Introduction
Please check all OOC boards for notes about the ball, the factions, and so on. Thank you!
This war hasnβt been the first involving Gifted- the superpowered, the blessed, the cursed- as a species, as active participants using their powers for bloodshed.
Throughout history, there have been traces of humans talented with special abilities, capable of feats unachievable by the average man or woman. Prophets, creatures of lore, those blessed with incredible luck, or who could read people completely, or those regarded as magicians...Of course, many were unaware of these abilities, and those who did were either regarded as gods, or kept their secrets under lock and key in fear of the consequences. It was only recently- several hundred years ago- that they began to appear more frequently, with more intense powers, more obviously βspecialβ.
The Gifted.
As with anything unique, tensions rose, with humans declaring the Gifted dangerous. Their children could easily be harmed by one with super strength, and robberies could become even more life-threatening when performed by a pyrotechnic. War soon broke out, the recorded beginning dating to around a century ago. However, this story is not about then.
Humans, those who were unfortunate enough not to have such powers, not only lost; they were wiped off the face of the earth, with only tiny pockets remaining. In the chaos and anarchy that followed at the lack of any real stable civilization, two factions emerged.
Erubesco, the faction of culture, monarchy, grace, and science.
Liberty, the faction of order, efficiency, unity, and progress
Given the clash of their ideologies, lifestyles, and many other factors, it did not take long before both declared war on one another. They scrambled to collect land, stronger Gifted to fight under their command, and to gain an upper hand when both were equal in strength. Both groups even found themselves relying on tampering with genetic code, hoping to unlock something which would strengthen their own side. The war has currently been raging for eight years in total, in which many lives have been lost, and many atrocities committed.
Much like the fairy tales which parents tell to their children at storytime, Erubesco is based around a concept of nobility, kings and queens, and an idealized view of βgoodβ and βevilβ. Towns cluster around grand castle bases, soldiers are dubbed as the βknights in shining armorβ for the weak and defenseless, and many civilians go about their life with art and song heavily involved in their schedules. At face value, it appears like a beautiful utopia of prosperity and life.
However, the truth is far darker, as one might expect. Not only are the general issues that tend to come with a monarchy present- inequality, a very unlikely chance of ascending to another role, etc.- but civilian experimentation is very much the norm. While the entire process tends to be kept rather hushed, what occurs beneath the beautiful tiling of the castle floors is very real, and very active. While the glitz and glamor of movie stars and storybook towns may be appealing to many, it is a thin veil to what Erubesco truly stands for underneath it all. The ranks are as follows:
King
Viceroy/Lord/Lady
Grand Chancellor
Chancellor
Knight Commander
Alchemist
Knight/Acolyte
Infantry
Conscript
Serf
The first impression which tends to fall upon the viewer of any Liberty city is a certain...blandness. Nigh-identical buildings and streets, all made up of a monochrome color. A majority of the population reside in their own apartments, and a lack of real vibrancy. However, Libertyβs morals are the main reason so many are drawn; preaching fair rights for all, scorning the pointless harm of her populace, and pushing the belief that, with enough hard work and care, even the weakest can grow into a potential Councillor.
Of course, while Liberty preaches patience towards its people, caring for them and providing for the needs of the loyal, they also push for extreme devotion. The rebellious are carefully groomed into fiercely loyal citizens, and the unity which is so focused upon can have the unfortunate side effect of damaging individuality. The ranking system is a fair deal more complicated when compared to that of Erubescoβs, but retains somewhat of a pattern. There are several sectors of Liberty, with each having seven ranks or less; ranging from the lowly Trainee, to the grand Councillor. Each sector is headed by a Councillor, which work with the Founder- and Leader- on near equal terms to make decisions for Liberty.
The sectors are as follows:
Espionage
Loyalty Affirmation
Interrogation
Economics
Defense
Genetics
Healing
Training
Education
Infrastructure
Agriculture
As there are are many different offshoots of these sectors, as well, and would take far too long to go through as is, it shall not be placed on this page. Instead, feel free to message the GMs if you want specifics on the rankings.
Of course, what with the fact that quite a number of the Gifted population disagree with the beliefs of the current superpowers, many splinter groups have formed. None have been unable to reach the strength that the factions possess, but manage to survive in the harsh wastelands nonetheless. Ranging from tribes, to mercenaries, to rag-tag bundles, it is common for these small communities to often be at each otherβs throats.
While the term βwandererβ itself applies to any group or individual roaming the wastelands that is not a Mercenary or Faction goer, there are currently only three groups that are being followed at the moment. They are known as the Wanderers, the Striders, and the Bunker goers, with the Wanderers group being the largest in number, and the Striders being the smallest. They do not have any real reputation among the wastelands, as all are quite tiny when compared to others, and the wastes are quite expansive. Each have their own goals as of the moment, with a main one being shared among them; survival.
While mercenaries tend to work under the factions, doing the dirty work that their bosses canβt spare the resources to do, that does not stop them from forming clusters of sorts to make jobs easier. There is only one current mercenary group that is being followed, however, although there are quite a few who work alone or work in other gatherings of sorts.
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[center][img](Image URL goes here.)[/img] (An image isn't needed, but feel free to add one if you want one in. Otherwise, you can delete this bit.)
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Full Name:[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Nicknames/Aliases:[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Age:[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Gender:[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Gift:[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Loyalty: (if Erubescian or Liberty, please add their position if you can)[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b] Description:[/b][/size][/color] (What do they look like? Even if you've got a picture, a bit of writing would be nice.)
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Personality:[/b][/size][/color] (A brief outline of their demeanour.)
