[img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/dHRmLjcyLjcwMDkwOS5SbUZpYkdVLjI/beyond-wonderland.regular.webp[/img]
 [i][b][color=7F2A3C]"Doubling up production today, huh?"[/color][/b][/i]
 [color=gray][i]Current Location: Mostly the Pit Stop[/i][/color]
Suffice to say, Klava gave Finn a lot to think over. The thought that he had alienated Maverick over one stupid operation left a bitter taste in his mouth, but as much as he didn't want to admit it, she was right. No matter what he chose, he'd be screwed either way. If he had stayed and fought, GEMINI would've concidered him a terrorist. Terrorist-adjacent? Whatever. But to actually join one of the factions?? The boy took a while to [i]actually[/i] think over it.

 Well, he didn't have much options now, did he?

 With a quiet sigh, he went on Shimr to see how (and if) he could get in contact with the leader, even if she seems a bit...unnerving.
 
It was not hard to find GEMINI's profile on the Shimr app. They had their own group page with links to various "satellite" accounts. One of which was Fritzi Moller's account, who was the one presiding over GEMINI opperations in Pax Septimus. It looked like she was online. If he called or texted her, he would get an answer back soon, he thought. A stroke of luck!

 Though, now he felt a bit nervous. With him being an unwilling reason the last op failed on both ends, would she even be willing to hire him? Well, he didn't want to text her through the site. Finn took a deep breath and dialed Fritzi's number.

 [i][color=7F2A3C]Let's hope I don't screw this up![/color][/i]
 
After exactly three rings, Fritzi picked up. [color=#bd71e8]”Hello, this is Doctor Moller speaking!”[/color] Came an overly friendly telephone voice. [color=#bd71e8]”You'd better not be a telemarketer.”[/color]

 [color=7F2A3C]"Ah! Yes, hello! I was calling to see if there were any open positions in your initiative here? For espers?"[/color] Finn said. 
 
[color=#bd71e8]”That depends on who's calling.”[/color] Fritzi's voice became less jovial as she spoke. [color=#bd71e8]”We do a background check and interview everyone, so getting your name is a prime prequisite.”[/color]

The boy frowned. How could he answer that? After a pause to think, he responded honestly: [color=7F2A3C]"I think the name Finnegan Vanhorn may catch your interest. But I usually go by Fable, or the Timekeeper on Shimr."[/color]

[color=#bd71e8]”Hmmm?”[/color] There was a brief pause as Finn could hear Fritzi tapping her tablet on the other side. [color=#bd71e8]”Timekeeper? Like, 'the' Timekeeper? The one who looked into Betty's dissapearance along with Elroy?”[/color] Just by her voice alone, Finn could tell she was starting to smile. [color=#bd71e8]”Wow, can't say I was expecting a phone call from you, sir. Well, I'm going to go check the records, but assuming you haven't jacked any cars or make a habit of killing innocent people, we just have an initiation test. It's nothing to stress about, pretty much everyone- Why are you interested in joining up?”[/color]

 Finn chuckled, albeit a bit nervously. This was turning out better than expected. [color=7F2A3C]"Friend's suggestion. Besides, after how the last operation ended, Maverick [i]probably[/i] doesn't like me that much either."[/color] He shrugged, going off of what Klava said. [color=7F2A3C]"I do my own research and stuff in my free time, so I guess that's a reason they suggested you guys."[/color]
 
[color=#bd71e8]”I would not make a habit of telling your employer that you're working for them because their terrorist counterparts won't hire you. But fair enough, Mr Vanhorn. Your friend has wisdom beyond their years if they are guiding you to us.”[/color] Finn could hear something heavy being dragged off of a ledge, then being dropped on a desk. [color=#bd71e8]”Once I get done looking into your backround, I'll give you a call in a few days and schedule that initiation test. It'll be followed up by an interview, but I don't see the whole thing lasting longer than thirty minutes tops. You did get to Justin's inner chamber alive, so I think you can handle a rudamentary test.”[/color]

The boy quietly breathed a sigh of relief. [color=7F2A3C]"Thank you, ma'am. And uh, my apologies as well!"[/color][hr]Binky was out of action for a while, which meant that Fritzi’s workload had increased. While the good doctor was capable of doing a lot, Binky was a fairly integral member of her unit, and managing her own responsibilities as well as Binky’s was not feasible. It was understandable that some of such responsibilities would end up getting delegated to other agents. She had many talented agents, all of which could do most of what Bink could. 

