[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISM1z9BSED0][img]https://i.imgur.com/5B3hkEZ.png[/img][/url] [sub][@Ponn][@FamishedPants][/sub] Su had been caught off guard when Samuel thanked her for saving him earlier. In Su’s own mind, people had gotten hurt under her leadership, and things would have gone smoother had she been a bit more capable in that role. She should have remained to protect Silmeria and relied on Samuel to push the front line. But Samuel’s comments reminded her that in the end, there was success and failure, and they had succeeded in surviving if nothing else. She was going to talk with the others, but it seemed like they had already started to depart for home. Su would be leaving too, but Samuel offered to go to the ice cream truck with everyone, and that seemed like a nice way to wrap up the operation. And that was why she was holding an ice cream cone right now. Not just any cone, this was a waffle cone, likely cooked on a griddle before being dipped in a chocolate glaze and coated in rainbow sprinkles. It was overflowing with “fourth of july” ice cream, which was vanilla ice cream mixed with strawberries and blueberries. It was topped with whipped cream, a chery, and drizzled with caramel. The area was isolated by government agents, some of which were also enjoying ice cream. The threat of monster attacks had evaporated and there was no reason for the espers to remain in the esper state as they enjoyed their treats. Su spun the cone under her tongue, savoring each flavor it came in contact with. [color=peachpuff]”This good idea!”[/color] She looked at her comrades and smiled. Su received a nod from Samuel in response. Sam ate from a small disposable bowl and spoon instead of a cone. He had a few scoops of strawberry ice cream and no toppings to speak of but appeared to be taking just as much enjoyment out of it. [color=red]"Yes. Especially after how...heated things became in there. Some of us nearly became Crispers instead of Espers, so I have to admit that ice cream was perfect for a post-operation treat,"[/color] he agreed. Although Ashley had initially been reluctant to accept Silhouette’s offer to join him for ice cream, she had ultimately relented and now stood beside a government vehicle, holding a small bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge. Staring down at it, she couldn’t help but frown at how relaxed Breacher and Silhouette both sounded. Perhaps it was just a byproduct of their considerable experience, compared to her own, but after all the horror and suffering she had witnessed, she didn’t have much reason to be happy, and she certainly didn’t have much of an appetite… Still, perhaps the comfort food would do her some good, she reflected, and after having a spoonful of her “post-operation treat”, the young agent had to admit that she [i]did[/i] feel a bit better. Not much, mind you, but at least it was something. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I’m… um, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to fix your hands back there,”[/color] she told Silhouette, while nervously adjusting her glasses. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“If I had known you were so badly injured, I would have helped you right away.”[/color] [color=peachpuff]”You no need be sorry, he past it now! Can you see?”[/color] Su Pointed at his hands, or maybe his ice cream, with her free hand. [color=peachpuff]”He can hold spoon and bowl, in time, sword and knife.”[/color] With a huff, her hand moved onto her hip. [color=peachpuff]”Anyone be sorry, I be sorry. I got him burned, but Silhouette thank me anyway. Getting hurt part of job.”[/color] Su licked her cone a few more times. [color=peachpuff]”I just glad you not hurt. Right Silhouette?”[/color] Samuel appeared to find Breacher’s chiding entertaining, and laughed a bit. He looked Ashley in the eyes. [color=red]“Agent Breacher is quite correct. And it is not as though you ran away from me when I was asking for assistance. I knowingly made the choice to separate us when that fighting began when you were available. If anything, it would make more sense for me to apologize for disturbing you while you were trying to concentrate on a melody.”[/color] Sam dug his plastic spoon into his ice cream and took a small bite before continuing. [color=red]“I was quite genuine in my praise for you, Orion. I truly believe you handled this mission as well or even better than anyone could expect of you. You certainly have nothing to apologize to me for. I’d rather thank you for getting back to us in one piece.”[/color] Sam’s tone became a bit less lively at the end as the people they failed to rescue came to his thoughts. Ashley listened in silence as Breacher reassured her that she had nothing to apologize for, somewhat taken aback by the intensity of the draconic esper’s insistence. Silhouette followed that up with reassurances of his own, along with reiterating his earlier compliments on her performance, causing the young agent’s cheeks to redden slightly. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Thank you, Silhouette,”[/color] she replied softly. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“You’re very kind. And you’re probably right,”[/color] she conceded with a small sigh. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Still, if I’m being honest, I can’t help but feel I failed those hostages, and those poor people Justin had trapped in that chamber I was portaled to. I only hope those still alive can be healed somehow…”[/color] [color=peachpuff]”Not going to let it go, mmmm?”[/color] Su lowered her face down to Ashley’s level. Even off duty, Su was exceptionally tall. [color=peachpuff]”This mission bad, no doubt there. More like it await us. More worse too.”[/color] She leaned against the side of the truck and looked back at the mansion. [color=peachpuff]”They weaker than us, they use hostages to make us wait. Initiative everything in fight. You wait, you lose. We save hostages, we die. Then they die later. It sick, but it true. Can’t save everyone.”[/color] She looked back to Ashley, no longer concerned with what her cone was doing. [color=peachpuff]”I inexperienced once too. Farm house, dead of night, disturbance. Expected monsters, just gangsters with guns. They take hostages before we arrive.”[/color] She sighed. [color=peachpuff]”They shoot, we don’t. They use hostages as shields. We no fire back. We get wounded, some die. They flee.”[/color] Su sighed. [color=peachpuff]”Too angry, gave chase, was quiet. They think they alone, they no longer need hostages. They shoot, kill most, then escape. I make sure none escape.”[/color] Her unblinking stare rested on Ashley. [color=peachpuff]”I bury a family that day.”[/color] She looked back at the mansion. [color=peachpuff]”We no get to decide who live. We no decide who die either. We follow orders and help who survive.”[/color] Su took a bite out of her ice cream cone. [color=red]"...O-of course, that's not to say you're expected to abandon those feelings!"[/color] Samuel hurriedly added while nearly dropping his bowl, the atmosphere taking quite the nosedive. Su suddenly telling quite the depressing tale had successfully managed to put a small dent in Samuel's composure. He cleared his throat and continued. [color=red]"We are all only too human after all and a monster, either figuratively or literally, would use that humanity against us. It is why Billy Black is so dangerous. Because a tragic situation like today or as in Breacher’s past can and will happen. The difference between the worst-case scenario and the best-case can come down to whether or not we let those emotions motivate us or control us."[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I understand…”[/color] Ashley said quietly once Breacher had finished telling her disheartening story and Silhouette had offered something of a rebuttal/clarification. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“And I’ll do my best to become stronger,”[/color] she added in a far firmer voice. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“That said, I’ll never just write someone off as beyond saving, not as long as I can do something about it. I know that sometimes not everyone can be saved, but if there’s even a slim chance I can help someone in need, I’m going to take it!”[/color] she vowed, her countenance filled with determination, which created quite the comical juxtaposition with the bowl of ice cream she was holding. [color=peachpuff]”Eh.”[/color] Su waved her hand at Ashley. [color=peachpuff]”Silhouette knows what I say. Maybe you understand later. Just stay alive, okay? ”[/color] With a shake of her head, she looked back at her ice cream cone. It was nearly all gone. [color=peachpuff]”I met my daughter that day too, so, who know what good or bad?”[/color] Her chin trembled, but just for a moment. [color=peachpuff]”What everyone do later? Going to shop after I clean up.”[/color] The change in subject seemed to be just what Silhouette wanted, judging by the strain in his features disappearing. [color=red]"In a normal case I would be scrambling to write my report before I could potentially forget any details... but I don't think I'll have that problem this time,"[/color] Sam told them, though his tone suggested it was memorable for all the wrong reasons. He gave himself a second or two to think and also took the last bite out of his bowl, looking at Su as he answered. [color=red]"I have a small obligation to play at a bar later tonight, but apart from that I may just grab some eggs and milk on the way home and relax until then."