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Skills:[/b][/size][/color]
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Weaknesses:[/b][/size][/color] (Achilles' Heels that can be exploited by enemies.)
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Brief History:[/b][/size][/color] (Any notable events in their background that might have shaped them. If you don't want to reveal too much, that's fine.)
[color=#000000][size=100][b]Other:[/b][/size][/color] [/center] (Anything else you think everyone needs to know about your character.)
The Story So Far... Write a Post » as written by 16 authors
As she brushed her teeth, she mentally went through her daily schedule. If she finished early, perhaps she could shop or spend some time with a friend. It had been a while since she had gone out to do that, though it was mainly her doing by how she had set up her schedule. Maybe it was time to reorganize everything.
Rinsing her mouth out, Selene let her hair down and turned on the shower. She thought about reordering her work schedule as she washed off. When she stepped out and dried off, she checked the clock. Good, she was doing well on time. With that in mind, she went to her closet to get dressed. She picked out a charcoal grey blouse and a pair of black pants, along with a pair of black pumps. After a quick mirror check, she went to put on her makeup. It was her usual look: faint, smoky eyeshadow, soft contours, and a dark red lipstick. She had done it enough times that it was easy to get it all done in five minutes or so.
She brushed out her hair one more time after the makeup was done, and then she was striding out of the room. Work needed to be done, and she preferred to have it done early.
The setting changes from Liberty Base Alpha A to Helton
Marcus watched her curiously from down below. "Do they understand you?" He asked. The brunette popped her head over the edge. "I think they kinda do." She said, smiling. "They come to me if they're comfortable. Wanna see?" The young man nodded and watched as Roxy disappeared for a moment. He heard a lot of chirping and coos, and not too long afterwards, the girl was landing beside him. Two finches fluttered around her shoulders before perching there. She smiled and stroked their feathers softly.
"Bird whisperer, I see." Marcus mused, smiling more. Roxy grinned and let one of the finches move onto her hand. She then held it out to him. "Want to pet him?" She asked. "Trust me, he's friendly." Marcus blinked, but reached out a hand towards the bird. The bird looked at him, feathers twitching, but made no move to fly away. Seeing this, he began petting his feathers very gently. "You have an interesting Gift, Roxy." He noted. "Normally these birds would look at me in horror." Roxy giggled a bit at the joke. "Aw, I doubt that." She laughed.
The houses were not entirely without activity however,
A small, shrill squeal from inside one of the abandoned buildings heralded the exit of a pale-looking, silvery haired humanoid from inside. It edged out into the grey morning light, with the limp body of a large rat clasped in its twisted set of talons. Thick scales encased its forearm and patches its shoulders, a ridge of spines ran along its back, protruding through gaps in some faded tee, and the legs beneath the black, loose-fitting pants it wore seemed to not be shaped right...the joints snapped into place more like the back legs of some predatory monster. The mutant thing crouched on the concrete outcrop of a fallen building, clutching the deceased rodent, and, in two grisly bites with sharp, uneven teeth, consumed the whole thing, fur, bones, even tail.
Rat gone, the aberration remained hunched up on the wreckage, and as it did, the more monstrous features began to recede. The jagged teeth shrunk down, the chitinous claws snapped back into fingers, and the thing began to take on a far more human look. Of course, it was clear to any observer that this individual was not exactly normal.
Rei, OUROBOROUS RE1 T 1-1, Erubescan experiment now living wild in the wasteland after attempts to make something extremely hard to destroy turned out to work better than fully realized.
A few days ago, Rei had experienced being seized, lifted up, and torn clean in half by an Erubescan knight before being flung across thw battlefield. Considering that, she was looking pretty good for it. All pieces where they should be. It hadn't come without a cost though. After the fight and the repercussions, Rei had made her way to her room at the old training centre, collapsed into bed, and had remained there for about seventy five hours after. For most people, several days apparently comatose might have been a cause for concern, but Rei's rather..idiosyncratic biology meant that it had all turned out very well..
..aside from the fact that she had woken up the morning feeling very, very hungry.
And hungry was, perhaps, one of the most dangerous things for Rei to be, dangerous to others. Rei's hunger was not discriminate. Rats. Frogs. Fish.
And other, far more shameful food.
Recovering from her injuries had had another cost. One she was not keen to talk about. One she very much hoped no-one was ever going to speak of again. Some people had seen it, some people knew the horrible extremes her abilities would go to to preserve their host... but as long as no-one spoke about it, Rei had decided she could live with it. Well, it was not like she really had any choice.
The young woman straightened up, dusted herself off, and hopped onto the cracked asphalt of the road. She'd best go and let some of the others she was around...not that she assumed anyone was desperate to talk to her, but it seemed like the sort of thing you were supposed to do within the rather limited sphere of personal interaction Rei had picked up. Also, in her mind, she had no idea she'd been asleep for days to that point, so her appearance was hardly before time.
The setting changes from Helton to The Wasteland
It was with a comfortable stride that Gale was circling the boundaries of the abandoned Helton city, a withered tree branch in one hand, the other left to dangle freely at his side. With every few steps, he swung the stick against any nearby surface that the thing could reach- tap-tapping against the rubble of a building, the cobble of the path he was following, the ash that had crept into the city limits.
βJe te plumerai la tΓͺte, je te plumerai la tΓͺte. Et la tΓͺte, et la tΓͺte, alouette, alouette.β
The raps of his makeshift staff fell in time with his song, thwacking with the beat. It was a lovely little song, Gale mused. A short ditty that he had heard several times when working in the Erubescian halls- something to teach the children there how to speak French. The faction of kings certainly adored its culture, but he could hardly complain. A little class could be appreciated now and then, especially when there was a decimated wasteland just on your doorstep.
