper Kick - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
HT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 2, 17, 5

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 3, 6, 18

Anton La'croix uses:
Grand Spear - MT at The Inspection
Sonic Blade - LT on self
Pitch Bullet - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 1, 10, 15

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 13, 13, 2, 12

Anton La'croix uses:
Survival Instinct - MT on self
Grind Slash - LT at The Inspection
Cavitation Kick - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 15, 6, 6

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 7, 12, 6, 6

Anton La'croix uses:
Kenbonshoku Haki - activated
Bosushoku Haki - activated
Grand Strike - HT at The Inspection
Hopper Kick - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
AoE at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 18, 16, 11

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 18, 14

Anton La'croix uses:
Sonic Cannon - HT at The Inspection
Pitch Bullet - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 8, 16, 2

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 8, 4, 18, 14

Anton La'croix uses:
Sonic Cutter - MT at The Inspection
Cavitation Kick - LT at The Inspection
Grind Slash - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 7, 3, 19, 9

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 19, 11, 11, 19

Anton La'croix uses:
Mighty Leap - HT at The Inspection
Fast Hopping - LT on self
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
HT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 11, 2

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 2, 7, 12

Anton La'croix uses:
Pirrohuete - MT at The Inspection
Pitch Bullet - LT at The Inspection
Hopper Kick - LT at The Inspection
UT at The Inspection

The Inspection uses:
MT at Anton
LT at Anton
LT at Anton
UT at Anton

COMBAT TRACKERS:

The member 'Anton La'croix' has done the following action : Dice Roll

---

#1 'Reflex Check' : 16, 18, 19, 3

--------------------------------

#2 'Reflex Check' : 10, 19, 17, 12

Anton's mind was racing as he led the two inspectors along. Closou had wanted to meet some of the pirates in the program. It was just a matter of which pirates to show them. The Misfits were definitely not a good choice for this. Sure, they were decent enough, but they were also a rowdy bunch, and he figures Closou's attitude would rub them the wrong way. And the inspector certainly the sort of man who would hold any minor thing against him. That left the Centurians and the Big Tops. He just hoped he could find one of them first.

The second issue was the whole Yumiko fiasco. No doubt many of his subordinates were trying to bring the weasel woman in as they walked. The woman woman was quick to jump the gun, and with her powers, there was no telling what chaos would be brewing. He hoped against hope that they miraculously managed to get a hold of her without incident, but all the same, he did NOT want the inspectors to find out about this.

"Come on! It's cold out here! Can't you just let us inside!"

Anton perked up when he heard that voice. Perfect!

As they approached one of the entrances of the mansion, Anton could see the familiar sites of Lune and Sol, with the latter wrapped up in so many layers it was surprising she could move. Two marine seamen were blocking their path, one he instantly recognized as Bowork. Yet curiously enough, Bowork wasn't the one speaking to them. [npc=navy]"Look,"[/npc] the marine spoke up, [npc=navy]"There's important business going on inside. You can't just wander in, especially folks like you."[/npc] Sol's eyes twitched under her hat. The man's tone was grating on her nerves. "But we do have something for Ant-erm, the Rear Admiral!" Lune spoke up, before looking around, "Erm, well, we DID. There was someone eager to join the marines. Don't know where he got off to."

The marine scoffed. [npc=navy]"Well, I don't see them, so you two and just turn around and walk away."[/npc] He leaned in with a mocking smirk, [npc=navy]"Look, I know you too think you're all big just because your the Rear Admiral's latest squeeze. You're no different from the rest of the riff raff he brought in."[/npc] Bowork, sensing impending doom approaching, took a step away from his comrade.

Both sisters glared daggers at the man, but then seemed to notice something. Sol smirked behind her scarf. "Well, I do believe that's up to the Rear Admiral, now isn't it?" The marine gave a casual shrug, [npc=navy]"Yeah, well, he isn't here, now is he?"[/npc] Lune gave a bright grin, and seemed to look past the man. "Hiya Anty!"

