[center] [h1][color=red]S[/color] [i]a m u e l[/i] | T h e [color=#bd71e8]F[/color] r i t z[/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/YAOdhnj.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/yJysHSC.png[/img] [color=red]"Mediocre collab headers are my speciality."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]"Yeah, I see that."[/color] [color=888888]— Sam & The Fritz[/color] [hider=Status]Mission Accomplished.[/hider][/center] With the police precinct swept and cleared of all danger and the hostages tended to, one might not be blamed for thinking that Samuel was finally finished with his work, but that simply wasn't the case. In fact, truth be told, he considered the next part to be equal to the raid in terms of mental strain. He needed to meet with his boss and debrief. Samuel set off and left the police precinct behind him, but not before ducking into a room and discarding his shadow-borne demonic visage and returning to his mundane human form. There was a really specific reason for this. It wasn't that Samuel had read and memorized G.E.M.I.N.I's dress code and found that his demonic form did not adhere to the standards set by them, despite basing part of its appearance on his actual clothing. Or that he worried he might cause unnecessary panic or offense. No, it was far more personal than that. [color=red][i]My arm sure hurts! Being shot is quite an unpleasant feeling. Though I suppose not feeling it would have its unfavorable implications. Thank goodness I can change form to recover![/i][/color] Samuel carried onward without any incident, passing by a now-defunct racecar-themed diner and approaching a local grocery store, following the sidewalk despite there being no risk of traffic currently and walking at a normal pace. He even checked his email and made a quick call to an acquaintance that had rung him at some point during the operation. Eventually, the man reached his destination: the office of Dr. Fritzi Moller, situated somewhere beneath the aforementioned grocery store. Samuel's arrival was prompt but it was not familiarity that he owed for this. This would be his first time seeing the office situation in Pax Septimus and though his expression hid any ounce of it, well, he was a bit eager to see what it was like. With a light rap of his knuckles on the side of the door, he announced his presence to the woman who he hoped was inside. [color=#bd71e8]”Come in.”[/color] With Fritzi’s permission, Samuel opened the door and invited himself inside. This was not the first time he had stepped into one of Fritzi’s offices. Little of what he saw would surprise him. Fritzi had always stated how much she hated clutter and preferred to have the essentials and little else. The office was the same shade of white that they used in hospitals, illuminated by fluorescent lights. Her desk was a white rectangle, but it was far too glossy to be wood. Perhaps it was made out of plexiglass or some other synthetic material. The computer setup was pretty minimalist too, with only the keyboard and monitor visible. There didn’t seem to be any wires, but they were likely fed through the desk itself. There was a bookshelf on the back wall, but it was empty. Unlike the filing cabinets on either side which Fritzi seemed to be in the process of filling. But while Fritzi claimed to hate clutter, she did have a lot of things most people would consider frivolous. The top layer of her desk was transparent, and let multicolored lights shine through. They were displaying an animation of a pixel art spaceship firing on alien invaders. The ceiling also had a few model plains hung up here and there. Some of the planes were from the early years of flight while others were more modern or fantastical. There were sculptures of chemical compounds in bold colors that stood out against the pure white wall. There were also a few movie posters, everything from space operas, to frontier adventures, and even one for a magical girl anime. Otherwise, yea, Fritzi didn’t enjoy frills too much. [color=#bd71e8]”A lot of this was already here.”[/color] She said, despite Samuel remembering almost everything from her old office. [color=#bd71e8]”Saves me from having to unpack. So, you have something for me?”[/color] Samuel took in the view without uttering a word or changing expression, but he was comparing it to the office that resided in his mind. It was so... full, or that's what Samuel thought despite the room projecting the ‘minimalist’ vibe of its owner's preference. But you could gleam snippets of the person behind the room, albeit only a bit, through what little inhabited it. [color=red][i]The room still has the same feeling as the last one, even if they're completely different.[/i][/color] The man offered a courteous smile and did not show any skepticism towards Fritzi's excuse. He gave a slight nod to her question and then replied without further delay. [color=red]"A detailed recollection of the events that transpired within the police precinct to the best of my ability from the moment I finished clearing the perimeter of hostile chaotic elements, to the moment cleanup of the precinct had concluded. Also, there was a certain observation I had towards the end that I wished to bring to your attention, though I admit it could simply be trivial."