[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/laRMrIG.png[/img]
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[color=teal]Location:[/color] [color=orange]United Nations Building, New York City[/color]
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The crisp, clean hallways of the United Nations Building felt more alien to Kaldur'ahm than anything he had seen in his years since breaching the surface and becoming a part of two worlds. How the surface dwellers loved their straight lines, white walls, and shiny floors. He didn't understand why they wanted things to be so...sterile all the time. The buildings of Atlantis were swirling, sweeping works of art that cradled you in their embrace. They were as alive as the beings that lived in them. Here they were nothing more than a space you closed yourself off from nature in. He would never understand it.

Still, he was here on important business, and as strange as they still were to him, he enjoyed working with the people of the surface in order to advance his king's goals. Orin had sent him in his stead to brief the UN's science committee on ongoing ocean cleanup efforts between the two peoples. It was going well, even if there were some southeast Asia countries that could be doing more to stem the tide of plastics entering the ocean. Still, things were improving, and that was good news.

"Kaldur," the lead of the UN science team, a Doctor Khatri from India, smiled and shook his hand. "We're so glad to have you here."

[color=teal]"King Orin and Queen Mera send their apologies,"[/color] he smiled politely at her, knowing he was not their first choice to address the gathered delegates. Orin, the Aquaman, just held far more sway of these kinds of people. Kaldur was not bitter at this. It was merely fact. The King of Atlantis was far more prestigious and inspiring than the King's squire. But the Aqualad would do his duty, and do it well. For that was what his king had charged him. [color=teal]"I do hope the scientific council are not too disappointed to be briefed by a sidekick."[/color]

"Oh!" she was taken aback with surprise. "Not at all! In fact I think it will reassure everyone that there is another generation of Atlantis ready to stand for our efforts in the future."

The thought brought a slight smile to his face. After all that had happened over the years, from Orm's attempted takeover of the surface, to Black Manta's repeated attempts to destroy Atlantis, it heartened Kaldur that the two peoples were creating a lasting partnership for the betterment of the planet. Aquaman always said that people were stronger together, and Kaldur took pride in the fact that he himself was helping to bridge some gaps.

[color=teal]"That is a welcomed point of view, Dr. Khatri,"[/color] he nodded to her. [color=teal]"Whenever you are ready, I have my address prepared, signed off on by the King himself."[/color]

"Well, that's just great!" she smiled broadly. "If you want to follow me, we can get on with it right awa-"

A low rumble jostled through the building, and everyone around Kaldur'ahm fell into a deep silence. His eyes narrowed to worried slits. After a few moments, a pair of UN guards began trotting down the hallway towards him. The first snapped to attention, "Sir, we've been ordered to inform you that you...uhh...may be needed, sir."

[color=teal]"There's no need to salute me,"[/color] Kaldur waved him off, embarrassed. [color=teal]"What's the situation?"[/color]

"Something unknown beamed down into the city," the other guard filled him in. "That's about all we known so far. We can give you the location."

[color=teal]"Thank you,"[/color] he nodded to the pair of them before turning to Dr. Khatri. [color=teal]"My apologies, Doctor. Our address will have to wait for another time."[/color]

He headed off back to where he had left his water pack, knowing he would need it to deal with whatever was going on in the city. As he retrieved it, he fought the urge to call King Orin. The king had more important matters to attend to, and Aquaman had made it clear to Kaldur that he needed to try and stand on his own more.

[color=orange]"Kaldur,"[/color] the king's voice echoed through his head, [color=orange]"you have served me well. But the world now needs you more than I do. It is time for you to start carving your own path, past failures be damned. It is time for you to become the man you were meant to be, and the hero the world needs you to be."[/color]

Kaldur'ahm was not sure if his king was correct, but he had his orders. He pushed aside any trepidation he felt and prepared himself for battle. He would not fail his king. He would not fail Atlantis.