(Skullgirls OST: The Stars And Stage Are Set)
"IS THIS THE RIGHT WAY TO THE EXIT?" Soldier impatiently asked as she followed Nadia along the stairs. Nadia rolled her eyes shortly at that. "Unless you wanna take the fire exit and risk being spotted by those Egrets?" She countered, making Soldier frown with a defeated grumble with Nadia finishing. "We're taking the back exit once we reach the ground floor."
The building was big, and for to for as they walked. Nadia busied herself by peering around the hallways, only occupied by a few employees, a janitor walking off to another hallway, then a clear path for her and Soldier. "Okay, the coast is clear-" Nadia turned her head over to her shoulder to find Soldier was gone. "Soldier?" She began looking around and Soldier was nowhere to be found. Only the distant sound of music playing. "Dammit, Jane..."
Soldier wandered off curiously while stopping every few seconds to look at the posters on the walls. Each diffrent, but had the same eyeless bunny and the child earlier on the billboard. She considered this was indeed just a show for children. And like Nadia mentioned earlier, this child is influential to children... What kind of influence? Soldier was curious. Though she wasn't interested about this 'Annie of the Stars' show, she somehow ended up wanting just to see what it's all about and see what influence it gives to every American English speaking viewers that the show would even have almost two hundred seasons for who knows how long...
As she walked further while looking at the other posters, Soldier stumbled across a large room. It was a filming set with a couple of stage crews and filming staffs, and even a few dressed individuals that Soldier presumed to be actors.
The stage in the room looked simple enough though. It was a big background of a forest, with some of the crew adding some bush and tree props. Soldier watched confused. Over to her far right was a fat, midget film director. Soldier slightly stiffened a laugh, reminding her of the English Civilian Class that used to spectate Red and Blu teams. Over the back of the director, Soldier noticed a fairly, physically, attractive woman with shoulder length blonde hair. Wearing tightly fitting formal black clothing, and a pair of shades and pair of star shaped ear piercings, while seemingly distracted while reading a few set of papers. Script perhaps? Then handing them for the filming director to see.
Soldier stood idly for a good amount of time, but then noticed a few staff behind the stage arguing quietly. Soldier curiously raised an eyebrow before deciding to eavesdrop. "What do you mean the costume department hasn't been able to provide the costume for this episode's antagonist? Our deadline was yesterday and we gave them even today to deliver it!" "No, you got it wrong. They said; they 'Won't' be able to provide the costume. Matter of fact, they've already finished the final designs of the costume and were already going to deliver it, but a freak accident, or at least that's what I heard, happened at the costume department. There's been a massive fire earlier morning at the costume department and literally half of the building complex was burned, if it weren't for the New Meridian Fire Department, saving the other half. I've been speaking to a couple of police officers earlier outside, they said the freak accident may be a triggered cover-up distraction by the Medici Mafia, since the costume department is literally just right next to a New Meridian's Bank." "Great. What are we going to do now? We need that costume for the antagonist of today's episode!" "We do have some fall back plans, though... We can give a call on any of our stunt performers to substitute for the antagonist."
Soldier watched as the dew arguing staff approached the woman earlier, then the filming director. They all looked worried, at least the few staff and the woman, excluding the seemingly frowned director despite the issue.
"Miss Florence. We would like to suggest to phone any of our stunt performers. We still have a variety of unused costumes with finished concept designs." One of the staff suggested to the blonde woman earlier. "This is bad... First, the Show's decreased on ratings, now... This..?" She paused while rubbing her temples briefly. "Even if we do make a substitute... The other problem we would be having is the script. Mainly, most of the script has already been done, and are only being rechecked for any errors..." "But the main antagonist in the script doesn't have any dialogue, right, Miss Florence?" "No, there isn't... I suppose we can substitute the main planned antagonist for this episode... The episode is also a pilot for this new season so we won't be needing to worry about the main plot of the storyline of the show for now, but just the action packed sequence for the main introduction of the season." She paused again, wearing an exhausted expression on her face. "So... Any suggestions we can substitute for the sea creature antagonist 'The Squid Captain' from the seven seas? Wait... Do we still have contact with our oldest stunt performer... Beowulf, was it?" "He already quit four years ago, Miss Florence. Said he always hated working here, plus, he was never used to being just a background stunt performer... I doubt any offer would get him back to be part of the show."