βAlouette, gentille alouette. Alouette, je te plumerai. Alouette, gentille alouette. Alouette, je te plumerai.β
Of course, the others would probably disagree, and some might even consider it to be in poor taste, given recent events, but, really, they couldnβt protest it too much. It was an innocent tune by itself, and it lessened the deafening silence around him as he wandered about. There was the occasional call of some creature residing within Helton, yes- or even the distant footprints of some of the βlookoutsβ, but it didnβt do much to fill the emptiness.
βJe te plumerai le bec, je te plumerai le bec. Et la tΓͺte, et la tΓͺteβ¦β
An emptiness that, although somewhat obscured by Galeβs own voice, did little to hide the unfamiliar stride of...someone approaching. As the sound reached him, he immediately cut himself off, straightening up and cocking his head to better listen. He hadnβt been mistaken- there was another person out there. Quicker steps, slower stride- the pace of a child. Immediately, the blond moved to hide himself behind a nearby pile of rubble, eyes nearly as wide as saucers as he squinted through what gaps the stone provided. It took a few tense minutes of waiting, but eventually the perpetrator showed himself. A young boy. Despite the relatively harmless appearance of this stranger, Gale remained tense, waiting some time longer before poking his head out into visibility.
βHey, kid,β he hissed. βWhat are you doing? Donβt you know that the monsters live here?β His eyes were just as wide as before, and his knuckles had whitened where they gripped the edge of his makeshift shelter.
Alouette, alouette
The setting changes from The Wasteland to Helton
Setting
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Sorry I missed Kayla's intro, Rach! The forum's been buggy for me. I tagged in a mention so it doesn't seem like Mina's ignoring her.
by scoundrelboots
0.00 INK
β¨β¨She cringed a bit at Sorenβs offer to send Pierrot out again, but did head toward the large walk-in pantry to look for the apples. βI think Iβll take you up on those apples, Miss Clockwork,β she said, and then, calling from inside as she found the bag, βThatβs real good thinking. Theseβll be perfect for that.β
β¨β¨As she passed the counter beside the pantry, she took a knife out of the butcherβs block and grabbed a cutting board to take back toward the stove. She placed all of the items beside the cooking pot, again placed a hand behind Clockworkβs back to be sure the girl was steady, and then began cutting the apples into small cubes.
β¨β¨Her brow furrowed together for a short moment, and then her gaze shifted back to Soren, βI- I have to say Iβd rather PierβPercivalβ not go out again, just for something silly as eggs. What with the risks, and it is a bit like stealing, not that worse hasn't been done or nothing, butβ¦β She looked back down at the food, then to Clockwork, then back to the apples. βAnd, wellβ¦ I canβt imagine weβre gonna be able to stay put all that much longer, what withβ¦ Well.β β¨β¨
She shook her head, setting the dark curls of her ponytail bouncing like springs, and started on another apple. βIt ainβt my call to make, though,β she said, and corrected her tone and expression back to their former easy brightness. βBut um, really. Thank you two. It ainβt nothing to make meals like that. Weβd all be eating protein packs and MRE slop, if it werenβt for yβall.β
β¨β¨And then, βWatch your hands, sugar. Iβm gonna dump in the apples, now,β as she raised the cutting board and scraped the apple bits in with her knife.
"Oh, and morning, Miss Kayla," she added with a chipper smile, though she was still not aware of where she stood with the shifter. Of all the Wanderers, Mina had spoken with the young woman possibly the least since the attack from Erubesco, and hadn't yet ventured to test the waters on that front.
The setting changes from Helton to The Citadel
β¨β¨Koraβs mention of Balthazar, and specifically how the Viceroy had set the woman up for failure, set Luluβs rosy lips turning down into a pursed scowl. It certainly was not the first time the man had lined up a situation he suspected would break someoneβ and not even the second, now that she paused to mull over it. β¨β¨
βBalthazar set you up, Kora, and you know it. You did as well as anyone would have done in your shoes. But he knew youβd break.β After placing a final stretch of medical tape of Koraβs shoulder, Lulu moved back so that she could look her friend in the eye. βIf you want to put the blood on anyoneβs hands, put it on his. He orchestrated this, Kora.β
β¨She broke her gaze with before going on, thick lashes shielding her emerald gaze as she looked through the rest of the first-aid box. Her voice was softer and more steeled when she spoke again, holding a muzzle over harsher words than she would allow herself. βHe assigned me to terminate S.K.I.P. because he knew I was in no state to manage the task. Then he demoted me without trial. Then he assigned Derrick toβ¦ Well, you know. And Avalon left. So the last Commander available to handle a field operation from the Citadel was you. Cue the base in chaos, just as Varren comes back from a mental health Sabbaticalβ¦ and itβs all a bit too convenient, isnβt it? And then the bad intel on the Memoli girlββ
The Commanderβs train of thought was broken as the doorbell rang. βI donβt trust him, is all,β she concluded as she stood and crossed to the door. There was a moment of quiet as she signed off on a tip and took the bag of food from the delivery Serf, but her frown returned as soon as the door was shut.
βDonβt be so quick to take all of the blame, is all Iβm suggesting, Norrevinter. I think thereβs more here than what weβre seeing. And can you hold down food?β She carried the bag over to the coffee table and set it down, promptly pulling out the carry container of eggs and bacon and setting it open.