[/color] Fritzi would find Samuel to stay true to his word as he recounted the events that happened and concluded not long ago. She didn’t have to try hard to paint a vivid picture in her mind of what happened from his descriptions which left little unsaid. It pointed to quite the memory and attention to detail, at least. [color=red]"...but mainly, there was a pair of bite marks on the back of King Cobra's neck that I couldn't help but associate with a vampire. Combined with his elongated cuspids and feral bite attempt preceding his demise, I am unable to ignore it."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”It’s an interesting detail, isn’t it?”[/color] Fritzi leaned forward in her seat. [color=#bd71e8]”But if he had bite marks, that makes him a thrall. Real vampires can’t make more vampires, instead, they make weaker versions of themselves that they can fully control. The bulk of the blood they drink they return to their master.”[/color] Fritzi started typing on her keyboard. [color=#bd71e8]”Shimr has a few vampire-related requests too, Hard to say if they’re true vampires or thralls yet, as even espers tend to confuse the two. Binky also overheard some espers mention vampires. Something about a violinist getting enthralled by a vampire named Justin. We have a bit of intel on Justin von Carnage, however…”[/color] She looked at Samuel. [color=#bd71e8]”Like I told Binky, It’s a little early to pin this all on a big bad like that.”[/color] She looked at Sam’s legs. [color=#bd71e8]”Next time you’re in here, I’ll have chairs. What’s it been, hours since we set up?”[/color] Samuel politely smiled. [color=red]“Only a few,”[/color] he answered, not bothering to retrieve his phone or look for a clock, leading one to believe he had already checked before entering the room. He continued, touching back on the subject of vampires momentarily. [color=red]“But not too long. I imagine I’ll spend more time studying whatever material we might have on vampires if only to separate known fact from fiction.”[/color] He seemed to consider saying more on the subject, but ultimately refrained. He then leaned ever so slightly on the balls of his feet. [color=red]“In any case, it’s probably for the best. Truth be told, I am unlikely to want to stand again for some time if I let myself relax now.”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”I guess that’s true.”[/color] She agreed. [color=#bd71e8]”As for vampires, there’s not a lot we really know. You can forget about most of the obscure details about them. Spreading mustard seed on your roof, refusing to extend them an invitation, things like that don’t work on them. The last vampire we found did take special care to kill. Unless you destroy its heart, it’ll keep on coming. Even a decapitation won’t end them, but you might find some amusement as they try to chase down their head and reattach it.”[/color] She tapped a single button on her keyboard. [color=#bd71e8]”I pretty much covered everything, but I’ve sent you all of our documentation, including footage of our tests. Best not to watch those in public, they’re pretty gruesome. Unless your date is into horror movies? Regardless, their arcane abilities are as varied as an espers, and we don’t yet know all of what Justin von Carnage can do.”[/color] After the business side of the discussion was taken care of, Fritzi folded her hands together. [color=#bd71e8]”You could hit the books right now, however...”[/color] The corners of her lips curled into a smile. [color=#bd71e8]”I wasn’t sure if you wanted to, you know, spar a bit with me?”[/color] Veronica's words gave Samuel pause and his smile dropped. [color=red]"Today was quite eventful,"[/color] he responded, slightly altering his stance to lean on a different part of his feet. [color=red]"...life-threatening situations do take a lot out of you, and that's not counting the notes I used during them..."[/color] his tone seems to suggest that he is going to decline but his eyes, briefly, lock on to Fritzi's smile before closing, taking a drawn-out breath. When he was done, his courteous smile reappeared and his opened eyes seemed to convey his acceptance. [color=red]"...though I suppose that is all the more reason to try to improve. And I don't think I've quite earned my rest, anyhow."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”Wonderful!”[/color] Fritzi clapped her hands together. [color=#bd71e8]”Right this way!”