[/color] His eyes then moved to Ashley, waiting to see what the rest of the day had in store for her. [color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Her daughter…?[/i][/color] Ashley thought to herself, before recalling that there had been at least one survivor of the massacre Su had described. [color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Oh… I see… She must have adopted her,[/i][/color] the young agent realized, somewhat relieved to know that despite Breacher’s outward detachment, she still clearly cared enough to provide a home to a suffering child, and as far as Ashley was concerned, that counted for a lot. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Yes,”[/color] she acknowledged with a determined nod when the draconic esper asked her to stay alive. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I’ll do my best to.”[/color] Conversation then moved to what they would be doing once they returned home. Breacher noted that she would just be taking care of some chores, but when Silhouette mentioned filling out an after-action report, Ashley felt her throat tighten up. The horrors of the recent operation were still fresh in her mind, but she had no doubt that putting what she had experienced into words would accentuate them even further. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I suppose I’ll be filling out my own report,”[/color] she told them in a sullen voice. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I had initially planned to have a video chat with my younger brother, but after everything I encountered today, I just don’t think I’m in the right mindset for it…”[/color] she added, doing her best not to think about the young boy she had seen, the boy who easily could have [i]been[/i] her brother. The boy who was probably dead now. Because of [i]her…[/i] [color=peachpuff]”I also write report later, but bar job!”[/color] Su snapped over to Samuel. [color=peachpuff]”You real musician? I know piano, but been long time since I play. Not sure I could please crowd.”[/color] She chuckled. [color=peachpuff]”What bar? Maybe I watch you play later?”[/color] She shoved the rest of her cone into her mouth. Samuel momentarily looked shocked before his features settled into a wide smile and his eyes lit up with a pure delight. Su clearly struck a positive chord in him by asking about it. [color=red]"It's more of a hobby I am mediocre at than anything, so it feels weird for me to call myself a musician..."[/color] he rubbed the back of his neck, the smallest hint of crimson invading his features. [color=red]"But I have been playing the electric bass for some years now. Recently, I started to learn the double bass, but well I am not quite there yet. I don’t think anyone would want to hear that. More importantly, the place I frequent, Red Vivace, has a few solid local jazz bands I've acquainted myself with and one of them asked me to act as a substitute tonight. I doubt it will be the cleanest performance since I’m not actually part of their band, but I would welcome your company.”[/color] Samuel went to take a bite of ice cream when he suddenly realized the unfortunate fact that it was all gone. He momentarily excused himself to throw his bowl and spoon away. Even if it was only by a little bit, this short trip had the added effect of calming him down, so he cast a glance at his fellow agents when he returned, finding a downtrodden Ashley to be an unpleasant sight. [color=red]"So,"[/color] he began. [color=red]"How about you, Orion? What music you listen to? Play instruments?"[/color] Having forced herself to return to eating her ice cream, while Breacher shifted the conversation to Silhouette’s part-time job, Ashley was slightly caught off guard when the totally-not-a-real-musician asked about [i]her[/i] tastes in music. Gulping down the spoonful of ice cream (and shuddering a bit in the process), the young agent did her best to address the question that had been posed to her. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“What do [i]I[/i] like to listen to?”[/color] she repeated. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, mostly stuff that I can play when I study, like ambient and classical, with a little EDM, on occasion. As for instruments, I took violin lessons in high school, and I can play a few songs on my parents’ piano, but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly talented,”[/color] she added with a fragile smile, while nervously adjusting her glasses. Su gave a nod of approval. [color=peachpuff]”Good instruments. Mika also like study music, but I not see her study unless I there with her. She like… Chill beats?”[/color] Su shrugged her shoulders. [color=peachpuff]”She spoiled. You seem like hard studier!”[/color] She tapped Ashley’s shoulder with her knuckles. [color=peachpuff]”Still thinking about going to college?”