[center][h2]Diver's Paradise[/h2]
[sub]The going-only-okay Divers gathering[/sub][/center]

    Alvios Maeti stepped forward now, giving Tinon a reassuring pat on the shoulder. He took a long gaze across the sea of Divers. Now that the inspirational speeches and the main worries were out in the open, his eyes scanned the crowd, wondering if any Divers would be standing out to him. It was his job, after all. Divers weren't some government, or some army; they were the rebels, and rebels sometimes went into No-man's-land just to escape things like hierarchy and orders. He just had to make sure that his friend's speech didn't turn this into chaos.

     [color=darkviolet]"Remember everyone, we're [b]Divers![/b] We have all come out here for our own reasons, but unquestionably, we wanted freedom, in some shape or form. If you don't want to fight, we won't force that. However, if we [i]don't[/i] fight, as my friends have said, that freedom could be stripped away from us. Diver's Paradise will still be open to you all, whatever your decision. If you plan on fighting, gather near the southern exit. Supplies will be waiting there, and you should group up properly and band together against this CMAS threat. Now more than ever, looking out for each other is going to be very important. Against CMAS dogs, and whatever Junkers have decided to help them."[/color]

     Alvios took another look across the crowd, to see if what he had said changed anything. Only a handful more Divers had walked out now, likely some newbies wondering if they'd be kicked out of Diver's Paradise for not helping. Still others murmured with a little more ease, knowing that they wouldn't be running in without some semblance of a plan. And just a few were inspired further by the idea of kicking some Junker ass. [color=darkviolet][i]About what I excpected,[/i][/color] he mused, looking over at Laura once to see if she had anything to say. He didn't wait long, though. She was keen on keeping to herself, and was probably busy seeing if there were any Divers in the crowd that they should be wary of. He'd probably hear from her telepathically before audibly.

     [color=darkviolet]"If you have questions for us, go ahead and ask now while we're still all grouped up."[/color]
[@Jensoman][@FateWeaver][@Sessamaru][

[hr]
[center][h2]Arcadia[/h2]
[sub]CMAS Council Hall, before the S-S meeting[/sub][/center]

     "...Understood, Sulfrax? You aren't allowed to interfere with the S-S Project anymore until we say otherwise. It was a hard decision for us all, I assure you--"

     [color=lightcoral]"This decision is foolish, Sir Duvell. The only reason this initiative is even possible is because of my work. I have tolerated you wrapping me up for years now, but this project is mine. I [b]will[/b] see this come to fruition."[/color] Sulfrax was outwardly calm, but inside, he was livid. His hood was drawn back, and individually he eyed each of the council members with disdain, his gaze stopping and holding on Sydney. The council hall was arranged similarly to a courthouse, with the four members of the council sitting on high, while he stood before them. The room was overly spacious; rows of empty seats were behind him, for meetings with multiple official people, to discuss things that the public didn't need to hear.

     Sydney pinched his brow in annoyance. He had long since grown tired of dealing with Sulfrax; the man was respectable in the past. Now, he was delving deeper into his own special brand of insanity by the day. "No, Sir Lauchlin, you will [b]not.[/b] Our decision is final. You've grown too reckless to be a part of this. The S-S Project is going to succeed, and we will not be having any of your input. We have plans for the people, not your selfish desires."

     Sulfrax rose his brow slightly, then lowered his head, pulling up his hood.[color=lightcoral]"...Hmph. I suppose you [i]do[/i] have final say, Council. However, it is not on my hands if this project goes awry without my helping hands, Sydney."[/color]

     Sydney's eyes narrowed, leaning forward slowly. "Is that a threat, Mr. Lauchlin?"

     [color=lightcoral]"...I'm not sure. Goodbye, High Councilman Duvell.[/color] the forsaken Arch Mage said solemnly, turning to leave. Years of his work were being stripped from him, and finally they had cut him off completely. He didn't really want vengeance, though. He was more disappointed now than anything. Perhaps he would just head back to Hyznia, and just try to forget about it all. He could find something better to do, surely.
[hr]

[center][h2]Arcadia[/h2]
[sub]Outside the Survey Initiative HQ[/sub][/center]

     Sulfrax could hardly believe that they were sending [i]Divers[/i] to handle the initial surveillance. He didn't hold a strong disdain for the group, but he did think they were idiots trying to get themselves killed at the prospect of finding pretty trinkets and a free hand from the government's thumb. What a waste. If they wanted power, they could train. If they wanted money, they could find honest work. And freedom was an abstract concept anyway.

     [color=lightcoral][i]The S-S Project will fail without me. My official leave will be spent observing my work, even if I don't get to play a part. Or maybe I should, just to see how Sydney's replacement fares in my stead,[/i][/color] were Sulfrax's thoughts as he waited a short distance away from the northern gate of the Survey Initiative HQ, curious about the events to come.

[@tatszico][@Unfortunately]