But few of them had Binky’s temperament, or the ability to tolerate Fritzi 100% of the time. 

[color=#bd71e8]”Just the person I wanted to see!”[/color] 

Fritzi had, actually, requested that Jacqueline meet her in this very spot. They were in front of one of the many closed up cafe’s around Pax Septimus. A look inside would reveal the “Pit Stop” had been closed for a long time, and at one time had been a vintage race car themed cafe. Oddly, it did not seem to have been vandalized like so many other, less fortunate buildings.

[color=#bd71e8]”So! As we discussed, I need you to interview a new recruit. I’m aware it’s not ‘your thing,’ but just remember that this is someone who may fight by your side. Knowing that, just ask any questions you may find relevant, and we can go from there. Background looks squeaky clean, no history of illegal activities or the like. Any questions before you start?”[/color]

Jacqueline arrived a minute or two before the designated time, and greeted her boss with a nod. She found it too bad the Pit Stop wasn’t operational; it looked neat, and she’d have enjoyed having a drink inside. Given that it was so well-taken care of, compared to the other buildings, it was likely a meeting spot for…someone. [color=a95c68]“Yes, I recall. Though it’s not what I prefer, I can do this easily enough,”[/color] she said. It wasn’t empty confidence on her part; though she’d never conducted a recruitment interview before, she had worked as a businesswoman in the past, and generally knew what kinds of things would be looked for in a potential employee. Her suit and suitcase, straight posture, and a more level-headed approach given how she wasn’t jacked up on adrenaline supported her claim.

Jacqueline didn’t have to consider what she wanted to know about the recruit for long. [color=a95c68]“Hm, do you have their profile at hand? I’d appreciate an overview of the basics. Is it an esper I’m meeting or a regular agent? Either way, some info could be useful so I know what to expect. Age, gender, nationality, working history, the usual.”[/color] 

[color=#bd71e8]”I knew I was forgetting something.”[/color] Fritzi presented Jacqueline with a manila envelope. Inside she would find a profile for someone she likely recognized from the last operation.

[color=#bd71e8]”Finnegan Vanhorn. Thirteen, male, American, no noteworthy working experience, from an affluent family, yadda yadda. Hard to get anything of interest about the Vanhorns on short notice, but a cursory glance makes them seem pretty normal. Aside from the bit where their youngest son is an esper.”[/color] She tapped a picture of Finn’s esper form. [color=#bd71e8]”The Time Keeper is something of a celebrity. Even though Elroy took most of the credit for figuring out what happened to Betty, Finn has become something of a poster child for Justin’s removal. Fan groups have started to form, pushing around the idea that he and Betty are an item.”[/color] She folded her arms and smiled. [color=#bd71e8]”I probably don’t have to tell you that having him join GEMINI would be quite the boon to our little group from a PR standpoint. But he’s not [i]that[/i] much of a celebrity, and he does need to be able to pull his weight to join us.”[/color]

Jacqueline received the envelope, and took a moment to go over the documents inside. [color=a95c68]“A kid, huh,”[/color] she mused. [color=a95c68]“Wonder what about the last mission made him want to join,”[/color] she muttered - not quietly enough that the doctor wouldn’t hear. [color=a95c68]“A celeb, great,”[/color] her comment made it evident she wasn’t particularly enthused about the idea. At the mention of the woman, she had to think a bit to put a face and role to her name. [color=a95c68]“Betty…the kidnappee,”[/color] she nodded slowly. 