Soldier felt bad for some reason. Mainly for the woman, Florence. Clearly, she seems to be the only one apart from the few staff that were actually taking the filming seriously. Perhaps she could help? But this is a child's show. Only Pyro would fit the thing. But at the same time... Pyro was an insane maniac of a man that burn almost everything and everyone around him... Soldier sighed before taking a few steps hesitantly towards the staff. But she stopped.
"TV Show "Annie Of The Stars" ratings plummets! Is this the end of the magical girl dynasty?" The voice of a young, presumably eleven or twelve year old girl came. Indeed, a child came walking from the back stage towards the staff while holding a news paper. The one-eyed child, Annie Of The Stars. Soldier cringed. Pyro, being an insane childish maniac would definitely go crazy at the sight of this adorable child star. Glad she came to this crazy world only with Merasmus... "You'd think the papers would stop sensationalizing a rating slump after the Skullgirl attacked Maplecrest." "News about the Skullgirl isn't going to be in the Entertainment section..." Florence replied a little tiredly in tone with a pause before adding. "...Unless she announces she's going to star in a Stage Musical. Also, feedback from our focus groups shows a similar drop in engagement." Florence sighed before finally finishing. "To put it simply: Viewers feel we've lost the magic..."
Annie rolled her only eye before turning away with a lazy shrug. "Pfft. It's not my fault the writers are phoning it in. If I have to fight another coffee table monster, I'm going to do more than just a table flip." "We could catch most of your concerns early if you were as involved in the process as you used to be. You used to be so Passionate! You pushed everyone to do their best..." Florence replied as she glanced at the rest of the staff, all seemingly lost of motivation. Perhaps, this is the main reason why they've lost their longest, best stunt performer, Beowulf...
Annie only scoffed. "Last I checked, my job description as a centuries old warrior didn't include babysitting the entire crew. I should be out there hunting the Skullgirl."
That finally got Soldier's full attention. "You'll be able to go hunt her AFTER you've shot this last fight scene." Florence said, her eyes focused reading the script once again on her hands. Annie groaned and turned her attention back at Florence. "Fine. What's the costume department cooked up this time?" Florence stopped reading the script, then exchanged glances with the few staff that informed her earlier. "Annie... Half the costume department itself was cooked up in a fire. Freak accident they said, but police have suspicion that Medici are involved." "Right... Like the NMPD are anywhere capable of actually doing or getting anything done? I barely trust any of them myself. And yeah. I've heard the news earlier on the TV while I was in the dressing room. Mafia bank heist near the costume department. So with no costume, or stunt performer to substitute, we won't be able to shoot the last scene then? I can go now?" Annie asked, sounding anxiously. Florence pinched the bridge on her nose. "We have to finish the final scene for the first slash pilot episode, Annie." Florence looked at the few staff next to her. "Any suggestions we can call on our stunt performers?"
