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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2015 2:10:35 GMT
(started by Arestul Angellus, open thread)
Republic, Thani, Titania Resteraunt
Arestul Angellus 10-15-2011, 10:51 PM
Sitting in the upper level of the Titania restaurant having dinner; Arestul wasn't alone, his mother was there with him. This wasn't a friendly family reunion, but it was cordial enough to where they were speaking. The fact is, recent events have changed his mind about the need for family in his life. Sure, they had issues to work out, but this was a start. They both had to make the effort to talk, and considering there was literally nothing else going on at the time in the Republic... yet another meeting that went nowhere...
... he needed something to do.
The place was hopping as usual, which is why Arestul ate here and not at Republic related crapholes. Of course the fact that his former work association with this place and free food notwithstanding, the Naval Legacy was really in no mood to chat but at least the food was good. Of course if Tyria was here, there would be scratching, clawing and hair pulling.
***
Arianna Talien (Rogue Squadron Chief Mechanic, "Tink") 10-17-2011, 01:28 AM
She didn't often go out to dinner, but it was time she had more than barracks din. She stepped into the Titania and looked around. Finding a seat on the upper level she sat down and glanced thru the menu. After several moments of decision, she gave her order, took her drink and settled back to see who all had joined the evening crowd. She hadn't been in here in ages and recognized no one. But she was no regular so it didn't surprise her. As she circumvented the room with crystalline orbs, she glanced over Arestul and his dining companion. The woman had an aire about her that seemed almost familiar. Like seeing the likeness of someone famous, but sure to the very core of your being that you wouldn't be that lucky. She sipped her drink and glanced over again once or twice. There was one empty table between her and the two, but it seemed a chasm.
How do you start a conversation like that? She smiled into her drink and looked away as it poured thru her mind. “Evening, forgive my intrusion but aren't you famous for something or other and I am just too lame to remember? Oh wait, you are. I remember you now... can I have your autograph?” The small giggle that escaped her fell into her goblet and her teeth clinked the glass a moment before she chose to set it down before spilling it.
Pulling her small notepad from her pocket, she wrote down a couple notes about the power ramping she had been thinking of, slid the notebook back in her pocket once more and without thinking, was soon staring at the handsome man and his now familiar companion. She couldn't believe her eyes. Turning back to something super fascinating about her napkin she tried, in vain, not to keep glancing up. It never occurred to her she looked like a star struck adolescent.
***
Arestul 10-17-2011, 02:31 AM
Angelina's life was about quiet seclusion up until a few months ago. Staying in the shadows and keeping the lowest profile possible was the way to go. It worked well for the former "Ace of Spades" but it also had a huge downside. The fact that she lost so much in the way of friendships, family, her own son, was more than she really could take or would admit to, but the woman had to do it until she could bare no longer. Coming out of hiding didn't have the effect that she wanted, but Ares' was slowly coming around so it was worth the pain and anger.
This girl coming up to her was a nice surprise, though she was a bit taken aback by it.
Ummm are you sure I'm the one you're looking for?
Arestul just rolled his eyes between the two as he looked up at the Rogue's chief mechanic.
Let me guess... "former" or "future" pilot?
***
Ari 10-17-2011, 03:01 AM
It never occurred to Ari that the woman would actually speak to her. She more assumed the man beside her would give her some cold stare or a cruel, “Go away, kid.” When the woman asked her the question, it took a moment to realize it had been aimed at her.
“Forgive me, Ma'am. But you seem familiar. I hate to seem so forward, but aren't you Ms Angelina Ivanova? I am sorry I interrupted, but I recognize you from your portrait.” She glanced to the man and smiled slightly inclining her head. “I have been a 'former' lots of things.” She turned back to the woman. “Again I apologize. I hope you will allow me to buy you each a drink. I remember you fondly and though you don't know me, you have inspired me on many occasions.” She nodded to the passing waitress and spoke a moment to let her know the couple's drinks were on her this evening.
