KarlanEmperor here, I am sorry for the delays in the last chapter, but I've had a lot of work, and couldn't write as much as I wanted+ I also have to maintain a social life, so please forgive me, I will try to update as soon as possible. Thank you very much.
No notes this time around.
I don't own GS(D) or B5
Advent of the Destroyers Chapter 3: Diplomacy, Encounters and Headaches.
President Morgan Clark sat at his office reviewing the reports of the battle at Babylon 5. To say that he was enraged was an understatement, for as he read the report his anger grew with each passing phrase. "Idiots, they're all incompetent idiots" yelled President Clark, and only the information contained in the documents stopped him from throwing them away. "A full battle group defeated by six fighters, and two corvettes, that's the work of idiots"
After finishing the written report Morgan Clark activated a video screen, and looked at the footage of the battle, and as he saw it his anger grew as well, but not only his anger, for he saw with amazement how the battle unfolded. To his surprise, the three Minbari vessels that entered the battle area where crippled before they could fire a shot. This caused Morgan Clark to pay close attention to the entire record as it unfolded.
The fighters and the corvettes destroyed several destroyers and cruisers, with an efficiency that he had never dreamed of. However what surprised him the most about the whole recording where the type of fighters that these newcomers where using. Slowing down the recording he got a better look at them, and they looked like giant humanoid machines, and they went from one fighter to the next with an ease that was unnatural, in many occasions those machines moved out of the way of blasts that would have surely scored direct hits against any other fighter, just before they impacted, while one didn't seem to care, as the shots where simply reflected. Several of them stopped the beams with what appeared to be some kind of energy barrier that appeared from the forehands of their machines. Ultimately it was the speed with which they took away the fighters that surprised him the most, for many of these fighters where firing an insane amount of weapons, all of which hit a target, and continued doing this until an area was finished.
Morgan Clark sat speechless, an entire battle group destroyed in just a few minutes by a force that by no means should have been able to accomplish such a task. –I must have that technology- thought Morgan Clark, in his head the possibilities where almost endless, and not even his "Associates" would be able to stop him, as he dominated the entire sector.
Morgan Clark then pushed one of the buttons on his desk without stopping to watch the video recording "Send in Alfred Bester, and get me the General Staff for a meeting later on".
Soon enough Alfred Bester entered the Presidents office with his trademark grin, and spoke in a controlled and low voice "greeting Mr. President, how may I help you today?"
Morgan Clark was not a single bit fazed by Alfred Besters attitude, and without stopping the recording spoke "I am right in assuming that you've heard of the events at Babylon 5?" asked the President without looking at Alfred Bester.
"Yes I am Mr. President" was Bester's only answer.
"I want you to go to Babylon 5 and gather intelligence on these newcomers by any means that you find necessary" said the President in an authoritative voice, that would have made even the strongest man tremble in fear. But Alfred Bester was no normal man, and thus he showed no fear, and simply bowed and left, knowing that an answer was unnecessary.
As Alfred Bester left, a shadow stirred in the room, and the President finally moved from his position to face the shadow "Follow him, and make sure he does what he is told to" said the president, and the shadow simply nodded, and also left just as it was instructed to, leaving only Morgan Clark in his room thinking about the future that awaited him.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
"When will we be allowed to visit this new vessel?" asked angrily the Drazi representative at a meeting of the league on Babylon 5.
"At present we cannot answer that question ambassador" answered John Sheridan in a very irritated tone of voice. The meeting had been going on for the last few hours, and still they looked for excuses to access the vessels of the UEAFT, but they still didn't understand that the newcomers where new to galactic affairs.
Flashback
"Very well Ambassador Clyne, we agree to your suggestion" said John Sheridan at a private meeting with the strange haired UEAFT ambassador. "However there is a second matter that will probe to be more troublesome" said John Sheridan gathering the young Ambassador's attention.
"Hmm, what could it possibly be?" asked Lacus Clyne in a worried tone.
"Well, even thought we will try to help you in return for your services in protecting this station, the other races will not be satisfied with just that" said John Sheridan, in serious tone.
"And what would they be satisfied with?" asked Lacus Clyne clearly concerned with this unknown factor.
John Sheridan got up from his seat, and turned to look at the window outside his room, which showed Babylon 5's interior in all of it's majesty, and spoke in a very serious tone "technology" was John Sheridan's only word.