[/color] ​​[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Oh, um, t-thank you,”[/color] Ashley replied when Breacher complimented her study habits. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“A-And yes, I would very much like to attend college. I’ve been looking into some schools in the area, but I’m not sure if I can balance my work with G.E.M.I.N.I. and a full course load,”[/color] she added with a frown. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I mean, I suppose I could just go part-time, but most of the programs I would be interested in frown on that…”[/color] Samuel nodded in intimate understanding of the dilemma. [color=red]“Similarly, I had to concede my position in a company I had been with for some years when I joined G.E.M.I.N.I. It wasn’t feasible to work both. I’m sure whatever your decision is, it will work out in the end. You’re quite the bright kid.”[/color] Sam gave his opinion. [color=red]“Though I suppose I should ease up on the praise at least for today. Wouldn’t want it to go to your head.”[/color] he gave a small chuckle, clearly teasing. After a lingering silence in the group, Samuel decided to speak up. [color=red]“Well, I’ve enjoyed speaking to you both and thank you for coming with me. Fate willing, we could do this again in a less… hostile environment. I’m sure it’d be much more pleasant. The situation is looking like we’ll be doing quite a bit of work together in the future, so I’d like to give you both my contact info, but I won’t take offense if you’d rather not.”[/color] [color=peachpuff]”I good with contact info!”[/color] Su eagerly pulled out her phone to exchange numbers. [color=peachpuff]”You too Orion! I take your number!”[/color] Once they had given their answers and got that squared away, Samuel would offer them both the best and excuse himself. [color=peachpuff]”Handsome man’s number…”[/color] She smiled at Ashley after putting away her phone. [color=peachpuff]”We get Justin next time. No worry about it.”[/color] She patted the new recruit on the shoulder before departing. Ashley was stunned speechless for several seconds after Silhouette complimented her intelligence, the young esper’s cheeks turning a bright red. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I-I won’t,”[/color] she whispered with an adorably embarrassed smile when the veteran agent jokingly advised her not to let his praise go to her head. After a brief period of silence, a suggestion to exchange contact information was made, to which Ashley eagerly agreed. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Oh, of course!”[/color] she told her fellow agents while retrieving her phone from her pocket. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“And I’d love to hang out with the two of you again under more peaceful circumstances, that is, if you’ll have me,”[/color] she added, not exactly wanting to be a proverbial third wheel to the two older and more [s]romantically compatible[/s] experienced agents. Once phone numbers had been exchanged, the trio got ready to depart, with Breacher offering their youngest member some words of encouragement. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Thank’s Breacher,”[/color] Ashley told the draconic esper. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“And you’re right,”[/color] she added, her voice filled with renewed confidence. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“We will!”[/color] [color=MediumSpringGreen][i]I’ll [b]count[/b] on it…[/i][/color] [hr] [h2][color=00aeef][b]Marrie Knight[/b][/color][/h2] [sub][@The World][/sub] Marrie was quite the multitasker. She was hitting up a mysterious user about a job, asking Tetrad about a head for Stacy, digging up information on Von Carnage’s property, all while babysitting a headless zombie. Not exactly a normal morning for Marrie, but such was the life of an esper. Her phone rang. It seemed Tetrad was interested in talking with her directly instead of sending text messages. Marrie hadn’t spoken with her a lot on the phone, so it was hard to tell if this was normal behavior for her or not. Regardless, she answered her phone. [color=75c159]”Hey, um… Hi.”[/color] Tetrad sounded exhausted. Though she was likely involved with the assault on Justin’s mansion, and if there was one thing Marrie could confirm about the operation, it was that it was unsuccessful. [color=75c159]”I’m sorry, your last text, was that a joke? You want a human head?”[/color] [color=00aeef]”Uh… yeah. I found a zombie who lost hers helping me out, and apparently she takes replacements?”[/color] Marrie looked over at Stacy, wondering again how that works. [color=00aeef]”I’m hoping there’s a simple way to get one that’s not like… grave robbing or anything.”[/color] [color=75c159]”Oh.”[/color] Tetrad sighed. [color=75c159]”The last operation left quite a few corpses, but I don’t think you’re going to get very close to them with the GEMs present. But that’s the thing about Pax Septimus, corpses aren’t too hard to find. I’m glad you’re okay.”