After the waitress left, Ari nodded once more. “Forgive me. I am Arianna. I hope you will have a good evening.” Staring once more to Angelina she smiled a bit brighter. “It is good to see you. I hope you will stay.” She waited a moment to see if she was about to be tossed out on her backside or if she would at least be allowed to pick up the drink tab. It was awkward, and she was out of her element. But there was no mistaking it now that she was close. This lady, the “Ace of Spades”, was a whole lot of the reason she was actually standing here at this moment. The irony wasn't lost on her. It also dawned on her in that split second, that she had never allowed the woman, or her companion, a moment to say anything. She bit her lip and prayed it didn't get worse... her manners or the moment.
***
Arestul 10-17-2011, 01:51 PM
You'll have to forgive my son, he has yet to fully appreciate what it means to carry his family name.
Arestul appreciated a lot of things, but this wasn't one of them.
This coming from the same woman who never carried her husband's surname...
Just shaking her head as if to say "What happened to you?" Angelina changed her tone and smiled again at the young lady. Please, join us.
Just letting out a furious sigh at how ungracious his mother was being, Arestul grabbed his comm-link finally answering the call he had been ignoring. Angellus... go... Putting the earpiece in so that neither of them could hear the other end of the conversation, he just kept talking. This was supposed to be about him getting to know his mother, not some autograph session. When the server brought the bought drinks up, Arestul just pushed it away.
Angelina ignored him for the moment, her attention was on her fan. So, are you a pilot? What's your name?
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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2015 2:12:50 GMT
Ari 10-17-2011, 04:24 PM
Ari was about to turn when the woman invited her to sit down. She glanced over to see the man's face beside her and it was far from welcoming. She wasn't the brightest saber in the armoury, but she knew when she wasn't welcomed.“No, please. I don't wish to intrude.” When Arestul turned to his comm and began talking, she bit her lip and hesitated. Her attention was grabbed back as the woman spoke again and her smile was instantly back. Unless someone had been looking intently for the change, the smile would have seemed unwavering.
“So are you a pilot? What's your name?” Angelina's voice was probably one that made men swoon yrs ago because the lilt in it now was still beautiful. She was sure this was one woman who didn't settle for less than superior parts or aircraft. And Tink doubted the woman ever had to wait three cycles to get the barest of necessities for her airwing.
“I am Tink... I mean, Arianna, Ma'am. I was a pilot,” she glanced to Arestul and then back, “long ago. I am a mechanic now.” She was certain that the man would be rolling his eyes. No doubt guessing that 'long ago' meant she hadn't been able to cut it. That wasn't the case, but it wasn't something she was about to explain to strangers. No matter how much she admired the one before her. As she glanced between the two she also began to notice something else... there was a resemblance between the two. So the angst between them familial, not professional after all. This certainly wasn't the table to be sitting at if push came to shove. Something told her shove would mean the man walking away, and the woman acting the part of a mother of a wayward child.
She had more sense than that... besides, Arestul, she had the feeling, was someone she would have to deal with at sometime in the future. No point in making an enemy before you made a friend. He was handsome, too, which didn't help her any in her choosing. “Perhaps we can speak sometime when you two are finished. I seem to be a third wheel and I know better.” She laughed softly and glanced back to her table where a waitress had arrived with her plate and hovered as if wondering where to put it.
Ari nodded to the table she had been sitting at then back to the lady and her escort.
***
Arestul 10-17-2011, 06:42 PM
Arestul rolled his eyes as he was still speaking to one of Republic One's department heads. Not at his mother and her nonchalant attitude and not at this "Tink" chick's mention of how she probably flunked out of flight school either. No, it was the interruption of their dinner and then her trying to get away with it.
Hang on Soap.
Pulling the earpiece out, he just glared at the two for a moment and then waved over the restaurant manager.
Cheri... could we either get the boss' table or the VIP room?
"Sure thing Chief..." With a peck on his cheek, and a pat on his back Cheri walked away. Soon they were being escorted to the VIP room. It was well set and quiet as Arestul didn't wait for any of them to take a seat.
Son...
Ares... please...
How did you manage to pull this off at a moment's notice?
She asked a little suspiciously which really ticked him off, but Arestul answered plainly.
I opened up this restaurant, part of my job when I worked for the owner.
Glancing at Ari... he continued.
There... now you have no excuse...
Glaring at Angelina he concluded.
... and you get your ego stroked.