Lacus Clyne understood exactly what he meant, and she knew that it would come into play sooner or later "I know, but we cannot give them our technology" said Lacus Clyne in a very serious tone as she looked to the floor. "We know that our technology in the wrongs hands can be extremely dangerous, and there are many other factors that we have yet to consider, so for right now that is not a n option" finished Lacus Clyne, and looked straight at John Sheridan, who hadn't even flinched at her explanation, probably knowing exactly what she was thinking.
"I understand that, but you must learn that right now there are many agents that are working against everyone, and that has all the races scared" explained John Sheridan, but did not turn to look at Lacus Clyne. "Also you have just demonstrated a technology that is nothing less than revolutionary. Plus you displayed it against one of the strongest powers of the quadrant and completely humiliated them, all the races want that kind of technology to defend themselves, and also for other purposes" explained John Sheridan.
Lacus Clyne listened carefully to John Sheridan, and understood what he meant but she could do nothing about the situation, or at least not yet "what would you like us to do?" asked Lacus Clyne finally.
John Sheridan then turned around and looked straight at Lacus Clyne, who had a very serious expression on her face "what you could do is" said John Sheridan, and explained the situation to Lacus Clyne
End Flashback
"Then what can you tell us about them?" asked the representative of the Brakiri in an aggressive business tone.
John Sheridan laughed somewhat as he heard the question, it was just the reaction he was expecting of the League "Why not have them introduce themselves?" asked John Sheridan, and smiled, as he saw the faces of all of the representatives stunned at his commentary. "Well, why not?" asked John Sheridan and just as he expected none of the League members answered. "Very well, since there are no objections, let the ambassador enter" said John Sheridan to one of the guards, who retreated from the assembly hall.
Not long after the guard retreated he re-entered again accompanied by a young girl with long pink hair, and another young girl with short blond hair. Soon the two girls made their way to the center of the assembly, and both bowed in-front of the members of the League, who where still shocked by the events taking place.
Soon the girl with pink hair stepped forward, and started to speak in a low voice, just strong enough to be heard in the audience "Greetings honorable Ambassadors, my name is Lacus Clyne" said the pink haired girl. As soon as the pink haired girl finished, the blond haired girl stepped forward to meet with Lacus Clyne "and I am Cagalli Yula Attha, we are the representatives of the Gondwana fleet in representation of the United Freedom Treaty Organization" finished Cagalli, and stood there waiting for the onslaught of questions that she knew where going to come.
"Thank you very much for the introduction Ms. Clyne, and Ms. Cagalli, I am sure that the assembly has many questions for you, so pleas take your assigned position, and let's continue" informed Susan Ivanova in a business like tone, to which Cagalli and Lacus accepted, and went to one of the lower corners of the assembly hall.
"Now, the whole assembly here was trying to obtain some information about your government" said in all business John Sheridan, and looked at the whole assembly, which was looking very anxious. "So if you would please let us know your intentions at this point, it would make future relations easier" finished John Sheridan, looking very serious.
Lacus Clyne and Cagalli Yula Attha looked at each other, and sighed, both of them knew this was inevitable, so Cagalli spoke in a soft yet firm voice "as you are all aware, our fleet arrived at this place a short time ago. We represent a lost colony of Earth, which was lost during the first days of the colonization time of the Earth Alliance, before we where prepared for the dangers of hyperspace" said Cagalli Yula Attha, with confidence, knowing it was a lie, but also aware that the truth would be far more distressing at this time. "Our fleet is the first fleet to be capable of hyperspace travel since we left Earth, and thus we arrived here barely aware of the situation" Cagalli paused, knowing that right now the shower of questions was going to start.
"And where would this colony be located?" asked one of the Ambassadors of the League
An obvious question, both of them where expecting, and Lacus turned to look at the Ambassador "At present we do not wish to give the location of our colony, there are too many variables to take into account before we choose to disclose that information" answered Lacus Clyne in her firm tone, which impressed the rest of the delegates because of the underlying strength in her words.
"So, then if you are a colony of Earth why would you attack your own comrades?" asked another of the Ambassadors, with a look of triumph in his face.