The setting changes from The Citadel to Liberty Base Alpha A
Taking a long sip of the dark, hot liquid from his cup, he tried to think about what the Council was meeting about. He swallowed his coffee and sighed quietly. The lack of sleep distracted him from taking his medication this morning. He wondered how long he would be able to properly focus on the matters at hand. Taking another sip, he entered the meeting room and sat down. It was a relief to sit back in his chair, and he tiredly ran his fingers over his eyes and through his hair.
He heard footsteps and saw Selene walk in. She blinked and looked at Alex for a long moment as she sat down. "You look like you've been dragged across a highway..." She noted, frowning. "What happened?"
Sighing, Alex looked up at her begrudgingly. "Didn't sleep." He muttered. "I also forgot my medicine." Selene let out a scoff, though it was an almost sympathetic one. "You idiot." She murmured. "Do I need to take notes?" With a roll of his eyes, he shrugged. "I don't know, maybe." He answered. "Please don't make this a big deal, though. If I get too distracted by the fussing, I'll fall back on what needs to be discussed." Selene frowned, but nodded.
The setting changes from Liberty Base Alpha A to The Citadel
She wondered what she needed to do today. Before she could continue pondering, the soft music grew louder and the announcement of Avalon's promotion and the ball being held in celebration of it sounded out over the speakers throughout the faction. She blinked and got up. "Another fancy event, huh?" She mumbled. There would probably be a good amount of chatter about it today, which she looked forward to. She had been eager to get back into the swing of things ever since the attack on the Wanderers in Helton, specifically going back to her social self.
Getting dressed, Lindsey wondered if Nathan was up and training. Perhaps she could talk to him. After brushing her hair out, she left the room and went to look for something to do or someone to talk to.
The setting changes from The Citadel to The Wasteland
"K--Kayla," he greeted, spotting her in the doorway. As he spoke, their tagalong darted between Kayla's feet and into the kitchen, slinking into the corner and looking shifty, casing the area as though it intended to make off with their breakfast like a tiny scruffy bandit. "Um. Morning. Everyone. I was--"
But he broke off suddenly, his large eyes taking on a glazed look.
"Someone is coming into the city," he said, concentrating. "Some k--kind of regenetator. Gale is there. He doesn't seem--too alarmed--" Not that Gale's emotions were easy to read. If you could even call them fully fledged emotions. "Probably just an ashrat." He glazed into focus again, flushing, paranoid that what he had said was probably derogatory. Their potential victims in the wastelands had always been designated ashrats or faction scum, or some more original variation thereof. He felt an increased need to walk on eggshells lately, especially around Mina after his (in retrospect, miserably hypocritical) brief resentment toward her. He didn't want them to think he thought they were lesser or other or evil.
Even if a decent percentage of the time and despite his best efforts he still totally thought that.
"Sorry. I mean, we're all ashrats so...anyway. Ah. Probably just a wanderer, but...Should someone go and check?"
The setting changes from The Wasteland to Helton
As he got closer though, he heard multiple sounds. Most of them were heartbeats, each one of them giving off a different rythem....a different tune. Distinct to each person. However, one was that of a child singing. It was something French, Jake did not recognize it. However, he soon came into contact with the child singing it. The boy had stopped singing when he approached Jake, but Jake remained on edge and at the ready. No normal child would be out here on their own, so he was probably incredibly powerful. Jake was almost certainly stronger and faster then him, or at least one of those two, and at this range, he could easily take him on most likely, but better be safe then sorry...and not pick any unnecessary fights.
Still, there was no reason to think this person would be a threat to them, though according to his analysis, he was a capable fighter. He had not approached him randomly, this boy came to meet him alone on purposely. Therefore, his strength and power level must be high. The fact he approached him so quickly revealed he either had some sort of detection ability, or enhanced senses. The way he asked his question also revealed something. He was an experienced fighter, and capable of analysis in his own right. His comment about the monsters meant not only he had extensive combat training, but that he knew Jake did too. To most it would look like two children talking, but he and this boy were actually analyzing each other for strengths and weaknesses, staring each other down. It might be tense, if it didn't excite Jake a little. Old habits die hard.
"Monsters huh? Where are they exactly? Are they fun to fight?" Jake replied, deciding to reply in a way that wouldn't be as expected. "I hope they are not boring monsters. Boring monsters are no fun, don't you agree?"
Well, that just happened. Still, he kept on his guard. He was ninety percent sure others were around, and conflict was within his realm of expectations, though he would like to avoid serious conflict if possible. That said, this boy did put him on edge....though he interested him as well. "So who are you anyways?"
There was no warning as the brunette took her elbow, and steered her to the left with a destination clearly in mind. The light manipulator followed willingly, used to such manipulations. Not only used to it, but Seraphina was trained this way, to move instinctively and focus on using her gifts, while trusting someone other to watch her for danger, and if necessary, physically remove her from harm's way. Even though she could survive most anything, the healing it took to fix her body once it was blasted to pieces was a waste of time when she could just avoid getting hurt, and when she was in physical therapy, she wasn't able to work...
Sometimes, she forgot she wasn't supposed to think that way anymore.
"Someone new entered the city," Talin said, pulling her along briskly. "Gale found him, I can also sense Reith nearby, and we're close enough. I want to /see/ him" he emphasized "see", and the manipulator at his side understood immediately. Behind the building, Talin adjusted his pace so he was meandering along, and looped his arm through Seraphina's in the matter of close friends. So linked, they turned on the street where the meeting was taking place, stopping several feet behind and to the left of Gale.
"It's a child." Sera raised a brow, turning to the speedster skeptically. "Is he what you were worried about?"
Meanwhile, Talin's eyes scan the stranger with his gift sight, and he exhaled. "No, he's not. He's like the Mercenary"
A regenerator the woman translated
"And supersensory." he finished, and tapped the back of her hand with a finger.