***
Ari 10-17-2011, 11:54 PM
Her plate and drink had been moved and she now stood there watching as her life was suddenly taken charge of by a man she didn't even know! As he spoke of his job before and then made the offhand comments to them both she managed a nearly childlike smile. “So how do I stroke your ego now?” Not giving him time to answer, she smiled once more, genuinely this time, to Angelina and laughed. “Who knows how men do anything... I just chalk it up to sensitivity at some times,” she looked over at him and continued, “and pure ridiculous at others.”
She offered a hand to Angelina and smiled. “I say we take advantage of it before the grump ol' bantha changes his mind and has us exiled to some storage room next to the cleaning R2 units.” She winked teasing over her shoulder though doubted Arestul would even notice, guessing he was probably back on his comm again.
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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2015 2:16:59 GMT
Arestul 10-18-2011, 12:36 AM
The funny thing about it all, as he did ignore most of her comments, one thing caught him and he picked up on it. Not that the Naval Legacy really wanted to spend his night talking with a woman he really didn't want to and another he didn't give a crap about. So if they were going to chat like old hens, he was going to be a wamprat.
What's your rank?
Arestul... you will not intimidate her on duty or off duty...
Arestul just eyed his mother. You know, for someone who wanted to talk to me, trying to regain a relationship with me... you're being quite the... no... I'm not going to say it.
***
Ari 10-18-2011, 12:53 AM
For a man who was bored, he was awful feisty. “Would I be treated better if I said Cadet or Commander?” She looked to him. Glancing back at Angelina and shaking her head, she responded to the woman's chiding. “It's all right. It's a fair question. And for the record... no one intimidates me on or off the ranking fields.” She then stood a bit straighter and looked to Arestul. “For the record, I stopped flying as a Lieutenant. Since I waited too long before returning, and because of choice, I am considered a Cadet if you must tag a rank on me. But since I don't fly anymore, and I merely turn wrenches and waggle spanos at birds that misbehave, I would say rank has no meaning to my position... Sir.”
The final word, left on an up note, let him know she was aware he probably outranked her in every way that mattered to him. But to her, it mattered little. She would respect the rank he held and the position. It was in her blood. But to be honest to herself, rank was merely a pin on a color to keep the people rank and filed all pretty like when in formation. Most didn't deserve what they had, and many more deserved so much more.
“Would you like me to sit at the kiddie table, Sir? Would it make you feel better?” She couldn't help it... sometimes sarcasm overrode her sensabilities.
***
Arestul 10-18-2011, 01:36 AM
That's it...
Putting his hands on the table, his eyes fixated on the "wrench turner", Arestul ignored his mother completely right now. She wasn't even in the room. This little tart in front of him had absolutely no right to speak to anyone in the fashion she had, and if she wanted to play the rank card and so on? He would as well. Sure, Arestul was a chainsaw verbally, but he could keep it focused on one person. Surprisingly keeping his cool, Arestul didn't yell at all.
Excuse me Cadet, Lieutenant, Commander, whatever the frak you are. I don't care if you clean toilets, I was asking you a question because I was trying to pinpoint where you were based out of, nothing more. My issue is with the woman sitting next to you who was gone for most of my life. I have had no ill will against you at all, in fact if you remember correctly, I am the one who got us this private room.
However since you are set on giving me grief, and showing an overtone that keeps you from achieving any kind of success... no... I won't ask you to go "sit at the kiddy table". However I won't sit here and listen to or put up with your garbage either. I'm actually surprised you don't fly anymore, you're as arrogant and entitled as the Rogues are.
Getting up, he even pressed a few buttons on a datapad and dropped it on the table.
I'll even pick up the tab.
Turning on his heel, Arestul started to head out the door.
***
Ari 10-18-2011, 01:47 AM
Ari shook her head. She should have walked away long before she even said hello. She stood and let her hand brush Arestul's arm as he rose and passed her. “Wait, Sir... please.” The words were genuine, but not begging. If he stopped she would continue... whether he looked her way or not.