[/color] [color=00aeef]”Thanks. Are you okay? You don’t really sound like you are, to be honest. I don’t like the sound of an operation that left a lot of corpses though…”[/color] Marrie looked again at Stacy. [color=00aeef]”I… I don’t know what to say.”[/color] [color=75c159]”Justin had some kids that knew just enough fire magic to get by and threw them at us. It was not pleasant.”[/color] Tetrad cleared her throat. [color=75c159]”We tried not to kill them, but it’s hard to do that and survive yourself, and one of the hires ended up taking their spear to a few of them. I don’t really want to get into details, but it was more than a little messy. Then at the end of it all, most of the freelancers ended up switching sides. It kind of reminded me of the operation we did together, only it was worse because we had four of them and only one stayed.”[/color] Her voice cracked. [color=75c159]”One, one of my friends ended up getting captured. I don’t know what they’re going to do to her but, well, I’ll be fine. I’m fine.”[/color] Marrie’s eyes widened as she listened to Tetrad’s story. [color=00aeef]”Oh. Oh my god. That’s… that’s horrible! I… Is there any way I can help? Who captured her, Justin or GEMINI? I’m looking to find Justin now, but maybe a freelancer would have a better chance of getting your friend back? I don’t know, I just… I want to help if I can. I’ve fucked up badly enough already, so I’m afraid I’d make things worse, but, I’m willing to give it my all to help out if there’s something I can do.” [/color] [color=75c159]”Marrie…”[/color] Tetrad sighed again, but when she spoke, she sounded a bit more upbeat. [color=75c159]”I don’t want you to get in trouble. Jez is pretty high up in our group, and the GEMs are going to get suspicious if you ask them to free what they consider a [i]terrorist[/i]. That’s assuming- Wait, You’re looking for Justin too?”[/color] Marrie couldn’t see it, but she was sure Tetrad tried to hold back a laugh. [color=75c159]”You didn’t take the job to hunt Justin, did you? Why are you searching for him now?”[/color] Marrie paused. Should she really even tell Tetrad what happened? It wasn’t like it was gonna stay a secret for long. [color=00aeef]”Uh… moralistic stuff on what a terrorist is and isn’t [i]aside[/i], I told you that I really fucked something up, and now I’m trying to make things better. The best way to do that is to find him, even if I can’t do anything myself, if I can locate him then others can fix things. Someone’s in danger because of my mistake, and I can’t just let that go.”[/color] [color=75c159]”I guess we’re in the same boat then huh? Just two espers that made regrettable decisions.”[/color] She hummed to herself. [color=75c159]”Well, just remember what Pax Septimus is currently like. As badly as we screw up, it’s not like things are getting worse. It’s just that they’re staying the same.”[/color] With a snort, Tetrad continued. [color=75c159]”You know what? We’re going to have pizza later. We’ll discuss how we’re going to tackle this stuff then. When are you available?”[/color] [color=00aeef]”That depends on where it is, I guess? I don’t really want to leave my new zombie friend alone for too long, so if it’s somewhere more discreet, that would be nice. But I’m free whenever, I’ve made no progress on the Justin thing, so I could use a break.”[/color] Marie paused for a moment. [color=00aeef]”I gave her a biker’s helmet but it would be weird to have someone in a helmet who doesn’t talk or eat go into a restaurant. This isn’t Durarara or anything, so that could attract attention.”[/color] [color=75c159]”Should I just bring pizza to your place?”[/color] Marrie’s mouth hung open for a moment. She hadn’t thought of that possibility. [color=00aeef]”Yeah, that would be great.”[/color] She rattled off her address before the thought that doing so might not be the best idea ever crossed her mind. Well, she trusted Tetrad anyway, and Stacy would know it once she got a new head, so it wasn’t a big deal. [color=75c159]”Cool beans! I’ll be there in thirty!”[/color] Before Tetrad hung up, she had just one more thing to say. [color=75c159]”Oh, um, and Marrie?”[/color] She sounded a little sheepish. [color=75c159]”When I come, I’m not going to be in my esper form. I think that’s best for everyone. You uh, you can call me Luna in such instances, alright? I’ll see you later. Thanks for the talk.”[/color] [color=00aeef]”Oh, okay. Thank you for trusting me that much, I really do appreciate it. See you soon."