"HOOAH! IF YOU NEED AN EXTRA CAST, YOU CAN HIRE ME!" Soldier jumped literally rght in front of the group, startling them. She swore she almost found herself mentally squeeling at the cuteness of Annie's adorable yelp when startled. "Um... Who are you..?" Annie asked, staring up at her in curiosity. Soldier mentally fought herself from finding such an adorable child. Soldier could only guess it to be no wonder why she's become a child star... "I AM..." She paused. How would she respond to this? "NAME OR ALIAS?" Annie facepalmed. Florence, however stiffened a quiet giggle. "Name, Ma'am." She responded to Soldier. Soldier grinned and replied proudly. "JANE DOE. I'VE HEARD ABOUT YOUR TROUBLE ABOUT THE LACK OF CAST MEMBERS!" "Well... It's not really a problem, exactly... We were just needing to shoot the final fight scene for this episode." Annie casually replied. But by her eye alone, Soldier could tell the adorable child was observing her features from head to toe. "She must be one of the many participants here for auditioning for the future antagonist roles. Miss Florence, do we take her in, or call any of our nearest stunt performers? We really don't have at least an hour to prepare, so now would be the time to decide." One of the staff asked. Florence observed Soldier's appearance like Annie did. Only this time, Soldier felt blushing under her large helmet. She was nowhere used to being stared at and she never liked it. But on this case, she's found herself a bit embarrassed. "You seem to be physically well built. Qualified for the average height requirement, more than average actually and... Do you have any experiences in fighting? Stunt performance experiences etc?" Florence asked politely with a smile. Soldier grinned proudly and replied. "YES, MA'AM! I AM A WAR VETERAN FROM THE GRAVEL WARS AND A MERCENARY TOO!" Soldier replied.
This stunned the staff and Florence. Annie, somewhat looked unimpressed. "You kill people for a living, then?" She questioned. Soldier laughed. "EVIL PEOPLE TRYING TO STEAL RIGHTFULLY OWNED GRAVEL LANDS, YES! INNOCENT LIVES, NEGATORY!" Although with her behavior, with or without the Red team, that was very unlikely... Annie looked at her with a rather unsure expression. "I don't think you'll-" "We don't have the time to spare to wait for any stunt performer, perhaps you would do, Miss Doe." Florence interrupted with a smile, much to Annie's adorable looking expression of disapproval. Soldier grinned widely. "HAHA! I'LL SHOW REAL FIGHTING ON CAMERA! HOPE KIDS LIKE WATCHING REAL KICKASS!" Annie looked at her with a clear disapproving face. Florence just smiled and politely replied. "We would look forward to it. And also, Miss Doe... The Show does not include such vulgar language." "AFFIRMATIVE!"
Nadia kept wandering around, asking some of the few employee staff she came across but unfortunately, couldn't find Soldier. "Dammit, Jane... Where are you now..?" The faint sound of music annoyed her. Of course... It had to be. The Childish theme of the Show can really get annoying for grownups. But out of options... Nadia sighed defeated, and followed to where the music of the Show's theme was coming from.
Meanwhile in the dressing room, Soldier finally walked out of the small, changing room, then back to Florence, politely waiting for her. "It looks great on you, Miss Doe. But I think you lack... Weapons..? Right... Weapons... We have a variety of weapon props from medieval, to modern weapon props for suitable match to your costume." Florence said with a smile. Soldier felt awkward. Honestly, she was given an option out of a variety of costumes. Originally, she tested wearing a princess outfit in pink, she found it too girly. Then she switched to a robotic costume, but the costume was too hot for inside and also made it hard for her to see more than wearing her helmet. On her third costume change, she wore a custom tailored military outfit, similar to the uniform of the British allied forces during WW2, but the tightness of the upper cloth squeezed her chest, making it even more difficult for her to breathe. "I LOOK RIDICULOUS, DON'T I?" Soldier asked. Florence have an honest response. "Well, you did have a... Rather different taste in clothing. But considering that almost none of the available variety of costumes fitted your taste, that may be the only best costume."
"WELL, I CAN JUST WEAR DIFFERENT COSMETICS. IS THAT FINE?" Florence looked at Soldier in surprise, but smiled and nodded. "Of course, Miss Doe. We still have a variety of cosmetics-" "WAIT! I HAVE A VARIETY OF MY OWN!" Soldier suggested with a wide grin.
A few more minutes later...