Dropping her hand, she stood a bit straighter and set her napkin back on the table from where it had been resting in her lap as she rose. “I apologize. You are right. While I am sure you were merely asking out of curiosity, I will admit I answered hastily. But in my defense, and not to press, you have been standoffish since I arrived.” She motioned to his mother at the table. “I offered to walk away when she asked me to join you. You could have been rid of me then. But it was you who took the effort and got the private seating. And you then went so far as to say I had no excuse for walking away.” She sighed and looked to Angelina.
“Forgive me, perhaps we shall meet again. It was a pleasure to speak to you, though I am sure there are more pressing things in your life than a star struck fan of my age.” She laughed softly and stepped beside Arestul. Her voice dropped softly as she spoke to him. She wasn't the seductress kind, but it was her way of apologizing without simpering or posturing. She had missed something vital in all this and didn't want to wait around till explosions brought it to life.“There is no need for you to go. I will. Whatever I did to make the already bad day worse for you, I apologize. Perhaps someday I can make it up to you and show you that there are more pleasant ways to enjoy a meal.” She nodded once more to them both and turned for the door. She would leave before him if given the chance.
She wasn't a coward bent on running, but she did know when her welcome was worn. And while “Ace” may think her charming company, her companion obviously did not.
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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2015 2:19:19 GMT
Arestul 10-18-2011, 02:03 AM
Are you kidding me?
Angelina was getting to her, feet but Arestul just held out a hand. She was going to stand up for the poor girl who just wanted to chat, but something about her son said things would be okay. Turning to face the grease monkey he wasn't going to just let her get the last word. She was being stupid, a running theme with most of the military these days.
THAT is how you stand up for yourself? You walk away?! Can't you tell a frakking test when you see it?
Taking a drink and downing it, Arestul just glanced at his mother.
NOW do you realize why I don't like fighterpilots? They cut and run when things get tough...
It was subtle, but the last part was indeed a jab at her. Didn't matter if anyone picked up on it, it made him feel better.
***
Ari 10-18-2011, 02:21 AM
A test! It had been a frakkin TEST! Had her spano been in her hand she would have knotted his head good. Instead, she turned then to glare at him. Narrowing her eyes she shook her head. “You consider YOURSELF tough? I was leaving not to 'cut n run' but because you don't get between a pilot and his wing man and allow the wing man to wander off because of your presence.” She glanced at the woman and shook her head. “This is the reason I don't like non pilots. They have no manners.” She turned and sat back down, covered her lap in her napkin and glanced from the man to the woman. “I do sincerely apologize. I was trying to be the better of the two of us, but it seems you have two children to contend with at dinner and not one. Would you like me to get a refill for your drink?”
She glared slightly as she looked back at Arestul. “For the record... it takes a better person to walk away than to stay and fight like a bully. I would have considered the test a failure had I remained with Lady Angelina and allowed you to depart in anger. However contrived, feigned or played up you care to make it. A better test would have been to sit here and nit pick me to death like a sand flea under a wookie's fur.” She lifted her glass and took a long draw of the drink. Suddenly, it seemed a much better choice than speaking. As she set her goblet down, she decided one more comment was in order. “And for the record... Sir... if you care to truly know why I left, next time ask. It's far simpler than lumping me in with the 'fighter pilots' I chose to walk away from.” She stabbed her fork into her dinner and took a bite. If she continued to ramble she would surely annoy him more, which didn't seem possible... and she would give away more than she cared to in such a meeting place.
Nodding to Angelina she smiled. “You should try the food. It's exquisite.”She laughed slightly. "Even slightly cold."
***
Arestul 10-18-2011, 02:41 AM
Watching her turn around and sit down, Arestul was actually speechless. Completely and totally speechless.
I thought you were leaving? You know what? Get the frak out, if you think I'm a damn bully then I'm going to give you a good reason to. I was looking you up on the comm-link listening to one of my department heads rattle on about your time in the Academy and your "deciding to leave". They said your file showed one of potential but held back by sarcasm. I didn't believe it, I wanted to see it for myself and see if I could use you on the flagship.
Opening the door for her Arestul just concluded with something a bit harsh...
For the record... I was wrong... you're embarrassing yourself, your station and the military. You can hate me all you like, but you won't disrespect the uniform like you just did.