Sera didn't respond outright, but there was a faint glimmer in the corner of Talin's eye. She understood the message, and had her gifts ready for use.
The setting changes from Helton to The Wasteland
While she paid no attention to the term "ashrat", she did feel wary about who the person might be. "I don't mind checking, if that's what we should do." She offered after a moment. Even though they weren't too sure about the newcomer's intentions, it wouldn't be too hard to simply check and see who they were.
As one might expect, it had taken quite some time for Heather to be woken by the sound, and more time to actually open the message- the woman had chosen to nurse a large pot of coffee before properly sitting down and getting to work. Seeing as the meeting appeared to have been the only thing queued for now, the Espionage Councillor went to prepare herself for the day, spending what time remained on herβ¦βhobbyβ.
However, evidently, a change into proper business attire didnβt seem to be a part of Heatherβs day-to-day lifestyle, for it was clad in fresh pajama footies that she trudged down the hall (hardly getting much note, aside from various salutes from the workers on base- and a few newcomers here and there who took the opportunity to ogle the sight of a departmentβs head. For the most part, Heather hardly paid attention to her surroundings, her mist flicking about her like an aura as she turned the corner to the meeting room, and rather unceremoniously pushed one of the double doors aside with one hand.
The other, notably, was preoccupied with her tablet, which she currently had her nose buried in.
As a loose tendril of her Gift passed over two of her fellow Councillors, Heather finally glanced up, looking as if she had merely sleepwalked into the room instead of going there on her own. A blink, a squint, her gaze roving to focus on Alex before she spoke up.
βYou look terrible.β
With this blunt statement, she shuffled over to her designated spot at the table, and, slipping comfortably into her seat, pulled her hood (quite humorously, with a pair of bunny ears sewn on) over her head, and continued to flick absentmindedly through whatever she currently had pulled up on her screen.
The setting changes from The Wasteland to Liberty Base Alpha A
She picked up her pace, the white coat fluttering behind her like a cape. Seeing the leader of Espionage had reminded her of a thought she had had the night before after finding a Genetics Trainee's forgotten assignment. They'd been penalized for forgetfulness, of course, but the assignment had brought to mind a few delayed experiments. Delayed because of a lack of proper gene codes to work with. Gene codes that Erubesco surely had.
And, if she was correct, Espionage had just promoted several Trainees to Agents and Agents to varied higher ranks, which meant there should be personnel to spare. At any rate, it wouldn't hurt to ask, and she pushed open the doors with a bright "Good morning!" to those who's arrived early before settling down beside Heather.
"Think you could take a look at something for me and tell me the feasibility of it?" she asked the other woman immediately, not knowing when the others would arrive at the meeting room and wanting to get this out of the way before that, since meetings had a way of becoming much more convoluted than expected, and after that she'd be liable to forget. On the table before them, she opened one of the notebooks to a series of short profiles on several known Erubescians of varying importance.
Unfortunately for him, he didn't keep his eyes closed for long. He heard footsteps coming into the room and he looked up to see Heather entering. As a tendril of her mist floated near him, he frowned slightly. He looked Heather in the eye as she finally looked him over, his frown increasing. Her bluntness made him wearily scowl, too.
"Good morning to you as well, Heather." He muttered. "I assumed I always looked terrible to you." He gave her a tired smirk. It was then that Faye entered with a bright greeting, and Alex's smirk dropped into a more serious expression. "Good morning, Faye." He answered. As she placed the notebooks down, he mentally groaned, but he sat up more to look at them. Maybe he could focus...
In contrast with a specific few of the councilors, he looked awake as could be in his diamond white suit and dust blue cravat. He even appeared to have time to have neatly shaved around the goatee that framed his mouth. The man was middle aged, but well preserved, with an inviting warmth to his pleasant face.
"Good morning, my friends. What seems to be the emergency?" he said, taking his seat, his usual smile touched with just enough gravity to convey his sincere concern.
The setting changes from Liberty Base Alpha A to The Wasteland
Her appetite had suffered over the past few days--the days since the mission failed. Her figure didn't look any less soft and rounded to the casual observer, but she had noticed in the mirror how her cheekbones showed beside her rosegold hair. Lost appetite...fitful sleeping... she wondered if she ought to speak with psych. She didn't want to go pulling a Botrelle and snapping.
But no. She had only been behind the headsets. No way would she take therapy time away from the ones who had been on the front lines. Oh well. At least her work ethic hadn't suffered. Piper's work ethic would always be the last thing to go. Checking out of work and duty was not an option. She would run herself ragged before she failed her faction. She'd get herself out of this rut without help. And to start, she'd face this day of work with energy.
With herculean determination, she ate a bite.
The door slid open and Skip sped out, stopping inches away from some dark haired fellow with a mop bucket. He nearly slid straight into the guy thanks to the mess of puddles on the floor. As it was, if the guy knew who Skip was, he would almost certainly find the distance uncomfortable. And...granted...even if he didn't know who Skip was, having one's face licking distance from a stranger's isn't traditionally considered comfortable.
But Skip didn't mind making people feel uncomfortable.
"Oh. Hi," he said cheerfully. "You spilled, there. I can help you with that if you want. But maybe could you also tell me, are you familiar with a certain Creepsy? Telekinetic? You might be more familiar with, specifically, Nice Creepsy or Bad Creepsy, but I'm hoping she's still the in-between one." He put his hand to his shoulder-height. "She's about that big? Kinda looks like one of those sad claymation dolls except one that also got hit with a truck in a needle-and-thread storm and is also wearing bandage socks?"