[color=a95c68]“Is he interested in just a temporary working alliance? Given you’re telling me both to make a sales pitch to convince him to join [i]and[/i] ensure he’s up to snuff for what we need.”[/color] Jacqueline wasn’t sure why the doctor was trying to convince [i]her[/i] that the child would make for a good addition. She’d gone with the assumption that the other party was reluctant, and this was more of a negotiation than anything else. Though…maybe her boss was worried that her callous demeanour could be a turn off for someone who presumably cared about rescuing one specific human life? She supposed she’d have to watch out not to be too brusque with the interviewee.

[color=#bd71e8]”My desired outcome is that we get someone who can be molded into a useful agent, or deny someone who can’t be. I’m just letting you know all the facts because you asked for them.”[/color] Fritzi stretched her arms. The smile on her face faded as the seconds ticked by. [color=#bd71e8]”Leroux, the largest behemoth we’ve ever seen is going to touch down in Pax Septimus. It’s called “The Holy Diver.” Maybe you’ve heard Binky and I talking about it in hushed tones?”[/color] She folded her arms. [color=#bd71e8]”Regardless, I’m getting all the information on it that I can. We need a plan of attack for when it shows up, and these [i]distractions[/i] are just slowing my progress. Which is why it’s a huge help to have you do this interview. Because while it really is something Binky or I should do, there’s something more pressing that demands my time.”[/color] The corners of her lips curled into a smile. [color=#bd71e8]”So to reiterate, only consider hiring them if you think they will be a benefit to GEMINI, as you may find yourself fighting beside them [i]very[/i] soon.”[/color]

Jacqueline nodded at the answer. At the following compliment-cum-explanation, she raised both eyebrows. When it was clear the doctor was eager to go, she shook her head with a chuckle. [color=a95c68]“Alright, alright, my bad. I won’t hold you up any longer, doctor,”[/color] mild amusement still laced her tone as she said her goodbyes to Fritzi. [color=a95c68]“I’ll send you a brief report on this later,”[/color] she concluded.

Fritzi pressed her thumb and forefinger together like she had just sampled some al dente quizine. [color=#bd71e8]”Excellent. And thank you.”[/color]

Fritzi pushed open the door to the Pit Stop and let Jacqueline inside. Without any power to the building, it was one of the few areas that offered good visibility. The vast interior of the Pit Stop was shrouded in shadow, but all the booths had plenty of light to see by. This was where Finn was seated.

The young brunette appeared to be a little nervous. He had cleaned up a bit nicer than usual for the occasion; business casual, and his pocketwatch rested on the table he sat at. It wasn't that he didn't know how interviews worked, he was just hoping to make a good impression on his possible employers. Finn waved at the two once they appeared at the door.

[color=#bd71e8]”There you are, I’ll let you two get acquainted.”[/color] She placed a hand on Jacqueline’s shoulder. [color=#bd71e8]”He just finished his field exam, so he might seem a little winded.”[/color] Fritzi didn’t utter another word before disappearing from sight. 

Jacqueline looked around the insides curiously, though most of the cafe was unfortunately too dark to discern much. A strange, but neutral location to hold a meeting in, she supposed. After a quick perusal of the indoors, she turned to nod at Finn. [color=a95c68]"Hello, there,"[/color] she greeted the adolescent as she sat herself across from him. She set the thin leather on the desk, stored the manilla envelope containing Finn's profile, and withdrew a small laptop. She set the computer to the side as she booted it up, so it didn't obscure her view of Finn or vice-versa. [color=a95c68]"Mr. Finnegan Vanhorn. Any preference as to how I address you?"[/color] she questioned, eyebrow quirking up as she observed the child.

Finn's eyebrows rose in curiosity as he watched Jacqueline set her things up. [color=7F2A3C]"I usually go by Fable when I'm out and about."[/color] He explained, not really used to being addressed by his real name. [color=7F2A3C]"If the wrong people know who I really am, that'd be painting an unwanted target on my back. Atleast as Timekeeper I'd have less to worry about. The reason why I went ahead and introduced myself properly to Dr. Muller was cause she'd figure it out eventually."[/color]

Jacqueline eyed the boy up and down. [color=a95c68]"That sounds reasonable; however, your real name could be identified based on your appearance. If keeping your identities separate is a point of concern, that's something you should keep in mind...Fable."[/color]

Since her laptop was ready by then, she created a blank document for notekeeping, then commenced the interview. [color=a95c68]"Moving on to your reason for contacting us...You wish to join GEMINI?"[/color]

 [color=7F2A3C]"Mhm."[/color] The boy nodded.