[/color] … … … The arena Fritzi chose as their sparring ground was not much larger than her office. It was worn out but had also been touched by Fritzi’s sense of whimsy. Plastered right over the peeling walls were more movie posters, including a horror one featuring a hospital that towered into the sky. But the appearance of the small room hardly mattered, as the two combatants were locked in a fight neither wanted to lose. A table sat between them, but that stopped neither one from brandishing their weapons. They took turns swinging at each other, each warrior wanting nothing more than to deal a decisive blow to the other one. They maneuvered around the table to try and get a shot in, but both were maintaining a pretty good defense. Then out of the blue, Fritzi raised her weapon over her head and stepped away from the table. With a savage swing, she delivered a strike that was sure to end the match. But her aim was off, and her attack ended up hitting a small net on the table. It wasn’t very big, but it reversed her attack, causing her to lose the round. The ping pong ball bounced off the table and landed in Fritzi’s open hand. [color=#bd71e8]”Your point I guess, not that we’re keeping score.”[/color] She spun the paddle in her hand before tossing the ball to Samuel [color=#bd71e8]”But if we were, you’d have some serious catching up to do.”[/color] Samuel’s labored breathing indicated he had been getting quite into the match, which made Veronica’s statement all the more depressing. [color=red]“...the match would be over if we had been. Seventeen to five. It was different when I was younger, but nowadays, games are played to eleven points.”[/color] He scratched the back of his neck. [color=red]“Admittedly, my pride has taken a resounding blow. Granted it was mostly the version that involved alcohol played with coworkers every now and then, but I usually was one of the better players. I don’t think people would get that impression were they to watch this…”[/color] Fritzi was elated by Samuel’s story. [color=#bd71e8]”Oh! Do you fancy yourself a drunken boxer then?”[/color] [color=red]“No,”[/color] he shook his head, chuckling at the idea and lying with ease that rivaled his autonomic breathing. But that didn’t stop her from moving. Fritzi walked over to one of the framed posters on the wall, looked at Samuel, and then raised a finger to her lips. She used her free hand to tip the poster out of the way, revealing a small safe. With her paddle still in her hand, she used the tip of her finger to turn a dial back and forth until the safe opened. She opened the door, pulled out a bottle, and used her hip to swing it shut. Then she came back to the ping pong table and set the bottle in front of Sam. [color=#bd71e8]”One of the pros to working under a grocery store is that this stuff is pretty easy to come by. I’m thinking about getting the safe removed and installing a fridge in its place.”[/color] He watched with curiosity as Veronica retrieved a bottle of beer and placed it before him. Strangely, he didn’t seem very surprised that it’s was there and twisted the top off easily. [color=red]“My former boss did something very similar and said he got the idea from his old boss,”[/color] Sam replied, taking a reserved sip. [color=red]“To keep their lunch fresh, and their water bottles cold, of course.”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”Former boss? I don’t think you’ve told me about him.”[/color] Fritzi raised an eyebrow. [color=#bd71e8]”Or her?”[/color] [color=red]“...from my former occupation as staff manager at the company I was affiliated with up until the incident that introduced me to the magical side of the world? [i]He[/i] was quite flippant, but never gave people reason to doubt his skills,”[/color] Sam explained. [color=red]“Also seemed to hold me in high regard, so my sudden resignation was quite the shock to him, I’m sure. But I can’t commit myself to a job like that AND my duty as a member of G.E.M.I.N.I, so…”[/color] He seemed to have put a good deal of thought into the subject. [color=red]“...I’m sure when and if my time with G.E.M.I.N.I comes to a close, my next employer will find the drastic shift quite interesting.”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”Good to know you don’t plan on entering retirement.”[/color] [color=red]“Not until I have to. If I even need to.”[/color] Samuel looked at the bottle for a moment, then took a drink. [color=red]“An Esper with a butler aesthetic tried to take my life today. This occupation comes with… unique hazards.”[/color] Fritzi barely had time to smile before the two were distracted by a buzzing sound. It was Fritzi’s tablet, which was vibrating under her coat. [color=#bd71e8]”I thought the whole point of ‘vibrate’ was that it wasn’t supposed to make noise.”[/color] She hoisted her tablet out of her lab coat and scrolled a bit. [color=#bd71e8]”But I suppose we can’t be too picky when fate throws us a bone.”[/color] She set the tablet down on the end of the table beside the bottle of beer. It was a page on Shimr discussing some footage that had been recorded by security cameras at the Great Escape. There in plain view was Justin Von Carnage trouncing around like he owned the place. [color=#bd71e8]”Pretty ballsy for him to show up at one of the freelancer’s ‘outposts.’ What do you make of this?”