The setting changes from The Wasteland to The Citadel
Just as the stranger caught himself in time to not crash in to him Ed backed up a step, looking rather cross due to this guy coming well within his comfort zone. Ed's comfort zone was pretty large as talking to pretty much anyone made him uncomfortable but in this case his discomfort was compounded with the proximity of this new guy.
"Hey, watch it." He warned just before the man started to ramble on about something. It started as something about helping then he moved on to something about a Creepsy, whatever that was, that was telekinetic or maybe a bad or good something or whatever. All Ed could really discern was that this guy was asking about somebody. He just looked at him with an expression of confusion as he tried to make sense of what this guy was going on about.
"So you want to find a who? I mean what? I-err, what do you mean? Telekinetic? What?"
He struggled to make sense of what he meant until the man started describing the person he was talking about with better details than 'Bad-creepsy' and 'Nice-creepsy'. He still wasn't very clear but at least he could make a little sense of what this guy wanted.
"Alright I'm just going to take a shot in the dark and assume you mean... Cadriel?"
It wasn't much of an answer but it was the best assumption he could make given the terrible description. He gave a short shrug, looking down the hall where he had come back from.
"She's still working this floor. Don't know if she's supposed to be on this floor for the next few weeks but her clearance is higher than mine so I'm not fighting it. I don't think she's left if you're looking for her."
His answer wasn't exactly precise but then again it's hard to be when people have a habit of not always staying in the same place. After all, he barely understood where he was supposed to be let alone where she was. Since the guy brought it up she came back into mind. She did have a lot of stitches like she was pieced together after being torn apart but she didn't really look much too bad for it. Perhaps rather it was Ed who thought it didn't look so bad. Then again he knew he was a sucker for the macabre. Conventional beauty had it's place but it was a place he was not welcome. It wasn't a place he would be happy in even if he was welcome. Things that made people happy weren't for him.
The setting changes from The Citadel to The Wasteland
Even when you couldnβt boast a squeaky clean record of morality, kindness was one of the most priceless things to offer in times of need.
Clockwork had half a mind to address the Minaβs positioning, but decided against it- eyes instead focusing the movement of the greyish mush as she stirred. It didnβt take any sort of special Gift to take note of the...impression Clockwork gave off, and the little child was very much aware of this. She was just as aware that acting as if you had eyes on the back of your head could be as equally off putting. Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary, indeed.
She handed the opportunity to speak for the moment over to Soren, who gingerly took it, cupping it in both hands. Like a hot-potato game between the two- a childish comparison, but accurate nonetheless. Hold and pass, everyone gets a turn.
βI suppose youβre right.β A wan smile. βIt does seem that weβll have to move on soon, doesnβt it? Weβve been- oh, hello Ms. Kayla, good to see you- weβve been looking through a few of the maps left around, but the pickings have been slim, unfortunately. The most that weβve found is the location of a few other bases, but nowhere that would exactly be the best place to call βhomeβ. And- oh, thank you, by the way. Like weβve said, it really is no trouble.β By this point, Soren had moved over to one of the cupboards, rifling through its contents in search of a pot. That was one of the very few things about their little base he would miss when they left- a well-functioning kitchen.
(You would be content to live in a lionβs den as long as it had a oven, wouldnβt you)
(Not exactly- it would need a sink, too, after all)
Clockworkβs upper lip twitched.
βWe were thinking about asking one of the others if they knew any potential areas,β Clockwork said. βMany of them have been travelling for long enough to have an idea as to where we should head next.β The girl had been just about to turn on Kayla to ask her that very question when the company suddenly grew by two- or, well, three, if one were to count the ball of fur that had suddenly darted into the corner. Clockwork reflexively took a hold of the countertop to keep herself from getting knocked over by the creature, but as it passed, her eyes settled upon it curiously.
βA cat?β As one could easily expect of the healer by now, she didnβt immediately follow the route for others her age and hop off the stool after it. Instead, she merely watched as the cat stretched in the corner, soon getting distracted by a stray scrap of food that had fallen on the floor and beginning to bat at it. Again, a question came to mind, but she quickly snuffed it in favor of listening to Toby. Unlike Kayla, Clockwork had managed to catch the βashratβ comment, but remained silent on that point, as well. For as articulated as the man was, his background was still very much there, after all. This was something that Soren also found himself agreeing upon, and, as he drew the last of whatever utensils he had been searching for out of the cupboard, he turned to face both of their sensory Gifteds with an expression of concern.
βI believe we should,β he answered, unconsciously hefting the items upwards. βEven if this person merely stumbled upon this place, letting him roam freely after what has happened may be dangerous. And then- you said...Gale was with this person, as well?β
He left that thought hanging in air. There was no need for clarification, after all.
The setting changes from The Wasteland to The Citadel
Lulu had been punished for not terminating Skip? Skip had been set for terminating? This was a bit of a revelation...and really only served to make her feel more wretched from not people more helpful than she had. Still it told her a lot. It had not just been her that Balthazar had been out to destroy.
When Commander Botrelle went to answer the door, Kora took the opportunity to slip out of the way and pull on some of her cleaner clothing. Still aching all over, she did at least feel a little less pathetic. She was wrapping some adhesive bandages around the burned palms of her hands when Lulu returned.
"Oh...uh...yeah...probably." she responded to the question asking if she could keep food down. What that actually meant was that she hadn't really ingested anything other than painkillers, soda and alcohol in days, but that she'd not been vomiting blood since the day before, so guessed that it was okay.
The Knight set down at the coffee table as she tied the bandages off at her elbow, at least allowing her to get hold of things without the sharp stinging of untreated burns.