Cagalli then turned to answer that question, with her eyes fixed on the ambassador, which made the delegate flinch at the piercing gaze "The Earth Alliance attacked us without provocation, we chose to defend ourselves rather than be captured by people who wanted to take us by force" said Cagalli and turned to a better position.
The murmurs started at that point, it was clear that all the ambassadors where eagerly discussing the recent information in order to find a hole to exploit. Finally it was the Drazi ambassador who spoke "If you are really a colony of Earth, why would you choose to appear here at Babylon5 and not at Earth directly?" finished the Drazi ambassador, and the whole League eagerly awaited the answer.
Lacus Clyne and Cagalli Yula Attha looked at each other, and Cagalli Yula Attha spoke in a low and clear voice with her chin in her hands "the reason we choose Babylon5 is that at the time when we where once again able to obtain hyperspace transmissions the first place we heard about was Babylon5. Knowing what it represented, our superiors thought that it was a good idea to show ourselves at a neutral location instead of Earth itself" said Cagalli, and the whole audience was silent none could claim anything at that point.
The rumors once again started between the League members; however it soon appeared to be out of control. An issue of order was heard from Captain Sheridan, as he used his hammer to calm down all the members, who failed to come to attention until Susan Ivanova got up from her seat "!ORDER!" yelled Susan Ivanova, and soon enough the assembly was once again silent. "Now that's much better" said Susan Ivanova, and seated herself once again under the watchful gaze of all the present, but she paid no attention to their stares.
"Very well, thank you ambassadors, and now for other matters…" said Captain John Sheridan, and the meeting continued.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Lacus Clyne seated herself in one of the many tables at the Zocalo, in one of the most crowded places of the station along with Kira Yamato, and the two of them silently reviewed the information that they had received concerning the different Alien governments. Both of them looked oblivious to the glancing looks that they received from humans and alien alike "unbelievable, in just one century humanity has managed to go from a intra-solar society, into one of the most influential races in the quadrant" commented Kira Yamato as he reviewed the information the Earth Alliance.
"Yes, but they have had so many wars, and so much conflict, not to mention disagreements with the other races" answered Lacus Clyne, as she also reviewed the information, and to the astonishment of every person passing by, they went from one report to the other, and in the matter of a few minutes both of them had finished a pile of paper, that for most of the species would have taken several days.
"The Narn seem to be an incredible people" commented Lacus Clyne, as she returned to the report concerning the Narns.
"No doubt, but they also seem to be very aggressive when necessary" replied Kira Yamato, and quickly went to another report. "However the Centauri do not appear to be a thrust worthy people, it appears that they have a tendency to back-stab anything that gets in their way" said Kira Yamato reviewing the report on the Centauri.
"Yeah, but we cannot judge them just by what is written" said Lacus Clyne, as always trying to be cheerful about everyone. "What do you think of the Minbari?" asked Lacus Clyne analyzing one of the reports.
"From this, they seem to be an incredible people, pacific to a fault, very religious and dedicated" was Kira Yamatos answer. "But they appear to take everything to the extremes".
"Yes, that is somewhat disturbing" commented Lacus Clyne, as she continued to review the information on the Mimbari.
As both of them continued to review their reports a stranger approached their table, and interrupted their concentration. "My apologies, I am sorry to have startled you, but I simply wished to introduce myself" said G'Kar as he stood in front of the stunned couple. "May I sit?" asked G'Kar, and waited for their answer.
Lacus Clyne was the first to recover, and soon changed her face to her usual smile "sure, we would like to get to know the people around here some more" said Lacus Clyne, and indicated one vacant seat.
"Thank you very much Mrs.?" Asked G'Kar as he too the seat.
"My name is Lacus Clyne, he is Kira Yamato, my husband" said Lacus Clyne, and indicate Kira Yamato, who had a few papers in his hands, and was still a little amazed by this mans bluntness. "And you are?" asked finally Lacus Clyne, wanting to know their mysterious observer.
"My name is G'Kar, Mrs. Clyne, it is a pleasure to meet you" said G'Kar, and kissed Lacus Clynes hand, trying to appear more courteous.
"No need for that Mr. G'Kar and please call me Lacus, Mrs. Clyne makes me feel older" said Lacus Clyne with a huge smile on her face.
"Very well, then call me just G'Kar" answered the latter with a smile of his own.