[/color] It wasn’t until Marrie hung up that she realized she had received a text from “High-Priest.” The mysterious Shimr user that wanted the burning coin destroyed. [code]Glad you're as interested in dealing with Justin as I am. :respek Firstly, your messages contain just a bit of misinformation. While I do not know Justin's exact powers, He did not create the portal that allowed him to escape. The burning coin was most likely a mark placed by Baleful Sofron. Though your ignorance can be forgiven, as the world of magic is a confusing one, and you are still new to a lot of it. :ou Your observation aside, if you want to stop Justin, you will need to separate him from Sofron. This can't blow up on Shimr like the last operation did. Justin has a lot of money to throw at problems, but he can't do that if he doesn't know they're coming. Which is why I've elected to locate Sofron myself and have you apprehend him. But you are too weak to take him on yourself. You will need help. I believe that Orion, the Knight of Tomorrow, would make a fantastic ally. Have her contact me or get me her contact details so that I can convince her to join our cause. Once you have done that for me, I will explain the rest of the operation. If finances are a concern, you will be well compensated for getting me in touch with Orion. [/code] Well, how was she supposed to know that!? Justin could probably make portals too if he wanted, heck, [i]she[/i] could make portals even! She took a moment to calm down and texted back a reply. -Alright. That makes sense. Besides, my messages hopefully will have started off a fire on Shimr naturally, so that might distract him a bit. I’ll do what I can to find Orion quickly. Thank you for your help with dealing with Justin. Apparently he’s not just considered a villain because of his race like I hoped, but actually a bad guy. So I’ll be glad to help take him down.- Annnnd send. [code] I’m glad you understand. He is beyond any form of redemption. I can help you locate Orion as well. She is a GEMINI agent, and likely patrols the recently reclaimed precinct eleven. I see many GEMINI espers going on patrols around that area. I can probably figure out her exact route and schedule with a bit of time. I just wanted to make sure you were interested in the job before going through with it. [/code] Weird, no emojis this time. -I’m sure it would be useful to know her route, but if I’m right about something, I might be able to get to her otherwise. Do we need to not alert other G.E.M.I.N.I. members that I’m looking for her, or is it alright to go through a liaison?- Marrie sent back. [code]I would like to keep the number of people who know of our mission as low as possible. However, I see no reason why you couldn’t ask a member of GEMINI or someone else that you are looking for her. Just make sure you don’t ask any nosy people. Dr Fritzi in particular is quite shrewd when it comes to giving or receiving information, so I would advise not going through her in particular. [/code] -I was planning to try a few fun things, but I don’t know if it would tip off this “Dr. Fritzi” person… I don’t want to waste my shot though. Do you know what she looks like or anything?- [code]Fritzi Muller is the head of GEMINI’s Pax Septimus branch, and also does research for the government. Using the Shimr app to contact GEMINI directly will likely put you in contact with her. So your options are to hunt down other GEMINI operatives who use Shimr, or bump into them in person.They are not easy to find by design. As for her appearance, I’m assuming you are referring to the Knight of Tomorrow. She looks like a generic harem trophy in a sci-fi anime. Purple hair, green visor, white form-fitting leotard with gloves that reach her shoulders, impractical footwear, as well as a force field and a wand. Fritzi is a bit more modest. She also has purple hair, but does so out of the esper state. [/code] Marrie blinked. Not quite how she expected this person to talk, but better to be blunt, she figured. -Got it. I’ll see what I can do. If I just show up near the station, either I’ll find her or they’ll become alerted to me and I can go from there. It might not be the smartest idea, but it should at least… Actually, I have a better idea. I think I’ll send a few misleading messages on Shimr to get attention elsewhere, and then approach in person? I’ll have to look into what I can do for that.- [code]Do keep in mind the reason why I’m choosing to be discreet about this is to prevent Shimr from exploding on itself like last time. Regardless, you don’t strike me as a total fool, so I’ll trust your judgment for now. Do get in touch with me if you need help.. Though for now it seems time is waning. I will leave you to your devices for now. When we next speak, hopefully it will be with good news.[/code] There was a sigh of relief when Marrie got that message. She didn’t realize that she was so tense while talking with this person. But she’d put her brain to work thinking of how to find this Orion person. Starting by finding this police station that was mentioned.