"I would like to personally thank you for volunteering to be part of the cast for the pilot episode, Miss Doe. It really means alot for the staff and myself, considering the backlash and recent arrivals of issue the Show has been facing lately." Florence suddenly spoke in polite tone while Soldier was in the changing room. "THE SHOW HAS 199 SEASONS. HOW DOES PEOPLE NOT LIKE THAT?" Soldier asked. Florence sighed. "It's Annie. She's... Seemed to have lost her passion for the Show... But after working and being the main part of the cast for... Well... Let say, a long time - She grew old to get tired of doing the same things. I can't really say I blame her." There was a pause. "It's... Her story to tell, if you're interested. Or that is if... Annie, is interested to tell... Clearly for a child... She's more... Matured, than many would actually expect her to be." "YOU KNOW, MISS FLORENCE, WHERE I CAME FROM, MY EMPLOYER ON THAT WAR I AM STILL FIGHTING ON IS MORE THAN A HUNDRED YEARS OLD. HE AND HIS TWIN BROTHER, ARE DOOMED TO IMMORTALITY BY FIGHTING OVER A LAND THEIR FATHER LEFT THEM, HIRED THE DEADLIEST, AND THE BEST OF THE BEST SOLDIERS MONEY CAN BUY TRYING TO KILL THE OTHER TWIN FOR THE LAND THEMSELF." "Wait... Really? I mean... That war you've mentioned earlier, I've never heard such a war for gravel before. Sure, gravel land is expensive for city expansion but... Never would I thought anyone would fight over lands of gravel..."
"OH, BELIEVE ME. THAT WAR AND MY BOSS ARE AS OLD AS THE ROLE OF THE CUTE CHILD, ANNIE. MAYBE EVEN WAY OLDER THAN THAT. ANYWAY..." Soldier finally stepped out of the changing room, fully dressed in her chosen cosmetics from her magical inventory. Florence stared at her in awe. "Gorgeous... I mean, professionally well done, Miss Doe." She said with a smile. Soldier's full cosmetic that she wore was the Hornblower and Valley Forge and the Gunboats. "THANKS!" Somehow, she felt blushing by the first part of the statement. A completely flattering compliment. "Now... For your fitting weapon prop. Old timey musket suit you fine, Miss Doe? We do have functioning weapon props, but we make sure to use blank rounds. For safety reasons of course." Soldier thought about it for a moment. Perhaps blank shotgun shells would do her nicely. And lastly she has a special rocket launcher fitting for the filming with harmless explosive impact. "I'LL TAKE BLANK SHOTGUN SHELLS, MISS FLORENCE. I HAVE A SHOTGUN WITH ME." Florence smiled. "Wonderful."
Nadia finally stumbled upon to find where the music was coming from. No surprise it came from the filming stage and by the looks of it, the filming was presumably just about to begin, considering she noticed the frowned director still on his seat while the rest of the staff finishes the settings of the stage before shooting a scene. Nadia casually stepped in as to not attract suspicion, but as she crossed the large stage halfway, she noticed a child above the railings next to the stage lights above. Or what looked like a child. Definitely a girl. Short ginger hair, dark brown top hat and dark brown old wild west dress. Almost like a straight pullout of a cartoon character into real life while holding a camera and taking pictures on the filming set. Nadia was about to tell the kid off to get down the railing before she get herself on any accident but she stopped. Holy Trinity... "Jane..? What the..." Nadia's mouth opened agape.
It was Soldier. She was speaking to the director and the child star, Annie. And Soldier was dressed oddly... But odd is nothing new for New Meridian, so that didn't really make Soldier look suspicious, thankfully at least... Nadia, sighing in relief decided to approach Soldier.
"You sure she knows how to fight? I mean, Florence, she's still in auditioning, or so I was told..." The midget director, still wearing the same large frown asked. "Yes, Director. I mean, we are already tight on schedule and we just need to finish this last shoot for the final scene before the pilot's airing later evening. She's also provided her own set of cosmetics and weaponry for her role." The Director's face didn't change. He just gave a lazy nod and ended the conversation right there. Which leaves Annie observing Soldier's cosmetics. "Gotta say, you got some taste. I'll give you that. But concerning your... Weapons..." Annie glanced at Soldier's Shovel and Shotgun. "... Stick to the script. You're going to put up a fight, a real one. Don't hold back. But in the end, you will lose since - Plot conveniences. But really. Don't hold back I can take a beating." Annie casually said and then, her cute eyeless white bunny came walking wobbly while carrying Annie's signature sword. Could these two stop being adorable? Soldier thought to herself.