"You're right, he did set me up to fail.. but what can I do? Varren wants me out. Thinks I'll be better off at the front. How very magnanimous of him." she muttered, a little bitterly.
It was far from lost on her that Lulu had been re-instated in her post while she was getting unceremoniously booted out of the citadel. She could hardly feel resentment when she knew some of the unpleasantness thar had happened in the interim, but Kora could hazard a guess as to why it was.
"I don't exactly play the popularity game very well and it's not as if I've got too many friends in high places. Considering the things Piper had to say about me I think it's probably only having a foot of height on most Knights that's stopped be getting smacked in the face in the corridors."
Kora sighed, flexing her handss they rested on her lap.
"What am I gonna do, Lu? I think I'm really screwed this time.
----
Much of the Citadel that morning was cheifly concerned with the coming of the big ball. Commander Green was, of course, invited by default. His rank invited it. However that morning the research head was concerned with rather more pressing matters. Business did not simply end when there was some party on the horizon.
And certain researchers did not stop being captives of groups of fanatical terrorists either.
As the base began to stir, Green was stood within the fortified chamber of the teleportation zone, with its Knights stood guard on the exists and numerous signs bidding for ID and clearance cards.
His rather distinct presence was enough to allow him to enter with a short salute from the guard contingent. Tall, slender, his silvery-white hair shining beneath the halogen bar lights, he was hard not to recognize, even with out the bright, carnivorous eyes like radioactive malachite. The presence of the green-eyed figure also to allowd the man with him to pass without questioning.
That was helpful, as there had already been a fair amount of red tape and hoop-jumping involved to get Larke Sterling cleared to leave the Citadel when he was, by all accounts, supposed to be a prisoner held by Erubescan authority on a fairly long sentence. And year there Commander Green stood, ready to release him out into the Wasteland unaccompanied.
Some might say that that was madness.
Then again, some might also say that what the prisoner was planning to do was madness too, with Green expecting him to face off against a militant cell that had already claimed the lives of many far better prepared troops, let alone steal two people awat from them.
Of course, if Green felt that way about either of these matters, not a single hint of it could be seen in his face as he meticulously outlined the kit he would be sent with....standard field gear as well as an... 'enhanced' tracker in the unlikely event that he were to wander away.
"Now remember." the researcher stated.
"The group in question are not only violent, but very persuasive. If you are not attacked immediately they will most certainly try and manipulate you. I suspect that they will have similarly manipulated Helena, and encouraged her to fear us. Do not let this throw your judgement. Both her life, and the life of Miss Kovalenko depend on your success. I do hope, Mr Sterling, that you feel prepared for the risks of the mission?"
Green could be almost certain that he was not prepared, when so many had been utterly flattened by this persistent little invasive creeper of a group, spreading through the cracks of the Helton rubble. There was a very good chance he was sending this man straight into the fire, though there was no real remorse or concern in the mind of the Commander.
Worst came to worst, it would at least mean they were likely to panic and kill Oren before she gave away too much data.
You used all your options, even if the outcomes weren't always the ideal resolutions.
Green had taken to playing the longer games.
Kovaleko and Sterling were useful to have around, but ultimately disposable.
And he would take Helena eventually. One way or another.
Making his way inside, he stepped into line to grab some food, doing his best to drown out the noise. The line moved slowly, but he busied himself with people-watching until he reached the counter. He observed the food options warily, eyeing the unidentifiable meat in particular. Though he had survived on this food so far, he couldn't get used to the look of some of it. Nevertheless, he took some, along with some flat cakes, and went to find a table.
A good portion of them were full of people, and he was not looking to squeeze in. He didn't really want an empty table today either, though. As he was walking down an aisle, he spotted a familiar blonde sitting in her wheelchair at an otherwise empty table. Blinking, he approached the side of the table across from her. "Mind if I sit with you?" He asked.
The smell of food distracted him from that thought. "Clothes can wait." His sense of smell was keen for food, and Jack as still hungry. He didn't care if it wasn't up to some of the standards of his fellow Erubescians, he would still eat as much of it as he could.
As he walked, he saw two people chatting, although one seemed rather annoyed at the other. The second man didn't seemed phased by it though. Whoever it was he was trying to find, sure did sound like a sight to see. He was soon interrupted as his feet started to slide on the wet floor. "Holy smokes!" He slid forward on the floor trying not to fall, but it didn't take long before he felt himself starting to tip backwards. His feet were in the air. Desperate not to hit the ground, Jack reached for whatever he could. In his panic, he grabbed for the wall but instead punched through it, pulling parts of it down with him as he fell.
He hit the ground with a loud thud.
Jack laid there on the ground, with a fistfull of wall and a wet back. "Dammit.."
The setting changes from The Citadel to The Wasteland
Setting
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Wrong lication because Vit is a stupidface.
by VitaminHeart -
Misspelled word 'location' because Vit is more of a stupidface.
by VitaminHeart -
possible wrong location
by VitaminHeart
0.00 INK
The little serf, tucked away in an alcove in hopes that no-one would see her and come give her something else to do, was just raising the cup to drink when the sudden crash and sound of splintering drywall slipped it free from her grasp.
The cup went all fo a few inches before it froze in mid-air, contents sloshing about wildly, but mostly intact, before its owner grasped it again and wearily pulled up the mop and bucket.
Something was undoubtedly broken.
While technically, realistically and practically this fact was absolutely nothing to do with her, the lightbulb incident not so long prior had gone to teach her that some of the higher ranking staff members regarded anything that was not functioning or maintaining full integrity as being her own responsibility... and the consequences ended up painful more often than not.