"So, what can we do for you G'Kar?" asked Kira Yamato, somewhat concerned due the unknown individual.
"Well, I just happened to pass by, and decided to introduce myself, it is very useful to learn more about people whom you do not know" said G'Kar in a warm tone.
"You are very right about that G'Kar, I usually do that myself when I have the opportunity and the time" answered Lacus Clyne, in a too cheerful tone, which gained her a perplexed look from Kira.
"I see, it is very gratifying to learn that there is that kind of person in other cultures" said G'Kar in a similar tone, somewhat baffled by the sudden change in Lacus Clyne. "So, Lacus I would like to know about you?" asked G'Kar in a conversational mode.
"Well, I really don't know what is to know about me" said Lacus Clyne in a very childish tone, placing one finger in her cheek, and looked as if she was thinking very hard. "My name is Lacus Clyne, I am 23 years old, my birthday is February 15th, my blood type is B, I love reading, and seeing a good afternoon, but most of all I enjoy other peoples company" said Lacus Clyne with a huge smile, as if she where a sweet and innocent child, catching G'Kar completely by surprise, who was extremely surprised by this girls actions.
"That was extremely honest" said G'Kar still perplexed by this girl's bluntness.
However Kira Yamato was not a single bit phased, and he knew that Lacus was intentionally baiting him into a state of safety, and a feeling of superiority by making an act of apparent naivety and innocence, while she obtained the information she desired. "So G'Kar, why don't you give us something about yourself?" asked Kira Yamato following Lacus's game.
G'Kar was still confused by the change in attitude of Lacus Clyne, and only heard Kira Yamato's question "Well, I was born on Narn in the year 2201 of the Earth calendar, as I grew up the Centauri invaded my home, and I was a slave for them until they retreated, since then I have dedicated myself to helping my people, but unfortunately all my attempts where in vain" said G'Kar relieving those dreadful days and speaking in a very ashamed tone. "Not long ago the Centauri once again invaded us, and effectively defeated us, leaving us only as their slaves, and even now we fight to liberate ourselves from them" finished G'Kar and looked to his apt audience.
Lacus Clyne having heard this felt sorry for G'Kar, but was not surprised by his change in tone, but decided to play along "That is truly very sad G'Kar, I will pray for the safety of your people".
"That is very thoughtful of you Lacus" commented G'Kar, and raised a hand in a gesture that meant that it was not really necessary. "But it is not necessary" finished G'Kar leaving his comment as a bait.
"Then what would be necessary?" asked Kira Yamato, trying to figure out this beings intentions.
"That is a very good question Mr. Yamato, one that perhaps you can help me with" said G'Kar, and got closer to the table in a position that indicated that he wanted to say something very important. "I have read the reports on your vessels capabilities, and also on your one man heavy fighters. I also know that you are looking for a way to establish yourselves in this part of space" said G'Kar, and stopped for a few seconds, expecting both Lacus Clynes, and Kira Yamato's attention. "Finally, I also know that for all your advancements, and impressive capabilities you are still new to the game of Galactic affairs" finished G'Kar and expected the reactions of his companions.
Lacus Clyne was disturbed by the knowledge of this individual, but knew that he was trying to play them into agreeing to give him something of what they possessed, so she played along "That is all very true G'Kar, so what could we possibly do to amend this?" said Lacus Clyne, as she placed one of her finger on her cheek, and again looked very thoughtful. "I know, why don't you help us with our deficiency in Galactic affairs?" asked Lacus Clyne, with such a huge smile, that G'Kar was stunned by this girls cheerfulness, and apparent naivety.
"My, why that is a great idea" said G'Kar, and looked intently to Lacus Clyne, who still had her huge smile. "But what would I get in return?" was G'Kar's question.
"Why, you would get our eternal friendship and gratefulness" said Lacus Clyne knowing full well what that statement meant, and smiled even more.
"That is very good and all Lacus, but I would need something more tangible, the galaxy is a very big place" stated G'Kar, trying still to lure them in to accepting his proposal.
Kira Yamato watched amazed by Lacus's acting. G'Kar was in her hands, and he didn't even realize it. "What would you use anything we had to give you?" asked Kira Yamato, getting to the center of the argument, and gained an irritated look from G'Kar, but Lacus still smiled.