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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2015 2:20:26 GMT
Ari 10-18-2011, 07:09 PM
Disrespect the uniform? Was he out of his mind?
This time when she rose, the napkin fell, forgotten, to the floor. She took the two steps needed to stand toe to toe with him and glared with eyes that seemed to shift before his gaze from crystalline blue to nearly cobalt in the time it took to shake her head slowly from one side to the other and speak in a voice low and even. Had she screamed or hollered, it wouldn't have been so bad. But this voice, calm, calculating and even, would leave even a Master Jedi stumped as to her emotions. Only the fists, clenched at her side gave away the rage seething beneath the surface.
“Disrespect is testing a person with insults and threats. Disrespect is getting mad cause I choose to leave when ordered, then getting more fired up when I stay. Dis-re-spect is assuming to know why a person does what they did without even asking.” She leaned forward just a bit and her voice dropped a notch. “I was left adrift, forgotten, abandoned by my wing man who was too damned lazy to check the debris field for me. Two days later I made it back to base on my own. You know why? Because of HER!” The final words came out clear and concise as if trying to etch them into his brain as she pointed to Angelina. "Because I knew she wouldn't have given up. You ask why the words 'held back' are in my jacket? Because I chose to. Because there was no one out there I could trust with my life. My wing man and several others made THEIR choice not to fly with ME.” Her finger rose to stab at her own chest. “They said I couldn't be human. Couldn't do what I did, survive AND keep my sanity. As to serving on the Flagship, you wouldn't find a more dedicated person than me...because I DON'T give up! But I doubt you believe me.”
Nodding to Angelina, she took up her goblet, drained the final drop and turned once more to him. “Before you snap up in judgment, find me wanting and dismiss me... maybe you should try opening with something less harsh than 'This is why I hate pilots'. Good night... Sir.” The final word was punctuated with a salute and a nod and she quickly turned on her heels and headed for the curtain. Her whole body shook. Not even Romon knew of what had caused her to relinquish her wings. And it irritated her that this man had gotten under her skin enough to prod it from her unbidden.
***
10-19-2011, 12:31 AM Arestul
Standing toe to toe? Arestul's neck was sore from looking down at her, but the Naval Legacy was off duty so he wouldn't play the rank card anymore. Not that he was anyway, she only thought that he was. Letting her words really go in one ear and out the other, and being clear about that, Arestul waited until she was done.
I don't remember asking about your past, or why you stopped flying. Know why? Don't care at all about it. I was looking at your attitude and how you handle yourself; I was looking for confidence, I was looking for strength and I was looking for the ability to hold true to beliefs.
Now it was his turn to lean in...
All I have seen from you is smug arrogance, snide sarcasm and frankly a self entitled brat, who cannot understand that the actions of a superior officer JUST MIGHT be done for the benefit of them and the Republic as a whole. I don't know about who you served with before, and again... don't care. I don't operate the same way as about 99 percent of the Republic Military, skills can be taught... mentality cannot. I didn't ask you anything, I didn't bring anything up about your past until you decided that I was worthy of your scorn simply because I have issue with my mother. I had no issue with you, and frankly... now I do...
Finishing her bite, with a sigh, Angelina had had just about enough....
That's enough from the both of you...
She didn't bother standing, she sat back and sucked on her teeth for a moment before addressing her son.
You look like your father, you have the same mind as your father, and you even inspire and think like your father. You however are not your father. Sure, Kam wasn't very well liked by his peers, but he was adored by those who served with him and those he met. He was respected not just because of his ability to lead, or his ability to come up with a strategy... he was respected because he cared. He made a point to know who his staff was inside and out. He made a point to know the names of the people on his ships. He made a point to always have an open door and always be there for anyone... you never seem to do that.
Taking a sip and waving off any return argument she continued.
You're angry with how things are in the military? Change them, make others want to change them, if you're so concerned about being like your father or even close to him... he would get others on board with his ideas until it was a consensus. He never stomped through a building demanding answers unless they were warranted. You want to be better? Cut the volume.
Turning to Ariana, Angelina wasn't done.
He's right... you have been rather self entitled since you sat down. I feel your pain, and am with you on everything you have said, but he's still a superior officer. He wasn't disrespecting you at all... y
Arestul interrupted, this time not out of malice...