Of course the dynamic might have changed in some way since the same person who had used their powers on her for failing to fix a bathroom light had also been the person she'd given first aid to after some severe round of torture... but she didn't exactly trust the actions of a certain Commander. Or indeed any of the others who didn't owe her anything.
It was better not to give anyone an excuse to shoot her again.
Caddie hopped dow the flight of steps, bucket bobbing unevenly behind her, right up to the point where the turned a corner at the west edge of the block and came across the sight of some Knight, lying on the floor with a handful of the wall in one hand. She met this with a tired sigh. Hardly the first time...but also hardly quick to fix either. Actual maintenance would drag their feet on it for weeks so she'd probably end up fielding flak from irate acolytes keen to pull rank to make themselves feel better.
Perhaps out of unwillingness to face this new unwelcome complication, Caddie's gaze drifted.
On the other side of this figure stood the surly custodian who'd been trying to insist she was in the wrong place (something she was still not happy with) and finally there was.
"...S-Skip?"
The bucket, mop and cup dropped to the floor, landing quite impressively upright as the telekinetic young woman stood in the centre of them like the middle of a ritual circle, grey eyes wide.
"Skip. You're...still..well..."
Realizing abruptly that this was probably more of a spectacle than she had realized it to be, the experiment loosened her posture and turned her gaze away, turning her hands inside each other.
"I mean...I'm glad you're okay...all that stuff. I thought something might have happened."
The setting changes from The Wasteland to Helton
The door slid open to one side, and the pale little face with wide, pinky-red bushbaby-esque eyes watched Spire from the centre of the room. The young girl had already gotten ready an dressed. The hooded top she'd been given was already pulled on, and her toy, the grotesque grinning coyote, had been stuffed through the central pocket, button eyes staring out emptily off to the girl's left.
Hel seemed a small, skinny creature. Her skin was pale, making her wild ginger hair more vivid, and also serving to make the scars on her face, her neck, and her shoulder stand a dakr pink against the tone of her skin.
While it was clear that some things must have happened to the girl at some point in her past, her time with the group had seen a noted improvement in her general condition. She had put on a little weight, and she no longer fought for breath when she walked. Her appetite also seemed to be gradually returning, to the point that she was anticipating breakfast with something approaching eagerness.
Of course she didn't say anything though. Hel was quiet much of the time, though her actions were often the things to speak for her.
Like the day before when she had deftly plunged a teleporter's own knife through his neck.
That was the problem with attempting to turn a young child into a weapon. They tended not to easily set upon who they were or were not allowed to use their skills on. Rei had discovered this to her cost numerous times. Even someone who would be an ally wasn't entirely immune from her spite, so it was maybe not surprising that it was Spire that she was closely bonded to.
"I'm ready." she responded, small and quiet as usual, as she trotted over to the man she had come to regard as a father figure...
Even if he was perhaps the worst of the group to take as one. Spire had shown her compassion, he had taught her things, like how to whittle with one of her mother's knives, and, possibly most importantly, he had promised to help her kill Dutch at some point, something she was still holding him to on some level.
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View All » Add Character » 81 Characters to follow in this universe
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Daevas
"I got you to look after me and you got me to look after you and that's why."
Agent Mayday
Liberty and Death
Olive
A little girl who loves her "parents".
Ava Thean
Councilor of Liberty Training
Tessa Avalon
Innocence mixed with Malice
Derrick Avalon
Cold Sunglass Wearing Bastard
Rick Ronin
"If your belief is worth dying for, it's worth killing for."
James Grimori
"Damien, why are you such a handful?"
Trending
Nathan Chandler
Please don't call him Wolfy
Jamie G. Horowizt
SCREAAAM SCREAAM I CAN'T HEAR YOU MY HEARINGS OUT SCREAM LOUDER
Id Gormly
"It's the thought that counts."
Soren Pelacour
"A good act can never drown a bad, although the former is still necessary."
Agent Mayday
Liberty and Death
Clockwork Pelacour
"No side is strictly 'right' or 'wrong'; only a blurred grey."
Azrael Gable
"Care for an ice cream sandwich?"
Drake Coleman
"You can kill me, but I'll just keep coming back."
Lulu Botrelle
"You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs, but the Devil's in the details"
Most Followed
Jamie G. Horowizt
SCREAAAM SCREAAM I CAN'T HEAR YOU MY HEARINGS OUT SCREAM LOUDER
Ava Thean
Councilor of Liberty Training
Azrael Gable
"Care for an ice cream sandwich?"
Temno Shadowveil
"Darkness shouldn't even be solid. That's why I can do anything."
Dutch Dalton
We we do what we damn well got to.
Olive
A little girl who loves her "parents".
Selene Donovan
Manicures and emotional manipulation
Lindsey Nightingale
Naive, playful blonde with a side-shave
Cecelia Brocktree
"If you don't have the strength to be happy, at least smile for everyone else's sake"
View All » Places
49 posts · 36 characters present · last post 2016-11-29 03:42:35 »
An apocalyptic landscape, most of it is covered by ash, earning the nickname "The Ashland"
33 posts · 11 characters present · last post 2016-11-21 01:33:07 »
Welcome to Liberty Base Alpha A. We hope you have a productive stay. This is a place for work, not play. Cheer for Liberty, hip hip hooray.
51 posts · 15 characters present · last post 2016-11-04 03:40:46 »
The Citadel Owner: ianna_334
The pinnacle of Erubesco glory, don't let the medieval inspiration distract you from the technological marvels it hides
30 posts · 19 characters present · last post 2016-11-03 06:15:09 »
The Wasteland ↪ Helton Owner: ianna_334
A nice safe place to rest... If you don't mind death, decay, and skeletons.
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