"I would use anything I could gain for my people, for the benefit of my people" stated G'Kar in a more serious tone, now irritated by the smile on Lacus Clyne.
"And does the benefit of your people include the suffering of others?" asked Lacus Clyne still with a smile on her face. However the words carried with them a strength than not even G'Kar could deny.
"No, of course not we Narns are not an oppressive people, we would aid others with whatever resources we possessed" answered G'Kar, with some hesitation in his voice.
"And what kind of help would this be? Diplomatic? Economic? Military?" said Lacus Clyne, and as G'Kar turned to look at her he could see that she was not smiling anymore, and that all her features now spoke of a strength that came from many hardships and struggles.
For a few second G'Kar was greatly surprised, and thrown of balance by the sudden and drastic change in the features of the once over cheerful and naïve girl and immediately realized that he was dealing with someone who understood far more than they appeared. "We would help them, that is all" said G'Kar, too fast, and almost irritated tone.
"I see, then I am afraid that we cannot help each other at this point, good day Mr. G'kar" said Lacus Clyne, and turned to look at Kira, who understood her intent and the couple quickly left, with G'Kar still seated in his chair. A few minutes later G'Kar left the bar knowing that if nothing else he had come to know the ambassadors of the newcomers, and that in itself was a beginning for any future negotiations.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Londo Mollari sat at the couch in his official quarters reviewing the reports regarding the newcomers. Londo had sent a copy to the Centaurum several days prior, expecting a call from the Centaurum concerning these newcomers.
Again Londo Mollari was surprised by the details of these reports concerning the newcomers. Unlike the rest of the known races these newcomers had almost completely abandoned the idea of fighters, and apparently they used some form of giant humanoid robot, that apparently was immensely superior to even the famed Minbari Nials, that in itself was very intriguing. However there where parts of the reports that spoke of some variations from the main kind of robots that where seen more generally patrolling the newcomers vessels.
These variant where the ones that Londo Mollari and his superiors where interested in.
Flashback
We have read your report Mollari, and the Emperor has expressed a great desire to acquire the technologies of the newcomers said Lord Refa to a serene Londo Mollari. Use any means necessary to acquire these technologies, and make sure that no one else gets access to them said Lord Refa once again.
"Yes I understand, you have my word of that" said Londo Mollari making a slight bow to the screen he was seeing. "I have already made an appointment request to the ambassadors of the United Freedom Treaty representatives, and expect to have some established relationships by the time you next transmit Lord Refa" said Londo Mollari, and awaited the answer of the man on the screen.
Very well Mollari, we leave this in your hands, do not fail us finished Lord Refa, and closed the channel, leaving Londo Mollari.
End Flashback.
According to the reports these fighters where immensely superior to the more abundant types seen so far, for the reports of the battle against the Earth Alliance showed that these variants where the ones directly responsible for the destruction of most of the Earth Alliance battle group.
However Londo was interrupted from his musings, as the chime on his door sounded. Quickly organizing himself Londo Mollari stood up form his comfortable and opulent couch, and quickly went to the front door. "Open" said Londo Mollari simply, and the door opened.
Directly in front of Londo Mollari was Representative Cagalli Yula Attha with her short blond hair, and a calmed expression on her face "Greetings Ambassador, may I come in?" said Cagalli simply and Londo Mollari showed her in.
"Would you care for a drink Representative?" asked Londo, as he went to his small bar to prepare some refreshments.
"Water will be fine" said Cagalli Yula Attha looking attentively to the room. It was extremely well decorated, with ornaments clinging from almost every possible spot in the fashion of an opulent aristocrat.
"Very well, please feel at home Representative" said Londo Mollari, and soon Londo poured the drinks for the both of them, and set them in the small desk in front of the big sofa where Londo had been seated.
Cagalli Yula Attha watched the Centauri ambassador with a careful gaze, inspecting everything she could about the unknown man and preparing himself for any kind of sudden moves in his part. The report she had read indicated that the Centauri where a very arrogant race, who valued material possessions, information and personal position above all else, in essence snotty noble men in Cagallis personal opinion.
Londo Mollari sat in the huge sofa, and started to drink of the Brivari that he kept, and looked to the young ambassador, who looked intently into his eyes. "Relax Miss Yula Attha, I invited you here" said Londo in a calmed and controlled voice.