As she was handed her script, Soldier was surprised to see her role in it. "We've done some rework on the script, mainly your parts of it. And considering that you're not 'The Squid Captain' from the seven seas antagonist, we'll have to scrap his character off the Show, and replace him with you instead." Florence said but then asked. "But speaking of which, I encourage you to come up with your own minor dialogues during mid fights, some catch phrases but try not to come up with anything of adult language as possible and also, we still haven't come up with a name for the role of your character." Soldier didn't reconsidered and proudly suggested her ideal choice. "I'LL PLAY THE ROLE AS MYSELF. THE RED SOLDIER!" Florence took amusement of Soldier's suggestion with a smile. "Catchy. But all right then." Annie, all ready to make the shoot, casually said then led Soldier at the center of the stage in front of the cameras. Soldier also took note of Nadia approaching her, but the cat woman stopped with small frown, then crossed her arms and stood near one of the other camera crews while watching. Soldier grinned.
"Let's make it flashy!" Annie declared. Then the Director raised his megaphone and began. "Season 199: Episode 1 slash pilot "A Star Beyond". Take 1: Final fight scene against the Red Patriot from the seven seas, "The Red Soldier". Lights! Camera! Action..!"
Everything that will happen will be accorded to the script, but save for the majority of her role in the script, Soldier will have to get creative. And to try not to say anything of foul as possible considering this is a kid's show. If only Pyro was here. But Soldier got the better idea, to adapt and think like how her insane fire loving maniac colleague would do in order to get this shoot right. After all, the Show was said to be suffering with its ratings plummeting.
"It's over! I've defeated all of your minions that rose from the ocean depths below! Surrender is your only option, you evil mastermind!" Annie yelled. Though she sounded adorable doing so rather than scary, but the lines were all scripted, and so was how Soldier would have to act part of. She laughed maniacally and raised her fist above as she took a step forward. "YOU'VE DESTROYED MY SEAS AND MY MINIONS, BUT YOU HAVEN'T DEFEATED ME - THE RED SOLDIER FROM THE SEVEN SEAS!" Soldier felt cringing by her improvised dialogue, but considering that most of her script would contain more fighting than dialogue, save for a few catch phrases, she figured she'll do just fine. "Not for long!" Annie responded loudly and dashed toward her. This is what Soldier's been waiting for. Kickass.
As Annie jumped with her sword ready to hit, Soldier immediately pulled out her Shovel to block the attack. Thankfully it did. But following how the script tells her to do, Soldier didn't held back and shoved Annie back away, forcing her off from their collision. This surprises Annie from the amount of force that Soldier used, as Annie literally fell stumbling back down. Soldier then pulled out her Shotgun, fully loaded with blank shells. "SO YOU'RE A STAR CHILD, EH..?" Soldier grinned, but shortly, her grin became sinister. "... EVERY STAR FALLS, LITTLE CHILD... IT MAY NOT BE NOW OR SOON... BUT ONE DAY AND EVENTUALLY - YOU WILL..." Soldier's improvised dialogue made the whole crew and staff fell into silence as they continued filming. Most felt a chill down their spines, Florence and Nadia were intrigued to see how the act would play next and Annie, getting back up smirked, then with her bunny, they both dashed once more ready to attack.
Soldier pulled her Shotgun with one hand and pulled the trigger. Though bullets were blank, but the firing was still as loud as the Shotgun would, causing some of the crew to jump a bit in startle. As Soldier continued firing, Annie's bunny began to fly, with Annie on top, riding the bunny like a mini motorbike flying above. Soldier did her best to fire at the star child, but since it was blank shells, she waited as Annie jumped down and landed with her sword which Soldier used her Shotgun to block. The sword was real, and it was no prop. Soldier only grinned and pulled out her Shovel to whack Annie quickly in the face with it, sending her flying backwards. 'Put up a real fight, stick to the script.' Soldier kept in mind as she dashed towards the downed child. Unfortunately, she was roundhouse kicked immediately, but as a child physically in form, she has only the strength of one and not of an adult.