Jacqueline decided to start with an overview of the boy's skills.[color=a95c68]"Then first, tell me about your abilities and preferred role as an esper. You can give some examples from the previous mission, if you like."[/color]

 Ah, he didn't really think about what type of role he plays in combat. He took a moment to think. [color=7F2A3C]"Well, as per my Timekeeper alias, my kit revolves around the concept of time. I can heal, slow down, speed up, stuff like that. Element wise, I use lightning attacks."[/color] He started to explain. [color=7F2A3C]"You may have noticed the speed buff I gave Maiden back at the Inner Circle? I also somehow managed to take down three of the haunted suits of armor at once with an AoE melody, but...yeah, you probably know that barely worked."[/color] Finn slightly grimaced. [color=7F2A3C]"Role wise, I guess I could be concidered a support type. Never really though about it till now."[/color]
 
While Fable talked, Jacqueline typed alongside, though she practically never glanced at either the screen or the keyboard as she worked. [color=a95c68]"Support fits what you've described, and we could certainly use another one of those,"[/color] she commented. [color=a95c68]"Speaking of your previous work...You've operated as a Freelance esper thus far. Have you established any ties with others, whether fellow Freelancers - or even Mavericks? If so, tell me, in your opinion, what benefits and drawbacks those connections could have to you personally, and to our organization in general, if and when you become a government agent."[/color]

 [color=7F2A3C]"Honestly, I haven't been active enough to meet a lot of people. The Immortal Volcano and Cthulya, they helped me and the other Doc with the Crab Rave, and helped me with this ongoing incident. Even if the latter's a bit ecentric, I believe they won't be a hinderance if I joined your ranks. Hell, they could keep being a good help if nothing crops up."[/color] He said. [color=7F2A3C]"Then there's the Maiden. I'll admit it. She's the friend who suggested I go through with this, even if you concider her a threat now. I was a bit hesitant, knowing that we'd have to fight if we ran into each other mid operation, but I trust that she'll be okay. And if she does end up getting killed, well...I guess it can't be helped."[/color] Finn's expression turned to one of indifference. Even if he didn't want Klava to get killed, that circumstance would be out of his hands. [color=7F2A3C]"Other freelancers like the Protector and that faceless guy I'm only aquaintances with. Barely know 'em. Maverick too, but that's probably a good thing now huh?"[/color]
 
[color=a95c68]"Hmm, alright."[/color] Jacqueline had been surprised he'd admitted he considered one of their enemies a friend, but at least based on what he said, he'd accepted she might be killed in action by them. Though it was unknown if he himself would be willing to have a hand in that. [color=a95c68]"And your personal relationships? Your family, or that Betty woman, for example?"[/color] she prompted.

 [color=7F2A3C]"My parents are constantly busy, we don't get much time to spend with each other before they have to focus on work again. We...don't really talk much."[/color] The boy furrowed his brows as he thought of them. [color=7F2A3C]"I'm more closer to my sister Lydia. Real sweetheart, kinda mischevious. She's often busy too, but she always tries to be there for and with me."[/color] He smiled, which then turned into a grimace with the next subject. [color=7F2A3C]"Betty and I barely knew each other when she got kidnapped. I wish I stayed at the Great Escape, got to know her better, [i]been there[/i] to keep her safe but-"[/color]

 He bit his tongue, bit back the blame he wanted to put on Mary. But really, was he wrong? Ze could've just pulled up a chair, faceplanted into the table as ze introduced zirself. But nooooo, the dimwit had to chuck Betty into the goddamn [i]men's restroom[/i] and give [i]him[/i] a fucking heart attack cause what? Was ze jealous or some shit?! They might have been just kids, but ze could atleast stop to THINK!