[/color] Sam had only known Fritzi for his short time working with G.E.M.I.N.I., but he knew she was already coming to her own conclusion. Samuel ponders the question for a minute. [color=red]“Either a blessing or a curse,”[/color] he would say, but his expression betrays that he doesn’t think it’s positive in the least. [color=red]“How much are you willing to stake on him being fatally arrogant?”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”His arrogance isn’t unjustified.”[/color] Fritzi looked back at the video. [color=#bd71e8]”Until recently the Iron Queen ensured esper resistance in the area was crushed under her heel. It’s only natural for a few people to become complacent in her absence. Though he’s also fairly strong, even by the standards of a vampire. He could have grown accustomed to going where he pleased. Or, we have some pretender on our hands.”[/color] [color=red]"I'll pity him if he's just someone playing pretend. He's clearly ignorant of what that entails, and it's not going to end well for him,"[/color] She tapped her finger against her arm. [color=#bd71e8]”I’m sorry, you mentioned an esper that looked like a butler? What exactly do you remember about them?”[/color] [color=red]"In hindsight, I should have immediately identified them as an Esper. My lesser experience in these tense situations could've cost us everything..."[/color] He lamented his oversight but didn't let it trip him up for long. [color=red]"Anyway, appearance-wise, he was an older gentleman who, as I've said, looked like a butler or waiter from the clothes he was wearing. His attitude matched, too. Even in that chaotic battle, he saw it fit to introduce himself as 'Servant Sofron'."[/color] Samuel mimicked the action of pointing his hand at Veronica as though he was going to fire a note. [color=red]"A single melody from him drastically changed the momentum we had gained in battle up to that point. He set the hallway we were in ablaze, and more than that, it hindered my own ability to conjure up retaliation."[/color] His voice suggested a mixture of awe and a smidge of terror, ironically. [color=red]"There is no doubt in my mind that he was the strongest individual in that building out of the ones I encountered, at least in terms of magical talent."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”That sounds a lot like Baleful Sofron.”[/color] Fritzi eyed the tip of Samuel’s finger. [color=#bd71e8]”He doesn’t exclusively work for Justin, but he has worked with him in the past on numerous occasions. I’m almost a hundred percent sure he was there to oversee Cobra Gang’s success. Justin Von Carnage is becoming an attractive target.”[/color] She flicked her eyes up to Sam and grinned. [color=#bd71e8]”I dont think your time reading up on vampires will be wasted.”[/color] Samuel took one last look at the 'vampire', then shrugged. [color=red]"Either way, yes, I'm sure I'll get mileage out of this knowledge. I didn't notice bite marks on anyone else in the precinct, and I don't believe they suddenly became a fad… not that I keep up with those, mind you.”[/color] He stood up straight, clenching a determined fist. [color=red]"It's just another problem to be dealt with, in any case. With proper preparation, we'll inevitably cross that check off the list."[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”If thralls keep showing up, he’ll definitely be our next target.”[/color] She slipped the tablet back into her coat. [color=#bd71e8]”The last operation went as well as could be expected, but I think G.E.M.I.N.I. needs to prove it can stand without the help of the freelancers.”[/color] She fret her brow. [color=#bd71e8]”Did you see them? They had the audacity to expect on-site catering? No wonder Pax Septimus is the way it is.”[/color] With a sigh, she tipped her head. [color=#bd71e8]”Though I guess it’s understandable. We just happened to show up days after Penny was declared missing. It probably looks like we were afraid of her. All the more reason to show everyone we’re worth their tax dollars.”[/color] [color=red]“The operation would not have proceeded half as smoothly without Freelancer aid, which is something I loathe to see.”[/color] At some point, Samuel managed to drink half the beer. He looked at the drained bottle with pensive eyes. [color=red]“Outsourcing has its uses, of course, but being reliant upon it does G.E.M.I.N.I no favors. The moment there’s a lull in payment, we’ll see those very same Freelancers beside Maverick, most assuredly.”[/color] Samuel’s tone does little to hide his dislike for either of the other factions, but with prior conversations in mind, Veronica would likely have gathered that he particularly disliked Freelancers. He remains silent for a few moments, then speaks as though the edge in his tone never occurred.. [color=red]“On my end, I suppose I will work towards becoming a better asset for G.E.M.I.N.I, so that there is less pressure for outsourcing.”[/color] The doctor’s lips curled into a smirk. [color=#bd71e8]”Then we are going to need to spar more to get you back into shape.”[/color] Fritzi picked up the bottle, only to stop when she realized how light it was. Her eyes looked down at the bottle. [color=#bd71e8]”Hmmm, I wonder if they make refrigerated safes.”[/color]