That didn't actually sent Soldier falling down. Annie swung her sword in mid air, which caused a spinning projectile that hit Soldier numerous times like repeated cuts from Spy's butterfly knife as it spun until disappearing. Soldier fell down to her knee and noticed Annie charging at her. She grinned and didn't held back.
(Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack: Main Theme)
Soldier took her trumpet and began using her Buff Banner therefore, a magical aura from the buff effect was then caught on camera, amazing everyone in the filming stage as Soldier and Annie continued fighting in melee. But as Annie was gaining the upper advantage by forcing Soldier on a corner, Soldier immediately took out her special orange rocket launcher, the Rocket Jumper and fired on the ground. "P-POW!" It was a loud bang, but thankfully, the filming kept on, leaving nobody harmed, and no props damaged. Annie coughed from the smoke of the explosion only to find Soldier no longer on her cornered spot. She immediately spun around just in time to see the Soldier jumping through the explosions in the rockets she fires from her rocket launcher. "THIS IS MY WORLD! YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN MY WORLD!" Annie was confused how was that even possible. Blank bullets were explainable but the explosive rockets that take no damage? She was quickly forced to react quick as soldier landed down at her with her Shovel.
Annie, despite being aggressively attacked by Soldier, managed to keep her pace up with her and managed to fight back. But despite the numerous hits Soldier's sustained, Annie was beginning to worry that the woman wasn't slowing down, her sustained hits seemed to be in no effect of wearing her down either, but as Annie managed to knock Soldier's Shovel away with a kick followed by her North Knuckle punch, Soldier was forced back a few feet away. This is the final climax before the finishing of the final scene. Soldier pulled out a pair of pickaxes, the Equalizer and Escape Plan and charged at Annie in full speed then began swinging each pickaxes. "HIHI-YEEAHHH!" Annie was now having a hard time. This woman wasn't like any of the experienced stunt performers and nothing like anything the costume department has ever provided her for a challenge. She was even more superior than Annie's former coworker, Beowulf, on his fighting performances when she used to work with the former wrestler. Who is this Jane Doe?
"BOO-YAH!" Swing, kick and repeat. Annie sure indeed took quite the beating from the Soldier, but considering that this was all going accorded to the script, Soldier looked at Annie in the eye, giving a very slightly, unnoticeable nod that only the star child would notice. Soldier did her part on the stage, but now its time for the star child to shine and finish the scene.
(Skullgirls OST: Them's Figthin' Words)
Annie noticed how Soldier was starting to slow on her attacks. Each becoming less aggressive after the other. Annie took the opportunity to slide down, tripping the Soldier, but as she was getting up, Annie slammed her sword on the ground, creating enough impact to force Soldier off balance before giving a full uppercut followed by triple stomp kicks midair. "Now, Saigan!" Annie immediately took her bunny, Saigan out front while mid air, with Saigan, using his Saigan Beam, hitting soldier with the big single stream of vacuum space and little stars numerous times until it stopped, with Soldier falling down on the ground with a thud.
Annie landed perfectly on the ground with Saigan on her victory pose, her oversized signature sword resting on her shoulder and Saigan bouncing happily in victory. "And the winner is... Annie!" Annie then turned to face the cameras. "Remember, kids. Every person, deserves a chance to stop their wrong doings and to correct their mistakes. But as a lesson to be told, not at all times, they would listen and would continue. The only way to stop them is through means of justified acts, but that doesn't mean they aren't to be given the chance to pay the consequences for their mistakes. Always remember, kids; if you ever commit a mistake, it is never too late to correct them in order to stop your wrongs. This is, Annie Of The Stars!" "...-And cut!" The Director finally broke in.