"I came here on a diplomatic mission to open dialogs with the Centauri government, not to relax as you so graciously put it" stated Cagalli Yula Attha in a calmed yet confident voice.
Londo studied the young woman in front of him. She exuded an aura of strength, and energy, that he had rarely seen in any other race, but it was her eyes that attracted him the most. Her eyes where full of passion and determination, and would not give an inch when she had made her mind, in short a fighter, -well a fight is good for the spirit – thought Londo Mollari, and composed himself. "Very well ambassador" started Londo Mollari in a calmed and controlled yet low voice. "My government has instructed me to… well offer our assistance to you" said Londo Mollari, leaving the thought hanging, to see the reaction of the young ambassador.
Cagalli Yula Attha was surprised because of the ambassador's sudden statement. However all she had learned from the Centauri indicated that this was more of a ploy, than an actual proposal, so for now she played along. "And exactly how do you propose to be of assistance to us?" said Cagalli Yula Attha emphasizing on assistance.
Londo Mollari was not disappointed, and played along as well. "You are new comers to Galactic affairs, am I right?" asked Londo Mollari in a firm voice, and Cagalli only nodded. "My government has decided to help you, out of the generosity of our heart" said Londo Mollari, and drank a little of his Brivari, and continued. "After all the Galaxy is very large, and dangerous yes" finished Londo Mollari looking directly into the young Ambassadors eyes, which looked determined, and apparently not faced by his proposition.
"And what would you ask of us in return for your generosity Ambassador Mollari?" asked Cagalli Yula Attha in a low yet threatening voice.
Londo Mollari looked at the young girl with interest, this was truly going to be precious "Oh, just a few favors here and there" said Londo Mollari calmly, as if knowing exactly what was going to happen, for he had an evil smirk in his face.
Cagalli Yula Attha couldn't believe the kind of proposal she was hearing, and it annoyed her to no end "Is that so Ambassador?" started Cagalli in a low voice. "And what kind of favors would we be talking about?" asked Cagalli with a vein popping in her head.
"Oh, not much, just some help every so often, and thing s along those lines" said Londo Mollari with utmost confidence.
Cagalli had had it, she was about to explode, but chose to calm herself for a final question. "And does this help include scientific exchange or military assistance?" asked Cagalli almost destroying the papers she had.
Londo Mollari smiled, he knew she was about to explode, and that was his real trump card, so he calmly and deliberately spoke. "Yes, it may include that" said Londo Mollari, and simply watched in utmost anticipation.
Cagalli Yula Attha had had it, she knew that this ambassador was trying to ensnare them in a compliance agreement, which of course was out of the question, so she simply exploded. "Ambassador Mollari, your offer is most generous, but being frank…" said Cagalli letting her comment hang.
"Yes" said Ambassador Mollari, with a full smirk now on his face.
"How stupid do you think we are!" asked Cagalli Yula Attha while screaming.
"My, so temperamental" said Londo Mollari smiling. "And I have not insinuated anything Mrs. Attha yes" said Londo Mollari in a calm voice, but full of pleasure at her reaction.
Cagalli couldn't believe the nerves of Londo Mollari, as he sat there relaxed and smirking at her. "Did you actually expect us to buy this insane offer!" said Cagalli now fuming with rage for this man.
"Why Mrs. Attha, I have only made an offer of friendship" said Londo in a measured but mirthful tone.
Finally Cagalli exploded, she got up from her seat, and looked at Londo Mollari with a death Glare "I am sorry for having wasted your precious time Ambassador, but I have other matter to attend. Good Day" said Cagalli, and she quickly retreated from the quarters of Londo Mollari while fuming.
And inside his quarter Londo Mollari was ecstatic, for everything was progressing far better than he had expected and he simply sat up from his couch, and went to one of his many drawers, from where he removed a small recorder. Everything started now he thought, and he retreated to his inner quarters.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Outside of the Ambassadors quarters a fuming Cagalli Yula Attha moved through the corridors of Babylon 5, thoughts of the meeting fresh in her mind. –The nerve of that man, how dare he- thought Cagalli, as he walked through several sections of Babylon 5, drawing fearful stares from several of the alien residents.
Soon Cagalli found her room, and entered the new quarters, but to anyone who happened to pass near them, all they could hear where things being thrown, and curses being shouted.