The marine choked as his breath caught in his throat, his body going stiff. Suddenly the crushing feeling of dread was weighing down on him like a ton of bricks. He slowly turned. Standing directly behind him was Anton, giving him a wide eyed glare. If looks could kill, the man would have experienced several years of suffering before finally expiring. [npc=navy]"S-Sir!"[/npc] he stammered, saluting. Anton slowly leaned in, his voice flat, but barely hiding the anger he was feeling right now. "I do believe," he spoke slowly, "that I made it perfectly clear that such talk and conduct would not be tolerated. And if you need a reminder..." Without even looking, his arm snapped up to pointing at Bowork, "I believe HE has plenty of experience he can fill you in on." The marine gulped and nodded. [npc=navy]"Y-Yes sir. Understood sir."[/npc] "Good. Dismissed."

The two couldn't leave fast enough. Once gone, Anton gave a small sigh, allowing himself to relax. He looked to the two. "Sorry about that." Sol nodded and smiled. "Always a gentleman Anton." Anton took a deep breath before turning to the inspectors, "This is Sol and Lune Kaiser, only a couple of the pirates taking part in the program." Closou looked over them critically, as Lune flashed him another bright smile. "Nice to meetcha."

The inspector seemed unimpressed. "Yes. Now, what was it that man mentioned earlier? Something about them being your 'new squeeze'?" He gave a smirk, like he had caught something out, only for said smirk to vanish as Anton sent a sharp glare in his direction. He even found himself taking a step back. [color=#99cc33"That's not important right now."[/color] Anton then turned to the sisters, "Now, you mentioned something about someone wanting to join?"

Lune nodded. "Yep! Though, um, he seems to have wandered off," she looked around, before beaming back to Anton, "So, we figured we'd come here anyway! We know you've been busy and stressed these past few days, so we wanted to cheer you up." "Plus, it's really, really cold out here," Sol muttered under her layers.

Anton couldn't help but chuckle and smile. Trust them to help take some of the edge off, "Well, the inspection is still ongoing, but thank you anyway. Go on, you two can wait inside until it's over." "Ok! Thank you!" Sol zipped past the group into the building. Lune rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "I'll...go in and keep an eye on her, shall I? Hope things go well for you Anty!" Lune followed her sister into the building.

Well, that was certainly a good way to kill the tension. With a renewed calm, Anton turned to the inspectors. "Shall we continue?"


Post Word Count: 904
Total Word Count: 3,037

"My intentions?"

Ryoichi clenched his fists as he took solid non-hesitant steps closer to the duo. "My intentions are simple... To get to the bottom of this madness."

As he stood there, his fur-covered paws moved toward the belt where there was a small holster that contained two handcuffs, taking out both of them for some reason. As he was grabbing the pair of cuffs, he laid out a few questions for the duo.

"Now, both of you, explain yourselves immediately. I highly doubt that Anton would at any point order Petty Officer Yumiko to be arrested. Starting from the beginning. What happened, both of your perspectives."

Perhaps some of the officers of the law saw it as a wrong thing to do to question the culprits before the arrest... But these were not the criminals, in this case, at least Ryoichi did not see one of them as one, the other one was still on a trial period of gaining the trust of the boxing polar bear.

The young woman rocking spiky green hair, with her face covered in dark makeup and sharp piercings dressed like a marine who had gone through a shredder, considering the clothing style she has chosen, scoffed at Ryoichi who unfortunately outranked her.

"Like I already said you bafoons. Our 'Glorious' Rear Admiral ordered us to apprehend this mad lady here and she went crazy. Starting to slice and dice everything on her path."

"No matter what you say can make me believe she would simply start to attack people no matter the background, especially not to this extent... Right?" he finished the sentence with the question as he turned his head to Yumiko.

"Please tell me, what happened. Why did you choose to do this? We can talk about this here right now or I'll take both of you to individual cells where we can talk about all of this and we'll figure out the complete story."

The former Misfit turned marine through certain circumstances simply dropped her guitar-shaped schyte and reached the hands forward as if it was not her first rodeo to be captured. "Whatever..." she mumbled. Would Yumiko react so well to it is unknown.

[365/2159/5000]