The whole stage went into a wild cheer, all except for the still frowned director who finally got up from his seat and walked to the editing rooms with some of the editing staff. Soldier slowly rolled over on the ground with a satisfied grin. She wasn't actually in pain at all, she was just acting it all up to help finish the final shoot. "All right. Let's get you up, Miss Red Soldier." Nadia came extending a hand with a slightly impressed look on her face. "Not gonna lie, you really pulled yourself altogether in all that acting." The cat woman commented with a grin. "THANKS!"
At this point, Florence immediately approached with a very impressed smile on her face. "That was an amazing performance for all in one take, Miss Doe! I mean, there were some parts that wasn't on the script, but the whole scene went so immersed within the fighting sequence, you certainly did a great job for an antagonist!" Soldier blushed. She mentally cursed at that, but she accepted the compliment either way. "T-THANKS..." Soldier slightly smiled. Nadia who was right next to her raised a brow, but said nothing. "Well... I admit... I am thoroughly impressed. I mean it." Soldier turned around to see Annie who spoke. "Looks like you do have some talent in fighting, not just acting. If you're interested... We can make arrangements for your role-" "ACTUALLY, I'LL HAVE TO DECLINE. I AM ON A MISSION TO HUNT AND KILL THE SKULLGIRL." Soldier interrupted, surprising Annie and Florence off-guard. "Wait, you don't know what you're-" Annie immediately said but was interrupted by the time Soldier hurried off with her cat woman friend in tow to the back stage exit. "Wait!" Annie called out, but considering that the two were already gone, the star child closed her eye and sighed. That woman was suspicious all right... Hopefully she'll run into that Soldier again... Considering that she easily gave away how she could easily be found...
"Well... At least we put up on a good sequence for the main pilot slash first episode of this season. Florence..?" Annie with her arms folded opened her eye only to find Florence, nowhere in sight. "Seriously now..?" The star child groaned with an eye roll.
As they were on their way to the back exit of the building, Soldier and Nadia heard steps from behind. "Miss Doe! Wait!" Both fighters stopped to see Florence catching to them. Nadia looking confused shortly looked back and forth on each, but then shortly smirked at Soldier. "I'll... Wait for you outside... Get 'em tiger rawr..." Soldier shot Nadia a look as the cat woman exited the building. But turning her attention to Florence finally catching up to her, the blonde woman began. "In case you change your mind, Miss Doe. You really did an impressive performance and suffice to say, you may reach out to me just in case if you do. You have a great talent, Miss Jane Doe. Hopefully we may be able to work with you again." Florence said before handing Soldier a calling card with a smile. Soldier wasn't sure how to feel about this, let alone react, but she decided to accept it and nodded with a grin. "I'LL KEEP THAT IN MIND, SWEETHEART."
And with that, Soldier left the building after Nadia. Leaving a slightly flustered Florence just by her response alone.
The trip was long, especially on foot. But Soldier, with Nadia, made it back to the ASG labs for full mission report regarding her Intel gathering at Little Innsmouth. Even better, she has Nadia as backup for further information to be given that may prove useful to the ASG. Soldier can only hope that the talking brain in a dome would be pleased. But she still aims to hope of joining Lab 8. The people there seemed friendly enough...
As they walked through the halls to Lab 0, and while in mid persuasion on Nadia to help provide Intel, Soldier and the cat woman next to her stopped on their tracks to find a kid. A girl, or what looked like a girl. "Holy cow! You're the Red Soldier! Episode 1: A Star Beyond! Oh, wow I didn't expected you'd be also working here in the stinkin' labs! By the way, I'm a huge fan of the Show!" The kid happily stated, while Soldier just stared down at her in confusion. "WHAT... IS THAT THING..? AND IT CAN TALK..?" She asked Nadia. Apparently, Nadia had seen this kid before at the filming set earlier... The same kid that was taking pictures from above next to the large stage lights. "Soldier, she's a kid. A girl with... Uh..." Nadia didn't know what to say, as to clearly not knowing what exactly is this child right in front of them.
The child bounced happily in front of Soldier before proudly introducing herself. "I'm Patricia Watson! But most folks call me Peacock!"