Okay... hold on. If you would have let me finish... mother... I was going to tell her that no. I don't like her, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a job, especially after finally standing up for herself.
Turning back to the little pain in the neck, a quality he seemed to gravitate around lately, Arestul barked.
I stand by what I said, but I also am offering you a job pilot... yes... I said "pilot". Just because you don't have your wings anymore doesn't mean you aren't one. My airboss bites the wamprat's butt and frankly I'm sick of the old fart, no one takes him seriously. I need someone who can keep the squadrons in line and ready on a moment's notice.
Still glaring at her, he wondered aloud...
Yes or no...
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Post by Admin on Feb 12, 2015 2:22:13 GMT
10-19-2011, 12:55 AM Ari
Ari had come to their table to say hi, let the Lady know she was still remembered fondly and leave. Somehow it had gotten all turned upside down and her thrusters had landed her on her backside. She was in the middle of being dressed down by someone she admired and suddenly Arestul was back in her face once more. And this time something was different.
“Yes or no..” As he spoke she raised her eyebrows. He wanted her on the Flagship?
Before she could blink, gasp or even retort, her mouth ran away before her brain.
“Yes.... Sir.”
It was only then that she stopped a moment. “Sir,” she then glanced to Angelina, “Ma'am... this wasn't my intention this evening. I came merely to say hello to you,” she nodded to ACE, “and tell you it was nice to see you in person. That was all. All of this...” she made a sweep of the room, the restaurant and the episode, “was not my intention. I have never spouted off as I just did now, to a superior officer, and regret it was the foot we began on.” Looking to Arestul, she managed a wry smile. “Something tells me our definitions of tests, success and failure are different. But something also tells me we are more alike than we will ever admit.”
She had taken a couple steps back as she looked at Arestul glaring down at her. Her shoulders squared, her back straightened and she looked at him with seriousness. “I promise not to let you regret your decision. I ask one boon of you, though if I may... that I can keep in touch with the Rogues as this will leave them without a Chief Mechanic. I am sure Romon will have no troubles, they are a good lot and most care for their own craft. I promise it won't interfere with duties.” She knew it was asking a lot on the heels of all the had just transpired, but she wouldn't turn blinders to the man and command that had given her back her purpose and direction.
***
10-19-2011, 01:11 AM Arestul
Putting his hands on his hips, his facial expression unchanged, Arestul just looked as angry at ever, and truth be told? He was ticked. Why was this girl asking favors already? What's next? She'd want the Captain's quarters every day for lunch?
Yes... or... No... Not "Yes... if..." or "No... unless..."
***
10-19-2011, 01:51 AM Ari
And here she thought that one boon would be granted, though she had assumed it would cost her dearly. But she was stupid to say no. Another chance like this may not come along. He was right about what he had said early... that the affects could linger for a long time if one had a bad impression at the start.
“Yes...” She lifted her chin and stood there unwavering. Romon was a great leader. The Rogues had flourished under him and had become a more competent and capable air wing. They had done fine without her in the beginning, she had no doubt they would do fine without her now. She made a mental note to tell Romon who her Rebrew connection was. That small alcoholic beverage had become gold in her trading times. Or perhaps she wouldn't. On the Flagship she had no idea how bartering, and requisitions went. Better to keep the gold to herself for the time being.
Standing there, half at attention and half in shock, she stared unmoving into his eyes. He was daunting, there was no denying that. And she had no doubt, too, that his ship was just as stripped down, bare and refined as he was.
***
10-19-2011, 01:54 AM Arestul
Sit down and eat...
***
10-18-2011, 02:00 AM Ari
That was it. No ceremony, no lecture, no more raised voices. He simply ordered her to sit and eat. Taking that as a sign he was staying, which she hoped, she sat down, picked her napkin off the floor and sliced a piece of her beef. Taking it in she didn't remember food ever tasting so good cold. How was it her world had turned upside down in such a short time? And even more so in the last turn.
After finishing what was in her mouth, she looked at him and raised a questioning eyebrow. “When shall I report?” It wouldn't do to assume anything around this man. Lesson one... learned.
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