 Finn pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression twisting to one of irritation for a moment. [color=7F2A3C][sub][i]"Mary you fucking idiot..."[/i][/sub][/color] He whispered to himself, then shook his head, turning his attention back to Jacqueline. [color=7F2A3C]"Well, it can't be helped. That was that, and this is this. Maybe all this is just me being selfish, or me wanting to atone for my stupidity, but I...I don't know why I care. About her. I just do. And if she's not the only one kidnapped by that bastard Justin, then I want to help them too! None of those innocent lives deserve to die cause their wills were taken from them!"[/color]

 Then his eyes widened, once he realized he went on a tangent. [color=7F2A3C]"F-Forgive my outburst, Miss. I don't know what spurred me on like that."[/color]
 
The sounds of typing stopped once again not long after Fable himself was finished. [color=a95c68]"No, no, not at all. It's obvious you care about this deeply,"[/color] she reassured. [color=a95c68]"You even covered your motivations, which were what I expected, to be honest."[/color] She paused, gazing at Finn as she pondered how to word what she wanted to say. [color=a95c68]"Saving lives is a commendable cause, and in line with what we do."[/color] There was clearly a 'but' about to follow. [color=a95c68]"To be frank with you...

As much as we try sometimes,"[/color] not that they had all that much in their latest mission, but Fable didn't need to know that, [color=a95c68]"There are situations that do not allow for rescuing civilians. Once captured, it is a simple matter for our enemies to kill them. Of course, we strive to prevent that as much as possible. I just want you to be aware that things like not getting there in time, them trying to taunt us by murdering hostages, or even us having to prioritize the elimination of our targets rather than safekeeping hostages...do happen."[/color] Jacqueline was still looking meaningfully at Fable, awaiting his reaction and response to her warning.

Instead of reacting negatively, Finn's expression remained neutral as he listened to her. Once Jacqueline was done talking, he spoke up:

 [color=7F2A3C]"Then we just save who we can."[/color]

 His expression turned serious. [color=7F2A3C]"Pick up the pieces, take what we learn, and move forward. We may have failed last time on both ends, but next time, neither Justin nor Billy will be lucky."[/color] Then, he smiled. [color=7F2A3C]"I'll make sure of it."[/color] 
 
 At that, Jacqueline smiled as well, clearly pleased. [color=a95c68]"That's the spirit,"[/color] she complimented. Since the interview yet had to conclude, she'd have to change tracks a bit. [color=a95c68]"I won't waste your time by asking if you're ready to put your life on the line for what you believe in, because it is evident to me that you are. The only other point I'd like to address is the balance between work, life, and education. We'll try to be accomodating, so that your schooling does not unduly suffer, but missions do take priority. Your time will become a limited, precious resource - one you'll likely have to dedicate to making up whatever you miss in class, giving appropriate excuses to potentially worried family members...I imagine it might be a challenge. Do you foresee that as an issue?"[/color]
 
 As if he wasn't already handling time like it's a fragile gemstone. Or, more or less, time had him strung up like it's puppet. A fickle mistress. The only family member he worried would take notice of all this was Lydia. Other than that...

 [color=7F2A3C]"Not at all."[/color] Fable shook his head.
 
[color=a95c68]"Good! Do you have any questions for me?"[/color] Jacqueline let Finn have the opportunity to ask about anything he might be curious about.

 [color=7F2A3C]"Not really."[/color] He shrugged.
 
Jacqueline hummed in response, saved the document with notes, and turned off her computer. From her briefcase, she pulled out a working contract. She passed it over to Fable. [color=a95c68]"Read that at your leisure, ask if you don't know or aren't sure about something, and sign when you're ready. Once you do, you'll officially be a GEMINI agent."[/color]

Fable picked up the contract and carefully read it, down to the fine print. He took a deep breath, set it back down on the table, and finally signed it.

 [i][color=7F2A3C]No turning back now.[/color][/i]